REVIEW: The Comeback Summer by Ali Brady

With sisterhood sitting firmly as the centrepiece, The Comeback Summer by Ali Brady encourages all readers to step out of their comfort zones and face the many curve balls in life head on.

When sisters and business partners Hannah and Libby have a key company withdraw their business, they struggle to create new ideas on how to keep their company and Grandmother’s legacy alive. Until, of course, a solution presents via positivity queen Lou who suggests she would engage their marketing skills if there are willing to crush their comfort zones – a prospect that initially has both sisters balking.

For introverted Hannah, this means twelve dates in twelve weeks and for Libby, it means addressing her relationship with her body and putting it to the test through a large physical competition. As both sisters begin to wade through their demons and insecurities, more than just some great romance and physical fitness ensues.

With strong themes of family, love and resilience, and breezy writing that is all-audience appealable, it was a tricky one to put down at times. Navigating second-chance romance and the various mistrusts that go hand and hand, was a winner – it was difficult to not back Josh and Hannah from the onset…there’s just something about a creative and honest man that will win the race every time.

Further to this, Libby’s nightmare ordeal of physical challenges provided her with a type of emotional grounding that she lacked previously, a powerful lesson in how we can navigate our mental health when we are embracing the true meaning of embodiment. On the whole, this was a fantastic second book for Brady and one that will sing to many a heart in winter or in summer.

Book Info:

Publication: 9th May 2023 | Berkley |

Hannah and Libby need a miracle. The PR agency they inherited from their grandmother is losing clients left and right, and the sisters are devastated at the thought of closing. The situation seems hopeless—until in walks Lou, an eccentric self-help guru who is looking for a new PR agency. Her business could solve all their problems—but there’s a catch. Whoever works with Lou must complete a twelve-week challenge as part of her “Crush Your Comfort Zone” program.

Hannah, whose worst nightmare is making small talk with strangers, is challenged to go on twelve first dates. Libby, who once claimed to have period cramps for four weeks straight to get out of gym class, is challenged to compete in an obstacle course race. The challenges begin with Hannah helping Libby train and Libby managing the dating app on her sister’s behalf. They’re both making good progress—until Hannah’s first love rolls into town, and Libby accidentally falls for a guy she’s supposed to be setting up with her sister.

Things get even more complicated when secrets come to light, making the sisters question the one relationship they’ve always counted each other. With their company’s future on the line, they can’t afford to fail. But in trying to make a comeback to honor their grandmother, are they pushing themselves down the wrong path?