Book Review: A Summer in Nixie

A Summer in Nixie is a new YA novel by Kathryn Jeanne that is perfect for summer. Kathryn kindly sent me a copy and it was one of the books I brought with me to potentially read while I was on vacation. I didn’t end up getting to read it until this week, but once I started I was hooked!

The novel follows Ava and Chris, both newly graduated from high school and spending the summer in Nixie. Chris’ grandparents live in Nixie and he used to spend all of his summers there except for the past few years when he opted to stay home where his friends and girlfriend were. But, now, after his breakup he decided he’d rather spend one more summer in Nixie before college rather than seeing his ex at all the summer gatherings and parties. Ava has never been to Nixie before, but her mother used to spend her summers there until she went off to college. After her parents’ divorce rocked both her and her mother’s world, they want to spend the summer in Nixie to get away from their hometown and relax on the beach with its small town vibes.

Ava, who is usually introverted, quickly becomes friends with Lucy who lives in Nixie year round. Lucy’s outgoing personality pulls Ava in and helps her become more social, which includes meeting all of Lucy’s friends including Chris.

We follow Ava and Chris’ summer in Nixie as they navigate their feelings for one another, friendships, family life, and life after high school.

I really liked this book and felt fully immersed in summer in Nixie. This is a great coming of age novel, especially for summer, and think it could make for a great series!