The Bookish Ashley

Until Next Summer by Ali Brady is a heartwarming tale that perfectly captures the bittersweet nostalgia of youth, friendship, and the passage of time. The story follows Jessie and Hillary, once inseparable summer camp friends, who have drifted apart over the years. When Jessie, now the camp director, learns that their beloved Camp Chickawah is being sold, she organizes one last “adult summer camp” for former campers, including Hillary.

The novel beautifully weaves together themes of rekindling old friendships, embracing change, and the power of shared memories. As Jessie and Hillary reconnect, they are also confronted with the reality of adulthood—romantic entanglements, career dilemmas, and the pressure to preserve the past while moving forward.

Ali Brady excels at creating a vivid setting that will transport readers back to their own childhood summers, complete with the smell of campfires and the sound of laughter echoing across a lake. The characters are relatable, each with their own quirks and struggles, making their journey of rediscovery feel genuine and heartfelt.

The only reason this novel didn’t earn a full 5 stars is that at times, the story leans a little too heavily on nostalgia, which can slow the pacing. However, the charm of Camp Chickawah and the emotional depth of the friendships more than make up for this minor flaw.

Overall, Until Next Summer is a delightful read for anyone who has ever longed to relive their childhood summers, rekindle old friendships, or simply escape to a place where worries are left at the camp gate. It’s a reminder that some things—like true friendships—can stand the test of time, even if everything else changes.

Rating: 4/5 stars