Nantucket Red by Leila Howland.

Cricket Thompson's lifetime of overachieving has paid off: she's headed to Brown University in the fall, with a spot on the lacrosse team and a scholarship that covers almost everything. Who knew living in the dorm cost money? An Ivy League education seems to mean living at home for the next four years.
When Cricket is offered the chance to earn enough cash to afford a real college experience, she heads back to Nantucket for the summer. But the faraway island challenges Cricket in ways she hadn't anticipated. It's hard to focus on earning money for next year, when she finds her world opening up in entirely new ways-to art, to travel, and, most unexpectedly, to a future completely different from the one she has been working toward her whole life. A friendship blossoms with Ben, the gorgeous surfer and bartender who encourages Cricket to be free, even as she smarts at the pain of seeing Zack, her first love, falling for her worst enemy.
But one night, when Cricket finally lets herself break all her own rules, she realizes she may have ruined her carefully constructed future with one impulsive decision. Cricket must dig deep to fight for her future, discovering that success isn't just about reaching goals, but also about listening to what she's been trying to ignore-her own heart.

Thoughts!

I was initially unsure about a sequel to Nantucket Blue as I loved the book but I did want more resolution which Nantucket Red provided and more!
I loved that we got a sweeping overview of Cricket's year so the book was mainly set during the summer.
Cricket was the same great character. I loved her determination to equal the money offered to her so she could go to her dream college. I liked seeing her and Jules on better terms although I'm still not a fan of Jules! Nantucket had barely changed in a year so Cricket just slotted back in. I loved Liz returning and the way her character had developed and matured. I even liked Ben, because he was honest and almost a male version of Cricket, relationship wise. Zac was really frustrating this book! The way their relationship petered out initially was annoying but Zac's reaction and subsequent actions were just... I did enjoy the fact this book seemed less heavy with painful drama and more coming of age complete with the confusing love life!
I loved the ending the choices Cricket made. She really proved to be mature self sufficient and independent, secure in her goals and relationships. Overall Nantucket Red is a lovely positive summer read about a girl growing into herself and a fun summer community.

Rating

Nantucket Red is a brilliant companion to Nantucket Blue. It adds depth to the characters, expands on their background as well as being strong enough to standalone.

 Have you read the Nantucket books?
Much love!
Lettie
Xxx