From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of That Summer comes another heartfelt and unputdownable novel of family, secrets, and the ties that bind.
When her twenty-two-year-old stepdaughter announces her engagement to her pandemic boyfriend, Sarah Danhauser is shocked. But the wheels are in motion. Headstrong Ruby has already set a date (just three months away!) and spoken to her beloved safta, Sarah’s mother Veronica, about having the wedding at the family’s beach house in Cape Cod. Sarah might be worried, but Veronica is thrilled to be bringing the family together one last time before putting the big house on the market.
But the road to a wedding day usually comes with a few bumps. Ruby has always known exactly what she wants, but as the wedding date approaches, she finds herself grappling with the wounds left by the mother who walked out when she was a baby. Veronica ends up facing unexpected news, thanks to her meddling sister, and must revisit the choices she made long ago, when she was a bestselling novelist with a different life. Sarah’s twin brother, Sam, is recovering from a terrible loss, and confronting big questions about who he is—questions he hopes to resolve during his stay on the Cape. Sarah’s husband, Eli, who’s been inexplicably distant during the pandemic, confronts the consequences of a long ago lapse from his typical good-guy behavior. And Sarah, frustrated by her husband, concerned about her stepdaughter, and worn out by challenges of life during quarantine, faces the alluring reappearance of someone from her past and a life that could have been.
When the wedding day arrives, lovers are revealed as their true selves, misunderstandings take on a life of their own, and secrets come to light. There are confrontations and revelations that will touch each member of the extended family, ensuring that nothing will ever be the same.
From “the undisputed boss of the beach read” (The New York Times), The Summer Place is a testament to family in all its messy glory; a story about what we sacrifice and how we forgive. Enthralling, witty, big-hearted, and sharply observed, this is Jennifer Weiner’s love letter to the Outer Cape and the power of home, the way our lives are enriched by the people we call family, and the endless ways love can surprise us.
The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner is a delightful beach read about family and consequences.
Sarah Danhauser is shocked when her 22-year-old stepdaughter, Ruby, announces she wants to get married to her boyfriend of 2 years. Sarah’s mother, Veronica, announces that Ruby should marry at her Cape Cod home, and to Sarah’s dismay, Veronica is not only on board with the marriage but is encouraging Ruby. Meanwhile, Sarah’s husband Eli has been quiet and distant and Sarah wonders if he’s having an affair. And Sarah’s twin brother, Sam is having issues of his own and hopes to spend his time on the Cape deciding his next steps in life.
I enjoyed this family drama very much. I like how it examined the issues of step-parenting older children, and what happens when they grow up. There are a lot of characters in this book, and it was a bit difficult to keep up with them all at first, but they were all sorted out soon enough.
I loved the setting on Cape Cod, but wish we could have had more of the book set there. The Summer Place is truly a character-driven story with a lot of characters with complex interwoven relationships.
The audio was narrated by Sutton Foster who did a wonderful job. She was able to differentiate between the characters and her tone and inflection kept the story moving and upbeat.
About Jennifer Weiner
Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of nineteen books, including That Summer, Big Summer, Mrs. Everything, In Her Shoes, Good in Bed, and a memoir in essays, Hungry Heart. She has appeared on many national television programs, including the Today show and Good Morning America, and her work has been published in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, among other newspapers and magazines. Jennifer lives with her family in Philadelphia.
Jennifer Weiner is a longtime favorite. I wouldn’t say that The Summer Place was my favorite from her, but it was still really enjoyable. I love a good family drama story.
I’ve seen another review for this book somewhere, can’t remember quite where. But I remember loving the synopsis of this book then already and your review just makes me want to really look into it. The audio recording sounds especially good as well!
This one sounds really interesting. I think books that explore family and often the drama that accompanies family are fun to read. It helps remind me that my family isn’t as bad as I often think they are, lol.
Jennifer Weiner is a longtime favorite. I wouldn’t say that The Summer Place was my favorite from her, but it was still really enjoyable. I love a good family drama story.
This isn’t really my type of story, but I have read books by this author in the past and enjoyed them! Great review!
Thank you, Lisa
I’ve seen another review for this book somewhere, can’t remember quite where. But I remember loving the synopsis of this book then already and your review just makes me want to really look into it. The audio recording sounds especially good as well!
I hope you enjoy it if you get to it!
This one sounds really interesting. I think books that explore family and often the drama that accompanies family are fun to read. It helps remind me that my family isn’t as bad as I often think they are, lol.
That’s so true, Jenni! I always feel better about my own family after reading these!
What an interesting situation as the step-mom and having a blended family during a wedding planning. The setting sounds lovely too.
Thank you, Sophia!
I love reading about family drama! So much better than experiencing your own lol
LOL! I agree, Carrie!
I do like a family drama, great review 😊
Thank you, Jenny!
Wonderful review Wendy. I can not wait to read this one.📚🤗💕
I hope you enjoy it, Susan!
I have read and enjoyed this author and you’ve got me wanted to listen to this one!
I enjoyed the audio version. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
The plot sounds like a Shakespearean comedy! Lots of fun!
Oh, that’s good, Harvee. I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right!
I really enjoyed this one too. Step parenting older children must be a real minefield.
I think so too, Janette.