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The May House: A Novel
Three adult sisters inherit a beach house from their grandmother on the condition they return every May to spend one week together, unearthing family secrets, unrequited love, and the deep bonds of sisterhood in this shimmering new novel from the USA TODAY bestselling author of The Fiction Writer and Beautiful Little Fools.
No matter what’s going on in the May sisters’ lives, the one thing they can rely upon is seeing each other for one week each year, while staying at their grandmother’s beachside home in gorgeous Coronado. As adults, Julia, Emily, and Nora aren’t particularly close, spread out across the country and busy with careers, relationships, and the minutia of life, but their promise to Grandma Vera keeps them anchored together, if only for one week every May.
One year Julia, the oldest and most dependable sister, doesn’t show. And suddenly Nora and Emily start to question how much they truly know about their sister’s life. Told in alternating points of view, spanning from their time together with Grandma Vera as kids into their adult lives, The May House explores how a decades-long family secret has unknowingly shaped each sister and, ultimately, how it brings them closer together.
Funny, poignant, and brimming with heart, The May House is an irresistible story about the special bond between sisters and figuring out what matters most in life, in all its ups and downs.
No matter what’s going on in the May sisters’ lives, the one thing they can rely upon is seeing each other for one week each year, while staying at their grandmother’s beachside home in gorgeous Coronado. As adults, Julia, Emily, and Nora aren’t particularly close, spread out across the country and busy with careers, relationships, and the minutia of life, but their promise to Grandma Vera keeps them anchored together, if only for one week every May.
One year Julia, the oldest and most dependable sister, doesn’t show. And suddenly Nora and Emily start to question how much they truly know about their sister’s life. Told in alternating points of view, spanning from their time together with Grandma Vera as kids into their adult lives, The May House explores how a decades-long family secret has unknowingly shaped each sister and, ultimately, how it brings them closer together.
Funny, poignant, and brimming with heart, The May House is an irresistible story about the special bond between sisters and figuring out what matters most in life, in all its ups and downs.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2026
About the author
Jillian Cantor
15 books1,634 followersJillian Cantor is the USA Today and internationally bestselling author of fifteen novels for teens and adults, which have been chosen for LibraryReads, Indie Next, Amazon Best of the Month, and have been translated into 15 languages. Born and raised in a suburb of Philadelphia, Cantor currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.
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Want to Read
May 5, 2026I'm trying to catch up on all my arcs (I have too many to finish and my net galley ratio is so bad 😭) and this blurb really caught my eye.
May 17, 2026
Solid 4 star women's fiction about three sisters and family secrets. My favorite part was how Coronado Island was almost a character itself - very authentic. The author's note discusses her history of summers here & her love for the place just shines though and until I read her bio, I didn't realize she was also an Arizonan. The beginning of this one took me a bit to get into but then I got hooked by the story, which is very character driven. Recommend to those who enjoy family saga type books
May 12, 2026
This was beautifully written and grabbed my attention immediately with the style of prose. There is something about it that feels natural? tangible? How do I explain this right? Like your smooth voiced grandma is telling you the perfect bedtime story?
Ah well you get the drift. The prose was pretty af.
This is a bit outside my usual genre but I do like to dabble in a bit of literary fiction on occasion and this is a bit of a blend that makes it very accessible.
Weaving timelines move in and out and the emotional and character depth is sure to milk at least a few tears from its reader.
If you’re looking for a book that explores the complexity of sisterly bonds and complicated family dynamics, and you enjoy a dual timeline, this might be a great pick!
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Ah well you get the drift. The prose was pretty af.
This is a bit outside my usual genre but I do like to dabble in a bit of literary fiction on occasion and this is a bit of a blend that makes it very accessible.
Weaving timelines move in and out and the emotional and character depth is sure to milk at least a few tears from its reader.
If you’re looking for a book that explores the complexity of sisterly bonds and complicated family dynamics, and you enjoy a dual timeline, this might be a great pick!
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
December 8, 2025
The May House
By: Jillian Cantor
Pub Date: May 12, 2025
Publisher: Atria Books
If you have followed me any length of time you know I am a huge fan of Cantor and her books. I was elated to get approved for her latest book.
This novel follows three sisters who inherit a beach house from their grandmother. They grew up spending time at the beach house next door to a young man who looks forward to their visits every year.
Coronado is beautiful and they look forward to going to the beach house each year with their families even after their grandmother Vera’s health declined. Julia, Emily and Nora’s life’s change as they grown older as life happens, but they promise each other they will return to reconnect each year.
Told in alternating points of year and spanning their lives this novel will tug at your heart and really makes think and remember what is truly important in life. Always listen to your heart and be there for the ones you love.
Her writing is beautiful and this story is heartwarming. Be sure and read the author notes. Off to pre-order to add to the rest of my books by Cantor.
By: Jillian Cantor
Pub Date: May 12, 2025
Publisher: Atria Books
If you have followed me any length of time you know I am a huge fan of Cantor and her books. I was elated to get approved for her latest book.
This novel follows three sisters who inherit a beach house from their grandmother. They grew up spending time at the beach house next door to a young man who looks forward to their visits every year.
Coronado is beautiful and they look forward to going to the beach house each year with their families even after their grandmother Vera’s health declined. Julia, Emily and Nora’s life’s change as they grown older as life happens, but they promise each other they will return to reconnect each year.
Told in alternating points of year and spanning their lives this novel will tug at your heart and really makes think and remember what is truly important in life. Always listen to your heart and be there for the ones you love.
Her writing is beautiful and this story is heartwarming. Be sure and read the author notes. Off to pre-order to add to the rest of my books by Cantor.
May 17, 2026
I read this with my favorite bookclub readers: Darla, Tina, and Barbara. It turns out I liked to the book more than most of our group. After hearing their perspectives, I will say there will be different experiences, depending on your mood and your take on the characters.
I liked that the characters had flaws. Real life, humans. Not perfect. Some were quite outstanding flaws I seriously disliked.
But the central 3 sisters spoke to me. I'm the youngest of 3 sisters. I did see some of my personality in each (an over-planner, always dreaming about building the life I really want, getting consumed by an idea or person).
My first Jillian Cantor and I'm planning to continue with the author. Check out the bookclub reviews from my friends :)
I liked that the characters had flaws. Real life, humans. Not perfect. Some were quite outstanding flaws I seriously disliked.
But the central 3 sisters spoke to me. I'm the youngest of 3 sisters. I did see some of my personality in each (an over-planner, always dreaming about building the life I really want, getting consumed by an idea or person).
My first Jillian Cantor and I'm planning to continue with the author. Check out the bookclub reviews from my friends :)
November 30, 2025
Three sisters grow up without their mom, but their maternal grandma makes sure they have one week with her at her Coronado cottage.
When their grandma passes, she leaves the cottage to them, but with a condition: The girls must continue to meet one week at the end of May to carry on the tradition.
Time has a way of moving things forward, whether you want them to or not. Each one brings a bit of something to their dynamic...Julia, the oldest, is the glue. She makes sure it happens every year, complete with lists and a whole to do list.
One constant is their neighbor Nate.
One year Julia not only doesn't show up, but she seems to be missing. As they try to unravel where she might be, they realize that one week a year doesn't make for true close relationships.
This book was everything I'd hoped, and more. I read long into the night, and I'm paying for it today...but I highly recommend that you read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
#NetGalley #TheMayHouse #JillianCantor #AtriaBooks
When their grandma passes, she leaves the cottage to them, but with a condition: The girls must continue to meet one week at the end of May to carry on the tradition.
Time has a way of moving things forward, whether you want them to or not. Each one brings a bit of something to their dynamic...Julia, the oldest, is the glue. She makes sure it happens every year, complete with lists and a whole to do list.
One constant is their neighbor Nate.
One year Julia not only doesn't show up, but she seems to be missing. As they try to unravel where she might be, they realize that one week a year doesn't make for true close relationships.
This book was everything I'd hoped, and more. I read long into the night, and I'm paying for it today...but I highly recommend that you read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
#NetGalley #TheMayHouse #JillianCantor #AtriaBooks
December 4, 2025
The May House took me on such a journey, given that we see these three sisters facing life from early childhood up until their forties and early fifties. I picked up this novel expecting a story of sisterhood and a beloved beach home, and it definitely delivers on that promise, but it feels like the book offers so much more than that.
The way the author weaves in historical events and milestones throughout made it such a unique family saga. I felt for all three sisters as well as Grandma Vera and next-door neighbor Nate. I mourned with them over their familial losses and cheered for them to discover their own happiness.
No character in the story is faultless, but they’re trying, drawn together each May to the house left to them by their beloved grandmother. I enjoyed the way the timeline hopped around, taking us from the present day and back to various points in each sister’s life. It was an amazing forty-year journey that I didn’t want to put down.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC of this novel!
The way the author weaves in historical events and milestones throughout made it such a unique family saga. I felt for all three sisters as well as Grandma Vera and next-door neighbor Nate. I mourned with them over their familial losses and cheered for them to discover their own happiness.
No character in the story is faultless, but they’re trying, drawn together each May to the house left to them by their beloved grandmother. I enjoyed the way the timeline hopped around, taking us from the present day and back to various points in each sister’s life. It was an amazing forty-year journey that I didn’t want to put down.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC of this novel!
Did Not Finish
May 15, 2026DNF at 60 pages. Family dramas are very hit or miss for me. I could tell that one was going in a direction that wasn’t for me and then I saw a review that said, “Also, almost every single person in this story emotionally or physically cheats on their partner or becomes the side piece to a married person…”
January 13, 2026
Thank you Net Galley and Atria books for my advanced copy. I’ve loved all of Cantor’s books I’ve read so far and so happy to continue.
A quietly emotional, character-driven novel that explores grief, love, and the lasting impact of choice. Jillian Cantor weaves together the stories of Julia, Nora, and Emily through a well-balanced dual timeline that unfolds naturally and with purpose. Each woman feels distinct and fully realized, and the connections between their lives emerge with subtle emotional power. While the pacing slows slightly at times, the strong character development and thoughtful structure make this a rewarding and reflective read.
A quietly emotional, character-driven novel that explores grief, love, and the lasting impact of choice. Jillian Cantor weaves together the stories of Julia, Nora, and Emily through a well-balanced dual timeline that unfolds naturally and with purpose. Each woman feels distinct and fully realized, and the connections between their lives emerge with subtle emotional power. While the pacing slows slightly at times, the strong character development and thoughtful structure make this a rewarding and reflective read.
May 14, 2026
3.5 family saga stars for The May House by Jillian Cantor.
Three sisters with complicated bonds come together every May to the beach house their grandmother left for them in her will. This book unfolds year after year, weaving in and out of the various complicated relationships the three women have. Told in two timelines, centering around a family mystery, this story is heavily character driven, melancholic, with the grand finale reveal at the end.
I alternated reading my NetGalley ARC and listening to the wonderfully narrated Cassandra Campbell’s audiobook I purchased.
This was a very melancholic read, and I tried to imagine how I would recommend this book to my closest friends. It’s full of drama, leaves you mildly dysthymic and frustrated for stretches at a time. Sometimes that can feel cathartic, sometimes not. There are stretches that fall flat, and moments you get sucked right in. The characters are complicated, and I would recommend if you like character driven family sagas.
I would also advise that there is a lot of vomiting for some reason, so steer clear if you have emetophobia. I don’t have that phobia, yet I am left wondering why there was so much vomiting? I might look back on this book someday and say, “oh yeah, that’s the sister saga drama vomit book.” But hey, Cassandra Campbell narrates so well, that she can make vomit sound pretty, so maybe choose audio for this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. All opinions and statements are my own.
Three sisters with complicated bonds come together every May to the beach house their grandmother left for them in her will. This book unfolds year after year, weaving in and out of the various complicated relationships the three women have. Told in two timelines, centering around a family mystery, this story is heavily character driven, melancholic, with the grand finale reveal at the end.
I alternated reading my NetGalley ARC and listening to the wonderfully narrated Cassandra Campbell’s audiobook I purchased.
This was a very melancholic read, and I tried to imagine how I would recommend this book to my closest friends. It’s full of drama, leaves you mildly dysthymic and frustrated for stretches at a time. Sometimes that can feel cathartic, sometimes not. There are stretches that fall flat, and moments you get sucked right in. The characters are complicated, and I would recommend if you like character driven family sagas.
I would also advise that there is a lot of vomiting for some reason, so steer clear if you have emetophobia. I don’t have that phobia, yet I am left wondering why there was so much vomiting? I might look back on this book someday and say, “oh yeah, that’s the sister saga drama vomit book.” But hey, Cassandra Campbell narrates so well, that she can make vomit sound pretty, so maybe choose audio for this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. All opinions and statements are my own.
March 23, 2026
Three sisters, one house, and a yearly pact that binds them through decades. This beautifully written, character‑driven novel follows the lives of three women who inherit their grandmother’s beach house under one condition: they must return every May to spend a week together. Spanning from their youth into their fifties, the story explores the evolving bonds of sisterhood, the complexities of love and marriage, and the weight of long‑buried family secrets.
I was especially drawn to how the author handles grief and healing. The sisters feel fully lived‑in, and their relationships are the heart of the novel.
That said, the alternating points of view and shifts across multiple years occasionally pulled me out of the story. While the structure adds depth, it sometimes disrupted the emotional momentum I wanted to stay immersed in.
Readers may want to check for trigger warnings, as some themes are heavy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was especially drawn to how the author handles grief and healing. The sisters feel fully lived‑in, and their relationships are the heart of the novel.
That said, the alternating points of view and shifts across multiple years occasionally pulled me out of the story. While the structure adds depth, it sometimes disrupted the emotional momentum I wanted to stay immersed in.
Readers may want to check for trigger warnings, as some themes are heavy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 15, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️ The book follows three sisters throughout childhood into their mid 40s, mainly based around their one week visit every year to their grandmother’s house/cottage on the beach. The story touches on love, heartbreak, career changes, family secrets - almost like a coming-of-age novel? We got to see the sisters through life’s ups and downs, but their one week in May at the cottage always remains constant.
There are secondary characters that come in and out of the sister’s lives, which really added to the story and relatability of how people come and go from your life. But also the importance of those “side characters” in shaping who you are.
My one point of feedback (why I didn’t give it 5 stars) is that one of the main issues in this book felt a little unrealistic and the resolution of it felt too brief for me; however, I can understand what the author did in showcasing that you don’t always get closure and life is messy/incomplete at times.
As someone with two sisters, there were a lot of moments I found very relatable. Similar to this story, relationships with my sisters have changed over the years, depending on our age, what life phase we are in, etc. But no matter our differences, we are always there for each other.
This ARC was provided to me via NetGalley and Atria in exchange for an honest review.
There are secondary characters that come in and out of the sister’s lives, which really added to the story and relatability of how people come and go from your life. But also the importance of those “side characters” in shaping who you are.
My one point of feedback (why I didn’t give it 5 stars) is that one of the main issues in this book felt a little unrealistic and the resolution of it felt too brief for me; however, I can understand what the author did in showcasing that you don’t always get closure and life is messy/incomplete at times.
As someone with two sisters, there were a lot of moments I found very relatable. Similar to this story, relationships with my sisters have changed over the years, depending on our age, what life phase we are in, etc. But no matter our differences, we are always there for each other.
This ARC was provided to me via NetGalley and Atria in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2026
Horrible people that were hard to pull for, except for the Dad. The ending was ok but not enough to save the book. I pushed through the unnecessary use of GD on every page but I should have just DNF.
April 19, 2026
This one had a lot of potential, but the execution just didn’t work for me.
The story follows three sisters who reunite every May because of a promise they made to their grandmother, which I thought was a really good setup.
But the timeline jumps between 1999, 2009, 2015, 2019 and so on, and it’s not chronological, so it got confusing and hard to follow. On top of that, it dragged a bit and I honestly considered DNFing.
The big “reveal” doesn’t happen until like 88%… and even then it wasn’t that shocking.
I can see this working for some readers, but it just wasn’t for me.
The story follows three sisters who reunite every May because of a promise they made to their grandmother, which I thought was a really good setup.
But the timeline jumps between 1999, 2009, 2015, 2019 and so on, and it’s not chronological, so it got confusing and hard to follow. On top of that, it dragged a bit and I honestly considered DNFing.
The big “reveal” doesn’t happen until like 88%… and even then it wasn’t that shocking.
I can see this working for some readers, but it just wasn’t for me.
Read
May 1, 2026I really enjoy both sister stories and stories set in family vacation homes, so of course I had to give The May House a try!
The three May sisters (Julia, Emily, and Nora) grew up spending a magical week in Coronado every summer. (I am an east coaster, so I had to look this up, and it’s near San Diego). They loved their time there, and the time they spent with the boy next door, Nate. When their grandmother died, she left them the house with the understanding that they’d continue to spend time together each summer, no matter what. But one year the ever-dependable Julia doesn’t show up. Where is she? They find her, but also open a Pandora’s Box of family secrets!
The book then proceeds to switch back and forth in time, with the past timeline slowly progressing forward. If you are not a fan of a lot of timeline switches, you may struggle a little. I had to make a list of the sister’s birthdays (Julia: 1973, Emily: 1976; Nora: 1979) if that helps.
The benefit of this structure is that it gave a fantastic overview into all the characters ups and downs from their teens through their forties. Julia tackles marriage and motherhood, Emily struggles to find herself and explores her sexual orientation, Emily follows her dream of being a Broadway star. And Nate’s life is interwoven with theirs as well, giving this a little bit of a The Summer I Turned Pretty feel.
My Master Post on New Summer Romance Books for 2026 has all the top summer romance books you need to know about. Be sure to check it out and then Download my Summer Romance Reading Guide
I also have two summer quizzes for you to take, my Find Your Perfect Summer Trope Quiz and my Choose Your Summer Romance Adventure Quiz. Take them both and get book recommendations based on your answers!
The three May sisters (Julia, Emily, and Nora) grew up spending a magical week in Coronado every summer. (I am an east coaster, so I had to look this up, and it’s near San Diego). They loved their time there, and the time they spent with the boy next door, Nate. When their grandmother died, she left them the house with the understanding that they’d continue to spend time together each summer, no matter what. But one year the ever-dependable Julia doesn’t show up. Where is she? They find her, but also open a Pandora’s Box of family secrets!
The book then proceeds to switch back and forth in time, with the past timeline slowly progressing forward. If you are not a fan of a lot of timeline switches, you may struggle a little. I had to make a list of the sister’s birthdays (Julia: 1973, Emily: 1976; Nora: 1979) if that helps.
The benefit of this structure is that it gave a fantastic overview into all the characters ups and downs from their teens through their forties. Julia tackles marriage and motherhood, Emily struggles to find herself and explores her sexual orientation, Emily follows her dream of being a Broadway star. And Nate’s life is interwoven with theirs as well, giving this a little bit of a The Summer I Turned Pretty feel.
My Master Post on New Summer Romance Books for 2026 has all the top summer romance books you need to know about. Be sure to check it out and then Download my Summer Romance Reading Guide
I also have two summer quizzes for you to take, my Find Your Perfect Summer Trope Quiz and my Choose Your Summer Romance Adventure Quiz. Take them both and get book recommendations based on your answers!
May 1, 2026
This book felt like a soft, nostalgic escape—like stepping into a quiet beach house filled with memories, love, and just a little bit of heartache. It’s the kind of story that unfolds gently, pulling you in with its emotional depth and cozy atmosphere.
At its core, The May House follows three sisters who reunite year after year at their grandmother’s seaside home. Each visit brings old memories to the surface, along with new tensions and unspoken truths. I really loved how the story explored the complexity of sisterhood—the way relationships can be messy and strained, but still rooted in deep, unwavering love. It felt very real and relatable.
The beach house setting added so much to the story. It had this warm, lived-in feeling that made everything more intimate and reflective. The dual timelines were also a strong point, slowly revealing pieces of the past that added depth to the present-day relationships. I found myself really invested in how everything connected.
What stood out most to me was the emotional tone. It’s quiet but powerful, focusing more on character growth and relationships than big dramatic twists. That said, the pacing did feel a bit slow at times, and I wished some of the bigger emotional moments had just a little more impact.
Still, this was such a lovely reading experience overall. It’s tender, thoughtful, and full of heart—perfect for when you’re in the mood for something reflective and character-driven.
If you enjoy stories about family, forgiveness, and the ties that keep pulling us back home, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Netgalley, Atria Books and Jillian Cantor for the ARC
At its core, The May House follows three sisters who reunite year after year at their grandmother’s seaside home. Each visit brings old memories to the surface, along with new tensions and unspoken truths. I really loved how the story explored the complexity of sisterhood—the way relationships can be messy and strained, but still rooted in deep, unwavering love. It felt very real and relatable.
The beach house setting added so much to the story. It had this warm, lived-in feeling that made everything more intimate and reflective. The dual timelines were also a strong point, slowly revealing pieces of the past that added depth to the present-day relationships. I found myself really invested in how everything connected.
What stood out most to me was the emotional tone. It’s quiet but powerful, focusing more on character growth and relationships than big dramatic twists. That said, the pacing did feel a bit slow at times, and I wished some of the bigger emotional moments had just a little more impact.
Still, this was such a lovely reading experience overall. It’s tender, thoughtful, and full of heart—perfect for when you’re in the mood for something reflective and character-driven.
If you enjoy stories about family, forgiveness, and the ties that keep pulling us back home, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Netgalley, Atria Books and Jillian Cantor for the ARC
May 18, 2026
4.25/5
Julie, Emily and Nora are sisters, raised by their single dad . They spend one special week a year with Vera, their maternal grandmother. After Vera passes, the girls inherit the house on the condition they spend a week together every May. The book follows the girls over a 40 year period unearthing secrets, love and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood and family.
I love a good family drama and if it includes sisters, sign me up. This emotional, character driven saga did not disappoint. It highlights the special bond of family, the one we are born into and those that become family. There are moments that make you smile, others that will tug at your heart strings. Told over multiple timelines from each sister’s POV, which at first I found slightly confusing. It was a pleasure to see the sisters mature and come into their own. As the youngest of 3 girls, this book resonated with me in so many ways. If you are a fan of family secrets filled with wonderful characters centered in love, this book is for you. Jillian Cantor is an autobuy author for me.
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
Julie, Emily and Nora are sisters, raised by their single dad . They spend one special week a year with Vera, their maternal grandmother. After Vera passes, the girls inherit the house on the condition they spend a week together every May. The book follows the girls over a 40 year period unearthing secrets, love and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood and family.
I love a good family drama and if it includes sisters, sign me up. This emotional, character driven saga did not disappoint. It highlights the special bond of family, the one we are born into and those that become family. There are moments that make you smile, others that will tug at your heart strings. Told over multiple timelines from each sister’s POV, which at first I found slightly confusing. It was a pleasure to see the sisters mature and come into their own. As the youngest of 3 girls, this book resonated with me in so many ways. If you are a fan of family secrets filled with wonderful characters centered in love, this book is for you. Jillian Cantor is an autobuy author for me.
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
May 21, 2026
I absolutely adored this book! You know when you just need a good book…one where you connect with the characters and feel all of their emotions? This is that book! The writing reminded me of Elin Hilderbrand or Kristy Woodson Harvey and that’s the best compliment in my eyes.
It was perfection and brought all the feels. There’s a messy trio of sisters, family drama, the cute neighbor next door, and a big secret just waiting to be revealed.
If you are looking for your next beach read…make it The May House! It’s the perfect start to summer.
It was perfection and brought all the feels. There’s a messy trio of sisters, family drama, the cute neighbor next door, and a big secret just waiting to be revealed.
If you are looking for your next beach read…make it The May House! It’s the perfect start to summer.
May 3, 2026
I LOVE Jillian Cantor’s writing. I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read of hers and I devoured this one. Literary fiction. Multiple POVs. Written in 3rd person. Timelines bouncing around from 1985 to 2025. Character driven. Thoughtfully structured. Heartwarming story with romance, family secrets and a lot of different emotions including an emphasis on grief.
Three sisters who were raised by a single dad visit their maternal grandmother for one week every May. They promise her they will continue this tradition after she is gone and they do. Jillian Cantor was able to handle the complexity of sisterhood beautifully—how it’s messy and flawed but also loving and strong.
The author delicately and expertly handles heavy issues. Recommend for anyone who enjoys reading about family dynamics, romance and coming of age stories.
4.5 stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you NetGalley, Jillian Cantor and Atria Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Three sisters who were raised by a single dad visit their maternal grandmother for one week every May. They promise her they will continue this tradition after she is gone and they do. Jillian Cantor was able to handle the complexity of sisterhood beautifully—how it’s messy and flawed but also loving and strong.
The author delicately and expertly handles heavy issues. Recommend for anyone who enjoys reading about family dynamics, romance and coming of age stories.
4.5 stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you NetGalley, Jillian Cantor and Atria Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2026
LOVED THIS thanks @huddy
May 9, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy.
The May House gave me 28 Summers vibes. The characters don't just grow older—they grow into their environment, their secrets, and eventually, their peace. The pacing was a bit slower, but the strong character development made this an engaging and fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy.
The May House gave me 28 Summers vibes. The characters don't just grow older—they grow into their environment, their secrets, and eventually, their peace. The pacing was a bit slower, but the strong character development made this an engaging and fun read.
May 12, 2026
Jillian Cantor has long been one of my favorite authors - what can't she write?! Historical fiction, gothic thrillers, Gatsby retellings - but I was so excited for her foray in women's fiction and I was not disappointed! Set in one of my favorite beach towns, Coronado, California - this story of sisterhood and found family is another winner from this talenteed voice.
Thank you to Atria for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Atria for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
May 17, 2026
3.5 just ok but still entertaining beach read.
Want to Read
May 14, 2026Yes: A book I borrowed from the library to try before I buy (tired buying hundreds books and hating half)
I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend’s reviews. This is what I did and didn’t like:
Love the cover
The writing seems good. I’m concerned about it being predictable as reviews say. The plot seems interesting.
I’m going to just borrow this.
I read first ch or more -first 10-100 pages skim around at times. I read many of my GR friend’s reviews. This is what I did and didn’t like:
Love the cover
The writing seems good. I’m concerned about it being predictable as reviews say. The plot seems interesting.
I’m going to just borrow this.
May 19, 2026
Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for an eARC!
The story follows three sisters who stay with their Grandma Vera the last week of May every year since they were kids. They lost their mother very early so Grandma Vera wanted to ensure that they always kept in touch with one another. When Grandma Vera passes, the sisters keep the grandma’s promise of always coming back to the beach house every May. That is, until one year when Julia (the planner) doesn’t show up. She didn’t contact anyone to let them know where she was. This starts to unfold alot of things from the past with the sisters.
We go through the decades and learn all about their lives. They each had so much going on from relationships to children to job changes.
I was so invested in each of the characters lives. Including, the neighbor Nate who was a constant in each of their lives which I loved.
I couldn’t put this book down. There are many tearful moments (so have tissues nearby) but this is a story that will stay with me for a while.
This is a must add to your summer reading list!
Trigger warning: please note this book touches on miscarriages so please proceed with caution.
The story follows three sisters who stay with their Grandma Vera the last week of May every year since they were kids. They lost their mother very early so Grandma Vera wanted to ensure that they always kept in touch with one another. When Grandma Vera passes, the sisters keep the grandma’s promise of always coming back to the beach house every May. That is, until one year when Julia (the planner) doesn’t show up. She didn’t contact anyone to let them know where she was. This starts to unfold alot of things from the past with the sisters.
We go through the decades and learn all about their lives. They each had so much going on from relationships to children to job changes.
I was so invested in each of the characters lives. Including, the neighbor Nate who was a constant in each of their lives which I loved.
I couldn’t put this book down. There are many tearful moments (so have tissues nearby) but this is a story that will stay with me for a while.
This is a must add to your summer reading list!
Trigger warning: please note this book touches on miscarriages so please proceed with caution.
Read
May 14, 2026The May House is a complicated family drama set in Coronado (off the coast of San Diego, CA). The family established a tradition of spending one week each summer at their grandmother's beachside home, which created many fond childhood memories. When the grandmother dies, she leaves the cottage to the three adult sisters. They rent out the home and honor her last wish that they will spend one week a year together at the house. As adults, the sisters live their own independent lives, yet they remain committed to honoring their grandmother's last wishes.
One summer, one of the sisters, the oldest, dependable one, doesn't show up. As her whereabouts are determined, questions are raised, concerns voiced, and mysteries of the past surface.
I was intrigued with the premise and setting of this story. I love a complicated family drama and a story of sisters. As a SoCal girl, I also have fond memories of spending time in Coronado.
While the content is good, the story structure greatly affected my enjoyment of an otherwise compelling and thoughtful story. I am used to reading dual timeline stories with multiple characters. However, this timeline jumped randomly from character to character and from time period to time period in no organized fashion. It was as if all the events were written on individual cards, thrown on the table, and picked up and read in random order. Everything was jumbled, and I couldn't create an order of events in my mind. Something would happen to one of the characters, and I couldn't determine or remember if it was before or after other events. I struggled to match events with characters. Who was this happening to and when? I finally set my confusion aside and finished the story without ever gaining a clear understanding of the order of events. This would have been a solid 4 star read with better execution/editing. I need to clarify that this is my reading experience, and other readers might not have similar experiences.
Fans of complicated family drama and sisters will appreciate the content and themes. Overall, I enjoyed the relationships and family dynamics.
Thanks #NetGalley @AtriaBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheMayHouse upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
One summer, one of the sisters, the oldest, dependable one, doesn't show up. As her whereabouts are determined, questions are raised, concerns voiced, and mysteries of the past surface.
I was intrigued with the premise and setting of this story. I love a complicated family drama and a story of sisters. As a SoCal girl, I also have fond memories of spending time in Coronado.
While the content is good, the story structure greatly affected my enjoyment of an otherwise compelling and thoughtful story. I am used to reading dual timeline stories with multiple characters. However, this timeline jumped randomly from character to character and from time period to time period in no organized fashion. It was as if all the events were written on individual cards, thrown on the table, and picked up and read in random order. Everything was jumbled, and I couldn't create an order of events in my mind. Something would happen to one of the characters, and I couldn't determine or remember if it was before or after other events. I struggled to match events with characters. Who was this happening to and when? I finally set my confusion aside and finished the story without ever gaining a clear understanding of the order of events. This would have been a solid 4 star read with better execution/editing. I need to clarify that this is my reading experience, and other readers might not have similar experiences.
Fans of complicated family drama and sisters will appreciate the content and themes. Overall, I enjoyed the relationships and family dynamics.
Thanks #NetGalley @AtriaBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheMayHouse upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The May House by Jillian Cantor is a moving dual-timeline family drama set in Coronado, where three sisters—Julia, Emily, and Nora—inherit their grandmother’s beach house on the condition they spend one week together every May. When the most dependable sister fails to show up, a decades-long family secret begins to unravel, forcing the remaining two to confront the grief and fractured bonds that have defined their lives.
It’s a character-driven "mystery of the heart" that explores whether a single promise can bridge the gap between estranged siblings.
Intro:
~Three adult sisters—Julia, Emily, and Nora—inherit their grandmother’s beach house in Coronado.
~The catch: They must spend one week together every May to keep it.
Decades of distance and a shared family secret come to a head when Julia, the dependable eldest sister, fails to show up one year.
Setting:
~The idyllic, sun-drenched Coronado Island in California.
~The Ocean Boulevard house itself is a character, described so vividly that you can practically feel the salty sea air and cozy vibes.
Mood:
"A warm ray of sunshine" with an underlying current of mystery.
~It captures a "quietly intense" coastal mood that is equal parts heartrending and life-affirming.
The Vibe:
~Coastal & Atmospheric:
Set in a beachside home in Coronado, CA, filled with "salt air vibes" and cozy-yet-mysterious undertones.
~Intricate Sister Drama:
A "shimmering" story about three estranged sisters—Julia, Emily, and Nora—who reunite every May to honor a promise to their grandmother.
~Non-Linear Mystery:
Jumps frequently between childhood and adulthood to unravel a decades-long family secret.
Theme & Highlight:
~The Weight of Secrets: When the dependable oldest sister (Julia) fails to show up for their annual week, the others realize how little they truly knew about her.
~Unbreakable Bonds: Explores the "messy reality" of sisterhood—flawed, complicated, but ultimately unbreakable.
Character Highlight:
The "mystery of the heart" is driven by the distinct—and often clashing—identities of the three sisters:
~Julia: The "Type A" planner and anchor of the group, whose unexpected absence drives the plot. (Maryland)
~Emily: The middle sister, often viewed as the "perpetual screwup," who must step into a new role. (Florida)
~Nora: The youngest, a "flighty star" who feels the weight of the family's missing pieces most acutely. (New York)
Author Writing:
~Cantor utilizes a non-linear timeline that jumps between childhood and 2019.
~Her prose is praised for its "shimmering" quality and its ability to weave complex thematic elements subtly into a purposeful, well-crafted narrative.
Standout:
~The alternating points of view. Seeing the same past events through three different emotional lenses creates a "masterful" layering of truth and perspective.
Themes:
~The Unbreakable Sibling Bond:
Exploring how sisterhood is complicated but ultimately anchors you.
~Generational Trauma:
How long-held secrets unknowingly shape the lives and choices of descendants.
~Promises:
The weight of keeping your word to the dead and how those promises can eventually save the living.
Takeaway:
Family is like the tide; no matter how far you drift, there are invisible forces always pulling you back to where you belong.
Metaphor:
The sisters are like sea glass—tumbled and weathered by the rough waves of their personal lives, but smoothed into something beautiful only by returning to the same shore.
Why You Should Read:
~This is the perfect summer read for anyone who loved Little Women or enjoys deep dives into messy, realistic family dynamics.
~It balances "beach-read" aesthetics with "cerebral" mystery elements that keep you turning pages late into the night.
Recs:
~Great for anyone looking for a "Coastal California" escape with a side of family secrets.
~Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey
~The Island Club by Nicola Harrison
~ Alice Hoffman, Elizabeth Berg, Mary Ellen Taylor, Camille di Maio, Elin Hilderbrand, Eileen Goudge, or Rochelle Weinstein
Audio 🎧
~ I look forward to listening to the audiobook narrated by Cassandra Campbell (a favorite), who always delivers that 5-star signature performance that captures the distinct emotional tenor of each character, mood, and setting.
My thoughts:
"In The May House, Jillian Cantor explores the weight of a legacy that is both a gift and a burden. Three sisters, bound by a grandmother’s dying wish, return annually to a beachside sanctuary in Coronado that holds as many secrets as it does memories. But what happens when the anchor of the family suddenly vanishes? Cantor weaves a poignant, multi-generational story that asks if we ever truly know the people we grew up with—and if it’s ever too late to return home."
Special thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: May 12, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
May Newsletter
May 2026 Must-Read Books
It’s a character-driven "mystery of the heart" that explores whether a single promise can bridge the gap between estranged siblings.
Intro:
~Three adult sisters—Julia, Emily, and Nora—inherit their grandmother’s beach house in Coronado.
~The catch: They must spend one week together every May to keep it.
Decades of distance and a shared family secret come to a head when Julia, the dependable eldest sister, fails to show up one year.
Setting:
~The idyllic, sun-drenched Coronado Island in California.
~The Ocean Boulevard house itself is a character, described so vividly that you can practically feel the salty sea air and cozy vibes.
Mood:
"A warm ray of sunshine" with an underlying current of mystery.
~It captures a "quietly intense" coastal mood that is equal parts heartrending and life-affirming.
The Vibe:
~Coastal & Atmospheric:
Set in a beachside home in Coronado, CA, filled with "salt air vibes" and cozy-yet-mysterious undertones.
~Intricate Sister Drama:
A "shimmering" story about three estranged sisters—Julia, Emily, and Nora—who reunite every May to honor a promise to their grandmother.
~Non-Linear Mystery:
Jumps frequently between childhood and adulthood to unravel a decades-long family secret.
Theme & Highlight:
~The Weight of Secrets: When the dependable oldest sister (Julia) fails to show up for their annual week, the others realize how little they truly knew about her.
~Unbreakable Bonds: Explores the "messy reality" of sisterhood—flawed, complicated, but ultimately unbreakable.
Character Highlight:
The "mystery of the heart" is driven by the distinct—and often clashing—identities of the three sisters:
~Julia: The "Type A" planner and anchor of the group, whose unexpected absence drives the plot. (Maryland)
~Emily: The middle sister, often viewed as the "perpetual screwup," who must step into a new role. (Florida)
~Nora: The youngest, a "flighty star" who feels the weight of the family's missing pieces most acutely. (New York)
Author Writing:
~Cantor utilizes a non-linear timeline that jumps between childhood and 2019.
~Her prose is praised for its "shimmering" quality and its ability to weave complex thematic elements subtly into a purposeful, well-crafted narrative.
Standout:
~The alternating points of view. Seeing the same past events through three different emotional lenses creates a "masterful" layering of truth and perspective.
Themes:
~The Unbreakable Sibling Bond:
Exploring how sisterhood is complicated but ultimately anchors you.
~Generational Trauma:
How long-held secrets unknowingly shape the lives and choices of descendants.
~Promises:
The weight of keeping your word to the dead and how those promises can eventually save the living.
Takeaway:
Family is like the tide; no matter how far you drift, there are invisible forces always pulling you back to where you belong.
Metaphor:
The sisters are like sea glass—tumbled and weathered by the rough waves of their personal lives, but smoothed into something beautiful only by returning to the same shore.
Why You Should Read:
~This is the perfect summer read for anyone who loved Little Women or enjoys deep dives into messy, realistic family dynamics.
~It balances "beach-read" aesthetics with "cerebral" mystery elements that keep you turning pages late into the night.
Recs:
~Great for anyone looking for a "Coastal California" escape with a side of family secrets.
~Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey
~The Island Club by Nicola Harrison
~ Alice Hoffman, Elizabeth Berg, Mary Ellen Taylor, Camille di Maio, Elin Hilderbrand, Eileen Goudge, or Rochelle Weinstein
Audio 🎧
~ I look forward to listening to the audiobook narrated by Cassandra Campbell (a favorite), who always delivers that 5-star signature performance that captures the distinct emotional tenor of each character, mood, and setting.
My thoughts:
"In The May House, Jillian Cantor explores the weight of a legacy that is both a gift and a burden. Three sisters, bound by a grandmother’s dying wish, return annually to a beachside sanctuary in Coronado that holds as many secrets as it does memories. But what happens when the anchor of the family suddenly vanishes? Cantor weaves a poignant, multi-generational story that asks if we ever truly know the people we grew up with—and if it’s ever too late to return home."
Special thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: May 12, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
May Newsletter
May 2026 Must-Read Books
May 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the advance e-copy of The May House by Jillian Cantor. Publication date is May 12, 2026 📚
I really wanted to love this novel. I previously read one of Cantor’s historical fiction works and absolutely adored it, so my expectations were high. Unfortunately, The May House did not work nearly as well for me, and the primary reason comes down to the structure.
The novel centers on three sisters whose lives are forever altered when their mother dies giving birth to the youngest child. The oldest sister is six years old, the middle sister only three. From that moment forward, the girls are raised without a mother--a loss that profoundly shapes each of them in different ways.
To Cantor’s credit, the emotional premise is compelling. The sisters are raised by a loving father, with support from their maternal grandmother, Vera. Early on, the reader learns of an agreement between the father and Vera: every year during the final week of May, the sisters must return to Vera’s home. Vera calls it “The May House,” a tradition where the May sisters reunite each spring 🌸
Thematically, there is a lot here to appreciate. Cantor thoughtfully explores sisterhood, grief, family loyalty, memory, and the long shadow childhood experiences cast over adulthood. Secrets also play a major role in the narrative, and nearly every character is withholding something painful or significant from the others. Watching those emotional fractures widen over time is often heartbreaking.
Unfortunately, the nonlinear timeline made the reading experience far more frustrating than immersive for me.
I generally enjoy dual timelines or stories that weave past and present together. But in this case, the chronology felt excessively disjointed. One chapter would take place in 2018, the next in 2017, then 2000, then 2019, often with little grounding. I constantly found myself trying to calculate:
• how old each sister was,
• which relationships were current,
• which conflicts had or had not yet occurred,
• and where exactly we were emotionally in the family dynamic.
Honestly, my head was spinning 😵💫
I even started taking notes just to keep the timeline straight, which is never a good sign for me as a reader. Instead of becoming emotionally absorbed in the story, I spent too much time orienting myself chronologically. It created what I can only describe as “cerebral whiplash.”
That’s frustrating because the emotional core of the novel is genuinely strong. There are moments of insight and poignancy throughout, particularly in Cantor’s examination of how siblings simultaneously love, resent, protect, and misunderstand one another over decades.
Still, for me, the structure ultimately overshadowed the strengths of the story. And unfortunately, the ending left me more disappointed than emotionally satisfied.
In the end, I’m settling on a 3-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ While I do think the novel is worthwhile and many readers may connect deeply with its themes, the execution simply did not come together for me the way I had hoped.
I read this alongside the wonderful Terrific Darling Book Club 💕 and was especially grateful for the support and discussion while reading. Sometimes it helps tremendously to process a book collectively--especially when you want to love it, but it just isn’t fully working for you.
I really wanted to love this novel. I previously read one of Cantor’s historical fiction works and absolutely adored it, so my expectations were high. Unfortunately, The May House did not work nearly as well for me, and the primary reason comes down to the structure.
The novel centers on three sisters whose lives are forever altered when their mother dies giving birth to the youngest child. The oldest sister is six years old, the middle sister only three. From that moment forward, the girls are raised without a mother--a loss that profoundly shapes each of them in different ways.
To Cantor’s credit, the emotional premise is compelling. The sisters are raised by a loving father, with support from their maternal grandmother, Vera. Early on, the reader learns of an agreement between the father and Vera: every year during the final week of May, the sisters must return to Vera’s home. Vera calls it “The May House,” a tradition where the May sisters reunite each spring 🌸
Thematically, there is a lot here to appreciate. Cantor thoughtfully explores sisterhood, grief, family loyalty, memory, and the long shadow childhood experiences cast over adulthood. Secrets also play a major role in the narrative, and nearly every character is withholding something painful or significant from the others. Watching those emotional fractures widen over time is often heartbreaking.
Unfortunately, the nonlinear timeline made the reading experience far more frustrating than immersive for me.
I generally enjoy dual timelines or stories that weave past and present together. But in this case, the chronology felt excessively disjointed. One chapter would take place in 2018, the next in 2017, then 2000, then 2019, often with little grounding. I constantly found myself trying to calculate:
• how old each sister was,
• which relationships were current,
• which conflicts had or had not yet occurred,
• and where exactly we were emotionally in the family dynamic.
Honestly, my head was spinning 😵💫
I even started taking notes just to keep the timeline straight, which is never a good sign for me as a reader. Instead of becoming emotionally absorbed in the story, I spent too much time orienting myself chronologically. It created what I can only describe as “cerebral whiplash.”
That’s frustrating because the emotional core of the novel is genuinely strong. There are moments of insight and poignancy throughout, particularly in Cantor’s examination of how siblings simultaneously love, resent, protect, and misunderstand one another over decades.
Still, for me, the structure ultimately overshadowed the strengths of the story. And unfortunately, the ending left me more disappointed than emotionally satisfied.
In the end, I’m settling on a 3-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ While I do think the novel is worthwhile and many readers may connect deeply with its themes, the execution simply did not come together for me the way I had hoped.
I read this alongside the wonderful Terrific Darling Book Club 💕 and was especially grateful for the support and discussion while reading. Sometimes it helps tremendously to process a book collectively--especially when you want to love it, but it just isn’t fully working for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*3.5 stars*
I received a complimentary Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) of The May House from NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.
Every year, the three May sisters-Julia, Emily, and Nora-honor a promise to their grandmother by reuniting for one week at her beachside home in Coronado, California. Though their adult lives have drifted apart across the country, this annual tradition remains their one constant until the year Julia, the eldest and most dependable, fails to show up. Her absence forces Emily and Nora to confront how little they truly know about their sister and unearth a decades-old family secret that has shaped their lives from the shadows.
The premise of The May House is initially what drew me in; I am a sucker for poignant stories centered on the complex bonds of sisterhood, especially when set against a beautiful beachside backdrop like Coronado. There is such rich potential in the emotional intimacy of an annual family tradition, and the setup promised a deep, heart-filled exploration of what keeps a family anchored.
However, while the idea had immense potential, the execution fell short for me. The narrative structure utilizes a dual-timeline approach, bouncing back and forth between the sisters' childhoods with Grandma Vera and their current adult lives. Unfortunately, I found the transitions and the pacing of these shifts more confusing than clarifying, which occasionally hindered the emotional momentum of the story.
Regarding the characters, Jillian Cantor certainly has a talent for creating individuals who feel real and relatable. While the sisters were well-developed in terms of their distinct personalities, I found myself wishing for more thematic depth. I wanted to peel back more layers of their internal lives to truly feel the poignant weight the synopsis promised.
The plotting also felt a bit uneven. Several plot points were introduced and left dangling, only to be resolved much later in the story—if they were addressed at all. This led to a "reveal" that felt quite obvious long before the characters reached it. Because the central mystery didn't come to a head until around the 90% mark, the payoff felt a bit rushed compared to the slow build-up of the preceding chapters.
The May House is a light, readable story for those who enjoy contemporary fiction focused on family dynamics and coastal atmospheres. While the structure and predictable mystery were disappointing for me, it remains a sweet, heart-filled look at the enduring (and often complicated) love between sisters.
I received a complimentary Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) of The May House from NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.
Every year, the three May sisters-Julia, Emily, and Nora-honor a promise to their grandmother by reuniting for one week at her beachside home in Coronado, California. Though their adult lives have drifted apart across the country, this annual tradition remains their one constant until the year Julia, the eldest and most dependable, fails to show up. Her absence forces Emily and Nora to confront how little they truly know about their sister and unearth a decades-old family secret that has shaped their lives from the shadows.
The premise of The May House is initially what drew me in; I am a sucker for poignant stories centered on the complex bonds of sisterhood, especially when set against a beautiful beachside backdrop like Coronado. There is such rich potential in the emotional intimacy of an annual family tradition, and the setup promised a deep, heart-filled exploration of what keeps a family anchored.
However, while the idea had immense potential, the execution fell short for me. The narrative structure utilizes a dual-timeline approach, bouncing back and forth between the sisters' childhoods with Grandma Vera and their current adult lives. Unfortunately, I found the transitions and the pacing of these shifts more confusing than clarifying, which occasionally hindered the emotional momentum of the story.
Regarding the characters, Jillian Cantor certainly has a talent for creating individuals who feel real and relatable. While the sisters were well-developed in terms of their distinct personalities, I found myself wishing for more thematic depth. I wanted to peel back more layers of their internal lives to truly feel the poignant weight the synopsis promised.
The plotting also felt a bit uneven. Several plot points were introduced and left dangling, only to be resolved much later in the story—if they were addressed at all. This led to a "reveal" that felt quite obvious long before the characters reached it. Because the central mystery didn't come to a head until around the 90% mark, the payoff felt a bit rushed compared to the slow build-up of the preceding chapters.
The May House is a light, readable story for those who enjoy contemporary fiction focused on family dynamics and coastal atmospheres. While the structure and predictable mystery were disappointing for me, it remains a sweet, heart-filled look at the enduring (and often complicated) love between sisters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
The May House by Jillian Cantor follows three sisters (Julia, Emily, and Nora) who reunite for one week at their family home every May to spend time together. This was a promise they made to their grandmother in order to inherit the beach house there. One year, Julia doesn’t show up, so the story takes off from there, alternating between present and past.
The concept is really strong and quite engaging. The idea of three estranged sisters coming back together in a place loaded with emotional history has a lot of weight to it, and the novel taps into that well. There’s a constant sense that the house holds more than just memories, and I felt that there is some kind of underlying mystery that helps carry the narrative forward.
One of my favorite things about the book is the relationship between the sisters. It felt real to me—messy in a believable way, not overly dramatic but still emotional. Each sister has her own personality and baggage, and you can really feel that in how they interact. The story switches between their perspectives (in third person), which worked well in showing how differently they see the same past. As their history slowly comes out, their bond feels more layered, and some of their conversations are very relevant.
The author did a great job with the atmosphere of the book. It is excellent throughout. The setting of the May house has its own mood with an almost cozy but at the same time mysterious backdrop, which helps a lot in enhancing the emotional tone of the story. There’s a quiet intensity to the writing that keeps you immersed, even in slower moments.
Now, for what didn’t work for me—I think the main problem was with the non-linear timeline. There is a lot of back-and-forth between different points in time, which felt scattered and, at times, confusing. I have no idea why the author chose this method instead of the simple present and past periods. This sometimes made it harder to stay oriented within the story.
Overall, the book is still worth reading, so I’m giving it a solid 3.5 stars. The concept is compelling, the sisters’ relationship is well developed, and the atmosphere is a real strength. But the disjointed timeline holds it back from being as impactful as it could have been.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book.
https://constantinebooks.blogspot.com...
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
The May House by Jillian Cantor follows three sisters (Julia, Emily, and Nora) who reunite for one week at their family home every May to spend time together. This was a promise they made to their grandmother in order to inherit the beach house there. One year, Julia doesn’t show up, so the story takes off from there, alternating between present and past.
The concept is really strong and quite engaging. The idea of three estranged sisters coming back together in a place loaded with emotional history has a lot of weight to it, and the novel taps into that well. There’s a constant sense that the house holds more than just memories, and I felt that there is some kind of underlying mystery that helps carry the narrative forward.
One of my favorite things about the book is the relationship between the sisters. It felt real to me—messy in a believable way, not overly dramatic but still emotional. Each sister has her own personality and baggage, and you can really feel that in how they interact. The story switches between their perspectives (in third person), which worked well in showing how differently they see the same past. As their history slowly comes out, their bond feels more layered, and some of their conversations are very relevant.
The author did a great job with the atmosphere of the book. It is excellent throughout. The setting of the May house has its own mood with an almost cozy but at the same time mysterious backdrop, which helps a lot in enhancing the emotional tone of the story. There’s a quiet intensity to the writing that keeps you immersed, even in slower moments.
Now, for what didn’t work for me—I think the main problem was with the non-linear timeline. There is a lot of back-and-forth between different points in time, which felt scattered and, at times, confusing. I have no idea why the author chose this method instead of the simple present and past periods. This sometimes made it harder to stay oriented within the story.
Overall, the book is still worth reading, so I’m giving it a solid 3.5 stars. The concept is compelling, the sisters’ relationship is well developed, and the atmosphere is a real strength. But the disjointed timeline holds it back from being as impactful as it could have been.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book.
https://constantinebooks.blogspot.com...
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