Publication Date July 8, 2025
My first glance at the synopsis of Sarah MacLean’s These Summer Storms had me thinking “Aha! Elin Hildebrand or Nancy Thayer meet HBO’s Succession…There is the whole private island/Nantucket-ish vibe, the uber-wealthy patriarch pulling the strings of his heirs, and the combo of grief, love, and family plus romance. Sounds like a great beach read, right?
Alice Storm gathers with her family on the island following the death of Alice’s father. Alice hasn’t seen any of them for five years or more following whatever the mysterious event was that caused her to be essentially shunned. Alice has gone on to build her own life, not relying on the Storm name of finances, and she is hoping to pay her final respects and get out of Dodge ASAP. Unfortunately, her father (who seems like a real piece of work) decided to leave the assembled group a parting “gift”– and inheritance party game. Each member is to stay for a week, complete the task(s) listed in the envelope left for them, then take their share and leave. One catch is EVERYONE has to “play” and Alice soon realizes there is more than enough family secrets and chaos to make it a truly unbearable experience.
Alice’s older sister has a secret love affair, her mother is a cold and judgmental older woman, her brother is an arrogant a-hole, and her younger sister keeps analyzing the “vibes.” It’s all going to be overseen by her father’s lieutenant (think Tom Hagen to Don Corleone in The Godfather), who Alice impulsively hooked up with on the way to the island. She THOUGHT it was a one night stand, but…just add this to the drama unfolding.
It’s smart and funny and thought-provoking and yes, a fine beach read. Thanks to Random House/Ballantine and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for this honest review. Four stars.