This is a great read. Ivy is a high school student who is suddenly getting into trouble. Her mom died and she had to move to live with her father Blaze, who wasn't a part of her childhood. Blaze is a big deal in the Nashville music scene and is struggling to Ivy. Nora is a school counselor who is great with Ivy, and she does well when she is with Nora. Fast forward to the beginning of summer break. Nora and her grandma take a vacation to the Keys. Ivy runs away and shows up at their door. So much emotion and trauma as everyone tries to help Ivy adjust. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest review. I really enjoyed it.

Talk about a refreshing ARC read! This is the book that shows me why I wanted to get into ARC reads in the first place! There is a deep storyline that is relatable for many people that come from divorce and are trying to navigate the different sides of life. I found it very interesting the way that they brought the romance in and the dynamic that was there between a school counselor and student. This read can be light and fun and a romance that is really just fun or you can really hang on the lessons within. The FMC really struggles to see her purpose and where she finds passion in what she does and to navigate that you have to dive into your inner feelings. If you grasp the lessons you really start to think about what your own purpose and passion is! I really think that anyone who enjoys romance can take away from this book and I will continue to share it moving forward to people looking for their next read!

I was so excited to receive this ARC for Out of the Blue by Jenny Hale. This book transported me to the beach with Nora, Ivy, Blaze and Gran. It was a cozy read that instantly made me smile. I loved getting to know Ivy, the teen struggling with her new life with her famous dad Blaze who definitely had no clue how to raise a teenager. The book was a little predictable but still very enjoyable!

This is my first read by Jenny Hale and I enjoyed Out of The Blue. I think the authors writing is good, the story flows well and I liked the characters. I felt the story was slow to begin with although it did pick up eventually. It didn't wow me though, at times I felt the story was a little too rushed for my liking and I wanted to shout at Nora, Blaze and Ivy to taĺk to each other! Issues surrounding grief are sensitively dealt with and I really liked the ending as it gives the story perfect closure. This, to me, is an ideal beach or holiday feel good read especially if you like a bit of escapism where you can lose yourself
escapism. Overall a good, easy, feel good and uplifting read.

3 stars

This was a cute, easy, beach read. I really liked it. There was great character development and no spice. Just what I like

I absolutely love Jenny Hale's books—they're always so sweet and heartwarming. I was thrilled to receive advance access to her upcoming novel, Out of the Blue, set to be released on April 29, 2025! It was fantastic, and I can’t wait to read more of her books soon!

#OutoftheBlue #NetGalley

I've enjoyed other Jenny Hale books but this one was a little unbelievable for me. I've worked in the school system and the way she handled her job was not realistic. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I didn't know those things. It's a quick and easy read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy of the book to read.

Out of the Blue by Jenny Hale is a heartwarming, feel-good romance that offers the perfect blend of love and second chances.

The novel focuses on a teenager, Ivy, that has entered a new life following the death of her mother. Ivy must reconcile with her father, Blaze, who Ivy feels has abandoned her. Nora, Ivy's school counsellor, takes a leading role in helping Ivy navigate this new journey and the relationship that forms is heartwarming.


A romance, that is sweet develops between Nora and Blaze. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but it’s their emotional connection that makes their story so compelling. Both characters have baggage and insecurities, and their slow progression towards opening up to each other feels realistic and touching. What stands out is how their relationship doesn’t just serve as a romance plot—it’s also about healing, self-discovery, and learning to embrace the future with hope.


Overall, Out of the Blue is a delightful and refreshing read that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance. It’s the kind of book that leaves you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. Whether you're looking for a light summer read or a story that explores love, healing, and new beginnings, Jenny Hale delivers a beautifully crafted novel that will surely leave an impression.

Out of the Blue is a lovely romance that is perfect to take to the beach and read for a escape from reality. Apart from the main character Nora they don't have much depth and I would have liked to learn more about Nora too. The plot is delightful and a storyline that is realistic. I enjoyed reading the romance and the emotional plot.

Out of the Blue was a light and fast read, perfect for the beach or as an escape from reality. I'd have loved to seen a bit more depth and POV from the other main characters aside from Nora, but overall, it was an enjoyable romance.
3.75 stars, rounded up to 4

“Out of the Blue” features a school counsellor with a student who is having trouble processing her mom’s death and ner new life with a father who she barely knows. Nora, the counsellor, also lost her mother at a young age and can identify with Ivy’s problems. The romance sparks when Ivy’s father enters the picture. After a stunt by Ivy, all parties end up in the same summer beach house. The characters are realisitically portrayed, all down to the description of the high school (former high school teacher here!) Ivy’s trauma and troubled behavior could have come direct from any high school. Readers will also identify with Nora as she questions her life and how it has turned out.
Highly recommended as your next beach read!

****Publishing April 29, 2025****

Nora is not only dealing with a broken heart, but working as a school counselor is not always easy! Nora is working with a delinquent teen, Ivy, and her dad, Blaze, to repair their relationship and help set up the services that Ivy needs. Can Nora help them both?

Nora’s grandmother is living with her and is pushing her to go on vacation with her as Nora’s job is stressful! Gram sees she needs a break! Will Nora take the time to relax and figure out what she wants in life?

Jenny Hale is an auto buy for me as her books are heartfelt, uplifting and, entertaining! Also, her books leave you feeling hopeful and satisfied. I love that Jenny Hale’s books are not only great to take on vacation, but also make great book club reads! If you need a heartfelt read with a happy ending, then I recommend this book!

Thanks to Harpeth Road Press for the gifted copy!

Out of the Blue by Jenny Hale is a delightful, feel-good read that will leave you with a smile. As a fan of Hale's work, I can confidently say this book is another great addition to her collection. The story is sweet and charming, perfect for a quick beach read or a light escape from everyday life. The plot flows quickly, making it an easy read, though there isn't much in the way of deep character development. At times the characters are a bit silly and overdramatic; however, it's a clean book—ideal for anyone looking to unwind with a light, enjoyable story. If you're in the mood for something breezy and light this one’s a winner!

Thank you for the free read in exchange for an honest review

To start, I love Jenny Hale. She does fantastic, light read romance stories that suck you in and make you crave the ocean/beach waves. This sotry was similar but also had a layer of emotional depth to it. Also, most of the beach novels of hers I have read are in outer banks but this one is actually where I go on annual vacations which was fun to see!

The characters were mostly good though I think that the instant connection between Nora and Blaze was a bit unbelievable simply because they didn't have many in depth conversations or interactions until the coffee shop.

The story itself was cute and fun to read a deadly I liked seeing the characters grow. I wish there was more written about the 30A beach area but was still thrilled to see my favorite florida location.

Cute simple little story. Loved the characters and their strong personalities. I would love to be mixed up with them in their community. Quick moving sweet story.

I mean the cover said beach read. It said sit awhile. It said rest. And that was what the contents of this books said to me,made me feel too.
All the characters had the foibles. They all had their issues. And they presented themselves in different ways and equally they were worked through in differing ways.
I felt for Ivy at the same time I wanted to shake her.
I liked NOra and her background just made me want to give her a big hug. But equally at times I wanted to shake her too.
And yup. The dad. I wanted to shake him alot too!
Haha but I also wanted to read more about these three and watch them love and grow and love again.lovely read.

I really wanted to love this story more. It was heartwarming but it absolutely felt rushed.

This is a great beach read and a good story to escape the world a bit. However, I found the whole situation with Ivy a bit tiresome because I think my being raised in a Latina household just could never allow Ivy to do what she did without facing some repercussions. 🤣 It just seemed to be a bit too unbelievable and the ending where everything just seemed to work out? I’m not buying it.

The relationship between Ivy and Blaze had lacked some depth. It felt like everything just kind of happened and then ta-da, let me take you on the trip of your dreams? After not talking for so long? Just not buying it.

A few moments I did enjoy: the grandma’s antics.

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

A great beach read! Nora has a problem teenager in her school job. Can this lead to her famous father and a chance at romance. Maybe a trip to the beach will bring it all together.

This is the first book by Jenny Hale that I’ve read I really enjoyed it. I loved the character development, writing style and descriptions of the gorgeous gulf coast. This is an uplifting story about love conquering the impossible. A cosy, feel good summer read that I’d recommend to anyone.

I love any of Jenny Hale’s books. I don’t know what it is. The story, the premise and even the book cover. Yes I’m probably one of those people who do judge a book by its cover. But honestly I sometimes can’t help myself. And this book was no exception. Although I’m going to ready any book by this author and probably love. When I saw this was available as an instant read I knew it was must to have on my kindle. I think I devoured it in one sitting on the train to work. And definitely helped to get me out of my reading slump.