Three Summers- Blog Tour

 


Author: Karen Swan
Publisher: Bantam books/ Penguin 
Publishing Date: 18th February 2026 

Many thanks to the publishing team and Random Things Tours for my physical copy of the book and spot on the tour






Blurb 

1957: The summer of innocence
Amongst the lemon trees, Rafaella Parisi impatiently waits for the summer visitors to arrive in her small fishing village on the coast of Puglia. She may be dating Fon Gianelli, but there is one person she longs to Cosimo - son of the wealthy Franchetti family.

1958: The summer everything changed
After a devastating accident at the lavish Franchetti villa, Rafa makes a vow that changes the course of all their futures…

1961: The summer they met again…
And when Rafa and Cosi’s lives collide, Rafa must decide if she’s willing to risk the life she has built for the future she might have had…





My Thoughts 


A Beautiful, Emotional Story Set Against the Stunning Backdrop of Italy

The blurb and the cover were absolutely chef's kiss! From the moment I picked this book up, I had a feeling it was going to be something special, and thankfully it completely lived up to my expectations.


Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Italy and spanning three memorable summers, this story takes readers on an emotional journey through the lives of a close-knit group of friends and family. What begins as a simple tradition of spending summer holidays together gradually evolves into something much deeper. As the years pass, new partners join the group, children grow up, and friendships are tested as everyone enters different stages of life.


One of the things I loved most about this book was how realistically it portrayed changing relationships. The dynamics between the characters constantly shift as they navigate adulthood, parenthood, love, ambition, and personal challenges. It felt very authentic, showing how even the strongest friendships can change over time as circumstances and priorities evolve.


Throughout the story, we experience a whole range of emotions. There is love and joy, but also heartbreak, grief, rivalry, and tension. At the centre of the plot is a significant event that leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved, changing the course of their lives forever. As the narrative unfolds, secrets begin to surface, difficult truths come to light, and we see the consequences of choices made both in the past and present. Themes of betrayal, bribery, loyalty, and forgiveness all play important roles in creating a compelling and emotionally charged storyline.


The author did a fantastic job with the writing style. The level of detail was just right—rich enough to bring the settings and characters vividly to life without ever slowing down the pace of the story. I particularly enjoyed the descriptive passages of Italy, which added so much atmosphere and helped me feel fully immersed in the setting. The descriptions enhanced the plot rather than distracting from it, making the reading experience even more enjoyable.


There are also some sensitive and emotional chapters that deal with difficult topics. However, these moments were handled thoughtfully and with care, adding depth to both the characters and the overall story. Rather than feeling included for shock value, they served an important purpose within the narrative.


Overall, this was a captivating, heartfelt read that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The combination of family drama, evolving friendships, secrets, and emotional twists made it difficult to put down. If you enjoy character-driven stories that explore relationships over time, all set within a beautiful Italian backdrop, then I would definitely recommend giving this book a read.

A moving and engaging story about friendship, family, love, and the lasting impact of the choices we make. Highly recommended!



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