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My Bittersweet Summer
Margaret Walsh worked for six years to overcome the trauma she endured at the hands of bullies as a kid, and graduation promises the chance to start over in college and leave the past behind her for good.
What was supposed to be her last summer of fun before moving to Paris turns into a nightmare as her parents announce they're taking over management of a restaurant in the New England beach town where she spent her childhood. For them, it's an amazing possibility. For her, it means confronting memories— and people— she'd rather forget.
Margie's all grown up now, but some things never change. When Zach Robinson insists he's not the bully she remembers, it's all she can do not to laugh. Still, if she's learned anything over years, it's that everyone deserves an opportunity to be better.
Even lost causes need second chances, but with her heart on the line, asking her to bet on a long shot might take more faith than she's willing to give.
What was supposed to be her last summer of fun before moving to Paris turns into a nightmare as her parents announce they're taking over management of a restaurant in the New England beach town where she spent her childhood. For them, it's an amazing possibility. For her, it means confronting memories— and people— she'd rather forget.
Margie's all grown up now, but some things never change. When Zach Robinson insists he's not the bully she remembers, it's all she can do not to laugh. Still, if she's learned anything over years, it's that everyone deserves an opportunity to be better.
Even lost causes need second chances, but with her heart on the line, asking her to bet on a long shot might take more faith than she's willing to give.
298 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2015
About the author
Starla Huchton
42 books202 followersA geek of all trades, Starla Huchton has been crafting stories in various genres since 2007. She is a three-time finalist for Parsec Awards for her podcast fiction work, and was the first place winner for Science Fiction & Fantasy in the Sandy competition in 2012. Her work spans science fiction, fantasy, New Adult Romance, Young Adult titles, Steampunk, Contemporary, and various other varieties of stories. She is greedy and likes all the genres!
When not writing, Starla designs book covers for independent authors and publishers at DesignedByStarla.com, and also provides audiobook narration for authors such as Kevin J. Anderson, Lindsay Buroker, and many more.
When not writing, Starla designs book covers for independent authors and publishers at DesignedByStarla.com, and also provides audiobook narration for authors such as Kevin J. Anderson, Lindsay Buroker, and many more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It's a lot more serious than the description sounds and deals with some troubling themes of bullying but in a very sophisticated way. Strangely, the idea of calling it a romance almost trivializes that (and I LIKE romance). It reminded me a lot of On the Fence by Kasie West but I think I liked this one better.
March 1, 2020
A true bully romance, like wow.
It took Margaret Walsh over six years to get over the torment of her childhood in Carrinaw Island. While she is still coping with PTSD and severe anxiety/panic attacks, she's managed to find her passion and pursue it. She only has one summer left until she leaves to study in Paris. The day before summer begins, her parents drop the bomb that they've taken a job back on Carrinaw Island with the Robinsons. AKA the place and son of Margie's torment.
Margie's plan is to lay low and work for her parents all summer. However, that's derailed when her old friend Des wants to reconnect and Zach Robinson is determined to prove to her that he's changed. This was such a good story about mental health, past torture, friendship and romance. The cooking and baking was an added bonus, I love books with food.
Des was such an easy person to like. Her friendship with Margie was so effortless and I loved that Margie had someone to support her. The only thing that bugged me, was that they mainly talked about boys. Come on!! Romance might've been the main plot driving factor, but they could've had more conversations not about guys. On the flip side though, Margie develops a platonic friendship with on of the other prep cooks Carter. I NEED MORE PLATONIC FRIENDSHIPS BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE FRIENDS. Why is this not more of theme!? Or even more male/male friendships between gay men and female/female friendships between lesbians. Like YES PLEASE.
The romance between Zach and Margie was adorable. I was a bit annoyed at first when he wouldn't take no for an answer. But after his gigantic mistake, he really worked on himself. I liked that he came to the realization that if he wanted to change, it had to be for himself and not for Margie. They spend a good majority of this book not together, which I was really impressed with. And then they actually developed an amazing friendship basis. IT WAS SO GOOD.
I laughed and happy danced way too much through this. But there was also moments that were sad and crushing. Margie constantly struggles with PTSD and panic attacks. She doesn't shy away from her torment either. She lays it out for Zach with how bad his friends tortured her. There was so much packed into this short story and I cannot recommend it enough.
It took Margaret Walsh over six years to get over the torment of her childhood in Carrinaw Island. While she is still coping with PTSD and severe anxiety/panic attacks, she's managed to find her passion and pursue it. She only has one summer left until she leaves to study in Paris. The day before summer begins, her parents drop the bomb that they've taken a job back on Carrinaw Island with the Robinsons. AKA the place and son of Margie's torment.
Margie's plan is to lay low and work for her parents all summer. However, that's derailed when her old friend Des wants to reconnect and Zach Robinson is determined to prove to her that he's changed. This was such a good story about mental health, past torture, friendship and romance. The cooking and baking was an added bonus, I love books with food.
Des was such an easy person to like. Her friendship with Margie was so effortless and I loved that Margie had someone to support her. The only thing that bugged me, was that they mainly talked about boys. Come on!! Romance might've been the main plot driving factor, but they could've had more conversations not about guys. On the flip side though, Margie develops a platonic friendship with on of the other prep cooks Carter. I NEED MORE PLATONIC FRIENDSHIPS BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE FRIENDS. Why is this not more of theme!? Or even more male/male friendships between gay men and female/female friendships between lesbians. Like YES PLEASE.
The romance between Zach and Margie was adorable. I was a bit annoyed at first when he wouldn't take no for an answer. But after his gigantic mistake, he really worked on himself. I liked that he came to the realization that if he wanted to change, it had to be for himself and not for Margie. They spend a good majority of this book not together, which I was really impressed with. And then they actually developed an amazing friendship basis. IT WAS SO GOOD.
I laughed and happy danced way too much through this. But there was also moments that were sad and crushing. Margie constantly struggles with PTSD and panic attacks. She doesn't shy away from her torment either. She lays it out for Zach with how bad his friends tortured her. There was so much packed into this short story and I cannot recommend it enough.
May 30, 2016
I couldn't finish this one.
The first quarter of this book was a lot of filler.
Conversations and events were repeated with the heroine's BFF. I read the story the first time around, I do not need to revisit it with the BFF.
I understand that Margie went through with the bullies in her childhood, but now she just seemed moody with everyone. I did not really like her. I have NO IDEA why Zachery looked up to her and wanted to be by her. This did not flow for me. It felt like reverse bullying. Zachery's friends bullied Margie years before and now it felt like Margie was bullying Zachery. Margie annoyed me.
I could not connect. I usually love these type of stories. LOVE THEM, but the heroine has to be more likable for me to empathize with her. There are so many great stories like this where the heroine overcomes the bullying and becomes a better person, but Margie needs anger management and to focus on who to really focus her anger on. Her parents were jerks, but she was a jerk too at times. This did not work for me. It felt awkward. Not one character I liked or cared what happened to them.
You may love it. Reading is subjective. This is my opinion.
The first quarter of this book was a lot of filler.
Conversations and events were repeated with the heroine's BFF. I read the story the first time around, I do not need to revisit it with the BFF.
I understand that Margie went through with the bullies in her childhood, but now she just seemed moody with everyone. I did not really like her. I have NO IDEA why Zachery looked up to her and wanted to be by her. This did not flow for me. It felt like reverse bullying. Zachery's friends bullied Margie years before and now it felt like Margie was bullying Zachery. Margie annoyed me.
I could not connect. I usually love these type of stories. LOVE THEM, but the heroine has to be more likable for me to empathize with her. There are so many great stories like this where the heroine overcomes the bullying and becomes a better person, but Margie needs anger management and to focus on who to really focus her anger on. Her parents were jerks, but she was a jerk too at times. This did not work for me. It felt awkward. Not one character I liked or cared what happened to them.
You may love it. Reading is subjective. This is my opinion.
June 9, 2015
Ooh la la! this one really worth all the time I’ve absolutely devoured it. This Book came as a total surprise for me I didn’t expected to enjoy it this much.Although I’ve my doubts with this one but still I was curious so I gave it a try, and after reading the first chapter I was totally hooked. It was really a nice plot with dynamic characters and I’ve liked it till the end with a complete smile on my face. :)
Full Review Posted here: Dreamy Addictions
October 22, 2017
I had a hard time connecting with the characters of this story. At times I found her to be a little off putting and wanted to tell her to let go. Then I would end up feeling badly for her at times but I wasn't able to fully connect with her character. Plus the hero Zach didn’t do much for me either his whole reasoning for his actions in the past and ‘feelings’ for the heroine didn't sit well for me. I didn’t feel any kind of chemistry between the characters either. I’m picky about YA books and I really thought this one would be a hit for me but sadly it didn't meet my expectations.
What did you like about this audiobook?
Let me start off by saying I loved how she portrayed Margot’s character in this audiobook. I felt her inner struggles with her anxiety and trying to keep herself from cracking. Certain parts in the audio book I wanted to reach in and give Margot a hug and tell her it was going to be ok. The narrator really made me feel while I was listening to those scenes.
What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?
My main issue was the narrator seem to use the same voice for all the young male characters. At times I couldn’t tell Zach and Carter apart and it did get a little confusing.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
What did you like about this audiobook?
Let me start off by saying I loved how she portrayed Margot’s character in this audiobook. I felt her inner struggles with her anxiety and trying to keep herself from cracking. Certain parts in the audio book I wanted to reach in and give Margot a hug and tell her it was going to be ok. The narrator really made me feel while I was listening to those scenes.
What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?
My main issue was the narrator seem to use the same voice for all the young male characters. At times I couldn’t tell Zach and Carter apart and it did get a little confusing.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
August 31, 2015
Really, really liked this book.
It was a Young Adult summer read with depth.
Just to clarify, I'm not saying that all summer reads lack depth or that all summer reads have depth. I'm just saying that I believe this one has depth :)
Spoilers....
Margie is forced to return to a vacation island with her parents when they accept a management position at an exclusive restaurant. This is something she does not want to do as it will lead her to confront some demons from her pre-teen past. She was horribly bullied by 4 super affluent boys when she was a young girl to the point of moving away, being in therapy for many years after and suffering from PTSD.
At 18, she has one last summer before taking off to Paris for University and she is helping the parents with their new restaurant. in the time that Margie has lived elsewhere (6years) the boys have not changed but 1 of them wants to.
Really liked how the author addressed someone's need to change and how it's something easy to say and want but really difficult to actually do.
Margie is a smart, mature for her age and kind-these aspects to her personality may just be part of her nature and/or a result of the bullying and the therapy that followed but I like her.
Despite all this, she is still flawed and still dealing with some of the issues. To my way of thinking, something that was so traumatic does not simply just go away and it is completely understandable for her to not want to give one of her tormentors a 2nd chance even when they ask and almost beg for it. She was mean but this I believe is also understandable - once again, she was tormented for a long time and he was a part of the group. People say he has changed but it's hard for Margie to see it because she is a part of her pain, her story.
I believe that the author tried to address this when she introduced Carter another character that everyone warned Margie from going out with. No one wanted to give Carter a 2nd chance - they had him judged- but Margie had no problem with him because she was not caught up in his prior history of drama. I think Carter was also looking to start over but no one on the island could see it because they knew his history.
Zach, one of her tormentors, asks for forgiveness throughout the book and for a 2nd chance because he wants to change. He has suffered loss and more than a little guilt in the years that Margie has been away and wants to be a different person-he doesn't know who or what he wants to become just something different. Old habits are hard to break though and Margie makes him regret that he blew his 2nd chance. Margie had made Zach work a little for his 2nd chance but was not going to stand by and watch him let his friends act like jerks. She saw an aspect of his personality and respected that it was not her job to change him but neither was it her job to stand by and watch this-she cut him loose. This event is what crystalizes what and how Zach needs to change. It's her way of being that allows Zach to realize who and what kind of person he wants to be and it's this aspect of the story that I love so much.
She(author) showed us how he was a nice guy but that his friends and not standing up to them was a habit for so long that it was an instinctive reaction and hard to break.
I also appreciated how the author also doesn't want to just let everyone off the hook and say that everyone can be redeemed or wants to be redeemed.
It was a good read and I would definitely recommend and will definitely look for other books by this author.
It was a Young Adult summer read with depth.
Just to clarify, I'm not saying that all summer reads lack depth or that all summer reads have depth. I'm just saying that I believe this one has depth :)
Spoilers....
Margie is forced to return to a vacation island with her parents when they accept a management position at an exclusive restaurant. This is something she does not want to do as it will lead her to confront some demons from her pre-teen past. She was horribly bullied by 4 super affluent boys when she was a young girl to the point of moving away, being in therapy for many years after and suffering from PTSD.
At 18, she has one last summer before taking off to Paris for University and she is helping the parents with their new restaurant. in the time that Margie has lived elsewhere (6years) the boys have not changed but 1 of them wants to.
Really liked how the author addressed someone's need to change and how it's something easy to say and want but really difficult to actually do.
Margie is a smart, mature for her age and kind-these aspects to her personality may just be part of her nature and/or a result of the bullying and the therapy that followed but I like her.
Despite all this, she is still flawed and still dealing with some of the issues. To my way of thinking, something that was so traumatic does not simply just go away and it is completely understandable for her to not want to give one of her tormentors a 2nd chance even when they ask and almost beg for it. She was mean but this I believe is also understandable - once again, she was tormented for a long time and he was a part of the group. People say he has changed but it's hard for Margie to see it because she is a part of her pain, her story.
I believe that the author tried to address this when she introduced Carter another character that everyone warned Margie from going out with. No one wanted to give Carter a 2nd chance - they had him judged- but Margie had no problem with him because she was not caught up in his prior history of drama. I think Carter was also looking to start over but no one on the island could see it because they knew his history.
Zach, one of her tormentors, asks for forgiveness throughout the book and for a 2nd chance because he wants to change. He has suffered loss and more than a little guilt in the years that Margie has been away and wants to be a different person-he doesn't know who or what he wants to become just something different. Old habits are hard to break though and Margie makes him regret that he blew his 2nd chance. Margie had made Zach work a little for his 2nd chance but was not going to stand by and watch him let his friends act like jerks. She saw an aspect of his personality and respected that it was not her job to change him but neither was it her job to stand by and watch this-she cut him loose. This event is what crystalizes what and how Zach needs to change. It's her way of being that allows Zach to realize who and what kind of person he wants to be and it's this aspect of the story that I love so much.
She(author) showed us how he was a nice guy but that his friends and not standing up to them was a habit for so long that it was an instinctive reaction and hard to break.
I also appreciated how the author also doesn't want to just let everyone off the hook and say that everyone can be redeemed or wants to be redeemed.
It was a good read and I would definitely recommend and will definitely look for other books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2015
Margaret was horribly bullied by kids (mostly involving dead mice) and eventually got so badly hurt she was hospitalised for a while and her family moved away. She got 6 years of therapy and is ready to go to university in France.
But surprise! Her parents take a job in the first town, giving her 2 days notice so she has no choice but to move with them. She works in their restaurant, owned by the parents of one of the bullies, and they hire the kid, and make her work with him.
You know exactly where this is going, and it goes there, with an extra stupid side of "well, he only WATCHED his friends bully me constantly, so that's barely like bullying -- I never thought about that!"
That said the writing is really strong, it's too bad it's strong about such an incredibly stupid plot.
But surprise! Her parents take a job in the first town, giving her 2 days notice so she has no choice but to move with them. She works in their restaurant, owned by the parents of one of the bullies, and they hire the kid, and make her work with him.
You know exactly where this is going, and it goes there, with an extra stupid side of "well, he only WATCHED his friends bully me constantly, so that's barely like bullying -- I never thought about that!"
That said the writing is really strong, it's too bad it's strong about such an incredibly stupid plot.
November 18, 2015
I spent the beginning of the book thinking what giant assholes the main character's parents were for taking her back to a place where she was horribly traumatized. The middle was...meh. And the end? I literally rolled my eyes at the epilogue. Like, laying in bed and reading my kindle, I rolled them like a teenage girl whose mother just asked her to clean her room. The last two chapters killed me with their terribleness.
June 8, 2015
I wouldn't go so far as to say I hated all the characters, but I definitely didn't like every single one of them.
I couldn't understand what Zach saw in Margie. Margie was constantly angry and kept attacking his personality, which for me was an act of bullying. Zach acted like she was this really nice and caring person for teaching him at work when she was insulting him half the time. I also didn't get their talk about 'percentage' of Margie liking him; it just seemed to go up even when Zach did something stupid instead of going back to zero or something.
I also didn't like Margie's parents. Her parents pushed her to stay in the island, where she was bullied and almost died and got PTSD. Then her mom would get disappointed in her when she ranted against the Robinsons...but then it turned out that they accepted hush money all those years ago. Margie argued with them with no real end to the conversations and then next scene and they were all okay again. Nothing was resolved.
Margie's friend Destiny was no better. Carter was probably the most decent character, but he lacked more of a background story for me to emphatize with his womanizing reputation.
I couldn't understand what Zach saw in Margie. Margie was constantly angry and kept attacking his personality, which for me was an act of bullying. Zach acted like she was this really nice and caring person for teaching him at work when she was insulting him half the time. I also didn't get their talk about 'percentage' of Margie liking him; it just seemed to go up even when Zach did something stupid instead of going back to zero or something.
I also didn't like Margie's parents. Her parents pushed her to stay in the island, where she was bullied and almost died and got PTSD. Then her mom would get disappointed in her when she ranted against the Robinsons...but then it turned out that they accepted hush money all those years ago. Margie argued with them with no real end to the conversations and then next scene and they were all okay again. Nothing was resolved.
Margie's friend Destiny was no better. Carter was probably the most decent character, but he lacked more of a background story for me to emphatize with his womanizing reputation.
July 22, 2020
Kellemes kikapcsolódás volt, bár komolyabb, elgondolkodtató témákkal is foglalkozik a könyv. Margie nagyon erős és bátor lány, és Zach is szimpatikus lett, jó irányba változott önmaga és Margie kedvéért :) Összességében egy szuper LOL-könyv :)
September 28, 2017
Margie was terribly bullied as a child by a group of rich boys. After they caused a head injury that left her hospitalized, her family moved away and she spent the next 6 years in therapy to treat the emotional damage they caused. Even after years of therapy, she's still plagued by stress migraines and panic attacks. Despite this, Margie is an incredibly driven person and her dream is to become a chef. She's received a scholarship to study in Paris and plans to spend her last summer preparing for it.
When her parents are given an opportunity to manage an upscale restaurant, Margie is forced to move back to the same town where she was tormented all those years ago. She dreads meeting the group of boys who made her life miserable. Sure enough, she runs into them right away and nothing seems to have changed. Except for one person, Zach Robinson. Zach insists that he's changed and that he wants to show her that he's a different person now. But Margie's fears aren't so easy to overcome.
This was an intense read that held me from the first chapter. It's a wonderful story about second chances, overcoming challenges, and personal growth. I loved the author's writing style, it's a good slow burn. This was a clean read.
This book didn't feel like a typical YA novel, mostly because of the maturity of the characters. Margie was hardworking and responsible, and showed a depth and dedication I don't usually see in teen reads. She had her flaws, she had trouble controlling her anger. But this was balanced by her work ethic and innate kindness, and it just made her more real. Both Margie and Zach were well developed characters.
In the beginning, I was conflicted about what I wanted for Zach. The story was told from Margie's point of view, so the only evidence we had of his efforts to be a better person is what she saw. When he did things like locking the car door so she couldn't leave, and grabbing and kissing her against her will, those were red flags that just showed he hadn't changed. I loved that Margie called him on his stalker behavior. By the end, the author had really brought the story full circle and I was rooting for Zach.
The narration was well done, Lori Prince read dramatically and really put life into the story. She had the perfect voice for the story and was easy to listen to. I received a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
When her parents are given an opportunity to manage an upscale restaurant, Margie is forced to move back to the same town where she was tormented all those years ago. She dreads meeting the group of boys who made her life miserable. Sure enough, she runs into them right away and nothing seems to have changed. Except for one person, Zach Robinson. Zach insists that he's changed and that he wants to show her that he's a different person now. But Margie's fears aren't so easy to overcome.
This was an intense read that held me from the first chapter. It's a wonderful story about second chances, overcoming challenges, and personal growth. I loved the author's writing style, it's a good slow burn. This was a clean read.
This book didn't feel like a typical YA novel, mostly because of the maturity of the characters. Margie was hardworking and responsible, and showed a depth and dedication I don't usually see in teen reads. She had her flaws, she had trouble controlling her anger. But this was balanced by her work ethic and innate kindness, and it just made her more real. Both Margie and Zach were well developed characters.
In the beginning, I was conflicted about what I wanted for Zach. The story was told from Margie's point of view, so the only evidence we had of his efforts to be a better person is what she saw. When he did things like locking the car door so she couldn't leave, and grabbing and kissing her against her will, those were red flags that just showed he hadn't changed. I loved that Margie called him on his stalker behavior. By the end, the author had really brought the story full circle and I was rooting for Zach.
The narration was well done, Lori Prince read dramatically and really put life into the story. She had the perfect voice for the story and was easy to listen to. I received a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2017
This was an excellent book all around. Not only were the characters shockingly realistic, their actions served themselves, not the plot, not anything else. They remained consistent in who they were throughout (with the exception of the gradual growth necessary to their arcs, of course. ) They grew realistically. Nothing felt forced, and I loved that
October 5, 2017
I loved the story. Being tortured and bullied by kids and then having to go back to that tells a lot about someones character. Margie has amazing strength and courage. I really enjoyed the whole story. Definitely recommend.
February 20, 2020
A good read...I’m glad she stood her ground and made sure Zachary worked hard to gain her trust after what she went through. I think it was a great book on learning to stand up for yourself, being careful who your friends are, and second chances!!! 😊
July 17, 2019
4.5 Stars
March 31, 2023
3 stars
I expected more, seeing all the great reviews.
But it's a solid 3 star read.
I expected more, seeing all the great reviews.
But it's a solid 3 star read.
April 25, 2018
This is a free young adult romance a girl who is traumatized by the morning of others returns to the town where it happened she runs into one of the tormentors and by the time of the end of the summer do you have found forgiveness in a new laugh very nice book
October 26, 2015
I can't remember what originally made me purchase this book, but it's been sitting on my Kindle a while, and when I recently noticed that Gail Carriger had given this a 5-star review, I knew I had to give it a shot.
I like that this book really emphasizes the awfulness of bullying. It wasn't just some schoolyard shoving around or name-calling - among other things, they used to throw dead mice at her. She suffered a near-fatal head injury trying to escape her tormentors. Since it's narrated from Margie's point of view, we see how her memories and encounters with familiar faces and places trigger panic attacks, rage-blackouts, migraines, and stress-vomiting. We see her coping tactics, how she talks herself down. Given the seriousness of her PTSD, it's no wonder that it's really hard for her to trust Zach.
What I particularly liked is that the book doesn't romanticize Zach's initial efforts - or at least, it minimizes that urge. He starts showing up unexpectedly, surprising her (and sometimes triggering her anxiety), he follows her around, he doesn't leave her alone when she asks him to - and she calls him out on it. She tells him he's being a stalker, and she doesn't think it's cute. When he does finally manage to win her trust, and then promptly loses it, she tells him that if he wants to win it back, he needs to let her dictate the terms, and he needs to give her space. And he does. She says that he is not entitled to her time, that she does not owe him her forgiveness, and that actions speak louder than apologies, and he listens. It's not his persistence-at-all-costs that eventually wins her over (which we see in SO. MANY. STORIES!), but the fact that he starts actually engaging in his own personal journey of change (which we only get to see from her point of view, but we truly find out that he's doing this for himself even more than for her). He finally, finally gets it. And then they become friends.
And yes, a romance does develop between them, and while I enjoyed it, I loved that it was rather... incidental? Zach's initial motivation for specifically trying to make it up to Margie is not because of romantic interest, but because she was the one that his group of friends tormented most, and he tells her that if she can give him a second chance, then the rest of the world will be a piece of cake. (And then along the way, he falls in love with her.) I found the epilogue to be a little corny, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
This is a story about love, yes, but it's more a story about forgiveness, redemption, and growing up. It's a story about going against expectations, and it definitely exceeded mine.
I like that this book really emphasizes the awfulness of bullying. It wasn't just some schoolyard shoving around or name-calling - among other things, they used to throw dead mice at her. She suffered a near-fatal head injury trying to escape her tormentors. Since it's narrated from Margie's point of view, we see how her memories and encounters with familiar faces and places trigger panic attacks, rage-blackouts, migraines, and stress-vomiting. We see her coping tactics, how she talks herself down. Given the seriousness of her PTSD, it's no wonder that it's really hard for her to trust Zach.
What I particularly liked is that the book doesn't romanticize Zach's initial efforts - or at least, it minimizes that urge. He starts showing up unexpectedly, surprising her (and sometimes triggering her anxiety), he follows her around, he doesn't leave her alone when she asks him to - and she calls him out on it. She tells him he's being a stalker, and she doesn't think it's cute. When he does finally manage to win her trust, and then promptly loses it, she tells him that if he wants to win it back, he needs to let her dictate the terms, and he needs to give her space. And he does. She says that he is not entitled to her time, that she does not owe him her forgiveness, and that actions speak louder than apologies, and he listens. It's not his persistence-at-all-costs that eventually wins her over (which we see in SO. MANY. STORIES!), but the fact that he starts actually engaging in his own personal journey of change (which we only get to see from her point of view, but we truly find out that he's doing this for himself even more than for her). He finally, finally gets it. And then they become friends.
And yes, a romance does develop between them, and while I enjoyed it, I loved that it was rather... incidental? Zach's initial motivation for specifically trying to make it up to Margie is not because of romantic interest, but because she was the one that his group of friends tormented most, and he tells her that if she can give him a second chance, then the rest of the world will be a piece of cake. (And then along the way, he falls in love with her.) I found the epilogue to be a little corny, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
This is a story about love, yes, but it's more a story about forgiveness, redemption, and growing up. It's a story about going against expectations, and it definitely exceeded mine.
July 23, 2015
Margie was bullied relentlessly as a child. It was only when her family moved that she was able to slowly recover and become a stronger and more put together person. It took her six years to gain back her confidence and decrease her panic attacks, but it takes all of one look at the boys who were her biggest tormentors to tear down all the defenses she’d built up. She needs a letter of recommendation from the new chef at the restaurant her parents work at, so she can’t just leave. One boy in particular, Zack, keeps bothering her. He isn’t the bully she used to know, but can she get over the fear she still has of him and the others and of getting hurt again?
Starla Huchton has done it again. I couldn’t put down My Bittersweet Summer. The book flowed from beginning to end and held its tension and my attention throughout the entirety of the story.
I always love Huchton’s characters. Margie has so much personality and her past, though only told in bits and pieces throughout her present day life, is so alive for the reader. The events in Margie’s past made her who she is and shaped who she has become. Present Margie is a product of Past Margie, but she has worked hard to become a new Margie. Going back to the place where her bullies tormented her would break anyone. Margie is not a super human, she is susceptible to bouts of panic and emotion when she has to confront the same bullies all grown up. She reacts with words and even her fist at one point, but there are other factors that keep her from losing all control. She can’t beat up the restaurant owner’s son. She can’t kill her chance to get that recommendation. She can’t let her parents down. She’s forced to confront her fears and her tormentors and to rise to the challenge Zack presents.
Zack. I love a person who is trying to be a better person. He has a lot of past to overcome as one of those that stood by and let Margie get bullied. The ones who do nothing are just as guilty as those who are at the front of the assault. Zack has a lot to make up for and the way he tries is super sweet. I loved all his gestures and how hard he tried.
I absolutely love Starla’s style and the story of My Bittersweet Summer.
Starla Huchton has done it again. I couldn’t put down My Bittersweet Summer. The book flowed from beginning to end and held its tension and my attention throughout the entirety of the story.
I always love Huchton’s characters. Margie has so much personality and her past, though only told in bits and pieces throughout her present day life, is so alive for the reader. The events in Margie’s past made her who she is and shaped who she has become. Present Margie is a product of Past Margie, but she has worked hard to become a new Margie. Going back to the place where her bullies tormented her would break anyone. Margie is not a super human, she is susceptible to bouts of panic and emotion when she has to confront the same bullies all grown up. She reacts with words and even her fist at one point, but there are other factors that keep her from losing all control. She can’t beat up the restaurant owner’s son. She can’t kill her chance to get that recommendation. She can’t let her parents down. She’s forced to confront her fears and her tormentors and to rise to the challenge Zack presents.
Zack. I love a person who is trying to be a better person. He has a lot of past to overcome as one of those that stood by and let Margie get bullied. The ones who do nothing are just as guilty as those who are at the front of the assault. Zack has a lot to make up for and the way he tries is super sweet. I loved all his gestures and how hard he tried.
I absolutely love Starla’s style and the story of My Bittersweet Summer.
June 10, 2015
Wow I really loved this story. And as a victim of childhood bullying myself, I wasn't sure how I'd react to it. I'm so glad I took the chance, though, because despite the tears I shed while reading, I enjoyed it immensely. The story is poignant and captivating, the characters are engaging and real-flawed but lovable despite their negative aspects. This is a book about second chances and finding who you were always meant to be despite the ways we can stand in our own way at times. It was beautiful and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to get caught up in a wonderful book.
June 18, 2015
Some already know I'm a big Starla fan. I was not disappointed with this one. The books flows well. Plot was clear. Even though it expanded over just a few months it never felt dull. Happy ending that wasn't completely obvious from the beginning. I couldn't help but fall in love with the main characters to Zach and Margaret. Margaret was somewhat of an underdog who matured and stood up to her bullies. And Zach for his personal growth and desire to right his wrong as best as he could. This is a great YA summer book that is a fun read for just about anybody that likes a little romance
July 22, 2015
5 emotionally amazing stars
This book is amazing. I went through every emotion possible on the rollercoaster journey I shared with these brilliant characters. Zach was the definition of spoiled rich boy but people change. Margie's story, sadly happens daily to children everywhere. The emotional tale of her childhood and her trying to over come it kept me at the edge of my seat with anticipation. A must read. Love it.
This book is amazing. I went through every emotion possible on the rollercoaster journey I shared with these brilliant characters. Zach was the definition of spoiled rich boy but people change. Margie's story, sadly happens daily to children everywhere. The emotional tale of her childhood and her trying to over come it kept me at the edge of my seat with anticipation. A must read. Love it.
January 16, 2016
Wow! What an intense book. I felt it long after I finished reading it. I was so happy Margie got a happy ever after and with the person she least expected it to be. My heart broke for Margie and what she endured as a child and hated that she had to face those horrible memories, but she did it so well. She taught me a thing or two about my own anxiety. This is a really good book that touches on friendship, pain/bullying, forgiveness, learning to let go, strength, and love.
June 18, 2015
Once again Huchton delivers! This is one of the best young adult books I've read in a couple years. It has all the necessary pieces required to finish the puzzle. It has the excitement, it has a great story line, well developed characters, it's well written and flows smoothly. I highly recommend this book to any reader, fantastic read for the summer.
June 9, 2015
This was a pretty good book. I Liked the characters and the story line and that the relationship took time to develop. The hero was flawed..no doubt about that, but he was likable and improved over the course of the book.
October 27, 2015
This was a cute book. Very YA though. The two main characters just graduated from high school going into college. You can definitely tell this by their maturity level. Still a very cute book and I would recommend that you read it.
July 19, 2015
a sappy love story mixed with panic attacks
July 30, 2015
This book will melt your heart strings. It's an awesome light summer read.
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