Review: Jenny Hale's "Out of the Blue" Is a Heartwarming Summer Read Packed with More Than Just Romance

If you're gathering books for your summer TBR stack, don't sink your toes into the sand until you've snagged Jenny Hale's new release, Out of the Blue!

Out of the Blue is more than a love story--it includes stirring themes, like dealing with loss, parenting, work-life balance, family bonds, and finding purpose.

While Hale's latest work is a quick and easy read that fuels summer vibes, it's a story that can be felt with the heart.

What Is Out of the Blue About?

Nora Jenkins is a high school guidance counselor who wrangles with self-doubt. She questions her career choices, her talents, and her lack of passion.

Ivy Ryman is a new student at Nora's school whose delinquent behavior exasperates all of her teachers. Ivy is grieving the loss of her mother and has been thrust into living with her famous music producer father, Blaze Ryman--a man she doesn't even know and whose crazy work schedule leaves little time for connection.

As Blaze earnestly seeks help for managing his daughter, Nora proves to be a godsend. Having lost her own parents at a young age, Nora understands Ivy's pain and is the only one who is able to reach her.

When the school year ends, Nora and her grandmother head for a getaway along the Gulf Coast, never anticipating that Ivy and her father will arrive unexpectedly at their doorstep. It turns out that the best things come from "out of the blue."

Review: Out of the Blue by Jenny Hale Includes Relatable Moments That Connect with Readers

One of Hale's superpowers is crafting characters with unique voices who are so genuine and relatable that you forget their stories are fictional.

My favorite part of the story isn't the romance--it's Nora's interaction with Ivy.

While some might write Ivy off as a rebellious teen who is headed for a lifetime of trouble, I love that Nora ignores Ivy's misbehavior, realizing it flows from deeper problems, and then pours herself into helping the girl resolve her issues. Nora proves to be a wise counselor and models that we shouldn't be dismissive of others based on what they "are" but rather focus on what they "can be" with a little love, grace, and understanding.

Blaze is emblematic of the parent who struggles with a work-life balance and finding the best methods to reach his troubled child. Parenting isn't an exact science, so parents can relate to his hit-or-miss approach to finding an effective strategy.

Since Gram is in the later stages of life, the conflicts she faces are familiar--health scares, the death of a spouse, slowing down--and her wisdom from her life experiences shine through the story.

Blaze is accomplished, famous, outgoing, and passionate about his profession, yet he comes from humble roots, is down-to-earth, and grasps that it's people, not things, that are the most important. His persona contrasts nicely with Nora's, who feels very ordinary and directionless and who yearns to find something she is passionate about pursuing.

I suspect many readers will relate to Nora. Everyone has talent, but when our talent comes naturally to us, it may not feel like a gift. We may not recognize our own aptitudes, but those who know us see them clearly. Nora's expertise is connecting with people, finding the positive in everything, and being caring and giving without expecting anything in return. Maybe your gifts are intangible, like Nora's, and you will be inspired and encouraged by her own journey to self-discovery.

Readers will see a little of themselves in every character in Out of the Blue.

My Favorite Line from Out of the Blue

As Nora worries about what the future holds for her, as many of us do, especially when things feel stagnant, Gram offers advice that can change all of our perspectives.

Enjoy the moments when you don't know what's next. Be excited about them. Because those moments are the slip of time before God reveals your next big journey.

Have you ever experienced a season like this? I love the faith message contained in these lines. When it seems like nothing is happening, God is always working behind the scenes, and then SUDDENLY, everything changes as He opens the next door.

Order Your Copy of Out of the Blue

Hale describes the beach scenes so vividly in Out of the Blue that you will feel the ocean breeze in your hair and the waves frothing across your feet as you imagine yourself walking on the cool, wet sand. It's the perfect summer escape novel.

The romance is sweet, but Ivy's story arc is even more captivating. How will things turn out for her? Will Nora find the passion and direction she's seeking? Will Blaze figure out how to make time for those closest to him? The book will keep you engaged from start to finish, anxious to see where all the characters land. It is light and summery yet loaded with substance.

Click on the image to view and order on Amazon.

Out of the Blue will release in all formats on April 29, 2025, but the ebook is available now for preorder.

Thank you to Harpeth Road Press for the ARC!

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