Books Long Past Summer: by Noué Kirwan

Long Past Summer: A Novel by Noué Kirwan is a contemporary romance and legal drama that explores themes of friendship, love, personal growth, and reconciliation.

Synopsis:

Mikaela Marchand is a successful New York lawyer with a promising career and a devoted boyfriend. However, her polished life is disrupted when an old photograph of her and her former best friend, Julie, appears on a massive billboard in Times Square as part of a fashion magazine advertisement. Julie, who is also connected to the photo’s photographer and her ex-husband Cameron Murphy (Mikaela’s first love), files a lawsuit against the magazine for using her image without permission.

Caught in the middle as the defense lawyer for the magazine, Mikaela must confront unresolved feelings and complicated history involving Julie and Cameron. The story moves between the present and flashbacks to summers of first loves and fragile friendships, revealing the delicate and powerful bonds that both unite and divide the characters.

Themes:

The complexity of friendships and romantic relationships

Navigating professional ambition alongside personal turmoil

The impact of race and microaggressions, as Mikaela is a Black woman working in a predominantly white, male-dominated legal field

Healing, forgiveness, and self-discovery

Reception:

Praised for its emotional depth, nuanced characters, and mature, steamy romance.

Noted for its honest portrayal of microaggressions and racial dynamics in professional and personal settings.

Kirkus and Publishers Weekly gave positive reviews highlighting Kirwan’s skillful storytelling and character development.

1 BOOK