Cover Image: 28 Summers

28 Summers

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Member Reviews

To me, this is a 5 star book! It’s enchanting, and loving, and just the perfect read for me. I have read a lot of Elin Hilderbrand books, and I think this is her best one yet.

When Mallory was in her early 20s, trying to make her way through living in Manhattan, her aunt dies leaving her a cottage in Nantucket. For Mallory this is just what she needed as a change. During her first Labor Day weekend at the cottage, she hosts a bachelor weekend for her brother. She ends up falling in love with her brother’s friend, Jake McCloud. The final night, they watch the move Same Time Next Year. The two make a pact, a Same Time Next Year no matter what.

Hilderbrand does a great job narrating the longing felt by both Mallory and Jake. While I’m not in favor of infidelity, my heart made an exception for these two. Aside of the deep love story for these two, Hilderbrand included “What were people talking about in year XXXX”. I loved these little blurbs and the nostalgia.

I adored Jake and Mallory and know you will too. I would recommend this book as a book club pick!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Release Date: 06/16/2020

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Oh my! Erin Hilderbrand has outdone herself. This memorable beach read is her best yet. In a time when we all need to escape the crazy that has become our reality, Hilderbrand introduces us to characters that are interesting, complex, and loveable. The reader is drawn into the story immediately and we follow the lives of the friends and family from year to year and are taken away to Nantucket each summer. Life progresses, but for one long weekend every year, it is the same. This is a story of friendship, family, secrets, and love. Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown, & Company for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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28 Summers is one of the absolutely best books I've ever read. The story line, the characters, Mallory and Jake - I loved it all. Thank you, Elin Hildebrand, for a perfect book.

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I always look forward to Elin Hilderbrand's books every summer! This one did not disappoint -- the descriptions of Nantucket and beyond made me feel like I was right there among the characters. Also, I'm from Baltimore and the connection to Baltimore was spot-on.
The connection to Mallory was one of the best connections I've had with a character in a long time, but even at the end, I wasn't sad because I knew she had done everything she had wanted and needed to do.
Not only was this a great summer read, it was a good read for anyone that is searching for something without knowing that they already have it.

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First, thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I met Elin Hildebrand a bit ago with Erika and Maureen. Gosh she can write! This book is so, so good. In her 20’s, Mallory was gifted a bungalow in Nantucket from her aunt. Her brother Cooper wanted to have a bachelor’s party over Labor Day weekend. She hosted him and two friends. One friend she had an instant connection with and from that weekend forward, they made a plan to continue that weekend, no matter what for each Labor Day to come. No matter what they were doing in life, this would be their weekend. Read it! All the feels! #28summers #elinhildebrand

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I always enjoy Elin Hilderbrand's novels. I have never been to Nantucket, but every time I read one of her new books, I always remind myself that it's on my bucket list.

Reading 28 Summers while in self-isolation due to the pandemic was exactly what I needed. I could escape my life and pretend I was on Nantucket, enjoying the sun, beaches, and people that inhabit the island. There were a few chapters that dragged a bit and some superfluous characters, but overall Hilderbrand is back to what she does best: a great beach read.

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Another amazing summer read by Elin Hilderbrand! Loved every page of this one. The book follows Mallory and Jake who get together every Labor Day weekend, having fallen in love in their early 20s but circumstances preventing them from truly being together. Mallory displays truly unselfish love, letting Jake go even though one could consider him more selfish than selfish with the way he treats her. Each chapter opens up with what happened in the world that year, which was pretty cool. Some events not awesome but part of history anyway. I ready this one in one sitting; I couldn't put it down. Sad that I won't have it fresh for the summer but I couldn't wait to read it and during the COVID crazies of 2020, it was just what I needed.

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Best one yet!!! Elin just keeps getting better and better. (HOW does she do it?!?) All of her works are great, but 28 Summers is exceptional. It gives you all the feels without being too dramatic or heavy. Perfect weekend or beach read, or anytime read, really. Just read it. You won't be disappointed!

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I stayed up all night to finish this. I loved the highlights given of each year. Mallory and Jake were destined to be together. She worked so hard to keep everyone happy. But she only kept three days a year for herself. Jake married because of an obligation to his sister's memory. I could not find one likeable thing about Ursula. Not one relationship in this story was happy besides Apple and Hugo. Mallory stayed waiting for someone she couldn't have. Cooper couldn't stop finding the wrong person. Leland was a terrible friend and partner.
I am still dealing with the end. I was broken hearted. It was a good read. I just wished for a different ending.

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I absolutely LOVED this novel! I have been a big fan of every Elin Hilderbrand novel that I have read, but I think this might be my new favourite! I don't even read the descriptions for her books anymore because I now I'm going to love them, but I didn't know exactly what I was getting myself into with this book and I'm glad I didn't have any expectations.

This is a beautiful novel spanning as the title alludes to, 28 Summers or years. The style of writing in Hilderbrand's latest has a different feel than a lot of her books, but it still has that Nantucket charm and so many beautiful references to recent history and pop culture.

I have been savouring this novel over the last week because I didn't want it to end. I finished today through very teary eyes at such beautiful ending. I can't wait for others to read this novel so I can talk more about it!

I so rarely rate a book 5 stars, but I went on goodreads as soon as I finished this one and automatically gave it 5 big ones.

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I fell in love with Hilderbrand's books years ago when I read the Blue Bistro and it has been my favorite of all her books until now. 28 Summers was magical and beautiful. My heart was in it from the start and the format was brilliant. The start of each year pulled me back to those years in my own life and helped me connect even more with the story. The writing, the characters, the tragic and beautiful moments made this a book I soon won't forget. The complex relationships and the perfect little moments really make the reader reflect on holding onto those moments when true happiness and love find us. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

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28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand Reviewed May 9. 2020
If it is summertime ~ it is time for the latest [author: Elin Hilderbrand] Nantucket novel. This is my19th EH novel ~ I am a big fan!
I am old enough that I remember the 1978 classic movie, “Same Time, Next Year” with Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn. It is the story about a couple who fall in love but each is married to someone else. They decide to meet one day a year. They do so and end up meeting for over 20 years. It, of course, is a story of adultery but it is funny. Here is the trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3U2LbkkkPM

Twenty eight summer ago, Mallory is hosting the bachelor party for her brother in her home on Nantucket (she inherited this beach house from her aunt) She meets and falls in love with Jake, her brother’s best friend. Sure enough romance blooms. The bachelor party falls apart but not these two. They hit it off which includes viewing the movie “Same time, Next Year”. They love the idea and agree to meet next Labor Day weekend.
Since the story covers 28 summers. Each summer starts off with “What are we talking about in (date)?
What was popular in the new, what books, music etc. ~ which I totally loved.
Okay here’s one …What year did this happen?… LAPD chasing a white Bronco, the bloody glove etc.

I am NOT a Chick lit/ Romance/Women’s Fiction kind of a gal but I am a big Elin Hilderbrand fan! Additionally, I always enjoy reading the Author’s Note at the end of a novel. In this case, Ms. Hilderbrand explains in her “Acknowledgments” her inspiration for the story. Mentions that playwright Bernard Slade died on the day she completed her first draft. She point out that she like Mallory moved to Nantucket in 1993 and yes! This is her 28th summer!

Want to thank NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for this early release granted in exchange for an honest professional review. Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 16, 2020

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Oh. My. Goodness.
Oh, Elin. You got my heart with this one and I loved every moment. So, I got this ARC about 2 weeks ago and I told myself I should hold onto it until the weather was just right and maybe even when school was out as a little reward to myself.
Well, full disclosure here: on April 17th my 45 year old cousin died unexpectedly and I found myself back in that position of not being able to read anything or concentrate fully to finish a book. I knew then that I had to bust out my Ace in the Hole: the new Elin summer novel. It’s EXACTLY what I needed. I read this in under 24 hours. I loved: the narrative style, the character development, the insight into everyone, the food descriptions, the setting ALWAYS, the buildup, the plot development, and especially the memories of each year as the summers open. I also appreciated the many Easter Eggs Elin dropped from past novels- I was like daaaaamn she pulling some Stephen King magic here! I really enjoyed that Mallory was a high school English teacher and so well read. I loved her parents- they TOTALLY reminded me of Emily & Richard Gilmore. I loved the ripped from the headlines scandal and how Ursula made us like her even though we really didn’t want to. I loved how she wrote 9/11 and also how she & Emily Giffin both did this for their 2020 books- and both did it beautifully. Simply put, I absolutely loved this book. It pulled me out of my funk and allowed me to escape and it also broke my heart. I cried all the way through the end and I’m not ashamed. I read her books as soon as they’re released, or before if approved and admittedly, some I like better than others. This one may be my favorite yet. All the damn stars!!! Thank you so much to Net Galley & Little Brown for approval and thank you, Elin, for always making the world a little better with your books! Also, HUGE thank you for making a school counselor a prominent character! We never get any props. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Really enjoyed this book! It was not my absolute favorite of hers because it was frustrating to watch the two main characters struggle to be together. But that is a testament to her writing such like-able characters; you just want to root for them!

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I feel like I have been to Nantucket many times through the lens of Erin Hilderbrand. This story of power, politics, love and strength set on the tranquil and familiar island is the heartbreaking love story of Mal and Jake. I would have liked have seen the characters struggle more with their “same time next year” rendezvous and maybe Mal not be okay with it year after year and want more from the relationship. I totally enjoy all the references to places on the island that have been important locations in other Hilderbrand books.

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28 Summers is much like Elin Hilderbrand's other books. It is fun-loving and very much a beach read. With that being said, it opens up the summer season so nice and appropriately.

The characters are so well developed and in such a quick way. It doesn't take long to know these characters and begin to love them, even the irritating ones. Mallory Blessing is a single woman who inherited a Nantucket cottage. She begins her adult life in that house on the island. We go through trials and tribulations and all of the fun times with her. She has a brother who lives elsewhere and a best friend who is quite the self centered twit.

As the story progresses we live each summer with her for 28 years. Each year is different and a new adventure or issue arises. This particular story interweaves some politics which usually don't set well with all people but the way she uses it as part of the story flows well. Elin brings a couple of island characters back but only for a minute as a fun little pop in, but they leave quickly and the story stands on its own and brings all new characters to the table.

This story was an easy read, happy and sad moments, and never had a slow spot. I just wanted to keep reading! Elin did it again! I loved this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC. I appreciate being a part of the review process.

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I truly loved this book! Elin has managed to take the premise of "Same Time Next Year" and turn it into a novel that is unique as well as heart warming. Mallory and Jake are two people who fit together and yet complement each other's differences. The only criticism I have is that I don't truly believe that this wonderful couple had to be a "Same Time Nest Year" couple. The reasons for them adapting this arrangement didn't seem strong enough compared to their chemistry. Putting that aside, this book has takes the reader along for the ride as if they are truly friends or at least acquaintances of our couple. As the years pass, you see not only their time together but their lives apart from each other. The people that they come into contact with in their individual lives are necessary parts of the story that actually help interweave their together story. This book made me laugh, cry and at the end hope. On a side note, I loved how each chapter began with a "What are we talking about in this year" which made me truly nostalgic.

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I have always loved reading Elin Hilderbrands’ books every summer, but I think this is one of her bests yet! 28 summers is based off the film “Same Time Next Year” and features a love affair with Mallroy Blessing and her brothers best friend, Jake McCloud. Elin does a wonderful job of making each chapter a new year and summer, while reminiscing of the events that were taking place during that time. This story had me laughing, crying, falling in love, and in suspense the whole time. This book is absolutely perfect to read while having your toes in the sand and a lobster roll in one hand. I was fortunate to read this during the pandemic, as it made my mind escape what was going on in the world around me. I am hoping my July trip to Nantucket does not get cancelled, so I can dance with my friends at the Chicken Box and visit the restaurants Elin describes in her book. 5 Stars for Elin Hilderbrand as always!

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As good as her early novels, perhaps the best ever. A love story with likeable characters spanning over 28 summers. The perfect beach book. I really enjoyed it.

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My review for this book will be published in Library Journal.
(Personally, I loved this book, it is one of my favorite of 2020 so far)

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