I enjoy this book immensely. The characters were well-written and multifaceted and the storyline was both believable and authentic.. Great read overall

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I will always recommend Nancy Thayer's novels if you are wanting summer vibes. The cover, the storyline, the location, all are summer. This one had me wishing I went somewhere every summer. I'm in Missouri, people here take a weekend trip to the lake, not move to the beach for 3 months, but boy, how amazing that would be.

Anyways, back to the story. I loved this one. I loved the motherhood moments, the single mom dating again moments, and I liked the choices Blythe made and the struggles she had in the moment.

Summer Light on Nantucket
by: Nancy Thayer
narrated by: Andi Arndt
Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio
pub date: April 22, 2025

In her newest book, Nancy Thayer introduces Blythe, a divorced mother of four and a teacher, who takes her family to Nantucket each summer to their island home. In a summer filled with self-discovery and unexpected family happenings, a complex romantic scenario emerges, as well. Thayer is a long-time favorite author, dating back to the eighties, who always immerses me in my favorite themes of family bonds and the atmospheric setting of her beloved Nantucket.

Adding to my enjoyment of Summer Light on Nantucket is the appealing narration by award winning Andi Arndt. She conveys the warmth of the book and captures the personalities of each character with her consistently engaging voice. With the beauty of Nantucket and its summer light shining on Blythe and her circle of people, I savored each moment of this story. Nancy Thayer's books will always have a special spot on my shelves.

I received a complimentary advance reader's copy from NetGalley and Brilliance Audio - Brilliance Publishing. My review is my own.

#AndiArndt #BrilliancePublishing #BrillianceAudio #NetGalley #NancyThayer #SummerLightOnNantucket

I adored Nancy Thayer's stunning Summer Light on Nantucket! It was one of those novels where you want to start it over the minute you finish it :). Like a warm, cozy hug, this is a story of coming into one's own, navigating changes in one's life, and ending up on top.

Thayer describes the ambience of Nantucket as Blythe and her family of teens spend their summer in this paradise. Of course there's drama, and marvelous relationships grow and change, but overall the hopefull mood permeates every page of this heartwarming tale.

The audio version of Summer Light on Nantucket is beautifully performed by the talented Andi Arndt.

“I love to read. I live to read. If I have a good book, I’m content. More than content, happy…I have my tough times, bad times, like everyone else, but I’ve made it through hard days by knowing a good book was there waiting for me by my bed.” SAME 📚 ‼️

Blythe is every woman. She has a past. She has an ex-husband. She has four children. And she had, and still would like to get back to, a teaching career.

So this is a beach read, sure. And it’s perfect for that! But this book has depth and heart too. For any woman dealing with middle age, divorce, navigating a return to work, or just the kids growing up and moving out..then I think you will LOVE this story.

The audiobook puts you ON Nantucket. So if getting there in person is not something in the cards for you then you can definitely visit via the narration and words of this book. This is the perfect summer read to listen to as the sun gets stronger and the days get longer.

Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio, and Random House for the #gifted ALC and ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting access to this arc/alc.

Nancy Thayer always comes through! She is back with another fantastic beach read. I really enjoyed the narrator

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting access to this arc/alc.

Nancy Thayer has done it again! She is back with another fantastic beach read. While I think I liked her 2024 release a little bit better, I still thoroughly loved this amazing Nantucket beach read and Nancy is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors to read in the summer. For the readers (like me) who are upset that Elin Hilderbrand is no longer writing novels set on Nantucket, Nancy's books such as this one, may be a good substitution. You can't help but be happy while reading this book. I can almost guarantee it! Furthermore, Andi Arndt was the perfect narrator for this story, and I hope she is chosen to read more of Nancy's audiobooks in the future!

This book was a great story to listen to. The narrator did a great job with the book. The story itself was a wonderful story about past loves, family relationships and restarting your life. It was set on Nantucket which is always a great setting and I really want to get there one day. It sounds like such a wonderful place. The descriptions of Nantucket in this book makes me want to go even more. The characters are strong, some you love and some you don't which makes the book all that more interesting. All in all an entertaining read,

Summer Light on Nantucket is Nancy Thayer’s newest beach read. This story, obviously set on Nantucket, is atmospheric with all of the summery descriptions and beachy anecdotes. This women’s fiction story explores common life events and their impact on our lives, family dynamics, relationship issues and romance.

This story follows Blythe, a 40 year old divorcee who is coparenting her kids with her ex-husband and his much younger wife. Blythe has memories of her past experiences on Nantucket, including chapters about a high school romance, her long lost love. She explores dating post divorce, lingering past relationship ties, current family drama, and parental complexities. I can’t say I condoned some of her parental choices, given the age of the children and the topics being discussed, so that was a bit off-putting, and some parts were a bit repetitive, but overall, it was a thought-provoking, enjoyable, summertime story.

Andi Arndt narrated the audio version of this story and she did a great job personifying Blythe and drawing the listener into the story.

I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narration was perfect and easy to listen to. I can always count on Nancy Thayer for a good summer romance and she did just that. I will be recommending to everyone.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance audio for my gifted copy.

My full review will she shared on my Instagram account @coffee.break.book.reviews closer to publication date.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. A good lighthearted summery book, though the main character's long-lost love interest was a weird side subplot. It's not my favorite of Thayer's books, but it's okay.

Nantucket has long been one of my favourite settings for a summer read, and Nancy Thayer never fails to capture its charm. Her books always leave me dreaming of a breezy island escape, complete with sandy beaches, salty air, and a tight-knit community. Summer Light on Nantucket is no exception—it’s a gentle, heartwarming story with just enough drama to keep things interesting, and a reminder that growth and self-discovery don’t end with motherhood or middle age.

Blythe Benedict is a character I genuinely enjoyed following. A recently divorced mother of four, she’s navigating life with grace, raising teenagers (no easy task!), teaching part-time, and trying to keep some balance between selflessness and self-care. She’s lucky enough to split her time between a lovely home in Boston and her cherished inherited summer house on Nantucket. Every year, her family’s island getaway is a sacred tradition—but this summer proves to be unlike any other.

Between her ex-mother-in-law’s declining health and a few complicated secrets involving her ex-husband, Blythe has a full plate. On top of that, she reconnects with Aaden, her high-school sweetheart now living overseas, and meets Nick, a fellow teacher visiting the island. As she begins to open herself up to love again, Blythe starts to see herself as more than just “Mom.” She’s a woman in her own right, deserving of joy, connection, and even a little romance.

While there’s definitely some drama—both teen and adult—it’s handled in a way that feels grounded and real. I loved watching Blythe explore who she is outside of her roles as a mother and ex-wife. The story flows with the easy rhythm of summer, full of warmth, reflection, and second chances.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook, beautifully narrated by Andi Arndt, whose calm and engaging voice brought Blythe’s perspective to life. Her tone is easy to settle into—perfect for this kind of heartfelt, beachy listen. I highly recommend the audiobook format if you enjoy being read to—it only adds to the relaxing feel of the story.

I received an ARC of this audiobook from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

I really enjoyed reading this fun summer romance novel. I loved that the fmc was in her forties and dealing with dating as a mom of older children. I loved the relationship between Blythe and her children and thought it was sweet that she still maintained a close relationship with her ex-mother in law. She and her ex seemed to have figured out the whole coparenting thing for the most part which was refreshing. I could absolutely understand the pull that first love can have and the intrigue of possibly being able to rekindle those feelings and memories. I thought that Aaden was a wonderful first love and I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other again. I did think that Thayer portrayed the potential roadblocks to the relationship in a realistic way and I really love how things ended up. The family health issues and teenage drama were handled well. I just really enjoyed this light, fluffy read. I listened to the audiobook and really liked the narrator.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I listened the audiobook version. The narrators voice was soothing and Drew me into the story.

This is my first Nancy Thayer book. I liked the idea of reading a story about a divorced mom in hers 40s of four taking her brood to the beach house in Nantucket for the summer and the drama that ensues. Plus a potential love triangle intrigued me.

I will say that I am the type of reader who enjoys a story that more focuses on the love story ( or stories) for at least 75 percent of the book. However this one was more like 60 percent family drama and 40 percent dating drama. I knew this going into the story so decided to step outside of my comfort zone.

There also was alot of back story on the ex Aiden who comes back into the fmcs life after leaving her at 18 to study and live in Ireland. There's also a new love Nick who her best friend introduces her too. Nick seems sweet but I could tell 50 percent in that Blythe was still hung up on Aiden and what they used to have

. I wasnt sure if there was space in her heart for Nick, I was cheering him on because I wanted Blythe to give him a chance.

Overall I thought this was a sweet read and would recommend it.

This is my first book by Nancy Thayer. I am so inspired to read more of her books. I love the beach read feel of this book all I can say is it is a breathe of fresh air that takes me to my happy place.

Summer Light on Nantucket is the story of Blythe who is not only divorced but surrounded by teenagers. All of whom create their own family drama. Then mix in two potential boyfriends and Blythe’s summer getaway becomes so much more.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I read the audiobook version and the narrator kept me invested in the story the entire read.

Nancy Thayers write very cute, sentimental Nantucket escapism womens fiction, a category of summer books I enjoy. The plot and themes of this one were pretty standard divorce mother summers with children on the beach, enjoyable and breezy. However, the issue is that many of the summer and family dramas were drawn out and never resolved. How & why did her teenage daughter take back her cheating boyfriend, etc. The slow middle could have been cut entirely, the side plot of her ex-highschool love should have been explored better, and resolutions needed to be clearer. She built up well but didn't stick the landing

3.5⭐️
It was cute and fluffy. It not my typical type of romance that I go for but was looking to see how well the Nantucket imagery was handled. And while the romance was basic and repetitive it can have someone create the Nantucket visions easily as she is very descriptive.. sometimes overly so.

One thing that frustrates me is apparently Ms Thayer hasn’t been off island in a very long time as the stretch of 132 in Hyannis that she mentions hasn’t has two lanes in a very long time and why would kids be excited about seeing a Dunkin when they are from the Boston area where there is one in every corner? It’s like she wanted to try to stuff every type of imagery that she could having to do with a trip to the Cape and then Nantucket while not focusing on the story at hand which was very repetitive. Maybe it’s because I live on the Cape so it takes on a different impact?

I consumed the audiobook and the narrator Andi Arndt did a fine job with the recitation. She spoke at a good pace for the 1x speed which i appreciated and help keep me connected to the story more than I would have had I consumed the digital ARC.


I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Brilliance Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

Summer Light on Nantucket Honest ARC Review:

This is a heartwarming story of first love, family ties and rekindled relationships.

Blythe, a middle school teacher, is a mother of four and divorcee who lives in the Boston area and summers on Nantucket. She is content as she navigates the stage of parenting teenagers.

This summer on Nantucket differs from the past as Blythe deals with a bit more teenage angst, her troublesome ex sister in law and her ex mother in law who has declining health.

Blythe is able to reconnect with her high school boyfriend, Aaden, who had once ended their relationship when he moved to Ireland. This reconnection becomes a bit interesting as yet another love interest is introduced to Blythe.

I really enjoyed reading this! Blythe’s character was very interesting and relatable. The sub characters added entertainment and insight into Blythe’s world as I saw the story unfold. Nick’s character is kind and seems to compliment Blythe’s. Celeste found peace and was content in her familial relationships. I really liked that she was so inclusive and kind with Blythe.
This is definitely one to add to your TBR!

Thank you for sharing this ARC with me. I am looking forward to more from Nancy Thayer!

This was such a good beach read! Blythe and her four children go to her house on nantucket every summer and this summer she is in for a treat with two guys fighting for her attention after her divorce. I loved that she still had a great relationship with her ex-mother in law and how they supported each other through all things. The only thing that bugged me about the story is that Blythe's life seemed kinda plain. She did not work and most of the time, her kids were out of the house doing their own thing. She is going back to teaching, but it just felt a little too open there. I enjoyed the love triangle she was in with her high school love, Aaden, and her new guy, Nick. Her ex-sister in law was the worst and the worst character of the book.

Nancy Thayer’s Summer Light on Nantucket is a breezy, emotional read that explores motherhood, identity, and second chances—all set against the idyllic backdrop of a beloved island retreat. Centered on Blythe Benedict, a middle school teacher and divorced mother of four, the novel follows one particularly eventful summer that challenges her sense of self and her place in the lives of those she loves.

Blythe is not a woman in crisis, which is refreshing. Three years post-divorce, she’s found stability in Boston, juggling a demanding job with the even more demanding role of parenting four kids—three of whom are teenagers. She’s not searching for reinvention. She’s not broken. But when summer rolls around and she heads to Nantucket with her children, she finds herself at a crossroads anyway.

This isn’t just a story about a summer romance, though romantic entanglements certainly arise. Blythe’s long-standing tradition of spending summers at the Nantucket home her grandmother left her is rich with nostalgia and family ritual. It’s the place where her children grew up playing in the surf and riding bikes to town. But this summer, things are different. Her oldest daughter, Miranda, is testing boundaries and pushing for independence. Her former mother-in-law, Celeste—still a beloved figure in the children’s lives—is battling declining health. And then, out of the blue, Aaden, Blythe’s high school sweetheart, resurfaces.

Aaden’s return injects a wave of past emotions into Blythe’s already-full life. Their reunion is bittersweet—he left for Ireland after high school and never looked back. Now, he’s back on Nantucket, older, possibly wiser, and maybe open to something more. But just as sparks begin to fly again, Blythe meets Nick, a thoughtful, grounded widower who shares her passion for teaching and understands the complexities of single parenthood. The dynamic between these three characters adds a layer of romantic tension, though not always in ways that feel fully satisfying. Aaden, in particular, feels emotionally distant for much of the book, and some readers may struggle with Blythe’s ongoing investment in someone who hasn’t consistently shown up for her.

Blythe herself is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, she’s clearly smart, loving, and committed to her family. On the other, she’s hard to connect with at times—especially for readers who don’t share her particular privileges. She owns a house on Nantucket (mortgage-free), has a supportive extended family, and the freedom to spend three months out of the year away from work. While these elements are part of the fantasy Thayer is crafting, they may create a bit of distance for readers looking for a more grounded or relatable heroine.

Still, what Thayer excels at—and always has—is evoking place. Nantucket isn’t just a setting here, it’s a mood. You can feel the salt in the air, the warmth of the sand, the creak of an old wooden porch. Her descriptions are immersive without being overly sentimental. That, combined with the multigenerational elements and the honest portrayal of parenting teens, makes this a rich, layered read even when some of the character dynamics fall short.

Summer Light on Nantucket is not a high-stakes drama or a sweeping romance. It’s a quieter story—about growing up even when you’re already grown, about redefining your purpose as your children become more independent, and about finding love in unexpected places. It will resonate most with readers who enjoy character-driven stories and who appreciate fiction that mirrors real-life emotional complexities, rather than glossing over them.

If you’re in the mood for something light but not fluffy, with beautiful scenery and some heartfelt moments, this is a solid pick. It’s especially perfect for fans of Nancy Thayer or Elin Hilderbrand, and for those looking to escape into a Nantucket summer—even if just for a little while.