Tammy gives this book 4 Stars...
Brigitta is a teenager that has led a slightly sheltered life. Homeschooled and raised by free thinking, spiritual parents, she's somewhat naive and awkward with her peers, aside from her BFF. Trying to find her place in a world she's learning is bigger than her imagination while still grieving the loss of her grandparents, our protagonist also finds that the outside world can not only be beautiful and serene, it can also be dark and unyielding. Add to that the attraction and romance with Luke, the mysterious but endearing young man that has caught Brigitta's eye, who may not be who he seems, and what you have is an intriguing story.
It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but from there I was completely engaged. I absolutely loved the world the Author created especially the spirituality aspect which is much like I tend to think. There was also a push and pull in within the story that sometimes pulled me out of the story, but when reflecting on it in later chapters, I realized the ARC the Author was aiming for, hope that makes sense.
My favorite parts of this vibrant story were the last several chapters, especially the conversation with her father toward the end. Laugher through tears is hands down the best emotion and Bond brought that out in me with her words. And while I saw some reviews stating the reader couldn't relate to Brigitta or forgive some things within the story, I found her to be very relatable and also, at times reminding me of my own daughter at that age. I would definitely recommend this read and say that if the story intrigues you give it a go, hopefully you'll be happy in the end, as I was.
Excerpt from The Summer of No Regrets...
"You can't be raw in front of people like
that," he said. "They do that because they don't get it. You can't
let them under your skin."
"Easy for you to say, Mr. Homeschooler.
You live in the protective bubble."
"Maybe so," he said pensively.
"But those people don't deserve your pain, Brigitta."
It was a surprising thought. I felt... known
when he said it. Like he saw the me I don't show to anybody.
The highway ended in Westport. Luke kept going,
down a narrow road and then up a sandy rise. The Pacific Ocean opened out in
front of us, glorious with white caps—the first time I'd ever seen it.
"Oh!" I exclaimed.
Luke drove all the way onto the beach. He
jumped out of the driver's seat, ran around the Jeep and threw my door open.
"We're here!" He seized my hands and pulled me to my feet. I tumbled
after him, pelting across the sand. He ran directly into the waves without
stopping to brace himself. "Woohoo!" he whooped.
I followed him in. The water was
heart-stoppingly cold, but all around us little kids and dogs were playing in
it. My jeans stuck to my legs and I went splendidly numb.
An older couple with a kite smiled at us.
A wave knocked me off my feet and Luke grabbed
my waist to steady me.
We rode the waves in and chased them back out,
holding hands and jumping. I felt wild and bold and dangerous. And Luke was
sweeping me out to sea.
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