Rapid City Summer

by Connie Richardson

“One of the worst things you can do is stay in your comfort zone.”

Fifteen-year-old Natalie Ryba reluctantly moves from the Illinois suburbs to Rapid City, South Dakota, when her mom accepts a new job in the Black Hills. More than anything, Natalie wants to find the same peace and sense of belonging she had in Illinois with her friends and track team. But moving across the country, living minutes from her estranged, eccentric grandmother, and developing a crush on her next-door neighbor put that dream out of reach.

The move turns Natalie’s life upside down, and she realizes how much she doesn’t know about the world, her family, and herself. She embraces the culture of her new home by learning how to fly fish. Through fly fishing, Natalie becomes more confident and adventurous. But after returning home from a fly fishing trip to Montana, Natalie receives life- altering news. Can she apply the new skills she’s learned over the summer–physical and personal–to overcome her obstacles?

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction

243 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2025

Reviews

[Stephanie Send · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW is all I can say after reading this book. I finished this book in one sitting while enjoying a day out on the water, which was a really incredible way to immerse myself into Natalie’s world. I loved the development of characters throughout the novel- especially Natalie, who goes from a teen who is stuck in her comfort zone to becoming a young woman full of grit, confidence, and a new sense of adventure and passion for the outdoors. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone!

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie is a teenager who doesn’t embrace change. Therefore it’s a total shock when, due to her mom landing a dream job, her family makes a move to Rapid City, South Dakota. Leaving behind the comforting familiarity of Chicago is difficult; there’s even a maternal grandmother whom Natalie has never met that will be living ten miles away. Stepping out of her comfort zone takes courage, but due to the surprising help of new friends, and the budding relationship with her Grandma Diane, Natalie is able to fully embrace this different lifestyle.
So many things to love about this novel!
I was impressed that the author chose for her female protagonist to have a platonic relationship with a guy, who is literally “ the boy next door”. The two characters make this decision mutually early in the story, and it’s wonderful to read about how their friendship becomes cemented through the sport of fly fishing.
The author’s knowledge and expertise of fly fishing is evident. I think anyone who reads this book will be considering whether or not to give the sport a try themselves (I know I am)!
I liked the statement at the end about the audience this book was written for. This novel is perfect for middle-grade readers who have moved on to higher reading levels, but are not yet ready for the often mature themes of Y.A. literature for older readers.

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Gayle Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

In RAPID CITY SUMMER, debut author Connie Richardson weaves a heartfelt and emotionally honest coming-of-age story set against the rugged beauty of Rapid City, South Dakota. Fifteen-year-old Natalie Ryba’s world is upended when she’s forced to move from her bustling hometown, thanks to her mother’s job, and Natalie struggles to adjust, having to leave her friends and comfortable life behind. But when Natalie meets the boy next door with an easy smile and talent for fly fishing, she finds an unexpected anchor in him. He teaches Natalie how to read the water, cast a line, and find stillness in the wild. These moments on the river become a kind of therapy for Natalie, who is balancing her grief and frustration at home with the pressure of trying to fit in at a new high school—and finding her place on the track team. And when Natalie returns from a fly-fishing trip in Montana to unexpected news, Natalie is faced with even greater challenges.
Richardson captures the inner turmoil of a teen who’s trying to stay strong while everything familiar is slipping through her fingers. The descriptions of fly fishing are beautifully done, serving as a subtle metaphor for connection, patience, and letting go. The dynamic between Natalie and her grandmother is raw and real, especially as Natalie begins to understand the relationship between her mother and grandmother. This book offers the perfect balance of introspection, growth, and hope. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that sometimes healing doesn’t come from fixing everything—but from learning how to move forward anyway, all the while finding inner strength.

[I heart books · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of things I love most about books is how they make you feel during and after reading them, and this book makes you feel like you’re on a constant adventure! Richardson is a talented writer, and I couldn’t put the book down because it felt like I was right there with Natalie, experiencing the gorgeous scenery, the rushing rivers, the wildlife and of course the beautiful fish. What a gift it was to get lost in this book and be transported in so many ways. And the characters and plot are just as immersive as the scenery. I loved how we watched Natalie grow and come into her own as she navigates new beginnings after her family move. She learns to push herself out of her comfort zone in her sports, friendships and family life. She’s such a positive influence and felt so real—both in terms of the problems she’s facing and how she gradually learns to shift her mindset (even when negative self-talk slips in, like it does for all of us). As she learns she can empower herself and others, it makes you, as the reader, feel empowered too. I’ll be carrying the lessons I learned from this story with me for a long time!

[Vic Liston · Rating 4 out of 5]

“One of the worst things you can do is stay in your comfort zone.”

I rarely step outside the fantasy genre with my reading, but Rapid City Summer was worth it. Natalie is a 15 year old whose life has been completely uprooted by her family’s move across country. Navigating a huge amount of change all at once, the story follows her as she learns some very valuable life lessons.

• Not accepting the limitations placed on you by others — gender, age, background, or other people’s expectations.
• Embracing change, even when it feels uncomfortable.
• Letting go of the things or people that no longer bring positivity to your life.

A thoughtful, honest story about finding your footing when everything feels uncertain, you’ll feel comfortable with your young teen reading it, and you’ll enjoy it as well!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one really surprised me in the best way. It’s a sweet, thoughtful coming-of-age story about Natalie, who moves from Illinois to South Dakota and has to start over—new town, new people, new everything. I loved how the author used fly fishing as more than just a hobby; it becomes this quiet, powerful way for Natalie to figure out who she is.

The writing is gentle and real, with a great sense of place—you can almost feel the summer air and hear the river. It’s not a fast-paced story, but it has a lot of heart. Perfect for readers who like YA books about growing up, family, and finding your footing after a big change.

[Shannon Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was just my speed, and it felt pretty upper-middle grade appropriate. (Might’ve been one or two mild instances of “language.”) I appreciated that it was not totally focused on boys and romance but also personal growth and friendship and family. I was pleasantly surprised that the details about fly fishing were actually really interesting, and I grew an unexpected appreciation for it even though I probably still wouldn’t choose to do it myself. :) All around great read. I really enjoyed it!

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Teen book

Beautiful descriptions of fly fishing!
You can tell this was a labor of love!

Secular
Uses of “Pissed” “Hell” and other low level cursing.
Family alienation, drunkenness, etc.

The girl and guy spend the whole book flirting with each other, then decide to be platonic, which I appreciate!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect coming-of-age finding yourself book for a middle school girl. Natalie moves from her home that she has loved her whole life and leaves her best friend behind. However, on this journey of moving to a new state, she finds out who she really is and learns about real true friends. I love the infusion of the grandmother relationship as well. I also love that she moves out of her comfort zone and starts doing amazing things. What a message that we can all live by.

[Natalia_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a really good YA book; not only is the story beautiful, teaching you the value of family and of true friendships, but you also learn a lot about fishing and life in the mountains. I absolutely recommend it.

[Sara Merow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie Richardson’s debut novel follows Natalie through some big changes, moving across the country to Rapid City. This is a heartfelt read about living life outside your comfort zone and making the best out of any situation. A highly recommended YA read!

[Alex Lesnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Fits the gap between middle grade and young adult content perfectly. The setting was beautifully rendered and I loved the characters, including their growth journeys.

[Book_freak]

DNF at 5%
I thought fly fishing was an interesting thing to have in a YA romance, but alas i did not like the writing.

[E.C. Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rapid City Summer, a heartfelt, coming-of-age YA novel, tackles all the tough stuff of young adulthood: homesickness, first love, family conflict, belonging, and finding yourself. Richardson has crafted a fantastic story that is sure to empower young readers to step outside their comfort zones and find the courage to believe in themselves. I loved it!

[Lisa Sikes]

Enjoyable to read about fly fishing and coming of age.

[Lindsay Bartels · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful novel about living outside of your comfort zone as a young High Schooler with such relatable themes and experiences: moving to a new town (from a city to the mountains), making new friends, trying new things - and how to understand and nurture valued relationships (as well as letting go of those that no longer serve your wellbeing). Filled with wisdom, laughs, and adventure - this story is timeless and the sentiment layered in it is gorgeous. I loved it!

[Danielle Goebbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written young adult book, but enjoyable for any age! It is uplifting and inspiring. The perfect summer read that you won’t be able to put down!

[L.M. Poplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rapid City Summer is the exact kind of book I wish I had read as a teen. Although Richardson doesn’t shy away from writing about real-world problems—moving house, sexism, family dysfunction, losing friends (and phones!), divorce, and illness—her characters confront them with grace and kindness, modeling healthy practices by example. We’re so caught up in the narrative, we don’t realize we’re learning valuable life lessons as we follow Natalie through an exciting summer of adventure and becoming, as she grows into the person she wants to be by making deliberate choices and not being afraid to try new things. The descriptions of fly fishing and the scenery of both Montana and South Dakota are evocative and inspiring, transporting the reader to a place of natural beauty, but also community, because in the end the most engaging part of Rapid City is the people who live there. Watching Adam, Becca, Sarah, Ali, and Grandma welcoming Natalie with open arms and unconditional support reminds us that what matters most in the world are the people we love and the time we get to spend with them.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uprooted teen drama, grandma quirks, and fly fishing? Rapid City Summer by Connie Richardson delivers way more than your typical coming-of-age story. Fifteen-year-old Natalie is dragged from her comfy Illinois life to Rapid City, and let’s just say, she’s not exactly thrilled.

New place. New school. New neighbors (hi, cute boy next door 👀). Oh, and surprise, her long-lost grandma is now a few minutes away and as eccentric as they come. Natalie just wants her old life back, but life in South Dakota has other plans.

Enter: fly fishing. Yep, didn’t see that one coming either. But somehow, learning to fish turns into a full-blown life lesson. Natalie starts finding her confidence in the river, one cast at a time. It's weirdly calming, super empowering, and the kind of glow-up you don’t expect but absolutely root for.

Just when she’s finally getting the hang of things, BOOM. Life hits her with some heavy news. And this time, it’s not just about adapting, it’s about rising. The emotional twist is raw, real, and proof that Natalie’s summer changed her forever.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful coming-of-age novel—like "A River Runs Through It" for middle schoolers or Sharon Creech’s "Absolutely Normal Chaos!"

Natalie’s not the first teen uprooted from her home and friends at exactly the wrong time. But the route from Chicago to South Dakota is scenic—almost as interesting as the boy who lives next door to their new house.

One constant in Rapid City is drama—the family kind, meeting new friends, and that cute boy. It’s a good thing Nat discovers fly fishing. When she’s on the river, all her angst disappears. But without a pole in hand, life is unavoidable. How’s she ever going to fit in at her new school if she can’t make it through the summer?

Richardson pens a book impossible to put down for readers of any age. I loved it!

[Jordan Douglass]

This book was nicely written but it seemed more about fly fishing than Rapid City, SD. It was nice reading about how Natalie grew as a person. I would recommend this to any teen in a transition period of life, especially moving or changing schools.

[Diane Nagatomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rapid City Summer” by Connie Richardson is the charming coming of age tale of fifteen-year-old Natalie Ryba, who is uprooted from her school and friends in Illinois when her mother gets a job in Rapid City, South Dakota. Natalie’s new neighborhood couldn’t be any more different from her old one. The culture shock is real, but not entirely unpleasant, especially when the cute boy, Adam from next door, is as friendly and welcoming as everyone else is in the neighborhood. And, for the first time in her life, she is living close to her grandmother, a rather eccentric woman Natalie’s mother has a strained relationship with. How will Natalie spend those long summer days before school starts up and she can join the running team like she did back at her old school? Well, she certainly never expected to do it by fly fishing. When Adam invites her to give fly fishing a try, she goes fishing with him, never knowing it could be so satisfying.



This story brought back many memories of my own—not spending time in nature with the cute boy from next door, but of having been uprooted many times because of my father’s job and having to spend summers forging new friendships while leaving the old ones behind. I loved the setting of the story and learned more about fly fishing than I ever imagined possible—to the point that maybe I’d like to give it a try if the opportunity comes up.



While the book explores themes such as family, love, trust, and resilience, it covers them in ways that are completely appropriate for younger readers, especially those whose reading skills enable them to tackle more advanced reading materials but whose age may not be appropriate for some topics.



I am grateful for having received an ARC of this book and my opinion is my own.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connie Richardson writes a dramatic YA tale with Rapid City Summer

In Rapid City Summer, the reader is brought into the life of Natalie, a fifteen-year-old that has to move away from everything and everyone she knows, because her mother got a new job. There is a big difference from the culture and life from the Chicago Suburbs, and then being transported to Rapid City, in South Dakota. Talk about differences, and of course, no teenager enjoys moving, and leaving their friends and school behind, only to be the new kid at another school. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. This author was really able to bring out the loneliness and angst of a teenager, and also her family. The entire family has to make a new life in a different city, and it's not just Natalie that is trying to make the best of a new situation. Insert eccentric grandma, who now just lives down the street. Trish seems ambivalent to living close to her mother, but there are some underlying tensions that come to the surface. This story was written very well, and many readers will be able to relate, especially when it's family, and adjustments need to be made, and secrets are hidden. This story is engaging, and it is unpredictable at times. Rapid City Summer is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.

[Sublime Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating = 4.17

Storyline & Concept = 4
Writing and Delivery = 4
Editorial = 4.5

In this coming-of-age novel, Rapid City Summer follows fifteen-year-old Natalie Ryba as she navigates the challenges of moving to a new state, reconnecting with estranged family, and discovering unexpected passions. Leaving behind her familiar life in Illinois, Natalie finds herself in the vast, untamed beauty of South Dakota, where she is forced to step out of her comfort zone in more ways than one.
At the heart of the novel is Natalie’s journey of self-discovery, framed through the lens of fly fishing, a sport that takes a front and center role in the novel and, along with competitive running, mirrors Natalie’s struggles and triumphs. Although Natalie seems exceptionally mature for a fifteen-year-old who has had her life upended, the novel strives to capture the emotional turbulence and awkwardness of adolescence. Natalie’s relationship with her grandmother adds a nice dynamic, and the reader is immersed in a vivid sense of place, both in South Dakota and Montana. This novel is perfect for fans of contemporary young adult fiction with strong character development and emotional depth.
Sublime Line: “A touching exploration of change, courage, and the power of stepping beyond the familiar—a reminder that the biggest risks can lead to the greatest rewards.”

[Joan Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rapid City Summer by Connie Richardson
When Natalie is forced to move away from her friends in Chicago and relocate to Rapid City, she views South Dakota as the end of the earth. Her mother is not enthused about reviving a relationship with her quirky mother, but Natalie is eager to have a relationship with her grandmother. Running is Natalie’s passion, so she invites her grandmother to join her as Nat practices for the upcoming cross-country season.
When Natalie spies the boy next door, Adam, and he describes fly fishing, she yearns to learn this new skill and spend time with her cute neighbor. The novel features numerous well-written scenes of the pair fishing and enjoying nature. Natalie’s confidence grows as she discovers more about herself as she practices the sport.
As the story proceeds, Richardson adds new elements of tension stimulate personal growth in Natalie and Adam. In the end, the resolution is relatable and rewarding. I especially appreciated the author’s note describing her love of fly fishing, and how she wanted to create a story without a romance that would appeal to middle school students.

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when a book takes you to a place you’ve never been and always wanted to go to. Author Richardson not only took me to the great outdoors of South Dakota, but also to Montana. She took me fly-fishing and running a marathon and encounters with a grizzly and snapping turtles! Her characters were believable in all ways—the bad-ass grandma who does Tik Tok moves, the boy next door testing the more-than-friends-waters…so real.

Natalie’s journey of moving from Chicago to Rapid City and making new friends is one kind, but when you’re fifteen and finding yourself, a more poignant journey is the internal one. As Natalie navigates her new world, she often talks to herself by saying, “Note to self...” This is a wonderful story that will resonate with those in their middle school years who are looking for something fun and relatable and even a bit scary. Note to readers: you will enjoy this one!

[Christian Sia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rapid City Summer is a novel that perefect paints what lies at the heart of adolescent transformation. When Natalie trades Illinois pavement for South Dakota's wild creeks, she discovers fly fishing isn't just about catching trout, it's about patience, grit, and seeing beauty in unexpected places. Richardson writes fishing scenes with cinematic precision: the whisper of a cast, the electric tug of a strike, the reverence of releasing a shimmering cutbow. Yet this isn't merely an outdoor adventure; it's a nuanced exploration of fractured family dynamics, particularly Natalie's evolving relationship with her stroke-recovering grandmother. The author avoids clichés, portraying Adam as a complex friend rather than a romantic plot device. With authentic dialogue and landscapes so vivid you'll smell pine and river mist, this novel proves that the greatest adventures begin when we step beyond familiarity.

[Ruffina Os · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richardson's debut shines brightest in its tender portrayal of intergenerational healing. When Natalie moves to South Dakota, she's thrust into the complicated relationship between her cautious mother and her free-spirited grandmother Diane, a bond fractured by years of missed birthdays and unspoken resentments. Diane's stroke becomes the catalyst for reconciliation, culminating in Natalie pushing her grandmother through a 5K race in a wheelchair, a powerful symbol of their renewed connection. Beyond this emotional core, the novel celebrates female agency in outdoor spaces, with Natalie confronting sexist anglers and finding inspiration in guides like Shyloh. Richardson balances heavy themes with lighthearted moments: snapping turtles, pee funnels, and a boy who watches you test said funnel. A refreshing, empowering story about finding your people—and yourself—in the most unexpected places.

[Aerie Link · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to preface this review by saying I never find the time to write reviews but for this book I found the time. As a busy mom and small business owner, I don’t get much time to read, but this book really resonated with me. The main character Nataliee struggles with a big change that so many have to work through at a young age. moving to new places and starting over is tough, but we get to watch her grow and thrive and find herself.
I would highly recommend this book to any parent who is considering a big move and transitioning teenagers to a new area or a new state. I feel like this would be a great book and showcase how just because you’re starting over it doesn’t mean that you can’t find yourself and thrive and flourish, which is exactly what the main character Natalie does in this book. Amazing job to the author and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a sister who lives in South Dakota, so I was curious to know more about what life is like there. The descriptions of the nature and the feel of it left me wanting to visit.
This is a pretty typical coming-of-age story, but has enough quirks to make it engaging even for adults. The fly fishing and fish descriptions kept me interested as did the foibles of all the characters. It's the perfect book for a teenager who finds themselves in a new place due to a parent's new job. You have to admire the family and how they survived their move and thrived.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. You want to stand up and cheer and the end--or go fly fishing!