One week. One girl. One love story worth writing about.
Leighton Prescott seems to have it all—loving parents, a charming bookstore job, and a secure path ahead of him. But the summer before college is supposed to feel like freedom, and for Leighton, it feels like a carefully written script he didn’t author.
That is, until July walks into his bookstore—quiet, curious, and carrying secrets of her own. As the two form an immediate connection, their week together becomes a turning point. Leighton begins to question everything he’s ever known—about his future, his voice, and what it means to truly live for yourself.
Melissa Mastro’s debut is romantic and reflective, soft in tone yet powerful in message. It’s a story about finding yourself when you didn’t even realize you were lost. Through Leighton’s perspective, readers explore the weight of expectations, the awkward beauty of first love, and the courage it takes to rewrite your story.
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Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
One Week of July is a hidden summer gem—quietly powerful and completely unforgettable. This isn't just a romance; it’s a deeply tender exploration of love, loss, and the courage it takes to find your own voice.
Told from Leighton’s perspective (a refreshing rarity in YA/NA romance!), the story balances soft introspection with magnetic chemistry. July is an absolute standout—vulnerable yet strong, mysterious but full of heart—and the way she and Leighton push each other toward growth is beautifully done.
Their week together may be brief, but it’s full of longing, hope, and emotional weight. Set against the cozy charm of a small town and anchored by richly drawn characters, One Week of July feels both personal and universal.
If you love emotionally resonant reads, character-driven stories, or romances that linger long after the last page, add this to your summer TBR immediately.
The small-town setting adds so much charm and familiarity giving us the most cozy backdrop!
If you enjoy emotional reads, realistic romance, or books that make you pause and reflect on your own dreams and expectations, this one is for you.
Read if You Loved:
📚 Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter – for another sweet, cinematic romance with heart and humor.
📚 Every Summer After by Carley Fortune – a swoony, emotional summer romance filled with personal growth and lots of bittersweet nostalgia.
📚 The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han – if you love first loves, beachy settings, and the magic of transformative summers this series is for you!
📚 The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood – for a smart, emotionally driven love story with a deeply likable hero.
Final Thoughts:
One Week of July is a book about love, courage, and choosing yourself—even when it’s scary. With its beautiful writing, memorable characters, and emotional resonance, it’s a standout summer read that will stay with you long after the final page. I can’t wait to see what Melissa Mastro writes next!
