Welcome to the Great Summer Reads Hop hosted by Author Cindy C Bennett, featuring books that make for a great summer read!
For some reason, summer always makes me think of Italy. I spent a month in Florence when I was in college, studying photography and art history for no reason other than the fact that I wanted to, and the memories from that summer resurface every time the nights get hot and the days get long.
One of my favorite memories from my Tuscan summer was one jumbled up night filled with laughter, music, and unexpected friendships. My roommates and I walked across town to “the fort”, supposedly a medieval ruin on the edge of the city that was now being used as an impromptu, open-air night club. (I’ve looked for information on the place ever since I got home, and I’ve never turned anything up in an internet search, which just adds to the magic of that particular night.)
After a night of dancing and laughter, we made our way back to the charming apartment for a late night snack. We were all standing around in the kitchen when our door crashed open and three slightly drunk young men fell into the hallway.
(Seriously. This happened.)
They were staying in the hostel next door, and had mistaken our door for their own. The boys were very kind and apologetic (and they had lilting British accents), so we forgave them and sent them on their way.
And then, a few minutes later, I happened to lean out the kitchen window at the same time as one of the guys leaned out the hostel window next door (they’d finally made it home safe).
He apologized again for scaring us, and invited us down to the piazza for some wine and conversation. And that was how, at two o’clock in the morning, four young American girls found themselves laughing and talking with three young British boys in a city park in Italy.
We stayed out until dawn, and while I’d love to say that the bizarre night was the beginning of a whirlwind romance, it wasn’t; we never saw the boys again. (But, oh, the possibilities this memory has as a story starter! Excuse me while I jot some ideas down…)
Photo by Jen McConnel, 2004
Now, I be you’re wondering what my little trip down memory lane has to do with the Great Summer Reads Blog Hop, but all will be revealed…now!
I’m giving away a copy of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris. This awesome YA novel is set in Florence, and it’s filled with the unexpected magic that made my trip so memorable (and, well, there’s also time travel. And a charming boy. Need I say more?)
If you want to win, just leave a comment on this post and tell me the most memorable summer moment you’ve had.
Giveaway open to U.S. folks only (sorry, guys, but postage is a pain!). Contest runs July 9-12th. Please include your email address in the comment so I can get in touch with the lucky winner.
Enter my giveaway and then Click here to view the list of other stops on the hop!
Jen McConnel 
My most memorable summer was the year we went to Walt Disney World in 2006. I want to go back so badly! :o)
Sending travel vibes your way, Janet! 🙂
My most memorable summer was going home to Minnesota back in 2000 for my Mom and Dad’s 50th wedding anniversary! Haven’t been back in 13 years and need to plan a trip soon!! My Dad is 89 and my mom is 82.
email – danrhon at gmail dot com
Aw, I hope you can get back there soon!! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
My most memorable summer moment also happened in Europe! The summer before my senior year of high school, we took a trip to Italy, France and England. It was a fantastic trip all around, but the best moment was standing in the middle of the Sistine Chapel, absorbing all of the wonderful art that I had only previously seen in pictures. It was right there, mere feet in front of me! It was a beautiful moment. 🙂
Beautiful!! Thanks for sharing your memory and entering the giveaway!
Surfing with my brother! Thanks for the giveaway. ❤
I’ve never been surfing…on my list! Thanks for entering 🙂
Last year my family took a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. I would have never thought a ranch owned by the BSA would be a trip that I enjoyed. I went hiking every day and my kids went off with other children their ages and did activities together. I only had to show up for dinner. NO COOKING, NO KIDS.. it was great!
Sounds really wonderful! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
First of all, this book has been on my TBR list forever! Anyway, my most memorable summer moment would have to be the many summers spent camping and fishing at a lake with my family. I got bit by a water snake one year…
Ugh, water snakes are no fun! Thanks for dropping by!
Summer of 2009 when we took my son to Orlando. We went to Disney, Universal Studios, Ripleys, Daytona beach, Sea World, Wet n Wild and all kinds of little things too.
leighannecrisp @ yahoo dot com
Sounds like a great trip, Melissa! Thanks for dropping by!
My most memorable memory is going to Branson on vacation when I was little.
Thanks for the chance to win!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
Thanks for entering, Natasha! 🙂
me we been travleing and then i am going to texas next week for the taps and i going to in joy it for the being nominated for a ambassador for the taps for mo
Thanks for dropping by, Desiree.
My most memorable summer was when my family and I went to Hawaii about 4 years ago, It was tons of fun! We went parachuting and snorkling and went all over the island!
puppy2417@hotmail.com
Oh, Hawaii: totally on my list! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
For me, it was spending the summer in Scotland with my family. Loved it.
You know, I think I would have really loved Scotland if I went there in the summer! I saw it during a wet winter. Thanks for entering!
Going to Disneyland with family
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
Sounds fun! Thanks for entering!
My most memorable summer moment would be last year on June 18. I had my first baby, Kiaya Faye. Thanks for having the giveaway.
harnessrose(at)yahoo(dot)com
Aw, congratulations! 🙂