All the Days of Summer

by Nancy Thayer

A woman’s second act on the island of Nantucket delivers much more than she expected in this captivating novel by New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer.

“A beautiful, hope-filled, heartwarming story about new beginnings and second chances.”—RaeAnne Thayne, author of The Cafe at Beach End

Heather Willette has a good life in Concord, Massachusetts. But when her marriage fizzles out, Heather has to decide what sort of life to live next. Ready to seek out her own happiness and discover herself again, Heather decides to leave her husband and rent a cottage on Nantucket. And her plan is going perfectly—until her son, Ross, announces he’s moving to Nantucket to work at his girlfriend’s family’s construction business instead of going back home to work with his own father, like he'd promised. Worst of all for Heather, this means having to get along with her.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Summer, Summer Reads, Beach Reads, Contemporary

368 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2023

About the author

Nancy Thayer has published 35 novels, including Family Reunion and Secrets in Summer. She has lived on Nantucket Island year-round for 38 years with her husband Charley Walters. They have two children and five grandchildren.

Reviews

[Maryanne/MA · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Nancy Thayer has had such an acclaimed career. I have read many of her books, but this one just did not do it for me.

Heather and Wall have been married for over 20 years. Their son Ross is about to graduate from college, so Heather decides that now is the time to get a divorce. She and Wall have become roommates, rather than partners. Thinking that her son is going to help his dad in Concord, she agrees to rent a cottage on Nantucket for the summer to decide on her next steps - leasing a dumpy cottage for $10,000 per month. Not many of us can relate to having $30K just sitting around to use to "find ourselves".

In the meantime, Ross and his girlfriend Kaitlee are ditching his dad' and instead heading to Nantucket to work with her dad's huge construction company. Kailee is one of the most unlikeable characters I have ever "met" in a book. She is jealous and clingy and spoiled. She's convinced that Heather is spying on them and has followed them to Nantucket for the wrong reasons.

The dialogue is so stiff and unrealistic. Most of the characters are unlikeable. The story itself seems so implausible. How many of us have $30k to spend on a summer rental? Then, everything just seems to fall in Heather's lap - how true is that of most middle-aged divorcees? New home, new job, new love interest. There's no struggle. It's so unrealistic.

I am very thankful to NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in return for an honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Thayer’s writing about Nantucket is an excellent novel for summer reading. I love how descriptive the island setting is in the summertime.. with it’s beautiful, aromatic flowers in bloom.. along the brick-paved streets with its centuries old Ivy covered homes.. and miles and miles of sandy beaches—how perfect for a private retreat.. a dream getaway. ☀️🌊🏖🌾🐚

The story follows Heather Willet who finds there’s no longer any love in her marriage.. it has run it’s course.. and she is looking for something more in her life. What that is she doesn’t know. Her friend tells her about a cottage for rent on Nantucket and falls in love with it the moment she sees it. 🥰🏠

After just completing college, her son Ross decides against working for his dad in their hardware store choosing instead to live on Nantucket with his girlfriend Kailee. Her family lives there and owns a construction company where Ross will work. They build mega-sized homes for vacationing millionaires.👷🏻‍♂️🔨🏘 Many islanders are unhappy with the construction of these homes. 👎🏻🚫

Heather and Kailee’s first meet got off to a bad start. Heather worries her living on Nantucket will cause Kailee and Ross to think she’s following Ross which is not true. She gets involved with a church there, finds a job, and the possibilities of something more than friendship with her new hot boss 😘. Heather is happy, absolutely loves Nantucket and wants to live there full time. But what will Ross and Kailee think about that? A surprise change in plans arise for the couple 🙂, and then they all go through something heartbreaking.💔

This explores the complexities of marriage, motherhood, friendship, romance, fate + new beginnings.. and most importantly it centers on finding your own place in this world.♥️

It’s a beautiful, wholesome + heartwarming story filled with hope and renewal. Enjoyed this! ❥ 4.5 stars — Pub. 5/2/23

I received an arc copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If, at 47, you feel old, just wait to see how Nancy Thayer portrays the average 47-year-old. Bridge, anyone?

[Jennifer (not getting notifications) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m definitely in the minority with my rating. I really didn’t connect with any of the characters in this book.

[Anne Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me just start off by saying that I like Nancy Thayer’s novels even though they make me a little crazy. Does she get paid by the word? Why else would every novel of hers describe pony tails (high, low or otherwise, board shorts (what are those anyway? Every man wears them) She mentions every glass of tea or water or beer or wine poured. And every dress is a sundress, every outfit lightweight linen or silk and the place mat is white with blue stripes or like that - every single time! Oh, and on the first page, a messy bun.

Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, Thayer has much to recommend her. She writes about out-of-wedlock pregnancies, but no graphic sex. Yes, there is sex, but it’s tastefully done and without “language”, for those of you who care about that.

Anyway, this book is a particularly delightful one. Taking place on Nantucket, as do most (all?) of Thayer’s books, it’s the story of Heather, a 47-year-old woman in a deadly dull marriage. Her son, Ross, finishing college, has a serious girlfriend. Here’s where it gets interesting, Kaillie (the girlfriend) and Heather get off on the wrong foot. It does not bode well for the relationship. Is there a mother of a son alive who has not feared that situation? It gets even worse when Heather rents a house on Nantucket for the summer where, it turns out, her son will be living with Kaillie’s family as he learns the construction business. And Kaillie suspects Heather did it to keep an eye on Ross.

Heather finds a dog, fits into Island life, and meets her in-laws –to-be. There are fireworks of various kinds, Fourth of July as well as over lost rings and a new man.

You can expect lovely island scenery descriptions and unexpected turns and twists of the story. This may be one of Nancy Thayer’s best and most satisfying novels. It’s not too early to order it now for a summer beach read. This is a wonderful example of this genre.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an early read of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Reny Horner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oof. I read Island Girls by Thayer years ago, and I liked it. I was excited to get an ARC of this one since it takes place in Nantucket and thought it would remind me of Elin Hilderbrand, but the only Hilderbrand taste came from her name drop. I just didn’t like this one. I won’t go into the details so I don’t spoil it, but I’ll give an overview of what really bothered me. The characters, especially Ross’ girlfriend Kailee, are borderline insufferable to read about. The plot didn’t seem very thorough and was pretty boring and relatively cliche, as well. It was really how unlikeable the characters are in this one though that made me dislike it so much. Wouldn’t recommend this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited when I heard Nancy Thayer has a new book coming out. This is book #13 for me that I’ve read and I always enjoy her heartwarming stories. Heather is married but wants out of her marriage. She rents a cute little house on Nantucket and decides she loves living alone and doing what she wants on her own. This is a great story about family, close friendships and young love. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

[Foxy Vixen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takes place mostly in Nantucket and some in Concord.
Very interesting characters. My favorite is Sweety.
Great descriptions of the landscapes and the different personalities of the characters. Many lessons to be learned. Don’t take today for granted and always remember to tell those you love that you love them.

[Dea · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is reminiscent of the Tumblr fan fiction my girlfriends and I used to write when we were 12 years old.

“As the days passed, they fell more in love and knew they wanted to be together always.”

“They realized they shared the same dream: to save their planet.”

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll start with what I felt were good things about this book. The Nantucket setting is always a positive to me. It feels like such an idyllic place, though this book also gave it some realism by noting that even a place that can seem like paradise still has its own set of issues. I also felt drawn to Heather’s journey of discovering a place of her own. After an adult lifetime of primarily filling the role of wife and mother, she finally felt able to make choices based entirely on what she wanted without needing to consider anyone else first. Given her circumstances, it felt like she’d earned that.

Now for the not so good. Kailee’s character was borderline insufferable for nearly the entire book. She was spoiled, selfish, insecure and incredibly immature. I found myself speed reading the portions that were from her perspective because I couldn’t stand to spend too much time in her thoughts. I found it incredibly hard to imagine she was capable of taking on any role of high value importance in an established company.

This was not my favorite Nantucket set book I’ve ever read, but it was ok. The good things were enough to keep me reading, though I wouldn’t pick it up for a reread anytime soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Thayer has long been a favorite author of mine. She continues to be after reading this book.

Heather Willette is a dynamic character who realizes that her marriage is no longer working and longs for a new and different lifestyle. Of course, there are issues because there are always issues to overcome in these situations. But she decides to take some time and rents a home in Nantucket for the summer. This story takes place there - mostly. Her son, Ross, has graduated from college and is moving up there.

Heather's husband places a relatively minor role. However, he is important to the storyline for several reasons. Essentially, all these characters are involved in Heather's life in Nantucket - along with several she meets along the way.

All in all, I loved this book. The story was well-written and thoughtful considering that the primary character was in her 50s. (I applaud all writers who write a story featuring age-appropriate characters.) I was caught up in the story from the start and the author kept me reading until the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

[Christa Liso · Rating 1 out of 5]

I generally like Nancy Thayer’s books but I was NOT a fan of this one. I ended up skimming the last part of the story. I have never disliked a character more than I did Kailee and the other characters, excluding Heather, were ho-hum, in my opinion. Kailee threw adult temper tantrums, mistreated people and focused solely on her own feelings. I just couldn’t root for her. Honestly, she ruined the whole story for me. I should mention that I liked Heather (another main character) very much, but her storyline wasn’t enough to change my mind overall.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book about two families. The only children of those families had started dating while in college and are pretty sure they plan to get married. Heather and her husband get a divorce and she decides to rent a small cottage on Nantucket. Unbeknown to her, her son, Ross and his girlfriend,Kaliee have plans to stay on Nantucket with Kailee’s family. Kaliee is not too happy that Heather is around because she is insanely jealous of her boyfriend’s mother. Heather wins her over before the book is finished and many things happen in a short period of time. Tissues are needed toward the end. I feel this is the best book I have read so far this year.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, All the Days of Summer, by Nancy Thayer, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Heather is getting divorced from her husband, and is staying in Nantucket, for the summer. Also, staying in Nantucket is Heather's son Ross his girlfriend Kailee, and her family. This book had so much in it, family drama, beautiful setting, secrets, ans so much more. I really enjoyed Heather's character, but Kailee rubbed me the wrong way, i did not care for her at all. A very enjoyable read, by Nancy Thayer.

[Erin B SC · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one, but honestly it was rather tough to get through. The writing was often repetitive or overexplanatory. The story was pretty good - it flowed well - but I didn't find myself connecting with many of the characters. The handover of part of the company to Ross felt extremely quick - a lot of trust was placed in him very rapidly, before he and Kailee were married. Kailee was literally all over the place - many times appearing a completely spoiled brat without many redeeming characteristics. The relationship between Heather and Miles was not very natural in development. Overall, not one of my favorites.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫


Nancy Thayer has done it again! All the many books she’s written but always comes up with a fresh and fabulous story. She gets better with every book.

TBC. 😊


Nancy: Love the very last sentence! Beautiful.




Thank you Edelweiss and Ballantine Books.

[Lena · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get into the plot. Rich people problems that I felt no connection or sympathy for. Moving on

[Diane Perryman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a struggle to finish. It was cheesy and predictable with nothing unique about the story. I love a Nantucket setting but this story was not it.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Thayer is one of my favorite authors and I look forward to her annual new release. All the Days of Summer is her latest and I found it an enjoyable, quick read that held my interest from the first page to the last.

As always, the author draws upon her familiarity with the beloved island of Nantucket, capturing its magic with beautiful, evocative descriptions of the natural environment and its colorful residents. This novel seems to have reflected a very real concern for preserving the heritage of the island and its culture in the face of escalating real estate prices and overdevelopment.

The storyline follows the evolution of Heather Willette as she transforms her life from wife and mother to a divorcee learning to appreciate her self-worth beyond these roles. However, this is not one of those books where the woman is left my her husband in the midst of a midlife crisis. Rather, it is one of a strong woman who refuses to settle for comfort over an authentic life. As Heather establishes herself in the Nantucket community, she discovers what is truly important to her, including redefining her relationship with her newly graduated son, Ross. An interesting and irritating thread in the story is the presence of Kailee, Ross’ very spoiled and insecure girlfriend/fiancé, whose jealousy fuels incredibly rude interactions with Heather throughout the book.

This is a heart-warming story that is perfect for the beach or a long weekend. I strongly recommend it.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

[Kori · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a big fan of Nancy Thayer's work, I was looking forward to this latest book. Sadly, I was a bit disappointed with it. The basic premise was promising, and the writer's love of Nantucket comes through with her beautiful descriptions of the island. That said, I had trouble with the writing of the characters. While there was one character (Kailee) that I found so detestable that it made reading her scenes a chore, my biggest issue was the writing of the women in general. The main character (Heather) is 47 years old, and many other characters are similarly aged, but I felt that they were written as if they were considerably older. As a woman that is nearly the same age, I had difficulty relating to these characters. Their thoughts and descriptions seemed a little out of touch with their real life counterparts of today.

I did find some editing issues, including a scene involving the reveal of big news that was written twice to the same character in different scenes, but as I was reading an uncorrected proof, I'm hoping that error will be caught before final printing.

All that said, I do think many longtime Thayer fans will find this to be an enjoyable read. For me, it was a solid 2.5 stars.

*I received an advanced reader copy from Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read Nancy Thayer’s books before and enjoyed them but this one was not my cup of tea. Kailee was a total spoiled brat the whole book and the whole trying to decide if some characters wanted to keep a baby or not was just unnecessary. I finished it since it was an ARC but don’t think I’ll read another by this author

[Lynelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

No, just no more! I’ve tried the last 3 books and I need to remember the name Nancy Thayer as an author I’m not willing to waste anymore time on. Started to skim at page 50…a bunch of vignettes that were random at best and not tied together. Worst was a MC, Kailee, who was truly an unlikable, spoiled, bratty “princess” from page 1 to almost the end. Ugh!

[Laura A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Heather is hoping for a change. While her son is contemplating marriage. Heather reassess her marriage and realizes how unhappy she is. She decides to go away for the summer and think about what she wants. I liked this book.

[Caroline Rheault · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY NEW FAVORITE BOOK 🥹🥹

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho-hum happy beach book.

Two threads were not resolved: Evelyn wanting to be buried by the pond and Wall's attempt to get half the price of their house. I wanted those ends tied off.

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I loved the descriptions of Nantucket. I could not put this book down. I could fell Heathers pain and frustrations. All she wanted was to start her life anew and get to live the life that she has always wanted.

While on the island she finds out what she really wants and goes after it. She runs into a few people that want her to do things that she is not sure she wants to but she soon realizes that what these people want her to do she wants to do.

This story grabs you right from page one till the end. This is one summer read that I would read at anytime because it is so amazing! So go on out there and grab you a copy and start reading this amazing story!

[Judith Nassmacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author uses Nantucket as the background for family adventure of change . Lots of twists and turns in family dynamics that are experienced in families. I enjoyed the book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the wind howls outside and snow lines the silhouetted trees, I knew my next book had to be a beach read. At first glance, 'All the Days of Summer' appears to be a lighthearted read but with Nancy Thayer's trademark style, it's a heartwarming story with substance.

Readers will find themselves dreaming of warm weather and walks on the beach. While in a picturesque environment, storms are brewing. Leaving behind a troubled marriage, Heather spends the summer in Nantucket to examine her next steps. While building a new life for herself, her son and soon-to-be daughter in law arrive. Kailee grew up being spoiled by her parents. Now that she's graduated and trying to navigate adulthood, having Heather in her beloved hometown means sharing Ross with his mother. When an emergency threatens to topple everything they've built there's uncharted waters ahead.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #AlltheDaysofSummer in exchange for an honest review. I was caught off guard with the rollercoaster of emotions. One minute I was laughing at the protagonists' antics and the next, stifling a sob. It's not your average trip to the beach, you'll leave wanting more days ahead.

[AndiReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a summer story of a mid-40's woman dealing with the new phases of her life. Her only child has graduated from college and has struck out on his own. It's time for Heather to choose what she wants the rest of her days to look like. A series of incidents ends her up on beautiful Nantucket. It's a fun beach read!
#Ballantine #RandomHouse