'A Summer of Chances' Book Review #15

Roxanne Tully gifted me this book for an honest review and to say the least? I loved this story and the characters. I am a hopeless romantic so that is probably why I love all love stories! Before I begin on my personal thoughts of this book, I would like to give you the synopsis from Goodreads:

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"Feeling trapped by the mundane surroundings of her hometown, undeclared college student Amy Kragen escapes cross country in a blind trust in fate. Fate, being a pop-up ad for Bays Beach Summer Camp—just as she was looking for a “sign.”

After miraculously landing a job with room and board as the camps’ new nature art counselor, Amy started feeling more comfortable with her decision. Unfortunately, her very existence becomes a nuisance for Rick Foster, an athletic water sports instructor with captivating green eyes. She seems to always be getting in his way—making running into him a dreadful moment each time. That is until forced joint camp sessions start leading to spontaneous adventures and an undeniable attraction.

But when Amy continues to ignore her uncertain future, friends and family step in with a reality check. Will she turn away and go back to a safe existence, or follow through on her journey of taking chances?"

I received this book only a few days ago but yesterday I sat down and began reading it and surprisingly finished 'A Summer of Chances' in a day! It was fairly short, much top my dismay and I didn't have much planned yesterday.

The characters were different in my opinion-- a good different which I like to and look forward to. Amy and Rick really did not like each other for the longest time and you knew it was sincere. Yet after awhile, especially after the rain storm, you could tell that their hearts were attempting to get to their heads and make them understand that the feelings were there. Yet, they didn't believe it. So it frustrated you but thankfully, it also made the story longer.

The change of setting was unique. I haven't read many books were it's located in a summer camp where the love interests were counselors. The only book I can think of is from my childhood. The book by Jonathan Rand, whom I met in elementary school and got lots of his books signed, American Chillers: Mega-Monsters. I think he was the reason I fell in love with reading. Other than Rand's book, Roxanne Tully's 'A Summer of Chances' is the only other book I have read with a summer camp setting and I loved it.

Picture by @tashaslibrary on IG

If I am being completely honest, I must say that I truly enjoyed how Rick didn't shove Haley away like you would expect. Because, sometimes that isn't reality. Now, it was obvious he had no interest in her but it still boiled your blood when he kissed her on the beach after having a romantic time with Amy, just to show Haley that there was no feelings and then showing up to the party together. That was extremely rude but not all men are going to be perfect. So those flaws really built character for Rick I believed.

This book would be wonderful for middle school students, teenagers and young adult readers. It's not too explicit and it's not childish whatsoever. I believe it lays down an important message to all young readers who aren't in college yet or to those who are: you do not need a plan. People will always try to shove the fact that you must go to college to make good money which is not at all true. However, there is nothing wrong with attending college if that is what your heart desires. If you do go to college and you feel like the major you chose actually isn't for you, it is completely acceptable to change your majors. It is your life and future after all. Never let anyone tell you what to do with your life! Roxanne made that message clear in my eyes; not needing a plan to succeed.