The Summer Of Second Chances – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Summer Of Second Chances

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2026

89%

WISE Score

A Martha's Vineyard romance that balances sweet summer vibes with the heavy reality of caring for a grandparent with dementia.

The Summer Of Second Chances

book

2026

89%

WISE Score

A Martha's Vineyard romance that balances sweet summer vibes with the heavy reality of caring for a grandparent with dementia.

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Screenwise Verdict

K.L. Walther is the queen of the high-stakes summer romance, and this 2026 release looks like her most emotional yet. It’s a 'clean' YA read that doesn't shy away from the messy reality of aging and family duty.

If your kid is looking for a beach read that actually has something to say about empathy and sacrifice, this is it. It’s sweet, it’s sad, and it’s a great example of how to handle 'second chances' in both love and life.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 13+ crowd. It's mature enough for high schoolers dealing with college anxiety, but clean enough for middle schoolers who want a 'grown-up' feeling romance without the explicit content.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong focus on intergenerational care, family loyalty, and honoring the legacy of a grandparent. The romance is expected to be sweet and emotionally grounded.

Imaginative

The 'memory box' framing device and the recreation of historical island memories add a creative layer to a standard contemporary setting.

Safe

As a YA romance from K.L. Walther, this is likely 'clean' YA with no major safety concerns beyond the emotional weight of a dementia subplot.

Enriching

Excellent exploration of the transition to adulthood, the burden of caregiving, and how to navigate personal desires versus family obligations.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Intergenerational bonds are the real heart of the story, focusing on Olivia's deep connection to her grandmother, Annie.
The nostalgic scavenger hunt through Martha's Vineyard via an old memory box makes the setting feel like a character itself.
It tackles difficult life transitions, specifically the guilt and FOMO that come with staying behind while peers head to college.
From the author of The Summer of Broken Rules, so you can expect high-stakes emotional payoff and a cozy, atmospheric read.

⚠

What to Watch For

The dementia storyline is central and can be quite heavy; if your family is currently navigating a similar diagnosis, it might hit close to home.
Typical YA romance tropes like the 'boy from the past' and 'fear of forever' drive the plot, which might feel predictable for older readers.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Olivia felt like she had to stay home while her friends left for college?"
"If you found a 'memory box' from your grandparent's youth, what would you hope to find inside?"
"How do we keep someone's memories alive when they start to forget them themselves?"
"Is it possible to make plans for your own future while still being there for your family?"

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