Best Summer Ever – Heidi Swain | Publication Day Book Review | #BestSummerEver @Heidi_Swain @TeamBATC @simonschusterUK

Summer is in full swing when Daisy drives back into Wynmouth in her almost-clapped-out car, having left both her most recent job and the man her parents thought she was going to marry. Coming home could be just what she needs to move her life on.

At Wynbrook Manor, things are in disarray. Owner Algy isn’t getting any younger, and Daisy’s mum Janet, housekeeper at the manor, spends her days running around after him, while Daisy’s dad Robin, the gardener, has been let down by the person he had lined up to take care of the new cut-flower garden.

As Daisy tries to find her place at Wynbrook and in the village, she’s drawn to summer visitor Josh. But when he turns out to be not the person he appears to be, will the spark between them fizzle out? And with it, the chances of this turning into the best summer ever?

MY THOUGHTS

My thanks to SJV of Simon & Schuster for the tour invite and the paperback copy to review. Best Summer Ever is published today, 24 April 2025 in ebook, audio and paperback formats. Heidi’s books have featured on this blog before, just type her name into the search bar. This latest book, a milestone 20th, returns to the fictional coastal village of Wynmouth, a setting for previous books. After finding her boyfriend in a compromising position, Daisy, homeless and jobless makes her way to Wynbrook Manor, the estate where her parents live and work. Daisy has kept her distance ever since a falling out and now that she has left a boyfriend that her parents were very fond of, she is not guaranteed a warm welcome. For some reason Daisy did not want to reveal the truth behind her split from her awful boyfriend Laurence, which regrettably gave her parents more opportunity to extol his virtues and assume that she was the one in the wrong.

This was a superb read that gave all those summer beach vibes. Daisy blags a part time job at the local pub but her reliability leaves a lot to be desired and it doesn’t go well. This is where I initially thought Daisy’s immaturity a little annoying. At 28 going on 18, she was one of life’s drifters, being unable to stick at any job and she needed a metaphorical kick up the backside to sort her life out. Fortunately other characters surrounding her, especially her friends Nick (who also worked at the Manor) and teacher Penny made up for Daisy’s lack of commitment. In fairness, Daisy did redeem herself – she was a good friend who stepped in when help was needed.

Add Josh, a good looking but troubled American into the mix and this becomes a perfect summer romance read. Algernon (Algy) Alford, the elderly owner of the Manor has a kindly, if rather chaotic approach and it is whilst at the Manor that Daisy realises her real calling.

It’s not just Daisy who finds romance within these pages and with its background themes of family relationships. reconciliation and discovering what you really want from life, I was thoroughly invested in the drama and difficult situations these folk faced. The Norfolk coastal setting was glorious and suited the story and the characters perfectly. An excellent lighthearted and feel good read written with Heidi’s trademark warmth and humour – definitely recommended.

Heidi Swain is a Sunday Times Top Ten best-selling author who writes feel good fiction for Simon & Schuster. She releases two books a year (early summer and winter) and the stories all have a strong sense of community, family and friendship. She is currently writing books set in three locations – the Fenland town of Wynbridge, Nightingale Square in Norwich and Wynmouth on the Norfolk coast, as well as summer standalone titles. Heidi lives in beautiful west Norfolk. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside, collecting vintage paraphernalia and reading. Her tbr pile is always out of control! Heidi loves to chat with her readers and you can get in touch via her website or on social media.

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