Is This One Summer Book Being Adapted Into A Movie?

I’ve been a book lover for years, and 'One Summer' is one of those titles that stuck with me. The publisher is Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group. They’ve released a lot of memorable titles, and this one is no exception. It’s a heartwarming story about family, love, and second chances, and the publisher did a great job bringing it to readers. Grand Central Publishing is known for its wide range of genres, from romance to thrillers, and they always deliver quality. If you’re into books that leave you feeling uplifted, this one’s a solid pick. I’ve read quite a few of their releases, and they rarely disappoint. The cover design and formatting are always on point too, which makes the reading experience even better.

As someone who devours YA novels like candy, I was obsessed with 'One Summer' by David Baldacci the moment I read it. The emotional depth and relatable characters made it unforgettable. From what I know, there isn’t a direct sequel, but Baldacci’s 'The Christmas Train' has a similar vibe—cozy, heartfelt, and perfect for those who loved the warmth of 'One Summer.' If you’re craving more books with that bittersweet summer feel, I’d recommend 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' trilogy by Jenny Han. It’s packed with nostalgia, romance, and family drama. Another great option is 'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart, which has that same mix of sun-soaked days and hidden secrets. While 'One Summer' stands alone, these books might scratch that itch for more stories with its emotional punch and seasonal charm.

In 'One Summer', the ending is a bittersweet crescendo that lingers long after the last page. The protagonist, Jack, finally confronts his estranged father during a stormy lakeside reunion. Years of silence shatter as they trade accusations, then grudging truths. A shared memory of fishing—forgotten until now—softens the tension. Jack’s father hands him a weathered pocket watch, its hands frozen at the exact time Jack left home. The symbolism is piercing: time stood still for both. Meanwhile, Jack’s summer fling with Leah isn’t neatly resolved. She chooses her scholarship abroad, but their goodbye is tender, not tragic. He watches her bus disappear, then smiles at the horizon—changed, not broken. The novel closes with Jack repairing his dad’s old boat, sanding away rot as sunlight glints off the watch’s newly moving hands. It’s about imperfect healing, the kind that leaves scars but still floats.

'One Summer' unfolds in a sleepy coastal town named Cedar Cove, where salt hangs heavy in the air and seagulls screech over weathered docks. The setting is almost a character itself—crumbling beach cottages with peeling paint, a diner that serves pie with melted vanilla ice cream, and a lighthouse whose beam cuts through the midnight fog. The town’s isolation amplifies the story’s themes of second chances; everyone here has a past, from the retired fisherman mourning his lost love to the runaway teenager hiding in the attic of the old bookstore. The surrounding forests hum with cicadas in July, and the beach stretches empty except for the occasional dog-walker at dawn. It’s the kind of place where secrets can’t stay buried—storm tides uncover shipwrecks, and porch gossips trade stories like currency. The author paints Cedar Cove with such vividness that you can taste the salt on your lips and feel the splinters of the boardwalk under bare feet.

'One Summer' captivates readers with its raw, unfiltered portrayal of love and loss under the scorching sun. The novel’s brilliance lies in its ability to weave nostalgia into every page, making you feel the heat of asphalt and the weight of teenage dreams. Its characters aren’t just relatable—they’re achingly real, flawed yet magnetic. The prose dances between poetic and punchy, mirroring the volatility of summer storms. What truly sets it apart is the setting itself: a sleepy town where secrets simmer like pavement in July. The author doesn’t shy from gritty emotions, exploring first loves, fractured friendships, and the kind of heartbreak that lingers like sunset. It’s a story that sticks to your skin, much like sweat on a humid afternoon. The pacing is deliberate, letting moments breathe—whether it’s a stolen kiss or a shattered promise. Readers crave this authenticity, this reminder that even fleeting summers can leave permanent marks.

The protagonist in 'This One Summer' is Rose, a thoughtful and introspective girl on the cusp of adolescence. She's spending her summer at Awago Beach with her parents, a place that's always been her escape. This year feels different though - she's noticing more about the adults around her, especially the tension between her parents. Rose finds herself drawn to the local teens' drama, using it as a distraction from her own family issues. Her curiosity about relationships and her quiet observations make her relatable. The way she processes the world - through horror movie marathons and eavesdropping on older kids - perfectly captures that awkward transition between childhood and something more complicated.

The setting of 'This One Summer' is this small lakeside town called Awago Beach, where the protagonist Rose goes every summer with her family. It's one of those nostalgic places that feels frozen in time, with the same old cottages, the local convenience store that sells fireworks and candy, and the lake that's always there, shimmering under the sun. The town has this quiet, almost melancholic vibe, especially since Rose's parents are dealing with some heavy stuff, and it seeps into the atmosphere. The woods around the town feel endless, and the beach is where all the local teens hang out, making it a mix of childhood memories and the awkward transition into adolescence. The art really captures the essence of summer—humid, lazy, and full of unspoken tensions.

The protagonist in 'One Summer' is Jack, a middle-aged man grappling with loss and redemption. After a personal tragedy shatters his world, he retreats to a small coastal town, seeking solace in its quiet rhythms. There, he crosses paths with locals who challenge his cynicism—especially Sarah, a free-spirited artist who helps him rediscover joy in life’s simple moments. Jack’s journey isn’t just about healing; it’s a raw exploration of how grief can reshape a person’s identity. The novel’s strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of his flaws—his temper, his reluctance to connect—and how love, both romantic and communal, slowly pulls him back from the brink. What makes Jack compelling isn’t his heroism but his humanity. He’s no chosen one; he’s a flawed everyman whose struggles mirror real-life battles with depression and isolation. The coastal setting mirrors his emotional tides—stormy one day, serene the next. By the end, Jack’s arc feels earned, not rushed, leaving readers with a quiet hope that even broken pieces can form something new.