Review: Fifteenth Summer – Michelle Dalton

Fifteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton
Published by Simon and Schuster
Published: May 7th 2013
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Chelsea isn’t looking forward to her summer at the lake. It’s the first time her family has been there since her grandmother died, and she can’t break out of her funk. But her summer takes a turn for the better when she meets a boy who works in the bookstore. Josh is cute, sweet, funny…and best of all, seems to like her as much as she likes him. As the days pass by in a blur of boat rides, picnics, and stolen kisses, she can’t believe how lucky she is. No one has ever made her feel so special, or so beautiful.

But Chelsea knows her days with Josh are numbered. She’ll be heading home at the end of the summer—and he’ll be staying behind. Will this be Chelsea’s summer of love? Or will it be the summer of her broken heart?

Ever find a book that is the perfect book at the perfect moment? It may not be the deepest and most serious of books, but it makes you feel good and smile and makes you remember why you love to read. Fifteenth Summer was that book for me. When I picked up Fifteenth Summer I had just read a book I didn’t like and a book that was just okay so I just need something and it happened at the perfect time. Being a fan of Dalton’s over book, Sixteenth Summer, I had high hopes  for this one anyway and like she did before Dalton delivered.

Fifteenth Summer is the story a Chelsea, a 15 year old girl heading to the house she spent her summers at when she was younger, the house her grandmother lived in. What seems normal is anything but because this summer will be Chelsea and her family’s first time at the house since her grandmother passed away earlier that year. Surrounded by memories Chelsea seeks refuge in a book store where she meets Josh, a cute boy that constantly gives her mix signals. But as those signals uncross Chelsea and Josh start on an epic journey of first love and possibly a broken heart for one or both of them.

Like I said I adored this book. It happened that I read it at the exact right time that I need some adorableness in my life and now without a shadow of doubt I know that Dalton can deliver.  The realistic quality mixed with the likable characters of Josh and Chelsea not to mention the use of grief and responsibility all clicked really well. Well you felt sad for Chelsea you were excited that she had this thing blooming with Josh. And while you didn’t understand why Josh was taking on so much responsibility you understood his need to make sure his family succeeded. Add to that the undeniable chemistry between Chelsea and Josh and the lake/beach setting and you have a winner.

Dalton has such an ease about her writing that it feels like coming home after a cold winter. Her words seem to wrap around you and just make you feel good. Whether it was happy scene or a scene filled with sadness I wanted to read more and feel the impact it would have on me. Chelsea and Josh brought a smile to my face and an ache to my heart but it was worth it all because this read was exactly what I needed at the exact right time.

 

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