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The Summer House
Flossy Merrill has managed to gather her three ungrateful grown children from their dysfunctional lives for a summer reunion at the family’s Rhode Island beach house. Little does her family know that she is facing personal struggles of her own.
384 pages, Library Binding
First published June 6, 2017
542 people are currently reading
3967 people want to read
About the author
Hannah McKinnon
12 books635 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 256 reviews
June 15, 2017
If you’re looking for an intoxicating summer read, you won’t regret sticking The Summer House in your beach bag. Or, if you can’t make it to the shore, living vicariously through the Merrill family and their week spent on the sandy Rhode Island coast, isn’t too bad either.
In my humble opinion, this is Hannah McKinnon’s strongest work to date. With each of her three books, she’s proven that she can nail family dynamics with a skillful hand—the resentments that tend to fester, the growing pains all relationships inevitably face and more importantly, the unwavering love underscoring it all. There was something about this family—every single one of them—that I completely adored. Like a fly on the wall, I was living and breathing this family’s drama like it was my own. Don’t let the word ‘drama’ scare you off though; I use the term lightly. The Merrill family’s issues are surprisingly relatable—typical things couples/families/people face—not the over-the-top, eye-roll-inducing drama that some authors tend to rely heavily on. In fact, the sheer relatability of it all, along with the loveable cast, is what makes this story so darn charming.
The Merrill’s are a family steeped in tradition. The weather-worn summer house on the Rhode Island coast has been in the family for decades; a place that holds some of their fondest memories together. They always spend their first day on East Beach, eat their final family dinner together at the picturesque Ocean House hotel and take turns saying a private goodbye to their very own stretch of beach before heading home. As Flossy and Richard’s children have gotten older and established families and responsibilities of their own, it’s become increasingly difficult to get them to agree to spend time at the house that was once so special.
It’s the excuse to celebrate Richard’s seventy-fifth birthday that does the trick. Flossy and Richard have something big up their sleeves though, too. Some life-altering news that Flossy is reluctant to share right away, in fear the kids won’t be their authentic selves. She ends up getting exactly what she needed—a week at the summer house with her kids, grandkids and their varying personalities and struggles.
Clem, the youngest, nursing a broken heart after the death of her husband only fourteen-months earlier, arrives with her two young kids in tow. Tired of being doted on, and incessantly questioned about her well-being, Clem is looking to prove she's fine. Is it too soon to move on?
Paige, the oldest, arrives with her two teenagers and husband, David. From first glance, it’s easy to see, this couple is going through the dreaded down cycle every relationship faces, at some point. Are they strong enough to make it through?
And then there’s Sam, the middle child, who wants nothing more than to adopt a baby with his husband, Evan. The whole process has proven to be a heartbreaking endeavor—one neither of them was prepared for. Will the latest adoptive mom in question choose them?
To say this book was impossible for me to put down is an understatement of epic proportions. When I wasn’t completely enmeshed in this family, I was filled with curiosity and longing to get back to them and their entertaining dynamics. The Summer House had all the components of a perfect read, in my eyes—superb writing, emotional depth, characters you desperately want to know, and that ever-present dread that creeps in as the page count diminishes. This is one that’s sure to leave you dreaming about a beach vacation or craving time with family.
*Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
In my humble opinion, this is Hannah McKinnon’s strongest work to date. With each of her three books, she’s proven that she can nail family dynamics with a skillful hand—the resentments that tend to fester, the growing pains all relationships inevitably face and more importantly, the unwavering love underscoring it all. There was something about this family—every single one of them—that I completely adored. Like a fly on the wall, I was living and breathing this family’s drama like it was my own. Don’t let the word ‘drama’ scare you off though; I use the term lightly. The Merrill family’s issues are surprisingly relatable—typical things couples/families/people face—not the over-the-top, eye-roll-inducing drama that some authors tend to rely heavily on. In fact, the sheer relatability of it all, along with the loveable cast, is what makes this story so darn charming.
The Merrill’s are a family steeped in tradition. The weather-worn summer house on the Rhode Island coast has been in the family for decades; a place that holds some of their fondest memories together. They always spend their first day on East Beach, eat their final family dinner together at the picturesque Ocean House hotel and take turns saying a private goodbye to their very own stretch of beach before heading home. As Flossy and Richard’s children have gotten older and established families and responsibilities of their own, it’s become increasingly difficult to get them to agree to spend time at the house that was once so special.
It’s the excuse to celebrate Richard’s seventy-fifth birthday that does the trick. Flossy and Richard have something big up their sleeves though, too. Some life-altering news that Flossy is reluctant to share right away, in fear the kids won’t be their authentic selves. She ends up getting exactly what she needed—a week at the summer house with her kids, grandkids and their varying personalities and struggles.
Clem, the youngest, nursing a broken heart after the death of her husband only fourteen-months earlier, arrives with her two young kids in tow. Tired of being doted on, and incessantly questioned about her well-being, Clem is looking to prove she's fine. Is it too soon to move on?
Paige, the oldest, arrives with her two teenagers and husband, David. From first glance, it’s easy to see, this couple is going through the dreaded down cycle every relationship faces, at some point. Are they strong enough to make it through?
And then there’s Sam, the middle child, who wants nothing more than to adopt a baby with his husband, Evan. The whole process has proven to be a heartbreaking endeavor—one neither of them was prepared for. Will the latest adoptive mom in question choose them?
To say this book was impossible for me to put down is an understatement of epic proportions. When I wasn’t completely enmeshed in this family, I was filled with curiosity and longing to get back to them and their entertaining dynamics. The Summer House had all the components of a perfect read, in my eyes—superb writing, emotional depth, characters you desperately want to know, and that ever-present dread that creeps in as the page count diminishes. This is one that’s sure to leave you dreaming about a beach vacation or craving time with family.
*Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2017
4 stars! This was such a fun and enjoyable summer read!
There was something very relatable about this family and these characters. The story revolves around the Merrill family’s annual stay at their summer beach house. Flossy and Richard Merrill have their three adult children, their childrens’ spouses and their grandchildren come to stay with them at their summer house together for one week in July. The sibling rivalries, parental stresses, childhood drama, family traditions, captivating memories, hidden secrets and life tragedies were all told in such a way that it felt like this family was familiar. I grew to love each and every character.
I really enjoyed the summer house and beach setting. The author, Hannah McKinnon, does a fantastic job painting a vivid picture of the breezy, salty seaside atmosphere. I was picturing myself right there slathering on the sunscreen and enjoying the warm sunshine while cool waves lapped my feet in the wet, gritty sand.
I enjoyed this wonderful, summery beach read and would recommend it. A big thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and Hannah McKinnon for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
There was something very relatable about this family and these characters. The story revolves around the Merrill family’s annual stay at their summer beach house. Flossy and Richard Merrill have their three adult children, their childrens’ spouses and their grandchildren come to stay with them at their summer house together for one week in July. The sibling rivalries, parental stresses, childhood drama, family traditions, captivating memories, hidden secrets and life tragedies were all told in such a way that it felt like this family was familiar. I grew to love each and every character.
I really enjoyed the summer house and beach setting. The author, Hannah McKinnon, does a fantastic job painting a vivid picture of the breezy, salty seaside atmosphere. I was picturing myself right there slathering on the sunscreen and enjoying the warm sunshine while cool waves lapped my feet in the wet, gritty sand.
I enjoyed this wonderful, summery beach read and would recommend it. A big thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and Hannah McKinnon for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 27, 2017
Thanks to Goodreads, the author, and the publisher, for the complimentary copy.
I was expecting a fluffy read, but instead I found this book had plenty of depth and emotion, relatable family dynamics, and it was highly entertaining. I still think it's the perfect book to throw in your beach bag because it's one that will be easy to pick up and put down, as one does at the beach; however, I think the engaging characters will keep you picking it back up more than you are putting it down. :) This is a fun read that's perfect for summer!
2017 Summer Vacation Book #8
I was expecting a fluffy read, but instead I found this book had plenty of depth and emotion, relatable family dynamics, and it was highly entertaining. I still think it's the perfect book to throw in your beach bag because it's one that will be easy to pick up and put down, as one does at the beach; however, I think the engaging characters will keep you picking it back up more than you are putting it down. :) This is a fun read that's perfect for summer!
2017 Summer Vacation Book #8
June 29, 2017
Flossy Merrill's children, her husband, and The Summer House have always been her first loves.
Nothing mattered to her as much as her family. The family wasn’t together for a few summers in a row because of commitments, but this summer Flossy managed to get everyone together to celebrate their father's 75th birthday party.
Flossy also had another reason to get the family together, but she and Richard couldn't bring themselves to tell their children even though they knew they had to sooner than later.
Getting together was easy this year, but wasn't easy once everyone arrived. Sibling rivalry still continued into adulthood, and each of Flossy and Richard's children had some issue with each other and in their lives.
Paige still seemed bossy, Sam still liked to pick on Clem, and Clem was still mourning the loss of her husband.
The characters will grow on you and bring you into their problems and their heartaches as well as their joys. I enjoyed the sibling and parental interactions with some being comical, some being emotional, and some being serious.
THE SUMMER HOUSE is a perfect read for anyone who has a tradition of spending family vacations together. We never did that, but it would be fun to compare what your family vacations were like and how they might be compared to the family vacations of the Merrills. It would be interesting to see any similarities and differences.
This was my first book by Ms. McKinnon, and I truly enjoyed THE SUMMER HOUSE. I would love to spend some time in that gorgeous house. :)
THE SUMMER HOUSE was a heartfelt, lovely read about a family I think most readers could identify with.
If you know this author's work and have enjoyed it, you will not be disappointed in THE SUMMER HOUSE as you become involved in the lives of the characters and feel the emotions they are experiencing. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
June 22, 2017
This book has everything I love about a summer read: a fantastic location, relatable characters, and enough drama to keep things interesting. I loved the descriptions of the beach, the house, the meals, and the long lazy days at the beach house.
Flossy and Richard bring their adult children and grandchildren together for a week at the family beach house, ending the week with a 75th birthday dinner for Richard. What the kids don’t know is there will be an announcement that the beach house, with decades of memories, will be put up for sale when the week is over. Flossie and Richard are growing older and can no longer handle the demands of maintaining the house.
Each of their three children, along with spouses and grandchildren, arrive at the beach house grappling with problems. I loved this family in all their messiness. The family felt real, with real issues, just like in life. Some of the issues are serious while others are due to long-held misunderstandings. How they get worked out over the course of the week made for an interesting read. I liked how not everything was tied up neatly in a bow and the author didn’t go for the totally predictable ending.
This is a fast read and the few serious topics are dealt with a light hand so the summery vibe wasn’t lost. I highly recommend this book to toss in your beach bag!
** thanks to Netgalley and Atria books for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
Flossy and Richard bring their adult children and grandchildren together for a week at the family beach house, ending the week with a 75th birthday dinner for Richard. What the kids don’t know is there will be an announcement that the beach house, with decades of memories, will be put up for sale when the week is over. Flossie and Richard are growing older and can no longer handle the demands of maintaining the house.
Each of their three children, along with spouses and grandchildren, arrive at the beach house grappling with problems. I loved this family in all their messiness. The family felt real, with real issues, just like in life. Some of the issues are serious while others are due to long-held misunderstandings. How they get worked out over the course of the week made for an interesting read. I liked how not everything was tied up neatly in a bow and the author didn’t go for the totally predictable ending.
This is a fast read and the few serious topics are dealt with a light hand so the summery vibe wasn’t lost. I highly recommend this book to toss in your beach bag!
** thanks to Netgalley and Atria books for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
June 10, 2017
You can ascertain just from the title and cover that this is a beach read, and it definitely is. Unfortunately, I read it while wishing I was on the beach. It's a sweet little read with lots of family and relationship drama. Ungrateful children, strained relationships, and many other different worries feature in this one. I was in one of my light read moods when I picked this one up, and that's a good thing. I still found it kind of corny at times, but that might just be my jaded, mystery reading self! It's a cute read.
Lots of characters to keep track of in this one... we have Flossy and Richard, their three grown children, the partners of their children, and their own grandchildren, of which there are four. Whew! That's a lot of people! No wonder some of their relationships are a bit strained.
Flossy is determined to make this a week to remember. Having finally convinced the whole family to visit their summer home once again, she needs everything to go perfectly. Not only is this the summer of Richard's 75th birthday, they're keeping a secret from their kids. After previously making sure that none of them were up to taking over the house, they've decided to sell it. She's not entirely sure how they'll react, so she plans to tell them towards the end of the visit so they can enjoy the time there without it hanging over their heads.
As for their children... we have Paige, who is the eldest. She's a successful veterinarian with her own practice. She and her husband have two teenage children. At first glance, she seems to have her life together the most, but problems with her husband have been festering.
Next is Sam, successful business man. His husband Evan is lovely, and I really enjoyed his interactions with the rest of the family, who treats him like a brother. They've been longing for a child for years, but the last adoption fell through at the very last minute. They're holding out hope that another young woman will pick them and follow through, making them parents.
Clem is the youngest, and she's been through a lot. She has two young kids that run her ragged, and she's experienced a tragedy in the last year.
This book takes place over the week of their visit. Some relationships need mending, some things must be come to terms with, and the kids are growing up fast.
I was given an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Atria Books, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
Lots of characters to keep track of in this one... we have Flossy and Richard, their three grown children, the partners of their children, and their own grandchildren, of which there are four. Whew! That's a lot of people! No wonder some of their relationships are a bit strained.
Flossy is determined to make this a week to remember. Having finally convinced the whole family to visit their summer home once again, she needs everything to go perfectly. Not only is this the summer of Richard's 75th birthday, they're keeping a secret from their kids. After previously making sure that none of them were up to taking over the house, they've decided to sell it. She's not entirely sure how they'll react, so she plans to tell them towards the end of the visit so they can enjoy the time there without it hanging over their heads.
As for their children... we have Paige, who is the eldest. She's a successful veterinarian with her own practice. She and her husband have two teenage children. At first glance, she seems to have her life together the most, but problems with her husband have been festering.
Next is Sam, successful business man. His husband Evan is lovely, and I really enjoyed his interactions with the rest of the family, who treats him like a brother. They've been longing for a child for years, but the last adoption fell through at the very last minute. They're holding out hope that another young woman will pick them and follow through, making them parents.
Clem is the youngest, and she's been through a lot. She has two young kids that run her ragged, and she's experienced a tragedy in the last year.
This book takes place over the week of their visit. Some relationships need mending, some things must be come to terms with, and the kids are growing up fast.
I was given an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Atria Books, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
September 23, 2017
A beach read with depth and well developed characters. Since I wasn't familiar with Hannah McKinnon, the cover and title led me to think this just a fluff summer read. Well, was I wrong.
Three adult children and their families travel to their childhood beach house to celebrate their father's seventy-fifth birthday. Their mother has been trying to get them all together and has finally succeeded. Each "child" brings their own problems and issues as they gather for a family reunion. What they don't know is that their parents plan to sell this summer house that's been in the family for two generations.
The characters are all wonderful and well developed. As the week goes on the siblings revert back to their teenage ways even though they're all in their thirties now. So typical, like Thanksgiving! Everyone can relate. I didn't want it to end!
Three adult children and their families travel to their childhood beach house to celebrate their father's seventy-fifth birthday. Their mother has been trying to get them all together and has finally succeeded. Each "child" brings their own problems and issues as they gather for a family reunion. What they don't know is that their parents plan to sell this summer house that's been in the family for two generations.
The characters are all wonderful and well developed. As the week goes on the siblings revert back to their teenage ways even though they're all in their thirties now. So typical, like Thanksgiving! Everyone can relate. I didn't want it to end!
June 1, 2017
The Merrill family is meeting at their summer house at the Rhode Island shore to celebrate their father’s 75th birthday. Flossy, their mother, has planned the perfect party that will take place on the last night of their week together. She only hopes her adult children won’t kill each other before that night. Each one brings their own drama with them and thinks nothing of reliving sibling rivalries, perceived slights, etc. Paige, the eldest, feels like she’s losing control of her life. Middle child Samuel and his husband lost out on a chance to adopt and worry they’ll never get another chance. Youngest daughter Clem, a widow of two years, is just beginning to feel like she can move forward in her new life as a single parent of two young children. I especially loved the parents, Richard and Flossy.
The Summer House takes place over the course of one week. I loved the setting, the messy family dynamics, and how easy it was to relate to Hannah McKinnon’s characters. One of my favorite scenes is when one of the children gives a speech at the birthday party – it was quite emotional. I really enjoyed my time with this novel and recommend it to fans of the author and family dramas. It makes my 2017 Favorites List, for sure. *I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
The Summer House takes place over the course of one week. I loved the setting, the messy family dynamics, and how easy it was to relate to Hannah McKinnon’s characters. One of my favorite scenes is when one of the children gives a speech at the birthday party – it was quite emotional. I really enjoyed my time with this novel and recommend it to fans of the author and family dramas. It makes my 2017 Favorites List, for sure. *I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
June 6, 2017
I’ve mentioned before that Elin Hilderbrand is one of my summertime guilty pleasures. I love to lay back and lose myself in her Nantucket stories. It just makes me feel like summer. The Summer House by Hannah McKinnon gave me that same vibe, but better! McKinnon breathes new life into cottage living with a little bit of added family drama and dynamics, colourful characters and many heartwarming and humorous moments.
In The Summer House, a different member of the Merrill family narrates each chapter. Clem, the youngest daughter, and a recently widowed mother is struggling with raising her family on her own and with her budding feelings for the boy (turned man) next door. Sam and Evan, trying desperately to adopt a baby. Paige, the know it all oldest sister, struggling to keep her family afloat after her husband loses his job and her children starting acting out. They are all brought together by their matriarch, Flossy, who is trying to throw one last hurrah for her husband’s birthday before their family summer house is sold.
McKinnon’s easy narrative style sucks you in and allows you to settle comfortably in the plot and get to know the characters. This one really reminded me of The Family Stone, which is one of my favourite feel-good holiday movies that I watch every year. There were lots of laugh-out-loud hilarious moments but also some really heartfelt and touching ones as well. McKinnon does a brilliant job at writing a family dynamic and making it come alive on the pages.
My only complaint (and it was a small complaint), was that the ending felt a little bit abrupt. I was absorbed in this story and then it was just over. Not a lot of resolution or neatly tied ends, which is what I have come to know with novels like these.
Regardless, I feel like this book would be perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and the like. A perfect, feel good, summer beach read. 4/5 stars.
In The Summer House, a different member of the Merrill family narrates each chapter. Clem, the youngest daughter, and a recently widowed mother is struggling with raising her family on her own and with her budding feelings for the boy (turned man) next door. Sam and Evan, trying desperately to adopt a baby. Paige, the know it all oldest sister, struggling to keep her family afloat after her husband loses his job and her children starting acting out. They are all brought together by their matriarch, Flossy, who is trying to throw one last hurrah for her husband’s birthday before their family summer house is sold.
McKinnon’s easy narrative style sucks you in and allows you to settle comfortably in the plot and get to know the characters. This one really reminded me of The Family Stone, which is one of my favourite feel-good holiday movies that I watch every year. There were lots of laugh-out-loud hilarious moments but also some really heartfelt and touching ones as well. McKinnon does a brilliant job at writing a family dynamic and making it come alive on the pages.
My only complaint (and it was a small complaint), was that the ending felt a little bit abrupt. I was absorbed in this story and then it was just over. Not a lot of resolution or neatly tied ends, which is what I have come to know with novels like these.
Regardless, I feel like this book would be perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and the like. A perfect, feel good, summer beach read. 4/5 stars.
June 20, 2017
Great book! I laughed, I cried - literally! Because the reader knows what Flossy and Richard are planning for the family summer house, it's much more poignant than had it been a surprise. The crises that each of the family members are going through and have brought to the house makes for a "moody" book. I mean this in a good way. The ups and downs of the characters are dramatic!
I am so glad to have read this book. The author brings real emotion to the characters. The story is superb and flows logically with a few surprises thrown in. Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
I am so glad to have read this book. The author brings real emotion to the characters. The story is superb and flows logically with a few surprises thrown in. Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
August 30, 2017
Flossy Merrill's family and the Summer House in Rhode Island have always been her first loves. When her grown children stopped coming to the Summer House, she and her husband decided that it was time to sell the place. All the children had been asked the previous summer if they wanted the Summer House, but they all declined. This summer Flossy managed to get everyone together to celebrate their father's 75th birthday party and have a last family vacation together before they sold the home. The catch was, that they did not want to tell the kids until the week ended so as not to ruin their time together. As each child arrives, they bring with them their families as well as all their problems and baggage.
The characters will grow on you and bring you into their problems, issues, heartache and joy. I enjoyed the family interactions with some being funny, but most being emotional. I was expecting a fluffy summer beach read, but instead I found this book had plenty of depth, family drama and emotion. This was still a good summer read as it does show the beach vacation well and will bring back memories of those family summer vacations. The Summer House was a heartfelt, lovely read about a family I think most readers could identify with. I recommend this book to those who enjoy Summer Dramas with the fun and beauty of the beach. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
The characters will grow on you and bring you into their problems, issues, heartache and joy. I enjoyed the family interactions with some being funny, but most being emotional. I was expecting a fluffy summer beach read, but instead I found this book had plenty of depth, family drama and emotion. This was still a good summer read as it does show the beach vacation well and will bring back memories of those family summer vacations. The Summer House was a heartfelt, lovely read about a family I think most readers could identify with. I recommend this book to those who enjoy Summer Dramas with the fun and beauty of the beach. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
August 7, 2017
Oh, the joys of cottage life. Memories are made year after year when families comes together to unplug from urban life and spend some quality time together. Fresh sea breezes, shared family meals, daily swims and evenings spent playing board games or relaxing with an adult beverage. It’s an idyllic time. It’s also a time when adult children are forced to spend time with their siblings in close quarters. Past grievances and present-day stresses float to the surface like so much seaweed on the shoreline.
Flossy Merrill convinces her adult children Paige, Sam and Clementine to bring their families to their Rhode Island cottage to celebrate their father’s seventy-fifth birthday. All have reasons they would rather be anywhere but Rhode Island. Sam and Evan are dealing with adoption struggles, Paige’s husband David is looking for work and her teenage children are beginning to draw away from her overbearing ways and Clementine is a young widow dealing with her own small children and the loss of her beloved husband.
It’s a recipe for friction and makes for a fascinating look at the lives of one family as party preparations proceed throughout the week. The thing is, Flossy has ulterior motives for asking her children to put their lives on hold and come spend a week together once again. Richard and Flossy have decided to sell the Summer Home. They have chosen Richard’s party to break the news to their children that the cottage has already been sold.
Hannah McKinnon brings us a well written, fully engaging beach read with The Summer House. It’s easy to slip into the lives of Flossy, Clem, Sam and Paige and their families. Dramatic moments and life challenges are mixed with introducing the next generation to the kinds of traditions memories are made of. It’s a great beach read.
It was for me a poignant and bittersweet read as the cottage my family has rented each summer for the past almost twenty years is up for sale. Memories are following us into every bay and around every island on the lake we’ve considered ours for so long. Like the adult Merrill children, it will be hard to say goodbye to this cottage. McKinnon captures this feeling and the memories we will take with us when we leave.
ARC received with thanks from Atria Books via NetGalley for review.
Flossy Merrill convinces her adult children Paige, Sam and Clementine to bring their families to their Rhode Island cottage to celebrate their father’s seventy-fifth birthday. All have reasons they would rather be anywhere but Rhode Island. Sam and Evan are dealing with adoption struggles, Paige’s husband David is looking for work and her teenage children are beginning to draw away from her overbearing ways and Clementine is a young widow dealing with her own small children and the loss of her beloved husband.
It’s a recipe for friction and makes for a fascinating look at the lives of one family as party preparations proceed throughout the week. The thing is, Flossy has ulterior motives for asking her children to put their lives on hold and come spend a week together once again. Richard and Flossy have decided to sell the Summer Home. They have chosen Richard’s party to break the news to their children that the cottage has already been sold.
Hannah McKinnon brings us a well written, fully engaging beach read with The Summer House. It’s easy to slip into the lives of Flossy, Clem, Sam and Paige and their families. Dramatic moments and life challenges are mixed with introducing the next generation to the kinds of traditions memories are made of. It’s a great beach read.
It was for me a poignant and bittersweet read as the cottage my family has rented each summer for the past almost twenty years is up for sale. Memories are following us into every bay and around every island on the lake we’ve considered ours for so long. Like the adult Merrill children, it will be hard to say goodbye to this cottage. McKinnon captures this feeling and the memories we will take with us when we leave.
ARC received with thanks from Atria Books via NetGalley for review.
June 8, 2017
This book was such a breath of fresh air and just what I needed to get excited for summer! It was everything I love about a summer read--beach house setting, great characters, and a feel good story that makes your heart happy. Normally in books with chapters with multiple characters, I almost always have that one (or two!) character that I'm not as excited to read about. Not so with The Summer House! I loved each character and did not find myself bored or wanting a certain character's chapter to be over. I loved each character's story and journey throughout the book. I found myself wishing I could go hang out at the house with this wonderful family.
I loved both of the author's previous books, and The Summer House did not disappoint! The writing and the story flowed well and was relaxing to read. The Summer house should definitely be on your summer reading list this year--it is a delightful read!
View this review on my blog at https://palmerspageturners.blogspot.c...
I loved both of the author's previous books, and The Summer House did not disappoint! The writing and the story flowed well and was relaxing to read. The Summer house should definitely be on your summer reading list this year--it is a delightful read!
View this review on my blog at https://palmerspageturners.blogspot.c...
July 21, 2017
A relaxing beach read I enjoyed!
June 8, 2017
Flossy Merrill would love to have her family spend some time all under the same roof at their beach house, just like the good old days. What better to get them there than to celebrate their father's 80th birthday? Her three children and their families come, some more willing than others, and along with them come their problems, some larger than others. There's Clementine, the youngest Merrill, who had two little ones and is just coming out of a very, very upsetting year. Then there's Samuel and his partner who are in the process of adopting, but learning that some things don't always work out easily. Lastly, there's Paige, the oldest Merrill, and the most stubborn. She is a micro-manager and she appears to have it all together, but, well, doesn't. Managing her two teens has proven to be tough along with her unemployed husband and her growing veterinary practice. The Merrill children come together and personalities collide, secrets are unearthed, and family bonds are forged. Where better to do this than at their beloved Rhode Island beach house? Hannah McKinnon's The Summer House really tugged on my heart strings. I loved this beach read and the Merrill family.
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June 28, 2017
The Summer House was a great way to begin my summer. It follows three siblings reunited at their vacation home to celebrate their father's eightieth birthday.
Flossy is the strong mother who wants her children together one last time before they sell their home. She's also trying to reconnect with them and help them through their individual heartbreaks. It's hard for her to say goodbye to the summer home, leaving all the memories behind but she knows they need to move forward.
Paige is the oldest. She's a strong-willed woman and she has always been competitive. Her practice as a veterinarian is flourishing but she's exhausted from working long hours. Her marriage is strained after her husband loses his job, and her teenage children are starting to give her headaches too.
Samuel has had a very stable relationship with his husband Evan. He's a workaholic but he also enjoys his time with Evan. After they both decided that it was time to add to a baby to their home, their hearts are crushed after their first attempt at adoption fails.
Clementine is the youngest child. She has two kids and a year ago she lost her husband in an accident. She's still trying to put back together the pieces of her life. She's still grieving.
As you can see, all these characters are suffering. They all have secrets but those won't last long after their time together when their sibling rivalry, jealousy, and heartache make their presence known.
The Summer Home had a well-paced flow. Hannah McKinnon does a fabulous job in the development of her characters. It was hard not to side with one of the siblings. My favorite was Clem.
If you want a good women's fiction with a summer background look no further. This one is for you.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Flossy is the strong mother who wants her children together one last time before they sell their home. She's also trying to reconnect with them and help them through their individual heartbreaks. It's hard for her to say goodbye to the summer home, leaving all the memories behind but she knows they need to move forward.
Paige is the oldest. She's a strong-willed woman and she has always been competitive. Her practice as a veterinarian is flourishing but she's exhausted from working long hours. Her marriage is strained after her husband loses his job, and her teenage children are starting to give her headaches too.
Samuel has had a very stable relationship with his husband Evan. He's a workaholic but he also enjoys his time with Evan. After they both decided that it was time to add to a baby to their home, their hearts are crushed after their first attempt at adoption fails.
Clementine is the youngest child. She has two kids and a year ago she lost her husband in an accident. She's still trying to put back together the pieces of her life. She's still grieving.
As you can see, all these characters are suffering. They all have secrets but those won't last long after their time together when their sibling rivalry, jealousy, and heartache make their presence known.
The Summer Home had a well-paced flow. Hannah McKinnon does a fabulous job in the development of her characters. It was hard not to side with one of the siblings. My favorite was Clem.
If you want a good women's fiction with a summer background look no further. This one is for you.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Read
December 28, 2017The Summer House
By
Hannah McKinnon
What it's all about...
Flossy and Richard own a lovely summer house that has been in their family for generations. It is a source of comfort to them but it is also becoming a growing burden. This is the year that Flossy wants all of her children and their spouses and grandchildren to come to the summer house for at least a week in the summer. They finally come home but they bring their varied issues with them. Every form of dysfunction that you can imagine comes home with Clem, Paige and Sam and their growing grandchildren.
Why I wanted to read it...
This kind of beachy book with characters with tons of issues is always a great reading experience. This author writes beautifully and each chapter rolls out with ease and interest. The issues of Flossy's children are interesting...they are serious and need to be addressed by these adult children.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
Books written about beachy summers are always great fun for me. There is just enough dysfunction and humor to make this book really lovely. Flossy's quest to get her neighbor's stuffed oyster recipe is delightful as is her grand plan for her husband's birthday party.
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who enjoy a fun interesting hard to put down beach book should truly enjoy this one! I know I did!
By
Hannah McKinnon
What it's all about...
Flossy and Richard own a lovely summer house that has been in their family for generations. It is a source of comfort to them but it is also becoming a growing burden. This is the year that Flossy wants all of her children and their spouses and grandchildren to come to the summer house for at least a week in the summer. They finally come home but they bring their varied issues with them. Every form of dysfunction that you can imagine comes home with Clem, Paige and Sam and their growing grandchildren.
Why I wanted to read it...
This kind of beachy book with characters with tons of issues is always a great reading experience. This author writes beautifully and each chapter rolls out with ease and interest. The issues of Flossy's children are interesting...they are serious and need to be addressed by these adult children.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
Books written about beachy summers are always great fun for me. There is just enough dysfunction and humor to make this book really lovely. Flossy's quest to get her neighbor's stuffed oyster recipe is delightful as is her grand plan for her husband's birthday party.
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who enjoy a fun interesting hard to put down beach book should truly enjoy this one! I know I did!
June 15, 2017
This is a book about family, tradition, ebbs & tides of life. Set in Rhode Island during the summer, it's also about the restorative nature of home & what it means to need to put each of us back on the proper trajectory of life. A house can do this - especially one located on a beach, along the shore, and redolent of lifelong memories. Good summer read that has its prickles & not all rosiness.
June 19, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. A good beach read that is overflowing with drama and family dysfunction! Highly recommend this delightfully heartwarming read!
May 31, 2017
4.5 stars.
an absolutely perfect beach read- Heather McKinnon manages to capture the essence of summer in this book perfectly. The Merill family gather at their beach house to celebrate their father's birthday. Everyone in the family has a secret- from the parents, to the three adult children, to one of the grandchildren. I especially loved the setting for the book because it was written at "my" beach. Definitely recommend this one if you're looking for a good beach book.
an absolutely perfect beach read- Heather McKinnon manages to capture the essence of summer in this book perfectly. The Merill family gather at their beach house to celebrate their father's birthday. Everyone in the family has a secret- from the parents, to the three adult children, to one of the grandchildren. I especially loved the setting for the book because it was written at "my" beach. Definitely recommend this one if you're looking for a good beach book.
June 21, 2017
The Summer House was my first Hannah McKinnon book, and I think it's safe to say it will not be my last. It was filled with love, heartbreak, plenty of drama, and a real family. I always love books that deal with real life situations instead of perfect cookie cutter families with no issues whatsoever. The characters were unique and I found myself relating to each of them in one way or another.
McKinnon's writing style was engaging and kept me entertained from start to finish. I loved the setting and found myself wishing I was sitting on the beach with the whole Merrill family. Each of the characters had their own drama and they were trying to hold it all in instead of leaning on each other. The bottled emotions caused some extremely intense scenes throughout the novel and made me flip the pages faster and faster. I kept wanting to scream at them to communicate, but we all know the lack of communication often adds to the intrigue and buildup of a novel.
All in all, The Summer House was an entertaining beach read and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy a little romance, a lot of family drama, and even a few tears here and there. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from McKinnon in the future. A huge thank you to Atria Books for sending along a review copy! Head to your nearest bookstore today and pick up your copy of The Summer House!
McKinnon's writing style was engaging and kept me entertained from start to finish. I loved the setting and found myself wishing I was sitting on the beach with the whole Merrill family. Each of the characters had their own drama and they were trying to hold it all in instead of leaning on each other. The bottled emotions caused some extremely intense scenes throughout the novel and made me flip the pages faster and faster. I kept wanting to scream at them to communicate, but we all know the lack of communication often adds to the intrigue and buildup of a novel.
All in all, The Summer House was an entertaining beach read and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy a little romance, a lot of family drama, and even a few tears here and there. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from McKinnon in the future. A huge thank you to Atria Books for sending along a review copy! Head to your nearest bookstore today and pick up your copy of The Summer House!
April 27, 2017
I love a good book set during summer on the east coast, and this one did not disappoint!
This book encompasses everything you think about when you hear the words summer house - a gorgeous setting, a dysfunctional family, and drama, drama, drama.
This was a well written book that grabbed me from the beginning, full of strong characters and believable behaviors. Fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Mary Alice Monroe will love this book. I will definitely read more books by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book encompasses everything you think about when you hear the words summer house - a gorgeous setting, a dysfunctional family, and drama, drama, drama.
This was a well written book that grabbed me from the beginning, full of strong characters and believable behaviors. Fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Mary Alice Monroe will love this book. I will definitely read more books by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2017
I must say that I really enjoyed this book. I've always wanted to have a summer house by the ocean. These three siblings and their parents became very real to me in this story. I was drawn in right away with Clem losing her husband. I really wanted her to find happiness.
I really liked Flossy and laughed out loud a few times at her antics! Another favorite was the toast by Sam at his Dad's birthday party. I could see that scene in my mind so clearly.
This was my first Hannah McKinnon, but I'm definitely interested in reading her other books. And getting a summer house on the ocean!
I really liked Flossy and laughed out loud a few times at her antics! Another favorite was the toast by Sam at his Dad's birthday party. I could see that scene in my mind so clearly.
This was my first Hannah McKinnon, but I'm definitely interested in reading her other books. And getting a summer house on the ocean!
August 7, 2019
A great summer read that I could really relate to--a summer home filled with family and lots of swimming, great meals prepared by the family matriarch, and (when we got old enough!) lots of wine. I could even relate to the neighbors who had lived next to the Merrill family for years.
July 12, 2017
Good, fun summer read. I always look forward to a few beach reads that allow me to "escape" - this is one. If you like Elin Hilderbrand you'll like this!
June 6, 2017
I loved this book. It is a perfect summer/beach read. It is about a family returning to their summer house together for the first time in two years. They are also there to celebrate their father's 75th birthday. As the three grown children and their spouses and children arrive it is evident that each is returning with their own set of problems. Flossy and Richard have lured the children back with the birthday party being a pivotal reason so everyone has interrupted their lives to spend a week at the beach. The children are unaware that this will be the their last summer at the house as their parents are going to sell it. The characters are well written as is each of their stories. It's a quick read with lots of ice cream, sand, and family problems. Perfect summer reading.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.
July 23, 2022
I absolutely loved this summertime read. There were so many nostalgic summer house moments that pulled at my heartstrings. I will definitely be reading others by this author!
May 19, 2017
This is a great summer read, with all the necessary trappings: a dysfunctional family, a great summer setting, and lots of drama. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting back in the warm sun, under a cloudless sky, to read it. Flossie Merrill has invited her children and their families to the family summer house in Rhode Island, for their aging father’s birthday. Flossie also wants to check up on her children: Clementine, whose life has recently undergone a major change; Paige, who seems steadfast but who has unpredictable teenagers; and Samuel, who, along with his partner Evan, are struggling to come to grips with their life together. The three grown Merrill children arrive at the summer house, along with their different challenges, and the week at the beach house becomes a good look at how each works through things while interacting with each other. The story covered this aspect well, with look backs to their childhoods and how far each has come. This is definitely a great summer read, either at home or at the beach/on vacation. It is not terribly fast moving, but remains interesting and will hold your attention from start to finish. The author should think about building on this book and making the Merrill family stories a series. I received this form NetGalley to read and review.
May 10, 2017
My thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A great summer read! A story that encompasses the arc of a family, the highs and the lows, set in the family summer home by the beach. Beautifully written, and hard to put down. It made me wish I had a summer house to go to with my extended family.
Flossie Merrill has finally gotten all her children and their families back to the summer house in Rhode Island where generations of their family have spent the summer. It's their father's eightieth birthday, and Flossie has planned a big party, but she has another reason for gathering the family together. Flossie worries about all her children for different reasons - her daughter Clementine has had a life-changing event, Samuel and his partner Evan are struggling with adoption, and Paige seems fine, but has unpredictable teenagers.
Her children arrive, all with own their own literal and figurative baggage in tow. One of the things I most enjoyed about this book was the interactions between the siblings, based on habits learned as children. Sam and Paige are very competitive, and not always to their benefit. Paige and Clem have an interesting relationship as sisters. As the week progresses, the relationships between the three siblings and their parents strengthen as they begin to see one another for the adults they are in the present.
The writing in The Summer House is excellent, and the story is well paced. I was engrossed in this book and invested in the characters. They seem like real people that you'd enjoy getting to know.
All in all, this was a fantastic book and will make a great summer beach read. I highly recommend it.
A great summer read! A story that encompasses the arc of a family, the highs and the lows, set in the family summer home by the beach. Beautifully written, and hard to put down. It made me wish I had a summer house to go to with my extended family.
Flossie Merrill has finally gotten all her children and their families back to the summer house in Rhode Island where generations of their family have spent the summer. It's their father's eightieth birthday, and Flossie has planned a big party, but she has another reason for gathering the family together. Flossie worries about all her children for different reasons - her daughter Clementine has had a life-changing event, Samuel and his partner Evan are struggling with adoption, and Paige seems fine, but has unpredictable teenagers.
Her children arrive, all with own their own literal and figurative baggage in tow. One of the things I most enjoyed about this book was the interactions between the siblings, based on habits learned as children. Sam and Paige are very competitive, and not always to their benefit. Paige and Clem have an interesting relationship as sisters. As the week progresses, the relationships between the three siblings and their parents strengthen as they begin to see one another for the adults they are in the present.
The writing in The Summer House is excellent, and the story is well paced. I was engrossed in this book and invested in the characters. They seem like real people that you'd enjoy getting to know.
All in all, this was a fantastic book and will make a great summer beach read. I highly recommend it.
July 8, 2017
I got this book since it takes place in the town next to where I live (and where I am a year-round resident) and I thought it would be a fun summer beach read. However, I suffered through it. I disliked all of the characters (especially Flossy the fussy biatch and Paige) except Evan and Richard, and I hated how everything got neatly tied up in a bow at the end. But the worst part for me is that the only year-round residents featured in the book, Brad and his dad, are both homophobic bullies. I hate to break it to the author, but us "townies" (oh and BTW Richard has to, for some reason, take special care to tell his children not to look down on said townies) don't need Connecticut tourists for class and civilized behavior. We've got both all on our own. I just about vomited at the "tourist" bit at the end.
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