Every summer, without even realizing it, I start craving the exact same kind of book: a light, breezy rom-com. Bonus points if it’s actually set during the summer.
I want something I can toss into my bag for the playground, read on the deck while the kids play outside, or sneak in ten pages before dinner. Summer and romantic comedies just belong together. They’re light without being shallow, hopeful without being cheesy, and easy to pick up whenever you have a few spare minutes.
For years, Emily Henry and Katherine Center filled that role for me. But now? I think Abby Jimenez has officially taken the crown. I recently finished Say You’ll Remember Me, closed the book, and thought, “Well… that was another really good one.” Then it hit me. I’ve genuinely loved every Abby Jimenez novel I’ve read. These days, that’s surprisingly rare.
The Emily Henry and Katherine Center effect
Emily Henry introduced me to modern rom-coms. I loved Beach Read, People We Meet on Vacation, and Happy Place. Katherine Center pulled me in with Things You Save in a Fire and How to Walk Away, and I still think she writes some of the kindest characters in contemporary fiction.
But after enough books, something changed. I started noticing the formula.
It wasn’t that either author became a worse writer. If anything, I think I simply became familiar with their storytelling rhythms. Eventually, Funny Story, Great Big Beautiful Life, and Hello Stranger all became books I didn’t finish.
Why Abby Jimenez still feels fresh ❤️
Ironically, I avoided Abby Jimenez for years because she also publishes almost every year. I assumed I’d run into the same problem.
Instead, I’ve loved every single one:
- Part of Your World
- Yours Truly
- Just for the Summer
- Say You’ll Remember Me
Yes, they’re romance novels. You know the couple will end up together. You know there will be obstacles. But somehow they never feel predictable. Her dialogue sounds natural. Her characters feel like actual adults, not exaggerated personalities. And each relationship feels distinct from the last.
To me, that’s the real magic of romance. It’s not about surprising readers with the ending. It’s about surprising us with the journey.
More than just a beach read
Another reason I keep coming back is that her books aren’t simply fluffy romances. They tackle family, grief, illness, mental health, and responsibility without losing their warmth. The romance feels woven into real life, which makes the happily-ever-after feel earned.
And as a fun bonus? After finishing Say You’ll Remember Me, I discovered Abby Jimenez also owns a hugely successful cupcake company—all while writing bestselling novels and raising three young children. Honestly, I’m just impressed. 🧁
My recommendation
If you’re looking for a summer read, I’d happily point you toward Abby Jimenez. Start with Part of Your World. Then just keep going. They’ve become some of my favorite books to read during the warmer months.
Now I’m curious: Have you ever had this happen with an author? Have you loved their first few books, only to realize you’d learned their patterns and quietly moved on? Or is there an author who somehow keeps getting better with every release?