Is it really summer until you escape to Nantucket with an Elin Hilderbrand novel? She is the queen of summer reading with substance. Her characters always feel so real and the beachy backdrop is always perfect.
Summer of ‘69 is her newest novel and it tells the story of a family that spends each summer on Nantucket. Their family is disrupted when one of the children, Tiger, is sent to fight in the Vietnam War. Each member of the family faces their own struggles while the events of 1969, such as Apollo 11 and Ted Kennedy’s accident in Chappaquiddick take place in the background. I enjoyed the historical element of this story as well as the family drama

I don't always read Elin Hilderbrand novels but this title was excellent. Taking place in the summer, it is historical fiction at its best. Using real life historical figures and situations, Hilderbrand weaves a tale of 4 siblings and their mother, their lies and how it affects those around them, the inside look at marriages, and overall- how to get through life. Every character is written in-depth, I could picture them all in my mind. I read this in 3 days and was sad when I finished it!

Elin Hilderbrand’s newest novel Summer of ‘69 was a pleasure to read! This novel is set in that pivotal year in America where cultural norms were changing. Instead of hitting you over the head with historical details, Hilderbrand expertly weaves the important nuances of racism, political protest and sexism into the lives of her compelling characters. Reading this novel might feel a bit like a vacation given the setting is Nantucket. It is both smart and light which is a joy it is the perfect summer read. I am grateful to #netgalley for proving me with an advance copy of #summerof69 from #elinhilderbrand and would highly recommend this book. #beachreads #historicalfiction #nantucket

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I will preface this by saying I normally love Elin's books. However, Summer of '69 was not my favorite. I didn't hate it by any means, but it was also not one of the Hilderbrand novels I adore. Taking place in the summer of 69, Elin takes a stab at a little historical fiction, weaving a family's story and secrets into that tumultuous summer of Vietnam, Kennedys, free love, and walking on the moon.

This story without a doubt had potential and I will still recommend it to those who are fans. The story flowed nicely and there were some great characters, though I wished for a little more of their development. I wanted more of their stories. I do have a favorite quote from the book that I will share with you: "People are people". Best line I've read in a while, I must say.

What I did like about this book was that the story was inspired by the birth of Elin and her twin brother during that summer. She had wanted to write a story based on that time for a while and I am glad she did. It was such a crazy time.

All in all, Summer of 69 is a great story with a ton of potential. A great beach read. I just wanted more.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

Able to relate to this book in such a personal way allowed me to become absorbed from the get go. For this being Elin Hilderbrand‘s first historical novel, it is a masterpiece. Extremely impressive and accurate.

Elin is able to tell a story in which you feel that you are one of the characters or at least a fly on the wall the entire time you are reading. This novel will appeal to EVERYONE especially 40 and 50 somethings. I already have my high school daughter reading it.

Filled with love and loss, worry and relief, it is relatable on such a personal level for all us. The characters are well created and you feel that you get to know them early on in the book.

I highly recommend this work of art.

I have never read this author before, but I have heard of her. This book caught my eye because of its historical fiction description. The setting is Boston/Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard during the summer of 1969. A multi-generational family spends the summer in their Nantucket summer house, as they have done for many years, while events occur all around them -- the moon landing, Woodstock, the Vietnam War, Chappaquiddick, and civil rights. The Vietnam War is the most personal as the only son goes off to war at the beginning of the story, affecting everyone in the family, but primarily his mother. The 3 sisters of varying ages experience life-changing events as well during the summer. The descriptive writing of beautiful scenery made me feel as if I were on the beach myself. Some of the girls seemed petty and a bit unlikable, but the story as a whole is very interesting. I liked the interweaving of real events into these imaginary lives. I also liked how the author included things that were different back then -- It was acceptable to smoke and drink during pregnancy, it was normal and safe to leave front doors unlocked, television was the tool people used to stay informed on current events, and life, in general, seemed slower. Excellent summer read!

I really need to stop thinking of Elin Hilderbrand's books as chick lit "fluff." I have enjoyed every single one of them far more than I ever expected to, and this one is no exception. What I loved about this book - the characters: their quirks, their flaws, their "realness." Everyone trying to be what everyone else thinks they should be (including family matriarch Exalta). But Jessie was my favorite - with her teenage angst and expectations of what life should be like. I love how Hilderbrand wove in so many themes and pieces of history into this story, making it mostly fiction, but a little bit not. 1969 is too early for me, but I can imagine that if you grew up in this era you could read this book and continually think "I remember that!" which is what makes it so fun. Hilderbrand has an inate ability to transport her readers right into the novel, like you're reading letters from your best friend detailing her summer adventures. Highly recommend this one for a light, quick beach read that will keep you entertained for hours!

The Summer of 69 is a wonderful story of an iconic era. What flashbacks: rope bracelets, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, 60's song references galore, the Civil Rights movement, mini skirts, Tretorns, women's lib etc.
Plus, a wonderful family story.
Highly recommended. ✌

I've found that Elin Hilderbrand is a hit or miss author for me over the years. I've loved a few of her books...Barefoot, The Rumor, The Blue Bistro, and A Summer Affair but not loved many others as well. This one, unfortunately, falls into the latter category. The set up was enticing to start off, we hear initially about Tiger, favorite son of Kate and brother of Jessie (youngest), Kirby (middle) and Blair (oldest) who's been drafted to Vietnam. Kate is devastated and consequently spends most of the book drinking her worries away and being a negligent mother. I didn't like her in the beginning and I still didn't like her in the end. Kirby and Blair are each dealing with their own life challenges, so we get alternating chapters from their perspective as well.
While we do get occasional setting details, I was surprised by the lack of beach/scenery/summertime details that we really come to expect from EH's stories. There's quite a lot of food and meal details which I know many love but I skimmed these parts. I found the chapters to be long but when I looked back, the long chapters didn't really help me get to know any of the characters beyond what I felt was surface level. If I had to pick, I'd say I felt like we got the most in depth look into Jessie's character but I felt like there could've been more. I would've liked to have felt more invested in this family but I just didn't. I stuck with it for Kirby and Jessie but in the end, this was an underwhelming read for me.

Another great summer read set on Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand. I liked the historical aspect of this story and the intertwining of one family’s lives with the events of that time period. It did seem that everything was wrapped up neatly with a nice bow on top but isn’t that the joy of a summer read?

4.5/5
As with other Hildebrand novels, this takes place on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The description of the islands take you right there and have you yearing for a trip yourself. She is a master of this setting and I look forward to reading about it each time I pick up one of her books. Between her setting, characters, and history of the time, Hildebrand has written a historical fiction novel I didn't know I was missing.

In this book you will read about all of the issues of the time, from biracial relationships to the disapproval of the Vietnam War with a little infidelity and abortion mixed in. Whereas I'm not use to such depth to a Hildebrand novel, I absolutely loved it. As everyone gets excited for the moon landing, the characters are starting to work out their problems. It was nice to see a whole family grow and find their own way to happiness. I'm usually not a fan of a book told in multiple points of view, but it completely worked for this book. There wasn't one story line I felt was lacking and enjoyed each character. I enjoyed as each of the women in the book struggled with different obstacles and took a stand against societal normals. It couldn't have been easy for them to stand up for themselves, but they all seemed to do it regardless. The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5⭐ was the lack of an epilogue, I really would have seen where this family ended up. Honestly I can't recommend this book enough and it's the type of book that will appeal to everyone. I personally hope this isn't the last historical fiction she writes. 🤞

Thank you Netgalley, Little Brown, and Elin Hildebrand for a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand is a historical fiction novel that follows the Levin family during the summer of 1969. Of course with the book focusing on the various family members in this family the point of view does change between them.

For years the Levin family has spent summers in Nantucket visiting their grandmother’s historic home. This year however the family is being pulled apart in their own directions. Tiger, the only son, has been drafted into the military and will be sent to the war in Vietnam and this has affected each of the rest in various ways.

Blair, the oldest Levin has gotten married to a man who works with NASA and is spending her summer home alone as he works on putting a man on the moon. Kirby is the middle daughter who is a young free spirit known to protest the latest cause. Instead of heading to Nantucket Kirby has found a summer job in Martha’s Vineyard. And Jessie, the youngest and a half sibling to the older children, is turning thirteen and not looking forward to a summer alone with her mother and grandmother.

Looking back at the history books 1969 was really a very busy year and somewhat a turning point on a lot of issues. Elin Hilderbrand did a wonderful job centering this fictional family right in the middle of so many events that it brought the era to life wonderfully. It was also nice to see the differences in personalities and how they handled what was going on at any given time. Definitely a great read I am rating at 4 1/2 stars.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand is an epic historical fiction novel that will sweep its readers off their feet. Set in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, the book explores family relationships and an eventful time in U.S. history. It is a classic Hilderbrand summer novel with an exciting historical twist.

I have read a few of Hilderbrand’s novels before, but this one is my absolute favourite to date. This summer read has all of the classic elements that her works entail, such as drama and family relationships. However, the time period of Summer of ’69 really sets the tone for an intriguing plot. It is quite amazing how the history of 1969 blends perfectly into the narrative and its characters.

❀ INCREDIBLE SETTING

The setting is one that always makes me yearn for a trip to Nantucket. Hildrebrand outdoes herself with this particular novel, however. Many of the popular shops and places of interest that are described in the book are truly a step back in time. Also, adding Martha’s Vineyard to the story adds a really interesting element as the characters deal with racism and segregation.

❀ COMPELLING CHARACTERS

The story is told in multiple points of view, which works well for this novel. The women in the Levin family are all given a voice and it is compelling to read about each generation’s struggles and achievements in a time where women are really starting to take a stand for their rights. I especially loved Jessie’s point of view, as she is the youngest and really comes of age during the course of the novel.

Fans of Hilderbrand’s other novels set on Nantucket will not be disappointed with Summer of ’69. This epic historical fiction explores the time period and many of the social, political, and news-worthy moments of that summer. The characters are ones that readers will instantly relate to, making it a perfect summer read.

Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand
Book follows a family-3 girls, one boy during the summer of 1969. Each one could have their own book on their own-they are just so good.
Remember myself listening to the radio when my brother was up for induction into the military but he had a number that meant he'd not be seeing any ....
The girls brother was not so lucky-he was sent to Vietnam to fight. One treasures his letters home. Another woman is pregnant with twins but her husband is not so faithful and she ends up on the Vineyard.
The grandmother is also there and the other two girls have jobs for the summer months. Love the traditions that are followed every year. Especially like hearing of the things they do on the island-very similar to how I grew up on the island in the bay nearby.
Beaches-nude beach, public beach, beach for Blacks only as just a handful of those that are talked about. Each one holds their own speciality.
Events lead to the death of a young woman who makes world wide fame because of who she was with.... So many events I recall from my childhood.
Twists and turns and so many secrets that shed light on what's really going on.
Love hearing the soldiers journey and especially love how the book came about. About the author and notes are included at the end.
Resources are noted and acknowledgements and other works by the author are highlighted.
Received this review copy from Little, Brown and Company via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This is the first book I have ever read by Elin Hilderbrand. It will not be my last. I'm thrilled to discover a new author (to me) to follow. The summer of 69 was a turbulent time. Anyone growing up in that era will surely identify with the experiences of the Foley/Levin family.
The four siblings Blair,Tiger, Kirby and Jessica are all affected by the issues of the time. Blair, the eldest is struggling with feminism and retaining her individually while pregnant with twins and saddled with a astrophysicist husband who wants a stay at home wife while he makes his mark in the history of space exploration. Tiger has been drafted and deployed to Vietnam. Kirby is the beautiful wild child who is taken with all the social and political issues (i.e. Civil rights, antiwar protests, women's lib etc). of the time. She also is asserting her independence this summer. Jessica, the youngest is becoming a teenager and is struggling with coming of age issues. She also shares a special bond with Tiger and worries greatly about him. Mother Kate is having a hard time, struggling with a lifelong secret. Fears about Tiger being in Vietnam is more than Kate can cope with. She turns to alcohol. Maternal Grandmother, Exalta Nichols is set in her ways and is a prime example of Wasp culture. However, Exalta is not exempt from having a big secret herself.
Though I've never experienced summers in Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, the vivid descriptions of the homes, beaches and towns, brought them to life for me. All the chapters in the book are cleverly titled after relevant songs of the 1960s. Summer of 69 is the perfect summer read with a perfect mix of historical fiction, romance and family drama.

Is it really summer if you don't read Elin Hilderbrand’s latest novel? This time she's back with her first historical fiction. The Levin children love spending their summers at their grandmother's home in downtown Nantucket but this summer finds them torn in other directions—Boston, Martha's Vineyard, Vietnam—with the exception of 13 year old Jessie, who's suddenly not so sure about getting stuck with her grandmother. Get a front seat view as the family experiences the changing times for their country and for themselves.

Relevant, vivid, and absorbing!

Summer of ’69 is a nostalgic, domestic tale that takes us back to the idyllic island of Nantucket during a year when Vietnam was still raging, and Apollo 11 was finally going to put men on the moon, and into the lives of the blended Foley-Levin family as they navigate a summer of revelations, change, and new additions.

The writing is expressive and polished. The characters are genuine, troubled, and sympathetic. And the spirited plot is a delightful mix of summer fun, heartbreak, coming-of-age, secrets, wartime worries, adultery, racial segregation, women’s rights, and fresh starts.

Overall, Summer of ’69 is once again a beguiling, heartfelt, must-read summer tale by Hilderbrand that highlights the power of family and reminds us that even though we’ve come so far, in some respects we still have a long way to go.

With some more serious themes than her usual books, Elon Hilderbrand brings the 60’s to life, with the Moon walk, the social issues surrounding women’s issues, the Vietnam War. As Jessie’s family gets ready to summer in Nantucket, the fact that her brother is serving in Vietnam impacts family dynamics, as well as the predicaments her sisters Blair and Kirby, find themselves battling. Family secrets, new romances, and of course, the summer lifestyle in Nantucket contribute to make this a good summer read.

It’s officially summer now that I’ve read the new EH book! Seriously, it truly doesn’t feel like summertime for me until I get my hands on her latest book and I did consider waiting to read this until my actual summer vacation, but who am I kidding, I have no willpower when it comes to her books. I’m so glad I didn’t make myself wait either because this was exactly the right book to get me into a summer vacation state of mind.

I was just a tiny bit apprehensive when I read the blurb of this and saw it was set back in 1969, I don’t mind historical fiction but I did wonder if this would have the same magic as her usual summer books. I trust the queen of the beach read though and figured she knew what she was doing and she does. Obviously she does, this was book twenty something after all, and I was just as into this one as all of her previous books. It was really cool to see a simpler kind of life actually, no cell phones, Instagram, etc that so dominates our daily lives now, but there was no shortage of drama back then either. So many of the rampant issues back then are still sadly relevant today too, racism, women’s rights issues, etc. that despite being set fifty years ago it still felt surprisingly relevant.

No one features an ensemble cast better than EH, she manages to create casts of characters that you feel invested in and also relate to on some level. There’s a little something for everyone here, mom Kate trying to cope with her only son Tiger, being shipped off to Vietnam, daughters Kirby, Blair and Jessie who range from early twenties to just turned teenager and so many supporting characters that give the whole thing vibrancy and life. A must read for summer, make sure you read the authors note for the inspiration behind the story, it was super cool!

Summer of 69 in three words: Breezy, Spirited and Delightful

Elin Hilderbrand takes on historical fiction for the first time with Summer of '69, and it is just as well executed as any of her contemporary novels have been. Still set primarily on Nantucket, it's the story of a summer that is going to define the lives of the members of one family in different ways, told through the women of the family- Kate, who believes that the secrets she's kept is why she's been "punished" with her only son being sent to Vietnam; Blair, her oldest daughter, who is pregnant and questioning the husband and life she's chosen; Kirby, her spirited middle daughter who rebels with a summer job on Martha's Vineyard (and is also trying to outrun her past); and Jessie, the youngest daughter, who at thirteen is feeling lonely and at sea with her family, and making questionable choices because of that. While the voices of the four main characters weren't necessarily super distinct, there wasn't a perspective that dragged among them. Elin Hilderbrand's books have been defining summer for years, and this one is a perfect addition to her list.