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Nantucket Sisters
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Look for special features inside. Join the Random House Reader’s Circle for author chats and more.
Friendship takes center stage in New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer’s captivating, emotionally charged novel featuring all the tenderness and wit, drama and romance that readers have come to expect from this insightful, much-loved writer.
When they meet as girls on a beach in Nantucket, Maggie McIntyre and Emily Porter become fast friends—though Emily’s well-heeled mother would prefer that she associate with the upscale daughters of bankers and statesmen rather than the child of a local seamstress. But the two lively, imaginative girls nevertheless spend many golden summers together building castles in the sand, creating magical worlds of their own, and forging grand plans for their future.
Even as Emily falls for Maggie’s brother, Ben, and the young women’s paths diverge, the duo remain close friends. Then the unthinkable Handsome, charismatic, charming, and incredibly sexy Wall Street trader Cameron Chadwick upends both their lives and disrupts their friendship.
Struggling with the tough choices they must make and the secrets they must keep, the two young women discover that the road to love and fulfillment is full of bumps and twists. And while true love may be rare, Maggie and Emily find that friendship is even rarer—and more valuable still.
Praise for Nantucket Sisters
“Thayer obviously knows her Nantucket, and the strong sense of place makes this the perfect escapist book for the summer, particularly for fans of Elin Hilderbrand.”—Booklist
“Thayer keeps readers on the edge of their seats with her dramatic story spanning the girls’ childhood to adulthood. This wonderful beach read packs a punch.”—Library Journal
Praise for Nancy Thayer
Beachcombers
“Thayer’s sense of place is powerful, and her words are hung together the way my grandmother used to tat lace.”—Dorothea Benton Frank
“A charming and fun summer read . . . Readers will love this story of family and love.” —The Plain Dealer
Summer Breeze
“Nancy Thayer is the queen of beach books. . . . All [these characters] are involved in life-changing choices, with all the heart-wrenching decisions such moments demand.” —The Star-Ledger
“An entertaining and lively read that is perfect for summer reading indulgence.”—Wichita Falls Times Record News
Island Girls
“A book to be savored and passed on to the good women in your life.”—Susan Wiggs
“Full of emotion and just plain fun, this novel is delightful.” —Romance Reviews Today
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Friendship takes center stage in New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer’s captivating, emotionally charged novel featuring all the tenderness and wit, drama and romance that readers have come to expect from this insightful, much-loved writer.
When they meet as girls on a beach in Nantucket, Maggie McIntyre and Emily Porter become fast friends—though Emily’s well-heeled mother would prefer that she associate with the upscale daughters of bankers and statesmen rather than the child of a local seamstress. But the two lively, imaginative girls nevertheless spend many golden summers together building castles in the sand, creating magical worlds of their own, and forging grand plans for their future.
Even as Emily falls for Maggie’s brother, Ben, and the young women’s paths diverge, the duo remain close friends. Then the unthinkable Handsome, charismatic, charming, and incredibly sexy Wall Street trader Cameron Chadwick upends both their lives and disrupts their friendship.
Struggling with the tough choices they must make and the secrets they must keep, the two young women discover that the road to love and fulfillment is full of bumps and twists. And while true love may be rare, Maggie and Emily find that friendship is even rarer—and more valuable still.
Praise for Nantucket Sisters
“Thayer obviously knows her Nantucket, and the strong sense of place makes this the perfect escapist book for the summer, particularly for fans of Elin Hilderbrand.”—Booklist
“Thayer keeps readers on the edge of their seats with her dramatic story spanning the girls’ childhood to adulthood. This wonderful beach read packs a punch.”—Library Journal
Praise for Nancy Thayer
Beachcombers
“Thayer’s sense of place is powerful, and her words are hung together the way my grandmother used to tat lace.”—Dorothea Benton Frank
“A charming and fun summer read . . . Readers will love this story of family and love.” —The Plain Dealer
Summer Breeze
“Nancy Thayer is the queen of beach books. . . . All [these characters] are involved in life-changing choices, with all the heart-wrenching decisions such moments demand.” —The Star-Ledger
“An entertaining and lively read that is perfect for summer reading indulgence.”—Wichita Falls Times Record News
Island Girls
“A book to be savored and passed on to the good women in your life.”—Susan Wiggs
“Full of emotion and just plain fun, this novel is delightful.” —Romance Reviews Today
From the Trade Paperback edition.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
773 people are currently reading
8776 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Thayer
51 books4,039 followersNancy 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 822 reviews
September 4, 2014
I've been thinking of alternate titles to this book. Maybe "An Island With No Condoms", "Wealth Is Its Own Reward", "Don't Hate the Rich Assholes, Because You Might Become One In the End", "Pregnancy Makes You Happy!", or "Being a Shrill Harpy Will Get You The Guy of Your Dreams".
January 4, 2017
Instead of actually trying to express my opinions of this book in a well-composed review, I'll just make a list of all the things that were completely ridiculous about this book...
So in no particular order, here's my 'That's ridiculous!' list:
1. The insanely detailed descriptions of every outfit every character has ever worn. I mean...I get the author doing this once or twice, but really, I don't care whatsoever that Emily wore a red cashmere v-neck sweater on Tuesday and then a baby blue button down cashmere sweater on Wednesday. I don't need to know at all times whether Maggie's hair is in a slicked back pony tail or just a twisted up-do or if it's half-up and half-down. I don't need to know that Cameron wears a brown belt one day and then a black belt the next. I just don't. This is not important to the story!
2. The fact that every single male character in this story is described as incredibly, mind-blowing-ly, mouth-dropping-ly handsome. Like...really? These two beautiful best friends have every gorgeous guy in Nantucket and New York swooning over them. Every guy they ever date is so beautiful that it makes all the other girls jealous of them. Oh, wait...correction: not EVERY guy is like that. Tyler is your average geeky, freckled guy with glasses, and Maggie wants nothing to do with him despite the fact that he's her best friend. That is until he leaves to California and comes back...wait for it...incredibly, mind-blowing-ly, mouth-dropping-ly handsome too. Oh, and super rich. So then, of course, she falls madly in love with him instantaneously. Which leads me to the next ridiculous item...
3. The insta-love. It's just that easy, isn't it? You two are just so charming that all you have to do is smile at a guy and they fall head-over-heels in love with you? Even when you're a member of the catering staff and he's like a millionaire that works on Wall Street? Even when -____-
4. Emily. She is just an irritating, self-centered, materialistic, unsympathetic protagonist. I don't feel sorry for you that
5. Ben. You are a judgmental a-hole. You have no right to complain either. Maybe you guys deserve each other after all. UGH!
6. -_________-
And in no particular order, here's my 'Things I enjoyed' list:
............................................................................
Maybe I'll have to get back to you on this one...
Did I enjoy this story? If you haven't figured it out already, then NO...I absolutely did not. But is it the worst book I've ever read? Unfortunately, no. I've done much worse for myself. But what did I expect from a book with a cover that looks like that? It practically screams 'I'm fluffy and unoriginal.' Oh well.
So in no particular order, here's my 'That's ridiculous!' list:
1. The insanely detailed descriptions of every outfit every character has ever worn. I mean...I get the author doing this once or twice, but really, I don't care whatsoever that Emily wore a red cashmere v-neck sweater on Tuesday and then a baby blue button down cashmere sweater on Wednesday. I don't need to know at all times whether Maggie's hair is in a slicked back pony tail or just a twisted up-do or if it's half-up and half-down. I don't need to know that Cameron wears a brown belt one day and then a black belt the next. I just don't. This is not important to the story!
2. The fact that every single male character in this story is described as incredibly, mind-blowing-ly, mouth-dropping-ly handsome. Like...really? These two beautiful best friends have every gorgeous guy in Nantucket and New York swooning over them. Every guy they ever date is so beautiful that it makes all the other girls jealous of them. Oh, wait...correction: not EVERY guy is like that. Tyler is your average geeky, freckled guy with glasses, and Maggie wants nothing to do with him despite the fact that he's her best friend. That is until he leaves to California and comes back...wait for it...incredibly, mind-blowing-ly, mouth-dropping-ly handsome too. Oh, and super rich. So then, of course, she falls madly in love with him instantaneously. Which leads me to the next ridiculous item...
3. The insta-love. It's just that easy, isn't it? You two are just so charming that all you have to do is smile at a guy and they fall head-over-heels in love with you? Even when you're a member of the catering staff and he's like a millionaire that works on Wall Street? Even when -____-
4. Emily. She is just an irritating, self-centered, materialistic, unsympathetic protagonist. I don't feel sorry for you that
5. Ben. You are a judgmental a-hole. You have no right to complain either. Maybe you guys deserve each other after all. UGH!
6. -_________-
And in no particular order, here's my 'Things I enjoyed' list:
............................................................................
Maybe I'll have to get back to you on this one...
Did I enjoy this story? If you haven't figured it out already, then NO...I absolutely did not. But is it the worst book I've ever read? Unfortunately, no. I've done much worse for myself. But what did I expect from a book with a cover that looks like that? It practically screams 'I'm fluffy and unoriginal.' Oh well.
May 15, 2014
Nantucket Sisters
by
Nancy Thayer
My " in a nutshell" summary...
Emily...rich Emily...and Maggie...poor Maggie...are Nantucket sisters. They see each other every summer and spend all of their time together. This summer relationship maintains itself beautifully. Each summer when Emily returns to Nantucket...they start out together again as though they had never been apart.
My thoughts after reading this book...
Well...really truly...it's just not in me to not love one of this author's summer books. She is the voice of Nantucket to me and I read every single thing she writes. This lovely book is no exception. I was wrapped up in my own thoughts of a Nantucket summer the moment I opened the book. Riding bikes all over the island, the restaurants, the shops, picnicking, the seals...the sand...the big houses of the off islanders and the treasured older houses of the on islanders...the year round people...just fill me with lovely thoughts of this magical place. Emily and Maggie are so different, too...the rich girl with snobbish parents...the poor girl with limitations. Emily attends the parties while Maggie earns college money working at the parties. Emily wants to save the whales...Maggie wants to write.
The novel spans sections of their lives...but one thing changes...Emily loves Ben...Maggie's brother...but Emily doesn't want to be poor. Ben and Emily take time away from each other and Emily meets Cameron...Maggie has yet to find the love of her life. And then...Maggie meets the same man that Emily is "dating" in NYC...with sort of disastrous consequences...for both of them.
Well...I am using the word disastrous but I will amend that to serious events that alter the lives of both women. How's that?
What I loved about this book...
Loved the relationships...stoic Ben...sexy Cam...hardworking Shane...and dorky Tyler...you will love learning about them all as you read this book. Loved Thaddeus...Maggie's stepfather...loved her hard working lovely mother...Frances.
What I did not love about this book...
It was too short...I was not ready for an ending but it was a great ending...romantic, sexy, lovely, Nantuckety!
Final thoughts...
No book is perfect...and this one has its itty bitty flaws...a tad predictable...perhaps a bit not believable but I did not care...and I don't think you will either! This actually just might be one of my favorite Nancy Thayer books!
by
Nancy Thayer
My " in a nutshell" summary...
Emily...rich Emily...and Maggie...poor Maggie...are Nantucket sisters. They see each other every summer and spend all of their time together. This summer relationship maintains itself beautifully. Each summer when Emily returns to Nantucket...they start out together again as though they had never been apart.
My thoughts after reading this book...
Well...really truly...it's just not in me to not love one of this author's summer books. She is the voice of Nantucket to me and I read every single thing she writes. This lovely book is no exception. I was wrapped up in my own thoughts of a Nantucket summer the moment I opened the book. Riding bikes all over the island, the restaurants, the shops, picnicking, the seals...the sand...the big houses of the off islanders and the treasured older houses of the on islanders...the year round people...just fill me with lovely thoughts of this magical place. Emily and Maggie are so different, too...the rich girl with snobbish parents...the poor girl with limitations. Emily attends the parties while Maggie earns college money working at the parties. Emily wants to save the whales...Maggie wants to write.
The novel spans sections of their lives...but one thing changes...Emily loves Ben...Maggie's brother...but Emily doesn't want to be poor. Ben and Emily take time away from each other and Emily meets Cameron...Maggie has yet to find the love of her life. And then...Maggie meets the same man that Emily is "dating" in NYC...with sort of disastrous consequences...for both of them.
Well...I am using the word disastrous but I will amend that to serious events that alter the lives of both women. How's that?
What I loved about this book...
Loved the relationships...stoic Ben...sexy Cam...hardworking Shane...and dorky Tyler...you will love learning about them all as you read this book. Loved Thaddeus...Maggie's stepfather...loved her hard working lovely mother...Frances.
What I did not love about this book...
It was too short...I was not ready for an ending but it was a great ending...romantic, sexy, lovely, Nantuckety!
Final thoughts...
No book is perfect...and this one has its itty bitty flaws...a tad predictable...perhaps a bit not believable but I did not care...and I don't think you will either! This actually just might be one of my favorite Nancy Thayer books!
July 19, 2015
I received Nantucket Sisters from Goodreads First Reads last summer. I happened to be moving at the time and somehow in the chaos I completely forgot about it. Not only do I feel like a terrible person, I am so sad that I waited so long to enjoy this book.
Nantucket Sisters is the definition of the perfect summer read. It has everything you could possibly want. It was a wonderfully easy read that was quirky, fun, heartfelt and everything in between. I fell in love with Maggie, Emily, Ben and even Nantucket.
Throughout the novel we watch Emily and Maggie grow up. From young girls with wild imagination to young women discovering love and sex to women struggling to adapt to motherhood and all that comes with it.
Nantucket Sisters simply made my heart happy.
Nantucket Sisters is the definition of the perfect summer read. It has everything you could possibly want. It was a wonderfully easy read that was quirky, fun, heartfelt and everything in between. I fell in love with Maggie, Emily, Ben and even Nantucket.
Throughout the novel we watch Emily and Maggie grow up. From young girls with wild imagination to young women discovering love and sex to women struggling to adapt to motherhood and all that comes with it.
Nantucket Sisters simply made my heart happy.
October 5, 2020
Thayer’s novel is difficult to get through because it suffers from a large amount of telling the reader what is happening, rather than showing through action and dialogue. Much of the tale takes place “off set,” which makes the pacing very slow and not very exciting. Some coincidences also seem very convenient. Romance lovers will enjoy the heartwarming conclusion to the love stories.
When Maggie and Emma meet as children in Nantucket, they come from two different worlds. Maggie is a local with a family struggling to get by. Emma is wealthy and privileged, with a summer home. Yet the two form a bond that carries them through the following years, with tumultuous love lives and personal and family struggles. Nantucket is the place that grounds them, no matter how their lives progress.
When Maggie and Emma meet as children in Nantucket, they come from two different worlds. Maggie is a local with a family struggling to get by. Emma is wealthy and privileged, with a summer home. Yet the two form a bond that carries them through the following years, with tumultuous love lives and personal and family struggles. Nantucket is the place that grounds them, no matter how their lives progress.
June 21, 2014
Nancy Thayer’s THE NANTUCKET SISTERS, a story of two girls from childhood which meet again years later as adults for a complex friendship.
Set in Nantucket, Maggie and Emily meet as little girls on Nantucket beach and become best friends. They are from different worlds and backgrounds, where they meet every summer with a shared love of the island (one lives year round). The two imaginative friends, create a magical world of their own, dreaming and planning their futures.
Emma’s mom desire is for her daughter to play with the rich and famous, and daughters of the more affluent. Maggie is a poor seamstress’ daughter. They finally grow a part, since they are from different worlds—off to college, careers, and their own lives.
Emma (Emily) falls for Maggie’s brother, Ben—then there is the handsome, charming and sexy Wall Street trader, Cameron Chadwick, which changes both girls’ relationship. A complicated relationship of secrets, greed, money, and friendship. A complex saga of twists and turns.
In summary, the stunning front cover draws you in; however, unfortunately the novel did not live up. Listened to the audio book and the narrator, Kate Rudd had the most annoying voice, which made it difficult through the book. (I pre-ordered, and when doing so, you do not get to sample the audio); definitely returned the audio book. Combined with strained and unlikable characters, with no emotional substance or consistency—does not make for a good combination.
I dislike writing poor reviews; however, have to be honest here. Not sure what is going on with the two much loved Nantucket writers (Nancy Thayer and Elin Hilderbrand). I have read ALL their books, and the last few books have been lacking and very disappointing. Their earlier books were so engaging and well written—not sure why the drastic change. Unfortunately, not able to recommend this one, or the last few. Please bring back the older style!
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
Set in Nantucket, Maggie and Emily meet as little girls on Nantucket beach and become best friends. They are from different worlds and backgrounds, where they meet every summer with a shared love of the island (one lives year round). The two imaginative friends, create a magical world of their own, dreaming and planning their futures.
Emma’s mom desire is for her daughter to play with the rich and famous, and daughters of the more affluent. Maggie is a poor seamstress’ daughter. They finally grow a part, since they are from different worlds—off to college, careers, and their own lives.
Emma (Emily) falls for Maggie’s brother, Ben—then there is the handsome, charming and sexy Wall Street trader, Cameron Chadwick, which changes both girls’ relationship. A complicated relationship of secrets, greed, money, and friendship. A complex saga of twists and turns.
In summary, the stunning front cover draws you in; however, unfortunately the novel did not live up. Listened to the audio book and the narrator, Kate Rudd had the most annoying voice, which made it difficult through the book. (I pre-ordered, and when doing so, you do not get to sample the audio); definitely returned the audio book. Combined with strained and unlikable characters, with no emotional substance or consistency—does not make for a good combination.
I dislike writing poor reviews; however, have to be honest here. Not sure what is going on with the two much loved Nantucket writers (Nancy Thayer and Elin Hilderbrand). I have read ALL their books, and the last few books have been lacking and very disappointing. Their earlier books were so engaging and well written—not sure why the drastic change. Unfortunately, not able to recommend this one, or the last few. Please bring back the older style!
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
July 12, 2014
Not sure who does the editing for Thayer but this story starts as two young girls become friends on Nantucket Island, as the years go by they come to what I assume is present time. Thayer makes reference to a few things which could not have taken place or happened in that time frame, as in reference to a tv show, Elementary (began, 2012) jump 6 years which I assume is present time, sorry but I am nit picky about the details. The two main characters are so naive I could not stand it, reminded me of the Harlequin novels I read as a kid.
July 13, 2015
I started reading "Nantucket Sisters" as I was literally on the ferry back from the island with my sisters. I was very excited to read a novel about one of my favorite vacation destinations. However I was not impressed with this. It's basically a cheesy novel about two stupid girls/women told in short shallow sentences. Maybe if Nancy Thayer focused all her energy on writing a decent novel instead of hating on tourists I may have enjoyed it more. Instead, I never wanted to pick it up, I too easily put it down and am relieved to be finished. I vote pass.
November 29, 2019
Ughhhhhhhhh. I give it 2 because I did want to finish and find out what happened these annoying characters. I mean, keeping secret pregnancies? And when the father finds out, he’s just cool with it? 5 YEARS later!! Also in a love scene, memorably, the woman rides her lover “like a girl on a dolphin”! Whaaaaaaat? Ewwwww. Is this a thing we say?
May 25, 2016
This great summer read by Nancy Thayer tells the story about two young pre teens girls, Emily and Maggie. This book was inspired by Thayer's own life in Nantucket. Despite having different sociology-economic status, we explore and experience their Nantucket friendships.
October 10, 2016
Good book. Took me a while to read but I did enjoy the book
May 11, 2014
Many thanks to librarything.com for providing the Advanced Uncorrected Proof of Nantucket Sisters by Nancy Thayer in exchange for my honest review.
The author has a rare ability to paint vivid pictures with words of Nantucket Island. Her descriptions are so captivating that after reading the novel, I have added Nantucket Island to my vacation wish-list.
Unfortunately, the story itself was not as engaging as it's setting. The novel read like a young adult romance novel instead of adult fiction. The third person narration was distracting; the story would have been more effective if written in the first person of one character or alternating chapters of various characters. The characters did not seem to grow and develop as the story progressed. The two main characters, Maggie and Emily, were children when the novel began and their youth and innocence made perfect sense. However, as the girls became older their naïveté seemed unrealistic and misplaced. Their dialogue didn't mature nor did their dreams or insights.
I am sure many will find this story to be an easy going beach read, but even light hearted summer novels can tell stories with substance and create fully developed characters. Sadly, I cannot recommend this book.
The author has a rare ability to paint vivid pictures with words of Nantucket Island. Her descriptions are so captivating that after reading the novel, I have added Nantucket Island to my vacation wish-list.
Unfortunately, the story itself was not as engaging as it's setting. The novel read like a young adult romance novel instead of adult fiction. The third person narration was distracting; the story would have been more effective if written in the first person of one character or alternating chapters of various characters. The characters did not seem to grow and develop as the story progressed. The two main characters, Maggie and Emily, were children when the novel began and their youth and innocence made perfect sense. However, as the girls became older their naïveté seemed unrealistic and misplaced. Their dialogue didn't mature nor did their dreams or insights.
I am sure many will find this story to be an easy going beach read, but even light hearted summer novels can tell stories with substance and create fully developed characters. Sadly, I cannot recommend this book.
August 29, 2015
Why am I still listening to this audiobook? That’s the question I kept asking as I commuted to and from work every morning. Even when a book is bad, I get really stubborn about sticking it through. In retrospect, I wasn’t doing myself any favors wasting my time on this heap of sappy garbage, I was allured by the premise of two best friends growing up on a charming little East Coast island and bonding through decades of hardships and heartbreaks. What can I say? I’m a girl who loves sisterly bonding. I blame the fans on Goodreads who claim that it’s the perfect book for fans of “Beaches.” What a crock! This book had nothing to do with sisterly bonding, soul searching and female empowerment. It was all about vapid, idiotic women chasing men. The feminist in me screamed at these utterly naïve women who couldn’t find fulfillment in their lives without locking a noncommittal man into marriage. The poor little rich girl character even cried in delight when her man admitted that he was willing to marry her even though he could never love her. WTF? I’ll stop right there before I roast this book into an oblivion. I hate being so nasty, but I do want to save my fellow readers from being insulted by this total time waster.
October 1, 2015
A joy to read! If you're looking for a great, late beach read, this book is the perfect choice. Visit beautiful Nantucket with Emily and Maggie, as they go from island girls to women, sharing a friendship that endures first love, heartbreak, secrets, marriage, death and so much more. This was my first Nancy Thayer and it's safe to say that I'll be returning for more.
*Received an ARC in a Goodreads giveaway.
*Received an ARC in a Goodreads giveaway.
September 8, 2016
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Ballantine Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is June 17, 2014.
What a great read this was. A nice quick perfect for summertime girly read. The storyline was entertaining with just the right amount of drama and yet light enough that it could easily be read in an afternoon.
The story centralizes around Maggie and Emily who are best friends from different economical backgrounds. It follows them from childhood to their twenties and the trials and tribulations that occur in their lives and with each other. I have to admit I was more invested in Maggie than Emily. Maggie was a gem of a character who had a heart of gold from beginning to end. Emily was also interesting yet I found myself going back and forth on my opinion of her. While her actions were never outright awful, I found that at times she seemed a little selfish. It could have been a result of the circumstances she was in.
This story is about the ties of friendship and the events that cause these ties to drift apart. Although somewhat dramatic circumstances in this story it is easily related to everyday circumstances as well. While at times I thought some issues were resolved a little too easily and some not at all I really enjoyed this read.
I have not read any of Thayer's previous work however she has frequently shown up on my recommended list based on others that I have read. Now that I have experienced her work I can guarantee this will not be the last. If her other work is like this one then it is worth investing in her other stories for when I am sitting at the cottage indulging in some summer reading.
Thank you Ballantine for the opportunity to read this.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Ballantine Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is June 17, 2014.
What a great read this was. A nice quick perfect for summertime girly read. The storyline was entertaining with just the right amount of drama and yet light enough that it could easily be read in an afternoon.
The story centralizes around Maggie and Emily who are best friends from different economical backgrounds. It follows them from childhood to their twenties and the trials and tribulations that occur in their lives and with each other. I have to admit I was more invested in Maggie than Emily. Maggie was a gem of a character who had a heart of gold from beginning to end. Emily was also interesting yet I found myself going back and forth on my opinion of her. While her actions were never outright awful, I found that at times she seemed a little selfish. It could have been a result of the circumstances she was in.
This story is about the ties of friendship and the events that cause these ties to drift apart. Although somewhat dramatic circumstances in this story it is easily related to everyday circumstances as well. While at times I thought some issues were resolved a little too easily and some not at all I really enjoyed this read.
I have not read any of Thayer's previous work however she has frequently shown up on my recommended list based on others that I have read. Now that I have experienced her work I can guarantee this will not be the last. If her other work is like this one then it is worth investing in her other stories for when I am sitting at the cottage indulging in some summer reading.
Thank you Ballantine for the opportunity to read this.
July 12, 2017
I bought this book for $5 at Barnes and Noble - while on vacation at the beach. (So you can see why it was tempting). But it was a huge disappointment.
The sentences were short, choppy, and bland. The third person narration came off as detached and impersonal. The author never shows you how the characters are feeling, or sets the scene at all - she simply states it as so. "Emily is sad at the thought." *yawn!* The story was sometimes so slow that it dragged and at other times rushed right over important arcs. Even the descriptions of the island grew repetitive and boring by the end of the novel.
None of the love stories were at all compelling, even the main friendship was flimsy and hard to relate to. I am still completely SHOCKED that Maggie never tells Emily that her child's father is Emily's husband, and never plans on telling her! That's absurd, especially for "best friends". Cameron's character was a wreck. I could never tell what direction the author was bringing him in. Ben was odd too. All of the male characters were, come to think it.
The whole theme of rich vs. poor was odd, although had potential - as it is an interesting dynamic in vacation spots such as Nantucket. The element of environmentalism intrigued me at first, but it was quickly forgotten, only being brought up in passing.
Don't waste your time - there are plenty of "beach reads" out there with way more dynamic and meaningful plots.
The sentences were short, choppy, and bland. The third person narration came off as detached and impersonal. The author never shows you how the characters are feeling, or sets the scene at all - she simply states it as so. "Emily is sad at the thought." *yawn!* The story was sometimes so slow that it dragged and at other times rushed right over important arcs. Even the descriptions of the island grew repetitive and boring by the end of the novel.
None of the love stories were at all compelling, even the main friendship was flimsy and hard to relate to. I am still completely SHOCKED that Maggie never tells Emily that her child's father is Emily's husband, and never plans on telling her! That's absurd, especially for "best friends". Cameron's character was a wreck. I could never tell what direction the author was bringing him in. Ben was odd too. All of the male characters were, come to think it.
The whole theme of rich vs. poor was odd, although had potential - as it is an interesting dynamic in vacation spots such as Nantucket. The element of environmentalism intrigued me at first, but it was quickly forgotten, only being brought up in passing.
Don't waste your time - there are plenty of "beach reads" out there with way more dynamic and meaningful plots.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2014
Nantucket Sisters by Nancy Thayer is a perfect book for the beach. Thayer can be relied upon to deliver a good story with characters that are relateable and sympathetic. Nantucket Sisters is the story of two somewhat unlikely friends. Maggie McIntyre is a native of Nantucket, daughter of a single mother who works hard to make ends meet. Emily Porter is a New Yorker whose wealthy family has a home on Nantucket where they spend their summers. Despite their differences the girls have formed a fast friendship and eagerly look forward to seeing one other each summer. The story follows them through the years as they grow and mature and as their friendship inevitably goes through its own changes. An easy read with a solid story line.
April 24, 2014
A beach book that isn't a beach book, since it's locals... but a beautiful setting on Nantucket. It was a nice change of pace to read a book set on Nantucket that talked of something other than the tourist areas. It was well written in an easy to read style, but I felt that the plot line was a bit of a stretch, and a little too pat of an ending for my tastes.
Review based on ARC provided by the publisher
Review based on ARC provided by the publisher
April 16, 2014
There are 2 types of people on Nantucket.... summer people and those who live there year-round. Emily and her parents were summer people, Maggie and her family lived there all year. Despite their many differences, the two remained close friends growing up, spending every minute they could together each summer. This book allows us to watch the two girls grow up, grow apart, each find their place in life, and then renew their friendship. Because a summer friend is a friend for life.
October 18, 2023
Dang, Nancy really pulls you in and then has an abrupt and rather boring ending. No epilogue to complete the story, just a subpar love story.
I struggled with the way she bounced between time points and characters points of view, not entirely my preferred writing style.
Overall the storyline did suck me in, however I found many parts to be rather mundane, and frustrating that the story never has complete closure on certain fronts.
I struggled with the way she bounced between time points and characters points of view, not entirely my preferred writing style.
Overall the storyline did suck me in, however I found many parts to be rather mundane, and frustrating that the story never has complete closure on certain fronts.
April 27, 2017
I really like the writing style of Nancy Thayer and plan to read more. I must say I wasn't happy about all the twists and turns in this story but I love the sisterhood that prevails throughout. Also I absolutely loved the characters of Ben and Maggie.
September 18, 2022
So glad I discovered Nancy Thayer's books a few years ago. I always enjoy them!
Delphine again! Only one mention, but still the name caught my eye.
"Rebecca" reference! Sold!
The ending was rushed with too much drama.
Delphine again! Only one mention, but still the name caught my eye.
"Rebecca" reference! Sold!
The ending was rushed with too much drama.
April 14, 2025
I love a book set on Nantucket but this was a bit slow for the first half. Also idk how Ben wasn’t mad at Emily for not telling him that he had a daughter until years later, that part made the ending super unrealistic imo. Happy that Maggie ended up with Tyler though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2019
Quite enjoyable vacation read!
March 12, 2023
There was more depth to this book than I expected. It’s basically a beach story, but more was done with the characters. Most of the book was enjoyable.
January 20, 2025
It was an enjoyable read of friendship and love!
September 5, 2024
Had to give this 5 stars. Such a great story of friendship through the years.
Lost love, secrets and families
Thanks to the author for such a heart warming tale
Lost love, secrets and families
Thanks to the author for such a heart warming tale
September 13, 2017
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you. =)
The first 60 pages had me thinking "Whoohoo! This is gonna be awesome!"
Towards the middle, it begin to lose steam.
It kinda picked back up a tad when I thought something was about to happen.
This would have interesting.
This never happened.
So it was back on a steady decline.
By the end, I was ready to scream.
This was all such a disappointment.
May 16, 2022
Delightful and easy to read. I fell fast into the Nantucket of the author and gobbled this up. Definitely recommend, especially as a beach read.
March 23, 2017
Such a great read!
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