This is the perfect book to inspire you to visit the beautiful Wales coast and countryside. It will also get you inspired to try some outdoor activities while you’re there! Here’s my book review of Summer of Hopes and Dreams by Sue McDonagh.
Overview of Summer of Hopes and Dreams by Sue McDonagh
Summer of Hopes and Dreams by Sue McDonagh follows the story of Rosie as she embarks on an outdoor adventure weekend in Wales. My book review of Summer of Hopes and Dreams by Sue McDonagh won’t give too many spoilers, but hopefully enough detail to inspire you to read this book, and also to book your own trip to Wales.
At first, Rosie feels out of place on the outdoor adventure weekend. She only signed up because she overheard her daughter call her ‘boring’, and at first regrets her decision. She’s in her 50s, overweight, and definitely not an adventurous type of person, especially after spending the last few years caring for her mother.
But Rosie soon forms a close friendship with Gareth, the instructor on the course. And she pushes herself out her comfort zone, trying abseiling and kayaking. She grows in confidence as she realises she’s capable of more than she thought.
After the weekend, Rosie keeps in touch with Gareth, and also Leanne who was also on the course. Rosie and Gareth develop feelings for each other. But there are complications when they get back to their old lives. Both of them have unfinished business with their ex-husband/wife, and other family issues. But Gareth and Rosie keep on being thrown together, and the chance of a relationship between them starts to grow.
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What I liked about this book
I found Summer of Hopes and Dreams by Sue McDonagh a really nice, easy book to read. It was the perfect type of book to take on holiday and spend hours reading. It was an easy story to follow, with just enough drama to keep it interesting, but nothing too fake and over-dramatic.
I liked Rosie’s character, and found her very relatable. While I’m younger than Rosie, I could definitely identify with a lot of her feelings – especially her low confidence and low self-esteem, and the feeling of what-am-I-doing-here on the outdoor activity weekend.
I loved seeing Rosie’s confidence grow throughout the book. It was really inspiring to me, and I’m sure it would be to many other women as well. It can be easy to let life get you down. But this book is a reminder to keep on looking for adventures, and keep on looking for ways to create the life you’ve always dreamed of.
What I wasn’t so sure about
This book probably isn’t going to win any awards for literary fiction. It’s definitely more of an easy-reading type of book, rather than anything that’s going to make you think too much. I quite liked that about this book – but I know some other readers might find it too simplistic. There were a few moments in the plot that felt a little unrealistic, but most of it was a fun and enjoyable read.
Would I recommend Summer of Hopes and Dreams by Sue McDonagh
I’d definitely recommend reading this book. It’s the perfect book to inspire you to take a trip to Wales. Or you could take it with you on your trip to Wales to read while on holiday. It’s easy to read, and a nice heart-warming story. And it’s also the type of book that inspires you to keep reaching for your dreams, and a reminder that it’s never too late to change your life. I enjoyed this book a lot.
Hope you enjoyed my book review of Summer of Hopes and Dreams by Sue McDonagh! If this book has inspired you to start planning a trip to Wales, check out my guides to Wales, such as seeing puffins on Skomer Island, visiting the Brecon Beacons, the Gower Peninsula and the Cardigan Bay Coast, and also the top photo spots in South Wales. You can also check out more book reviews here.
