In Focus

Book club has returned with a fun summer read called “Just for the Summer” by Abby Jimenez.

Set in Minnesota during the summer, the author is also known for the famous bakery Nadia Cakes, which is renowned for its vageode cake—trust me, Google it!

The book follows the story of Justin and Emma. Justin posted on Reddit that he feels cursed; after every breakup, and his exes seem to find their true love. Emma, who shares the same problem, reaches out to Justin. Emma is a traveling nurse, while Justin lives in Minnesota. They devise a plan to date and then break up to nullify their supposed curses.

Emma and her best friend Maddie rent a cottage on an island in Lake Minnetonka while she works at a local hospital. However, things get complicated when Emma’s toxic mother shows up, and Justin has to take custody of his siblings, throwing a wrench into their plans.

The book was incredible and hard to put down. It appeared to be a romantic comedy, which it definitely has elements of, but it also has a serious tone with themes of trauma. I was shocked to learn about the various issues these characters faced. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, you’re blindsided by unexpected reveals, and this happens more than once. The situations are very real, yet they catch you off guard, making for a truly captivating read.

Yes, there is humor, and it’s great. Of all the reasons to get banned from Uber, what happens in this book is peak entertainment! There’s a great apartment with the perfect view of a billboard that nobody would want to stare at, and a dog named after a crappy former roommate. There’s just so much happening that made me laugh.

I also learned that while these books can be read as standalones, they tie together with cameos and Easter eggs from previous books. This connection makes us want to read all the books now, and if they’re anything like this one, it will definitely be worth it.

The next book club selection is “Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club” by J. Ryan Stradal, the same author of “The Lager Queen of Minnesota,” so I expect it will be just as good! I’m looking forward to a good read!