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The Summer #4

ALC provided by author and Valentine PR

Author: Elizabeth O’Roarke

Narrators: Samantha Brentmoor and J.F. Harding

Emmy Hughes has left Elliott Springs the moment she could. It might be the cute little town everyone loves but for her it is the stage where all her suffering happened: her dad leaving, her struggles with her weight, her mother’s incessant emotional abuse and the bullying from basically the whole town, captained by her former best friend. But she is coming home…. to DESTROY it.

Liam Doherty has been infatuated with Emerson just from their online exchanges as they deal with the details of the work he’s doing for her as a contractor. He can’t believe she’s even more more fascinating in person. Too bad she’s hellbent on destroying the town he loves. And the more he gets to know her, he might just let her. 

Thank you, Elizabeth, for the content warnings I the beginning of the book. Even though I have no triggers by now, as a person who has struggled with what society wants me to weigh, I identified with Emmy on a deeper level. It was hard for me to go with her on her journey because (even though I was extremely fortunate to have a very supportive family, especially my mother) I get her. And let me warn you, this book won’t be easy for  everyone. 

As for Liam. well, he’s now one of my favorite Elizabeth heroes. Top shelf book boyfriend and I loved how he went to bat for Emmy. Even when it meant going against his own dreams. 

The narration on this one is phenomenal. Samantha Brentmoor made me feel every single thing Emmy goes through. She made my heart crack a few times. J.F. Harding is quickly becoming one of my favorite male narrators and his Liam is to die for. His voice paired with Samantha’s was a delight to listen to. I’m here for all the Hardmoor! 

Content notes: loss of a parent (historical), weight and body image issues, disordered eating, bullying, emotional abuse of a child, toxic relationship with family members 

Thank you, Elizabeth and Valentine PR for letting me listen to it early.