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Girls of Summer
One life-changing summer on Nantucket brings about exhilarating revelations for a single mother and her two grown children in this sensational novel from New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer.
Lisa Hawley is perfectly satisfied living on her own. Having fully recovered from a brutal divorce nearly two decades earlier, she has successfully raised her kids, Juliet and Theo, seeing them off to college and beyond. As the owner of a popular boutique on Nantucket, she’s built a fulfilling life for herself on the island where she grew up. With her beloved house in desperate need of repair, Lisa calls on Mack Whitney, a friendly—and very handsome—local contractor and fellow single parent, to do the work. The two begin to grow close, and Lisa is stunned to realize that she might be willing to open up again after all . . . despite the fact that Mack is ten years her junior.
Juliet and Theo worry that Mack will only break their mother’s heart—and they can’t bear to see her hurt again. Both stuck in ruts of their own, they each hope that a summer on Nantucket will provide them with the clarity they’ve been searching for. When handsome entrepreneur Ryder Hastings moves to the island to expand his environmental nonprofit, Juliet, an MIT-educated web designer, feels an immediate attraction, one her rocky love life history pushes her to deny at first. Meanwhile, free spirit Theo finds his California bliss comes to a brutal halt when a surfing injury forces him back to the East Coast. Upon his return, he has eyes only for Mack’s daughter, Beth, to whom he is bound by an unspeakable tragedy from high school. Can they overcome their past?
As the season unfolds, a storm threatens to shatter the peace of the golden island, forcing Lisa, Juliet, and Theo to decide whether their summer romances are destined for something more profound. Nancy Thayer dazzles again in this delightful tale of family, a reminder that sometimes, finding our way back home can bring us unexpected gifts.
Lisa Hawley is perfectly satisfied living on her own. Having fully recovered from a brutal divorce nearly two decades earlier, she has successfully raised her kids, Juliet and Theo, seeing them off to college and beyond. As the owner of a popular boutique on Nantucket, she’s built a fulfilling life for herself on the island where she grew up. With her beloved house in desperate need of repair, Lisa calls on Mack Whitney, a friendly—and very handsome—local contractor and fellow single parent, to do the work. The two begin to grow close, and Lisa is stunned to realize that she might be willing to open up again after all . . . despite the fact that Mack is ten years her junior.
Juliet and Theo worry that Mack will only break their mother’s heart—and they can’t bear to see her hurt again. Both stuck in ruts of their own, they each hope that a summer on Nantucket will provide them with the clarity they’ve been searching for. When handsome entrepreneur Ryder Hastings moves to the island to expand his environmental nonprofit, Juliet, an MIT-educated web designer, feels an immediate attraction, one her rocky love life history pushes her to deny at first. Meanwhile, free spirit Theo finds his California bliss comes to a brutal halt when a surfing injury forces him back to the East Coast. Upon his return, he has eyes only for Mack’s daughter, Beth, to whom he is bound by an unspeakable tragedy from high school. Can they overcome their past?
As the season unfolds, a storm threatens to shatter the peace of the golden island, forcing Lisa, Juliet, and Theo to decide whether their summer romances are destined for something more profound. Nancy Thayer dazzles again in this delightful tale of family, a reminder that sometimes, finding our way back home can bring us unexpected gifts.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2020
2347 people are currently reading
13455 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Thayer
51 books4,039 followersNancy Thayer has published 35 novels, including Family Reunion and Secrets in Summer. She has lived on Nantucket Island year-round for 38 years with her husband Charley Walters. They have two children and five grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 901 reviews
September 11, 2020
Finally I found a perfect hopeful, poignant, heartwarming, inspirational,gripping, lovely feel-good story with adorable characters and their swoon, sweet, memorable love stories.
After reading this sweet beach read: only thing you want to do is showing your middle finger to the notorious pandemic, getting into your car and driving nonstop till you reach to Nantucket, breathing out the smell of the sea, taking long walks, feeling the sunshine on your face ( it will be limited connection when you’re wearing masks but it’s better than nothing😷🏖🌞🏄🏻♀️)
Let’s talk about the synopsis and get some snippets from the characters’ stories.
Lisa Hawley is not Eleanor Oliphant but trust me: she is completely fine! She has successful boutique located in her hometown Nantucket. She has devoted friends, she has social activities to spend her spare time. She truly raised two beautiful kids on her own after her pretentious bastard husband divorced her for not being sophisticated enough, destroying her self-esteem, cutting his all connections with his kids.
Lisa has questioned herself after being dumbed and living a secluded life for 2 years but after her best friend Rachel’s warnings, she took control of her life and created her own pattern: a career matches with her abilities and raising her two children who left for the college chasing their own dreams: her elder child: Juliet went to MIT and became a successful web-developer as his two years younger son who has more adventurous soul: Theo (25) moved to LA to catch the waves and chase his dream to become a surfer.
Even though Lisa suffers from empty nest syndrome, she is still fine, happy with her achievements in her life and the old house she lives till her empty nest falls down on her head (actually living room ceiling falls down and her capabilities to fix everything on her own aren’t enough to repair the damage)
So she calls Mack Whitney, a charming, hottie local contractor, widower to fix the place. But Mack not only repairs her damaged old house, he also fills the emptiness of her heart. But Lisa fights with her inner securities and thinks what the town people will talk about them behind their backs. Mack is flirty, haven’t been in a serious relationship for years, 10 years younger than her. And she realizes as her son Theo comes back to home after the surfing accident, he has some secret feelings to Mack’s daughter Beth. After living for college: Mack’s best friend dated with Beth and then he committed suicide and took his own life. So the couple’s unresolved feelings and for each other slowly reappear after Theo’s return which complicate the things between their father and mother.
And of course after her too many heartbreaking relationships later, Juliet comes back to home and meets charming entrepreneur Ryder Hastings. She tries to deny her feelings to protect herself from another destructive relationship but their chemistry grows unexpectedly.
I mostly loved Mack and Lisa’s love story parts. All those stories were sweet, heart melting, moving and all those characters were so likable make you feel like they are your own family members or close friends.
Overall: it’s entertaining, relaxing, fresh summer read that I highly recommend to everyone to feel joyful and get rid of their stressful thoughts. This is one of the best FEEL GOOD READS we totally need right now!
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After reading this sweet beach read: only thing you want to do is showing your middle finger to the notorious pandemic, getting into your car and driving nonstop till you reach to Nantucket, breathing out the smell of the sea, taking long walks, feeling the sunshine on your face ( it will be limited connection when you’re wearing masks but it’s better than nothing😷🏖🌞🏄🏻♀️)
Let’s talk about the synopsis and get some snippets from the characters’ stories.
Lisa Hawley is not Eleanor Oliphant but trust me: she is completely fine! She has successful boutique located in her hometown Nantucket. She has devoted friends, she has social activities to spend her spare time. She truly raised two beautiful kids on her own after her pretentious bastard husband divorced her for not being sophisticated enough, destroying her self-esteem, cutting his all connections with his kids.
Lisa has questioned herself after being dumbed and living a secluded life for 2 years but after her best friend Rachel’s warnings, she took control of her life and created her own pattern: a career matches with her abilities and raising her two children who left for the college chasing their own dreams: her elder child: Juliet went to MIT and became a successful web-developer as his two years younger son who has more adventurous soul: Theo (25) moved to LA to catch the waves and chase his dream to become a surfer.
Even though Lisa suffers from empty nest syndrome, she is still fine, happy with her achievements in her life and the old house she lives till her empty nest falls down on her head (actually living room ceiling falls down and her capabilities to fix everything on her own aren’t enough to repair the damage)
So she calls Mack Whitney, a charming, hottie local contractor, widower to fix the place. But Mack not only repairs her damaged old house, he also fills the emptiness of her heart. But Lisa fights with her inner securities and thinks what the town people will talk about them behind their backs. Mack is flirty, haven’t been in a serious relationship for years, 10 years younger than her. And she realizes as her son Theo comes back to home after the surfing accident, he has some secret feelings to Mack’s daughter Beth. After living for college: Mack’s best friend dated with Beth and then he committed suicide and took his own life. So the couple’s unresolved feelings and for each other slowly reappear after Theo’s return which complicate the things between their father and mother.
And of course after her too many heartbreaking relationships later, Juliet comes back to home and meets charming entrepreneur Ryder Hastings. She tries to deny her feelings to protect herself from another destructive relationship but their chemistry grows unexpectedly.
I mostly loved Mack and Lisa’s love story parts. All those stories were sweet, heart melting, moving and all those characters were so likable make you feel like they are your own family members or close friends.
Overall: it’s entertaining, relaxing, fresh summer read that I highly recommend to everyone to feel joyful and get rid of their stressful thoughts. This is one of the best FEEL GOOD READS we totally need right now!
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June 3, 2020
I read books like this to relax and have fun. However, this book was much too cliched to be enjoyable. I cannot believe I just read a book where the biggest issue was the fact a woman is 10-years older than her boyfriend. Did it suddenly become 1812? Was this even an issue then? I don’t expect books like this to have the answer to world peace. Yet, I do expect them to have some meaningful, realistic substance. I’m amazed at how quickly 3 couples were able to initiate a relationship and decide they were madly in love with their soulmates. Let’s throw in a storm for good measure since this is a book set on a resort island. For me, two words sum it up - disappointing read.
June 11, 2020
Three HEAs for the price of one! When you pick up a Nancy Thayer book you know you’re in for a charming beach read and this book was no exception. A heartwarming love story times three set in gorgeous Nantucket. Lisa is a hard-working single mom to Juliet and Theo. Now that Juliet and Theo are grown her main focus is work work work. This suits Lisa just fine that is until handsome Mac shows up at her door to fix her roof and eventually her heart. Of course there needs to be some complications thrown in Mac is 10 years younger than Lisa and her kids are convinced for this reason he’s going to break her heart. Also Mac has a daughter Beth who has a history with Lisa‘s son Theo and when Theo comes back to Nantucket... i’m sure you can see where this is going. Of course this is a romance triple bill and Juliet has caught the attention of environmentalist Hastings. While this book was somewhat predictable I really enjoyed every minute I spent with these engaging characters on this enchanting island.
This was definitely the summer of love for this family. Admittedly if this were not fiction I might be inclined to advise these people to spend a little more time together before they jump in feet first, but hey it’s fiction and it’s romance. I truly loved all the characters in the story and all the romances, but my favorites were definitely Lisa and Mac. Lisa was a great relatable character, although occasionally she frustrated me with her insecurities especially when it came to Mac. Her kids could have possibly been a little more supportive at times they did underestimate their mom, but I guess that’s probably not that unusual. Another delightful beach read from this must read author.
This book in emojis 🏖 👩👧👦 🌊 👗 🧰 🦈 🔨
*** Big thank you to Random House for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This was definitely the summer of love for this family. Admittedly if this were not fiction I might be inclined to advise these people to spend a little more time together before they jump in feet first, but hey it’s fiction and it’s romance. I truly loved all the characters in the story and all the romances, but my favorites were definitely Lisa and Mac. Lisa was a great relatable character, although occasionally she frustrated me with her insecurities especially when it came to Mac. Her kids could have possibly been a little more supportive at times they did underestimate their mom, but I guess that’s probably not that unusual. Another delightful beach read from this must read author.
This book in emojis 🏖 👩👧👦 🌊 👗 🧰 🦈 🔨
*** Big thank you to Random House for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
July 12, 2020
This book was way to superficial. Seriously, every main character declaring they were in love after talking to someone one time. Very predictable. Not one of my favorites by her.
August 7, 2020
As you can see by my rating, I did not care for this book. I feel bad writing this review. I KNOW Nancy Thayer will not read it. But I feel mean just the same. But I really need to get this off my chest.
This was the 13th Nancy Thayer book that I have read. If it had been the first, it most likely would have been the last.
First, as mentioned in some other reviews, why is a 10 year age difference for people in their 40’s and 50’s a big deal? Why is it a thing at all? We’re not talking about a 23 year old dating someone who is 13. They are 56 and 46 (or 45, can’t remember). And Lisa, the 56 year old, is SO concerned about this. As are the children in the book. This is just so preposterous to me!
Speaking of, let’s talk about the “children.” They are 25, 25 and 27 years old. They act 12. They are all so childish, pouty and judgmental. Maybe I’m being too harsh on Theo. But Beth and Juliet for sure. Grow up!
And then there are the romantic entanglements of them all. I must be living in the wrong universe, because apparently one should fall in love and want to get married approximately five minutes into a relationship. And “relationship” is a stretch. I understand that it doesn’t always take a long time to know he or she is “the one.” But seriously, these people had barely spent any time together before deciding to be together forever.
All three couples! Again, you could argue that Theo and Beth were the exception, but I don’t give them an exemption. They were tight in high school but never dated. And now after seeing each other seven years later, they’re committed to each other after spending a few hours together over the course of a few days.
If the page numbers weren’t printed on each page, I would have thought I was missing about 100 pages of dating details for all of them in the middle of the book. But, no, all 303 pages were there. None were torn out by the person who read it before me.
I considered giving up on this one, which is something I very rarely do. I stuck with it mainly because it was a short book so I could finish quickly. And the Nancy Thayer optimist in me held out hope that it would be redeemed somehow along the way. Redemption never came, and I was glad to finish it. If it had been 304 pages, I might not have suffered through.
This was the 13th Nancy Thayer book that I have read. If it had been the first, it most likely would have been the last.
First, as mentioned in some other reviews, why is a 10 year age difference for people in their 40’s and 50’s a big deal? Why is it a thing at all? We’re not talking about a 23 year old dating someone who is 13. They are 56 and 46 (or 45, can’t remember). And Lisa, the 56 year old, is SO concerned about this. As are the children in the book. This is just so preposterous to me!
Speaking of, let’s talk about the “children.” They are 25, 25 and 27 years old. They act 12. They are all so childish, pouty and judgmental. Maybe I’m being too harsh on Theo. But Beth and Juliet for sure. Grow up!
And then there are the romantic entanglements of them all. I must be living in the wrong universe, because apparently one should fall in love and want to get married approximately five minutes into a relationship. And “relationship” is a stretch. I understand that it doesn’t always take a long time to know he or she is “the one.” But seriously, these people had barely spent any time together before deciding to be together forever.
All three couples! Again, you could argue that Theo and Beth were the exception, but I don’t give them an exemption. They were tight in high school but never dated. And now after seeing each other seven years later, they’re committed to each other after spending a few hours together over the course of a few days.
If the page numbers weren’t printed on each page, I would have thought I was missing about 100 pages of dating details for all of them in the middle of the book. But, no, all 303 pages were there. None were torn out by the person who read it before me.
I considered giving up on this one, which is something I very rarely do. I stuck with it mainly because it was a short book so I could finish quickly. And the Nancy Thayer optimist in me held out hope that it would be redeemed somehow along the way. Redemption never came, and I was glad to finish it. If it had been 304 pages, I might not have suffered through.
July 4, 2020
Total bummer. Single mom of one family with 2 grown kids wants to date widowed dad of another family with a grown kid. Grown kids are brats about parents dating at all, let alone dating the parent of someone they’re interested in. 95% of this book is awful. Exhausted from the “but you’re 10 years older than him” from EVERY CHARACTER IN THE BOOK. Grown woman throws a tantrum over her dad dating someone. And, at one point, we’re supposed to be cool with the mom’s best friend just straight up saying to her “you’re getting fat!!!” Gtfo. Pathetic writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2020
After her husband leaves her for a much more exciting life, Lisa Hawley raises her children Juliet and Theo on Nantucket, making a life for herself even opening her own boutique. The one thing missing is a man in Lisa's life until she runs into the father of one of Theo's classmates who is also a contractor on the island. When she needs some home repairs, she calls Mack and a relationship blossoms from there. This romance seems to be so timely until both of Lisa's kids come home for the summer, giving her no space or time to be with Mack. Juliet has just been dumped by her boss/boyfriend and is heartbroken. Theo who had gone to college in California in order to become a surfer had been injured while surfing and needs to recover. To further complicate things, Theo and Mack's daughter Beth rekindle their friendship which soon becomes a romance. Juliet also seems to have a relationship in the works with Ryder, whom she met on the ferry coming to Nantucket, though I'd like to see her take that relationship a bit cautiously as he seems to be offering her more than she may be ready to accept.
The ending made me want more, so I am hoping there's a sequel but I don't think that's Nancy Thayer's style.
The ending made me want more, so I am hoping there's a sequel but I don't think that's Nancy Thayer's style.
August 31, 2020
This is my 8th by Nancy Thayer and I am giving this book 3 stars. I enjoyed it enough to read it but got a little bored in the middle. I still say it’s a good summer read!
July 12, 2022
Three and a half stars,
Single mother Lisa Hawley lives permanently on Nantucket, the island where she grew up. Lisa has two adult children, Juliet and Theo, and a dress shop business that she loves, since she started it years before. She appears satisfied with her life despite no man in it since her and husband Erich divorced years earlier. When her beloved old home needs repairs she calls on Mack Whitney. Mack, a building contractor is also a single as his wife died when their daughter Beth was a child. Lisa is attracted to Mack but Mack is ten years younger than her. It would never work, would it? But the problems when they come are not so much to do with the age difference but other reasons.
The story also gives the reader picture of Juliet and Theo who arrive back at Nantucket for the summer. Both of them have relationship issues they need to resolve. Juliet is a MIT educated website designer and she is attracted to Ryder Hastings, whose main concern is protecting the planet, in particular his business Ocean Matters. Lisa’s son Theo, has a long held attraction to Beth but a tragedy from the past often intrudes. Is there any hope for these relationships?
A story of family, romance, addiction and depression, as well as happy moments. This is a gentle, engaging read, or it was I thought till it got to the end. Then I found the ending rushed and totally unrealistic. But I am equally sure a lot of people will like the ending. For mine, it was too neat and swept too much that had previously been issues suddenly out of the picture, .a shame as it was an enjoyable enough read till then. But then it may not worry some other people. The setting is beautiful and the characters held my interest for the most part.
Single mother Lisa Hawley lives permanently on Nantucket, the island where she grew up. Lisa has two adult children, Juliet and Theo, and a dress shop business that she loves, since she started it years before. She appears satisfied with her life despite no man in it since her and husband Erich divorced years earlier. When her beloved old home needs repairs she calls on Mack Whitney. Mack, a building contractor is also a single as his wife died when their daughter Beth was a child. Lisa is attracted to Mack but Mack is ten years younger than her. It would never work, would it? But the problems when they come are not so much to do with the age difference but other reasons.
The story also gives the reader picture of Juliet and Theo who arrive back at Nantucket for the summer. Both of them have relationship issues they need to resolve. Juliet is a MIT educated website designer and she is attracted to Ryder Hastings, whose main concern is protecting the planet, in particular his business Ocean Matters. Lisa’s son Theo, has a long held attraction to Beth but a tragedy from the past often intrudes. Is there any hope for these relationships?
A story of family, romance, addiction and depression, as well as happy moments. This is a gentle, engaging read, or it was I thought till it got to the end. Then I found the ending rushed and totally unrealistic. But I am equally sure a lot of people will like the ending. For mine, it was too neat and swept too much that had previously been issues suddenly out of the picture, .a shame as it was an enjoyable enough read till then. But then it may not worry some other people. The setting is beautiful and the characters held my interest for the most part.
May 31, 2020
I was given a copy of this book as a gift and I have to say I flew though it. I loved the characters, I loved the story, I loved everything about this book. I love a feel good book where everything is simple and works out like it should. I am such a Thayer fan and this book was a great summer getaway for me.
May 1, 2020
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my 3rd Nancy Thayer book and even though I didn’t like it as much as Secrets In Summer and Island Girls, it was still an enjoyable read. It was a quick and easy book that only took me a couple days to finish. Would be great to read while relaxing on a beach. During certain times in the book I felt like I was reading a YA novel. The dialogue between the characters was very immature at times and I think that might be what annoyed me the most. Also the characters all falling instantly in love and the corny conversations were just a bit much...especially at the end. I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for my advanced readers copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for my advanced readers copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
June 1, 2020
I’ve read several of Nancy Thayer’s novels and I was excited to start this one. However, the characters appeared flippant about relationships, and the whole storyline started to seem silly. I wasn’t a fan of this one.
March 29, 2020
I am grateful to have had a good summery read for this week. It’ll be great to take to the beach too.
This book is based around a couple families on Nantucket.
Lisa was married until her husband left her when she was in her forties. His parting words were cruel and they kind of scarred her, she didn’t even attempt to date. She focused on her kids Juliet and Theo first and she made an amazing career for herself. She now has a very successful women’s clothing boutique.
Her kids are in their late twenties and off living their own lives.
Lisa is now in her mid fifties when she runs into a man named Mack again.
She knows Mack only casually, she met him a few years ago. He was the father of her son’s friend. She felt an instant attraction to him at the time but the setting was awkward (a funeral!) and she didn’t think he could possibly be interested in her. Lisa was not dating at all during that time, so it was a moot point anyway.
Mack is ten years younger than her. There’s not a chance you’ll forget this cause everyone in the story mentions it multiple times. The only one who doesn’t have a problem with the age difference is Mack.
Juliet and Theo both come back home to Nantucket and find their mom living her own life. Juliet isn’t sure she trusts Mack, she thinks he might be after her mother’s money or might break her heart.
Theo likes Mack just fine. In fact, Theo has been in love with Mack’s daughter since he was a teenager. But she used to date his best friend, so they never had a chance to be together. Now he might have his chance, but with their parents dating, they are both pretty uncomfortable with what it could all mean.
I enjoyed the book. I liked most of the couples. I wasn’t wild about Juliet’s love interest but I had all the respect for the way Juliet kept her eyes open.
This was a quick read for me, but possibly because I read it during the social distancing. And once you’ve started a book, in this situation, why stop?
I also always love the Nantucket setting. It reminds me of Elin Hilderbrand books.
I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley. Thanks!
This book is based around a couple families on Nantucket.
Lisa was married until her husband left her when she was in her forties. His parting words were cruel and they kind of scarred her, she didn’t even attempt to date. She focused on her kids Juliet and Theo first and she made an amazing career for herself. She now has a very successful women’s clothing boutique.
Her kids are in their late twenties and off living their own lives.
Lisa is now in her mid fifties when she runs into a man named Mack again.
She knows Mack only casually, she met him a few years ago. He was the father of her son’s friend. She felt an instant attraction to him at the time but the setting was awkward (a funeral!) and she didn’t think he could possibly be interested in her. Lisa was not dating at all during that time, so it was a moot point anyway.
Mack is ten years younger than her. There’s not a chance you’ll forget this cause everyone in the story mentions it multiple times. The only one who doesn’t have a problem with the age difference is Mack.
Juliet and Theo both come back home to Nantucket and find their mom living her own life. Juliet isn’t sure she trusts Mack, she thinks he might be after her mother’s money or might break her heart.
Theo likes Mack just fine. In fact, Theo has been in love with Mack’s daughter since he was a teenager. But she used to date his best friend, so they never had a chance to be together. Now he might have his chance, but with their parents dating, they are both pretty uncomfortable with what it could all mean.
I enjoyed the book. I liked most of the couples. I wasn’t wild about Juliet’s love interest but I had all the respect for the way Juliet kept her eyes open.
This was a quick read for me, but possibly because I read it during the social distancing. And once you’ve started a book, in this situation, why stop?
I also always love the Nantucket setting. It reminds me of Elin Hilderbrand books.
I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley. Thanks!
June 3, 2020
I have an hour left in this book, and am compeltely let down. I don't know if Nancy Thayer is responsible for this tripe or if she has ghost writers at this point.
Her last good novel was Nantucket Wedding a few years ago, with multi0-dimensional characters and a good whodonunit mystery resolved at the very end. Surfside Sisters last year was horrible and this book, while a little more readable, lacks any dimnesional characters.
I won't go into the plot as others have done already, but there is way too much environmental preaching woven into the story line. THe characters are all rather juvenile, and the beginning of this book was so strange, that I thought it took place in the 1950s.
I have quit listening and will return book, since I can guess how it will end. I wish NT would only put out a book every few years when the inspiration hits her and not just put one out every year regardless.
Her last good novel was Nantucket Wedding a few years ago, with multi0-dimensional characters and a good whodonunit mystery resolved at the very end. Surfside Sisters last year was horrible and this book, while a little more readable, lacks any dimnesional characters.
I won't go into the plot as others have done already, but there is way too much environmental preaching woven into the story line. THe characters are all rather juvenile, and the beginning of this book was so strange, that I thought it took place in the 1950s.
I have quit listening and will return book, since I can guess how it will end. I wish NT would only put out a book every few years when the inspiration hits her and not just put one out every year regardless.
June 28, 2020
It is a beach read. However, it was a major disappointment. Spoilers ahead. The main character owns a boutique but she can not dress herself. The best she can come up with is pants and a sweater. She then dresses like Tinker Bell for an ocean themed gala. And the dress was an old one that hardly fit. The women owns a clothes store! Could she not find something new and ocean themed? She runs her own business but does not think that water soaking her ceiling will cause it to fall. She is 56 but thinks that she is practically elderly. Her age is mentioned way too many times.
Another female character aimlessly walks around a hardware store. She is too afraid to ask for help because it might take away from the men who have a greater need to be there.
This book is stuck in the dark ages.
Another female character aimlessly walks around a hardware store. She is too afraid to ask for help because it might take away from the men who have a greater need to be there.
This book is stuck in the dark ages.
September 22, 2020
Nantucket- present day. Nancy Thayer’s Girls of Summer is a delightful summer read. The topics the author deals with are single parent raising a child or children; grown children returning to home for various reasons; how technology has changed how people can work; dating and single parents; age differences when the woman is older as well as being a single working parent for quite awhile; age difference when a divorced father of one child is 10 years older than a daughter of a single parent; and finding love where it has always been between two grown children who became friends in elementary school. Enjoyable! 4 stars. I would like to go to Nantucket!
June 10, 2020
I love to know how authors get their ideas for their books. I ran into this one totally by accident just by turning on my laptop. A notification popped up that someone I follow was ‘live,’ interviewing author, Nancy Thayer! (Sometimes notifications are good.) Naturally, I clicked but the interview was over, fortunately I was given the opportunity to listen to the replay! Yes, please; click!
One of the issues in the book is age, specifically women older than their men. The men they are dating, seeing, married to, etc. It is a background issue, but it pops up frequently, especially with two of the main characters. Nancy got her idea for this, you will never guess by reading the fact that Meaghan Markle is three years older than Prince Harry, and other current couples in the news, with the same arrangement. She tucked that tidbit of info in the back-pocket of brain, marked ‘book ideas,’ as authors do. She filed it next to the fact that, ‘Nancy is seven years older than her husband, Charlie,’ which was already in the file. Author interviews are such fun!
Moving on, the Girls of Summer, include three main female characters: Lisa, a single mother of two adult children (Theo and Juliet), Beth, twenty-something, who went to high school with Theo, and has returned to Nantucket with a graduate degree and hoping to work at the Island’s Historical Society Museum. And Juliet, Lisa’s daughter, (Theo’s older sister, by 2 years, who graduated from MIT, and lives and works in Cambridge for a tech firm.
The men are all as handsome, as the women are beautiful. This is a summer beach read, so this is to be expected. This is fine with me by the way, I like to dream in pretty and in color. (choices are optional.) Mack is Beth’s father, a widower since Beth was three years old and a self-employed as a contractor, restoring old homes. Theo, same age as Beth, is the surfer dude, who went to USC-San Diego, and managed to graduate in something while maintaining stellar ‘grades’ in surfing, until he wiped out on ‘that one big wave’ and came home to lick his wounds. He is also broke. Finally, there’s Ryder, who met Juliet on the ferry over and is smitten. He is wealthy and obsessed with saving the planet, starting with our seas, in a growing non-profit called, “Ocean Matters.” He has been travelling all over the globe giving lectures and enticing donors to join his cause. Nantucket is up next for his circuit of fundraising, which is convenient since there is an empty, family home he can occupy while he is on-island.
All of our six main characters, regardless of age, have been hurt or betrayed by love whether in a serious relationship or first-time experience. The scar may be barely a scratch, or a deep wound, but all felt its mark enough where they are cautious and not feeling trustful with their hearts.
This book is the story of how six individuals approach romance, so carefully one summer. No matter how hard they try to keep their emotions in check and ward off romance in any form, summer in Nantucket is an irresistible and magical place for that to not happen. Which is to say, the Girls of Summer is the perfect beach read.
Enjoy!
Thank you, Nancy Thayer!
PS. I am seven years older than my husband too!
December 14, 2023
Super petty way to start but why is this called Girls of Summer? It centres around 2 families with male and female characters falling in love at breakneck speed. It isn’t a fun book about a bunch of gals finding love over the summer.
Next petty point. One of the characters has a degree from MIT and is supposed to be a brilliant IT wizard. Why is she using Go Daddy to build a website? Why is this website so successful that companies from all over want her to work for them to create incredible websites?
Petty point #3. Guy heads an environmental group to protect oceans. Has an insane amount of money. Doesn’t seem to have any kind of education around science but goes off on all sorts of research missions. Why is his newly hired assistant putting up posters with sticky tack in their new office? I couldn’t help but imagine the posters featured a cat just hanging in there. Also, why does Mr. Environment fly around on a private jet while lecturing the world about it’s refusal to pay attention to the environment?
Last one. Why is the main character painted as some sort of geriatric pervert because she’s dating a man 10 years younger. Honestly, it’s just so weird. I imagine the writer has a ton of internalized disgust for her aging self.
Ok, one more. Why are all the children in all her books just the worst? Honestly, I’d be changing my locks and phone number if my kids were like this.
Why do I keep reading Thayer’s books? Is it a form of penance?
Next petty point. One of the characters has a degree from MIT and is supposed to be a brilliant IT wizard. Why is she using Go Daddy to build a website? Why is this website so successful that companies from all over want her to work for them to create incredible websites?
Petty point #3. Guy heads an environmental group to protect oceans. Has an insane amount of money. Doesn’t seem to have any kind of education around science but goes off on all sorts of research missions. Why is his newly hired assistant putting up posters with sticky tack in their new office? I couldn’t help but imagine the posters featured a cat just hanging in there. Also, why does Mr. Environment fly around on a private jet while lecturing the world about it’s refusal to pay attention to the environment?
Last one. Why is the main character painted as some sort of geriatric pervert because she’s dating a man 10 years younger. Honestly, it’s just so weird. I imagine the writer has a ton of internalized disgust for her aging self.
Ok, one more. Why are all the children in all her books just the worst? Honestly, I’d be changing my locks and phone number if my kids were like this.
Why do I keep reading Thayer’s books? Is it a form of penance?
May 22, 2020
3.5 Stars
There's no lighthearted, family oriented, happily-ever-after writer better than Nancy Thayer! I love the Nantucket setting and being there is a nice reprieve from reality.
This story centers around Lisa, who is 56 years old, divorced, and has two grown children. She has spent the majority of her adult life as a single parent and has not dated since her husband left. It seems that she's caught the eye of a man ten years her junior. Oh my! I won't spoil any of the fun by saying anymore.
Grab this book and a glass of wine and get lost in the beauty of Nantucket.
A special thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Nancy Thayer for providing me with an ARC.
There's no lighthearted, family oriented, happily-ever-after writer better than Nancy Thayer! I love the Nantucket setting and being there is a nice reprieve from reality.
This story centers around Lisa, who is 56 years old, divorced, and has two grown children. She has spent the majority of her adult life as a single parent and has not dated since her husband left. It seems that she's caught the eye of a man ten years her junior. Oh my! I won't spoil any of the fun by saying anymore.
Grab this book and a glass of wine and get lost in the beauty of Nantucket.
A special thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and Nancy Thayer for providing me with an ARC.
June 23, 2024
Girls Of Summer by Nancy Thayer is a multiple perspective romance
Girls of Summer is a beach read that doesn’t have much drama and delivers not one, but three HEA.
The book follows 6 people, three couples, intertwined by more than just living on Nantucket. Lisa Hawley has raised her children Juliet and Theo by herself on Nantucket after her divorce. After her divorce, she put all her energy into raising her children, not wanting to add a man and everything that goes with a relationship. Now, her children are grown and she finds herself attracted to single dad and handyman Mack Whitney. But can she put aside the fact that he is ten years younger and take a chance at a relationship.
Juliet is reeling from a breakup. As she tries to deal with the various emotions that her recent relationship ending has caused, she decides to go home to Nantucket and the comfort of her mother Lisa. When she meets Ryder Hastings, she is attracted to him, but also sees so many similarities with her ex boyfriend, that she is afraid to make the same mistake again.
Theo has lived as a surfer beach bum, only working enough to live and surf, but when he gets into a surfing accident and is injured, he decides to go home, and his moms loving care. When he returns home, he sees his first crush, Beth Whitney. But will his mom’s new relationship with Beth’s dad mean that they can’t have a relationship?
The book had some aspects that I really enjoyed. One aspect is the first love having another chance. I also enjoyed three heas in one book, instead of just one. I loved the small beach town feel with the way everyone knows each other and helps out. I liked the characters and their development, especially Beth and Theo in the past verse present.
I disliked the repetitive mention of the ten year age gap, and felt if it was mentioned one more time, I might toss the book. It was made way too much of an issue, and just became aggravating. I also disliked the way it felt preachy with the green agenda. While I believe in wholeheartedly protecting our sea life, the book droned on about electric cars and other aspects that it just irritated.
Overall I the book was just ok for me. While it had aspects that I liked, especially the parts that mentioned marine mammal stranding and the efforts to rescue the animals, the book was just all right. It was ok as a beach read that didn’t need you to hold you attention. There is no real conflict or drama in the book, unless you count the astonishing ten year age gap.
Girls of Summer is a beach read that doesn’t have much drama and delivers not one, but three HEA.
The book follows 6 people, three couples, intertwined by more than just living on Nantucket. Lisa Hawley has raised her children Juliet and Theo by herself on Nantucket after her divorce. After her divorce, she put all her energy into raising her children, not wanting to add a man and everything that goes with a relationship. Now, her children are grown and she finds herself attracted to single dad and handyman Mack Whitney. But can she put aside the fact that he is ten years younger and take a chance at a relationship.
Juliet is reeling from a breakup. As she tries to deal with the various emotions that her recent relationship ending has caused, she decides to go home to Nantucket and the comfort of her mother Lisa. When she meets Ryder Hastings, she is attracted to him, but also sees so many similarities with her ex boyfriend, that she is afraid to make the same mistake again.
Theo has lived as a surfer beach bum, only working enough to live and surf, but when he gets into a surfing accident and is injured, he decides to go home, and his moms loving care. When he returns home, he sees his first crush, Beth Whitney. But will his mom’s new relationship with Beth’s dad mean that they can’t have a relationship?
The book had some aspects that I really enjoyed. One aspect is the first love having another chance. I also enjoyed three heas in one book, instead of just one. I loved the small beach town feel with the way everyone knows each other and helps out. I liked the characters and their development, especially Beth and Theo in the past verse present.
I disliked the repetitive mention of the ten year age gap, and felt if it was mentioned one more time, I might toss the book. It was made way too much of an issue, and just became aggravating. I also disliked the way it felt preachy with the green agenda. While I believe in wholeheartedly protecting our sea life, the book droned on about electric cars and other aspects that it just irritated.
Overall I the book was just ok for me. While it had aspects that I liked, especially the parts that mentioned marine mammal stranding and the efforts to rescue the animals, the book was just all right. It was ok as a beach read that didn’t need you to hold you attention. There is no real conflict or drama in the book, unless you count the astonishing ten year age gap.
April 14, 2020
If you are looking for a predictable, easy to read love story, this is the book for you. I however never felt truly connected to any of the characters. There was no real depth to any of them, and I felt that the author just scratched the surface of each of their storylines.
May 31, 2020
I have read a lot of good books so far this summer! Girls of Summer is one of them. Nancy Thayer always gets me involved in the story and characters immediately! I just fall in!
In this book, Lisa lives in a large home in Nantucket. Both her children are grown and gone. She owns a successful boutique clothing store but doesn't have much of a social life. Before she knows it, her life changes dramatically! She gets more attention than she bargained for (in a good way)!
The book also spotlights the issues of environmental issues of the oceans as part of the story, but not in a way that bombards the reader.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
In this book, Lisa lives in a large home in Nantucket. Both her children are grown and gone. She owns a successful boutique clothing store but doesn't have much of a social life. Before she knows it, her life changes dramatically! She gets more attention than she bargained for (in a good way)!
The book also spotlights the issues of environmental issues of the oceans as part of the story, but not in a way that bombards the reader.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
April 27, 2020
A charming and fun read with a beautiful setting! Set in beautiful Nantucket, the setting details will sweep you away. The characters are relatable and I was invested in them almost immediately, rooting for them throughout the book. The love stories moved at a lightning pace which made it a bit unbelievable. However, this was a fun and easy lighter read that will make for perfect beach reading. My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2020
GIRLS OF SUMMER
BY NANCY THAYER
What initially attracted me to read this book were two things. It is a romance between a 56 year old woman with a 46 year old man. It intrigued me to see how and if that could work out. The second item of interest was the setting taking place on Nantucket Island. The Nantucket Island part delivered as I vicariously got swept up by the lush descriptions of the scents of the wild roses and the beautiful ocean views from the many homes that had them. I also enjoyed Ryder Hastings passion for saving the sea creatures that inhabit the ocean environment such as when him and two others saved a seal that was needed to be cut free from the plastic that was strangling it and its life was saved. Also the compassion given to the white shark that was dead that washed up on the beach having digested too much plastic in the ocean. Ryder Hasting's role in bringing awareness to saving our Ocean's from the coasts of Maine all the way down south to Florida was meaningful in his business he directed called, OCEAN MATTERS. Saving our Ocean's and the sea creatures that live and depend on our attention to our environment was the redeeming theme that caught my attention and made this a worthwhile reading experience for me.
The romance between divorced Lisa Hawley a 56 year old woman and 46 year old widowed Mack Whitney did not deliver as the major theme and the reason this book piqued my interest. There were too many younger romances going on which I was afraid of would happen to take the focus off from Lisa and Mack thereby diminishing the dynamics of the age differences of this couple and I felt it wasn't explored enough.
Lisa Hawley is a 56 year old woman who had gone through a brutal divorce from her husband Erich. Due to a thoughtful and rarely a generous divorce financial settlement Lisa is able to keep the gorgeous home in Nantucket and raise their two children Theo and Juliet on her own. Erich has zero involvement in his two children's lives. Juliet is a graduate of MIT and is a successful Website builder in a company called Kazaam and lives in an apartment in Cambridge. After she is heartbroken by getting dumped without warning from her boss she decides to move back in with Lisa in her childhood home in Nantucket.
Theo who is kind but a free spirit has graduated from the University of California San Diego who works as a bartender at night so his days are free to surf the Pacific waves gets injured while surfing and fractures his arm. This sends Theo back home to live in the family nest also.
Lisa is sitting in her dining room when her ceiling falls down and she is at the realization that she needs to invest some money into her home getting it repaired. Mack Whitney comes highly recommended to her as a carpenter who restores old houses. Lisa and Mack meet and romantic sparks fly. I really wanted to see more of their relationship and less of their interfering children's romances. Henceforth my 3.5 star rating.
Thank you to Net Galley, Nancy Thayer and Random House Publishing Group--Ballantine for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
#GirlsofSummer #NancyThayer #RandomHousePublishingGroup-Ballantine #NetGalley
BY NANCY THAYER
What initially attracted me to read this book were two things. It is a romance between a 56 year old woman with a 46 year old man. It intrigued me to see how and if that could work out. The second item of interest was the setting taking place on Nantucket Island. The Nantucket Island part delivered as I vicariously got swept up by the lush descriptions of the scents of the wild roses and the beautiful ocean views from the many homes that had them. I also enjoyed Ryder Hastings passion for saving the sea creatures that inhabit the ocean environment such as when him and two others saved a seal that was needed to be cut free from the plastic that was strangling it and its life was saved. Also the compassion given to the white shark that was dead that washed up on the beach having digested too much plastic in the ocean. Ryder Hasting's role in bringing awareness to saving our Ocean's from the coasts of Maine all the way down south to Florida was meaningful in his business he directed called, OCEAN MATTERS. Saving our Ocean's and the sea creatures that live and depend on our attention to our environment was the redeeming theme that caught my attention and made this a worthwhile reading experience for me.
The romance between divorced Lisa Hawley a 56 year old woman and 46 year old widowed Mack Whitney did not deliver as the major theme and the reason this book piqued my interest. There were too many younger romances going on which I was afraid of would happen to take the focus off from Lisa and Mack thereby diminishing the dynamics of the age differences of this couple and I felt it wasn't explored enough.
Lisa Hawley is a 56 year old woman who had gone through a brutal divorce from her husband Erich. Due to a thoughtful and rarely a generous divorce financial settlement Lisa is able to keep the gorgeous home in Nantucket and raise their two children Theo and Juliet on her own. Erich has zero involvement in his two children's lives. Juliet is a graduate of MIT and is a successful Website builder in a company called Kazaam and lives in an apartment in Cambridge. After she is heartbroken by getting dumped without warning from her boss she decides to move back in with Lisa in her childhood home in Nantucket.
Theo who is kind but a free spirit has graduated from the University of California San Diego who works as a bartender at night so his days are free to surf the Pacific waves gets injured while surfing and fractures his arm. This sends Theo back home to live in the family nest also.
Lisa is sitting in her dining room when her ceiling falls down and she is at the realization that she needs to invest some money into her home getting it repaired. Mack Whitney comes highly recommended to her as a carpenter who restores old houses. Lisa and Mack meet and romantic sparks fly. I really wanted to see more of their relationship and less of their interfering children's romances. Henceforth my 3.5 star rating.
Thank you to Net Galley, Nancy Thayer and Random House Publishing Group--Ballantine for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
#GirlsofSummer #NancyThayer #RandomHousePublishingGroup-Ballantine #NetGalley
September 5, 2021
So this was an easy, light read, with the emphasis on light.
Lisa has started dating Mack, a contractor who is renovating her older house. She is concerned that he is 10 years younger than her, and won’t find her attractive enough. Apparently everyone in the book is concerned about the 10 year age difference: her children, his daughter, her best friend and all the gossips on Nantucket. A conversation between any two people in this book cannot not include a discussion about their age difference. (Full disclosure: my husband was 10 years older than me, but somehow we managed to have a successful marriage.) Apparently, there is a lot of sexism involved here.
Lisa’s 2 children, Juliet and Theo, return to Nantucket when they reach low points in their lives, as does Mack’s daughter Beth, who just finished graduate school. Their lives intersect in ways that are not unexpected, and also included in the mix is Ryder, the wealthy head of a local oceanic environmental organization.
Everyone is beautiful and/or devastatingly handsome. All the sexual tension is electrifying. Lisa and Mack are fairly down to earth characters. Theo is a bit of a surfer dude doofus who needs to get his act together. Beth initially comes off as sweet, but can act like a spoiled daddy’s girl. And Juliet is just a mean spirited bitch at times. I absolutely couldn’t stand Juliet, even when her edges got softened.
I generally enjoy Nancy Thayer’s books, and although this one was alright, it was also disappointing. The constant emphasis on the age difference to the point where people were rude about it was ridiculous. The children’s self absorption was also annoying. At times the writing wasn’t up to par: there was too much telling and not enough showing, especially in the beginning. When the story started giving different characters POV, it improved greatly.
As stated before, this book was OK, but not her best work. I don’t not recommend it, because it’s an easy read, but she has better books out there.
Lisa has started dating Mack, a contractor who is renovating her older house. She is concerned that he is 10 years younger than her, and won’t find her attractive enough. Apparently everyone in the book is concerned about the 10 year age difference: her children, his daughter, her best friend and all the gossips on Nantucket. A conversation between any two people in this book cannot not include a discussion about their age difference. (Full disclosure: my husband was 10 years older than me, but somehow we managed to have a successful marriage.) Apparently, there is a lot of sexism involved here.
Lisa’s 2 children, Juliet and Theo, return to Nantucket when they reach low points in their lives, as does Mack’s daughter Beth, who just finished graduate school. Their lives intersect in ways that are not unexpected, and also included in the mix is Ryder, the wealthy head of a local oceanic environmental organization.
Everyone is beautiful and/or devastatingly handsome. All the sexual tension is electrifying. Lisa and Mack are fairly down to earth characters. Theo is a bit of a surfer dude doofus who needs to get his act together. Beth initially comes off as sweet, but can act like a spoiled daddy’s girl. And Juliet is just a mean spirited bitch at times. I absolutely couldn’t stand Juliet, even when her edges got softened.
I generally enjoy Nancy Thayer’s books, and although this one was alright, it was also disappointing. The constant emphasis on the age difference to the point where people were rude about it was ridiculous. The children’s self absorption was also annoying. At times the writing wasn’t up to par: there was too much telling and not enough showing, especially in the beginning. When the story started giving different characters POV, it improved greatly.
As stated before, this book was OK, but not her best work. I don’t not recommend it, because it’s an easy read, but she has better books out there.
August 12, 2020
What a nice book, I love its beautiful cover. This story takes place on the beautiful island of Nantucket. Lisa Hawley has the perfect family, a wonderful home, and brilliant children, who could wish for more. However, one day Lisa has an important conversation with her husband, they conclude that their relationship is no longer what it was, so they make the drastic decision to divorce. Twenty years have passed, Lisa has had to educate her children, and encourage them to go to college. In addition to this, she is the owner of a very popular boutique, this is how she has been able to earn an income and support her children. Her house, on the other hand, is in need of repair, so she calls on Mack Whitney to support her in this daunting task. Mack and Lisa begin to live together, they realize that they have aspects in common, perhaps this is the second chance she has to live her love story again. A wonderful book about love, friendship, solidarity and empathy. I really liked that the author included the story of Lisa's children because it helped me learn another perspective. I love the author's description of Nantucket, it is definitely a magical place. I consider this to be the perfect reading for a day at the beach or in the pool that leaves a smile to whoever reads it.
June 2, 2020
"There are times in our lives when we would simply sink beneath the waves of our sorrows, the tides of our fears, and drown in our own misery, if it weren't for our friends."
Summer on Nantucket is always full of family and Lisa Hawley is living a lonely life, after twenty years of being a divorced, single mom her best friend calls her out, and into making some changes in her life. Her two grown children, Theo and Juliet are in turning points of their lives as well, making them come home to Nantucket after a long time away - what awaits each of them as their lives, will coming home help them overcome each of their pasts?
I really enjoyed the telling of this story with three different sets of people, and how they were related to one another in their personal and professional lives - I found it relatable but different, messy and complicated but perfectly wonderful. Nancy Thayer has been on my list of must read beach queens for awhile, so I was thrilled to receive this title from Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and be able to read it while we were on a short beach getaway with our little family! 4.5 stars and already anxiously awaiting reading my next Nancy Thayer title!
The characters each had their own issues and endearing characteristics, woven together with their hopes, failures and LOVE, making this title an absolute joy for me to read!
Summer on Nantucket is always full of family and Lisa Hawley is living a lonely life, after twenty years of being a divorced, single mom her best friend calls her out, and into making some changes in her life. Her two grown children, Theo and Juliet are in turning points of their lives as well, making them come home to Nantucket after a long time away - what awaits each of them as their lives, will coming home help them overcome each of their pasts?
I really enjoyed the telling of this story with three different sets of people, and how they were related to one another in their personal and professional lives - I found it relatable but different, messy and complicated but perfectly wonderful. Nancy Thayer has been on my list of must read beach queens for awhile, so I was thrilled to receive this title from Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and be able to read it while we were on a short beach getaway with our little family! 4.5 stars and already anxiously awaiting reading my next Nancy Thayer title!
The characters each had their own issues and endearing characteristics, woven together with their hopes, failures and LOVE, making this title an absolute joy for me to read!
July 12, 2020
This is a favorite book for me. I love all of Nancy Thayer's books which are set on Nantucket. Lisa and Erich meet, date, and marry. The first few chapters are all about their life together. Unfortunately they divorce and Lisa continues to work on Nantucket and raise her two children. She does not have any interest in dating. Fast forward twenty years and Lisa hires a contractor to do some renovations for her. There is a spark between them. As soon as they been to date, Lisa's two children return home for the summer and possibly longer. Mack has a daughter who also returns home after graduate school. They all find their way and there's a happy ending for everyone.
March 26, 2020
From the outside, Lisa's marriage glowed like her two-carat engagement ring. While behind closed doors, she's living in a shell of a marriage. When forced to pick up the pieces, her savvy retail expertise has Lisa set 'Sail' on a new adventure.
As the proprietor of Sail, a boutique clothing store, she's at the helm of her business and family but steers clear of romance. When a handyman reawakens her childhood desires, she feels like one of the #GirlsofSummer. While falling for Mack, she feels conflicted about dating a man ten years her junior. As their family relationships intertwine, will it be smooth sailing or rough waters ahead?
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early read. I enjoy Nancy Thayer's beach reads as they offer a trip to the shore without the sunscreen. Due to recent events, we need an escape from being sequestered at home. Thayer's charm is creating characters that readers want to succeed and feel like friends. Despite winter's chill, I was happily curled under the comforter while basking in Nantucket's sun.
As the proprietor of Sail, a boutique clothing store, she's at the helm of her business and family but steers clear of romance. When a handyman reawakens her childhood desires, she feels like one of the #GirlsofSummer. While falling for Mack, she feels conflicted about dating a man ten years her junior. As their family relationships intertwine, will it be smooth sailing or rough waters ahead?
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early read. I enjoy Nancy Thayer's beach reads as they offer a trip to the shore without the sunscreen. Due to recent events, we need an escape from being sequestered at home. Thayer's charm is creating characters that readers want to succeed and feel like friends. Despite winter's chill, I was happily curled under the comforter while basking in Nantucket's sun.
July 1, 2020
Lisa's husband left her and their kids a couple of years ago and it left a huge whole where her self confidence used to be. Her ex was a jerk for sure and she's better off without him. She raised her kids on her own and they are now off living their own lives.
Mack is hired to fix a few things around Lisa's home that are falling apart. But sparks fly between then even though he's 10 years younger than her.
I'm used to reading one romance at a time in most books but this comes with three of them. When Lisa's son is hurt in a surfing accident, he comes home and it's pretty obvious that he has a thing for Mack's daughter. And then Lisa's daughter comes home after having her heart broken more than once only to find an attraction to a new guy. But she's been hurt and isn't sure she wants to try her hand at love again.
Ken and I are 9 years apart in age so I really didn't see a big deal about the 10 year difference between Lisa and Mack. I felt like they made too big a deal of the age difference, at least for me.
Things seem to be going pretty well for all three couples for the most part with a little family thrown in for good measure and then there's a big storm about to hit the island. While I liked the book alright, it wasn't great for me. But then I don't usually read this genre.
Disclosure: I received a free ARC of this book in the mail from the publisher but all thoughts and opinions are my own. This is actually the first non-requested ARC I've ever received from a publisher that just showed up in my mailbox. Many thanks to the publisher for sending me the book.
Mack is hired to fix a few things around Lisa's home that are falling apart. But sparks fly between then even though he's 10 years younger than her.
I'm used to reading one romance at a time in most books but this comes with three of them. When Lisa's son is hurt in a surfing accident, he comes home and it's pretty obvious that he has a thing for Mack's daughter. And then Lisa's daughter comes home after having her heart broken more than once only to find an attraction to a new guy. But she's been hurt and isn't sure she wants to try her hand at love again.
Ken and I are 9 years apart in age so I really didn't see a big deal about the 10 year difference between Lisa and Mack. I felt like they made too big a deal of the age difference, at least for me.
Things seem to be going pretty well for all three couples for the most part with a little family thrown in for good measure and then there's a big storm about to hit the island. While I liked the book alright, it wasn't great for me. But then I don't usually read this genre.
Disclosure: I received a free ARC of this book in the mail from the publisher but all thoughts and opinions are my own. This is actually the first non-requested ARC I've ever received from a publisher that just showed up in my mailbox. Many thanks to the publisher for sending me the book.
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