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The Summer Club
Mayhaven is the best keep secret in Massachusetts. Tucked between old cedars and a spring-fed lake, the Mayhaven beach club has long been the ultimate escape to understated exclusivity. It’s the place where Darcy Birch is supposed to be experiencing the best summer of her life, but there are a few things standing in her way. Her high-strung mother won’t stop hovering over her, her father is consumed by his job as president of Mayhaven, where she works as a summer camp counselor and things are not as rosy as they seem, and her neurodivergent little brother is struggling to live with a measure of independence not everyone is ready for.
Then there is the matter of the new neighbors. Flick Creevy, his mother, and stepfather have arrived in town, parking their enormous RV, not to mention all-night music and clouds of marijuana, in the Birches’s perfectly landscaped backyard.
Flick is not interested in the perfect summer or the girl next door. Pushed to get a job at Mayhaven by his mother, who has her eyes on a new life for their family, his own eyes have been opened to the ways of the upper crust. Even though Mayhaven prides itself on being an inclusive association of good New England families with good New England values, the fact remains: either you’re on the inside or the outside.
As the heat of summer increases, it’s soon clear that the members of Mayhaven will have to struggle to stay cool in this sharply written and refreshing new novel that is perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Jennifer Weiner.
Then there is the matter of the new neighbors. Flick Creevy, his mother, and stepfather have arrived in town, parking their enormous RV, not to mention all-night music and clouds of marijuana, in the Birches’s perfectly landscaped backyard.
Flick is not interested in the perfect summer or the girl next door. Pushed to get a job at Mayhaven by his mother, who has her eyes on a new life for their family, his own eyes have been opened to the ways of the upper crust. Even though Mayhaven prides itself on being an inclusive association of good New England families with good New England values, the fact remains: either you’re on the inside or the outside.
As the heat of summer increases, it’s soon clear that the members of Mayhaven will have to struggle to stay cool in this sharply written and refreshing new novel that is perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Jennifer Weiner.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2024
490 people are currently reading
17671 people want to read
About the author
Hannah McKinnon
12 books635 followersAuthor of The Lake Season, Mystic Summer, The Summer House, Sailing Lessons, The View From Here and two YA titles, Franny Parker and The Properties of Water
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
July 23, 2024
It's summer in New England and the Mayhaven beach club is known for being an exclusive retreat for the upper crust. Darcy Birch's father, Ned, is the President of Mayhaven and she works as a camp counselor at the camp. Summer should be an easy breezy time, but this summer is not so easy or breezy. Darcy's mother has been hovering around and her neurodivergent little brother is struggling a bit. Flick Creevy and his mom and stepfather have arrived in town and soon Flick has a job at Mayhaven as well.
The book mainly focuses on Ned and his struggles and need to resolve issues while running Mayhaven; Darcy who once played golf but stopped with no explanation; and Flick who came from New York City to Massachusetts. is getting an eye full working at the beach club.
Although this was an enjoyable well written book, it didn't knock my socks off as I had hoped. The author does a fine job of showing the struggles, POV's, friendships, family issues, and work issues/employment of the main characters.
Others have enjoyed this book more than I did so please read their reviews as well.
Thank you to Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
The book mainly focuses on Ned and his struggles and need to resolve issues while running Mayhaven; Darcy who once played golf but stopped with no explanation; and Flick who came from New York City to Massachusetts. is getting an eye full working at the beach club.
Although this was an enjoyable well written book, it didn't knock my socks off as I had hoped. The author does a fine job of showing the struggles, POV's, friendships, family issues, and work issues/employment of the main characters.
Others have enjoyed this book more than I did so please read their reviews as well.
Thank you to Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
July 21, 2024
Darcy and her Dad, Ned Birch, both work at the lavish Mayhaven beach club. A country club of sorts for the rich in their small Massachusetts town. Ned grew up at Mayhaven, going with his father to learn how to play golf. As an adult, Ned is now the President of Mayhaven and has passed on his love for golf to his daughter. But, suddenly Darcy doesn't want to play golf anymore even after winning many tournaments and getting scouted for college. Why doesn't Darcy want to play anymore and why doesn't she want to talk about it? Enter, the boy next door. Flick is new to town. His Mom and step-father moved him to the small town much to his dismay. Now, his Mom wants him to work at Mayhaven to meet people during the summer months before school starts. But, Flick doesn't feel like he fits in at the exclusive club. He is however, drawn to Darcy and together they embark on a summer no one will forget at Mayhaven.
Review:
3.75 stars.
The Summer Club is written in 3 POVs (Darcy, Ned, and Flick). I liked getting to read from each of their POVs. I did feel like this was more YA because of the two younger POVs, but I didn't mind it. There is a lot of rich people talk, their drama, and unethical behavior which I really enjoy in story lines! And there is an important message in this book that ties up nicely at the end. The Summer Club is a quick and easy read and I overall really enjoyed it. The Summer Club publishes on 7/23 and I definitely recommend picking up this drama packed easy read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Hannah McKinnon, and Atria for this ARC of The Summer Club in exchange for an honest review!!
Review:
3.75 stars.
The Summer Club is written in 3 POVs (Darcy, Ned, and Flick). I liked getting to read from each of their POVs. I did feel like this was more YA because of the two younger POVs, but I didn't mind it. There is a lot of rich people talk, their drama, and unethical behavior which I really enjoy in story lines! And there is an important message in this book that ties up nicely at the end. The Summer Club is a quick and easy read and I overall really enjoyed it. The Summer Club publishes on 7/23 and I definitely recommend picking up this drama packed easy read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Hannah McKinnon, and Atria for this ARC of The Summer Club in exchange for an honest review!!
May 25, 2024
Not my favorite of McKinnon's books, though it's a fast read. Honestly, the plot feels already done, and I would not categorize this as a light beach read, as it resolves around serious themes. THE SUMMER CLUB focuses on a literal club, stuffy Mayhaven, where Ned Birch and his daughter Darcy both learned to golf--but have never been members. Ned is now the manager, trying to restore Mayhaven to its former glory. As for Flick, he's a teenage boy forced to move to Massachusetts from New York with his mom and new stepdad, where they live next door to the Birch family. He gets a job at Mayhaven and finds himself fascinated by Darcy.
There's no major in-depth characterization here, but it's easy to like Flick and Darcy and feel for Ned. He must deal with the insiders versus outsiders vibe of Mayhaven. McKinnon does a fairly good job capturing teens, especially Darcy, who has stopped playing golf and withdrawn from her family. There's a mostly unresolved story with Darcy and a sometimes mean rich kid she liked that just sort of fizzled out. Like a lot of the book, it feels like everything skims the surface, but never delves too deep. This is a decent, quick read but won't stick with me.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE SUMMER CLUB on 07/23/2024!
There's no major in-depth characterization here, but it's easy to like Flick and Darcy and feel for Ned. He must deal with the insiders versus outsiders vibe of Mayhaven. McKinnon does a fairly good job capturing teens, especially Darcy, who has stopped playing golf and withdrawn from her family. There's a mostly unresolved story with Darcy and a sometimes mean rich kid she liked that just sort of fizzled out. Like a lot of the book, it feels like everything skims the surface, but never delves too deep. This is a decent, quick read but won't stick with me.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE SUMMER CLUB on 07/23/2024!
June 8, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Summer Club, by Hannah McKinnon, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is in Massachusetts, at exclusive Mayhaven beach club. Darcy is not having the best summer, along with Flick, whos family has moved from New York, to Massachusetts. I did not care for this book, it was not a light summer read at all.
June 10, 2024
This book started out fairly slow but went to a roaring finish!
Overall, the story is about relationships, family, friends and coworkers. The connection we all feel but sometimes don’t want.
The Birch family in a pleasant suburb in MA; Ned, the Dad was President of a nearby country club, which just meant he oversaw everything! Mom, Ingrid, was a realtor. Darcy, a high school student played competitive golf for most her childhood but abruptly quit. No explanation, just said she was burned out. Adam, her younger brother who’s on the Spectrum, sees and hears everything. He’s also smarter than people give him credit for.
The Crenshaws, who just moved next door, came from Queens, NY. Suburbia was a totally new scene for them, especially for ‘Flick’ the teenage son. He grew up in Queens with his single mother (Josie), who he loved and respected. He just couldn’t get used to the quiet. Josie had recently married Stan, the Dry Cleaning Man, who retired, sold his businesses for a very decent profit and moved them to the new house in the ‘country.’ Stan was decent but a little gruff.
Flick gets a job at the Mayhaven Country Club, which he enjoys. Darcy is working there as a counselor for kids summer camp. Ned is there everyday dealing with wealthy, snobbish people and their offspring.
There’s clearly a class divide between the older members and staff. There’s an underlying tension with board members about the running the club and their expectations.
The other and important issue is no one sees Darcy’s pain. Neither her parents or friends are aware of just how much hurt she’s hiding. No spoilers, but pay close attention to her.
This is more than a beach read, the characters deal with serious life issues. I read this in 2-3 days because I could not stop reading!
Thanks Edelweiss and Atria.
Overall, the story is about relationships, family, friends and coworkers. The connection we all feel but sometimes don’t want.
The Birch family in a pleasant suburb in MA; Ned, the Dad was President of a nearby country club, which just meant he oversaw everything! Mom, Ingrid, was a realtor. Darcy, a high school student played competitive golf for most her childhood but abruptly quit. No explanation, just said she was burned out. Adam, her younger brother who’s on the Spectrum, sees and hears everything. He’s also smarter than people give him credit for.
The Crenshaws, who just moved next door, came from Queens, NY. Suburbia was a totally new scene for them, especially for ‘Flick’ the teenage son. He grew up in Queens with his single mother (Josie), who he loved and respected. He just couldn’t get used to the quiet. Josie had recently married Stan, the Dry Cleaning Man, who retired, sold his businesses for a very decent profit and moved them to the new house in the ‘country.’ Stan was decent but a little gruff.
Flick gets a job at the Mayhaven Country Club, which he enjoys. Darcy is working there as a counselor for kids summer camp. Ned is there everyday dealing with wealthy, snobbish people and their offspring.
There’s clearly a class divide between the older members and staff. There’s an underlying tension with board members about the running the club and their expectations.
The other and important issue is no one sees Darcy’s pain. Neither her parents or friends are aware of just how much hurt she’s hiding. No spoilers, but pay close attention to her.
This is more than a beach read, the characters deal with serious life issues. I read this in 2-3 days because I could not stop reading!
Thanks Edelweiss and Atria.
October 20, 2024
3⭐️
This book was a bit of a bummer for me because I’ve really enjoyed this author’s books in the past! I still liked this one but it fell a bit flat and felt like it lacked purpose in the storyline
This book was a bit of a bummer for me because I’ve really enjoyed this author’s books in the past! I still liked this one but it fell a bit flat and felt like it lacked purpose in the storyline
May 20, 2024
This was not a horrible book, nor was it a great one, hence the so-so rating.
It was a predictable read that deals with two extremely different families, a snobbish country club, and many semi-lies and misunderstandings.
The major flaw I had with the book is that so many side stories and questions were never dealt with/answered. What was wrong with Darcy (we have three main characters - Ned, the father and President of the country club; Darcy, his daughter and champion golfer; and Flick, the new boy in the neighborhood.) seemed obvious to me, the reader and while I understand that her issues had to be dragged out to get the page count, it was annoying that nobody really cared enough to push her into telling what the problem/s was/were.
This was a fast beach read that included some laughs, a lot about golf, teenage issues, and a lesson on how a country club is run.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Atria/Emily Bestler Books, the author, and Edelweiss/ATTL.
It was a predictable read that deals with two extremely different families, a snobbish country club, and many semi-lies and misunderstandings.
The major flaw I had with the book is that so many side stories and questions were never dealt with/answered. What was wrong with Darcy (we have three main characters - Ned, the father and President of the country club; Darcy, his daughter and champion golfer; and Flick, the new boy in the neighborhood.) seemed obvious to me, the reader and while I understand that her issues had to be dragged out to get the page count, it was annoying that nobody really cared enough to push her into telling what the problem/s was/were.
This was a fast beach read that included some laughs, a lot about golf, teenage issues, and a lesson on how a country club is run.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Atria/Emily Bestler Books, the author, and Edelweiss/ATTL.
May 24, 2025
A good story about family relationships.
Read
June 3, 2025A cute beach read with a golf course setting, "The Summer Club" rings true to life. If you have lived in a country club community, you'll enjoy this book. It has three POVs, all from the "have-nots," the individuals who work at the club but feel often marginalized by their roles. Not Christian fiction, this novel has a sprinkling of profanity here and there, but it is a clean read. Enjoy!
September 5, 2024
An easy beach read set in New England’s elite beach club. Lots of drama and family dynamics - a glimpse into the world of the privileged. Interesting and compelling read.
Read
August 8, 2025Audiobook Review
thank you so much partner @atriathrillers + brilliance publishing for the gifted copy and book.
The Summer Club
by Hannah McKinnon
Narrated by Sara Sheckells
About the book 👇🏽
Mayhaven is the best keep secret in Massachusetts. Tucked between old cedars and a spring-fed lake, the Mayhaven beach club has long been the ultimate escape to understated exclusivity. It’s the place where Darcy Birch is supposed to be experiencing the best summer of her life, but there are a few things standing in her way. Her high-strung mother won’t stop hovering over her, her father is consumed by his job as president of Mayhaven, where she works as a summer camp counselor and things are not as rosy as they seem, and her neurodivergent little brother is struggling to live with a measure of independence not everyone is ready for.
Then there is the matter of the new neighbors. Flick Creevy, his mother, and stepfather have arrived in town, parking their enormous RV, not to mention all-night music and clouds of marijuana, in the Birches’s perfectly landscaped backyard.
Flick is not interested in the perfect summer or the girl next door. Pushed to get a job at Mayhaven by his mother, who had her eyes on a new life for their family, his own eyes have been opened to the ways of the upper crust. Even though Mayhaven prides itself on being an inclusive association of good New England families with good New England values, the fact remains: either you’re on the inside or the outside.
☀️ My thoughts:
It makes me sad to say that I waited almost an entire year to read this and unfortunately it was not for me. I tried both the physical book and the audiobook and it just wasn’t for me. For some reason I couldn’t focus on the story and found myself skimming the pages. It is such a bummer but I’m happy to see others enjoyed it!
Happy reading 📖 ☀️
thank you so much partner @atriathrillers + brilliance publishing for the gifted copy and book.
The Summer Club
by Hannah McKinnon
Narrated by Sara Sheckells
About the book 👇🏽
Mayhaven is the best keep secret in Massachusetts. Tucked between old cedars and a spring-fed lake, the Mayhaven beach club has long been the ultimate escape to understated exclusivity. It’s the place where Darcy Birch is supposed to be experiencing the best summer of her life, but there are a few things standing in her way. Her high-strung mother won’t stop hovering over her, her father is consumed by his job as president of Mayhaven, where she works as a summer camp counselor and things are not as rosy as they seem, and her neurodivergent little brother is struggling to live with a measure of independence not everyone is ready for.
Then there is the matter of the new neighbors. Flick Creevy, his mother, and stepfather have arrived in town, parking their enormous RV, not to mention all-night music and clouds of marijuana, in the Birches’s perfectly landscaped backyard.
Flick is not interested in the perfect summer or the girl next door. Pushed to get a job at Mayhaven by his mother, who had her eyes on a new life for their family, his own eyes have been opened to the ways of the upper crust. Even though Mayhaven prides itself on being an inclusive association of good New England families with good New England values, the fact remains: either you’re on the inside or the outside.
☀️ My thoughts:
It makes me sad to say that I waited almost an entire year to read this and unfortunately it was not for me. I tried both the physical book and the audiobook and it just wasn’t for me. For some reason I couldn’t focus on the story and found myself skimming the pages. It is such a bummer but I’m happy to see others enjoyed it!
Happy reading 📖 ☀️
July 19, 2024
I don’t have a ton to say about this one, it wasn’t a bad read but it wasn’t all that memorable either. It was easy, shortish and fast paced and I never thought about setting it aside but it really won’t have any long lasting impact on me either. I did enjoy the setting of a country club over the course of a summer and I always like getting several POVs which you get here but it was very predictable and the ending was a little rushed. While you could easily read this in a day on the beach there is some heavier subject matter so I’m not sure if I would classify this as a beach read per se. Maybe that’s where I’m struggling, it needed to pick between a light summer read and one with more substance and depth instead it straddled the line and was just ok for me in the end.
June 26, 2024
While this was a decent read, I can’t pick out anything unique about it. The story was very predictable, the characters were pretty cookie cutter, and the ending was nothing to wow me.
It was fine, but nothing special. If you want a read that you won’t have to concentrate on, it may be the way to go. You can definitely breeze right through. I enjoy the writing style, I just wish it was more entertaining of a story.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
It was fine, but nothing special. If you want a read that you won’t have to concentrate on, it may be the way to go. You can definitely breeze right through. I enjoy the writing style, I just wish it was more entertaining of a story.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
June 23, 2024
The Summer Club is a great read with all the New England summer vibes! This story is focused around an exclusive Massachusetts beach club called Mayhaven and its members. It's told in split POV's from that of Ned ( club President), Darcy, his teenage daughter who has quit golf(a sport she loved) and Flick,( the boy next door). They are all battling their own inner conflicts that center around the club.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It was what I had expected which was rich people drama, a snooty country club mixed with lies, teenage woes, miscommunication. It wasn't too deep, or difficult to predict but more just a nice read, that was easy to read & very entertaining.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Atria Publishing and Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub date: July 23, 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author. It was what I had expected which was rich people drama, a snooty country club mixed with lies, teenage woes, miscommunication. It wasn't too deep, or difficult to predict but more just a nice read, that was easy to read & very entertaining.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Atria Publishing and Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub date: July 23, 2024
September 29, 2024
This was such a slow read. The plot was very boring and not that interesting more often than not. I did like the characters and the character development, but there were some things that never got answered about them and they probably should have. I feel like the book had a great concept but it wasn’t executed well. I wouldn’t say don’t ever read this book, but I wouldn’t say it’s a must read.
May 29, 2024
Thank you NetGalley, Hannah McKinnon, and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read The Summer Club by Hannah McKinnon in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I have read from author Hannah McKinnon, and found this to be an easy read which contains summer romance, family dynamics, golf, country club antics, teenage emotions, affluence v. working class, and gorgeous scenery. The characters demonstrated redeeming qualities throughout the plot centering on family, friends, secrets, and inclusiveness. As a reader in MA, I was enthused to read The Summer Club by Hannah McKinnon, about a beach club set in Massachusetts. I enjoyed the Boston speak within the story. I have to point out the cover does not align with the actual plot of the book. The Summer Club is an easy, quick read, but I wouldn't categorize it as a beach-y read due to the deeper topics in the plot. The novel focuses on an actual club, stuffy Mayhaven, where Darcy Birch and her dad Ned both learned how to golf, but have never been members. Ned is now the manager of Mayhaven, and is going out of his way to make it the club it once was. There is a definitive social class divide here, the haves and the have nots, the affluent and the working class, and I liked the Birch family. Flick is a teenager forced to move to Massachusetts from New York with his mom and new stepdad. They move in next door to the Birch family, and Ned gives Flick a job in the kitchen at Mayhaven. Flick develops a fascination for Darcy, who has suddenly quit her beloved golfing. When her dad puts her to work at Mayhaven, the teens begin hanging out over an unforgettable summer. I found The Summer Club to be a book you could actually share with a teen - there's only one incident of groping but no sex and it's PG (over quickly) I found this trio of characters presented a strong positive message. The Summer Club was predictable, and in my opinion, the ending came suddenly and left me wishing there were more wrap up with incomplete storylines and characters. 3/5
July 20, 2024
The Summer Club by Hannah McKinnon. Thanks to @atriabooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mayhaven is a New England private golf club. It’s exclusivity is known and you’re either and outsider or insider. The summer, there’s a lot of drama at Mayhaven.
I sped through this one and read it in one afternoon. It is a page turner and very easy read. However, not much really happened. The ending wrapped really fast and I was a little confused by how it ended. While it was an easy and fast read, the plot wasn’t entirely enjoyable for me. I think this one may be a great young adult read because the main story really focuses on the youth.
“Their world is on that side of the door and our world is on this side.”
The Summer Club comes out 7/23.
Mayhaven is a New England private golf club. It’s exclusivity is known and you’re either and outsider or insider. The summer, there’s a lot of drama at Mayhaven.
I sped through this one and read it in one afternoon. It is a page turner and very easy read. However, not much really happened. The ending wrapped really fast and I was a little confused by how it ended. While it was an easy and fast read, the plot wasn’t entirely enjoyable for me. I think this one may be a great young adult read because the main story really focuses on the youth.
“Their world is on that side of the door and our world is on this side.”
The Summer Club comes out 7/23.
August 29, 2024
It’s kind of heavy for something that looks like a beach book.
Ned works at a country club and is totally loyal to the country club. His daughter Darcy used to golf at the country club but mysteriously stopped and no one knows why. (I thought it was pretty obvious and got mad at her parents for not asking more questions.)
Then a new family moves to town. The teenage Flick gets a job at the club and soon his family joins the club.
It’s kind of described like it’s about the “haves” and “have nots” but it’s really more about everyone at the country club and everyone in these two families. Ned has a loyalty to the club that goes back to his own childhood and is a bit blind to the stuff going on behind the scenes.
Ned works at a country club and is totally loyal to the country club. His daughter Darcy used to golf at the country club but mysteriously stopped and no one knows why. (I thought it was pretty obvious and got mad at her parents for not asking more questions.)
Then a new family moves to town. The teenage Flick gets a job at the club and soon his family joins the club.
It’s kind of described like it’s about the “haves” and “have nots” but it’s really more about everyone at the country club and everyone in these two families. Ned has a loyalty to the club that goes back to his own childhood and is a bit blind to the stuff going on behind the scenes.
July 22, 2024
Thank you Atria Books for my #gifted ARC and thank you Brilliance Publishing for my #gifted listening copy of The Summer Club! #TheSummerClub #HannahMcKinnon #AtriaPartner #atriabooks #BrilliancePublishing #BrillianceAudio
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐡 𝐌𝐜𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐧
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
★★★★
The Summer Club was an entertaining read set in New England full of lots of country club drama. It’s told in multiple POVs, and we get to see how the story unfolds from different angles. This was a pretty fast-paced read, and while it is targeted as an adult novel, I definitely think a mature YA could read this one too. Overall, this was an entertaining book with some miscommunication, teenage woes, and rich people drama. It would make for a good beach read!
☀️Summer Drama
☀️Set in New England
☀️Multiple POVs
☀️Country Club Setting
☀️Neurodivergent Representation
🎧I alternated between the physical book and the audiobook, narrated by Sara Sheckells. This was my first time listening to an audiobook narrated by Sheckells, and I really enjoyed my time listening to her bring this story to life. I found her to be very dynamic and emotional and I really thought she was perfect for this audiobook. I would definitely recommend listening to this audiobook if that option is available to you!
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐡 𝐌𝐜𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐧
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
★★★★
The Summer Club was an entertaining read set in New England full of lots of country club drama. It’s told in multiple POVs, and we get to see how the story unfolds from different angles. This was a pretty fast-paced read, and while it is targeted as an adult novel, I definitely think a mature YA could read this one too. Overall, this was an entertaining book with some miscommunication, teenage woes, and rich people drama. It would make for a good beach read!
☀️Summer Drama
☀️Set in New England
☀️Multiple POVs
☀️Country Club Setting
☀️Neurodivergent Representation
🎧I alternated between the physical book and the audiobook, narrated by Sara Sheckells. This was my first time listening to an audiobook narrated by Sheckells, and I really enjoyed my time listening to her bring this story to life. I found her to be very dynamic and emotional and I really thought she was perfect for this audiobook. I would definitely recommend listening to this audiobook if that option is available to you!
August 4, 2024
More than a light summer read. Well-written look at how status affects people, and how it matters what’s on the inside. Between a 3.5 and 4.
August 14, 2024
To be honest, this was almost a DNF for me. I hate to DNF a book so I powered through. It was not horrible but it just wasn't interesting to me. There is very much that feeling of either you are in or you are out in that country club life so that dynamic was interesting but besides that, I just wasn't hooked. There was barely a plot. It felt more like a tv show script for a season. It felt very OC. I don't know what else there is to say.
June 3, 2024
The Summer Club is a delightful and engaging read that takes us into the world of a country club camp for adults. The story revolves around Ned, the president of the Mayhaven Community, his family, and their new neighbors—Stan, Josie, and Flick—who recently moved to town and are not part of the Mayhaven Community.
The narrative unfolds over a summer as Ned strives to keep Mayhaven running smoothly despite the club facing various struggles. Alongside managing his responsibilities at the club, Ned is also dealing with personal challenges, including his daughter Darcy's sudden disinterest in golf, a sport in which she had been excelling as a junior.
Flick, adjusting to the move from bustling New York City to the serene yet preppy suburbia, secures a job at Mayhaven. This new role helps him integrate into the community, and he forms a friendship with Darcy. The summer at Mayhaven is marked by a series of scandals and fun-filled events, making the story both entertaining and immersive.
One of the highlights of the book is the behind-the-scenes look at the workings and struggles of country clubs. This aspect is both informative and intriguing, adding depth to the narrative. The characters are well-developed and likable, each bringing their own unique charm to the story.
The climax of the book centers around a major event at the club where everything seems to go wrong—or perhaps, right? This twist keeps the readers on their toes and adds to the overall enjoyment of the book. Although the story contains trigger warnings for sexual assault, these elements are handled with care and are not overly heavy.
Another commendable aspect of The Summer Club is the inclusion of Ned's son, Adam, who is a person with autism. Adam's portrayal is thoughtful and well-executed, avoiding stereotypes and providing a genuine representation of his character. His presence in the story adds an extra layer of richness and inclusivity.
The ending of the book is satisfying, although it leaves some threads unresolved, such as the issues with Spencer and the thefts. This open-endedness suggests the possibility of a sequel, leaving readers eager to return to Mayhaven next summer.
Overall, The Summer Club is a great summer read, perfect mix of drama, humor, and the lightheartedness of summer.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC of this review.
The narrative unfolds over a summer as Ned strives to keep Mayhaven running smoothly despite the club facing various struggles. Alongside managing his responsibilities at the club, Ned is also dealing with personal challenges, including his daughter Darcy's sudden disinterest in golf, a sport in which she had been excelling as a junior.
Flick, adjusting to the move from bustling New York City to the serene yet preppy suburbia, secures a job at Mayhaven. This new role helps him integrate into the community, and he forms a friendship with Darcy. The summer at Mayhaven is marked by a series of scandals and fun-filled events, making the story both entertaining and immersive.
One of the highlights of the book is the behind-the-scenes look at the workings and struggles of country clubs. This aspect is both informative and intriguing, adding depth to the narrative. The characters are well-developed and likable, each bringing their own unique charm to the story.
The climax of the book centers around a major event at the club where everything seems to go wrong—or perhaps, right? This twist keeps the readers on their toes and adds to the overall enjoyment of the book. Although the story contains trigger warnings for sexual assault, these elements are handled with care and are not overly heavy.
Another commendable aspect of The Summer Club is the inclusion of Ned's son, Adam, who is a person with autism. Adam's portrayal is thoughtful and well-executed, avoiding stereotypes and providing a genuine representation of his character. His presence in the story adds an extra layer of richness and inclusivity.
The ending of the book is satisfying, although it leaves some threads unresolved, such as the issues with Spencer and the thefts. This open-endedness suggests the possibility of a sequel, leaving readers eager to return to Mayhaven next summer.
Overall, The Summer Club is a great summer read, perfect mix of drama, humor, and the lightheartedness of summer.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC of this review.
November 10, 2024
I received a copy of this novel in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review. 2.5⭐️
First, some very important things regarding this novel need to be added to the synopsis.
-Trigger warnings! Sexual abuse and eating disorders
-This is a YA novel
-This IS NOT a cozy beach read
The heart of this novel surrounds an elite but struggling country club and two families who begrudgingly live next door to one another. Ned, Ingrid, Darcy and Adam - where Ned is the president of the club and spends too much of his time and energy focusing on trying to revive the place, all at the expense of his neglected feeling wife, his daughter who, on the verge of scholarships for golf, quits the game unexpectedly and secretly stops eating and starts taking diet pills, and his son who is on the spectrum. Next door are the rags to riches Creevy's, where Josie and her son Flick marry into money with Stan, the car guy whose face was once on every billboard in New York it sounds like and is as boisterous and loud mouthed as you'd expect from someone like that.
The characters are all fine but pretty cookie cutter. The story alternates POV between Ned, Darcy (Ned's daughter), and Flick (who befriends Darcy).
Why has Darcy quit golf? Will Flick ever fit in at the club? Will anyone ever listen to Adam or take him seriously just because he is on the spectrum? And who is stealing things from the club?
This is a fast read, and nothing earth shattering. As a 47yo woman, it was a bit too juvenile for me, but it might be enjoyed by older teens.
First, some very important things regarding this novel need to be added to the synopsis.
-Trigger warnings! Sexual abuse and eating disorders
-This is a YA novel
-This IS NOT a cozy beach read
The heart of this novel surrounds an elite but struggling country club and two families who begrudgingly live next door to one another. Ned, Ingrid, Darcy and Adam - where Ned is the president of the club and spends too much of his time and energy focusing on trying to revive the place, all at the expense of his neglected feeling wife, his daughter who, on the verge of scholarships for golf, quits the game unexpectedly and secretly stops eating and starts taking diet pills, and his son who is on the spectrum. Next door are the rags to riches Creevy's, where Josie and her son Flick marry into money with Stan, the car guy whose face was once on every billboard in New York it sounds like and is as boisterous and loud mouthed as you'd expect from someone like that.
The characters are all fine but pretty cookie cutter. The story alternates POV between Ned, Darcy (Ned's daughter), and Flick (who befriends Darcy).
Why has Darcy quit golf? Will Flick ever fit in at the club? Will anyone ever listen to Adam or take him seriously just because he is on the spectrum? And who is stealing things from the club?
This is a fast read, and nothing earth shattering. As a 47yo woman, it was a bit too juvenile for me, but it might be enjoyed by older teens.
July 28, 2024
Listening to this audiobook was a fantastic experience. The story is a slow burn, unfolding gradually and letting you get absorbed in the rich atmosphere and detailed world.
What made it really special was the narration. Hearing different characters' perspectives added so much depth. The narrator brought each character to life, making their voices distinct and engaging. It felt like I was right there with them, experiencing everything firsthand.
The little details in the story are what really stood out. Every small thing you learn adds another layer, making the world feel so alive and real. The pacing might be slow, but that just gave me more time to savor every moment.
If you enjoy audiobooks that take their time to build a rich, immersive world and let you connect deeply with the characters, this one is perfect. It's a slow burn, but the narration makes it a journey worth taking.
What made it really special was the narration. Hearing different characters' perspectives added so much depth. The narrator brought each character to life, making their voices distinct and engaging. It felt like I was right there with them, experiencing everything firsthand.
The little details in the story are what really stood out. Every small thing you learn adds another layer, making the world feel so alive and real. The pacing might be slow, but that just gave me more time to savor every moment.
If you enjoy audiobooks that take their time to build a rich, immersive world and let you connect deeply with the characters, this one is perfect. It's a slow burn, but the narration makes it a journey worth taking.
July 12, 2024
3.5 stars
Darcy and Flick are neighbours who have the Mayhaven country club in common. Flick works there while Darcy used to play golf there with her father. But things are heating up at the country club....
So I'm leaving this synopsis vague because the less you know about this book, the better. Go in blind and wait for the fireworks. While the book does start out slow, it does start to gain momentum around halfway and then ends with a bang. Don't get put off by the slow pace at the beginning, just enjoy the build up. I listened to the audiobook of this one and the narration was excellent.
Darcy and Flick are neighbours who have the Mayhaven country club in common. Flick works there while Darcy used to play golf there with her father. But things are heating up at the country club....
So I'm leaving this synopsis vague because the less you know about this book, the better. Go in blind and wait for the fireworks. While the book does start out slow, it does start to gain momentum around halfway and then ends with a bang. Don't get put off by the slow pace at the beginning, just enjoy the build up. I listened to the audiobook of this one and the narration was excellent.
July 29, 2024
This was a fun, easy, refreshing summer read. Focusing on an exclusive club and it’s rich clientele, I enjoyed the characters and shenanigans. Ultimately though, the plot kind of meandered and covered a range of items. I felt some plot lines were never fully fleshed out and left lingering questions at the conclusion. This mainly focuses on two teenagers and should be labeled as YA. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 9, 2024
The Summer Club” by Hannah McKinnon is a summertime read must. The story is centered around a lakeside Social Club aka Country Club. There is a social order in place, of course. The club’s manager wants the best for the club and his family. His daughter has history at the club as a top golfer too. The book resolves around a new employee that is new to the area and his discovery of a new life. There are tandem storylines between families. Unexpected easy, but satisfying read. Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for this advance read. Be sure to preorder this one out July 23rd.
June 20, 2024
this wasn’t a terrible book, but it wasn’t good either. I received this book from netgalley, in which i promised my honest review. It was a fast paced read, just not what i would consider a “light beach/summer” read like we were all expecting. I may try another of her books in the future, but this one did not do it for me.
July 13, 2024
This summery read about a family - dad is trying to rebuild the country club, mom is trying to sell houses, Darcy is navigating teenage hood and golf, and little brother is just navigating life on the spectrum. This is a multiple POV book that was very easy to follow. There are triggering topics mentioned in this book so check your trigger warnings before you dive in. Overall, the story was easy to follow and kept me hooked the entire time. It was a great summer read! The ending both warms my heart and breaks for Darcy. Thanks you Atria for this gifted ARC.
July 26, 2024
2.5
Too YA for me. I frequently enjoy YA but I go into it with the idea that I’ll be reading something written for an audience that I’m not part of. I was ill prepared for this story and found myself slugging through just to finish. I rounded up because I have enjoyed all other works from this author.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
Too YA for me. I frequently enjoy YA but I go into it with the idea that I’ll be reading something written for an audience that I’m not part of. I was ill prepared for this story and found myself slugging through just to finish. I rounded up because I have enjoyed all other works from this author.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
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