Summer of '79: A Summer of '69 Story

by Elin Hilderbrand

Catch up with Blair, Jessie, and Kirby ten years after the summer everything changed, in this "Summer of '69 story" by Elin Hilderbrand -- Available for a limited time

"Summer of '79" will be published in print in Spring 2021 as part of a Dorothea Benton Frank tribute anthology. Get it now in digital form, for a limited time!

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Romance, Summer, Short Stories, Chick Lit

61 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2020

About the author

Elin Hilderbrand lives on Nantucket with her husband and their three young children. She grew up in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and traveled extensively before settling on Nantucket, which has been the setting for her five previous novels. Hilderbrand is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa.

Facebook.com/ElinHilderbrand

Pinterest.com/ElinHilderbrand

Reviews

[Bridgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very cute revisit to the Foley-Levin clan, the family first introduced in the Summer of '69. Exalta, the matriarch, has passed away at age 84, and the family once again comes together on Nantucket for her funeral. From there, we get some form of closure for every member of the family.

Unlike a few other reviewers, I actually enjoyed the popular cultural references. This story isn't meant to be timeless, it's meant to solely depict the summer of '79...hence, the title.

If you enjoyed Summer of '69, I'd definitely suggest reading this novella as well.

[Taury · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just boring. Too short. Should have just attached to Summer of ‘69.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent novella following up with the Foley/Levin gang ten years after the events of Summer of '69. Kate and her children, Blair, Kirby, Tiger, and Jessie, gather again on Nantucket after the death of Kate's mother, Exalta.

"Exalta is dead. She died in her sleep two days earlier in the house on Fair Street, while Mr. Crimmins, their former caretaker, slept beside her."

There are a few books in the world that end perfectly, and you don't need another word. But many books are so engaging--the characters so vivid--that you often wonder what has happened to them. Elin Hilderbrand is such an excellent author and so good at world-building for her characters. It only makes sense that she would allow us to check in on her characters at a later date. And, because she's so good at bringing them to life, the concept works perfectly.

This is a slim e-book (coming out later in book form as part of a tribute anthology to the late Dorothea Benton Frank). I read it easily in one setting and quite enjoyed catching up with Kate and the kids, particularly the youngest, Jessie, who was my favorite in '69 and remains so ten years later.

"She feels like a stranger in her own family, but there’s nothing new about that."

Despite the somber occasion for which the family has gathered, it's quite fun to check in on them ten years later. Hilderbrand switches POV from Kate to all four of the kids, allowing us to see what they've been doing and how they feel. We also find Kate adjusting to moving into the role of family matriarch with the passing of her mother.

Overall, if you enjoyed Summer of '69, this is a great novella to catch you up on some beloved characters. I kind of wish we could have novellas like this for other favorite books. 4 stars.

Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb

[Sheyla ✎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story featuring the Foley-Levans.

The family is united in saying their goodbyes to Exalta who has passed away after battling pneumonia and a stroke.

Blair is now divorced from Angus. Her twins are ten now.
Kirby is writing for Cosmo and smoking pot and snorting cocaine.
Tiger is a war hero and a successful businessman. He’s happily married to Maguee but dealing with infertility issues.
Lastly, Jessie is in her second year of law school but alone after she found out her boyfriend, Theo cheated.

For all of them and Kate and David going back to Nantucket, it’s in a way a new beginning.

Enjoyable and delightful is to have one more glance at this family and their memorable characters. Summer of ‘79 left this reader with a smile on her face and a true desire to have another book with them in it.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

[Lindi Rudnicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved loved this Novella! My only wish is that it was a full length book!!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous idea, Elin; bring us to 1979, ten years later to catch up on everyone's lives of the characters we fell in love with. I love the quick pace of this fab "novelette" and so entertaining I just needed a cocktail in my other hand.

So now we expect a novel, baby's Mama, next and soon we whine. Maybe even Summer of '89! I'll pencil that in my calendar, that's grayscale for devices, for June 2021. So, good? Good.

Thanks, Elin.

Wait: Is 28 Summers, due to be published this May, 2020, about the year 1997?! Nah, that's moving too fast, right?
Yeah.

[Jules | Friday Night Readers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to have a low key reading weekend and the short story Summer of '79 by Elin Hilderbrand was the perfect choice! Fans of last year's Martha's Vineyard / Nantucket historical fiction Summer of '69 (one of my faves of 2019) get to catch up with the Levin family family ten years later, as they gather on Nantucket for a major family event. I loved learning what became of these beloved characters and how they changed in a new decade. I also think Elin Hilderbrand is at her best in this series. Dare I ask for a Summer of '89??

Summer of '79 is available for a limited time only on Kindle, as it will be published in an anthology in the future. It's only $1.99, and you can get the deal on my book deals page: https://julesbuono.com/deals/book-deals/

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following up Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of ‘69 novel (a 5 star for me), fast forward ten years to 1979. This is a short glimpse of changes to the lives of the Foley-Levin family who’ve come together for the family matriarch Exalta’s funeral. Life happens, they’ve each grown up & have had interesting highs and lows that I wish I could of read more about.. am hoping this is a just little teaser for more to be written about this family in the future.
On another note - Sad to read of Dorothea Benton Frank’s passing in 2019, but is wonderful to see a tribute anthology for her is in the works for 2021. 🌹

[Creya Casale | cc.shelflove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catching up with the Foley-Levin-Whalen kids in 1979 was a treat! This happened to be a great “where are they now” short story.

[Zach Schwarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, little follow up from Elin Hilderbrand to help beat the winter blues with a quick trip back to summertime Nantucket with the Foley Levin family! Much like always, Elin crafts a well written story filled with characters that you can't help but love from Summer of '69. Her stories are always filled with great detail and this quick trip to 1979 was quite enjoyable!

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This needs to be a whole book.

Elin Hilderbrand needs to expand this novella into a full blown novel. She gives us a taste and then snatches the ice cream cone away.

[Fred Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novelette is a continuation of Summer of ‘69 by Elin Hilderbrand and what has happened to the Nantucket clan 10 years later. It did not have the same dramatic effect on me as “‘69” did but is a good short read.

[Maliha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Breezy Follow-Up to a Classic!

Elin Hilderbrand revisits the Levin family a decade after Summer of '69, offering a satisfying glimpse into their evolving lives. Summer of '79 is a nice addition to the original novel—short, but packed with the same warmth and nostalgia that made its predecessor so memorable.

While the novella doesn’t dive too deeply into new conflicts, it excels at providing closure and a little extra emotional depth for those who loved the first book. Kate’s journey continues with poignant reflections, Blair balances her changing world, and Kirby still embodies that restless spirit. The Cape Cod setting feels like a comforting return to a place that holds history, heartache, and growth.

If Summer of '69 left you wanting more time with these characters, Summer of '79 delivers exactly that—a bite-sized yet satisfying continuation of a beloved family saga. Perfect for those who enjoy Hilderbrand’s signature blend of nostalgia and familial drama.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more!

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made summer of 69 SO MUCH BETTER!! The ending had me blushing and kicking my feet

[Cortney Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Elin Hilderbrand. I will read anything she writes. I was so happy when I saw she wrote a short story for the characters in Summer of ‘69. It was wonderful to be back in their world ten years later and see what they were up to. Amazing story!

[Deborah P · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good 10 years later follow up to summer of ‘69… I like how it doesn’t paint a pretty perfect picture of everyone. The characters are still deeply flawed, and even more realistic than the original novel. I still don’t like Kate.

[PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps · Rating 4 out of 5]

In THE SUMMER OF ‘79, a short story, the family from Elin Hilderbrand’s THE SUMMER OF ‘69, Gathers on Nantucket for matriarch Exalta’s funeral. Youngest Jessie in law school rides with older sister Kirby, a writer for Cosmopolitan magazine. Recently divorced Blair and her twins looks for love in old familiar faces while Tiger and his wife hope to conceive a baby. Their mother Kate wonders who she is now that her formidable mother has died.

While THE SUMMER OF ‘79 was enjoyable, I have the same criticisms I had with THE SUMMER OF ‘69. Hilderbrand throws in cultural references, tv shows and songs from the 1970s, including a few slang words from back in the day, which felt more like Hilderbrand’s fond memories than integral parts of the story. What makes most of Hilderbrand’s books special is their timelessness. I recently reread two books from a decade ago that could have happened yesterday or fifty years ago. Making THE SUMMER OF ‘79 specific to that year didn’t feel as organic as they felt manufactured to fit a scenario.

Readers who enjoyed THE SUMMER OF ‘69 will enjoy THE SUMMER OF ‘79.

[Jessi · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's nothing I won't read that Elin Hilderbrand writes... But this was a waste of time. And money. And I only spent $1.99... I knew I wasn't getting much since it was a short story but I really got nothing from this. We had about 7 pages of catching up on each story without giving many details.. And then not much else. I know more about the cars everyone was driving and less about what happened over the past 10 years.

[Minerva Conrad · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author (who is usually one of my favorites) should be ashamed of herself for selling this “book”. It’s barely a short story and nothing happens in the story. I’m sorry I got sucked in to buying this e-book.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was fun if maybe not the endings I would have picked for a couple of the characters. The problem with the novella format is having to cram all your 1979 references into a very short period of time. Like having 2 sisters driving from NYC to Nantucket and listing every song they are singing along with on the radio. I’ll have to do another playlist.

[Emma Griffioen · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so cute and the perfect addition to summer of 69! i am really happy with who jessie and kirby ended up with and i really loved magee in this - i wish we’d seen more of her in the full novel! … maybe elin hilderbrand could write a book about her and tiger?

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could read about these characters forever and I think they are some of my very favourite of Elin Hildebrands!

[Sandra Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short story updating us on the lives of Kirby, Blair & Jessie.

[Deborah Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to round to 4 star but I really give this 3.5 stars.

This was Elin Hilderbrand's postscript to her Summer of '69. Ten years later we catch up on the characters and see what they have been up to. Not rated as highly because it didn't keep me that interested and could have been more developed and longer. Still an easy read on a warm September afternoon in the sun.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I want a Summer of ‘89 sequel.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute short story. I would like to read more books with all of these characters to see how their lives turn out.

[Samantha Scheer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great novella and sequel to Summer of ‘69!

I wish I had read this right after the first one, but this one was a refresher and had me remembering things from the first book - which makes for a good sequel!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely little story and follow up to Summer if ‘69.

[Hilary Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️🎧 cute follow up to summer of 69! Love the 70s cultural references!