A Summer Like That - by Jane Lo (Paperback)

About the Book

A Summer Like That weaves a disarming narrative about losing and finding love, as well as the leaps of faith and courage necessary to form an enduring partnership, thoughtfully examining the complications of language, culture, and class.

Book Synopsis

When Leo's girlfriend turns down his marriage proposal and reveals that she has been cheating on him for over a year, his world falls apart. Devastated, he flees Hong Kong for the summer, his broken heart in tow, and wanders across mainland China by bus and train. Each city is indistinguishable from the one before it until he arrives in Xiamen where he meets Pearl, a single mother whose quiet kindness is such a balm for his grief that he falls unexpectedly and helplessly in love with her.

Pearl's greatest wish is for her five-year-old son, Win-win, to beat the odds and find success. When Leo stumbles into her life and offers her not only a second chance at love, but a new and prosperous life for her and Win-win in Hong Kong, it all seems magical, too good to be true.

Neither wants to break the spell. But what happens at the end of a summer like that?

Review Quotes

"At once romantic, thought-provoking, and poignant. Lo's vivid descriptions are a feast for the senses. Straddling class differences and cultures, Leo and Pearl's love story had me cheering for them every step of the way. Everyone should have A Summer Like That-one where a fairytale comes true, and the life you always longed for is finally, at long last, within your grasp." - Emily Colin, New York Times bestselling author of The Memory Thief

"Jane Lo examines the undercurrents of place, politics, and family demands in A Summer Like That. She sensitively and insightfully dissects the often-unspoken tension between a Hong Kong man and a mainland Chinese woman who struggle to find simple acceptance, love and harmony. Will the opposing forces of family and societal expectations be insurmountable?" - Kelly Kaur, author of Letters to Singapore

"Lo's writing is rich with vivid descriptions and emotional depth, capturing the essence of both the locale and the inner lives of her characters. Her narrative style, blending humor with poignant moments, makes this novel a compelling read." - Jane Houng, author of Under Lion Rock, Asian Elephant Art, Cat Soup

"A Summer Like That is a wonderful love story, driven by the reality of a complicated world, and filled with moments of real charm. Leo and Pearl are such wonderful, compelling characters. Spending time with them is so rewarding." - Caitlin Jans, author of Incident Reports

"Jane Lo skillfully immerses readers into family relationships evoking a blend of sadness and humour. Her portrayal of the difficulties of a cross-border relationship beautifully highlights cultural and lifestyle differences." - Anjali Mittal, author of The Boat Race

"Jane Lo's compassion and generosity of spirit are reflected in her stories. Her themes are universal: love, family, discovering oneself, making and unmaking decisions. That's why her stories mean something to all of us. Who hasn't been in similar situations?" - Constance Lieber, author of Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon: Suffragist, Senator, Plural Wife

"A Summer Like That has all the key ingredients of an engaging love story, but it is Lo's keen eye for the cultural conflicts and social prejudices between Hong Kong and mainland Chinese that adds timely social commentary along with spice to this charming romance." - Heather Diamond, author of Rabbit in the Moon

"Jane Lo masterfully weaves together the lives of two strangers, crafting a poignant tale of connection and healing against the backdrop of cultural contrasts. Lo's vivid descriptions and authentic characters draw readers deep into a world where the warmth of human kindness shines through personal struggles, delivering a touching exploration of love, loss, and unexpected friendships." - Jiksun Cheung, author of The Precipice

"Jane Lo is a master of getting to the heart of the human condition. In A Summer Like That, she has another winner of a story that will stay with you season after season."

- Susan Blumberg-Kason, author of Good Chinese Wife & Bernardine's Shanghai Salon

"A Summer Like That weaves a disarming narrative about losing and finding love, as well as the leaps of faith and courage necessary to form an enduring partnership. Jane Lo offers a delightful and intelligent reimagining of the romance genre, one that engagingly melds explorations of the heart with insightful social commentary." - Dr. Tara Lee, instructor of writing & literature at the University of British Columbia

"Jane Lo's A Summer Like That is a heart-warming story of two people who find love when least expecting it - a story of hope and second chances just when we're ready to give up. I found myself wanting a 'Pearl and Leo' sequel!" - Rinkoo Ramchadani, author of A Fistful of Feet