REVIEW: The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

Review by Luisa.

Mia's first boyfriend has just finished with her, and her only consolation is that she's now on her way to the beaches of Long Island, back to the holiday spot where she used to spend long, happy summers with her like-minded cousin. She can't wait to pass her days swimming and running around with the ocean breeze in her hair. But when she reaches her aunt and uncle's holiday home, she finds that her favourite cousin has changed and become as snobby as her older sister. Now Mia feels like a third wheel, and her idyllic summer starts to fill with insecurity and loneliness. And then she meets a boy - someone her cousins keep telling her not to trust. If only he didn't make Mia feel so free...

Novels about summer holidays (or 'vacations', if the novels are American) are practically a sub-genre of romantic YA fiction, and I for one am very glad about that! This book is a wonderful example of the genre - it has a beautiful (and beautifully described) location, weeks of heartache and self-discovery, and a fascinating boy to root for. That said, this book also holds plenty of surprises, both in the plot and in the characters. Alongside Mia, we soon learn that not everything is quite what it seems with the people she's surrounded by for the summer. I loved the development of Mia's family situation and the gradual revelations that kept me eagerly turning the pages. And then there's the romance - sigh. Simon is an intriguing and unusual hero, and his relationship with Mia truly sizzles.

I found this book a delight to read. I'd liken Amanda Howells to an American Kate le Vann, and anyone who loves Kate le Vann's novels (like me) should definitely enjoy this. More generally, I highly recommend this book to fans of thoughtful, summery and romantic coming-of-age fiction.

Review by Luisa

Comments

[Rowena]

I have this book in my TBR pile. I'm glad to see that you liked it because I'm excited to read it now. Thanks for the review.

[Sophie]

Ooh, I love Kate le Vann! I'm so reading this one! Thanks for great review, Luisa!

[Carly]

Yay I've got a copy of this one coming in the post! Can't wait!x

[Jenn]

I have not read Kate le Vann at all, but I loved this one, I think I need to pick up one of these other novels too! :)

[Lauren]

This sounds lovely. I really like summer holiday novels too, especially when read during summer. You've definitely tempted me to pick this one up.