Review: Other People's Summers by Sarah Morgan

Other People's Summers by Sarah Morgan

Publication Date: May 6th 2025 by Canary Street Press & Harlequin Audio

Pages: 320

Audio Book Length: 10hrs 16mins

Narrator: Henrietta Meire

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Milly and Nicole have been best friends since childhood staying close even when their lives took very different paths. Nicole fulfilled her dream of becoming a famous actor and Milly took over her family’s resort in the Lake District, marrying and having a child. However, when Milly’s husband left her for another woman, Nicole ghosted her, breaking her heart even more.

 

Now, Nicole is in desperate need of sanctuary, a place to hide out when scandal hits, and she calls Milly. Milly isn’t keen on helping, but she can’t say no.

 

I was pulled into the story from the first page! Milly was trying to do her best raising her teenage daughter while managing the hurt and betrayal she felt not only by her ex-husband (a real jerk!), but by the abandonment of her best friend. I wouldn’t have been too happy with Nicole either if I were Milly, but I was eager to hear what was behind her behavior.

 

Nicole was dealing with a lot. She was grateful for the second chance with Milly and her family, the only place she ever felt loved growing up.

 

Other People’s Summers was such a lovely, compelling story; completely captivating! Sarah Morgan writes flawed, relatable characters that I end up rooting for every time! Her settings are always gorgeous, making me want to visit every place she writes about. There was even a bit of romance for both Milly and Nicole. A definite recommend!

 

I alternately listened to and read an audio and e-copy. I’ve listened to and enjoyed Henrietta Meire in the past and she performed all voices, male and female beautifully with appropriate emotions. I can recommend either version.

4.5 Stars

Book Description:

A famous actress whose life is unraveling flees to an idyllic English lakeside resort and the best friend she ghosted in this poignant and witty story from the USA TODAY bestselling author of The Book Club Hotel.  

In school, Milly Beckett and Nicole Raven were as close as sisters. Now, years later, a gulf separates them, and not just because of the different spheres they inhabit. Nicole is a global superstar with the world at her fingertips, but when scandal breaks, she turns to the only person she trusts.

Fresh from a painful divorce and struggling to balance her work and raising her daughter alone, Milly is tempted to refuse her friend’s plea for help. Nicole wasn’t there for her when she needed her most, and that’s hard to forgive. But Nicole is desperate and Milly agrees to give her the sanctuary she needs.

Against a stunning Lake District backdrop, stilted small talk gradually gives way to soul-deep revelations as the two women slowly find their way back to one another. Living with Milly gives Nicole a glimpse of a different path for herself, and Milly starts to see a life beyond her divorce, including the possibility of a new romance. But Nicole can’t stay hidden forever—and neither can the secret she’s been keeping from Milly, a secret that threatens both her future happiness and the fragile bond between them.

Heartwarming and hopeful, Other People’s Summers explores the beauty of friendship, the power of forgiveness, the impact of the choices we make and the many ways in which life can surprise us.