Social Media Storms Brew

Ivy Raines, once known for her relationship with rising TV star Allyson Hendricks, is reeling from a very public breakup. As the internet speculates and fans obsess over Ally's next move, Ivy's own identity is reduced to "the ex." The relentless online commentary stings, making Ivy feel invisible and powerless. Her family, distracted by their own lives and a camping trip, offers little comfort. Ivy's sense of self is battered by the constant reminders of her heartbreak, and she's desperate for escape. The only solace is the prospect of returning to her childhood theater camp, Acorn Hill, where she hopes to find anonymity, purpose, and maybe a way to move on from the shadow of her famous ex.

Return to Acorn Hill

Arriving at Acorn Hill, Ivy is greeted by familiar faces and the comforting scent of pine. The camp director, Ms. Patricia, welcomes her with warmth and understanding, offering a sense of belonging Ivy hasn't felt in a long time. But the past isn't so easily left behind—her former best friend, Rynn Walsh, is also a counselor. Their reunion is awkward, charged with unresolved hurt from a friendship that ended in middle school. As Ivy tries to settle in, she's forced to confront not only her recent heartbreak but also the pain of losing Rynn years ago. The camp, once a sanctuary, now feels like a minefield of memories and unfinished business.

Old Friends, New Tensions

Ivy and Rynn's uneasy truce is tested immediately when they both vie for the coveted role of directing the camp's end-of-summer musical. Their competitive banter masks deeper wounds—resentment, jealousy, and the ache of a friendship lost. Forced to work together, they struggle to balance professionalism with personal history. Meanwhile, Ivy's anxiety about her public breakup simmers beneath the surface, making every interaction feel fraught. The camp's traditions—trust falls, icebreakers, and s'mores—become battlegrounds for their rivalry, but also opportunities for vulnerability. As they navigate their roles, both girls begin to realize that healing might require more than just winning.

Campers, Crushes, and Chaos

The arrival of campers brings a whirlwind of energy and chaos. Ivy is assigned a group of tweens, each with their own quirks, insecurities, and budding crushes. The campers' obsession with Ally's TV show, "Telephone Hour," and their fascination with Ivy's past relationship, threaten to expose her secrets. As Ivy juggles homesick kids, group name debates, and the relentless curiosity of her charges, she sees her own struggles reflected in their friendships and rivalries. The pressure to be a role model clashes with her own uncertainty, and she begins to question whether she's cut out for teaching—or for moving on.

Rivalry for the Spotlight

The competition between Ivy and Rynn for the director's chair reaches a boiling point. Both are passionate about theater, but their visions clash. Ms. Patricia, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, makes the controversial decision to have them codirect. Forced into collaboration, Ivy and Rynn must navigate creative differences, bruised egos, and the lingering pain of their past. Their arguments spill over into rehearsals, affecting the campers and threatening the success of the musical. Yet, in moments of shared laughter and creative synergy, glimpses of their old friendship—and something more—begin to resurface.

S'mores, Secrets, and Setbacks

Late-night counselor gatherings around the campfire become a space for confessions and camaraderie. Ivy, still haunted by Ally's presence online, struggles to open up. Rynn, too, reveals her own fears and dreams, hinting at the loneliness beneath her confident exterior. The counselors share stories of heartbreak, ambition, and identity, forging bonds that help them weather the camp's daily dramas. But as Ivy's campers uncover her connection to Ally, the line between her private pain and public persona blurs. The pressure mounts, and Ivy's attempts to keep her emotions in check begin to falter.

The Great Group Name Debate

Ivy's group of campers can't agree on a name, mirroring the discord in her own life. The debate becomes a microcosm of the camp's larger struggles with identity, belonging, and leadership. Ivy's efforts to mediate are met with resistance, and she feels increasingly inadequate. The tension between Twyla and Nessa, two campers whose friendship is unraveling, echoes Ivy and Rynn's own fractured bond. As the group's unity frays, Ivy is forced to confront her own shortcomings as a leader and the ways in which her unresolved feelings are affecting those around her.

The Ex-Girlfriend Reveal

The campers' discovery of Ivy's past with Ally explodes into camp-wide gossip. Ivy's worst fears are realized as her heartbreak becomes entertainment for others. The relentless scrutiny leaves her feeling raw and exposed, and she withdraws further into herself. Rynn, witnessing Ivy's pain, offers unexpected support, challenging Ivy to be honest about her feelings. The experience forces Ivy to reckon with the cost of living in someone else's shadow and the importance of reclaiming her own narrative. The lines between counselor and camper, public and private, blur as everyone grapples with the fallout.

Camp Drama Escalates

As rehearsals for the musical intensify, so do the personal dramas. Twyla and Nessa's friendship implodes over jealousy and misunderstandings, mirroring the unresolved tension between Ivy and Rynn. The camp becomes a pressure cooker of emotions, with arguments erupting among both campers and counselors. Ivy's attempts to mediate are clumsy, and she feels the weight of responsibility for the group's well-being. The chaos forces her to confront her own avoidance of conflict and the ways in which she's been running from her feelings. The need for honest communication becomes urgent.

Musical Dreams and Meltdowns

The codirectors' creative partnership is tested as tech week approaches. Ivy and Rynn clash over artistic choices, but also begin to rediscover the joy of working together. Their shared passion for theater becomes a bridge, allowing them to reconnect and heal old wounds. The campers, inspired by their counselors' vulnerability, start to open up as well. Small victories—solving a group conflict, nailing a difficult scene—offer hope. Yet, the specter of Ally's online presence and the unresolved feelings between Ivy and Rynn threaten to derail their progress. The stage is set for a reckoning.

Friendship Fractures and Fixes

A series of emotional confrontations forces Ivy, Rynn, and the campers to finally address their issues. Ivy helps Twyla and Nessa find the words to repair their friendship, drawing on her own regrets about losing Rynn. In turn, Ivy and Rynn have a long-overdue conversation about their past, their fears, and their hopes for the future. Apologies are exchanged, and forgiveness begins to take root. The process is messy and imperfect, but it marks a turning point. Ivy realizes that healing requires vulnerability, honesty, and the willingness to let go of old stories.

Ally's Shadow Looms Large

News breaks that Ally and her costar Becca are officially together—and that their relationship may have started before Ally and Ivy broke up. The internet erupts, and Ivy's pain is once again made public. In a moment of anger, she posts her side of the story online, igniting a new wave of discourse. The catharsis is short-lived; instead of feeling empowered, Ivy is left feeling hollow and exposed. When Ally visits the camp for a publicity event, the two finally have a private conversation. Apologies are exchanged, and Ivy realizes she no longer needs Ally's validation to move forward.

The Internet Erupts

Ivy's viral post about Ally's betrayal sets the internet ablaze. While some fans rally to her side, others double down on their loyalty to Ally. The experience is both liberating and isolating—by telling her story, Ivy reclaims her voice, but also faces the reality that public opinion is fickle and uncontrollable. The camp community buzzes with gossip, and Ivy is forced to reckon with the limits of online validation. The fallout prompts her to seek support from her family and friends, and to focus on the relationships that truly matter.

Facing the Past

With the drama of the internet behind her, Ivy turns her attention to the relationships she's neglected. She reaches out to her sister, Lacey, and finds comfort in their shared experiences of loss and resilience. Ivy also apologizes to Rynn, acknowledging the ways she's used their relationship as a distraction from her pain. Through honest conversation and mutual vulnerability, they begin to rebuild trust. Ivy learns that moving on isn't about erasing the past, but about integrating it into a new story—one where she is the protagonist, not the sidekick.

Finding the Words

Ivy helps Twyla and Nessa repair their friendship, drawing on the lessons she's learned about communication and forgiveness. The process is cathartic, allowing Ivy to see her own growth reflected in her campers. She realizes that teaching isn't about having all the answers, but about creating space for others to find their own. As the camp prepares for the final performance, Ivy feels a sense of purpose and belonging she hasn't known in years. The experience affirms her decision to pursue teaching, and she embraces the messiness of growth.

The Grand Gesture

Determined to show Rynn she's ready to be all-in, Ivy organizes a surprise musical number featuring her campers and Rynn's original song. The performance is a public declaration of affection and respect, signaling Ivy's willingness to step out of the shadows and claim her own story. The gesture moves Rynn, and the two finally confess their feelings for each other. Their kiss, witnessed by the camp community, marks the beginning of a new chapter—one built on honesty, mutual support, and the courage to be seen.

Curtain Call and Goodbyes

As camp comes to a close, Ivy says goodbye to her campers, her friends, and the summer that changed her life. The chaos of the past weeks gives way to a bittersweet sense of accomplishment and growth. Ivy and Rynn, now together, face the uncertainty of the future with hope and excitement. Ivy's journey—from heartbreak and invisibility to self-acceptance and love—culminates in the realization that her story is hers to write. Surrounded by the people who matter most, she steps into the next chapter, ready for whatever comes next.

Characters

Ivy Raines

Ivy is a sensitive, introspective teen grappling with the aftermath of a public breakup with her celebrity ex-girlfriend, Allyson Hendricks. Once defined by her relationship, Ivy struggles to reclaim her identity amid the relentless scrutiny of social media and the expectations of those around her. Her return to Acorn Hill is both an escape and a quest for belonging. Ivy's journey is marked by vulnerability, self-doubt, and a deep longing for connection. Her relationships—with her family, her campers, and especially Rynn—force her to confront her fears, own her story, and embrace the messiness of growth. By summer's end, Ivy transforms from a passive sidekick to the protagonist of her own life, learning to lead, love, and let go.

Rynn Walsh

Rynn is Ivy's childhood best friend turned rival, whose own wounds from their friendship's end run deep. Outwardly confident and passionate about theater, Rynn hides a core of loneliness and a fear of not being taken seriously. Her competitive streak masks a longing for connection and validation. As codirector of the camp musical, Rynn's creative vision and leadership are both a source of pride and a point of contention. Her feelings for Ivy—complicated by years of unresolved tension and unspoken attraction—drive much of the emotional arc. Rynn's journey is one of vulnerability, forgiveness, and the courage to risk her heart again.

Allyson Hendricks

Ally is a rising TV star whose breakup with Ivy sets the story in motion. Charismatic and ambitious, Ally is adept at managing her public image, often at the expense of personal relationships. Her new romance with costar Becca Wallis—and the revelation of possible infidelity—forces Ivy to confront the reality of their relationship. Ally's presence looms large, both as a source of pain and as a mirror for Ivy's own struggles with identity and self-worth. Ultimately, Ally's role is that of a catalyst, pushing Ivy to reclaim her narrative and seek closure on her own terms.

Ms. Patricia (Ms. P)

Ms. P is the wise, compassionate director of Acorn Hill, serving as a mentor to both campers and counselors. She recognizes the strengths and struggles of those in her care, offering guidance without judgment. Her decision to have Ivy and Rynn codirect the musical is both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. Ms. P's belief in collaboration, vulnerability, and the transformative power of theater shapes the camp's culture. She is a stabilizing force, encouraging Ivy to step into leadership and helping the entire community navigate conflict and change.

Fitz

Fitz is a fellow counselor whose easygoing humor and warmth make him a favorite among campers and staff alike. He provides much-needed levity amid the camp's emotional storms, but also grapples with his own questions about identity and belonging. Fitz's journey of self-discovery—particularly around his sexuality and his feelings for Ben—parallels Ivy's, offering a model of vulnerability and growth. His friendship with Ivy is a source of comfort and perspective, reminding her of the importance of community and self-acceptance.

Ben

Ben is a counselor known for his artistic flair, kindness, and emotional intelligence. His breakup with a boyfriend back home and his budding connection with Fitz add depth to the camp's exploration of love and identity. Ben's empathy and creativity make him a natural ally to Ivy and Rynn, and his willingness to share his own struggles fosters a culture of openness among the counselors. Ben's presence underscores the story's themes of chosen family and the healing power of friendship.

Celia

Celia is a counselor with a passion for dance and a calm, grounded presence. Her partnership with Ivy in the cabins provides stability and support, especially during moments of chaos. Celia's own uncertainties about her future—torn between pursuing ballet professionally or leaving it behind—mirror the larger questions of identity and purpose faced by the group. Her friendship with Ivy and the other counselors is marked by honesty, humor, and a willingness to listen.

Twyla

Twyla is a spirited, opinionated camper whose drive and insecurities often put her at odds with her peers—especially Nessa. Her desire for recognition and fear of being left behind fuel much of the group's drama. Twyla's journey, from rivalry and jealousy to vulnerability and reconciliation, mirrors the counselors' own struggles. Her relationship with Ivy is both challenging and rewarding, pushing Ivy to grow as a leader and mentor.

Nessa

Nessa is Twyla's best friend and eventual rival, whose quiet strength and longing for belonging make her a sympathetic figure. Her decision to audition for a lead role—and the fallout with Twyla—serves as a microcosm of the story's themes of ambition, friendship, and self-worth. Nessa's growth, from hiding in the shadows to claiming her place on stage, is a testament to the power of encouragement and honest communication.

Lacey

Lacey is Ivy's older sister, whose blunt humor and unwavering support provide a lifeline during Ivy's darkest moments. Though physically distant, Lacey's presence in the family group chat and her willingness to listen help Ivy process her feelings and gain perspective. Lacey's own experiences with loss and resilience mirror Ivy's, and their relationship underscores the importance of family—chosen and biological—in weathering life's storms.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative: Public vs. Private Self

The novel deftly weaves Ivy's internal journey with the relentless external gaze of social media and fandom culture. The contrast between Ivy's private pain and her public persona is heightened by the constant presence of online commentary, group chats, and viral posts. This dual narrative structure allows for a nuanced exploration of identity, agency, and the struggle to reclaim one's story from the narratives imposed by others. The use of internet discourse as both a plot device and a thematic mirror amplifies the stakes of Ivy's journey and grounds the story in contemporary reality.

Parallel Arcs: Counselors and Campers

The experiences of the campers—friendship drama, jealousy, the search for belonging—are mirrored in the counselors' own struggles. This parallelism reinforces the universality of the story's themes and allows for moments of reflection, empathy, and growth. Ivy's role as both participant and mentor blurs the lines between teacher and student, highlighting the ongoing nature of self-discovery and healing.

Enemies-to-Lovers and Second-Chance Romance

The central relationship between Ivy and Rynn employs classic romance tropes—enemies-to-lovers, second chances, and the grand gesture. Their journey from estrangement to intimacy is marked by miscommunication, vulnerability, and the courage to risk being hurt again. The slow-burn development of their romance is interwoven with the larger narrative of self-acceptance and the reclamation of agency.

The Camp Musical as Metaphor

The process of codirecting the camp's musical serves as both a literal and metaphorical stage for the characters' growth. The challenges of collaboration, the chaos of rehearsals, and the triumph of performance mirror the emotional arcs of the story. The musical becomes a space for healing, creativity, and the forging of new identities—both for the campers and the counselors.

Internet and Fandom Culture

The novel's use of social media posts, fan theories, and online discourse highlights the ways in which stories are shaped, shared, and contested in the digital age. Ivy's struggle to reclaim her narrative from the fandom's interpretations underscores the tension between personal truth and public perception. The internet is both a source of pain and a tool for empowerment, reflecting the complexities of contemporary identity formation.

Analysis

"I Love You S'more" is a heartfelt, sharply contemporary exploration of identity, heartbreak, and the messy, beautiful process of growing up. Auriane Desombre crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, capturing the anxieties of living in a world where our stories are constantly mediated by social media and public opinion. At its core, the novel is about reclaiming agency—learning to tell your own story, even when others try to define you. Through Ivy's journey from heartbreak and invisibility to self-acceptance and love, the book offers a nuanced meditation on the power of vulnerability, the importance of honest communication, and the necessity of forgiveness—both of others and of oneself. The parallel arcs of the counselors and campers reinforce the idea that growth is ongoing, and that healing requires both courage and community. By centering queer love, chosen family, and the transformative power of art, "I Love You S'more" delivers a hopeful, emotionally rich message: you are more than the roles others assign you, and your story is yours to write.

Last updated: October 19, 2025