[Review] Someone Else's Summer - Rachel Bateman

Summary: Last summer, Lucy’s and Ben’s lives changed in an instant. One moment, they were shyly flirting on a lake raft, finally about to admit their feelings to each other after years of yearning. In the next, Trixie—Lucy’s best friend and Ben’s sister—was gone, her heart giving out during a routine swim. And just like that, the idyllic world they knew turned upside down, and the would-be couple drifted apart, swallowed up by their grief. Now it’s a year later in their small lake town, and as the anniversary of Trixie’s death looms, Lucy and Ben’s undeniable connection pulls them back together. They can’t change what happened the day they lost Trixie, but the summer might finally bring them closer to healing—and to each other. (Pub Date: May 09, 2017)

Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

Anna has just lost her sister Storm, and everything else feels lost together with her. Until she finds a list of things Storm wanted to do that summer. Now Anna and the sisters' best friend Cameron go off on a road trip to tick every item and live the summer Storm couldn't have.

The beginning of this book kind of made me think of To All the Boys I Loved Before, in which two sisters have a thing for the long time male friend—I simplified this so much but what I mean is that Storm and Anna's relationship between each other and with Cameron were very similar to the one in the aforementioned book. But it really is different.

Another comparison made, and this not by only me, was to Morgan Matson, probably because of Since You've Been Gone. Indeed, there is a list to follow, and some items are similar, if not the same. However, the tone it takes also differs.

This said, I was a little disappointed when both comparisons fell through.

Now let me say what I liked. Anna. She's not your out-of-the-mold YA heroine. She's more outgoing, and also a cheerleader. Her personality reminded me a little of the Before I Fall main character's. I'm not saying those are my favorites, but it was refreshing that this wasn't the cliche of the popular big sister that died and the nerdy little sister that was left behind.

The text is well written but the main events are predictable. I did like that there were some plot twists, and yet even those weren't that surprising. Still, this is very easy to read and to enjoy, even if it's so bland. Definitely, not a bad pick. Also, what a fitting cover! I loved the idea and how it relates to the plot.

(Lately, hasn't there been too many YA's about dead sisters?)

Rating: 3 out of 5.