The Wash-Ashores: A Novel

by Hannah McKinnon

With only one summer to get everything right, one woman finds herself fighting to hold together the one place that’s always felt like home with the people who have become like family, in this summer novel from the acclaimed author of The Sandy Page Bookshop.

Thirty-year-old Holly has inherited the Cranberry Inn from her grandmother, Francine. Only Francine is not dead. At least not yet. And she’s not fully convinced the Cranberry Inn is the right fit for Holly; it’s showing its age and it’s so much work. Besides, she has an offer from a developer that she’s not sure she can turn down. Unsure what to do, Francine decides she cannot let Holly take over without a dry run summer.

As Francine tries to sequester herself to the sidelines, Holly finally has the chance to prove herself to her grandmother, her returning guests, and herself. And time is of essence because this summer they are hosting the Whitmans, a prominent New York family who expect no less than perfection for their only daughter’s summer nuptials. A move that Holly is convinced will boost the inn’s revenue and steer it back on track, so that her grandmother won’t have to sell.

If that weren’t enough, Ben is back for the summer. Ben’s family has summered in the house next door to the Cranberry Inn as long as Holly has been spending summers with her grandmother. Only Holly hasn’t seen Ben in several years, and she’s not sure she wants to. The way they left things was like a conversation unfinished, and one that Ben seems interested in revisiting.

With a wedding looming and a bride hedging and a staff feeling adrift, can Holly pull everyone together to ensure that the Cranberry Inn will survive another summer?

Genres: Fiction, Summer

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 30, 2026

About the author

Author of The Wash-Ashores, (USA Today Bestseller) The Sandy Page Bookshop, The Darlings, The Sumer Club, Message in the Sand, The Lake Season, Mystic Summer, The Summer House, Sailing Lessons, The View From Here with Emily Bestler Books/Simon & Schuster and two YA titles, Franny Parker and The Properties of Water with Farrar Strauss & Giroux/MacMillan.

Follow me on Instagram @hannahmckinnonwrites

Follow me on Facebook @Hannahmckinnon author

Reviews

[Allison Zlotnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Atria for this ARC through NetGalley!

I enjoyed the summery, coastal New England atmosphere of this book- it will definitely make for a good beach read! I thought the premise overall was cute and I connected with the main character, Holly.

However, many of the other characters fell flat for me -- Oliver and Ben in particular felt unlikable and their "redemption arcs" weren't enough for me to come around to liking them after their past behavior. I thought Francine (the grandmother) was mean without enough backstory to justify it, and I kind of also took issue with Greta (the cook) dropping the ball with like... no consequences despite the fairly important role of food in this story? That being said, I thought the manager, Linus, was funny and the neighbor, Ezra, was sweet and sympathetic.

The beginning really pulled me in with the premise and interesting characters, but I think around the middle there's this climax (or so it seems) and then things fall off afterwards. I think with some developmental editing this one could really have hit a home run-- but overall, I had a good time with this one and it was a fast read.

[Becca Wilder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this return to Cape Cod with Hannah McKinnon, set at the fictional Cranberry Inn. Holly comes home to the Cape to take over the inn from her grandmother who is trying to retire but struggles with completely letting go of the reins. A high-profile wedding is the event Holly is relying on to help pull the inn into the black and establish it as a true travel and event destination. The book is rounded out with a wide cast of secondary characters, my favorite being the widowed neighbor, Ezra. Each character has something they need to overcome, and the story creates a warm sense of community as they all work their issues out separately but together. All in all, The Wash-Ashores is a fitting summer read, perfect for your beach bag.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[A Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah McKinnon once again brings us to beautiful Cape Cod. This is a poignant and emotional story of hopefullness that is sure to be a top beach read.

Holly returns home to the Cape to save her beloved summer home The Cranberry House Inn. She expects it to be hard work and long hours. But what she doesn't expect is the lasting friendships with the people who are by her side through this venture.

This is a story about family, friendships, past loves and future romance. The beautifully depicted scenes will leave you yearning to visit The Cape. The characters are all well developed and the short chapters make for an easy read. McKinnon always tells a story that lingers long after reading. This is a definite beachbag add.

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy

[BHK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exactly the kind of summer escape I needed! The Cape Cod setting was absolutely stunning, and I loved the whole premise of Holly trying to prove herself at the Cranberry Inn while her very much alive grandmother basically gives her a “trial run” summer. The tension between them was layered and emotional in a way that made sense. The unfinished business between Holly and Ben is what hooked me. Their history, the awkward run ins, the quiet conversations by the water… all gave me that slow burn and “will they won’t they” feeling I love. It’s an easy and immersive read, perfect if you like small town vibes, family dynamics, and second chance romance with coastal charm!

[KellyJ1028 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a new to me author and I was glad to have the opportunity to read it.

The Wash‑Ashores is a tender coastal novel about legacy, love, and the courage to start over. When Holly inherits her grandmother’s seaside inn, she faces a summer of rebuilding — the inn, her confidence, and the connection she lost with Ben, the boy who never really left her heart. It’s a story steeped in salt air and second chances, where every wave feels like a whisper of what could be.

However, the pacing just didn’t land for me. The opening moved slowly, and I never quite felt that spark pulling me back in once I stepped away.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Kristen McDaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for The Wash Ashores from NetGalley. This was my first experience with this author as I have not read anything by Hannah McKinnon previously. This was an interesting read, focusing on self discovery, grief, finding oneself, love, friendship, and family. The varying viewpoints made it difficult for me to really get to know the psyche of the characters (my personal preference) but it was still an enjoyable read. It made me want to take a trip to the Cape! A good beach read. 3.5 stars. Thank you for the ARC!

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley and Atria Books for an arc copy in exchange for an honest review. This review is based on my own thoughts and opinions. This book was very enjoyable to read. The different family dynamics and friendships in this book was really good. I really liked the dynamic of characters reconnecting. While reading through the story the character development was really good and the characters self-discovery was also really good. The romance was also really interesting. The book is multiple pov which I really enjoyed. Overall this book was very enjoyable and fun to read.

[Anya Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This charming feel good story follows Holly as she inherits her grandmother Francine’s Cranberry House Inn. What begins as a fresh start quickly becomes a place of connection, healing, and second chances. With a warm cast including Bruce the loyal dog, Greta the Swedish chef, Oliver the gardener with a past, Ezra the artist finding joy again, and Linus keeping everything running, the inn feels like a true home. At its core, it is a story about love returning.

[Sarah Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet summer story told from the perspectives of four intertwined characters at a Cap Cod Inn. There plenty to love in this one, including family history, a little romance, a drama filled wedding, historic inn restoration, and finding your place. There are a few moments that don’t quite come together, logically, and some tonal missteps. But overall a fun cozy read.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story about Holly who is doing a trial on running the familys' Cranberry Inn , which is historical , to see if she can make it profitable again. She spent many summers here with her grandparents and was part of the people there. Also Ben is there as he came to help his brother Jonah run his new business an oyster farm. See both of their plans for making things better. All rthe characters are amazing. A GREAT READ.

[Beth Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been to Cape Cod but after reading this book I really want to go and find an Inn just like this one. This is a great summer read and so enjoyable. This has family drama, relationships, grief, love and finding yourself and what you can accomplish. I really enjoyed this book and others by Hannah McKinnon. I will be excited for her next read.
Thank you to Atria for this ARC through NetGalley!

[Heather Putnam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather McKinnon is one of my favorite authors. Her characters are all flawed in a "normal" way and I love getting to spend time with them. They make mistakes, apologize and continue on with life. She describes both the location and the food beautifully. I wish I could visit the inn and restaurant in real life! This would be a great book to read by the pool or at the beach.

[Kori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm and shiny gem, this is one of my new favorites from Hannah McKinnon. I already have my fingers crossed that we'll see more stories about this wonderful cast of characters!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Avid · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful summery read! Hannah McKinnon’s The Wash-Ashores was a charming escape to Cape Cod and a lovely old inn, which sparked feels akin to the experience of watching a Hallmark movie. Perfect for an afternoon or two lounging at the beach.

3.5 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Tam📖 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

You know I love a beach read. But there was something missing from this one for me to rank this one as an absolute must read for your beach bag this summer. I did love the second chance romance.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book "The Wash-ashores" and all opinions expressed are my own. A summer beach read. Set on Cape Cod at the Cranberry Inn. I liked the mix of trying to get the inn set up and the characters interacting.

[Michelle San Antonio · Rating 4 out of 5]

A breath of fresh air, and the perfect summer escape. Holly returns to Cape Cod to take over for her grandmother and save her beloved summer home, which is now operating as The Cranberry House Inn. Over the course of the summer, she develops deep friendships with the Inn's staff, as well as a very unexpected connection with one of the Inn's neighbors, and is also reunited with a past love. Just a lovely story about second chances, family, and friendship. I loved all the characters, and I always love a coastal New England summer read, which Hannah McKinnon does such a great job with.