Make Nice: A Novel

by Ryan Effgen

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.

"Engaging and charming, perfect for your own summer vacation."
—Elin Hilderbrand, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hotel Nantucket

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.

Genres: Fiction, Summer, Contemporary, Family Drama, Comedy, Family, Drama

Audible Audio

First published July 14, 2026

Reviews

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not necessarily bad in story, characters, or pacing but unfortunately forgettable.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

MAKE NICE
By Ryan Effgen

An Imperfect Family Reunion

2.5 stars rounded up
Three months after the death of their wife and mother, the three adult Pickford siblings are puzzled when their father asks them to reunite on Mackinac Island, Michigan. The family once owned a summer cottage on the island but hasn’t returned since the siblings were children.

Upon arriving at the historic Grand Hotel, each sibling—and their father—brings emotional baggage. Over the course of the week, the story offers glimpses into each sibling’s childhood while following them in the present, revealing family secrets, unresolved tensions, and the complicated dynamics of this imperfect family.

This is a character-driven novel set on historic Mackinac Island. The setting is what initially drew me to the book, as it’s a place I’m very familiar with, having visited and stayed on the island for many years. The descriptions of the Grand Hotel and the surrounding area were vivid and easy to picture. One particular horse-and-carriage scene is a bit far-fetched.

Overall, this was just an okay read that never fully engaged me. Although there were a few touching moments, I struggled to connect with the characters. Their personalities often felt exaggerated and some of the quirky storylines didn’t have the impact I was hoping for.

Ryan Effgen’s writing is easy to read, with a light touch of humor while exploring themes of grief, forgiveness, and family. The pacing was steady, but it occasionally wandered, making it difficult for me to stay engaged.

While Make Nice had its enjoyable moments—especially its nostalgic setting and exploration of family relationships—the characters and humor ultimately fell flat for me. This is Ryan Effgen’s debut novel, and I’ll be interested to see what he writes next. I encourage you to read other reviews, as many readers connected with this story more than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Knopf for the ARC.

[Amber (amberreadsitall) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Pickford siblings and their father reunite at a nostalgic Lake Michigan resort following their mother's death. Chaos ensues as Pete, a snail scientist, Viv, a floundering mom with her marriage in shambles, and Corey, the wayward little brother confront explosive secrets and their family’s dysfunction. The siblings must figure why their controlling father brought them to the island, and how to finally come together as a family.

Read this story if you enjoy:
*Lots of family drama
*Character driven stories
*Vacation resort setting

I enjoyed Pete’s story line the most. It had lots of depth, and I found myself rooting for him to succeed. Corey’s story line was harder to read, because he is old enough to know better! Isn’t that the case with a lot of family members though? Viv’s story line ended on a hopeful note, but the reader is left to wonder what is going to happen to the family members in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, and Vintage for the advance copy of this ebook in change for my honest review.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dysfunction, thy name is Pickford. Or in the words of Robin, “Holy messed up family, Batman!”

The Pickfords are a mess. None of them—not one—is emotionally healthy. When they are summoned to a grand resort on beautiful Mackinac Island to officially end the grieving period one hundred days after their mom’s death, it is guaranteed to be a disaster of epic magnitude. Determining a limit on grief should tell you all you need to know about the control freak patriarch calling the shots. Is it any wonder his offspring are seriously screwed up?

Ryan Effgen has delivered a book with outstanding character development. By showing, not telling, he lets each sibling’s actions, behaviors, and decisions slowly reveal who they are and how they got there. I appreciated each Pickford’s journey, but it was Pete’s story and his unlikely connection with a struggling child that stole my heart. Honestly, an entire book devoted to those two would have been just fine with me.

With comparisons to Sandwich (I didn’t see it) and The Wedding People (maybe if I squint my eyes and look sideways), the bar was set pretty darn high. MAKE NICE didn’t quite reach that level of emotional impact or tight storytelling for me though it did have me wondering where the plot was going.

As with most highly character driven novels, my enjoyment is amplified by analyzing the characters and their actions as part of a buddy read. For this one, I was fortunate to share my thoughts with the most prolific mood reader I know, the very insightful Angie. I certainly forced her to slow her pace so I could catch up, but the resulting conversation was fantastic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Make Nice is being marketed as “Sandwich meets The Wedding People,” and I went in with sky‑high expectations because I loved both of those novels. This isn’t in the same caliber. Instead of the sharp, funny, emotionally precise mix I was expecting, this is a quieter, messier family drama about people stuck in their own patterns, making small, halting attempts at change. There isn’t much in the way of real resolution; the book leaves its characters mid‑stream, determined to keep figuring things out and oddly at peace with the fact that the ride is bumpy rather than transformative. It’s not that funny or sharp the way it’s sold, but I still liked it for what it is: a solid, character‑driven story about family messes and the slow work of learning to live with them. 3.5 stars, worth reading—but don’t go in expecting another Sandwich or The Wedding People.

[Brandon Copley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe I just need a break from familial dramas but I was not that impressed with this one.

The cast of characters was quirky (aren’t they always), the melodrama was flowing like a morning cup of joe but that unique and unputdownable quality was missing for me.

Not a bad read and I would be down to try others from this author but for me, this was not it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Ashton Rohrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make Nice by Ryan Effgen took me a bit to get into, but I ended up enjoying it. The writing style is easy and natural, and the characters feel funny, relatable, and authentic. There isn’t a clear “point” or big payoff, but that seems intentional and fits the slice-of-life feel. Overall, it’s a solid character-driven read if you enjoy realism over plot-heavy stories.

[Leanne Hale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.25 stars
The Pickford siblings have been called by their father to gather as a family for the first time since the death of their mother on the island they spent the summers of their youth. Viv is in the process of separating from her husband, Pete is up for a faculty chair at the university where he teaches, and Corey is once again in a mess of his own making. Along for the ride is Ash, Vivian's teenage daughter, who is on to way more than any of them realize.
This was a real mixed bag for me. First, I would say the comps to Sandwich and The Wedding People are two of the worst comps I have ever seen. Don't go into this expecting the vibes of either of those. This is is not nearly as deep or poignant as either of those. What I think Effgen is trying to do here is to in part demonstrate how we tend to default to the roles and identities we took on in childhood when we are with our families of origin- especially with siblings. And if this was his goal, I thought he did a good job of it. I also enjoyed Pete's storyline throughout as he struggles more than the others to break out of that role as he sees where it has failed him. A side plot related to a family he meets on the island was charming.
What didn't work was most everything else, primarily because it felt very surface level. I wanted far more interaction among the siblings and certainly with their father. And no one seems to be "making nice" in the way I think of that term. There isn't much conflict except with Corey, and even when there are things the other siblings should be rightly furious about, they seem fairly chill.
This is a breezy read that would be good to take on vacation, but don't go in looking for complicated family situations or the poignance that is found in the comps given by the publisher.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slightly unhinged messy family drama that has three grown siblings returning to the place they used to spend their childhood summers. Each of the adults is dealing with personal problems from discovering her husband is gay (Viv) to being lonely (Peter) to trying to sell cocaine (Cory). Teenage, Ash is also along for the ride, as is the Patriarch of the family. Told in alternating POVs, this was just a bit too outlandishly dramatic for me personally but it was good on audio and might appeal to fans of stories like The shampoo effect or Down with the Shipmans.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Make Nice is a great summer family drama set on Mackinac Island in Michigan. The story is engaging, the setting is awesome, and the writing is good. I thought the end was a little weak but overall enjoyed it and would recommend it. It’s comparable to Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore and The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O’Neill. 3.5/5 ⭐️ rounded down for Goodreads.

[Lindsay K. J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️💫

A family reunion on a lake in Michigan has the Pickford siblings each dealing and confronting some diet of existential crisis, while trying to make a good week for their dad and the memory of their mom.

I thought the premise was good, but I never really connected with the characters.

@netgalley
#readmorebooks
#bookstagram
#bookstagrammer
#bookish
#mybookishlife
#wearebookish
#readinggoals

[Angie Miale · Rating 3 out of 5]

If there’s one thing I’ll always pick up, it’s a messy family drama. Give me siblings carrying old resentments, parents with impossible expectations, and adults who still haven’t quite figured life out, and I’m usually all in. Make Nice has all of those ingredients, but for me it never quite reached the emotional payoff I was hoping for.

Set on Michigan’s beautiful Mackinac Island, this debut novel follows three adult siblings who are summoned home by their controlling father 100 days after their mother’s death. Each of them is grieving in a different way, but their father seems determined to dictate not only how the family should mourn, but how quickly they should move on. As the siblings reconnect, old wounds resurface and each must confront the direction their own life has taken.

The setting was easily one of my favorite aspects of the novel. Ryan Effgen captures the unique atmosphere of Mackinac Island so vividly that I felt transported there. The island’s car-free streets, slower pace of life, and distinctive charm become almost another character in the story.

The characterization is another strength. Each sibling has a distinct voice and set of struggles. Pete, the overlooked middle child whose career studying snails adds a wonderfully quirky touch, was my favorite of the three. I also really enjoyed Viv’s teenage daughter, Ash, and especially Oliver, the precocious young boy who steals nearly every scene he’s appears in. The supporting cast often brought the warmth and humor that kept me turning the pages.

Where the novel fell a little short for me was the plot itself. The family dynamics are compelling, but I kept waiting for the emotional tension to build into something messier and more transformative. Instead, the story remains fairly quiet and introspective throughout. I appreciated the thoughtful writing and the authentic portrait of people floundering through midlife, but I wanted a bit more momentum and emotional payoff.

The publisher compares this novel to Sandwich and The Wedding People. While I understand the comparison in terms of genre and tone, those are exceptionally high bars to clear. For me, Make Nice didn’t quite deliver the same emotional depth or memorable storytelling, and I wonder if those comparisons unintentionally set expectations that were difficult for a debut to meet.

Even so, I think Ryan Effgen is a writer worth watching. His prose is confident, his characters feel lived in, and he has a clear gift for creating a strong sense of place. While this particular story didn’t fully come together for me, I’d happily pick up whatever he writes next.

I would especially recommend Make Nice to readers who enjoy quieter, character-driven literary fiction, multigenerational family stories, and novels that prioritize atmosphere and relationships over plot twists or high drama.

Rating: ★★★¼☆ (3.25/5)

Make Nice publishes July 14, 2026.

Thank you to Ryan Effgen, Knopf and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. And thank you to my friend Anna for buddy reading this with me and sharing your thoughtful insights along the way. I hope we have many more buddy reads in our future!

[Matt Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan Effgan’s debut reminded me that art should be careful in the comparisons it invokes, because it might just make you fall flat on your face. Thankfully, Make Nice came out fine.

The jacket copy for Make Nice compared itself to two heavyweights. Sandwich by Catherine Newman, which was the funniest book (and about a tough subject) I read in 2025. A home run. It also mentioned The Wedding People by Alison Espach, a runaway hit in 2024 and almost my favorite book of that entire year. An absolute fireball of a novel. And okay, I get why you would want to compare yourself to two wonderful reads for the buzz (and, to be fair, those comparisons are exactly why I read this), but man, are you setting up a debut author for a massive let down if he can’t deliver.

While I can’t say I enjoyed Make Nice nearly as much as those two stellar works, I can say that it definitely doesn’t embarrass itself. Effgen can write and this is a good book.

I didn’t think that for the first ten percent though. There’s some heavy exposition and character building to lead this one off, and it starts slow. There’s really no question there. But once its cast starts to mingle, it’s in these character interactions where Make Nice most resembles the two books it hopes to stand alongside.

The characters are familiar and relatable and funny and Effgan does a great job in having them collide in a way that is both hilarious and heart wrenching. Make Nice never quite gets out of its habit of taking time to fall back into that block-text narrative where the characters are thinking and thinking and thinking, but the writing’s good even the pace is slow.

But as you’re reading, you’re always excited to see the characters start heading toward each other again, because the fireworks are entertaining and delightful to behold. Make Nice makes you laugh and feel and that’s exactly what this type of story wants to do. Effgen succeeds quite well. I’m very impressed in this first effort and very interested to see what he’ll do next. The world needs more books like Sandwich and The Wedding People, and that’s what Make Nice has attempted to do. And we’re all the better for it.

Recommended for readers of those comparison reads (even if you may not like this one as much) and readers who love to read great dialogue and character pieces that hit all over the emotional spectrum.

Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, and Vintage for providing an uncorrected DRC via NetGalley.

[Larry H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I love dysfunctional families. (Fictional dysfunctional families.) There’s just so much fodder for drama and confrontation. Ryan Effgen’s debut novel takes one such family on vacation—what could go wrong? Thanks to Knopf and NetGalley for the advance copy!

The Pickford family is gathering at The Grand Hotel, a ritzy resort on an island in Lake Michigan. It’s been three months since their mother died, and their father has decided that they all should vacation together. No one is exactly sure why.

Viv is fairly sure her marriage is over, what with the recent discovery that her husband is gay. But she’s determined to pretend everything is fine, especially to her teenage daughter, Ash (don’t call her Ashley). Pete is a scientist, recently referred to as the nation’s foremost expert on gastropods.

And then there’s Corey, the black sheep of the family. Corey didn’t attend their mother’s funeral, and in fact, Pete and Viv didn’t even know their father invited him. But Corey isn’t the type of person to shrink under scrutiny—he almost seems to relish his role as family outcast. However, he’s ready to take control of his life—and he has five pounds of cocaine he plans to sell to the rich tourists, which should give him a good start.

Of course, you bring a family together, and there are always secrets to be revealed, old wounds to be reopened, and lots of emotions. Why did their father summon them to the island? Can peace and love be found amidst the fudge and ice cream shops and the horse-drawn carriages?

The book is billed as a cross between Sandwich and The Wedding People . There are certainly similarities but I didn’t feel as connected to the characters in this book as I did in those others. This was enjoyable but not necessarily unique in any way.

The book publishes 7/14.

Check out my best reads of 2025 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2025.html .

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been 3 months since Lydia Pickford’s passing, and out of duty to his wife’s wishes (certainly not sentimentality), H F (Harold - the “self made” man) has called his kids together for a reunion on the island where they vacationed until their early-mid teens. Three kids and one granddaughter arrive with some expectation of a grand announcement from the patriarch, except, as was the case during most of their growing years, he spends little time with any of them. All are left to their own devices.

The varied cast of characters include: oldest brother, Pete 30ish, still single, a snail scientist still hoping to win some parental recognition – the “nice” peacemaker; Vivian, in the midst of a mid-life struggle in her marriage and still hoping to catch a glimpse of those “glory days” as an early teen; Corey, the youngest man-child who still can’t keep focus long enough to hold steady employment, who has been secretly subsidized by his mother’s monthly checks, and who has always tried to prove his creativity by making money the easiest way possible (think undiagnosed ADHD); and then there is Ashley/Ash the daughter of Vivian who comes across as the most mature of the entire clan – a little snarky (think cartoon Daria) but having a fairly balanced head on her shoulders.

The reader is along for this weeklong vacation/reunion on an un-named bougie island somewhere on the coast of Lake Michigan, where the sand is imported, and the horses lead un-manned carriages around the island (think Mackinac, but not Mackinac). Of course, let to their own devices, each character is faced with the person he/she has become as they take a stab at recapturing the last time they were a “happy” family.

For me this was an acceptable read. The writing is certainly engaging, colorful, and has the potential as a Hallmark-ish type movie. The pace is quick; there are a few mysteries that are solved. I appreciated the day-to-day narrative which served as an incentive for me to continue reading, however with the exception of Pete, none of the characters left me with a burning desire to follow him or her into the future. I believe this is Mr. Effgen’s first novel, and it will be interesting to witness his progress as a writer. 4 Stars

Thank you to #NetGalley, # RyanEffgen and #KnopfPublishing for the opportunity to read and review this debut novel. All opinions are my own.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars:
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for providing me with an advance reader copy of MAKE NICE by Ryan Effgen. Expected publication: July 14, 2026.

MAKE NICE is the perfect beach read--warm, witty, engaging, and delightfully entertaining. Is it realistic? Perhaps not entirely. But that's part of its charm. It's the kind of novel you slip into your beach bag knowing you'll smile, chuckle, and happily escape reality for a few hours. I thoroughly enjoyed every page.

Months after the death of their beloved mother, three adult siblings--one of them long estranged from the family--and a teenage granddaughter are summoned (or perhaps ordered) by their irascible father to spend a week together at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, where the family once owned a summer home. It was their mother's final wish that they return to the place where they last truly felt like a family.

Effgen has enormous fun exploring the messy dynamics of a dysfunctional family. His characters are exaggerated just enough to feel like the larger-than-life relatives we all know. There's the outspoken teenager convinced no one takes her seriously as she critiques the generations before her. Her mother is quietly watching her marriage unravel. The dutiful but socially awkward, world-renowned snail scientist has spent a lifetime feeling uncomfortable in his own skin. Then there's the charming black sheep of the family—a con man whose flaws make him far more complicated than he first appears.

As the week unfolds, old resentments resurface, long-buried memories are revisited, and each family member is forced to confront not only the ways they've been hurt, but also the roles they've played in their own disappointments. Beneath the humor and family chaos lies a surprisingly heartfelt story about forgiveness, self-awareness, and the complicated bonds that continue to connect us, even when we try to pull apart.

MAKE NICE is pure escapism with plenty of heart and humor. It's the kind of novel that pairs perfectly with a lounge chair, a cool drink, and a summer afternoon. Ryan Effgen has earned a spot on my list of authors to watch, and I'll happily pick up whatever he writes next.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished Make Nice a couple of days ago and I've gone back and forth on how to rate it. For starters I will say that overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It had a few parts where I skimmed, but for the most part it held my attention. At times it felt a little too chuckle funny, and too aware of it's sense of humor, but when the story got into more of the deeper thoughts and feelings of the characters it was so engaging. However for me, the characters almost felt more like caricatures than relatable people, and I understood them more from the general idea of what they represented than from anything they actually said or did on the page. Pete, the snail guy, was surprisingly the one I found the most interesting, and the most endearing character. Corey was frustrating but also felt the most real to me, and I feel we get the most depth out of his story overall. His dad deserved a little more comeuppance than he received in my opinion. Viv and Ash were funny, but I did find myself skimming their parts the most.

My main con is, while I don't mind stories that have an open ending in general, when all the characters are left without any resolution to their storylines, it leaves me feeling a little like what was the point of the story? I get it, this was also about this family's dynamics, but an open ending needs to feel earned, like you've been on this journey with the characters and now you can just sit there with them in the uncertainty. This did not do that for me. The family has a couple of good 'hashing it out' moments, but otherwise it felt a little shallow to me, and I was actually startled when I turned the last page and thought "wait, what?" I can appreciate that the author was going for, but for me personally it just left me feeling a little bummed.

Despite that, I would rate this as a 3.75 and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a light family drama.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the death of their mother, the 3 Pickford siblings gather for a week together on Mackinac Island. When the siblings were young, the Pickford family had a small home on the island, where they spent many happy summers, until their parents decided to sell the house and they haven’t been back since. Each family member arrives with their own set of baggage and in various stages of personal crisis. The family gathers again at their father’s request (and on his tab) in order to honor their late mother and her wish to reunite on the island as a family.

The story unfolds with alternating focus on each of the siblings (and Viv’s teenage daughter Ash) and their individual dilemmas, as well as through flashbacks from their final days on the island as kids, and how that formative summer plays a role in their current struggles. Each character has a lot to work through during their week on the island. Overall I enjoyed all of the character development, but ultimately didn’t connect deeply enough with all of them to get invested enough in their stories to make this a real page turner. There were some funny moments and insightful comments though. I liked some siblings more than others. The ending is very open ended, and although I usually like a bit more resolution, it really works for the story (not everything going wrong in your life can get resolved on one week of vacation). You’re left feeling satisfied and a little hopeful about what comes next. There were a few “twists” and revelations towards the end and I didn’t necessarily see all of them coming and they helped propel me through the final chapters.

I was excited to read this book because I grew up in Northern Michigan and frequented Mackinac Island myself as a child. My trips revolved more around history and hiking rather than the luxury hotel experience, but the descriptions were vivid and seemed authentic enough to satisfy my own recollections.

Overall this was a 3.5 for me, rounded up to a 4.

Thank you to NetGalley for access and to the eARC and to Goodreads and Knopf Books for the physical ARC giveaway.

[O'Dell (Just Read it Already) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book courtesy of the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

This is quite the impressive debut, especially considering the publisher set the bar impossibly high by comparing it to The Wedding People and Sandwich. Do I see the similarities? Eh, maybe a little. I've learned these comparisons usually exist to sell books rather than describe them, so I tried to ignore the noise and let Effgen's work stand on its own. It did.

The Pickford family descends on a fancy Lake Michigan resort for a long weekend. Pete is a snail scientist hoping to track down a rare species. His sister Viv just found out her husband is gay and is trying to hold it together for her teenage daughter Ash. And their brother Corey, the family screw up, has somehow ended up with five pounds of cocaine and a plan to sell it to the richest guy at the resort. Their father dragged everyone here for reasons nobody understands, and as the weekend unravels, Corey might be the only one who knows why.

I'm always a sucker for a good family drama, and this one hits all the right notes. The multi-generational structure is what really worked for me. We get the dad's boomer perspective, the Gen X and millennial siblings, and Ash's petulant Gen Z energy, and it all gives the book just enough generational baggage to keep things moving.

The characters feel grounded even though the siblings fall into familiar roles like the nerdy brother, the fuck up, and the uptight mom with a crumbling marriage. Normally, I'd be annoyed with the cliché, but here it works. Every character gets their moment to shine, and watching it all come together was very entertaining.

I did an immersive read, and Helen Laser's narration was a perfect match. She nailed every character distinctly and kept the story moving at a brisk pace.

If you love multi-generational family comedies with real heart under the absurdity, this delivers. Just go in with an open mind, skip the comparisons, and let this one stand on its own merit.

[VeroniCanRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐ ARC Review

TLDR; Every one of the adult siblings in this book is having a midlife crisis. It’s insightful, it’s hopeful, and it’s dramatic. I loved it!

🌊 For Fans of a:
- literary fiction
- family drama
- adult siblings
- lives falling apart
- Mackinac island
- recent parental death
- family on vacation

✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Three adult siblings come together on Mackinac Island after their mom passes away. Their dad is the ruthless patriarch, Viv is about to get divorced and brought her daughter, Corey is a total con who has been floating along for years, and Pete is a snail scientist finally up for a job promotion. While on vacation, secrets come out and everything falls apart before coming together in a new way.

I loved the flow of this book. The writing seemed to mimic the rigidness of each of the characters as they arrive on the island only to soon give way to the comfortability that only siblings seem to have, along with the wonder-seeking, spark-chasing, truth-finding writing that struck a note with me.

Each person on this family vacation is a person. We get to see the same last childhood summer on the island through the eyes of the dreamer, the forgotten, and the lost child. It gave the perfect background understanding of each of the family members and how they came to be the person they are now.

Also, as someone who has been to the Island, ridden in the horse-drawn carriages, seen the hotel they mention, and walked those paths on the water and in the woods… I think this book does a wonderful homage to the beauty and hope in simplicity you find there while also never ignoring the tourism and blatant wealth.


🖤 Thank you to author Ryan Effgen and publisher Knopf for the digital advanced reader copy (ARC) via NetGalley.
As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!

📚 Book: Make Nice by Ryan Effgen
📅 Release Date: July 14, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.75 out of 5

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite Michigan vacations is Mackinac Island - my children have treated me to these visits and I come away more enchanted each time. While I’ve never stayed at the Grand Hotel (I have paid admission to sit on their magnificent veranda and enjoy the view), Make Nice was such a sweet and rare find (thank you NetGalley and Knopf for granting me access to this ARC) to recapture that wonderful island.

The Pickford siblings are on a weekend vacation at the Grand Hotel on nostalgic Mackinac Island to “make nice” to one another. Their mother had just died and their father had brought them together. Pete, an expert on mollusks, is looking forward to seeing if a rare mollusk may be found on the shores of either Lake Michigan or Lake Huron. Viv is trying to pretend the shocking news her husband is gay is not affecting her for the sake of her daughter. Corey, the charmer and vagabond, has snared five lbs of coke that he plans to sell to the first dumb rich guy he finds. But “making nice” goes out the window when unforeseen events take over upsetting the apple cart - Pete finds himself attracted to the mother of a local boy making up for some crushing professional news; Viv meets her former boyfriend and feelings emerge; Corey finds the rich are more interested in golf and tennis. But why were they brought to Mackinac by their father - of course: secrets.

I really enjoyed the book. It’s funny but filled with realistic family drama. I enjoyed the descriptions of Mackinac - though I’d have enjoyed more about Grand Hotel decor. This is a character driven novel and I enjoyed them, especially Pete. What emerges from this delightful read is that no matter how crazy your family is, they are there for you.

Great read especially for lovers of family vacation scenarios. And a great summer beach read - visit Mackinac and spend the day reading it.

[Danna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Nice is the type of family drama that I really love. The Pickfords are on a bougie Michigan island for one last family vacation after their mother's death. The story is told from the third-person perspective of each adult child: Viv, Peter, and Corey, with Ash, Viv's daughter and their father in supporting roles.

Viv is fun, bubbly, and bright. But she is holding on to the secret that her husband is gay and what that means for their marriage. Peter is a malacologist (never heard of it? Me neither. It's someone who studies mollusks). Peter is the country's foremost expert on snails and oh-so-likable. And Corey is a mess: he is always in some sort of trouble. He's unreliable; Corey didn't even show up to their mother's funeral. The Pickfords are surprised and not exactly happy that he has decided to show up on vacation.

In turn, we learn a bit more about each Pickford's relationship with the island. It all feels very summery and nostalgic and sweet--even the sad points. And we learn about their complicated, but not in a terribly deep way, relationships with each other and the island now.

This is a great summer read and a total delight. I can't say enough about how much I liked Peter and the Pickfords overall. Just the right amount of snark, sweetness, money, and summer fun to really get a kick out of this one. Once I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down.

Highly recommended. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Favorite quote:

“It’s the whole confession business I could never get behind,” his father went on. “Right out of the mafia playbook. Offering protection against a threat they invented.”

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Make Nice by Ryan Effgen, Viv, Pete and Corey arrive at the lavish hotel with their dad to honor their mom who died a few months before. It was the last place they remembered being happy and had no idea the house was being sold the last time they left it as children. Peter is the only one who shows up with any kind of good news that he may get a fellowship of sorts at the college he works for after he finds an unknown slug. sister Viv, is there with her woke phrases an arguments something she tends to take great pleasure in trying to provoke her relatives. Her mom on the other hand is stunned by the fact her husband says he’s gay and nair do well Corey is there with 5 pounds of cocaine and his roommate looking for a buyer on the posh island. The only problem is the island isn’t the island of their childhood but a much more mature and stated place. this book in my opinion was only OK I did not like Ash ,there were many things about the book I found sus like how excepting Viv was of her husband‘s declaration with no disappointment about all the years he wasted her life or any negative comment for that matter. I especially didn’t like that at the end of the book we still didn’t know what happened to Andrew stuff. I usually love the books that have such a happy ending but I think I had trouble connecting with the characters but I did read the whole thing and not once want to die enough and pretty much enjoyed the book with a few exceptions. The main one is what Viv and Rob did in the bed her daughter would sleep in on the same sheets that same night. that was just gross and a bit much. Then again I thought the whole mom drinking with someone beside ashes Daddy in the room they share was a bit cringe. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Haley Sparks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was actually my first summer read of the year and it kicked off the season relatively strong! It was an easy, fun, and frothy read. The family is drama-ing and the vibes are pure beach book-esque. I have NO unearthly idea why the publisher’s blurb is comping it to both Sandwich and the Wedding People and think it does the story a bit of a disservice, given how beloved both those books are—I mean, this takes place in the summer and at a hotel, but otherwise I definitely don’t see a strong comparison to either story. So don’t go into this expecting it to be a replica of either of those. Just expect it to be funny and enjoyable, albeit somewhat forgettable.

Re: somewhat forgettable. I’d honestly rate this book higher, expect that I read it over a week ago and I already forget a good amount of it. That said, in a beach book, that is definitely not a bad thing. Read it next to the water, be entertained, and then move on! I don’t expect it to be the standout of my summer, but it was fun enough to escape into and is very light so I think could appeal to a wide variety of readers. It’s the kind of book you devour at your air bnb for the weekend trip away, but then you leave it there, for the next group so someone else can read and enjoy it too. It’s not the kind of story you feel the need to pack in your suitcase and bring back home. That being said, I’m intrigued that it’s a debut and I think with a little more “bite” to it, Effgen’s writing could be even more memorable for me personally.

[Kate Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

I enjoy that this novel felt realistic and didn't fall into the trap of the family solving every issue and renewing all of their relationships in a few day vacation, especially considering the family doesn't spend much time together. There are characters I could read about forever (Pete) and characters I don't feel pained to leave behind (Corey), but every story feels real.

The Pickford family used to spend every summer on the same island in a small summer house before their parents sold it off. Now, after the death of their mother, a return to the island is on the agenda. The three siblings all arrive at The Grand Hotel with positive intentions, hoping to reconcile in the good weather and come out the other side better for it. Pete, a scientist and the nation's mollusk expert, is up for a big promotion at work and ready to search for rare snails on the beach. Vivian is trying to keep the facade of her life together after learning her husband is gay, so he stayed at home while she and her teenaged daughter Ash came to the island. Corey, the youngest, has been a troublemaker since childhood, and is arriving with a five-pound bag of heroin he's hoping to offload for serious cash.

But as Pete's snail hunting gains interest from a local kid (and the mother gains interest in Pete), Ash gets up to teenage hijinks, Viv meets and old flame, and Corey has trouble finding a guest interested in his stash, it becomes clear none of them really came for family bonding. Why did their father want them to come to the island? And will they be the same when they leave?

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Make Nice" delivers exactly what it promises: a light-hearted, fun summer dramedy! Our main characters—in particular our three siblings Pete, Viv, and Corey—played really well off of each other, and I appreciated the layered nature of their relationships with each other and with the supporting cast.

Even though "Make Nice" is supposed to be frothy, if anything I could've done with some higher-intensity drama! Though we spent a lot of time with our main characters and seeing them interact, we only dove a little bit beneath the surface of their personalities imo. I think Effgen stopped short of revealing fully nuanced and intimate portraits, offering a few contradictions or evolutions without fully exploring them in the interest of keeping things light. And though that may have been intentional given the description on the back cover, it left me wanting a little bit *more*.

And speaking of more, I wish we'd spent more time on the conclusion! All the storylines converged and then wrapped pretty quickly, and while the resolution was entirely satisfying I do think it could've been somewhat fleshed out with added detail.

It may be a little unreasonable to hope for full-fledged character studies and emotional arcs over the course of a five-day time period, but I do think the book could've been a bit more weighty without losing its central spunk. But I still enjoyed "Make Nice" for exactly what it was, and think it makes for a great read for anyone looking to escape into a family drama that isn't their own. 3.5/5 stars!

[Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf for an advance reader copy of this book!]

[Stephanie Peterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 Viv opens up to her brothers Corey and Pete about ending her marriage and they ask if it has to do with her husband's sexuality, and when she relents and neither of them seem surprised, Corey explains: "well, there was this one time i saw him open a bag of chips with a pair of scissors..." and it just had me laughing uncontrollably for several minutes.

thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for the ARC!

[Dorie - Cats&Books :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I’ve been to Mackinac island several times. This is definitely a family drama and a fun read. Being able to picture The Grand Hotel and the rest of the island added to my enjoyment.

The PIckford family has arrived on the island for a nostalgic family vacation - they once owned a small house there.

Viv’s husband has recently told her that he is gay - she’s not sure how things will proceed but is looking forward to some relaxation and fun with her family.

Pete is excited to search the shores of the island in search of a rare snail. He is an expert in the field of gastropods (mollusks). He will find what he’s in search of - but also a whole lot more!!

Corey has always been a drifter - never seeming to find a job or place that he really settles into. He is ready to “make nice” with his family but things don’t turn out as he thinks they will. His roommate has followed him to the island in search of a package of something that Corey has stolen from him! What is it and what is Corey planning to do with it??

Their teenage daughter knows something is going on with her mom but doesn’t know what as yet. She also gets entangled in a scheme that Corey is involved with - so much going on.

I think you will enjoy this novel if you like family dramas with some great characters. Mackinac island is a very special place - no cars allowed!!

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.

[Danielle Bricker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lakeside family drama

What do a middle-aged mom on the brink of divorce, a novice drug mule, and the world's foremost expert on snails have in common? They're all semi-estranged adult siblings, reuniting on the Michigan island of their childhood vacations to honor their recently deceased mother.

I loved the characters (especially the delightfully quirky snail expert), but the plot of this summer vacation family drama was pretty lukewarm with an odd and dissatisfying ending. The comparison to The Wedding People does not hold up.

Usually 3-star reviews are my sweet spot. I have a lot to say about what I liked and what I disliked... this is an exception where I'm struggling to feel more than "that was okay."

Some readers may dislike the way a minor character's homosexuality is treated. This is a side effect of centering his wife's experience. It's not really homophobia; there is complexity and nuance and genuine, messy emotion. But the nature of the story being told requires more focus on feelings like betrayal, uncertainty, hurt, and frustration which may rub some readers the wrong way.

This is a debut novel, so I might consider reading the author's future works. But I don't think I'd advise anyone to rush out and buy this one.

CW: infidelity, death of parent (past), some violence (fistfight), animal death (snails), lots of drugs around but no actual use depicted, a couple minor transphobic comments

Thank you to publisher Knopf for my advance copy, provided in exchange for an honest review. This book is on shelves as of July 14, 2026.

[Kimberly (Bookblurbist) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vibes:
➤ Vacation Read
➤ Sibling/Family Drama
➤ Alternating POVs
➤ Amateur Drug Dealing
➤ Her Husband is Gay
➤ Snail Educational Material

Thoughts:
This was such a fun and easy read! Effgen’s dialogue and character interactions are so fluid and comedic. This story rotates through 4 different POVs and each has its own unique voice since all of the characters are so different. My favorite character was Corey, the family screw up. Effgen does such a great job writing his character in a way that it’s easy to laugh at what an idiot he is, but also still empathize with the hurt he’s dealing with. Overall this was funny and enjoyable — a great summer/vacation vibe.

4 stars mostly for the plot being so light — it felt a little boring in parts (Pete’s POV imo, haha). Although I’m sure the interest in the various POVs will vary. I also think it does the book a bit of a disservice to compare it to The Wedding People. Aside from taking place in a hotel, the similarities stop there. Make Nice stands well on its own and I worry that such a bold comparison will only hurt its potential success.

Recommended To:
Anyone who loves family drama, sibling dynamics and is looking for something light, funny and refreshing to read while on vacation or summer holiday! Readers who enjoyed books like Malibu Rising and The Nest would likely find themselves enjoying this book too!

Thank you Netgalley and Knopf Publishing for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!