My Not So Perfect Summer: A BRAND NEW friends-to-lovers romantic comedy from TOP TEN BESTSELLER Phoebe MacLeod Paperback – 7 May 2024

I finished My (not-so) Perfect Summer by Phoebe MacLeod after staying up late... very very late :) I simply couldn't stop. What a great book. I usually have some inkling where a story might go, but this one had multiple gasp-out-loud moments, and I truly had no idea how things were going to turn out for our heroine, Autumn. Can't wait to read more by this talented author.I throughly enjoyed the narration by Jess Nesling too, and will be keeping an eye out for more books read by her!

Recently I’ve read a few books which were promoted as heart-warming and uplifting which turned out to be neither; this one was described as a friends to lovers romantic comedy and it was exactly as described, plus heart warming and uplifting.It was so easy to read, I was sucked into Autumn and Chloe’s story almost immediately and I devoured it in a day.Autumn was a teenage mum by seventeen, surprisingly the baby’s father, Marc, stuck by her and with lots of support from their parents, they made it work, sixteen years later they are still together. Autumn, now a teacher, is about to get promoted into a deputy head post and she is over the moon, the pay rise means that they should be able to buy a flat rather than continuing to rent. However, Marc doesn’t seem so keen and keeps trying to dissuade her. A few weeks later, it’s clear that he had other plans for their savings when he disappears, taking half their money and leaving a very ambiguous note. Autumn doesn’t understand where he’s gone or why, he left everything behind except for his passport and driving licence. Then reality hits, they can’t afford to live in London on one wage, the only alternative is to move in with her Mum. Chloe is not thrilled to be leaving London for a small village in Kent and for Autumn going back to live with her Mother seems like admitting failure, but needs must. The story is mostly about overcoming your problems and finding a way to move forward to be happy.I loved this happy, upbeat story showing that life may not always be smooth sailing, but if you can keep moving forward and you can find the people and places who can bring joy back into your life.

I loved reading this book, I felt upset after what Autumn and Chloe went through with Marc, but they became strong and came out fighting. I love Phoebe's books and would definitely recommend them to anyone who loves reading.

Loved it! More please! Great twists and turns, and great plot and characters. I kept reading Jake’s bakery as Jakery!

This was a great read, I enjoyed the storyline. I'm glad things worked out for autumn the way they did. Is there more to her story?

Loved this feel good, quirky story, another belter from Phoebe MacLeod and cannot wait to read the few I’ve not yet read.

The book was very good, I enjoyed the story.

Was hooked by the second page and read the whole thing in 2 sittings whilst sat in the garden! A fantastic feel good book!

I really enjoy Phoebe MacLeod’s books. They’re light, romantic and sweet. Autumn handles difficult situations with incredible grace and maturity, and the grandmother’s liberal views are hilariously unusual. I haven’t met many liberal grandmothers! I sure wish I had a relationship like that with my mother. Fortunately I DO have a relationship like that with my daughter.

I’ve read many of Phoebe’s books, and this is the first one that did not make me laugh out loud or giggle just enough that to wake my husband at 2am. He’s probably grateful. Even though it is said to be a comedy, it’s not really. However, what it is - it is a great book about how being forced out of our comfort zones ends up doing us way more good than harm. It’s about women finding their joy and strength amid what could have been a disaster. And it’s about letting go of the past so you can grab onto the future with both hands.Read it. You’ll enjoy it.

Relatable characters and a good story pace makes this a great holiday or weekend read. Recommended for all who like a happy ending, along with some well written, ‘ verbal slap in the face’ prose that makes the story even more enjoyable.

This is a fun read about women evolving through difficulties, supporting each other in an uplifting way. Interesting characters, with whom you are engaged enough that you want to know what will happen.

Such a lovely book!! I loved every character, especially Autumn who I will be trying to emulate in the future. Thank you!!