From the very first page of The Summer of Starting Over, I was pulled into a world that felt like home, one I never wanted to leave. Savannah Carlisle’s writing has a rare ability to make you feel like you're not just reading a story, but living it. I read the book in a single sitting, unable to put it down, and as soon as Nashville was mentioned, I couldn’t help but press play on my country music playlist to set the mood. This book spoke to my heart in ways I wasn’t expecting. The themes of second chances, rediscovery, and finding the courage to face your past resonated deeply with me, and I found myself transported from the cold, grey skies of Scotland to the sun-drenched streets of Big Dune Island, right alongside Callie and Jesse.

The author’s vivid descriptions of Big Dune Island made me feel like I was walking the cobblestone streets, breathing in the salty ocean air, and hearing the gentle hum of the island’s rhythms. It felt so real, so alive, that I was right there with the characters, feeling everything they were feeling. I could almost taste the sunshine and the nostalgia that filled Callie’s return to her home, a place she hadn’t seen in years.

Savannah Carlisle’s prose weaves emotions so seamlessly that each page feels like it’s speaking directly to the heart. The way she handles grief, love, and the complexities of second chances is nothing short of magical. I found myself feeling deeply connected to Callie’s journey—not just because of her story, but because of how real her emotions were. Her struggle to face the past, the loss of her parents, and the love she had left behind mirrored the emotions we all experience when confronting what we’ve buried deep within ourselves.

What truly made this book special for me was how it captured the essence of finding your way back to yourself. Callie’s journey wasn’t just about rediscovering her love for music but about rediscovering her roots, her family, and the place that shaped her. For someone like me, whose heart has always belonged to country music, I could feel the weight of Callie’s love for her hometown and her roots. It made me reflect on my own life—how country music has always been the soundtrack to my experiences—and how coming home to where it all began can be a powerful form of healing.

The slow-burn romance between Callie and Jesse was pure magic. Their connection felt so natural, so undeniable, and yet tinged with the rawness of past wounds. I adored the way their love story unfolded—quietly, with so much tenderness, honesty, and unspoken understanding. Jesse, with his quiet strength and unwavering loyalty, became a character I couldn't help but fall in love with, and watching Callie face the ghosts of her past while rebuilding her future with him was a joy I won’t soon forget.

By the end of the story, I found myself wishing that Callie was real—so we could hear the beautiful song she writes in the book. The song, like the book itself, would be a masterpiece of healing, love, and new beginnings. The Summer of Starting Over left me with more than just a good story—it left me with a sense of warmth, of having experienced something deeply personal. It was as if I had not just read about Big Dune Island, but had lived it, breathed it, and found a part of myself within it. Savannah Carlisle’s gift for crafting characters that feel like family, for writing prose that moves you, and for creating a setting that becomes a character in itself, makes this book one I will hold close for a long time.

This isn’t just a book; it’s an experience, one that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a heartfelt journey filled with love, loss, and the beauty of starting over. I would give this 5 times 5 stars if I could!

I’d love to know: if you could create a playlist for The Summer of Starting Over, what songs would you include? A soundtrack for this story would be the perfect way to continue the journey!

I enjoyed this story. It's a fun, quick beach read about Callie Jackson returning to her childhood home of Big Dune Island. She's a superstar who needs a break after a career-altering problem. Another problem is facing her hometown sweetheart, Jesse.

The novel is a well-written, clean romance. It's a slow burn, so don't expect big leaps. There are some sad parts and many internal thoughts of the two main characters.

I look forward to reading the next novel in this series, which was previewed at the end of this one. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I loved loved this book!!! Callie and Jesse story!!! I’m a sucker for second chance romance and small town…I cannot wait to read the next book. I will definitely recommend this book when it comes out

Callie's journey of going home after a long time away and facing the things she left behind was intriguing. If you add in her pop star status, small cozy beach town and the second chance romance it should check all the boxes for me. Unfortunately, it feel short.

I did feel for Callie and was rooting for her from the start. The first few chapters really grabbed me, I loved all the characters and the plot was decent.

I think my issue is that too much time was spent with the main character's internal thoughts and not enough time with them physically together. The story moved too slowly. I do see promise with this author and am willing to give other books a try.

Lucky for Callie, you can go back home again. Not only is it where her heart is, it's where her inspiration is also. I didn't really get the secret behind not letting Callie know that it is Jesse is the one to buy her house. You would think that she would be grateful that it's someone that she knows. I did love reading this summer time romance novel.

Set in an idyllic coastal town, famous pop star Callie returns home and falls in love with her hometown again. This is a book about romance, second chances, new beginnings. Small town romance. I liked the setting of this book however it was a slow burn and dragged on a bit. Would be a good holiday read as it’s a light easy book.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

Callie returned to her hometown, Big Dune Island, Florida. At 16, she had her first record deal and a gold album. After much success, she came home to start over! Between her childhood home, saving Beach Bash and figuring out her own life, can Callie figure out what’s next? Will her music career survive?

A heartfelt, fun, and entertaining read! This book grabs your attention from the start and quickly becomes a page-turner! If you need a lighter read, then I highly recommend it! A perfect book to take to your next book club or to read on your next vacation!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Imagine Taylor Swift’s first non-country album had flopped, and you will have a good idea of the main character in “ The Summer of Starting Over.” Now imagine that she’s returned to her small homerown on the coast to face some things from the past and ends up meeting her former first love, who is fixing up her childhood house. Except instead of Taylor Swift, we have Callie, and her first love has bought her house but is too afraid to tell her he’s more than just the handyman fixing it up. The title is fitting. More than just a romance is starting over; careers and other decisions will be made here. If you like smalltown atmosphere and beach settings, this one is for you. It’s a perfect beach read; flows well, plot moves quickly, and there’s a satisfying ending. I stayed up late just to finish the novel!

Calling and Jesse needed to be together. And I'm.so glad I wasn't haven't to watch this book in real time.because then I'd have to see the heartbreaking intervening years of them breaking up, or should i say walkies protect breaking up with him. Plus, the then long painful years of them not being together!
It's awful how things get in the way of love. And miscommunication, white lies, or behaviour to protect those you love can just change everything.
When callie came home I was equal nervous. There had to be thst first meeting. And these get me all level of heart aching for the characters. There had to be her finding herself and the community again. There had to be just what her and Jesse would be now.
A great 2nd chance returning home read.

I had high hopes for this book but, unfortunately I was hugely disappointed and it only got worse as the book went on.

This book was good, it just didn’t have anything about it that really stood out. It was the story of a very famous pop star who comes home to her small beach town after being in Nashville for 10(?) years, and she slowly falls in love with her hometown again and reconnects with the people there. The romance was second chance, which was good in of itself, it was just soooo slow burn that I lost interest by the time the characters *surprise* get back together.

Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Life has a weird way of doing things doesn't it? Especially when you say or plan on never.
Callie is a true character that I enjoyed in getting to know. I even found myself rooting for her as she learned to slowly find herself again with Jesse's help.
My heart broke for him throughout this story but I kept rooting for him too
I didn't like what Callie did to him. It was just plain wrong in my opinion.
2nd chance romances are right up my alley so I was excited for two reasons. One the setting was in Florida even tho im.an Ohio native I live here now. 2 of course the 2nd chances.
The cover honestly grabbed my attention so I just had to have it. I wasn't disappointed at all.
I couldn't put this beautiful story down!
So good that it deserves 5 stars from me.i highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

As a true Florida girl, any book set in my state makes me giddy with anticipation. "The Summer of Starting Over" is the perfect beach read to make your heart sing, your toes curl and maybe even shed a tear or two.

I adored every character; the main characters and their besties just make you feel good as they struggle through dealing with the past and trying to make a better future. I also love how Callie's story is tied to music and her songs help tell it.

This was a refreshing read and I can't wait for book 2!

Thank you to Savannah Carlisle and Net Galley for an ARC for an honest review.

This is such a sweet book! It's such a happy, feel good story that is perfect for the summer. I loved the setting and the characters. Callie is a character you will truly be rooting for, I loved watching her find herself again. This book made me laugh and cry (happy tears of course). I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to everyone!!

Set against the scenic backdrop of Big Dune Island, a charming coastal town with cobblestone streets and a close-knit community, the story follows Callie as she returns to her childhood home to clear it out after losing her parents.

She never planned on coming back, but life has a way of bringing us full circle when we least expect it. While sorting through memories she’s spent years trying to forget, she also comes face to face with Jesse—the boy she once loved but left behind to chase her dreams. Now working on her family home, Callie can’t ignore the emotions Jesse stirs in her, making her question the parts of herself she thought she had left behind. Meanwhile, Jesse is dealing with his own unresolved feelings and a secret that could change everything.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its characters, who feel so authentic, like people you’d meet in a small-town café, sharing stories over coffee. Their friendships feel warm and genuine, adding depth and heart to the story. Jesse, in particular, stands out—his kindness, loyalty, and quiet intensity make him impossible not to love. His relationship with Callie is full of nostalgia, longing, and the hope of a second chance, making every interaction between them both touching and bittersweet. It’s impossible not to root for them.
Beyond the romance, Callie’s journey of self-discovery is just as compelling. Watching her regain control of her life and career while navigating her grief is both inspiring and deeply emotional. The novel’s lyrical writing, especially its use of song lyrics, creates a dreamlike atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. I enjoyed this book and would recommend romance readers this book!

Savannah Carlisle delivers a beautifully heartfelt and uplifting story in The Summer of Starting Over, a novel about second chances, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace new beginnings. From the first page, I was swept up in the warmth of the setting and the emotional depth of the characters’ journeys.

The protagonist’s growth throughout the novel is one of its biggest strengths. Her struggles, setbacks, and triumphs feel authentic, making it easy to connect with her and root for her along the way. Carlisle’s writing is immersive and evocative, perfectly capturing the emotions of rediscovering oneself after life takes an unexpected turn.

The romance is tender and slow-burning, filled with just the right amount of tension and heartfelt moments. But what I loved most was that this book isn’t just about romance—it’s about healing, friendships, and the importance of letting go of the past to make room for a brighter future. The small-town setting adds an extra layer of charm, making it the perfect backdrop for a summer of fresh starts.

If you love stories about resilience, self-growth, and finding love when you least expect it, The Summer of Starting Over is a must-read. It’s emotional, inspiring, and leaves you with a sense of hope long after turning the last page.