Summer under the Stars by Kate Mallinder

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✦ BLURB ✦

Four friends drive across France in what should be the holiday of a lifetime. But Sasha's struggling with her dad getting remarried; Cam is reeling from being rejected by her birth grandparents; Hetal's terrified of letting everyone down; and Nell's worried that while she's away her relationship with Tom is falling apart. When things go wrong and emotions run high, will they have what it takes to rekindle their friendship?

They need to remember why they're friends. They need a road trip to end all road trips. They need a summer under the stars.

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✶ PRE-READING ✶

I expected a light, summery read with strong friendship vibes and a bit of drama - think Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants meets Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour. I wasn’t sure how deep it would go emotionally. I haven't read the first in this series so was interested in how well I'd understand what was happening (answer: extremely well.)

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✶ POST-READING ✶

As I thought... I expected a light, summery read with strong friendship vibes and a bit of drama - think Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants meets Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour. I wasn’t sure how deep it would go emotionally.

It surprised me by... how it handled heavier themes - grief, rejection, identity - without becoming gloomy. It walks the line between fun and thoughtful really well. Despite not reading the first book, I quickly got a feel for the group dynamic and rooted for them. I especially felt for Hetal, who has fallen into the role of 'the organised one' and finds herself trapped there, stressing and planning and reorganising all the time.

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✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦

Book Recommendation: Destination Anywhere by Sara Barnard

Like Summer Under the Stars, this is a road trip story with emotional weight. It follows Peyton, who escapes to Canada after a series of mistakes and miscommunications leave her feeling isolated and misunderstood. It’s introspective, raw, and ultimately redemptive - perfect for readers who love stories about finding yourself on the road and learning to forgive yourself and others.

TV or Movie Recommendation: The Summer I Turned Pretty (Prime Video)

This series captures the same emotional complexity and seasonal glow. While the focus leans more romantic, it also explores friendship shifts, family changes, and the bittersweet process of growing up. If you liked the group dynamics and summery setting of Summer Under the Stars, this will hit a lot of the same notes.

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✧ VIBE CHECK ✧

Colour palette: Soft pastels - sunset peach, sky blue, lavender

Soundtrack: “Ribs” by Lorde, “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + the Machine, “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Season: Early summer

Mood: Hopeful, emotional, nostalgic

Scent: Lavender fields and warm car seats baked in the sun

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★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★

Three of Cups (The Unfolding Path). This card captures the heart of Summer Under the Stars - a celebration of friendship not because it’s easy, but because it’s enduring. The three women in this image lean on each other both literally and emotionally, just like Sasha, Cam, Hetal, and Nell as they navigate grief, insecurity, and love. Despite their individual struggles, what ultimately carries them through is the strength of their bond. This is a story about finding your people again - even when you fear you've lost them.

Summer under the Stars publishes on the 12th of June, 2025. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.