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Jack's Secret Summer
Jack's Secret Summer
Join the Secret Summer gang on an unforgettable magical adventure, full of humour and heart - for fans of the Famous Five and Roald Dahl.
Jack has been dreading the summer holidays - his dad works long hours, and so all he has to look forward to is an empty house. But when his boisterous neighbours, Bruno and Rocco, make it their mission to pull him into an adventure, his life will never be the same again.
Together they decide to explore the strange old house at the top of the hill, long abandoned and overgrown with ivy. But they soon discover the ivy hides more than just walls...the house is full of magical secrets, including a strange girl with no memory, who may hold the key to it all, if only she can remember.
Imaginative and fun-filled, Jack Ryder's first story is inspired by the summer holidays of his childhood. Young listeners will be spellbound by this heartfelt adventure.
Jack has been dreading the summer holidays - his dad works long hours, and so all he has to look forward to is an empty house. But when his boisterous neighbours, Bruno and Rocco, make it their mission to pull him into an adventure, his life will never be the same again.
Together they decide to explore the strange old house at the top of the hill, long abandoned and overgrown with ivy. But they soon discover the ivy hides more than just walls...the house is full of magical secrets, including a strange girl with no memory, who may hold the key to it all, if only she can remember.
Imaginative and fun-filled, Jack Ryder's first story is inspired by the summer holidays of his childhood. Young listeners will be spellbound by this heartfelt adventure.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2020
2 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 7, 2020
This is the first book I read that I got from Tales by Mail and I really enjoyed it!
disclaimer: I'm buying this box to start Jamie's English book collection way too early and reading the books myself. I add notes to them while reading with little challenges or 'give this note to mom or dad to get...' or other fun stuff on them.
Like I said, I really enjoyed this one. The illustrations in this edition are gorgeous and I loved how the vines are on basically every page.
As for the story itself: I was caught up in it?! At the end of the book I was actually frustrated about only having gotten a 'small part' of the story. I'm sure that's because I'm used to YA, NA and adult books though, haha. I can definitely see this book making a kid want to pick up the sequel stat. I know I'll be keeping an eye on it so I can add it to the collection!
Notes I added:
~ If you give this note to mom or dad, you're getting a little back of gummyworms [or other gummies].
~ You can pick a day out! The first option is: going to the zoo!
~ Remember the first option? The second option is: going to a magical theme-park! [Efteling, The Netherlands]
disclaimer: I'm buying this box to start Jamie's English book collection way too early and reading the books myself. I add notes to them while reading with little challenges or 'give this note to mom or dad to get...' or other fun stuff on them.
Like I said, I really enjoyed this one. The illustrations in this edition are gorgeous and I loved how the vines are on basically every page.
As for the story itself: I was caught up in it?! At the end of the book I was actually frustrated about only having gotten a 'small part' of the story. I'm sure that's because I'm used to YA, NA and adult books though, haha. I can definitely see this book making a kid want to pick up the sequel stat. I know I'll be keeping an eye on it so I can add it to the collection!
Notes I added:
~ If you give this note to mom or dad, you're getting a little back of gummyworms [or other gummies].
~ You can pick a day out! The first option is: going to the zoo!
~ Remember the first option? The second option is: going to a magical theme-park! [Efteling, The Netherlands]
July 25, 2021
This was such a fun quick read! Perfect summer read too! Jack has been dreading the summer holidays – his dad works long hours, & so all he has to look forward to is an empty house. But when his boisterous neighbours, Bruno & Rocco, make it their mission to pull him into an adventure, his life will never be the same again. Together they decide to explore the strange old house at the top of the hill, long abandoned & overgrown with ivy. But they soon discover the ivy hides more than just walls… the house is full of magical secrets, including a strange girl with no memory, who may hold the key to it all, if only she can remember…
I loved the mystery aspect of it, & they all formed a little detective like “gang”. The ivy house was fascinating, as was the whole backstory there. So many imaginative details in here-I especially loved the “gobstoppers” lol I wish I could have the one Jack & Blossom had-it would be nice to have a 2 way convo with my pup haha! This brought me back to my own childhood. I was a tomboy, & was always outside, playing with the boys in the neighborhood-& any likeminded tomboy girls lol. Great characters, that are so endearing. Jack has my heart. That twist at the end I did NOT see coming! And that epic ending?! Let’s just say, I’m so glad I had book 2 ready to go beside me lol Great friendships, mystery, magic, & adventure in this fun book. Absolutely beautiful cover, with illustrations sprinkled throughout as well by Alice McKinley. Not only that, but illustrations of ivy sneaking up almost every page! Stunning! Highly recommend!💜
I loved the mystery aspect of it, & they all formed a little detective like “gang”. The ivy house was fascinating, as was the whole backstory there. So many imaginative details in here-I especially loved the “gobstoppers” lol I wish I could have the one Jack & Blossom had-it would be nice to have a 2 way convo with my pup haha! This brought me back to my own childhood. I was a tomboy, & was always outside, playing with the boys in the neighborhood-& any likeminded tomboy girls lol. Great characters, that are so endearing. Jack has my heart. That twist at the end I did NOT see coming! And that epic ending?! Let’s just say, I’m so glad I had book 2 ready to go beside me lol Great friendships, mystery, magic, & adventure in this fun book. Absolutely beautiful cover, with illustrations sprinkled throughout as well by Alice McKinley. Not only that, but illustrations of ivy sneaking up almost every page! Stunning! Highly recommend!💜
December 28, 2020
I found this to be largely a fun and quick read. It's a little boyish and slow at the start (which is a risk, as it's not long!) but I did like the overall concept. Especially once we met Blossom and the action started up! At that point, it became much more engaging and well rounded.
However, I did feel that it was only half a book. It ends just as things are getting good! And the twist at the end wasn't quite what I was thinking either, which was very fun!
I think I likely will look out for a copy of the second book at some point, as I think the series has real potential. But for a first book, this should have taken the risk and gone for a longer story.
However, I did feel that it was only half a book. It ends just as things are getting good! And the twist at the end wasn't quite what I was thinking either, which was very fun!
I think I likely will look out for a copy of the second book at some point, as I think the series has real potential. But for a first book, this should have taken the risk and gone for a longer story.
August 9, 2020
I got this as an E-arc on Netgalley and it wasn’t until it arrived that I realised who the author was. I tend to shy away from celebrity authors as there are so many fabulous authors already out there.
That said it was a nice easy read. The bickering and egging on of each of the brothers with ridiculous dares was funny especially when the worm and Aunt Nora’s toes collide and when Dottie the dog attacks the hula hoops. I did find myself having a chuckle.
However, I just found the story disjointed, I didn’t think things ‘flowed’ Aunt Nora seems like she will play a major part but fizzles out after the first couple of chapters. The ‘scary’ and mean Mr Nettles doesn’t have the impact I thought he would.
I did feel sorry for Jack, being left all alone while his Dad is at work, having to make his own dinner of jam sandwiches and liked the fact that he found friends in Blossom & the secret gang. I also liked the part when they realise they can talk to animals, I mean who hasn’t wondered what their dog or cat is thinking or what their barks and meows mean. I know I have.
The ending though just felt unfinished. There was no closure and then a cliff hanger just a cliff hanger. I get that it would lead to the next book but it just felt there were pages missing.
I gave it 3 ⭐️ as it is a nice, easy and quick read with a twist.
That said it was a nice easy read. The bickering and egging on of each of the brothers with ridiculous dares was funny especially when the worm and Aunt Nora’s toes collide and when Dottie the dog attacks the hula hoops. I did find myself having a chuckle.
However, I just found the story disjointed, I didn’t think things ‘flowed’ Aunt Nora seems like she will play a major part but fizzles out after the first couple of chapters. The ‘scary’ and mean Mr Nettles doesn’t have the impact I thought he would.
I did feel sorry for Jack, being left all alone while his Dad is at work, having to make his own dinner of jam sandwiches and liked the fact that he found friends in Blossom & the secret gang. I also liked the part when they realise they can talk to animals, I mean who hasn’t wondered what their dog or cat is thinking or what their barks and meows mean. I know I have.
The ending though just felt unfinished. There was no closure and then a cliff hanger just a cliff hanger. I get that it would lead to the next book but it just felt there were pages missing.
I gave it 3 ⭐️ as it is a nice, easy and quick read with a twist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2020
I was lucky to get a Netgalley Arc of Jack Ryder's debut Middle Grade Jack's Secret Summer and yes it is Jack Ryder who was in Eastenders. I admit I was a bit dubious as there seems to be an influx of famous people writing books especially Middle Grade Books but boy was I wrong. Jack's first novel was so entertaining all the characters were lovable I loved the Buckley Boys they were hilarious. This book has so much magic and mystery you could shake a stick at and the reveal towards the end I was not expecting that. While reading this I could visualize how this book could be turned into a series and I think that it would be wonderful. Having a girl in the mix brought back childhood memories for me as I was blossom I played with the boys who were around the same age as me so thank you for bringing back those memories for. I am not going to give a synopsis of the book I just want you to read it and have a whale of a time like I did. So I have to give this wonderful book 5 stars and I be picking up the next book Jack's Secret Summer
June 5, 2020
I enjoyed the silliness at the beginning of this read. The two brothers next door inviting Jack to witness their bet, to eat 8 cans of kidney beans (yuck)
It seems the children will be left to their own devices for a few days so the adventure begins when the trio look at the abandoned house to keep their dog Dottie, after their aunt has thrown her out.
A strange girl who can't remember her name and a missing father.
I'm not sure I would have left such a big cliffhanger at the end so hope book 2 is on the way. A silly, fun adventure.
It seems the children will be left to their own devices for a few days so the adventure begins when the trio look at the abandoned house to keep their dog Dottie, after their aunt has thrown her out.
A strange girl who can't remember her name and a missing father.
I'm not sure I would have left such a big cliffhanger at the end so hope book 2 is on the way. A silly, fun adventure.
July 15, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. Think my class would love it and I could use it as a great stimulus for them. Glad the ending finished as it did as I did want more action and adventure. Look forward to the next book.
August 24, 2020
I enjoyed this middle grade book overall. The plot was interesting and the characters quite sweet and often funny. This would have been a four star but the ending annoyed me - I won’t give anything away but it’s clearly being set up for another book/ series.
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August 29, 2020I liked the dynamics between the characters – siblings & friendships – and found myself enjoying the fantastical elements. Interested to see where the next book takes the story & characters.
A fun middle grade read.
A fun middle grade read.
June 20, 2025
This book was incredibly dull and stupid. I started reading this one physically and didn't think I would make it to the end but then found the audiobook and finished it off that way. Still boring. It's not a book geared towards people my age but I would not recommend it to a child, either.
August 11, 2020
A must read
My two 9 year old boys loved this book and so did I. It is full of excitement and adventure. They can't wait for the next installment. I really recommend this book.
My two 9 year old boys loved this book and so did I. It is full of excitement and adventure. They can't wait for the next installment. I really recommend this book.
January 1, 2021
I was surprised by how good this was, it looks like the start of a good series.
March 2, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. So many unexpected things happened and at the end of the book is such a big cliffhanger.
May 22, 2021
This was a solid read and was just getting good but it cut off so abruptly that I double checked it wasn't missing anything but nope that's really how the author chose to end it. Too annoying.
August 20, 2023
This was such a fun, light and easy read! Magical and imaginative 😍I would really recommend this and I can't wait to read the sequel
February 22, 2024
Ends in a cliffhanger. 'Nuff said.
May 27, 2020
A fantastic story with the biggest cliff hanger - I hope Jack is busy writing the next book! What group of friends wouldn’t want to explore an old mysterious house during their summer holidays. A great adventure - looking for Blossom’s Dad but maybe finding something else. Oh and I’d LOVE to be able to speak to an elephant (maybe I just need to listen more carefully and have a little bit of magic). A brilliant story that children and adults alike are going to enjoy
June 5, 2021
OMG, I loved this book. The pure mystery and magic in this book were incredible. The world-building was absolutely perfect, and there were many twists and turns. Some you will expect and some you won't. Cannot wait for the second book.
August 5, 2024
If I had children, I'd definitely let them read this book. It's just that magical. 5/5 for plot though I wish I knew it ended in a cliffhanger. Now I have to search for the second book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews