Malibu Summer

A Novel

By: Libby Gill

Narrated by: Thérèse Plummer

Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

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....

©2024 Libby Gill (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“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

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.

Humor

This took a heavy subject grief. It was a great way to see the grief process and how to navigate through the pain & loss. It shows there is life, love and laughter in the process of grief. As always Therese Plummer does an outstanding job narrating.

Smart and delightful escapism!

I love this book! It was so much fun to listen to. Loads of behind-the-scenes Hollywood fun that can only come from someone who has lived that life, combined with smart, grounded science (Ivy, the leading lady is a PhD in soil science), beautiful scenery well described, fun sub plots that keep the story rollicking along. Loads of heart and healthy friendships between people who are fundamentally good and kind to each other. People you would want to be friends with.

The narrator was a perfect choice! Easy on the ears, she assumes all the characters seamlessly, and she disappears into the background allowing the story to take center stage.

All in all the perfect summer listen on a beach near you. Even if it’s only in your dreams.

Great summer reading

Libby Gill has written a very engaging book. Most importantly, all characters are totally believeable. By the end, I felt I really knew each of them and what they were feeling and experiencing . Readers will be rooting for each throughout. Can't wait for the next saga.