The Summers Between Us, Noreen Nanja (Review by Karina Kaushal)

Rating: 4.0/5 Stars

Wes lives next door to Lia’s family cottage, where she spends her summers. They’re both school-aged kids when they meet, experiencing young love, but internalize their feelings for fear of Lia’s strict Gujrati parents. Their long-distance relationship stands the test of time, as they reunite each summer and long for each other.

This slow burn romance, set in a summer cottage land is perfect for fans of Carley Fortune, but with a second-generation immigrant perspective. I found it relatable as a second-generation immigrant myself. The contrast between Wes and Lia’s family dynamics were something I grew up noticing. I particularly enjoyed that Wes chose to navigate through the challenges Lia’s family presented, rather than using them against Lia, which I feel is always an insecurity for second generation immigrants.

This book was full of depth and skillfully tackled the subject of creating a self-identity with the backdrop of family expectations, with a strong romantic plot.