Reviewed by Lynn on
It's Agnetha "Aggs" McMaster's birthday. For the owner of The Ginger Sponge, It's a day for new beginnings; a time to start thinking of her own well-being and happiness after spending twenty years as a mother, carer, and a business owner. She's the one-time girl who had a zest for life but lost her sparkle a long time ago, but now, on her forty-fifth birthday, she has an important announcement to make. Only, fate steps in and over the course of the day, shocking facts are revealed, not only to her but her ex-husband and Hope McTeer. By midnight, their outlooks on life offer a very contrasting landscape to the one they woke up to.
I had the luxury of having the time to read this book in one sitting. It's one of those novels which instantly hooks you in and can't let go of. The timeline is short and told from differing points of view, as we follow the lives of the protagonists as their day progresses. Additionally, many secondary characters are introduced, who all play important roles in the lives of Aggs, Mitchell and Hope. It sounds confusing, but actually, Ms Low presents a well-written format, so even a reader like myself can keep fully abreast of who's who. Fascinating details are packed into the narrative as each hour of the day passes as new insights are revealed. The outcome wasn't a surprise to me, however, the author has planted red herrings, making me pause for thought; second-guessing my gut instinct.
The story covers a spectrum of emotions from deceit and regret to love and hope. A the end of the day, three people finally have the answers to questions they've been waiting for and ultimately creates a more than satisfying conclusion.
Overall, One Day In Summer is a fabulous page-turner, with a place on my personal top-ten favourites for 2020! and lastly, an introduction to a new "must-read" author for me.
***arc generously received courtesy of Boldwood Books via NetGalley***
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 9 June, 2020: Finished reading
- 9 June, 2020: Reviewed