"I've loved all of BD's books, but this one touched me in particular. Julia's struggle to see herself as something other than a wife and mother was so honest and affecting. And her family's reactions to her process were also very real. I've never been a wife and mother, but have seen friends on this journey, and was struck by how Ms. Delinsky was able to portray this on the page. I've re-read it so many times, I could almost recite parts of it. And I bought a copy for a friend so she could experience it as well."
— TH, Flemington, NJ
"This was the first book I read, and it was intriguing.  It was what I liked to read but different.  It had depth, a good story line and an unknown quality, so you are never quiet sure what will really occur. "
— LW, Sydney, Australia
"This was a pretty interesting book about Lobster fishing in Maine. It's also about a woman who married the wrong man and finds the right man. I can only speak for myself but I would never stay with a man who cheated like Monte. One could catch a bad STD or get AIDS. I think it would be interesting to write a story about Zoe. I liked Zoe. Would you think about that Barbara writing a story about ZOE. About a woman who enjoys being single and maybe finds love as a senior citzen?"
— MD, Dover, GA
"I have read a few Barbara Delinsky books however The Summer I Dared was without a doubt my favourite. The characters drew you in and made you want to read more. I would love to visit Maine now!"
— JG, Ayrshire, United Kingdom
"I've only just begun reading books by Barbara Delinsky usually sticking with what I know. Or who rather. I always read Danielle Steel, Judith McNaught, Nora Roberts, or Mary Higgins Clark and very rarely ever stray. What a pleasant surprise once I did! The Summer I Dared turned out to be one of the very best books I have ever read. I believe that to be saying quite a lot since I'm an avid reader and spend at least 2-3 hours every single day of my life reading and have done so since the early age of about 14, Only then it was Sweet Valley High Twins! What an amazing book this was! I enjoyed every moment of it and was so sad to see it end. Actually I would love to know how things are coming along these days with Julia and Noah or Zoe and the rest of the crew up on Big Sawyer Island. Hint Hint! :) Sincerely, Michal Harrison"
— MH, Dayton, TX
"Having never before read a Barbara Delinsky novel, I just happened to come across "The Summer I Dared" in the parent room at the hospital as my 14 yr old son was preparing to have his 4th surgery in 9 months. Not having much time to pack reading material I was grateful to find somthing that looked promising for the 6 night stay. In fact it really exceeded my expectations and was a first-rate story that I thouroughly enjoyed. Not only was it my little escape to visit with the characters and vicariously visit Maine, but as an oldest daughter to also think about my relationships with parents as well as children and siblings. I could even identify with the therapy of caring for the rabbits, since we have a couple of rabbits. Thankfully I have a husband who is a really good guy, I asked him on the ride home from the airport, if he would like to go on a trip to Maine. P.S. My son's surgery went better than expected, and hopefully that should be the last one he needs for a long time."
— SW, Colorado Springs, CO
"I loved this book!!! It had been a year after recovering from an unexpected life threatening illness, that I came across this book. The Summer I Dared really helped me deal with some of the questions that kept coming up in my mind. I really could relate to the struggle the charactors had in their relationships and it helped put things into perspective in my own circumstances. The story was a great escape and became a tool for me to reflect on my feelings about things in my real life. Thank you for a great read and adventure. Kudos, Mari Drey "
— MD, Point Mugu, CA
"One of the best books I ever read. I felt really connected to the characters of this book. I just love her as a writer. "
— KH, Lebanon, KY
"I just finished THE SUMMER I DARED. I couldn't put it down. It was one of the best books I've read. Great Summer read."
— HN, Dartmouth, MA
"I could not put this book down. It is a great read, the characters drew me in. Having visited Maine and grown up on the coast of Massachusetts, the story drew me in. I love all of Barbara's books. Thank you for your beautiful stories of loss, love and triumphs. I actually have to let the characters fade before I start a new book, because I feel like I know them. Thank you again. "
— DB, New Bedford, MA
"This was the best book I have ever read. I think it was an inspiration to all women to leave their husbands after all the affairs they had. You can't just expect people to stick around if their partner is having an affair. "
— SL, Brooksville, FL
"This was the first Barbara Delinsky book that I've read. It is a wonderful book. One that I just couldn't put down until I reached the end. I will be reading more from this author. "
— JW, Pleasant Gap, PA
"I just finished THE SUMMER I DARED and I wanted to thank you for taking me away from an emotional, stressful situation and then leading me back to it with a new perspective. Life does indeed go on, and like your characters, I'm going to learn to LIVE. This was the first Delinsky book that I've read, but I promise it won't be my last. Thank you! "
— MO, Apple Valley, MN
"Wow! I felt like I was Julia. This was my first 'Barbara' book and I am in love! I can't wait to read her others. "
— ME, Greenwood, IN
"Just finished The Summer I Dared. I couldn't put it down! Like Julia, I am too a survivor. I like being me, and love reading your books. Thank you. "
— CD, Putnam, CT
"I loved this book. Sadly, I finished it a couple of days ago and it is still very much on my mind. In fact, I have reread the last chapter and the epilogue (which was one of the best chapters in the book) several times. The story just struck a cord deep within me. I only wish that I could be as strong and courageous as Julia as she takes control of her own life. Everybody deserves to be happy and that is what she did. I wish I could do the same but I am trapped for now. I am fascinated with New England so I loved the setting of the book and all its richly developed characters. Barbara, could you please write a sequel? I would love to follow these characters on the rest of their journey. I loved the relationship between Noah and Julia. Julia's story is very empowering. It made me both laugh and cry and feel good all at the same time. This book literally was a beach read as I read it in Hawaii, but you can certainly read it anytime, anywhere and enjoy it. I miss not reading this book;I wish it didn't have to end. "
— LF, Woodland Hills, CA
"I loved this story! It's a story every woman in her forties can relate to AND should read. It empowers you for the next phase of your life. "
— KC, Highland, MI
"The Summer I Dared was one of my favorites of Barbara. I loved how this woman, who had been what everyone wanted her to be, finally decided to do what she wanted to do and take care of herself! I was hoping that Julia would show Noah the photo she had of him as a teen, whom she had dreamed about over all the years. I highly recommend this book! It's a great summer read! "
— DG, Merrimack, NH
"This was my first Barbara Delinsky book and I was blown away. I love hearing about the East coast although I have yet to go; I love romance and I love to be able to feel what they are feeling and I did. I didn't want to put it down. I would have liked to hear her say she loved him at the end I think other wise the picture of the tattoo as another reader said would have been nice too. My only porblem now is to choose which one to read next!!! God bless you! "
— SH, Guthrie, KY
"WONDERFUL!!! I knew it would be. My only wish would have been that Julia show Noah the photograph she had of him from her youth. "
— DK, Salem, NJ
"Fantastic book! I couldn't put it down - very thought provoking, but not so deep that you didn't want to keep going. "
— CN, East Stroudsburg, PA
"What a great book! It's thought-provoking and makes one want to "live" life fully. It's a good book for any tme of the year. This was the first "Barbara Delinsky" book that I have read, but it surely won't be the last! "
— BT, Statesboro, GA
"Great book! After having been married for 22 years and then having the same thing happen to me, I had the same feelings of inadequacies and doubts. Your book has helped me work through some leftover issues. My favorite quote: "I have a responsibility to speak up for what I think is right. I won't be minimized any more." Thanks!!! "
— MC, Ashland, KY
"Absolutely breathtaking! I loved THE SUMMER I DARED! I think all of us women reach this point in life at one time or another. "
— JL, Mobile, AL
"So touching and wonderfully thought provoking. A masterpiece on 'Life and Love'. We should all be so brave and honest with ourselves! "
— KM, Calgary, AB
"I loved THE SUMMER I DARED. The book was great. I couldn't put it down, and although that has been the case with all of Barbara Delinsky's books, this one was really tough to put down. At one point it was 2:00 am in the morning, and I was reading and crying my eyes out. And I will tell you, when Barbara said on her web news that Julia Bechtel and Noah Prine aren't super-human, they're simply people like you and me. That is right on. When my husband woke to my crying and asked why I was crying, he then said "Isn't that book fiction?" I said, yeah it is, funny huh crying over fiction? But it seemed so real. This is a story that very well could have happened in real life. The summer I dared is full of surprises. You think you have the story all figured out and then something else happens. Who knew? This book is loaded! I rate it a 10 PLUS! "
— MT, Troy, OH
"I felt I was on the ferry when the accident happened, out on the water with Noah and his son, and could smell & almost taste the meal that Molly & Noah's son were making. Barbara is a fantastic writer to be able to make books come alive for readers. Again, I found it to be thought prevoking and encouraging for each of us to look at who we are and learn to speak up for ourselves and learn to say NO when necessary. Thanks again Barbara, and like others I would love to see a sequel, not only showing what has happened to Noah and Julie, but their children as well. "
— WH, WInnipeg, MB
"Wow....I couldn't put it down. I just turned 40 and can totally relate to a defining moment in life when all is questioned. The Summer I Dared is powerful. I love Julia and loved living her life with her. I see a sequel. The Winter I Cared???!!! "
— LT, Verona, IL
"A terrific "read", a "can't put it down" store, and you are left with a yearning to find out how Noah & Julia are doing 5 years down the road. I personally love having the ending be a want for more and a hope for a sequel! Julia's journey from being a victim to being a survivor and doer is heartwarming. Noah's uncommunicative nature seems perfect for the "lobsterman" persona. It is also delightful to see his progess from silence to communication. This book is more than a summer pick me it up - it is a life pick me up!! "
— CC, Swampscott, MA
"A beautiful, thought provoking book that takes you to Maine. There is a part of Julia in all of us, and she makes us see that we need to be important to ourselves as well as to others around us. "
— JF, North Fort Myers, FL
"The Summer I Dared is a thought provoking story about a woman who always catered to others without thought to her own needs. After almost dying in a ferry accident, she is forced to look at her life and see that maybe she was saved for a reason. While involved in this introspection, she realizes that he doesn't have to be always taking care of others but has to stand on her own two feet and take care of herself. This is a wonderful book especially for anyone who is unhappy with their life and are afraid to make changes. I would recommend it highly. "
— AS, Brooklyn, NY
"I found myself identifying with Julia, always doing what others expect me to do or say. The Summer I Dared is helping me with a discovery of my self worth. "
— AM, Harvest, AL
"I absolutely fell in love with Julia and Noah. I loved all the other characters, too, but I was really cheering for Julia and Noah. The story was so moving and you so got into the character that I couldn't put the book down until I finished reading it. Then I was disappointed that the story was over. I could never get enough. It was like I lived on Big Sawyer along with everyone else. "
— PC, Los Angeles, CA
"I enjoyed this story very much. Julia is a woman who is trying to come to terms with a bad marriage and feelings of low self worth. She goes to an island were she has been happy in the past to have some time to herself. An unfortunate accident occurs and she along with two other survivors must come to terms with what happened. I liked this book because there were different elements to the story that made it interesting. There was a mystery, info on lobstering, Angora rabbits, romance and insight to relationships with people in Julia's life. The characters were interesting and I especially liked the relationship between Noah and his son. "
— LF, Oceanside, NY
"A new book by Barbara Delinsky is an event to be compared with the delicious anticipation of Christmas or a birthday, and The Summer I Dared does not disappoint. It is so easy to identify with Julia as she realizes that her life has been spent serving others. It doesn't always take a life threatening event to reach an epiphany like that, but it does take courage to make the changes, and it is wonderful to see Julia blossom as her own person. I really wanted to SMACK her mother though, for her lack of compassion and holding a grudge for so long. It is the mark of an excellent writer to evoke such strong emotions from the printed word. Two thumbs up for The Summer I Dared! "
— LL, Hillsboro, OH
"The Summer I Dared was one of the best books I have read over the years that you have written. Your story, descriptions of the island and the lobstermen and families were so real you could almost smell the ocean, feel the damp fog, and see the boats getting cleaned after the day is done. I could even taste those cookies!! Your story could have happened to any of us, and I'm sure everyone will relate to Julia. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. "
— NB, Clearwater, FL
"What a wonderful book! I couldn't put it down. Many of us may experience an event that becomes life changing. Julia had the courage and the strength to stand up for herself and become the woman she always knew she could be. It certainly didn't hurt to have someone like Noah help along the way. Ahhh ... another happy ending. "
— AD, Tewksbury, MA
"I just finished reading The Summer I Dared. I really loved this book and felt the power of Julia's character as she goes through all the changes in her life. I found myself feeling as though I was right there on the island with everyone. All the characters in this book were interesting to me and I was so happy with the ending for all of them. Thanks for writing such a great book. I can't wait for the next one. "
— DH, Inver Grove Heights,
"The Summer I Dared contains all that I love in a book. It is a touching love story that developes slowly and with understanding. Julia's 'coming of age' was so well done -- learning that she can stand on her own 2 feet and make her own decisions, learning to feel free without having someone else telling her what to do and when to do it. And of course Noah was just a dream come true for Julia, so much that she wasn't even sure he was for real! Great job, Barbara, of putting together both of their stories along with so much great information on lobstering but also the rabbits. "
— LV, Melbourne, FL
"'The Summer I Dared' is an excellent book, reminding each of us to take a deep look at our lives. Like Julia, we need to reassess who we are from time to time. She had been preparing for the possibility of change without acknowledging it to herself. Until the accident. With her family's reactions, she learns about herself. Read this book and you'll see how life can improve when we are true to ourselves - when we DARE. "
— SE, Terre Haute, IN
"Once again, Barbara, you have outdone yourself. You have captured the emotions of Julia, Noah and Kim as survivors of a major catastrophe. I can't help but think what I would do or think if it was me. Would I question "Why me" or just be glad it was me who survived? Would I feel guilty? Would it turn my life around for the better or the worse? I absolutely love the way you weave all the sub-plots and experiences of the people involved in a way that makes perfect sense. I can almost smell the ocean and feel the boat's motion when Noah and Ian go lobstering on their own. And my heart was pounding when they got caught in the storm and I did not know whether they would make it without any major harm coming their way. I wanted Julia back to the Island so badly then! What a rich story you weave, Barbara. Just as rich and full as an Angora rabbit's fur. You leave me wanting more!"
— AS, Wilkes-Barre, PA
"Wow! I am a new mom (3 mo old) and I gave up sleeping because I HAD to finish the book! 'Nuff said!! "
— MM, Watertown, SD
"Who hasn't known a man like Noah? Doesn't talk much aloud but has a lot to say. I didn't want this book to end - I needed a lot more pages, but loved it. "
— MS, Rensselaer, NY
""The Summer I Dared" was a wonderful blend of mystery, family drama, and romance. Julia is a strong willed woman and I like how she took the bull by the horns and finally did what she wanted to do, not what Monte, Janet and even her daughter Molly wanted her to do. The setting on the beautiful Maine coast was a perfect one for the story. "
— JC, Merrimack, NH
"I absolutely loved this book from beginning to the end. I was happy for Julia when she finally stood up for herself and her beliefs. Learning to put one's self first is a very hard thing for most women to do. My special male friend of five years thinks I read too many love stories. "That isn't the way it is", he tells me. While reading this wonderfully written book, I told him that I was learning how to trap lobsters and raise rabbits. He loved it! If only he really knew. Can't wait for your next book!! "
— BH, Fairmount, IN
"As is always the case with a Barbara Delinsky book, I LOVED The Summer I Dared. There was so much heart-wrenching emotion from the first page to the last. I can relate to Molly as I am the only child of a divorced couple and know what it's like to have to deal with having parents on different sides of the story and having to deal with infidelity from one parent and then the other parent starting to date again. Thanks, Barbara, for this wonderful story of starting over again. "
— DT, Aurora, ON
"This book so touched my heart. It was me 3 years ago but I didn't dare leave. The fear of losing everything was just too much for me...and leaving my son...he is younger than Molly. I can say I found love for the first time in my entire life with an older man, but I have stayed in a very difficult marriage for the sake of my son. Over all, this book was telling my story and I thank BD for stepping out and writing a story like this. It's hard, believe me. "
— CS, Summerfield, FL
"This was another outstanding Barbara Delinsky book -- well worth the wait! I love the way Julia in midlife truly comes into her own; she finally finds out not only who she really is, but who she definitely wants. Noah's gift to her (and future proposal?) was a wonderful ending to this book!!LOVED IT!!!!!!! "
— A-MC, Stratham, NH
"There comes a time in everybody's life when they have to separate themselves from family obligations and discover what path their life is supposed to follow. This is what happened to Julia Bechtel and Noah Prine in The Summer I Dared. A tragic boat accident which took the lives of several others brought them together but their parallel lives as caregivers to parents and children formed a relationship between two unlikely people that summer on Big Sawyer. Julia planned this visit with her aunt to sort out feelings about her marriage and her role as a daughter and mother. Barbara Delinsky is so adept in her descriptions of life on the island that you can almost smell the pine trees, taste the lobster and see the angora rabbits that Julia learns to love and care for in her search for answers. This book is a must-read for everybody who is at a crossroads in their lives and needs to make decisions. "
— SS, Goshen, CT
" The subject of who lives and who dies has been explored by hundreds of novelists in dozens of ways – sometimes successfully, more often than not merely as a rehash of what has gone before. The Summer I Dared – the latest novel from New York Times bestselling author Barbara Delinsky – looks at this theme in a slightly different manner, from the standpoint not of why people survive, but rather the effects that survival has on them. Mingled in with a journey of self discovery, of course, are the elements of suspense and intrigue that have kept Ms. Delinsky returning to the Times Bestseller list year after year. There are a few things that stand out about this novel. First, the author’s expert use of secondary and tertiary characters really keeps this story moving along, and allows her to explore areas that would not be available to her had she chosen to simply concentrate on her main protagonist. Secondly, there is a “mood” to this novel – a feeling that something is not as it should be – that is so subtle and yet so pervasive that part of the fun of reading is to find out if you really have any right to feel that way. Finally – and for me most importantly -- Ms. Delinsky’s descriptive prose as it relates to the small lobster fishing community in which she sets her book is both evocative and clear. The reader can “see” her locations through her words – hear the waves and smell the salt mist coming off the Atlantic – as she lovingly paints the background canvas of her story. Ms. Delinsky takes a world that most people have never come in contact with and presents in such a way as to allow the reader to step into it seamlessly, while never removing this world from the broader world that surrounds it. Rather than presenting this place as an isolated community, she presents an insulated way of life that nonetheless exists in concert with the world in which we all live. I found this to be a truly remarkable achievement, given the scope and depth of the rest of the novel. "
— Rob Holden, Readersroom.c
"Ever prolific and popular Delinsky has often considered the phenomena of near-death experiences granting second chances in life, but rather than rely on hackneyed notions of heroes rising Phoenix-like from the ashes to triumph over adversity, Delinsky grounds her characters in the here-and-now and presents them with dilemmas more familiar than fanciful. Such is the case in her latest work, a tale of three people quite literally thrown together following a boating accident off the Maine coast that spares them while taking the lives of nine others. At 40 Julia is an obedient wife, dutiful daughter, and devoted mother, and has planned a visit to her aunt Zoe to reflect on her obligation to herself versus her ties to her family. Rescued by fellow passenger Noah Prine, Julia feels connected to him by virtue of their shared tragedy while also being drawn to Kim Colella, the other survivor, whose whereabouts at the time of the crash provide a showy subplot. As a gentle romance blossoms between Julia and Noah, each evaluates who they were before the accident and who they hope to become in its aftermath. Once again, Delinsky excels at combining a compelling mystery with an insightful portrayal of captivating people facing challenges both ordinary and dramatic. "
— Booklist
"This book touches my heart -- as do all of Barbara's. At the time my mother was dying of breast cancer which spread to her bones and organs, I was going through a divorce. We owned a business, had two kids in college...it was devastating. I did not fare as well as the protagonist in this book...it has taken me years to recover. B.D. has done such a good job relating the characters in this novel to real life...they are REAL. "
— BB-C, Hurricane, WV
"I loved this book. I could relate to it as I have just turned 40 and have been going through the same thing. You nailed some of the feelings I have been trying to put a word to. I loved when Julia's father shows up and she decided not to stay. I think all women have to make their own space limits at times or the people around them will push to invade their space. This is a book everyone can relate to on some level. I loved it. "
— KL, Willimantic, CT