This is about three generations of women their relationship and their love lives. Every woman goes through a different stage in their life second change at love, married struggling to get pregnant, trying to find themselves while dealing with daddy issues and more. There is a lot going on in this book maybe a little too much. The POV can be a little confusing at times. This book also seemed to drag. I wanted some moments to just be over but the characters are working through a lot of issues. I'm on the fence about 3 or 4 stars.

SUMMER ON LILAC ISLAND is a multi-generational familial drama set on Mackinac Island, with a flare of magical realism, perfect if you are looking for a beach novel that shows the growth of women, advanced experience women, and a timeless island. Thank you @harpermuse for my early listening and reading copies of Lindsay MacMillan’s new novel, out July 1.

Alice (grandmother), Eloise (mother), Gigi (daughter) and their pasts collide as everyone carries secrets, sadness, and hope. On an island that has banned cars and traverses by way of horses, carriages, bikes and feet, these characters even step into a slower pace of life and a bit of prim-proper behaviors.

Alice has a suitor from her long-ago high school years, Eloise is trying to decide between her absentee “husband” and the lovely Scottish author visiting the island for the summer, and Gigi is trying to not falter under her mother’s judgements, the island people’s judgement (the island loves her!) and James the temporary town doctor.

A thought-provoking (but not overly deep) novel about our pasts and what impact that past carries, secrets and all.

Mentions of child-loss, adoption, loss of a spouse, infidelity, divorce- as always reach out if you have questions!

LOVED this book!! I loved how the characters developed and how their relationships changed (for the GOOD) throughout the book!! Easy read and perfect beach reading!

Three generations of women find healing from their past and discover redemption in their relationships.

I found the character of GiGi to be a bit harsh. She is a rebel turned leader, but I didn't think her short time in Macinaw Island was enough time to change and run for a political position. GiGi's relationship with the Island's doctor was not well developed, and I expected more interaction between them.

Eloise's and Alice's characters' past problems seemed to linger too long. It felt dragged out and needed more detailed development and revelation.

What I liked: The relationships of women in this family. They learned how to become more of who they were meant to be.

I loved Clyde's character... a Scottish author there for the summer.

It's a cute summer story, and it seems like the author left room for a second book to further develop these characters and their intertwining relationships.

Thank you, NetGalley, and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the advanced reader's copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #SummerOnLilacIsland #HarperMuse #Romance WomensFiction

I want to visit Mackinac Island one summer! The atmospheric setting of this book on this small island in Northern Michigan really set the tone for this book.

This is a story of three generations of women, Alice, the grandmother, Eloise, the mother and then her two daughters, Gigi and Rebecca. Gigi is returning to the island after leaving years ago shortly after graduation. She is needing a restart in life and figuring out what is next for her. Her mother Eloise is excited to set her up with the town doctor. Gigi agrees if she can be a matchmaker for her mother too. This story is filled with family drama, relationships, hope, and unexpected love. Perfect summer read with lots of interconnected storylines.

The audiobook was narrated by Kira Fixx. She really covered all the various characters in this story and made it such an easy listen too. Her performance on this audiobook really kept me engaged in the layers of this story.

Summer on Lilac Island by Lindsay Macmillan is a gentle, feel-good read that’s perfect for fans of Hallmark movies or shows like Virgin River. Set on the picturesque, car-free Mackinac Island, the story follows Gigi Jenkins as she returns home for the summer — a season that brings personal growth, family revelations, and a touch of romance.

The novel shines in its setting and atmosphere. Mackinac Island feels like a character in itself, and the peaceful, small-town vibe makes this a great escape read. The cast is made up of strong women who are each trying to find their way, and their journeys are heartfelt, if a bit predictable.

That said, the book is quite long and moves at a leisurely pace. There aren’t many surprises or dramatic twists, so readers looking for high tension or fast-moving plotlines might find it a bit slow. Still, the emotional arcs and themes of connection and healing are handled with care.

Overall, this is a cozy, uplifting story — ideal for a quiet afternoon or a beach day. It may not break new ground, but it delivers exactly what it promises: warmth, charm, and a satisfying summer escape.

The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life, and I’d definitely recommend experiencing it in audio format if you’re curious.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Muse Audiobooks and Lindsay MacMillan for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I DNFed at 17%.

I was having a hard time connecting to the story or feeling invested in any of the characters but once there was a chapter from the hotel’s perspective I decided I wasn’t the right audience for this book.

There also was a conservative undertone I was picking up on and was nervous to see it expand.

Overall, just not the book for me.

Unfortunately, "Summer on Lilac Island" just didn’t work for me. The pacing was painfully slow, and I never really became hooked by the plot. I tried multiple times to connect with the story, but I ultimately couldn't finish the audiobook.

One of the reasons for this was the use of multiple character perspectives and the presence of too many different storylines within a single narrative. The story follows three generations of women: Alice, the grandmother; Elouise, the mother; and Gigi and Rebecca, the sisters, all set against the backdrop of Mackinac Island.

While the concept of shifting perspectives is intriguing, it often led to confusion and diluted the main story arc. Additionally, the intertwining of various storylines made it difficult to follow along.

Alice serves as the wise grandmother reflecting on her past, while Elouise navigates her own struggles as a resilient mother. Gigi and Rebecca, the sisters, embody the conflicts and bonds within their family. Although Mackinac Island provides a picturesque setting that could enhance the characters' journeys, I felt that the plot would have been more engaging with a more streamlined approach.

Summer on Lilac Island by Lindsay MacMillan is a charming romp through small-town life, filled with laughter, love, and plenty of unexpected twists. Gigi Jenkins, broke and jobless, is forced to return to her beloved Mackinac Island, a place she thought she had left in her past—and her relationship with her meddlesome mother, Eloise, is about to get even more complicated. What starts as a classic battle of wills — with Eloise scheming to set Gigi up with the charming new doctor — quickly blossoms into a delightful summer of misadventures, small-town shenanigans, and surprisingly poignant moments. Gigi’s vow to play matchmaker for her mom in exchange for her own freedom leads to plenty of humorous mishaps and sweet surprises along the way. But the real magic here isn’t just the budding romance between Gigi and the island’s handsome doctor—it's the tender, often hilarious journey of mother and daughter learning to understand and forgive each other. The witty banter, late-night talks, and heartfelt moments make this book an irresistible summer read that will leave you smiling. Perfect for fans of warm-hearted, feel-good stories with a dash of romance and a whole lot of family drama, Summer on Lilac Island is a breezy escape you won’t want to put down. Grab your sunglasses—summer’s just getting started!

Summer on Lilac Island by Lindsay Macmillan is a delightful story set on picturesque Mackinac Island, Michigan. The novel beautifully weaves together the journeys of Gigi Jenkins and her mother, Eloise, as they both navigate their relationship living under the same roof again, as well as unexpectedly find love and new beginnings during one memorable summer.

Gigi is relatable and strong-willed, dealing with her own struggles and doubts about the future, while Eloise brings a wise, tender energy as she reopens her heart after years of solitude. Watching these two women navigate love at different stages in life, with all the apprehension and insecurity that can so easily go hand-in-hand with the possibility of new love, made the story feel authentic and uplifting.

The island setting is charming, memorable, and relatable—from the historic quaintness to the tranquil lakeside views and even candy shops, it perfectly frames their stories. The characters in the community add reality and humanness to the tale, with all of their frustration, good intentions, frailties, and love. Macmillan’s writing captures the nuances of mother-daughter relationships and the surprises that life can bring, especially when you’re ready to take a chance.

If you’re in the mood for a warm, multi-generational romance filled with hope, family, and the magic of unexpected love, Summer on Lilac Island is a great choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an ARC of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

A sweeping cast of characters await your visit to Mackinac Island! Gigi returns home to her mother's house for the summer after she flames out and needs a soft place to land. Her mother, Eloise, greets Gigi and immediately shares the news that she's set Gigi up on a blind date with the island's most eligible bachelor - the attractive, single town doctor. Meanwhile, her sister Rebecca scandalized her mother and her posh friends by <gasp> leaving the island after she got married, forcing them to stay in touch by phone. Join the town as we watch what happens as these women try to reconnect and repair their relationship over the course of one golden summer on beautiful Mackinac Island.

This cover is gorgeous and the premise is lovely, but overall I was unable to connect with this book. Gigi is just barely starting to mature at 29 and prides herself on being memorable, obstinate, and scandalous - all things that make this 44 year old, Enneagram type 9's skin crawl. Eloise is controlling and desperately clinging to her ex-husband and her daughter, Rebecca. Eloise and Rebecca speak on the phone 3 (!!) times every day in an effort to stay connected now that Rebecca has moved off the island. As the book moves along, these characters grow, old wounds are healed, and their edges smooth over, but I was unable to identify with any of them and was more than a little annoyed by each of them at one point or another. The setting is stunning, but even that was a bit overshadowed by the locals' obvious disdain for the tourists (aka "the fudgies").

Overall, this book was fine, but mostly not for this mood reader. I went into it expecting a lighter, summery read, and this one was actually quite heavy on character development, which is delightful when that's what you're in the mood for. In other words, if you're looking for a lush summer setting, a large cast of characters, a quirky small town, PLUS a family drama with strong character development, you should absolutely give this one a try! Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the chance to listen to this novel prior to its publication in exchange for this honest review.

Unfortunately, Summer on Lilac Island just didn’t work for me. I found the main character too edgy and off-putting to ever feel truly likable or relatable, which made it hard to stay emotionally invested in her story. The pacing was painfully slow and the plot never really hooked me—in fact, it started to drift into an improbable direction that only added to my frustration. I ended up stopping at 83%, simply because I wasn’t invested enough in the characters or the outcome to keep going. I know some readers might appreciate the unique tone or character arc, but this one just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks | Harper Muse for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

I read the ARC and was excited to listen to the audiobook. The image, and personalities I developed in my mind about the characters translated well to the audio version with the exception of Eloise, reading the book I imagined a warm, friendly mom with some quirks, but the narrators interpretation of her in the book, gave me the impression of a mean, snarky judgmental woman...I stick to the book which was fun and as I love descriptions of places, food and relationships.

This was … okay.
Rather slow-paced, but did have some fun / witty lines thrown in to keep it mildly entertaining.

Matchmaking.
Coming home.
Small town.
Vacation setting.
Snooty, meddlesome parents.


Overall:
Okay.
3 stars.

#netgalley




🎧 Audio:
Fantastic production, great narrator and smooth overall sound quality.

What a cozy, heartwarming escape to Mackinac Island, Michigan! And I find beauty in a solid mother-daughter trope.

Gigi Jenkins is broke and needs to come home for a while. She has a strained relationship with her mother, Eloise, and she will also have to face her best friend, Lillian, again after years of ghosting her. To top it all off, her mother has arranged for her to go on a date with a doctor upon arriving home! She can't stand the backward ways of her hometown island, but evidently, running from her present means running back into her past. Little does she know just how much healing Mackinac Island will bring to her and her family.

This was so quaint. Through Lindsay McMillan's writing, I could see the colors and feel the breeze. This setting in the Summer was the idyllic place for budding romances. I enjoyed the three-dimensional main character, Gigi. The internal conflicts and struggles she faced were brilliantly articulated. The crafting of this novel from SEVEN perspectives was unexpected and a little confusing at times, but always intertwined with the greater narrative while illuminating the culture of the Mackinac Island people. With a well-written, slow-burning, clean 2/5 spice level, juicy plots, and room for redemption, I enjoyed every page.

Kira Fixx juggled more voices than I think I've ever heard in an audiobook! Her buttery, soothing quality was great for day or night. She nailed each character with care. I felt as though she encapsulated the people of Mackinac Island with heartwarming grace.

Thank you NetGalley, Lindsay McMillan, Kira Fixx, and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this audiobook. I think Mackinac Island is delightful and this book celebrates the specialness of the island.
At times the characters acted in a way that I found grating. Overall this was a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance and a taste of Mackinac.

SUMMER ON LILAC ISLAND
By Lindsay MacMillan

Read by: Kira Fixx

3.5 stars
When I saw that this book was set on the idyllic Mackinac Island, I instantly knew I wanted to give it a listen. We’ve been staying on the island during the summer with our grandsons for many years. We’re all enchanted by the island and the wide variety of activities it offers.

This is a heartwarming women’s fiction read set on Mackinac Island, Michigan—a picturesque horse-and-buggy community. We’re introduced to Gigi Jenkins as she hesitantly returns to her childhood home to spend the summer with her mother, Eloise, following the loss of her job. They quickly become locked in a battle of wills and decide to play matchmaker for each other. The most unforgettable love story of the summer is the bond between Gigi and her mother, Eloise.

This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by Lindsay MacMillan. I would describe this book as contemporary romance with a focus on personal transformation. Though romance isn’t my usual genre, the magic of Mackinac Island won me over, and I enjoyed listening to this. The narrator did a fine reading of this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks | Harper Muse for the ALC

I thought this was a really lovely book, perfect for reading at the beach or day by the pool

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

I recieved an ALC of this book.
I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but I found myself totally swept up in the story. The book weaves together multiple POVs, which can sometimes feel overwhelming, but here they blended together beautifully. Each character added depth to the overall narrative, and their perspectives felt distinct yet cohesive.

The island setting was good, the emotional arcs were satisfying, and the pacing kept me listening. It’s a great summer read with character growth and just the right touch of drama. I’m so glad I gave this one a chance.

The narration was good and portrayed enough emotion to bring the story out.

This was summer bottled up! I really, truly enjoyed this - this was my first MacMillan book and will not be my last.