This is a gorgeous tale of being on the very cusp of adulthood, and exploring those big feelings in a place so full of love and life and heat and fun. Vibrant descriptions, great characters, enjoyable writing.

An abstract exploration of emotion, grief, and human connection.

From the description, I thought this would be something of a quiet rom-com, considering the cover and the somewhat meet-cute between the protagonists, but instead it's two teenagers finding acceptance in one another's hard edges as their lives change. Vinga's emotional rollercoaster is gripping in its quiet intensity; if you ARE looking for a rom-com, this isn't it. If you're looking for a story that will stay with you in strange little ways, this may be a good one.

The first thing to say is: this cover is misleading! Or, specifically, the English-language cover. Yes, there is a romance, but that is a small part of this story about family, friendship, grief, and more. It’s written in more of a literary-fiction style, and I enjoyed this book much more once I readjusted my expectations!

We follow Vinga, a teenage girl who has a complicated relationship with her parents, but who idolises her grandfather. She escapes to the island where he lives for the summer, and as the summer unfolds we get more insights into her life and her character.

While the book was very readable and absorbing, the plot itself didn’t stand out for me. I think contemporary novels – particularly YA – are at their best when the big plot runs parallel to what the book is actually about. There wasn’t as much emotional depth or subtlety as I’d have liked, but it was an enjoyable story about one girl’s summer. It was atmospheric enough to keep me engaged, but I was left wanting more.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

Loved this. Perfect summer vibes and lovely writing. Very pleased to see it in Waterstones the other day!

2.5*

I stopped and started this book several times because I repeatedly thought I was doing it a disservice. However, I found it a little superficial and sad. I picked it because it was marketed as a summer-y, queer YA. I would say it's very young YA (minus some of the swearing) and also that the queer rep is fairly shallow. I thought this was going to be a light and carefree contemporary story but it's actually quite melancholy without offering much more. I know it will have an audience and I hope it gets lots of love but it wasn't for me.

This was such a beautifully written and charming read. It was so heartfelt and I just wanted to dive in between the pages and become part of it

I will be coming back to this book when I am in the right head space: for now I was not able to finish it unfortunately.

this book was one i need to read and i re-read a few times as it was lovely and effortless to read, focusing on relationship which make you happy as you read them grown and become stronger and friendships between black cats and golden retrievers
there are some strong underlying themes which are handled respectfully and in a way i think people will understand without been triggered in any way. there is sapphic love but its not the main focus of this book and so please dont think it will be spicy in any way.

there was some tears during this book and so get the tissues ready when you read it and i strongly suggest not to read on the train as you will get some looks as you are crying

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was very well written, but unfortunately was a little young for me. I thought there was a lot of emotional depth to the characters and plot. It was so touching and you did get invested at certain points. This book would be perfect for people ages 10-16, but definitely not 16+ (YA).

I really enjoyed reading this, just wonderful characters and perfect set up, it stayed with me. Brilliantly translated.

What a heartwarming story for YA readers who seek books on LGBTQ+, especially during summer! I struggled to put this book down. I will definitely be adding this book to my LGBTQ+ section in my school library as soon as it is out. Such a sweet book.

A wonderful quick teen fiction read that will capture the hearts of many of my students. Whilst it didn’t win me over as much as i hoped, it’s definitely one that will go on my recommendations board.

thank you to netgalley for this arc!

unfortunately i found myself having to dnf this book. it felt like it was for children rather than ya, and i struggled to understand the plot. overall, i just couldn’t get into it :(

This was just ok for me, I'm afraid.
I thought the premise was very good, but I don't think it delivered the way I was expecting. The story lacked of something, I just wish there was a little more to it.
And.. I didn't love the end. I'm sorry but why had that person have to die?

Said so, the writing was fluid, with enough descriptions to let the reader imagine the island, yet not too intrusive.

Thank you netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, and many aspects of it like the characters and the direction the plot went in. Would absolutely recommend this book, so I give it 4/5 stars.

I’m really disappointed with this book. The description made it sound like it could be really fun. But unfortunately, the idea was not executed well at all and so the book just ended up being really boring and repetitive.

I wouldn’t class this as YA like it is said to be on NetGalley, as it just felt like it was written for kids - apart from the swearing of course. Was also classed as LGBTQIA+ on NetGalley, but that aspect was barely there.

Was a short read though and it was nice to read a book that is set in Sweden. The book has been translated from Swedish into English, so maybe it packs more of a punch in its native language? I don’t know.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hot Key Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

A compelling novel following Vinga, an outcast in the city, who fits perfectly into her quiet summer life on the Island, where it’s just her and her grandad. And the sea.
She wishes to be a sailor, just like her grandad, and only when she’s by the sea can she forget about how her dad has moved on and is always with that weird lady, or how her mother is always crying, or how her only friend is her grandad.
Until she meets Ruth. And suddenly Vinga isn’t so alone anymore.
I was shocked at how beautiful the writing was in this book, with repetition used to really bring you into the story and make you feel at home and really clever literary techniques.
I recommend this book to people of all age groups!

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review

Peaceful is the word I would use to describe this book. It’s relaxing. A simple tale of a simple summer filled with pain ebbed away by a soft romance as well as a truly heartwarming relationship between grandparent and grandchild. I like how comfortable it starts out even with the feeling of depression and how the main character can be frustrating but at the same time, you feel that ebbing loneliness. Out of the genre I usually read but well worth it.

Rating ~ 3.75 ⭐️♥️🏳️‍🌈
What a beautiful book. The story flowed effortlessly for me which made it such a quick read. The relationship between Vinga & her grandfather made my heart swell.
I adored their quirky friendship and how, a girl who feels invincible (despite the bold, colourful clothes she wears), is seen by her Granddad. He might be the only one who truly understands her.

There are deeper themes/issues that are in the background that don’t really get explored, but I think it speaks to the innocence and immaturity of Vinga.

There is a sweet gay romance when Vinga meets Ruth. Ruth is the complete opposite of Vinga, but again, under the surface, she is just as lonely & insecure. However, we only get brief fleeting moments between the 2 and so it’s not the romance I was expecting/hoping for.

And, no word of a lie, this made me cry! The last chapter had the tears flowing.

Content/Trigger Warning: The story deals with death and divorce.

Let me also say that I will be buying a physical copy. It is a beautiful story. The only reason for a lower rating is because I wish for more interaction between Vinga & Ruth. 🥰

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK, for the arc. This is my honest review.

That NetGalley for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review

This was beautiful and subtle LGBTQIA+ book and a lovely way to start pride month. It is a story that will make you wish for simpler times and summers on the beach but sprinkles with the ups and downs of a family breaking apart and a bittersweet ending