Caitlin, determined never to be ordinary, is always testing the limits, and in adolescence falls hard for Von, an older construction worker, while Vix falls for his friend Bru. The years in between are related in brief segments by numerous characters, but mostly by Vix. The story of how this casual invitation turns the two girls into what they call 'Summer sisters' is prefaced with a prologue in which Vix is asked by Caitlin to be her matron of honor. Caitlin, on the other hand, lives part of the year with her wealthy mother Phoebe, who’s just moved to Albuquerque, and summers with her father Lamb, equally affluent, on the Vineyard. Victoria, or more commonly Vix, lives in a small house her brother has muscular dystrophy her mother is unhappy, and money is scarce. In sixth grade, when Victoria Weaver is asked by new girl Caitlin Somers to spend the summer with her on Martha’s Vineyard, her life changes forever. The years pass by at a fast and steamy clip in Blume’s latest adult novel (Wifey, not reviewed Smart Women, 1984) as two friends find loyalties and affections tested as they grow into young women. This utterly enjoyable romance will have readers swooning, sobbing, and eagerly anticipating Chase’s next book.

Luckily, the supporting cast of zany side characters keeps the book light and heartwarming. Sarina’s interactions with Eamon have that classic rom-com spark, but the book also packs serious emotional punches, as Sarina faces a devastating personal tragedy and deals with career struggles. Eamon understands her better than anyone else, but could she ever trust him again? And Noah’s always been the man she could count on, but can she depend on him to make her happy in the future? Thus begins a believable love triangle full of steamy romance and tangled feelings. When he enlists her help in renovating an old Austin fixer-upper, Sarina is horrified to find out that her feelings for him never really went away. Even though Sarina moved on and found a much more stable relationship with Noah, she’s never quite been able to get Eamon out of her mind. He and Sarina shared one passionate night together years ago, and then Eamon never called her again.

That is, until retired Olympic swimmer Eamon Roy shows up. Sure, Noah is in Buenos Aires working on a huge corporate merger, but that doesn’t mean their relationship is in danger. Sarina, an architect living in Austin, is completely happy with her boyfriend. A woman is torn between her dependable boyfriend and a former fling in this sparkling debut from Chase.

The one that got away by bethany chase