The Summer of Second Chances

Gr 7 Up–This entertaining summer romance is a wholesome and sweet read that focuses on family connections and reflecting on the past. Olivia deferred her first year of college to stay connected with her grandmother, who has dementia. On a family trip to Martha’s ­Vineyard, Olivia encounters Connor, a boy she knew in the past. The romance between the two is endearing, and the balance between Olivia dealing with her personal life and their relationship is well done. The minor mystery is not well developed, and the story grazes the surface of Olivia’s immediate family relationships while not delving deeper into connections with other family members. The accessible chapters are well-paced and contained. While the story discusses heavier topics, including grief and familial issues, it does so in a way that is relevant for its audience. Race of the characters is not mentioned.