Piper Calloway is the daughter of a powerful real estate mogul and is working for him, being groomed to one day take the reins. She’s a VP and is not only out to prove herself to her father but also to hold her own in the male dominated environment while maintaining her own sense of self. Her carefully constructed world gets shaken when a new security guard comes on board and she recognizes him as her first love. It’s Kyle Miller, the boy she fell for at age sixteen when they met at summer camp who inexplicably disappeared and broke off all contact after they returned home.
The story transitions between the current day and Piper’s days at summer camp. Normally I enjoy this device, especially when it serves to set the foundation for the present and the characterizations. I was very interested in the conflicts Piper was currently facing as the work dynamics were realistic and fraught with land mines. But, the days of summer camp just didn’t measure up and moved much too slowly as what happened there was predictable and didn’t hold my interest.
What makes this story compelling are the relationships between Piper and Kyle, her family, friends and colleagues. They help define her and I liked seeing how she handled them, learning from her mistakes and owning her role in the successes and failures. Seeing her mature as a woman, business executive, lover and daughter kept me in the story and rooting for her. The narrator captured the essence of her personality and I‘m really glad I chose the audio format for that reason as this was Piper’s story. I just wish that had been the primary focus and the summer camp stuff related more succinctly. I’m a fan of the author and while this isn’t my favorite, I enjoyed the story overall.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 6, 2019
- Narrator: Devon Sorvari
- Audio Length: 14 hours, 23 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
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(Thank you to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Ah this makes me long for summer already ;-). Great review Jonetta. I like this author’s books too, although good to know it’s not your most favourite one. She’s written so much already that I have a serious backlog!
Thanks, Inge💜 It was still good, though.
Great review, Jonetta! I haven’t read anything by this author, but would like to. The contemporary part sounds interesting and the summer camp bits can always be skipped 😁
Thanks, Toni💜 I actually zoned out a lot on the summer cam stuff but was completely tuned in to the present day because that was so good! I really like this author but sometimes her narratives can be more new adult than I’d like.
Lovely and thoughtful review, Jonetta. I have this one but I also have a couple others from this author. I think I will choose one of the others when I finally take on my first book from her! ♥️
Thanks, Jennifer💜 My most favorite is The Simple Wild and I think you’d love it.
That one is on my shelf and I really need to fit it in!
Probably not something I would read, but I’m glad that, for the most part, you enjoyed it, Jonetta!
No, Alexandra, this wouldn’t be something you’d enjoy. It comes close to New Adult and I’m pretty sure that’s not your genre.
Ha! Ha! Yeah, you would be right, I’m a SF and crime reader, though I don’t mind some romance it’s not really my thing. ☺️
I appreciate your candid review! Happy new decade! 🥂🎊
Thanks, Carol💜 Hope you’re starting the year off wonderfully!
I love this cover! I just wanna be in it 😀
I actually read a book by this author a few months ago. Never thought i would, but it happened.
It’s a great cover, Norrie💜 Tucker is always on my list to read even though they look like they’re not going to be a great fit. Can’t quite put my finger on it but I keep coming back😏
Wonderful review! So would you read or listen to narration? Which would be the easiest way to skim the summer camp scenes?
Anne – Books of My Heart
Thanks, Anne! That’s a great question. For me, it’s just easier to zone out on audio, working on my iPad. When I read an eBook, I feel compelled to read every word and struggle to skim.
Does that help?
It sounds right to me. The only caveat might be that if I daydream during some parts is being able to tune in at the right time again.
The transitions are announced. You can’t miss them!