Review: The Summer of Christmas by Juliet and Keith Giglio
Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
When I tell you I was PUMPED for this book…I was pumped. It was easy and fun, but a little too cheesy. I think the concept is genius but it missed the mark on execution for me. There were so many characters at the center and I think that took away from the main storyline.
But, if you love Christmas and need a little joy, this book about filming a Christmas movie in the Summer will be a great beach read. It’s about heartbreak, following your dreams, and soulmates among the glamour of Hollywood.
Synopsis:
“A hopeful LA screenwriter behind the scenes of her first exciting successful filmA dramatic face-to-face with her first love—who broke up with her five years ago at Christmastime (the jerk!)The magic, mystery, and hijinks of making a Christmas movie—in the middle of summer!A second chance for everyone to get things right, finally
Up-and-coming LA screenwriter Ivy Green is about to have her life turned upside down. Her movie, based on her and her high school sweetheart, Nick Shepherd, is being filmed in her hometown. In the middle of summer, during the month of July, the production crew creates a winter wonderland Christmas.
Nick is less than thrilled to see Ivy after all this time. Especially because in her movie version of their relationship, she kills his character off. To complicate matters, Ivy isn't sure of her relationship with the producer, the town is overflowing with movie stars and adoring fans, and worst of all—the actress playing Ivy develops a crush on the real Nick! Now, with renewed and confusing feelings about Nick, Ivy is determined to see if there is anything left between them, but in the end, Ivy will need to re-write her life script to finally get everything she ever wanted.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Concept—How much do I love a Christmas story and movie? I thought it was such a clever concept to discuss the filming of a Christmas movie since they tend to shoot them out of season.
The Tone—I read this book after a challenging week and it was easy, fun, and joyful.
The Setting—It takes place in Geneva, New York which is not too far from where I live! I had never read a book that takes place there so it was fun to know a lot of the references.
What Didn’t Work:
Pacing—I’m picky with pacing and this just missed the mark. It was like a race for no reason.
Too Much Going On—Sooooo many characters with wonderful discoveries to make and not enough time to tell them, leaving everyone feeling one dimensional.
Writing—The authors are screenwriters and that was evident in the writing. This would be a fantastic film! But I think with books, less is more and focusing on Nick and Ivy would have been more than enough.
Character Authenticity: 3/5 Steam Rating: 0/5 Overall Rating: 2.75/5
Content Warnings:
loss of parents (past/brief), boating accident