Some people like to watch Hallmark movies to feel good. I like to read books about Nantucket to feel good. I love just about any book Nancy Thayer writes about Nantucket and this one was no exception! It has all the elements needed about summer on Nantucket. It has descriptions and details about all the different beaches and restaurants there, it has a little romance and a lot of family drama. I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to @NETGalley for the ARC of this book. I highly recommend it.

The cast of characters in this book were wonderful! Blythe loves her summers on Nantucket. Can she navigate her teens growing angst, an old flame and a new one coming into her life, an ex-husband who is keeping a big secret and an aging ex mil/friend all while trying to find herself? Wonderfully written, I love all books set in Nantucket and this one was no different!

Review will be posted on my Goodreads and bookstagram (@taylorleereads), links to both of these are attached here. The Goodreads review is always published and I will be published the bookstagram review later this week.

3.5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounding up to 4 for the
setting alone)

In Nancy Thayer’s newest, Summer Light on Nantucket, we’re introduced to Blythe and her four children, ex lover(s), friends and extended family that make up the perfect blended bunch.

Blythe was such a realistic and endearing main character and I really enjoyed her journey during what was supposed to be another relaxing summer on Nantucket. When she wasn’t working through problems with one of her four children, she was either fluctuating between her old high school flame who returned from Ireland and a new man, spending time with her adorable ex-mother-in-law, or working through some problems her ex was having in his new relationship. With all of this going on, it was honestly hard to be bored reading this. I thought Thayer threw in just enough to keep in things interesting but not too much to be overwhelming. Blythe’s choices in the end were also extremely satisfying to me so you’ll just have to read and find out which man wins her heart!

Overall I really enjoyed this novel set in the always idyllic Nantucket. She captures the island so perfectly it made me want to move up our trip as soon as possible! Anyone who is mourning the loss of Elin Hildebrand’s Nantucket novels will be happy with this one to get your fix of the island.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC! Be sure to look for this one out 4/22/25 ☀️🏖️👒🌷

This is a wonderful, beautiful story! The characters are so real and personable, and I quickly found myself absorbed in the story -- and not wanting it to end. An excellent beach read, or a "just curl up with a good book and forget life for a while" read! I have loved everything I've read by Nancy Thayer, and this book was no different, only better (but I say that about each of her books that I read!)

This was a very light read - enjoyable and feeds my bucket list entry of wanting to get to Nantucket someday!

There’s nothing wrong with this book, per se, but I realized during my reading, and extra strongly once I finished this shorter novel, that I don’t want to spend more of my time reading repetitive women’s fiction/beach reads romance novels that never go anywhere specific about rich white people and their behavior and problems. My season for enjoying these types of books has obviously drawn to a close.



Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the DRC

Fun novel set in Nantucket in the summer. Fans of Nancy Thayer will love digging into this summer novel.

I have to come to love all that is Nancy Thayer, this is no exception. This book has it all, some suspense, some love, some humor. I enjoyed reading this and found it hard to put down

Divorced Blythe lives in Boston and works as a teacher during the summer she heads to Nantucket with her 4 kids to live in the house her grandmother left her. Blythe has never gotten over her first love/crush Aaden. He left right after graduation for Ireland to attend college and work in the family business, Blythe never seen him again. That is until that summer on Nantucket. An island friend also introduces Blythe to Nick, a handsome widower who is also a teacher. The friendship that forms between Blythe and Nick creates further confusion regarding her renewed feelings for Aaden. Blythe has conflicted emotions for Aaden and Nick, she finds herself in a serious situation between her ex-husband and his girlfriend, all from a secret Blythe knows.

Blythe is also facing a decision about her future. Should she turn her part-time career as a substitute middle school teacher into a full-time occupation. Blythe must decide if she can juggle family, work, and a romantic relationship.

A fun light hearted read filled with family drama and relationships

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This is a delightful story about a family. Blythe has brought her children for their usual summer stay on Nantucket. The story revolves around the family, Blythe has reached a point in her life when she feels the need for a change. Her children all have different personalities and she is trying to be the best Mother she can. I loved the family dynamics in this book, even when they are not at their best. Most of the characters were likable and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

I love Nancy Thayer's books and this one was no different. It was easy to start and caught your attention right away. Without any spoilers, it's a great story of a mom trying to juggle everything while still finding her own joy. It's a great warm weather read that puts you right into vacation mode. Loved it! Thank you for the ARC!

I absolutely loved this whole family, Blythe was so passionate and an amazing FMC. Loved the Nantucker summer setting, great details by Nancy Thayer! Thank you for the early read Net Galley!

A sweet summer read. It was a little too light for me. I kept waiting for the story to pick up. Overall, a good read though. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early read.

Nancy Thayer, the queen of beach reads, delivers again with a 4 🌟read with “Summer Light on Nantucket”!

The characters were likeable. Summer on Nantucket is incredible. The freedom the kids got to have, adventure, and real-life lessons while still having heartfelt moments with their mom was so endearing.

A wonderful summer read that blends warmth, humor, and personal growth in the perfect way. Thanks NetGalley for an arc.

I thoroughly enjoyed enjoyed being back on Nantucket again. It's slowly becoming one of my favorite places to visit.
Mackinac will always be my favorite.
Anyways, wonderful characters and a relaxing story that I didn't want to end.
I really loved the family bonds. Family is everything.
Blythe is a lucky lady. I really enjoyed in getting to her and her teenage kids lol. Typical teens. To me, they're what made this story.
My heart ached for her mother in law though because of her health and all.
Sure, life isn't easy but surrounded by those who love and support you should make it easier.
I really loved this story to the fullest. It made my heart feel full and satisfied.
5 stars for a well written and realistic story of, family and 2nd chances and an awesome vacation on Nantucket
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Unfortunately, I was not able to get into this book. I read the first 30% and decided to set it down. I was hoping to find a new Nantucket author to follow. I hope others enjoy it!

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Nancy Thayer, the queen of beach reads, delivers again with a 4.5 ⭐️ read with “Summer Light on Nantucket”!

Blythe was an incredible character—her approach to mothering was both heartwarming and a little nerve-wracking (I couldn’t help but worry about her kids roaming the island unaccompanied!). But the way they got to experience freedom, adventure, and real-life lessons while still having heartfelt moments with their mom was so endearing.

I loved the “coming of age again” element, the family dynamics, and the depth of emotions woven into the story. The mother-in-law, the new guy, the kids—I adored them all. The only one I struggled with was Aaden. I wanted to love him, but when the second chance romance entered the picture, I was all in!

A wonderful summer read that blends warmth, humor, and personal growth in the perfect way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

A touching novel about parenthood, first love, family bonds, and rekindled relationships.

I have enjoyed every book that I have read by Nancy Thayer and look forward to returning to Nantucket if only through arm chair travel. Nancy’s writing pulls you in from the very first page. Her descriptions of the island makes you feel like a longtime visitor.

Blythe Benedict, a divorced mother of four and a middle school teacher is content with her life. Each summer Blythe and her children head to Nantucket and live in the house her grandmother left her. But this summer proves to be much more than she bargained for. Her ex-mother-in-law who resides on the island is facing health issues., her ex-husband is hiding a secret from his new girlfriend, and an unexpected old love reappears. Along with teenage angst and the possibility of a new love, Blythe has her hands full. But with the love and support of family Blythe knows she can handle whatever life throws at her.

With relatable characters and challenging family dynamics Summer Light makes the perfect beach read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine for the arc I received in exchange for my honest opinion.

I just love reading books on Nantucket and so far Nancy Thayer is my favorite.
Whenever I read a Nantucket book I feel like I'm on vacation.

As always, the book is wonderful. She puts you right on the island with love and of course family drama.
I really enjoyed it. The characters were great and I loved her mother in law.... I mean ex mother in law.

I would 100% recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for giving me a chance at reading an advance copy in exchange for a honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up!

As a fan of the Nantucket setting (introduced through Hilderbrand’s books) I was drawn toward this beach read. I enjoyed the family drama, the familiar settings and the perspective of a divorced woman, Blythe, in her 40s as she navigates the opportunity to love again. I found some parts to be a little repetitive, but all conflicts seemed to get resolved for a hopeful ending. Additionally, Thayer earns an honorable mention for including an unexpected, but always welcome, Taylor Swift reference.
Overall, this was an easy, enjoyable beach read that has me wanting to plan a trip to Nantucket. Definitely a book to grab for your summer trip to the beach.