Book Review – That Long Lost Summer by Minna Howard @Aria_Fiction @MinnaHowardMary #BookReview #contemporary #BlogTour
Many thanks to Victoria Joss and publisher Aria for my spot on this Blog Tour.
This was a beautiful gentle read of lost moments and lost love. Hugo and Flora didn’t know how to be with each other when their daughters left home. So to find their lost passion, they went on a holiday to French countryside where they met with Susie, Matt and their friends. Entered Xavier, Flora’s long lost love when she was 18. And passion and memories rekindled. But Flora was married. She had to decide.
My first book by Minna Howard, this story saw me holding back my tears as I read about their lost summer. Flora and Xavier knew they were made for each other. But somehow they were not free to be with each other. Minna has brought out the angst between them powerfully. I kept hoping that they would get together even though I don’t like the idea of a marriage breaking up.
The depth of the feelings described by the author had me reflecting on my lost love and the memories. I was hit by a bittersweet emotion as I read the story. Interspersed between the love, there were laughter and fun with the friends. The writing flowed smoothly, and I was struck by the lovable characters who made their decisions which were apt for them.
A beautiful heart touching read, no doubt.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and publisher, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart!! STRICTLY HONEST AND UNBIASED.
All my reviews can be read here
Minna has had an exciting career in fashion journalism and now writes full time, whilst enjoying time with her grandsons and working as an occasional film and TV extra. She lives in London.
@MinnaHowardMary
@MinnaHowardBooks
A gorgeous and bittersweet romance set in the South of France, about an old passion rekindled and the choice between family loyalty and a great love.
Flora and Hugo are devoted to their children, but when their girls leave home for university, their lives seem empty. Hugo is cold and distant, leaving Flora unsure what their future holds. When they are invited to a friend’s villa in the South of France, Flora hopes the summer sun and gorgeous setting may bring them closer together. In a crumbling, picturesque villa in the luscious French countryside, they are introduced to Susie, Matt and their friends. Flora is surprised to meet Xavier, her old flame, who she fell in love with one long lost summer when she was eighteen. They parted suddenly all those years ago, leaving Flora wondering, what if…
Handsome, passionate, sensitive, Xavier is so different from her reliable, predictable Hugo. Both Flora and Xavier have moved on with their lives, but is there something that still lingers between them? Or will Flora’s devotion to her children, and her loyalty to Hugo, show her where her true heart lies…
Publication Date: 18th July 2019
Publisher: Aria
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Website: http://www.ariafiction.com
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Glad it hit the right notes and struck a chord for you. Hugs!
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Thank you so much ❤️
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Lovely review xx
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Thank you Nicki ❤️
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Just up my street!
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You will love it..
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Halfway through The Silent Patient. It’s getting scary and I’m remembering you!
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Yayy… Jaya hope you love it as much as I did
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Wow 5 starred book? looks intresting to me.
Still high on books Shalini?
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Always high on books 😁
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Five star book and a five star review!
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Thank you so much. This was an emotional read… But fun too
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I’m not sure this ones for me, but I’m so happy you liked it Shalini.☺️
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I wasn’t sure too but did have a tear or two at the end.
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Sweet review, I can see you connected with it powerfully.
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It was a different read totally unexpected
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I feel like I have to read this one simply because my best friend’s name is Flora! Wonderful review!!
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Aww that’s lovely. Thank you so much ❤️
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Fab review! This definitely sounds like a wonderful story.
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There sure was a tear or two post reading it
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Nice review! Seems interesting! Is the story set in the 21st century where divorce is more an acceptable option?
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It is set in 2018/19
Thank you ❤️
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I would be unsure what to do with this book emotionally. Believing in marriage, but being unhappily married would be tough. I love the title. Good review, Shalini.
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This was an old love with whom she shares one moment. I didn’t know whether to call it a happy or sad ending.. It made me cry
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