The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram is a heartfelt and gripping novel about ambition, memory, and the lingering spark of first love. At its heart is Tess Murphy, a determined woman making history as she runs to become the first female governor of Virginia. But the path to power is complicated not only by politics but also by the unexpected twist that her opponent is none other than Grant Alexander, her secret first love.

Told in dual timelines, the story moves between a sun-soaked summer of youthful romance and the tense, high-stakes present of a gubernatorial campaign. The back-and-forth structure adds emotional depth, revealing not just how far Tess and Grant have come but how much they have carried with them. Their chemistry is undeniable, shaped by both history and heartbreak, and readers get to see both sides of the story through alternating points of view.

This novel shines not only for its second-chance romance but also for its thoughtful exploration of family dynamics, class divides, privilege, and grief. Tess’s relationship with her mother is especially moving, intimate and complicated in a way that feels deeply real. There is also a poignant look at what it means to be a woman in politics, fighting not only for votes but to be seen, heard, and respected.

The Summer We Ran is contemporary fiction at its most compelling, a smart, emotional page-turner with memorable characters and a storyline that lingers long after the final page. Whether you are drawn in by the political drama, the slow-burn love story, or the tender moments of personal reckoning, this book delivers.

It is also a Book of the Month pick for June and features a stunning cover that captures the warmth and complexity of the story inside. If you are a fan of character-driven novels with depth, nostalgia, and emotional payoff, this one is worth adding to your stack.

Please note that the book includes serious themes, so checking content warnings may be helpful before reading.