Book Review: One Lucky Summer by Jenny Oliver

I’m so pleased to welcome Jenny Oliver to Novel Kicks today and the blog tour for her new novel, One Lucky Summer. 

With an air of faded splendour, Willoughby Hall was an idyllic childhood home to Ruben de Lacy. Gazing at it now, decades later, the memories are flooding back, and not all of them are welcome…

In a tumbledown cottage in Willoughby’s grounds, Dolly and Olive King lived with their eccentric explorer father. One of the last things he did was to lay a treasure hunt before he died, but when events took an unexpected turn, Dolly and Olive left Willoughby for good, never to complete it.

But when Ruben uncovers a secret message, hidden for decades, he knows he needs Olive and Dolly’s help. Can the three of them solve the treasure hunt, and will piecing together the clues help them understand what happened to their families that summer, all those years ago?

*****

Olive and Dolly spent their childhood living in a cottage on the grounds of Willoughby Hall, the estate owned by the De Lacy family.

The girl’s father sets up a treasure hunt for them but tragedy means that the girls leave before completing it.

Years later, Ruben De Lacy is back at his family’s estate. By accident, he uncovers the first clue in that last treasure hunt.

Can the three of them solve the clues and work through what happened between their families all those years ago?

First, I want to say how much I loved the cover to this novel. It’s so pretty.

I really loved the premise of this novel and so I was eager to be part of the blog tour. Mystery, lost love and treasure hunts.

Told from the point of view of Ruben, Olive and Dolly, it gave me a real insight into what each of them were feeling and how three people can remember events so different and then, how that perspective can bring clarity.

Olive and Dolly have been running from their shared past for so long and have such a misunderstanding of each other. It was interesting to see how their relationship developed through the book.

Yes, this book covers themes of lost love but it also looks at how that isn’t just restricted to romantic love. Family love can be lost. I really wanted them both be OK.

The character that frustrated me the most was actually Ruben. To begin with, there isn’t much to redeem him. Whether he does get better is something I hope you’ll find out for yourself.

The setting for this book was lovely and so vivid. I could see myself at this house, in the sun, with these characters. Can I go there?

One Lucky Summer is a book about love, relationships, family and self discovery. It’s a unique, beautifully written novel that has humour and warmth. There were heartbreaking moments as well as life affirming ones. I didn’t want to leave these characters behind .

It’s a perfect book to get lost in regardless of whether it’s sunny outside.

About Jenny Oliver:

Jenny Oliver is a bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Twice nominated for the RNA Best Contemporary Novel award, Jenny’s books explore the ups and downs of relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after.

In the past she has had jobs ranging from an elf in the Disney store, a personal trainer, journalist, editor and now, by far the best, a writer.

In her spare time she can be found cajoling her family out to car boot sales, trying to reign in her competitiveness on the netball court and subtly eavesdropping on strangers’ conversations as inspiration for her next book.

Say hello to Jenny via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or via her blog. 

One Lucky Summer was released by HQ on 5th August 2021. Click to view on Amazon. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.