A Summer of Dragonflies by Natasha Deen

There are books that entertain, books that educate, and then there are books that stay with you—long after you’ve turned the last page. Natasha Deen’s A Summer of Dragonflies is one of those rare reads. A poignant, beautifully crafted novel, it explores grief, family secrets, and the fragile yet resilient nature of human connections.

If you’re looking for a YA contemporary novel that balances emotional depth with moments of warmth and hope, this book deserves a spot on your shelf. But don’t just take my word for it—let’s dive into what makes this story so special.

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A Summer of Dragonflies follows sixteen-year-old Sable Brown, who is reeling from the sudden death of her father. Struggling with grief and the weight of unresolved questions, she moves to her estranged grandmother’s farm in rural Alberta for the summer. What begins as an uneasy reunion soon turns into a journey of discovery—both about her family’s hidden past and herself.

As Sable adjusts to life in the countryside, she befriends a boy named Jaxon, whose own struggles mirror hers in unexpected ways. Together, they uncover long-buried family secrets, confront painful truths, and learn that healing isn’t linear. The novel’s pacing is deliberate yet immersive, allowing readers to feel every emotional beat without rushing toward resolution.

Without giving away major spoilers, the story masterfully weaves mystery, romance, and coming-of-age elements into a narrative that feels both intimate and universal.

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Sable is not your typical YA heroine. She’s messy, grieving, and sometimes frustratingly stubborn—but that’s what makes her so compelling. Her anger, confusion, and gradual softening as she opens up to love and forgiveness are portrayed with raw authenticity.

At first, Ruth seems distant, even cold. But as layers peel back, we see a woman shaped by loss, regret, and love she doesn’t know how to express. Her dynamic with Sable is one of the book’s strongest emotional cores.

Jaxon isn’t just there to be Sable’s romantic foil. He has his own scars, his own story, and their bond feels earned rather than forced. Their friendship-turned-romance is tender and believable.

Deen excels at making even secondary characters feel fully realized, from quirky neighbors to absent family members who still cast long shadows.

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Natasha Deen’s prose is elegant without being overwrought. She has a knack for capturing small, vivid details—the way sunlight filters through trees, the hum of dragonflies, the weight of unspoken words. The rural Alberta setting is almost a character itself, lush and evocative.

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At its heart, A Summer of Dragonflies is about how we carry loss—and how we learn to set it down. Key themes include:

• The Weight of Secrets – How family silence can shape (and sometimes harm) generations.
• Grief as a Process, Not a Destination – Sable’s journey isn’t about “getting over” her father’s death but learning to live with it.
• Finding Home in Unexpected Places – Sometimes, home isn’t where you’re from but where you’re seen.

The dragonfly motif is especially powerful—symbolizing transformation, resilience, and fleeting beauty.

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I’ll admit: this book wrecked me in the best way. There’s a particular scene where Sable finally lets herself cry—not just for her father, but for all the things left unsaid—that hit me hard. Deen doesn’t shy away from pain, but she also infuses the story with warmth and hope.

If you’ve ever lost someone or struggled with family estrangement, this novel will resonate deeply. Even if you haven’t, the emotional honesty makes it a rewarding read.

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Fans of The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson or I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson will appreciate the lyrical prose and exploration of grief. It also shares thematic DNA with The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen—small-town summers, healing through connection, and complex family dynamics.

That said, A Summer of Dragonflies stands on its own with its unique setting and quieter, more introspective tone.

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✅ Emotional Depth – Rarely does a YA novel handle grief with this much nuance.
✅ Atmospheric Setting – The rural farm feels alive, almost nostalgic.
✅ Character-Driven Plot – Every decision feels organic to who these people are.

⚠️ Pacing Might Feel Slow to Some – If you prefer fast-moving plots, the first half requires patience.
⚠️ Some Readers May Want More Romance – While the love story is sweet, it’s not the central focus.

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• YA Contemporary Lovers – Especially if you enjoy heartfelt, character-driven stories.
• Readers Who Appreciate Grief Narratives – If books like They Both Die at the End or The Fault in Our Stars moved you, this fits.
• Fans of Small-Town Settings – The rural Alberta backdrop is vivid and immersive.

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“Grief isn’t something you get over. It’s something you carry, like a stone in your pocket. Some days it’s light. Some days it drags you to your knees.”

“Dragonflies don’t live long, but while they do, they shine.”

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A Summer of Dragonflies is a quiet storm of a book—unassuming at first, but unforgettable by the end. Natasha Deen has crafted a story that’s as much about healing as it is about the courage it takes to face the past.

If you’re looking for a novel that will make you feel, reflect, and maybe even shed a tear or two, this is it.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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1. How does the setting enhance the story’s emotional impact?
2. Were you satisfied with how the family secrets were revealed?
3. Which character did you relate to the most, and why?

Have you read A Summer of Dragonflies? What did you think? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to chat about this beautiful book!

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