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Absolutely adored this new contemporary novel by Sarah Maclean. This is shaping up to be my top read of the summer, and a top read of the year. If you enjoyed the Westing Game as a child, this reminded me so much of that! It is set in Rhode Island, and it is about the children and wife of a recently deceased billionaire who leaves behind some surprises related to his children's inheritance and how they will earn them. The book is very much about family, relationships, money, and love too. It has a little of everything and was wildly entertaining and readable. Maclean is such a talented writer.

I'm thankful to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Wow, this book absolutely blew me away! Going into These Summer Storms, I didn’t really know what to expect other than rich people drama which is something I am not ashamed to admit that I enjoy reading about. I did not expect how deeply emotional and raw this book felt, how true to life it is in so many ways despite being about literal billionaires. The sibling relationships, the different ways each family member was grieving their loss and the feelings that brought to the surface for them. Sarah MacLean did a wonderful job with this book, and I can see this story being something I will be drawn to reread throughout my life.

These Summer Storms follows Alice, the estranged daughter of a recently deceased tech mogul as she returns to the Storm family island when she, her siblings and mother are tasked with a game to win their inheritance. As the story progresses, secrets are uncovered and a romance blossoms.

I loved everything about this. The characters and the growth they went through, the way grief was portrayed, the setting, etc. One character that really stood out to me was surprisingly the mother, Elisabeth. Despite being a deeply unlikeable and cruel character to her children, by the end of the book you come to understand her and the grief that is affecting her. It’s messy, but it feels so real.

I highly recommend picking up These Summer Storms this summer season if you’re looking for the perfect summer read that does NOT lack substance!

A huge thank you to Random House Publishing- Ballantine and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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I absolutely loved this book! Set against a coastal backdrop, it pulled me in right away. Throw in a messy, complicated family and an unexpected romance, and I couldn’t put it down. A truly delightful and unexpected gem. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. 4.5⭐️

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THESE SUMMER STORMS by Sarah MacLean
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just the beach read that I needed!!! The characters were entertaining to follow and their drama was so out of touch that it sort of felt like a movie! I’m a huge sucker for a family drama & this one was amazing!

This book follows Alice Storm, who is estranged from her family, and the reunion that follows after the death of her billionaire father. A story filled with secrets and manipulation, Alice and her siblings must participate in a sort of inheritance games in order to receive their $$$.

Read if you’re looking for:
😎New England private island vibes
⛱️Family drama with a Romance subplot
☀️Beach read

Thanks @netgalley for the ARC & @bookofthemonth for my July pick that I can’t wait to share with friends and family!

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What fun summer read. I devoured this story on a beach vacation in Michigan, and I cannot imagine a more perfect setting to read These Summer Storms. This juicy family drama centered around an inheritance game with a forbidden romance thrown in just for fun. The pacing was a bit slow at the beginning, but overall this was a blast. These Summer Storms would be a great read to finish off your summer vacation.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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4.5 Stars

This one has gotten a lot of love and I can see why!

Alice Storm is thrown back into her estranged, ultra-wealthy family's drama on their private island after her eccentric father's death. What follows is a brilliant inheritance game that forces secrets to the surface and sparks an undeniable connection.

The family dynamics are messy, flawed, and captivating, making you equally frustrated and empathetic. Alice is a fantastic heroine, and the slow-burn attraction with Jack Dean…Chef's kiss. While some plot resolutions felt a tiny bit rushed, the journey was so engaging. A perfect summer read blending family drama, mystery, and delicious romance!

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With the amount of times These Summer Storms was promoted via social media, I felt compelled to request it on NetGalley (I also coincidentally won a second copy via Booktrovert). Like many of my fellow reviewers, I was intrigued by the premise of an inheritance game and perhaps, the glamour that often accompanies stories of the uber rich. However, unlike some readers, I was not put off or perturbed by the petulance and superficial preoccupations of the siblings and their loathsome personalities. In fact, though I am not familiar with Sarah MacLean’s other work, I believe she intentionally wrote the characters as such.

It is difficult to imagine that most people who have lived with that kind of wealth and lack of responsibilities would remain as humble as someone who never had access to even 1/10th of a few billion dollars. While there was a distinct absence of social commentary on the Storm family’s privilege and their moral compass, in my opinion, that was not the point of the novel at all. Rather, MacLean seemingly wrote the novel to illuminate the need for each person to live his/her/their life without the constraints of someone else’s expectations. Thus, These Summer Storms is a character and relationship-driven analysis.

That said, Elisabeth undergoes no personal growth whatsoever (which again, I think, is to be expected) and Alice herself, the character who receives the majority of the focus, gains little overall too (her relationship with Jack notwithstanding). I can see how some readers may think Sam and Emily should fall into this same category. To be fair, it didn’t seem as though Emily needed much development. However, the interlude chapter from Sam’s point of view gives a sense of gravitas to his character— there is more to him than just the stereotypical spoiled only boy/son. Greta’s character definitely is quite irritating until her part of the ‘game’ reaches its climax and subsequent conclusion (I wish MacLean would have given her more than one chapter); not to mention the secret that is revealed just for the sake of creating more drama and antagonism with her mother. Had MacLean provided more breadcrumbs about Greta’s youth, the secret wouldn’t have felt so disingenuous in its purpose with respect to the plot. To speak of Jack is to admit that he probably is a bit toxic, though his multifaceted personality and tumultuous upbringing somewhat relieve him of that designation. His character comes across as an idealized version of a male protagonist and it works to some extent— his resolve is admirable. The pace at which his relationship with Alice evolves and deepens would be a bit unsettling for many, but I also can see how it could be replicated in the real world.

MacLean’s writing style lends itself to an ease of reading that is not found as often as I would like (or expect). Again, I am not familiar with her other work, but the way in which she did not simplify the vocabulary for the sake of the reader’s understanding is refreshing too (I consider myself well read, but had to remind myself of the meaning of a few words here and there that I rarely use/have seen). I did not find it difficult to get through the novel whatsoever either, as the pacing was decent. Keeping those points in mind, however, I do feel as though the premise of an inheritance game (which was reiterated over and over throughout the novel) is dubious at best and deceptive at its worst. The family is given tasks, but the degree of competition amongst the siblings and Elisabeth that they speak of never fully materializes. The inheritance itself is easily guessed from the start and thus, the stakes feel cheap and utterly manipulative in retrospect.

Regardless of its issues, These Summer Storms is an enjoyable read, especially for those who would like to escape their own problems for a bit.

Thank you to Random House- Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC!

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3.5 stars for These Summer Storms! Alice Storm is estranged from the rest of her family, but when her father dies suddenly in a tragic accident she returns to their New England Island for the funeral. Instead she finds herself, her siblings, and her mother wrapped up in one final challenge to earn their inheritance from their billionaire father.

Overall this was an enjoyable read, slightly low rating from me because I felt like some parts were slow/dragged and I think I was expecting a little bit more action or more of a game they would have to play. A good look in on grief and family dynamics as well as forging your own path.

Thank you Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced e-copy of this book.

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First I want everyone to level set — this is a family drama romance, not a summer thriller. Idk what got into my head that it was going to be sinister and… murdery. I feel like halfway the book I was like hello?? Really wish I would have gone in knowing that it’s a family drama.

And boy is it dramatic! So the premise is: rich, asshole patriarch dies and his spoiled grown children gather on their private New England island to see what they’ve inherited. Spoiler: it’s not as simple as reading a will.

The romance in this totally surprised me. There’s some steamy moments! It was definitely a “is this illegal? It feels illegal.” Moment.

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DNF @ 20%

I picked this one up because it was pitched to me as a contemporary romance, and I love Sarah MacLean’s historical romances. And while there is a romance subplot, it reads like a contemporary fiction book, which is not something I really enjoy reading.

These Summer Storms is perfect for summer beach readers who want a family saga they can sink their teeth into, with a side of romance.

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Overall, this was an enjoyable read full of family drama with a side of romantic tension. The characters are compelling, but the story lacks a truly memorable spark.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

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I am a sucker for a family drama, add in an inheritance game and IM IN!.

The Storm family has been hit with the loss of their father but he has one last task for them all before they can get their inheritance...For Greta it is ending a love affair, for Sam some manual labor, for Emily, the baby of the family; she is free and clear. But for Alice, the one banished from the Storm home 5 years ago, all she has to do is stay the full week with her family- which is the hardest task of all.

This book is full of family secrets, betrayal, and a complex family dynamic.

This book had mostly unlikable characters, of course we all hate the rich and their rich people problems. I liked that even though they were mostly dislikable, they all had some redeeming qualities that continued to shine throughout the books. By the end I was rooting for them all.

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The Storm family is extra dysfunctional. Their dysfunction makes the story of the patriarch's death and his rules for inheritance intriguing, entertaining, and engaging. It's a quick read with a wonderful setting and it will have you appreciating your own families.

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This truly has me written all over it. Rich people who have to jump through hoops to get their inheritance after the controlling patriarch dies usually a slam dunk.

For some reason I wasn’t drawn in. I couldn’t keep the names straight. Tell me why she was estranged sooner instead of drawing it.

Everyone else has been loving it though so probably just a case of wrong timing for me!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Review will be posted on 7/29/25

Alice Storm has been estranged from her family for over five years and hasn't visited the family estate on a private island in Rhode Island in years. She is part of the famous Storm family, thanks to her father, Franklin Storm's, success in business. Franklin's untimely death brings all the Storm siblings together on this private island along with their ice queen mother, Elizabeth. There's Elizabeth's sidekick/older sister and people pleaser, Greta. Then there's Sam, the older brother, who is vying for control of the Storm company even if that isn't what Franklin wanted. Lastly, there is Emily, who is a carefree hippy, and the least of Alice's problems. Alice has been shunned by the family for standing up to Franklin and feels deeply uncomfortable at this "celebration" of life for her father. Not to mention, Jack Dean, Franklin's right-hand man, is delivering all the information regarding their inheritance, and she had a one-night stand with him before she knew who he was. Jack reports that the Storm siblings must complete their father's challenges before getting their inheritances, and if one sibling fails, they all fail. Diabiacial to the end. Alice's challenge is to stay a week at their family estate, but she doesn't even think it can last one more hour. The more time she spends on the island, the more secrets are revealed about her family. Sarah MacLean's These Summer Storms is a pageturner of a drama filled to the brim with family, reminiscent of the TV show Succession.

I liked Alice from the start of These Summer Storms. Readers will appreciate her ability to stand up for what is right and forge her own life as a teacher and artist, without the support of her ultra-wealthy father. She sticks to her ideals, and money isn't a factor, unlike the rest of her siblings. I enjoyed the romance between Jack and Alice, and how it played out, despite an awkward first meeting and confusion of identities, at least on her end. The more time she spent with Jack, the more their attraction built and the more she learned about her father, too.

If you enjoy the TV show Succession, you will love These Summer Storms. The book frequently reminded me of the show, with its themes of an overbearing and controlling father, a brother vying for more power, and toxic family dynamics. Also, the coastal setting of Rhode Island enhanced the book's appeal as a beach read, especially with the storms rolling in.

However, I did have some complaints about These Summer Storms. The repetitive focus on inheritance and the accompanying "challenges," particularly the discussions surrounding them, became tedious. I also grew weary of the constant emphasis on "rich people's problems." Overall, despite these issues, it was an enjoyable beach read. If MacLean writes more contemporary novels in the future, I would definitely consider picking them up! Let me know in the comments if you are a fan of Sarah MacLean and your thoughts on These Summer Storms.

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I had seen These Summer Storms on many different feeds and lists, so I was happy when I received this NetGalley advanced copy. This book was fast paced summer storm!!!! When the patriarch of a wealthy family passes everyone comes back to the island for the funeral (celebration). Even Alice who has been banished for the past five years. What the family finds out is that even from the grave, Franklin has plans for the family. They all received a letter with a request. They must all comply or none of them inherit what is meant to be theirs. This is where the drama and mayhem ensue. This cast of characters are an interesting bunch and will do almost anything to get that money. But in the end is it worth it? Well, the book is definitely worth reading!

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If you have siblings or married into a family with lots of kids, you will enjoy this book! Alice, is summoned home after the death of her father, a billionaire who created a bunch of big tech companies. Her and her siblings all have to stay together for a week and each one is given a task to do. If they don’t, they may lose their inheritance. There are secrets and lies and truths that will be revealed. A rich family, a private island and a mother who has her own secrets that she wants to stay hidden. And Jack, the master of the game.

I enjoyed this book! It was kinda slow to begin with but as I read more, I got invested and grew to love the siblings. A great summer read! 4 ⭐️!

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Loved this book! Give me a coastal setting, full of sand and salt and sea, and I’m a goner. Add a dysfunctional family, an unlikely love story, and I’m hooked. This book was a delightful surprise. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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4.5 ⭐️ I couldn’t put it down.

One island. One inheritance. One wild, stormy week.
When Alice Storm returns to her family’s private Rhode Island island after her father’s death, she plans to pay her respects and leave fast. But her late father had other plans: a twisted inheritance game designed to expose secrets, stir up rivalries, and unravel the already-fractured Storm family. Trapped in a house full of dysfunction and forced to confront her past, Alice finds an unexpected connection with Jack Dean, her father’s mysterious, maddening second-in-command. With tension, juicy secrets, and family drama at every turn, These Summer Storms is impossible to put down.

I really loved this book. It was the breath of salty ocean air that I needed. From the second that Jack and Alice met, I was completely invested. The New England setting gave it the perfect rich coastal vibes I was needing.

The juicy secrets, messy family drama, and completely unlikeable relatives made it even better. It had just the right amount of chaos, and I was here for all of it. The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars is because I wanted more. More of what? I’m not sure. I just wanted a little more character development on a few that felt…flat. I would have loved an epilogue to see how everything plays out, too. Overall, I really enjoyed this messy dramatic read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC!

I will be posting reviews immediately on Goodreads, Instagram @theoverstimulatedmomreads, Fable and StoryGraph.

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Sarah MacLean has written a perfect blend of family drama full of past secrets, revealing truths and future romances.

The Storms are a wealthy New England family ruled by their overbearing and manipulative father. When he dies unexpectedly, the four siblings and their mother are reunited on their private island off the coast of Rhode Island. Alice Storm hasn’t been back in five years since her father banned her from the family. What she hopes will be a quick appearance at the funeral becomes a week-long stay as the family is forced to participate in their father’s final game for their inheritance.

With a glimpse into the lives of the uber wealthy and a picturesque setting, These Summer Storms is the perfect balance of family drama and romance. The cast of siblings is well detailed with complex relationships. The messy and broken interactions between the family felt real while this reader kept hoping for a reunited family unit. The chemistry between Alice and Jack was depicted with the sparks, butterflies and flirtation of newfound romance.

A perfect summer read with a coastal Rhode Island setting, rich people behaving badly, forbidden romance and family drama. I would highly recommend the audiobook with fabulous narration by Julia Whelan.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy and PRH Audio for access to the audiobook.

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