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11 days and 04:34:05
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Make Nice
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
11 days and 04:34:05
21 copies available
U.S. only
Sandwich meets The Wedding People in this irresistible comedy of manners as three generations of a family—a snail scientist, a soon-to-be divorcée, her teenage daughter, a hapless con man, and their feckless patriarch—descend on a ritzy Lake Michigan vacation island.
When the Pickford siblings arrive at The Grand Hotel—a nostalgic tourist paradise of horse-drawn carriages, muddled cocktails, and white sweaters on the tennis court—they have every intention of spending the long weekend making nice. Pete, the nation’s foremost expert on gastropods (mollusks), is keen to wade around the lake in search of a rare and exciting Carthusian snail. Viv, reeling from the secret revelation that her husband is gay, is determined to put on a brave face for her daughter. And Corey, a charming, handsome grifter, has lucked into five pounds of cocaine he plans to sell to the first dumb rich guy he can find.
But when Pete falls for the alluring mother of a local kid, when Viv’s daughter gets up to teenage trouble, and when Corey finds the wealthy guests less interested in party drugs than golf clubs and waffle cones, the long weekend of family bonding veers into disaster. Why did their father bring them to this cushy island resort in the first place? And why does Corey, the biggest screw-up of them all, seem to be the only one who knows the truth? As secrets spill, old flames are fanned, and an innocent snail is crushed beneath the unrelenting heel of a hiking boot. In a story that is as sneakily wise as it is absurdly funny, Ryan Effgen’s debut shows how sometimes the people who bring out your worst—your family—can also be the ones to bring you out of your shell.
When the Pickford siblings arrive at The Grand Hotel—a nostalgic tourist paradise of horse-drawn carriages, muddled cocktails, and white sweaters on the tennis court—they have every intention of spending the long weekend making nice. Pete, the nation’s foremost expert on gastropods (mollusks), is keen to wade around the lake in search of a rare and exciting Carthusian snail. Viv, reeling from the secret revelation that her husband is gay, is determined to put on a brave face for her daughter. And Corey, a charming, handsome grifter, has lucked into five pounds of cocaine he plans to sell to the first dumb rich guy he can find.
But when Pete falls for the alluring mother of a local kid, when Viv’s daughter gets up to teenage trouble, and when Corey finds the wealthy guests less interested in party drugs than golf clubs and waffle cones, the long weekend of family bonding veers into disaster. Why did their father bring them to this cushy island resort in the first place? And why does Corey, the biggest screw-up of them all, seem to be the only one who knows the truth? As secrets spill, old flames are fanned, and an innocent snail is crushed beneath the unrelenting heel of a hiking boot. In a story that is as sneakily wise as it is absurdly funny, Ryan Effgen’s debut shows how sometimes the people who bring out your worst—your family—can also be the ones to bring you out of your shell.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Make Nice is definitely my kind of messy, funny, quietly emotional family novel! comparing this one to Sandwich feels more apt than The Wedding People, but either way, it just clicks. set over a long weekend on Michigan's Mackinac Island, this book follows the Pickford siblings in their various states of unrest as they reunite to mourn their mother, per her last wishes. it's chaotic but entertaining, and has enough heart to ground all the dysfunction. the characters aren't instantly likeable, but they feel real and flawed and complicated, and as the story picks up, Effgen does a great job balancing humor with emotional depth. i'm not gonna call this one a beach read, but it's easy and quick and it ends very naturally, with purpose. and, not for nothing, but it's rare that a book makes me audibly laugh out loud.
there's a conversation near the end of the book where and it just had me laughing uncontrollably for several minutes.
thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for the ARC!
there's a conversation near the end of the book where and it just had me laughing uncontrollably for several minutes.
thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Pickfords put on their happy faces and agreed to a long weekend reunion on the Lake Michigan island where they spent childhood summers until the summer their house was quickly and mysteriously sold. As adults, the three siblings each bring specific memories from these past summers and must come to terms with how the sale has affected their adult lives. Viv is reeling from a sudden revelation in her marriage and her loss at how to respond. Her teenage daughter, Ash, who knows more than her parents realize, is struggling with the changes she knows will be coming in her future in addition to other teen-era challenges. Scientist Pete is hoping for a promotion that he isn't sure he wants, but realizes at this stage in his career, may not be a bad thing. As he searches for an invasive snail species, he falls in love with a woman and her son, and begins to understand there is more to life than his career. Corey, the estranged brother, who never recovered from his mother's death and the burden of his father's secrets, shows up without warning and kicks off a series of events that unearths a long-held family secret and the real reason behind the sale of the family vacation home.
Great beach or weekend-binge read title. This is a great read alike for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Jennifer Weiner.
Great beach or weekend-binge read title. This is a great read alike for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Jennifer Weiner.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Knopf and Netgalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The Pickford family is meeting on Michigan's Mackinac Island for a family reunion and an opportunity to remember their mother who died three months ago. The three Pickford siblings arrive with a lot of extra baggage to unpack. Viv is accompanied by her teenage daughter but she has just discovered that her husband is gay so he has stayed home while she grapples with what this means for her future. Pete, the nerdy scientist, is up for a prestigious promotion at his university, but learns during the trip that he will be passed over, and Corey, the youngest and black sheep, arrives with a brick of cocaine he hopes to sell to one of the rich guests at the Grand Hotel. Their father is a background character with secrets of his own that will be revealed during the trip.
The book starts slowly and I found it difficult to relate to the characters but the pace picked up and I found myself eager to learn how the characters would resolve their conflicts and move forward. Mackinac Island is accurately portrayed and it's a fun read for anyone who has been there. This would be a great beach read.
The Pickford family is meeting on Michigan's Mackinac Island for a family reunion and an opportunity to remember their mother who died three months ago. The three Pickford siblings arrive with a lot of extra baggage to unpack. Viv is accompanied by her teenage daughter but she has just discovered that her husband is gay so he has stayed home while she grapples with what this means for her future. Pete, the nerdy scientist, is up for a prestigious promotion at his university, but learns during the trip that he will be passed over, and Corey, the youngest and black sheep, arrives with a brick of cocaine he hopes to sell to one of the rich guests at the Grand Hotel. Their father is a background character with secrets of his own that will be revealed during the trip.
The book starts slowly and I found it difficult to relate to the characters but the pace picked up and I found myself eager to learn how the characters would resolve their conflicts and move forward. Mackinac Island is accurately portrayed and it's a fun read for anyone who has been there. This would be a great beach read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Make Nice was a fun, light, semi-emotional, fully dysfunctional story of the Pickford siblings as they meet up with their dad at their childhood vacation spot of Michigan's Mackinac Island to honor their recently passed mom.
Scientist Pete is trying to get ahead at work, and here finds himself making friends with a young (likely autistic) child and his not-yet single mom. Sister Viv is hiding the recent revelation that her husband is gay and now reliving a significant event from her teens. Third sibling, hapless and undependable Corey, is involved in a drug-selling scheme on the island.
I had a good time with the three siblings - grown adults but each in some sort of crisis amidst ridiculous vacation escapades. Their stories connect only in that the three are related but the novel has an easy flow. With lovely imagery, the author wrote a beautiful setting on Lake Michigan that will make you want to go there for your next trip.
Ryan Effgen perfectly depicts sibling rivalries, family secrets and the inevitable cluster of family vacations. I read it over a few gray, rainy days but this would be a great beach read when it comes out in July.
TY Knopf and NetGalley for the advanced digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
Scientist Pete is trying to get ahead at work, and here finds himself making friends with a young (likely autistic) child and his not-yet single mom. Sister Viv is hiding the recent revelation that her husband is gay and now reliving a significant event from her teens. Third sibling, hapless and undependable Corey, is involved in a drug-selling scheme on the island.
I had a good time with the three siblings - grown adults but each in some sort of crisis amidst ridiculous vacation escapades. Their stories connect only in that the three are related but the novel has an easy flow. With lovely imagery, the author wrote a beautiful setting on Lake Michigan that will make you want to go there for your next trip.
Ryan Effgen perfectly depicts sibling rivalries, family secrets and the inevitable cluster of family vacations. I read it over a few gray, rainy days but this would be a great beach read when it comes out in July.
TY Knopf and NetGalley for the advanced digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 1, 2026
The way I jumped on this ARC when I saw “𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙬𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨…”
The Pickford family is gathering at The Grand Hotel to honor their recently deceased matriarch’s wishes, but nothing about the family dynamic is functional. Viv is pretending her marriage is fine, “science uncle” (as Viv’s daughter Ash - not Ashley - calls him) is confident in his upcoming promotion, “bad uncle” shows up, even though his missed his own mother’s funeral, and the Pickford patriarch has a pretty big secret of his own. The place is almost a character itself: the hotel and island are comically vacation-oriented. There’s also a lot of (interesting!) snail information and a large quantity of illegal drugs.
This was the perfect spring break read! When I’m home doing nothing, I want to vacation vicariously through dysfunctional (but very likable) characters! It’s more Wedding People than Sandwich for me, but it truly stands on its own accord. The balance between serious conflict and comedy is so well done. I couldn’t wait to see how everything worked out for the Pickfords! Highly recommend for your summer reading!
Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for the ARC!
The Pickford family is gathering at The Grand Hotel to honor their recently deceased matriarch’s wishes, but nothing about the family dynamic is functional. Viv is pretending her marriage is fine, “science uncle” (as Viv’s daughter Ash - not Ashley - calls him) is confident in his upcoming promotion, “bad uncle” shows up, even though his missed his own mother’s funeral, and the Pickford patriarch has a pretty big secret of his own. The place is almost a character itself: the hotel and island are comically vacation-oriented. There’s also a lot of (interesting!) snail information and a large quantity of illegal drugs.
This was the perfect spring break read! When I’m home doing nothing, I want to vacation vicariously through dysfunctional (but very likable) characters! It’s more Wedding People than Sandwich for me, but it truly stands on its own accord. The balance between serious conflict and comedy is so well done. I couldn’t wait to see how everything worked out for the Pickfords! Highly recommend for your summer reading!
Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Some minor spoilers ahead...
I genuinely found Make Nice to be a fast paced, fun read, and I loved the setting of Mackinac Island. The characters are flawed and mostly unlikable (Pete being the only exception--he was a good man), but I felt connected to them anyways, which I find to be rather rare in a lot a books these days (however, Ash/Ashley/whatever almost ruined the book for me) that feature the not so virtuous.
Unfortunately something also felt a little off with the narrative as a whole. I didn't see much closure to anyone's storyline; rather, their threads felt glossed over. Mom, on whom this entire book is based, is merely an afterthought. Viv's husband is quite easily let off the hook for imploding their marriage because he's secretly gay (?) and let's be serious--in 2026 progressive Chicago, this idea is laughable. What happens about Pete's promotion? Ash hides the crack...in...golfballs? And Corey's troubles are thus tied up with a bow? I just wished, for all the tangents this went on in almost 350 pages, that things weren't left as hanging as they were.
Thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley.
I genuinely found Make Nice to be a fast paced, fun read, and I loved the setting of Mackinac Island. The characters are flawed and mostly unlikable (Pete being the only exception--he was a good man), but I felt connected to them anyways, which I find to be rather rare in a lot a books these days (however, Ash/Ashley/whatever almost ruined the book for me) that feature the not so virtuous.
Unfortunately something also felt a little off with the narrative as a whole. I didn't see much closure to anyone's storyline; rather, their threads felt glossed over. Mom, on whom this entire book is based, is merely an afterthought. Viv's husband is quite easily let off the hook for imploding their marriage because he's secretly gay (?) and let's be serious--in 2026 progressive Chicago, this idea is laughable. What happens about Pete's promotion? Ash hides the crack...in...golfballs? And Corey's troubles are thus tied up with a bow? I just wished, for all the tangents this went on in almost 350 pages, that things weren't left as hanging as they were.
Thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This story follows the Pickford family during a long weekend at the beautiful Grand Hotel.
It seems like the perfect getaway with horse drawn carriages, lake views, and fancy cocktails. But behind the picture perfect setting there is plenty of family drama, secrets, awkward moments, and a lot of humor.
Pete is a scientist searching for a rare snail in the lake. Viv is trying to stay strong after learning a difficult truth about her marriage. Her teenage daughter is getting into the kind of trouble teenagers do. Then there is Corey, a grifter who somehow becomes one of the most entertaining parts of the story.
This book made me laugh and also reminded me how complicated family relationships can be. It is funny, messy, and full of heart. It also feels like the perfect summer setting.
If you enjoy stories about families, secrets, and a little bit of chaos, this is a great one to pick up.
It seems like the perfect getaway with horse drawn carriages, lake views, and fancy cocktails. But behind the picture perfect setting there is plenty of family drama, secrets, awkward moments, and a lot of humor.
Pete is a scientist searching for a rare snail in the lake. Viv is trying to stay strong after learning a difficult truth about her marriage. Her teenage daughter is getting into the kind of trouble teenagers do. Then there is Corey, a grifter who somehow becomes one of the most entertaining parts of the story.
This book made me laugh and also reminded me how complicated family relationships can be. It is funny, messy, and full of heart. It also feels like the perfect summer setting.
If you enjoy stories about families, secrets, and a little bit of chaos, this is a great one to pick up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m a sucker for a good messy family drama, so I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Plus, since it was the author’s debut, I was thrilled to have the chance to read it.
The novel revolves around three adult siblings who reunite with their elderly father for a week-long stay on an island off Michigan. Each character is burdened by past, unresolved trauma, which sets the stage for a compelling storyline.
While author Ryan Effgen’s writing was excellent, I never truly connected with the characters or the story. Each character was somewhat intriguing, but I felt that Effgen didn’t fully develop them, or at least not enough for me to really invest in the novel.
The plot is not very engaging, and the subpar character development made the overall reading experience mediocre.
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for the privilege of reading this book before its release on July 14, 2025. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite resonate with me as much as I’d hoped.
The novel revolves around three adult siblings who reunite with their elderly father for a week-long stay on an island off Michigan. Each character is burdened by past, unresolved trauma, which sets the stage for a compelling storyline.
While author Ryan Effgen’s writing was excellent, I never truly connected with the characters or the story. Each character was somewhat intriguing, but I felt that Effgen didn’t fully develop them, or at least not enough for me to really invest in the novel.
The plot is not very engaging, and the subpar character development made the overall reading experience mediocre.
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for the privilege of reading this book before its release on July 14, 2025. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite resonate with me as much as I’d hoped.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Family sagas can sometimes be hit or miss for me, depending on the pacing and depth. As they’re primarily character-driven novels, I prefer to be extremely engaged and/or connected to them if I’m going to be spending so much time in their minds.
This was comped to The Wedding People and The Vacationers, which are big shoes to fill. While I don’t quite think it is to the level of those two books, this was a nice classic family drama that will make a good beach/vacation read. I liked the setting and found the Michigan beach town unique.
*many thanks to the published and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.
This was comped to The Wedding People and The Vacationers, which are big shoes to fill. While I don’t quite think it is to the level of those two books, this was a nice classic family drama that will make a good beach/vacation read. I liked the setting and found the Michigan beach town unique.
*many thanks to the published and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. It starts off slowly and no one feels particularly relatable or likeable but it picks up as you get to know the characters. It's quirky and the comparison to Wedding People feels accurate. Good for people who enjoy family dramas with a strong sense of place.
Did Not Finish
April 19, 2026Just not my kind of book/characters. Found it difficult to want to pick up. Life's too short to read books you're not super into.
Also, any Michigander would know Mackinac Island is not in Lake Michigan. Feels easy to look up to get that right.
Also, any Michigander would know Mackinac Island is not in Lake Michigan. Feels easy to look up to get that right.
tbr-arc
November 8, 2025chaotic family drama on a cliff, i'm in.
*thank you to Knopf for the ARC*
*thank you to Knopf for the ARC*
November 19, 2025
Wow, what a debut! Early glimpses at Pete, Viv and Corey are gripping, and then MAKE NICE becomes a masterpiece of pacing. I can't wait for others to read so I can finally talk about this book!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Can't pass up a compelling story with a dysfunctional family.
April 14, 2026
Such a sweet book about a complicated family. Everyone needs a Pete in their family
April 16, 2026
3.5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Quietly, fine. Comparing it to Wedding People is too generous.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Booklist review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 / 5 stars -
Thank you to Netgalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, and Ryan Effegn for this advanced copy!
This is an earnest, humorous story about the messy reality of co-existing in a family as grown-ups. After reading the description in Goodreads, I immediately bookmarked it and hoped I would be able to get an advanced copy!
I enjoyed each character's personality, and found myself rooting for each one of them. I felt as though the author was trying to challenge us to change our perspective on how we view one another, and it was sweet.
My favorite character was Oliver (he wasn't even a main character, but he was written well).
Thank you to Netgalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, and Ryan Effegn for this advanced copy!
This is an earnest, humorous story about the messy reality of co-existing in a family as grown-ups. After reading the description in Goodreads, I immediately bookmarked it and hoped I would be able to get an advanced copy!
I enjoyed each character's personality, and found myself rooting for each one of them. I felt as though the author was trying to challenge us to change our perspective on how we view one another, and it was sweet.
My favorite character was Oliver (he wasn't even a main character, but he was written well).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It is ironic to me that a key element in one character’s storyline involves snails because this novel moves at a snail’s pace. The complexity of family relationships is explored with sensitivity and compassion as three siblings and their father convene at the Grand Hotel on an island off the coast of Michigan (sounds a lot like Mackinac Island). This quirky locale is a throwback to a time with horse-drawn carriages, no automobiles and quaint, but charming, businesses.
The purpose of the gathering is to honor their recently deceased matriarch who planned the trip before her demise. As they gather around the table with a gruff and distant father, the fractures in the siblings’ lives come to light. Pete is a professor renowned for his expertise in gastropods but has no social life. Accompanied by her teenage daughter, Viv is facing the dissolution of her marriage following her husband’s disclosure that he is gay. Lastly, Corey, who gained some notoriety and wealth as a child star in commercials, has coasted through life on his charisma and questionable ethics.
The story unfolds as each sibling revisits their memories of the summers spent on the island when the family owned a second home there – idyllic times that ended abruptly for reasons that are uncovered by the end of the book. To some extent this is a redemption story as the flaws of each character are acknowledged and become springboards for much needed change and open communication.
The story was refreshingly unique and the characters relatable, but as mentioned above, the pacing and minimal action make for a slow read.
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 will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
The purpose of the gathering is to honor their recently deceased matriarch who planned the trip before her demise. As they gather around the table with a gruff and distant father, the fractures in the siblings’ lives come to light. Pete is a professor renowned for his expertise in gastropods but has no social life. Accompanied by her teenage daughter, Viv is facing the dissolution of her marriage following her husband’s disclosure that he is gay. Lastly, Corey, who gained some notoriety and wealth as a child star in commercials, has coasted through life on his charisma and questionable ethics.
The story unfolds as each sibling revisits their memories of the summers spent on the island when the family owned a second home there – idyllic times that ended abruptly for reasons that are uncovered by the end of the book. To some extent this is a redemption story as the flaws of each character are acknowledged and become springboards for much needed change and open communication.
The story was refreshingly unique and the characters relatable, but as mentioned above, the pacing and minimal action make for a slow read.
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 will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25
setting: Michigan
rep: n/a
This was a really fun book! I totally understand the comp to the wedding people and I enjoyed following these disparate siblings over their five day break. I did have a standout fave and that was Pete the snail scientist - I happily would read an entire book just about him (plus Rebecca and Oliver please!).
setting: Michigan
rep: n/a
This was a really fun book! I totally understand the comp to the wedding people and I enjoyed following these disparate siblings over their five day break. I did have a standout fave and that was Pete the snail scientist - I happily would read an entire book just about him (plus Rebecca and Oliver please!).
January 18, 2026
Wow, what a debut! Early glimpses at Pete, Viv and Corey are gripping, and then MAKE NICE becomes a masterpiece of pacing. I can't wait for others to read so I can finally talk about this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
fun book with a variety of unique characters and effective subplots ranging from invasive snails all the way to selling drugs. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Loved this wonderful book!!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews