Mason is still struggling to reconcile the scars of the injury that kept him out of the big leagues, stuck in his hometown, and searching for a way out. This newcomer and the child they’ve saved together might be just the motivation he needs to stay put. Sparks fly as Mason acquaints Daisy with Cape Carolina, introducing her to his friends and family, including his batty Aunt Tilley, who is looking for relief from long-buried family secrets and her own fresh start.
But as Daisy becomes increasingly attached to this abandoned child, and begins facing her own demons in the process, a startling discovery is made that threatens to rip the entire town of Cape Carolina apart, placing Daisy, Mason, and Tilley in the center of the storm.
In a novel that proves that “Kristy Woodson Harvey is (the) go-to for elevated beach reads” (People), they will each learn that with love, understanding—and a community theater production of Hello, Dolly!—sometimes life conspires to bring us just exactly where we belong.
Summer State of Mind has all the makings of a breezy beach read, a charming setting, an unexpected new arrival and a budding romance. And judging by the overwhelmingly positive response from readers, most people would agree. For me, however, a few elements kept pulling me out of the story.
The central premise revolves around an abandoned newborn discovered in a dumpster, which sets up what could be a gripping emotional journey. Unfortunately, the handling of this storyline required more suspension of disbelief than I was able to manage, making it difficult to fully invest in the plot.
The romance, while sweet, also felt rushed. The connection between the characters developed so quickly that it was hard to feel the emotional side. A slower burn would have worked better (for me anyways).
Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication May 5, 2026
by Gallery Books
3/5 stars
Summer State of Mind has all the makings of a breezy beach read, a charming setting, an unexpected new arrival and a budding romance. And judging by the overwhelmingly positive response from readers, most people would agree. For me, however, a few elements kept pulling me out of the story.
The central premise revolves around an abandoned newborn discovered in a dumpster, which sets up what could be a gripping emotional journey. Unfortunately, the handling of this storyline required more suspension of disbelief than I was able to manage, making it difficult to fully invest in the plot.
The romance, while sweet, also felt rushed. The connection between the characters developed so quickly that it was hard to feel the emotional side. A slower burn would have worked better (for me anyways).
Summer State of Mind is a story of new beginnings, healing past hurts and family - where family doesn't necessarily mean blood connections. Harvey has a warm, inviting writing style that keeps me reading her books. She still delivered the feel-good resolution fans of her and this genre are looking for. If you're a Kristy Woodson Harvey fan or just need a light summer escape, check this one out, it releases today.
My thanks to to Gallery Books for the advanced copy in exchange for a honest review.
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