Malibu Summer

A Novel

By: Libby Gill

Narrated by: Thérèse Plummer

Lose yourself in this opposites-attract romance set on a sunny Malibu hillside

Ivy Bauer is a young, bright soil scientist and inventor of a game changing organic irrigation system. She’s on top of the world when, suddenly, her husband is killed in a biking accident. Needing space to grieve, she takes a summer job as a gardener in Malibu.

Conrad Reed is a wealthy Hollywood has-been who, after the death of his wife, feels overwhelmed by the care of his anxious stepson Hudson, massive cliffside estate, and deteriorating career. He hopes Ivy will help take at least one thing off his plate. But the bossy, opinionated Ivy isn’t making things any easier for him. Sparks fly—and not the good kind.

But it’s when Ivy finds the key to Hudson’s heart that Conrad’s own heart begins to melt as well—and then the sparks that fly are the ones that kindle the best kind of love affair . . .

Critic reviews

Praise for Malibu Summer:

“Perfect escapism. . . heartbreaking and hopeful. . . simply gorgeous.”
—Paige Toon, bestselling author of Only Love Can Hurt Like This

“Heartfelt and funny… it’s easy to fall for the colorful cast, and the exploration of grief rings true.”
—Publishers Weekly

“[Malibu Summer] couldn’t be more engaging, especially when the dreamy scenery of Malibu is tossed into the mix. . . an enemies-to-lovers vibe mixed with the most beautiful story.”
—New York Post

I loved the feel-good tone.

Such hardship and grief the all had to deal with, but it was written in a way that it was comfortable and fun to listen to.

The story caught my attention from the start and kept it all the way till the end.

I am very familiar with Malibu and the Southern California area, all the references were spot on. I enjoyed all the detail that really brought it to life for me. I love the narrator and love the style of writing. My feeling as soon as the story ended was I want to listen to that again, and love,love, love, love, love.

Just ok

I felt like this was just ok. Kind of felt all over the place. Excitement would build a few times and then fall completely flat. Not the worst book I've listened to by any means...I was able to get through it where there are times I quit after the first few chapters. I'm giving three stars but it's really 2.5. It had potential but it just deliver for me. And it seemed to get worse as it went on.

The well developed characters

First of all, Therese Plummer is one of my favorite narrators. I found this book because of her. There was a very good review left so I decided to try it. I agree with the other reviewer who said from the moment she started listening the book grabbed her attention and it did till the very end. I'm very picky about how a book is written, especially with changing conversations. I will definitely listen to another one of Libby's books.

Intelligent and tender love story

Liked the mix of career and love journeys, subtle gender interpretations, and childhood awakening. Superb!