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Have a Great Summer
Set against a vibrant Jersey Shore backdrop and bursting with summertime romance, hometown nostalgia, smart humor, female friendship, and millennial angst, journalist Francesca Cocchi’s dual-timeline teenage-crush-to-adult-lovers debut is the perfect beach read for fans of Annabel Monaghan, Carley Fortune, and Emily Henry.
If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .
Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.
Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .
Poignant, engaging, and insightful, Have a Great Summer is an ode to the confused teenager in all of us, and a reminder of the blissful, excruciating, delicious days of summers gone by.
If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .
Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.
Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .
Poignant, engaging, and insightful, Have a Great Summer is an ode to the confused teenager in all of us, and a reminder of the blissful, excruciating, delicious days of summers gone by.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Francesca Cocchi
1 book169 followersFrancesca is a writer and editor with more than nine years of experience at national outlets, such as NBC’s TODAY and Food Network Magazine. A proud Jersey native, she grew up down the shore in Monmouth County and currently lives in Jersey City with her husband, dog, and an overflowing bookcase. Have a Great Summer is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 356 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re looking for an atmospheric beach reach packed with emotion and nostalgia a la Carley Fortune and Elin Hilderbrand … I wrote this book for you <3 (Bonus points if you love millennial references, second chance romance, or have spent any time on the Jersey Shore!)
“Set against a vibrant Jersey Shore backdrop and bursting with summertime romance, hometown nostalgia, smart humor, female friendship, and millennial angst, journalist Francesca Cocchi’s dual-timeline teenage-crush-to-adult-lovers debut is the perfect beach read for fans of Annabel Monaghan, Carley Fortune, and Emily Henry.
If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .
Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.
Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .
Poignant, engaging, and insightful, Have a Great Summer is an ode to the confused teenager in all of us, and a reminder of the blissful, excruciating, delicious days of summers gone by.”
“Set against a vibrant Jersey Shore backdrop and bursting with summertime romance, hometown nostalgia, smart humor, female friendship, and millennial angst, journalist Francesca Cocchi’s dual-timeline teenage-crush-to-adult-lovers debut is the perfect beach read for fans of Annabel Monaghan, Carley Fortune, and Emily Henry.
If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .
Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.
Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .
Poignant, engaging, and insightful, Have a Great Summer is an ode to the confused teenager in all of us, and a reminder of the blissful, excruciating, delicious days of summers gone by.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Although set on the Jersey Shore, this book is for anyone looking for a fun, nostalgia-inducing read that will transport you right back to your teenage years, regardless of where you spent them. Francesca's voice is second to none that makes this a very funny, very relatable and very easy read.
This book hits you in all the right places, with an amazing dual timeline romance...and an even better subplot about our most important friendships that will make you want to pick up the phone and catch up with an old friend.
This book hits you in all the right places, with an amazing dual timeline romance...and an even better subplot about our most important friendships that will make you want to pick up the phone and catch up with an old friend.
January 19, 2026
I had so much fun reading Francesca Cocchi’s debut novel! I really enjoyed the dual timelines and the nostalgia of the earlier timeline (2010’s), during which I was a college student having my own coming of age moments. I also enjoyed the writing style and personality of this book - I found myself laughing out loud and highlighting multiple quotes from both the main and supporting characters. This story fits the vibe of some of my other favorite love stories by Abby Jimenez, Jenny Han, and Emily Henry. It’s perfect for a beach read, dropping right around Memorial Day Weekend. Get ready for your own great summer with HAGS!! Now to put the finishing touches on my companion playlist that I put together while reading to keep myself in this world until actual summer is here!Thank you to NetGalley for my first ARC.
June 6, 2026
Wow!! I loved this book so much!
It reminded me of all the summers I spent down at the Jersey Shore!
I can almost smell the sausage and pepper sandwiches!💜💜
Review to follow!
It reminded me of all the summers I spent down at the Jersey Shore!
I can almost smell the sausage and pepper sandwiches!💜💜
Review to follow!
May 30, 2026
Have a Great Summer is not only a love letter to the Jersey Shore, but to friendship, family, and the importance of following your heart. This book was immediately on my radar when I saw a Tiktok posted by Francesca Cocchi saying that her debut novel was about a summer romance that took place at the Jersey Shore. As someone who grew up minutes from the Shore, I absolutely needed to give it a read and it exceeded any expectations. I highlighted so much of this book because I related to a whole lot. Having to go to work super early in the summers because of the Shore traffic, Paisley Vera Bradley bags, the Abercrombie skinny jeans & Uggs combo. So nostalgic!! I loved that she mentioned real establishments like Rook and the attention to detail. All the details Francesca Cocchi provides are so atmospheric that I really felt like I was there and she really sums up the Jersey Shore experience (not the MTV version!) perfectly.
In the book, we have dual timelines that alternate from now to 14 years ago when Angelina (Lina) Mariano was a high schooler working at Brantley Beach’s legendary restaurant, Bubba’s, which is where we meet her love interest, Sebastian. While their relationship can be a little complicated at times, the story focuses on so much more. We not only see their relationship dynamic change, but we see Lina’s character development which was very enjoyable. High school is such an impressionable time, but so is your 20s when you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Even if you’ve never been to the Jersey Shore, there is something you will relate to or connect with in this story. Whether you attach to the characters or whether you can relate to what they’re going through, this is a perfect beach read for anyone.
Thank you to Kensington Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
P.S. Where can I get a copy of “Beach Bites: A Culinary History of the Jersey Shore”?!
In the book, we have dual timelines that alternate from now to 14 years ago when Angelina (Lina) Mariano was a high schooler working at Brantley Beach’s legendary restaurant, Bubba’s, which is where we meet her love interest, Sebastian. While their relationship can be a little complicated at times, the story focuses on so much more. We not only see their relationship dynamic change, but we see Lina’s character development which was very enjoyable. High school is such an impressionable time, but so is your 20s when you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Even if you’ve never been to the Jersey Shore, there is something you will relate to or connect with in this story. Whether you attach to the characters or whether you can relate to what they’re going through, this is a perfect beach read for anyone.
Thank you to Kensington Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
P.S. Where can I get a copy of “Beach Bites: A Culinary History of the Jersey Shore”?!
December 18, 2025
How do I convince every romance genre-lover to read this novel?! We all know I’m a little biased towards a second chance romance, which is what Francesca kept hinting at before I was able to get this book in my hands. Not only does it tell the page-turning story of Lina and Sebastian, navigating their now-adult feelings for one another despite breaking one another’s heart in high school, but also gives way to let another relationship and love shine through by way of her best friend. This book reminds me of the Olivia Dean song, “I’ve Seen It,” due to the myriad of ways love shows up throughout Lina’s life (or the small glimpse we see of it throughout the book). Thanks for letting me read it in advance, Francesca! I’m so excited to see it officially out in the world next May.
September 26, 2025
Absolutely adorable and filled with so many NJ Easter eggs it will make every Jersey Girl heart sing! 😍 Grab yourself a bagel from your favorite spot and enjoy a tale that captures millennial nostalgia and the unspeakable joy spent at the Jersey shore so lovingly that you’ll find yourself packing your beach bag and gladiator sandals before you know what hit you. Or, if you’re like me, it will transport you right back to high school and you’ll feel weirdly stressed about what to write in your crush’s yearbook. Loved it and cannot wait for more from Francesca Cocchi!
January 7, 2026
“Sebastian had shone his light on me, and I let myself melt from the warmth.” 💙
I couldn’t have picked a better book for my first read of 2026! Have a Great Summer made me feel all the feels, and I found myself smiling so often as I read. There are so many different relationship dynamics to love and appreciate in this story, and I found myself reflecting on my own life and the people I am grateful for as I made my way through the story. Truly relatable and wholesome.
This book had me wishing I grew up on the Jersey Shore. The setting is so dreamy, cutesy, and cozy. Even better, the nostalgia brought about through all of the mid-2000s references had me reminiscing on my own teenage years. Also, we love a dual timeline. This was such an easy and refreshing read, and I couldn’t put it down! I didn’t want the story to end, but I think Francesca wrapped it up beautifully. My heart is happy!
I couldn’t have picked a better book for my first read of 2026! Have a Great Summer made me feel all the feels, and I found myself smiling so often as I read. There are so many different relationship dynamics to love and appreciate in this story, and I found myself reflecting on my own life and the people I am grateful for as I made my way through the story. Truly relatable and wholesome.
This book had me wishing I grew up on the Jersey Shore. The setting is so dreamy, cutesy, and cozy. Even better, the nostalgia brought about through all of the mid-2000s references had me reminiscing on my own teenage years. Also, we love a dual timeline. This was such an easy and refreshing read, and I couldn’t put it down! I didn’t want the story to end, but I think Francesca wrapped it up beautifully. My heart is happy!
June 14, 2026
This book, at its core, is a love letter to the Jersey Shore, and reading it while living in Asbury for the summer was genuinely magical. So much of this book, for so many reasons, was painfully relatable. I adored it.
4.5 stars probably but in my post-book high, she’s a 5 to me😌 When they mentioned Nardi’s on LBI I screamed.
4.5 stars probably but in my post-book high, she’s a 5 to me😌 When they mentioned Nardi’s on LBI I screamed.
May 18, 2026
4.25⭐️ Out 5/26!!
Perfect for fans of Every Summer After! This was such a fun beach read that gave me all the nostalgic vibes of long summer days by the water with friends. I really enjoyed Lina’s character, LOVED Sebastian, and especially adored the friendship between Lina and Maren. It completely made me want to experience a summer at the Jersey Shore! Such a solid debut from Cocchi, and now I’m really hoping we get Maren’s story next.
If you love 2000s rom com vibes (think The Wedding Planner) mixed with a friends to lovers romance, you’re definitely going to want to pick this one up! This would make the perfect poolside or beach read.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for the gifted physical copy!
Perfect for fans of Every Summer After! This was such a fun beach read that gave me all the nostalgic vibes of long summer days by the water with friends. I really enjoyed Lina’s character, LOVED Sebastian, and especially adored the friendship between Lina and Maren. It completely made me want to experience a summer at the Jersey Shore! Such a solid debut from Cocchi, and now I’m really hoping we get Maren’s story next.
If you love 2000s rom com vibes (think The Wedding Planner) mixed with a friends to lovers romance, you’re definitely going to want to pick this one up! This would make the perfect poolside or beach read.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for the gifted physical copy!
May 30, 2026
Title: Have a Great Summer
Author: Francesca Cocchi
Format: Libby audiobook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Lina (FMC) & Sebastian (MMC)
What to expect:
*Second chance romance
*Meddling best friends
*High school Friends to Crush
Safety:
MMC is engaged to OW at the beginning of book. He quickly breaks the engagement, no on page spicy scenes. Third act breakup.
Review:
Debut title by Francesca Cocchi, set in New Jersey. Read as part of a 50 state reading challenge.
The FMC was so incredibly frustrating in this title, she absolutely refused to communicate her feelings and questions to the MMC. She finds him surfing with another woman and refuses to ask him who it is, what they were doing. Of course that refusal to communicate leads to the most confusing, dramatic third act breakup ever. Then she flees the country and has a ONS with another guy!!! Nope!
The meddling best friend was so over the top. She actively kept them apart even when she knew both of them wanted to be together.
We had to get the VERY END OF THE BOOK before we got the MMC’s POV. He had no excuse for why he lied to the FMC about his plans, just complete avoidance.
This book was written well, most readers will enjoy it, it was just not for me.
Author: Francesca Cocchi
Format: Libby audiobook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Lina (FMC) & Sebastian (MMC)
What to expect:
*Second chance romance
*Meddling best friends
*High school Friends to Crush
Safety:
MMC is engaged to OW at the beginning of book. He quickly breaks the engagement, no on page spicy scenes. Third act breakup.
Review:
Debut title by Francesca Cocchi, set in New Jersey. Read as part of a 50 state reading challenge.
The FMC was so incredibly frustrating in this title, she absolutely refused to communicate her feelings and questions to the MMC. She finds him surfing with another woman and refuses to ask him who it is, what they were doing. Of course that refusal to communicate leads to the most confusing, dramatic third act breakup ever. Then she flees the country and has a ONS with another guy!!! Nope!
The meddling best friend was so over the top. She actively kept them apart even when she knew both of them wanted to be together.
We had to get the VERY END OF THE BOOK before we got the MMC’s POV. He had no excuse for why he lied to the FMC about his plans, just complete avoidance.
This book was written well, most readers will enjoy it, it was just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2026
It finally happened… I won my first goodreads giveaway!!! I could not have asked for a better book to win, especially as an obsessive giveaways enterer that runs on vibes and cover art, mostly.
“Have a Great Summer” by Francesca Cocchi is set to release June 2026 and I suggest you go ahead and put this one on your TBR if you love summer beach reads, nostalgia (it is quite literally HAGS), strong female friendship, teen-to-adult love stories, and classic rom-com vibes. The style definitely reminded me of Carley Fortune and, just like her books, was an easy 5 star for me. I’ll definitely be recommending this to my friends!
I loved the dual timeline, especially because the teen moments felt so embarrassingly, yet endearingly truthful. The amount of dissecting every word and interaction with a crush as a teenager was so real and hilarious.
I also loooove when a “rom-com” isn’t just about the romance. This book is full of reminders of the good things in life - the joy of a small beach town (aka: wherever you grew up and became who you are now) - the awkwardness both as a teen and as an adult of accepting yourself and finding confidence - good and believable friendships - misunderstandings explained - and so much more!
When deciding to read a new book, especially a new author, I always search “spice” in the comments to try and get a gauge. So whatever your particular flavor, this is a delightful closed door romance. There is some lead up language and then the scenes fade to black, essentially.
I found everything about this book enjoyable and I couldn’t be more grateful to have had early access to this story!
Thank you Goodreads and Between the Chapters.
HAGS!
“Have a Great Summer” by Francesca Cocchi is set to release June 2026 and I suggest you go ahead and put this one on your TBR if you love summer beach reads, nostalgia (it is quite literally HAGS), strong female friendship, teen-to-adult love stories, and classic rom-com vibes. The style definitely reminded me of Carley Fortune and, just like her books, was an easy 5 star for me. I’ll definitely be recommending this to my friends!
I loved the dual timeline, especially because the teen moments felt so embarrassingly, yet endearingly truthful. The amount of dissecting every word and interaction with a crush as a teenager was so real and hilarious.
I also loooove when a “rom-com” isn’t just about the romance. This book is full of reminders of the good things in life - the joy of a small beach town (aka: wherever you grew up and became who you are now) - the awkwardness both as a teen and as an adult of accepting yourself and finding confidence - good and believable friendships - misunderstandings explained - and so much more!
When deciding to read a new book, especially a new author, I always search “spice” in the comments to try and get a gauge. So whatever your particular flavor, this is a delightful closed door romance. There is some lead up language and then the scenes fade to black, essentially.
I found everything about this book enjoyable and I couldn’t be more grateful to have had early access to this story!
Thank you Goodreads and Between the Chapters.
HAGS!
December 15, 2025
Have a Great Summer is a perfect beach read that will transport you back in time in the best way, especially if you are from the tri-state area and used to blast playlists filled with Boys Like Girls on repeat with the windows down on the way to the beach.
Filled with millennial angst and brimming with hope and emotion, the story's dual timeline second chance premise is unique as it is teenage crush to lovers. Lina and Sebastian's connection is obvious pretty immediately when they are younger but you know she harbors resentment towards him now. Although you'd think there might be a power imbalance when they accidentally reunite years later, their dynamic was a lot sweeter and more wholesome than I expected which really drew me in. So much so, that I finished the book in one sitting.
Have a Great Summer is nostalgic, breezy, emotional and swoony and will have you itching to visit the Jersey Shore. A stunning debut from Francesca Cocchi, I'd recommend to all romance readers. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Filled with millennial angst and brimming with hope and emotion, the story's dual timeline second chance premise is unique as it is teenage crush to lovers. Lina and Sebastian's connection is obvious pretty immediately when they are younger but you know she harbors resentment towards him now. Although you'd think there might be a power imbalance when they accidentally reunite years later, their dynamic was a lot sweeter and more wholesome than I expected which really drew me in. So much so, that I finished the book in one sitting.
Have a Great Summer is nostalgic, breezy, emotional and swoony and will have you itching to visit the Jersey Shore. A stunning debut from Francesca Cocchi, I'd recommend to all romance readers. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
June 4, 2026
Wow!!! Such a fun and great summer read! Have a Great Summer is a beach romance book that takes place in New Jersey. While reading this I couldn’t help but smile because there were so many places mentioned that I go to and have been to. Also love a Coffee Corral shoutout. There were lovable characters, strong friendships, and a second-chance romance. You also have the beach town charm which gives a nostalgic feeling while reading.
June 16, 2026
I really enjoyed the cute Summer Beach Romcom set on the Jersey Shore. Had me smiling throughout the book and would love reading another future release from this author.
June 11, 2026
Cute story and super relatable for anyone who grew up in ocean or Monmouth county and worked at a summer restaurant.
December 27, 2025
This book had me laughing out loud multiple times, my favorite type of humor. It was so cute & extremely nostalgic, especially if you went to high school in the 2010s, I appreciated all the throw backs. dare I say it got me missing payless ???
perfect summer read 🫶🏻 may or may not have to be an annoying tourist next summer 🤭
perfect summer read 🫶🏻 may or may not have to be an annoying tourist next summer 🤭
December 18, 2025
If you’re a fan of Emily Henry, Carley Fortune or any classic romcom, you need to read this!! I couldn’t believe this was Francesca’s first book. Oftentimes in debuts there is some expected stumbling as the author find their footing as a writer, but there’s none of that here. The way she writes and the characters she created have you hooked from the start and never let you go. I absolutely devoured this book over the course of a few of the coldest days we’ve had in NYC this season and I was totally transported from my chilly apartment to this sunny beach town in Jersey. It was just what I needed right now, though it’s also the kind of book you’ll want to bring along for a day at the beach or your next vacation. If you’re looking for great love story, you’ll be more than satisfied. But beyond that, there’s also heartwarming friendships, plenty of laugh out loud moments and a whole lot of nostalgia that every millennial will appreciate. May needs to come faster so I can tell all my friends to read this book!!
February 24, 2026
I’m so sad this is over! I loved this story so much and I don’t want to leave this bookverse. The feeling I got reading this is the same heartwarming joy I get watching every nostalgic romcom that we Millennials all love.
Francesca’s writing is relatable and funny - it feels like you’re talking to a friend. Lots of relatable themes of young love and crushes, adulthood not being as simple as it seemed when you were little, and the importance of friendship & community.
This is the perfect book to add to your summer reading list ☀️😎⛱️🌊
Francesca: I need a sequel and a Maren-focused book ASAP! Please 😇
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Francesca’s writing is relatable and funny - it feels like you’re talking to a friend. Lots of relatable themes of young love and crushes, adulthood not being as simple as it seemed when you were little, and the importance of friendship & community.
This is the perfect book to add to your summer reading list ☀️😎⛱️🌊
Francesca: I need a sequel and a Maren-focused book ASAP! Please 😇
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2026
This was sweet and atmospheric. Maybe too low stakes and telling over showing for me, but I recommend it!
June 16, 2026
My personal enjoyment is probably a 2.5 but this was a cute summer read. If it wasn’t as short as it was I probably would have DNFed. It wasn’t terrible, but I just felt no chemistry between the main characters.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was super perky, but it made sense for the character. It was kind of off Sebastian got a POV at the end and I wasn’t a huge fan of his narrator either, so that didn’t help.
I’m glad it ended pretty early, but I don’t really like the trope when one of the characters has a partner or fiancé that you know they have to break up with. It always is just so pointless to me to have that in there because we know they aren’t going to stay with that person so it just has unnecessary drama. The characters are already going through enough trying to get together without having that in the way as well.
I thought the third act break up was kind of dumb. And I get it but I also don’t really understand why he was so mean to her both times, but especially the second time. There was just no reason for it.
I don’t really care for them to be together and this has beachy vibes which was fun, but not a whole else was keeping me drawn in.
I did really appreciate Lena had such close friends! The friendships she had was almost better than the relationship! There was nothing really to these characters to keep me engaged.
If you’re curious and want just a light fun be treated this is probably worth picking up. But in terms of something that I really love this was not it.
It’s not terribly written, I just personally didn’t enjoy it.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was super perky, but it made sense for the character. It was kind of off Sebastian got a POV at the end and I wasn’t a huge fan of his narrator either, so that didn’t help.
I’m glad it ended pretty early, but I don’t really like the trope when one of the characters has a partner or fiancé that you know they have to break up with. It always is just so pointless to me to have that in there because we know they aren’t going to stay with that person so it just has unnecessary drama. The characters are already going through enough trying to get together without having that in the way as well.
I thought the third act break up was kind of dumb. And I get it but I also don’t really understand why he was so mean to her both times, but especially the second time. There was just no reason for it.
I don’t really care for them to be together and this has beachy vibes which was fun, but not a whole else was keeping me drawn in.
I did really appreciate Lena had such close friends! The friendships she had was almost better than the relationship! There was nothing really to these characters to keep me engaged.
If you’re curious and want just a light fun be treated this is probably worth picking up. But in terms of something that I really love this was not it.
It’s not terribly written, I just personally didn’t enjoy it.
June 14, 2026
I loved this book. Have a Great Summer hit so close to home for me, especially growing up in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The Jersey Shore nostalgia was honestly amazing and made the whole story feel so personal and familiar.
Sebastian and Lina were frustrating at times, but in a way that made me even more invested in them. I was rooting for them, annoyed with them, emotional over them — all of it.
This was such a special summer read and definitely one that will be hard to top.
Sebastian and Lina were frustrating at times, but in a way that made me even more invested in them. I was rooting for them, annoyed with them, emotional over them — all of it.
This was such a special summer read and definitely one that will be hard to top.
May 26, 2026
4.5 - This was such a cute read! I grew up in the Philadelphia area, so going to the Jersey shore during the summer was a right of passage, and this brought back all the nostalgia! Really liked all the main characters and (minor spoiler alert) that there was no cheating! I can see this being a popular choice this summer!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC
May 31, 2026
4.5 stars. I absolutely love this one, it completely captured everything I wanted in a beach read. It was so wholesome and sweet. I loved the millennial references and how authentic they felt. I loved the food description, the outfits, and the overall atmosphere. I feel like you could smell the sunscreen through the pages. Truly, a fantastic read. Definitely recommend reading this one! The ending had me giggling and kicking my feet. Such a vivid novel.
June 14, 2026
This book was absolutely amazing!! I grew up in central Jersey and grew up going to the beach countless times each summer. It was incredibly nostalgic and awesome to see New Jersey represented in a beautiful way. It made me such a proud Jersey Girl! I saw myself in Lina- past and present- and I rooted for her the entire time. I’m recommending this book to everyone 📚☀️🌊🩷🧡💛🩵💜
December 30, 2025
okay so here is the book of summer 2026! i was smiling, giggling and kicking my feet the whole entire time. i loved this story and i love new jersey!!!!
June 12, 2026
While this story was very predictable, it was also a cute, fun summer read. I loved the Monmouth County representation throughout! We need more books shouting out Booskerdoo Coffee. 🙂↕️
June 16, 2026
Bonus points for the author being a nova alum \\\///
June 20, 2026
So cute and exactly what I needed. Also based on summer love at the jersey shore? Say less I’m locked in.
June 6, 2026
I’m having a great summer so far because I just read Have a Great Summer by Francesca! Obsessed with the story + will be dreaming of the Jersey shore from now on. 1000/10!! 🌟
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