⭐ The Summer of Second Chances by K. L. Walther - Quick Overview
- Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
- Themes: Love, friendship, family, grief, dementia, identity, travel.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Recommended for fans of: Love & Gelato, Sarah Dessen, and YA Books that Inspire Wanderlust
📚 The Summer of Second Chances Summary
Olivia Lupo’s life is about to change as she’s forced to spend three weeks in Martha’s Vineyard. Translation? Three weeks away from her beloved grandmother Annie, who is battling dementia. Three weeks living with her stepmother’s family and feeling like an outcast. And three weeks sharing a bedroom with Connor McCallister—fearlessly upfront, blue-eyed, and completely knee-melting.
💭 My Thoughts
This book was such a gem! On a personal level, the premise was too relatable not to pick it up, but I was pleasantly surprised by the settings, the characters, the plot twists, the character depth and growth, and all the themes the author explores.
From the very first chapters, anyone who has ever dealt with dementia, can easily relate to Olivia and what she is going through, so it is almost impossible not to get hooked by this story. The author does an outstanding job not only at portraying the cruel ways of this neurodegenerative disease, but also at showing how the characters deal with it. There are moments of patience, humor, frustration, and heartbreak. Often all at once. Actually, Olivia herself describes the disease to perfection:
“Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease were both cruel to the person suffering and devastating to their loving families.”
Following Olivia’s allusions to movies, it kind of feels like each visit or call to her grandmother is like “a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” Will it be her loving Annie calling her dearest and asking her about her day? Surely, each of those visits are cherished moments she holds onto. But what if it is one of those days when her grandmother does not recognize her and her heart quietly breaks behind a carefully held smile?
Either way, the idea of spending three weeks away from her doesn’t sit well with Olivia. And yet, it is during one of those visits that Annie—ever the globetrotter—encourages her to go to Martha’s Vineyard, a place filled with some of her fondest memories.
🏖️ The Summer in Martha’s Vineyard
The story takes a lighter turn when Olivia arrives at her stepfamily’s house and is introduced to a cast of cheerful new characters. Feeling like an outsider in the Carmichael world, she retreats to her room and focuses on her mission: visiting all the places Annie once loved, guided by her old Polaroid photos.
Enter Connor McCallister: roommate, old-camp acquaintance, manny, laccrosse player and fearlessly up-front. Also? He’s had a crush on Olivia since he first met her. Problem? She doesn’t remember him.
Over the next few weeks, Connor and Olivia start hanging out and visiting all the spots in Olivia’s list, while taking part in family events, enjoying the beach, eating delicious fudge, and overcoming a fear of heights.
Olivia is afraid of losing loved ones, but Connor wants to show her he is not going anywhere.
❤️ What I Loved the Most
• The charming small-town setting and vivid descriptions that transport you straight to Martha’s Vineyard
• The summer vibes (I’m a confessed sucker for those!)
• The Carmichael family game nights
• The fun and nostalgic movie references
• Connor McCallister ❤️
• The exploration of family and stepfamily dynamics
• The storyline of uncovering Annie’s past and Olivia discovering a whole new side of her grandmother
💔 What Didn’t Work for Me
To be honest, I absolutely adored this book. If I had to mention one small thing, it would be that the ending felt a bit rushed. Olivia is such a well-developed character, and her growth throughout the story is so meaningful that the conclusion felt slightly abrupt in comparison. But, then again, it still makes perfect sense in light of the book’s title, a fact I actually love.
✨ Favorite Quotes
“Olivia?”
“Yeah?” I just barely asked, my eyelids drifting shut. I heard him swallow hard.
“You don’t remember me, do you?”
“A couple weeks of fun never hurt anyone…”
“You’re his dream girl, Olivia. The camp crush that got away. Whether he knew it or not, I think he was saving his heart for you.”
🌍 Vibes / Tropes
- beach
- summer romance
- stepfamily
- travel / wanderlust
📚 Similar Books to The Summer of Second Chances
- Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch (travel and family secrets)
- Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson (family, summer, grief and romance)
- The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson (love, loss, family)
🎯 Final Verdict
I had a great time reading The Summer of Second Chances, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light, heartfelt summer read. It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories with a strong focus on family, a touch of drama, and a swoon-worthy boy whose fearless compliments will leave you tongue-tied.
💬 Reader Question
Have you read The Summer of Second Chances or any other books by K. L. Walther? What did you think? Would you recommend it?
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About Me
📍Dumbo - New York
I'm Zøe!
I write heartfelt, character-driven fiction featuring resilient teenage heroines navigating personal challenges and striving to become their best selves. Beyond my novels, I love storytelling in all its forms. On this blog, I share narrative-rich travel pieces, offering glimpses into my favorite places, hidden corners, and unforgettable encounters around the globe.
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