This beautifully written, multi-generational story is the perfect summer beach read! Set on Mackinac Island, it tells the story of Gigi, her mother Eloise, and her grandmother Alice. Interwoven with their stories are chapters from friends and from Rebecca, Gigi's younger sister who recently moved off-island.

There were a lot of characters in this one, and a lot of POVs. Because of that, there were many "stories within a story" but I really didn't find it hard to keep track of. Everyone's stories were intertwined and it was fun to see how and why everyone was connected.

The setting of the book was absolutely stunning. I really didn't know anything about Mackinac Island before reading, but found myself researching it as I went along. What a fascinating place! There are no cars allowed, and although the year-round population is tiny, it's a huge tourist spot. I loved how small-town it was, and the different perspectives on life there from each character.

All of the women in the book showed immense growth by the end of the book. I did find myself very annoyed at the "mother knows best" attitudes from several characters, but in the end I was happily surprised and satisfied with how everyone learned to accept and listen to each other.

If you're looking for a contemporary women's fiction book that is very character driven and set during the bustling days of summer on a small island, I highly recommend this one!

Set on the backdrop of Mackinac Island, Summer on Lilac Island is a multigenerational family drama and the bonds between mothers and daughters. It's a story of complex relationships, complicated pasts, regrets, loss, new beginnings, forgiveness, second chances, unexpected romances, healing, self discovery and personal growth.

MacMillan portrays the complexity and ups and downs of life and relationships perfectly. The diverse cast of characters and plot were so well developed that it felt realistic. I loved the inside look at so many different relationships and how they were interwoven, showing how one relationship can cause a ripple effect, whether positive or negative, into another relationship. I also loved how the sisters were complete opposites making it not only realistic but also easy for most readers to make a connection with one or the other. I thought all the drama and gossip of the island was a fun addition and helped add even more humor to the story. I did feel like it had a slow start as the background and all the different characters were being introduced, but it quickly picked up as the drama began to unfold and the twisty secrets were slowly being revealed. This was a great summer read!

The audio book made for a great immersive experience. The narrator, Kira Fixx, delivered a flawless performance from start to finish. Fixx did a great job giving each character their own unique voice, which is impressing considering all the different characters. Her tone and pacing were spot on and helped bring the characters and story to life.

Thank you @itsthelindsaychannel, @uplitreads, and @harpermusebooks for the #giftedbyuplit of this stunning book and ALC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

this book was everything i didn’t know i needed! This book features multiple character povs throughout but has a main focus on our main character Gigi who has had to come back to her home town Mackinac Island for summer. She and her mother Eloise have a rocky relationship and the book explores their dynamic as well as how these characters change and grow with others on the island over the summer! This book has a touch of romance, heartbreak, friendships, and character growth which made for a very entertaining and jam packed story! With the povs from multiple different characters had me rooting for them all and allowed for me to develop a better connection to all of them! I had a fantastic time and would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to dabble in the women’s fiction genre or likes seeing platonic relationships grow as well as romance!

This was an easy to read and follow summer story. The characters were all likeable and not so complicated that I couldn’t remember them. It got a it long for me towards the end but, wrapped up nicely with a happy loving storyline.

Mackinac Island is one of,the gems of the upper Midwest. It’s quaint and classic but also home to year rounders.
There is a lot of character growth in the novel particularly among the Jenkins women.
I wanted to shake Eloise for being such a doormat to tumbleweed Gus.
Gigi finally matured and made some adult decisions.
I think Rebecca and Alice were always ok, they just needed to trust themselves more.
I loved how the island was a character too.
Hitch up the carriage, inhale the lilacs, and take a ride around the island.

Summer on Lilac Island is a charming, feel-good novel that captures the magic of second chances, personal growth, and the quiet beauty of island life. It is a lengthy book but if you are a fan of heartfelt contemporary fiction you will be swept away by the serenity and spirit of Lilac Island. I enjoyed this book. I will be recommending it.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved the storyline of this book. You follow women trying to get back out there while trying to shove the other one back into the dating world. Such a heartwarming story.

Having limited options, Gigi finds herself returning to the island she ran from though it seems this summer could be a summer of change for Gigi, her mother, her sister, her grandmother, and the island.

Overall, I did enjoy getting to know these women as I tend to enjoy multigenerational stories. It seemed as though everyone on Mackinac Island had some sort of secret and this was the summer for all the be revealed. This aspect of the story was done well, and I appreciated each person's personal journey and growth as they finally dealt with these hidden pieces of themselves.

Fair warning, this book was filled with many vibrant and interesting characters. I personally enjoyed meeting them and liked the way the multiple plots worked together, though, I have to admit, it took me a while to warm up to Gigi. I did like her more at the end than the beginning of the book and felt like she came a long way. But one of my favorite characters was Clyde, a visitor to the island. He was hilarious and sweet, and I was really rooting for him.

This was a story about family dynamics, confronting the past, and embracing a future. It was about shedding guilt and embarking on new adventures, no matter how big or how small. It was about family and friendship and love which made for a lovely visit to Mackinac Island.

I sadly did not connect to these characters and found them really annoying. BUT, if you do connect to these characters right off the bat, you will love this book. It’s a great women lit fic about family, relationships and finding yourself. A very heart warming book but sadly did not connect with me personally.

What could be better than a small-town summer novel set on the beautiful Mackinac Island? I immediately signed up to review this charming novel about mothers and daughters, small-town dating and what it means to find your way home.

Gigi Jenkins is broke, unemployed and stuck in a rut, so she sucks it up and heads back home to the horse-and-buggy hometown of Mackinac Island to live with her meddling mother rent-free for the summer. She wasn’t prepared to be set up with the island’s charming new doctor, but two can play the matchmaker game. She sets her mother up with the charming Scottish author she met on the ferry, and what ensues is a fun-filled summer of small-town antics, unexpected sparks and a cast of quirky characters.

This reminded me a bit of Elin Hilderbrand’s novels set on Nantucket, but it dragged a little along the way and I found myself skimming a bit to get through some slow spots. I had high hopes for this book because it sounded so quaint and charming, but it just didn’t hit the spot like I’d hoped. I do look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to Lindsay MacMillan, Harper Muse and NetGally for a digital copy of the book for an honest review.

A well-crafted novel that follows the main character as she returns home after too long away. It is the story or women-mothers, daughters, sisters-and it is wonderful.

I enjoyed this mother-daughter story set on Mackinac Island, Michigan that had some romance, some reconciliation, secrets and more as the two women embark on journeys of self-discovery over the course of one life-changing summer.

As an only child, I’ve always been a bit envious of sibling relationships. Summer on Lilac Island was filled with such beautiful interactions between sisters and mothers and mothers of mothers and daughters and even some surprise characters, that I felt truly invested in this tiny island filled with loving people all trying to figure life out in their very human (and sometimes very funny) ways.

An interesting summer story set on Mackinac Island.

Gigi, newly unemployed and broke, decides to move back to her home on the island she couldn't wait to leave as a child. Her mom is keen on setting her up with the new island doctor, hoping to keep her on the island. In return, Gigi sets her mom up with a traveling writer staying at the Grand Hotel. It's fun to watch Gigi learn to love the island and grow. An easy, summery story with a lot of grit.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

Romances are not my favorite genre but I truly enjoyed this one- especially due to the setting on Mackinac Island. I have heard of the petroskis so many times and enjoyed reading about them. The island sounds like the perfect place to spend the summer. I so enjoyed the evolution of the relationship between Gigi, her sister and Eloise. I also enjoyed both of the romances - unexpected, both starting as a bit of a joke. Loved the depiction of island life and small town daily activities. Lindsay MacMillan’s skilled writing kept me basking in the sunshine throughout this feel good heart warming story.
Many thanks to Lindsay MacMillan, Harper Muse and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read an arc of this recently published book.

Summer on Lilac Island – Lindsay MacMillan
 
My rating – 4 stars
 
If you’re looking for the perfect summery read, look no further. This book oozes summer with its small town, summer holiday, island setting and lots of romantic storylines.
 
Summer on Lilac Island is set on Mackinac Island which is on Lake Huron in Michigan. It’s a hidden gem of America that I didn’t know existed, with a car free environment meaning you can only get around by foot, bikes or horse drawn carriages. The descriptions of the island are so beautiful and vivid, I feel like I’ve visited. From the main street with its boutique shops and food places, to the beauty of the coastline and lake. I have a new holiday destination on my bucket list!
 
The story matches its beautiful setting and is a heartwarming, character driven tale following three generations of women from the same family. Think Gilmore Girls, summer style. Gigi has run out of options. She’s broke, unemployed and has just been kicked out of her flat, so she returns home to Mackinac to spend a rent free summer living with her mum. With this comes pressures from her family to settle her free spirit, interfering islanders spreading gossip and rumours and questionable relationships with just about everyone. Although Gigi and her mum Eloise are the main protagonists, I loved that the story has multiple POVs which add depth and great character development.
 
It’s a story of self discovery and finding the best version of yourself no matter your age. The journey this family of women go on made my heart melt. The characters are relatable and real, with all their flaws and the romance is wholesome. It’s definitely worth picking up!

Thank you for the opportunity to receive an arc of this novel!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Muse for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book and read it in one day. I thought it was well written and it had a great storyline. I loved following the characters through this book. I would definitely recommend this book.

The rent is free - that's a plus. Living with her mom for the summer - that's a negative. Gigi returns to Mackinac Island for the summer. She's broke, trying to pull her life together. When she left Mackinac at 18, she ran away with the mayor's son and she has a reputation. Does she try to repair her reputation all these years later, or will she choose to add to the bad girl persona?

Mom sets her up with the new doctor on the island, and when Gigi agrees to the date, she tells her mother she will arrange a date for her mother. Deal is on! We hear more of Gigi's story, her mom Eloise's story and even Gigi's grandmother's story. The island and its summer activities, the fudge shops, the tourists, the horses, plays such a great part in the book. It was also a revealing look at the full-time residents and their lives which go on after summer is over and the tourists long gone.

Set on the small island of Mackinac, this story feels like a coming of age of multiple generations of women. I felt a connection with each of the characters (except Gus- I found him unforgivable) and appreciated their POV in each chapter. In some books, this style feels disjointed but in Summer on Lilac Island I felt like it flowed so beautifully and carried the story well. I’m always a fan of chapters that come from inanimate objects and having the perspective of the Grand Hotel and the island itself was really fun. I wish there were more of those chapters! Overall, this was a really good read.

This book was everything I want in a summer read—emotional, heartwarming, and full of charm! 🌸🐚

Set on the stunning Mackinac Island, this story brings together:
🏡 A cozy small-town setting
👩‍👧 Multigenerational family drama + touching mother-daughter relationships
💘 Fake dating and second chances
🐴 A horse-and-buggy community that stole my heart
🌅 Sandy toes, seaside sunsets, and slow, sweet summer magic

Every character felt real and relatable—I seriously loved them all! I was completely hooked. 🎧💫

Mackinac Island is now officially on my bucket list. The way this story captured the magic of the place! 🏖️

✨If you’re looking for a warm, heartfelt summer read full of love, healing, and sunshine, this one’s a must.