Child of Summer by A.T. Abbott [ARC Review]

 *I received a free copy of Child of Summer from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Child of Summer is A.T. Abbott’s debut historical romance and the first book in the Seasons of Stone series. Set during the Regency era, the story follows Robert Ainsley, the Earl of Hartfield, and Eveline Parish. Four years ago, Robert fleetingly met Evie—the cousin of his childhood friend—and their connection was instant. But Rob was about to leave for India and was already happily engaged. Upon his return to England, everything has changed: his fiancée has left him for another man, and Evie’s reputation lies in ruins after she’s caught kissing someone. Yet, the attraction between them still lingers. Their difference in class and Evie’s past create formidable hurdles they must overcome before finding their happy ending.

Disclaimer: Since this is Abbott’s debut novel, I will treat it as such. Publishing your first book is always a challenge, and writing is a craft that develops through experience and time.

I loved how this story walked the fine line between second-chance romance and right person, wrong time. The prologue where Rob and Evie meet was filled with tension and chemistry, instantly pulling me in. It was a great setup for both characters. I also appreciated that, despite the class difference, they were close in age—avoiding the added imbalance of maturity and experience that can sometimes make this dynamic uncomfortable.

Rob isn’t a rake or a morally questionable hero—he’s righteous and deeply tied to his duties as Earl of Hartfield. Historical romance often leans into the “alphahole” archetype, so it was refreshing to read about a genuinely decent man. That said, I think Rob could have used a bit more edge or vulnerability to make him feel more layered. At times he came across as slightly too modern—the kind of idealized man modern women might imagine in a Regency setting. Giving him a few more flaws would have made him feel more authentic and well-rounded.

Evie, meanwhile, is kind-hearted and quiet but shaped by trauma. Having been assaulted during her first Season, she’s understandably hesitant and cautious. I appreciated how seriously Abbott portrayed the effects of that assault. However, when Evie’s relationship with Rob turned romantic and physical, I expected her trauma to continue influencing her reactions more strongly. The shift felt a bit too abrupt—from being deeply affected to entering an intimate relationship with minimal hesitation. Still, I admired how Evie ultimately confronted her rapist, reclaiming her agency and power. Letting her take that step, rather than relying on the men around her, was a bold and powerful choice by the author.

Tonally, the novel felt a little uneven. Abbott tackles heavy topics—sexual assault, suicidal ideation, grief—but the narrative doesn’t always commit fully to the darker tone these themes invite. At times, modern sensibilities clash with historical realism—for example, when male characters discuss domestic violence abroad but are shocked to hear that similar issues exist in England. These moments sometimes created tonal inconsistency. Finding that balance between historical accuracy and modern awareness is difficult, and I think Abbott is still finding her sweet spot. But for a debut, I admire her ambition to engage with such complex themes within the framework of a historical romance.

Child of Summer is, overall, very well-written. Abbott’s descriptive prose and attention to intimate detail enrich the story beautifully. While the dialogue occasionally felt a bit stiff, that’s a common pitfall for debut novels, especially in historical settings. For seasoned readers of the genre, this might stand out more—but for newcomers, it will likely blend into the charm of the period style.

Overall, Child of Summer is a promising debut that shows genuine potential. Abbott takes creative risks and explores female sexuality in a historical context—a difficult but important topic. For a first novel, this is an impressive and heartfelt effort, and I’m excited to see how her voice and craft evolve in future books.