A Snowy River Summer by Stella Quinn

From the very first page, A Snowy River Summer swept me away to the heart of the Snowy Mountains with its charming setting, warm-hearted characters, and a story that strikes just the right balance between feel-good romance and emotional depth.

Kylie Summer is a standout heroine—fiercely independent, down-to-earth, and wonderfully layered. I loved that she’s a mechanic, a career shift from her past in beauty—showing us that strength and femininity aren’t opposites, but two sides of the same coin. Her complicated relationship with her mother added real heart to the story, and watching that dynamic shift and evolve gave the book an emotional richness that stayed with me long after I finished.

Then there’s Damon Johns, the hotshot city lawyer with a chip on his shoulder and secrets he’s not ready to share. I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure about him at first—but as the layers peeled back, I found myself warming to him just as much as Kylie does. His journey is compelling, sometimes messy, but ultimately redemptive in a really satisfying way.

And let’s not forget Dr Gloom—a character who completely caught me off guard in the best way. Intense, insightful, and full of hidden wisdom, he adds a quiet depth to the story that’s hard to describe but impossible to miss.

One of my favourite touches was the addition of the special-needs Labrador, who somehow manages to say so much without uttering a word. Through his interactions with both Kylie and Damon, we get a glimpse of their true selves—the parts they often try to hide—and it’s done so cleverly and gently that you hardly realise how much he’s revealing until you look back.

The pacing is spot on—never rushed, never dragging—and the supporting cast bring so much charm and colour. There are plenty of twists and little surprises to keep the pages turning, but at its heart, this is a story about love, second chances, and finding your place in the world—even if it’s not where you expected.

Heartwarming, witty, and full of soul, A Snowy River Summer is the kind of book that leaves you smiling. An absolutely delightful read.

5/5 stars