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Mystic Summer
“When two roads diverge...take the one that leads to the beach! Hannah McKinnon delivers a charming gem of a novel in Mystic Summer. I adored this book.” —Elin Hilderbrand, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Rumor A chance run-in with a college boyfriend puts a young woman’s picture-perfect life in perspective in this warm-hearted and lyrical novel—from the author of The Lake Season.Since finishing graduate school, Maggie Griffin has worked hard to build an enviable life in Boston. She’s an elementary school teacher in a tony Boston suburb, a devoted sister, and a loving aunt. With her childhood best friend’s wedding quickly approaching and her own relationship blossoming, this is the summer she has been waiting for. But when Maggie’s career is suddenly in jeopardy, her life begins to unravel. Stricken, Maggie returns home to seaside Mystic, Connecticut, where she expects to find comfort in family and familiarity. Instead, she runs into Cameron Wilder, a young man from her past who has also returned home, and whose life has taken a turn that puts Maggie’s city struggles in harsh perspective. When tragedy strikes for Cameron, Maggie is faced with big decisions as she weighs what matters most and strives to stay true to the person she’s become. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of a New England summer when past and present collide, Mystic Summer is a gorgeous novel about looking back, moving forward, and the beauty that blooms when fate intervenes.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2016
330 people are currently reading
5408 people want to read
About the author
Hannah McKinnon
12 books634 followersAuthor of The Lake Season, Mystic Summer, The Summer House, Sailing Lessons, The View From Here and two YA titles, Franny Parker and The Properties of Water
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
April 22, 2018
I'd like to thank Netgalley for my digital copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I thought this was the perfect book to get me in the Valentine's spirit! A little romance and lighter reading to give my brain a break from my typical dark thrillers. The plot is very straight forward and nothing "new"; however, this is EXACTLY what I was looking for in this. I wanted something predictable so I could focus on "all of the feels" and escaping into someone else's world for a bit.
This was an extremely quick read that I devoured in the few short hours my kiddos were napping. I would recommend this for a beach trip or weekend getaway with your sweetie.
I thought this was the perfect book to get me in the Valentine's spirit! A little romance and lighter reading to give my brain a break from my typical dark thrillers. The plot is very straight forward and nothing "new"; however, this is EXACTLY what I was looking for in this. I wanted something predictable so I could focus on "all of the feels" and escaping into someone else's world for a bit.
This was an extremely quick read that I devoured in the few short hours my kiddos were napping. I would recommend this for a beach trip or weekend getaway with your sweetie.
June 12, 2016
When I first saw the blurb for this book, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I'd be reading it. The protagonist of this novel grew up in Mystic, CT and then relocates to teach in a tony Boston suburb. I lived in Mystic for many years and now live in a tony Boston suburb. I wasn't expecting great literature, but I had to see if McKinnon got the sense of place right -- in both places.
This book doesn't purport to be anything other than an enjoyable beach read, and on that measure it delivers (even for those with no ties to either location). While it doesn't quite make the leap to what I dub "beach read with a brain," it's far from the most mindless in the genre. Those expecting a Man Booker prize novel will be disappointed (and shouldn't have looked here in the first place). Those wanting to be transported away from their day-to-day lives with a story that ties up with a nice little bow will be happy.
As for the sense of place, McKinnon falters a bit in portraying Boston and the private school scene. There's reference to the main character having to buy Clorox wipes for her own classroom (no way, no how would that happen -- doesn't even happen in the "gold standard" public schools. I just about fainted when we first moved here and I learned what our PTA budget was). There's also several references to standardized testing (again, that doesn't happen at private school, which is one of the main reasons why parents send their kids to private schools).
On the flip side, McKinnon gets Mystic just right (with the exception of the repeated naming of the famous pizza place at which no local eats unless forced to by visiting guests), and it was a delight to read the real the names of real places and businesses. Even those unfamiliar with this charming town will enjoy the descriptions and detail of the seaside idyll -- "Downtown Mystic does it to me each time. I don't know if it's the sea air of the historic clapboard houses that line the street into the village, but there's something magical, as if you're entering a little storybook town."
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book doesn't purport to be anything other than an enjoyable beach read, and on that measure it delivers (even for those with no ties to either location). While it doesn't quite make the leap to what I dub "beach read with a brain," it's far from the most mindless in the genre. Those expecting a Man Booker prize novel will be disappointed (and shouldn't have looked here in the first place). Those wanting to be transported away from their day-to-day lives with a story that ties up with a nice little bow will be happy.
As for the sense of place, McKinnon falters a bit in portraying Boston and the private school scene. There's reference to the main character having to buy Clorox wipes for her own classroom (no way, no how would that happen -- doesn't even happen in the "gold standard" public schools. I just about fainted when we first moved here and I learned what our PTA budget was). There's also several references to standardized testing (again, that doesn't happen at private school, which is one of the main reasons why parents send their kids to private schools).
On the flip side, McKinnon gets Mystic just right (with the exception of the repeated naming of the famous pizza place at which no local eats unless forced to by visiting guests), and it was a delight to read the real the names of real places and businesses. Even those unfamiliar with this charming town will enjoy the descriptions and detail of the seaside idyll -- "Downtown Mystic does it to me each time. I don't know if it's the sea air of the historic clapboard houses that line the street into the village, but there's something magical, as if you're entering a little storybook town."
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2016
This is the quintessential summer read. Light and breezy, with just enough depth to keep me interested.
The author transported me to the Connecticut coast with her words. I could picture the river and the New England charm all round me. And Mystic Pizza, who hasn’t heard of Mystic Pizza? If you have no clue what I’m talking about, drop everything and watch the movie - it’s a classic!
Sometimes it’s the unexpected moments that shake things up the most and land us in the spot we’re meant to be. And that’s exactly what happens to Maggie.
She’s in a different place in her life than her closest friends. Erika is in the midst of planning her wedding, Peyton is working on starting a family and her older sister, Jane is overwhelmed with her three little ones. Maggie wants those things, eventually. She’s just hasn’t gotten there yet.
An unforeseen circumstance and her best friend’s wedding bring her back to her hometown of Mystic for the summer. That’s where she runs into her first love, Cam. It’s confusing to see him again, especially with the way things ended between them and besides, she’s with someone else now. Someone that ticks all the right boxes. But there’s still some sort of connection with Cam that she can’t let go of.
“You’ve still got stars in your eyes. You’re one of the lucky ones.”
I liked this novel for what it was - a heartfelt lesson about embracing what truly makes you happy. Letting go of what you think is perfect, for what actually feels right, even if it is a little messy. Was the story predictable? Yes. Did that take away from my enjoyment? Not at all.
This is the perfect book for those times that you want to sit back, enjoy a glass of wine and lose yourself in a quick and easy read. One that’s not bogged down by an overly complex plot. This is the second of Hannah McKinnon’s books I’ve read and I would honestly recommend both.
*ARC kindly provided by Atria and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
The author transported me to the Connecticut coast with her words. I could picture the river and the New England charm all round me. And Mystic Pizza, who hasn’t heard of Mystic Pizza? If you have no clue what I’m talking about, drop everything and watch the movie - it’s a classic!
Sometimes it’s the unexpected moments that shake things up the most and land us in the spot we’re meant to be. And that’s exactly what happens to Maggie.
She’s in a different place in her life than her closest friends. Erika is in the midst of planning her wedding, Peyton is working on starting a family and her older sister, Jane is overwhelmed with her three little ones. Maggie wants those things, eventually. She’s just hasn’t gotten there yet.
An unforeseen circumstance and her best friend’s wedding bring her back to her hometown of Mystic for the summer. That’s where she runs into her first love, Cam. It’s confusing to see him again, especially with the way things ended between them and besides, she’s with someone else now. Someone that ticks all the right boxes. But there’s still some sort of connection with Cam that she can’t let go of.
“You’ve still got stars in your eyes. You’re one of the lucky ones.”
I liked this novel for what it was - a heartfelt lesson about embracing what truly makes you happy. Letting go of what you think is perfect, for what actually feels right, even if it is a little messy. Was the story predictable? Yes. Did that take away from my enjoyment? Not at all.
This is the perfect book for those times that you want to sit back, enjoy a glass of wine and lose yourself in a quick and easy read. One that’s not bogged down by an overly complex plot. This is the second of Hannah McKinnon’s books I’ve read and I would honestly recommend both.
*ARC kindly provided by Atria and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
June 28, 2016
Review originally posted at
All Books Considered: 2.5 STARS
So I have yet to find a summer release that I LOVE this year in terms of all the beach reads. Before this, I read the latest by Nancy Thayer, Mary Kay Andrews, Shelley Noble (DNF) and Dorothea Benton Frank, none of which I loved this year! I was hoping that this one would break my streak and be that perfect beach read but wow, what a dud! This was so boring that had it been any longer, I probably wouldn't have bothered to finish it. And, not liking the MC didn't help at all. I also had some serious issues with the purported timeline and there were some glaring factual inconsistencies -- not sure if this one needs more editing or was supposed to be that sloppy. I liked the idea of the second chance romance but I found Maggie to be so milquetoast that I wasn't interested -- the whole novel is basically spent preparing for her best friend's wedding but, like I mentioned, although it's supposed to be a few months away, there were references to days not weeks that threw me off and I wasn't sure how much time had actually passed. Regardless, I would skip this one and I'm not sure I will try anything else by this author -- the best thing about this one is the cover.
So I have yet to find a summer release that I LOVE this year in terms of all the beach reads. Before this, I read the latest by Nancy Thayer, Mary Kay Andrews, Shelley Noble (DNF) and Dorothea Benton Frank, none of which I loved this year! I was hoping that this one would break my streak and be that perfect beach read but wow, what a dud! This was so boring that had it been any longer, I probably wouldn't have bothered to finish it. And, not liking the MC didn't help at all. I also had some serious issues with the purported timeline and there were some glaring factual inconsistencies -- not sure if this one needs more editing or was supposed to be that sloppy. I liked the idea of the second chance romance but I found Maggie to be so milquetoast that I wasn't interested -- the whole novel is basically spent preparing for her best friend's wedding but, like I mentioned, although it's supposed to be a few months away, there were references to days not weeks that threw me off and I wasn't sure how much time had actually passed. Regardless, I would skip this one and I'm not sure I will try anything else by this author -- the best thing about this one is the cover.
The server returns with Cam's change. She looks around the booth at all of us as she clears our plates. "You have a beautiful family," she says.
I shake my head. "Oh no, we're not--"
But she's already headed for the kitchen, the plates rattling in her arms.
I glance around the booth, trying to see what she saw. Two toddlers, two babies, two diaper bags, and a car seat between us. "God, can you imagine if all this was ours?"
Cam laughs aloud. "No! No, I cannot."
But in that moment I see the picture we make. Beside me, Lucy coos in her baby carrier. Owen's and Randall's mouths are stained with pizza sauce. Across form me, Cam bends to kiss Emory's cheek. In that moment I am inexplicably happy. Baby food in hair and all.
August 25, 2021
This was predictable, but that's okay-- it was a great summer read. Just what I would expect from this type of book.
June 15, 2016
If you’re headed to the beach this season and need a cute, light read with a lot of heart, make sure you pack Mystic Summer by Hannah McKinnon! Charming and romantic, it casts a nostalgic look at friendship and family and crafts a love story that will make you smile. But deeper than all of that is the theme of finding “home”, how it’s more than just a city or a house but something inherent in each of us.
Both Cameron and Evan seemed like good matches for Maggie, and I actually wavered a couple of times on who I hoped would be the last man standing. Evan at the auction? Incredibly romantic! Cameron in general? Incredibly swoonworthy! It was a tough choice for Maggie, too, but I like the choice she made in the end.
I also enjoyed Maggie’s interactions with her friends, her parents, and her sister. While the romance plot made my heart grin, these relationships gave the book its heart. Nothing heavy, but just deep enough to elevate Mystic Summer above a predictable fluffy romance to a heartwarming piece of women’s fiction.
Bottom Line: Mystic Summer should be among your beach-packing essentials this summer! Light, airy, sweet, and heartwarming, it’s a satisfying blend of romance and women’s fiction with a idyllic coastal setting. Pleasantly predictable, it’s also surprisingly profound. Characters who are easy to relate to, a theme that aims for the heart, and settings that leap off the page – Hannah McKinnon combines all of these elements to create an entertaining read!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Both Cameron and Evan seemed like good matches for Maggie, and I actually wavered a couple of times on who I hoped would be the last man standing. Evan at the auction? Incredibly romantic! Cameron in general? Incredibly swoonworthy! It was a tough choice for Maggie, too, but I like the choice she made in the end.
I also enjoyed Maggie’s interactions with her friends, her parents, and her sister. While the romance plot made my heart grin, these relationships gave the book its heart. Nothing heavy, but just deep enough to elevate Mystic Summer above a predictable fluffy romance to a heartwarming piece of women’s fiction.
Bottom Line: Mystic Summer should be among your beach-packing essentials this summer! Light, airy, sweet, and heartwarming, it’s a satisfying blend of romance and women’s fiction with a idyllic coastal setting. Pleasantly predictable, it’s also surprisingly profound. Characters who are easy to relate to, a theme that aims for the heart, and settings that leap off the page – Hannah McKinnon combines all of these elements to create an entertaining read!
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Read my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
August 19, 2016
Maggie Griffin and Erika Crane have been best friends for many years, and now, while sharing an apartment in Boston’s Back Bay, their friendship is about to take another turn.
Erika and her fiancé Trent Mitchell are planning a summer wedding.
Meanwhile, Maggie is ending the school year, teaching at Darby, a private school, and her future as a teacher is up in the air due to budget cuts.
Will going home to Mystic, Connecticut, for Erika’s wedding help Maggie figure things out, even as she plays a supporting role for Erika through her wedding celebration?
Mystic Summer was a light and comfy tale about events that unexpectedly change the course we are on, and remind us of the people and places that make us feel at home.
I liked feeling as though I were right there in the lovely village, eating at Mystic Pizza, and remembering the movie that was set there…and walking along with the characters on the cobbled streets as they reminisced, and as they made decisions about who feels like home among their various acquaintances and friends.
I was definitely not a fan of Evan, Maggie’s boyfriend, an actor who had little time for her, but wanted everything to march to his tune. He liked everything neat and settled, so when anything was the least bit untidy, he liked cleaning it up. On his own, without consulting Maggie.
On the other hand, Maggie’s ex-boyfriend Cameron is back in town, with a baby girl in tow. The baby’s mother has left them, and he is handling it all on his own, with some help from his parents. And now Maggie feels a unique pull toward the baby girl, while remembering how Cam makes her feel. His life is definitely a little messy, a little chaotic…but it all clicks for Maggie.
Wonderful read that earned 4.5 stars from me.
Erika and her fiancé Trent Mitchell are planning a summer wedding.
Meanwhile, Maggie is ending the school year, teaching at Darby, a private school, and her future as a teacher is up in the air due to budget cuts.
Will going home to Mystic, Connecticut, for Erika’s wedding help Maggie figure things out, even as she plays a supporting role for Erika through her wedding celebration?
Mystic Summer was a light and comfy tale about events that unexpectedly change the course we are on, and remind us of the people and places that make us feel at home.
I liked feeling as though I were right there in the lovely village, eating at Mystic Pizza, and remembering the movie that was set there…and walking along with the characters on the cobbled streets as they reminisced, and as they made decisions about who feels like home among their various acquaintances and friends.
I was definitely not a fan of Evan, Maggie’s boyfriend, an actor who had little time for her, but wanted everything to march to his tune. He liked everything neat and settled, so when anything was the least bit untidy, he liked cleaning it up. On his own, without consulting Maggie.
On the other hand, Maggie’s ex-boyfriend Cameron is back in town, with a baby girl in tow. The baby’s mother has left them, and he is handling it all on his own, with some help from his parents. And now Maggie feels a unique pull toward the baby girl, while remembering how Cam makes her feel. His life is definitely a little messy, a little chaotic…but it all clicks for Maggie.
Wonderful read that earned 4.5 stars from me.
June 4, 2016
Mystic Summer: A Novel
is about a young woman named Maggie, who seems to have the perfect life. Teaching at a private school in Boston, her boyfriend wanting to move in with her, and her best friend getting married and she is the co-maid of honour. But when her life in Boston begins to unravel she finds herself back to her hometown of Mystic, Connecticut, and her family.
Upon returning to Mystic, Maggie runs into her ex-boyfriend, Cam. From there, she discovers that he has not only returned to Mystic but is on his own with his baby daughter Emory. The longer she stays in Mystic, the more Maggie questions her once solid relationship with her boyfriend Evan. Will she stay with Evan or take a chance on Cam and his cute daughter Emory.
The novel was a bit slow for my liking but that didn't stop me. It was actually a quiet enjoyable read, besides the fact that Maggie was so unfair and unkind to both Cam and Evan. Though I do sort of feel empathetic towards Maggie because she is trying to find herself. She was quiet an endearing and caring character when she wasn't being frustrating. The minor characters were also interesting and fun to read.
The novel is at times predictable but in the end it is mostly a fun and quick read that everyone is bound to enjoy one way or another.
ARC was kindly provided by publisher, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For this review and more, check out: http://amalialock.blogspot.ca
Upon returning to Mystic, Maggie runs into her ex-boyfriend, Cam. From there, she discovers that he has not only returned to Mystic but is on his own with his baby daughter Emory. The longer she stays in Mystic, the more Maggie questions her once solid relationship with her boyfriend Evan. Will she stay with Evan or take a chance on Cam and his cute daughter Emory.
The novel was a bit slow for my liking but that didn't stop me. It was actually a quiet enjoyable read, besides the fact that Maggie was so unfair and unkind to both Cam and Evan. Though I do sort of feel empathetic towards Maggie because she is trying to find herself. She was quiet an endearing and caring character when she wasn't being frustrating. The minor characters were also interesting and fun to read.
The novel is at times predictable but in the end it is mostly a fun and quick read that everyone is bound to enjoy one way or another.
ARC was kindly provided by publisher, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For this review and more, check out: http://amalialock.blogspot.ca
December 26, 2016
. I loved this book!! I may be a little bias because it takes place in my town but this book is charming. Perfect summer read. Highly recommend!!!
June 14, 2019
If I could give less than one star I would. Not even fun summer reading. Awful awful awful
September 3, 2017
This book was one of my 20 Summer Reads and I am so glad I chose it. It was a light, easy story to read but had a good storyline that kept me interested. It was a romance, but there was a lot more to it than that. The story takes place in Mystic Connecticut and there is even a reference to the movie, Mystic Pizza.
When Maggie finds out that she is probably going to lose her job teaching at the private school in Boston due to budget cuts, she is not sure what her future holds. Not only that, but her best friend and roommate has to change the venue for her upcoming wedding due to mold issues. The venue becomes the yacht club back home in Mystic, and off they go to get things set up. Maggie is also dealing with her boyfriend Evan. He is an actor in a soon to debut television drama and seems to be so busy, they hardly see one another. Once Maggie is back home she decides to stay for a couple of weeks until after the wedding. When she runs into her old boyfriend who is back living in town, with a baby girl, some unexpected feelings emerge in Maggie. Even though Evan ticks all the right boxes and Maggie thinks he is perfect, there’s still some sort of connection with Cam that she can’t let go of.
I really liked this story for its simple and honest message. It was a story of letting go of the perfect image you might have of someone or a situation. It was about embracing what makes you happy. It was telling us to follow our hearts and what feels right. This is the perfect book for those times that you want to sit back and lose yourself in a quick and easy read. If you are looking for a summer read pick this one up before it gets to cold to sit out in the sun and just lose yourself in a story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
When Maggie finds out that she is probably going to lose her job teaching at the private school in Boston due to budget cuts, she is not sure what her future holds. Not only that, but her best friend and roommate has to change the venue for her upcoming wedding due to mold issues. The venue becomes the yacht club back home in Mystic, and off they go to get things set up. Maggie is also dealing with her boyfriend Evan. He is an actor in a soon to debut television drama and seems to be so busy, they hardly see one another. Once Maggie is back home she decides to stay for a couple of weeks until after the wedding. When she runs into her old boyfriend who is back living in town, with a baby girl, some unexpected feelings emerge in Maggie. Even though Evan ticks all the right boxes and Maggie thinks he is perfect, there’s still some sort of connection with Cam that she can’t let go of.
I really liked this story for its simple and honest message. It was a story of letting go of the perfect image you might have of someone or a situation. It was about embracing what makes you happy. It was telling us to follow our hearts and what feels right. This is the perfect book for those times that you want to sit back and lose yourself in a quick and easy read. If you are looking for a summer read pick this one up before it gets to cold to sit out in the sun and just lose yourself in a story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
June 16, 2016
Mystic Summer is a delightful story of a woman reassessing where she is going in life and making the right adjustments. We make the journey with her. The school year is winding down, and it looks like Maggie might have to look for another job.
Evan her "everything is so right" boyfriend seems perfect for her. He is thoughtful and handsome and in a TV series. However as Peyton (a friend) points out pertinently there are one or two differences that could count.
Then there is Cameron and the adorable daughter Emory. Since Cameron and Maggie were very good friends way back when Cameron has moved on, and moved back to Mystic. However there is a mother for Emory in the wings. So while Maggie feels some heartstrings being pulled that doesn't seem to be viable.
Set against a backdrop of a beautiful part of the USA, Mystic Summer is a romantic story. Maggie takes her time coming to know her heart and making some big decisions.
I was a little disappointed with the ending, I wanted a little more, perhaps an epilogue, but aside from that a life-affirming story that I really enjoyed.
Evan her "everything is so right" boyfriend seems perfect for her. He is thoughtful and handsome and in a TV series. However as Peyton (a friend) points out pertinently there are one or two differences that could count.
Then there is Cameron and the adorable daughter Emory. Since Cameron and Maggie were very good friends way back when Cameron has moved on, and moved back to Mystic. However there is a mother for Emory in the wings. So while Maggie feels some heartstrings being pulled that doesn't seem to be viable.
Set against a backdrop of a beautiful part of the USA, Mystic Summer is a romantic story. Maggie takes her time coming to know her heart and making some big decisions.
I was a little disappointed with the ending, I wanted a little more, perhaps an epilogue, but aside from that a life-affirming story that I really enjoyed.
February 12, 2016
Perfect curl up on the couch and finish in 2 days type of book! A bit predictable, but I loved it! It's a feel good book. I'd love to read more by author!
July 8, 2023
I wanted to like this one so much more but, I actually found the characters and the plot kind of annoying. I did however, enjoy reading about places I know and have been to in Mystic.
July 30, 2016
3.5/5
July 10, 2017
I am such trash for these classic beach reads. The ones that have the most predictable plot lines, and pretty basic characters that you feel you've read about at least 50 times. But, I'm a sucker for them. I get so enveloped into these stories- it's like candy. So yeah, perfect beach read, super cute, and bonus: it takes place in a small New England village :)
"I have always taken pride in my skill to find good in all of my students"
"I have always taken pride in my skill to find good in all of my students"
July 28, 2023
mixed feelings
relationships weren’t strong enough and i just couldn’t feel the connection between them. also, there was kind of sort of a cheating trope here too.
and i think the book was too short. imo, it was supposed to START, where it ENDED. i was so excited for reading ab their life together. but too bad ig, it was fast paced at least.
relationships weren’t strong enough and i just couldn’t feel the connection between them. also, there was kind of sort of a cheating trope here too.
and i think the book was too short. imo, it was supposed to START, where it ENDED. i was so excited for reading ab their life together. but too bad ig, it was fast paced at least.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2016
It occurs to me that so far my summer consists of living everyone else's lives. My students' lives, my family's lives, and that of my best friend. And though I groan inwardly when I think of all these commitments I have to follow through on, I realize there's one thing bothering me most of all; beyond them, where are my own?
When she's blindsided by a trio of seemingly unconnected events—her best friend Erika's summer wedding, a heartbreaking potential layoff, and a chance run-in with an ex-boyfriend, Cam—Maggie Griffin has no idea that she's just embarked on a summer that will change her life and cause her to question everything she holds dear.
A devoted Boston resident, she makes the decision to return to her hometown of Mystic for the summer while she figures her life out, and that's when things start to fall apart... and together.
Personally I wasn't convinced by Maggie's relationship with her boyfriend, Evan. It seemed like a prop to make her relationship with Cam more complicated, but overall it seemed very cliché (and in the end, pretty obvious who she would choose). On the other end of the spectrum, her relationship with Cam is much more realistic with more depth, and I loved the complex feelings that arose from her struggle to come to terms with possibly still being in love with her first love.
Reminiscent of the Hamptons, Mystic resides on the sleepy Connecticut coast which makes for a rich summer backdrop with plenty of nostalgia and plenty of heart. I love the evocative descriptions of Maggie's childhood, glimpses into her friendships and family life. It made her seem like such a real, flawed person. She's an easy main character to sympathize with, although at times I felt she sounds slightly standoffish in the way she looks down on people. She tends to isolate herself and make others feel bad for her for it; she is a self-proclaimed outsider, being the last of her friends group to be married, and more disappointingly, with no actual plans to anytime soon.
Hannah McKinnon, however, is no amateur at characterization. Most of Maggie's shortcomings seem intentional, and the other characters such as Cam, Erika, and her family members, are all so well developed, almost painfully so. I can't get enough of McKinnon's writing style either—the perfect mix of breezy and sophisticated, yet also modern and trendy, setting an appropriate foundation for the book.
Mystic Summer is not necessarily a romance story, but more a journey of self-discovery that women's fiction lovers will rejoice in. It is the story of the fresh-faced Maggie's dilemma as she is faced with a choice that could lead to two very separate paths.
Pros
Beautifully written, with wonderful attention to literary detail // I'm a sucker for the "past lovers reunite" trope // Cam's background and his new start in Mystic is intriguing, and definitely my favorite plot point // Perfect beach reading—easy and uncomplicated // Light and airy tone gives it an apt summer vibe, although it's introspective and profound where it needs to be
Cons
I grew tired of Maggie's narration pretty quickly; wish we could have gotten other perspectives, like from Cam, Erika, or even Jane (her older sister) // The side plot with Evan, Maggie's current boyfriend, is a bit exasperating—the romance with Cam could have easily been a better and more realistic story without a current (and utterly forgettable) boyfriend in the way
Love
"Everyone ready?" Peyton asks. She ushers us out in her usual mother-hen fashion. Erika laughs at something Trent says and loops her arm through mine. We walk out as a noisy group of friends into the warm night along the pier, each one of us linked with one another. Like Mrs. Wilder said, there are stars in our eyes. And I can't help but wonder, why are we the lucky ones?
"Cam? It's me. Maggie."
There's a pause. I rush to fill the silence, suddenly feeling the need to explain myself. "Did I wake you?" I picture him glancing at the clock and a rush of embarrassment fills me. "I'm sorry to call so late. Look, why don't I call back in the morning?"
I'm about to hang up when Cam clears his throat. "Hang on a second."
So I do, my heart in my throat. I shouldn't have called. Not at this hour. Not at all.
"Griff." He's the only one who's ever called me that.
"Yeah?"
"I'd hoped it was you."
Verdict
Imagine yachts, the seaside, and salty air—Mystic Summer perfectly embodies the warm-weather beach read, telling the story of a very ordinary girl, faced with a very extraordinary decision to make: hold tight to the life she's worked so hard to build, or let go and allow room for something better. Hannah McKinnon's gorgeous literary flow pairs well with this wistful New England backdrop to create a warmhearted and thoughtful novel about settling down, the keeping of friends, and self-knowledge.
Rating: 8 out of 10 hearts (4 stars): An engaging read that will be worth your while; highly recommended.
Source: Complimentary copy provided by tour publicist via publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, TLC Book Tours and Atria Books!).
July 2, 2022
3.5 stars | A really solid beach read with all the coastal, small town New England vibes. Excited to read more from this author!
June 29, 2022
This is a predictable, but enjoyable summer read! I did like that the main character was an elementary school teacher on her summer break and accurately depicted what teaching is like.
July 8, 2016
3.5 stars
Maggie is a teacher at a private school in Boston and as summer vacation starts, she has to deal with the upheaval of finding a new place as her best friend and roommate is getting married. She also finds out that she may not have a job next year due to funding issues at her school. Maggie's boyfriend Evan isn't as supportive as she'd hoped. When circumstances lead to Maggie going back to her hometown of Mystic, Connecticut she is surprised to run into Cameron Wilder, her onetime boyfriend who is now a single father. Cameron has had a difficult life in the years since they split but he is doing his best to be there for his daughter. Maggie and Cameron become fast friends again but even though she is starting to feel some stirring of her former attraction to him and she is drawn to his infant daughter, she has her own issues to deal with and she is still committed to Evan. On top of that her best friend Erika's wedding has been moved from Boston to Mystic and Maggie's sister Jane calls on her to help take care of her children while she goes on a much needed break with her husband so Maggie has her hands full.
I think I was expecting this to be a contemporary romance but it ended up being something a little more. Maggie is facing some difficult decisions about her future and what she wants from life. I liked Cameron from the start and I enjoyed the rekindling of their friendship. He is a good fit for her but neither of them are in a place to start a relationship just yet. The novel also looked at Maggie's relationship with her family, particularly her mom and her sister Jane, as well as Maggie's friendship with Erika. I wasn't a big fan of Erika to be honest. She wasn't that great of a friend and if this were real life, that friendship would fade into mere casual acquaintance status after Erika's wedding.
I loved the setting of Mystic and it made me want to visit the town for myself although I don't think I'd like the crowded tourist season. I think it was the setting and the character of Cameron that really stood out for me in this book. He is a fantastic dad and I loved his interactions with his daughter Emory. I think he's a little too perfect :)
Mystic Summer would make a good beach read. It is the kind of book you could finish in an afternoon. There is a little bit of romance and a great setting so even if it's easy to guess what will happen, it is a fun journey to get there.
Maggie is a teacher at a private school in Boston and as summer vacation starts, she has to deal with the upheaval of finding a new place as her best friend and roommate is getting married. She also finds out that she may not have a job next year due to funding issues at her school. Maggie's boyfriend Evan isn't as supportive as she'd hoped. When circumstances lead to Maggie going back to her hometown of Mystic, Connecticut she is surprised to run into Cameron Wilder, her onetime boyfriend who is now a single father. Cameron has had a difficult life in the years since they split but he is doing his best to be there for his daughter. Maggie and Cameron become fast friends again but even though she is starting to feel some stirring of her former attraction to him and she is drawn to his infant daughter, she has her own issues to deal with and she is still committed to Evan. On top of that her best friend Erika's wedding has been moved from Boston to Mystic and Maggie's sister Jane calls on her to help take care of her children while she goes on a much needed break with her husband so Maggie has her hands full.
I think I was expecting this to be a contemporary romance but it ended up being something a little more. Maggie is facing some difficult decisions about her future and what she wants from life. I liked Cameron from the start and I enjoyed the rekindling of their friendship. He is a good fit for her but neither of them are in a place to start a relationship just yet. The novel also looked at Maggie's relationship with her family, particularly her mom and her sister Jane, as well as Maggie's friendship with Erika. I wasn't a big fan of Erika to be honest. She wasn't that great of a friend and if this were real life, that friendship would fade into mere casual acquaintance status after Erika's wedding.
I loved the setting of Mystic and it made me want to visit the town for myself although I don't think I'd like the crowded tourist season. I think it was the setting and the character of Cameron that really stood out for me in this book. He is a fantastic dad and I loved his interactions with his daughter Emory. I think he's a little too perfect :)
Mystic Summer would make a good beach read. It is the kind of book you could finish in an afternoon. There is a little bit of romance and a great setting so even if it's easy to guess what will happen, it is a fun journey to get there.
May 31, 2016
I loved this book! I really enjoyed The Lake Season and was excited to read another book by this great author! I became immersed in Mystic Summer immediately--and found myself wishing I was actually in Mystic as well! I loved Maggie as a character and related to her so well. I loved watching Maggie and Erika's friendship over the summer as things changed--Erika's wedding meant they would no longer be roommates, but the summer also brought them closer together by revealing truths to each other. And Cameron! He was a wonderful character!
This book was hard to put down, and every time I had to, I couldn't wait to dive back into the town of Mystic. McKinnon's writing is so engaging in this novel, and though it's predictable, it has depth and issues that make you think. This is a perfect women's fiction book for a relaxing weekend read! At first glance it just seems like a summer romance type book--and there is really very little romance in this book! Rather, this book is about finding yourself, family, friendship, and getting what you want out of life--even if what you have appears to be picture perfect. A 2016 must read!
This book was hard to put down, and every time I had to, I couldn't wait to dive back into the town of Mystic. McKinnon's writing is so engaging in this novel, and though it's predictable, it has depth and issues that make you think. This is a perfect women's fiction book for a relaxing weekend read! At first glance it just seems like a summer romance type book--and there is really very little romance in this book! Rather, this book is about finding yourself, family, friendship, and getting what you want out of life--even if what you have appears to be picture perfect. A 2016 must read!
March 25, 2020
I did not love this book. The main character comes off as selfish & self involved butting into other people’s lives under the guise of “helping” and liking things that are messy.
I may have come away from this book with a different impression if, on page 3, the main character hadn’t talked about why she started teaching at the private school after a public school student teaching role. Rubbed me the wrong way & I wasn’t able to turn that feeling around.
Pandemic Book #5
I may have come away from this book with a different impression if, on page 3, the main character hadn’t talked about why she started teaching at the private school after a public school student teaching role. Rubbed me the wrong way & I wasn’t able to turn that feeling around.
Pandemic Book #5
Read
January 30, 2016I can't say this wasn't a little bit predictable, BUT that didn't keep me from enjoying it. The writing was great and I would definitely read another book from this author.
April 4, 2018
Predictable and boring
November 13, 2025
no epilogue is a crazy choice miss mckinnon! 🫠
but
this was a sweet little hallmark tale of a novel. I feel very protective and attached to maggie and her story.
her friends, family, baby nephew owen- HA! the pizza scene was so silly. this was def a cute/ easy read if ur in the mood for a light budding romance with a happy optimistic ending.
but
this was a sweet little hallmark tale of a novel. I feel very protective and attached to maggie and her story.
her friends, family, baby nephew owen- HA! the pizza scene was so silly. this was def a cute/ easy read if ur in the mood for a light budding romance with a happy optimistic ending.
April 3, 2017
This was a perfectly light and entertaining pre-summer book.
July 24, 2017
Light summer read
February 27, 2019
Cute beach read. I needed something light and fun and this sure fit the bill!
July 28, 2022
A great, easy summer read and refreshing to have no explicit scenes 🤪
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