This is a really cute book. It felt like a great combo of rom-com mixed with family drama. The narrator did a great job at portraying the story and emotional depth.

🌊✨ Dive into the delightful chaos of What Not To Do On Vacation — a summer filled with laughter, love, and a splash of mischief! ☀️👒 Savannah’s plan to relive childhood beach days with her sisters promises nostalgic fun and heartfelt bonding. Rent that same cozy beach house 🏡, check off those bucket list activities 🏖️, and let the Vitamin Sea work its magic! 🌊💖 But with secrets lurking and surprises blooming, this trip is anything but ordinary. 🌟

Bianca’s big news — a wedding! 💍💕 Her enthusiasm is infectious, even if her sisters aren’t quite on the same page. She’s determined to prove she’s all grown up, and maybe even find her sister Cora a little love of her own 💌💘 — with a dash of matchmaking misadventure! 🎯😂

Cora, the independent soul, is convinced she’s better off solo, but her sisters’ schemes and the town’s charming playboy might just turn her world upside down. 💃🌅 Will she let go of her fears and open her heart? Or will she stick to her guns and stay unbothered? 🤔💕

This story bubbles with summer vibes, sibling banter, and lovable characters who remind us that sometimes, the best plans are the ones we never expected. 🌴🌞 Expect tears, giggles, and maybe a little romance washed ashore. 🌺🌊

Grab your sunnies, a cold drink, and get ready for a read that’s pure sunshine and sweet surprises. Because in the end, everyone could use a little Vitamin Sea — and a dash of chaos — in their life! 🌟🌈

Rating: 4 beachy stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved this book! It was everything that I could have wanted in a romcom! It was light, funny, and had an happy ending. All of the characters were wonderful. Cora was the absolute best - I loved her sarcastic quips. I loved the scene where Cora and Jax meet in CVS. Luke and Jax were the perfect book boyfriends. This was my first book by Rachel McGee and I am excited to read more!

This was very much like How to Lose a Guy in Ten days, at least with the Cora and Jax situation, complete with a wager unknown to each other with a well meaning sister (Bianca) wanting to see Cora find happiness just like she did on via a Soulmate app . That part was fully of witty banter, sweet dates, and of course falling in love in spite of their best intentions. Many truths are discovered on the way and how it might be best to actually meet your match in real life (Lord Farquaad! I laughed so very hard at this part!!). So, yeah there was much humor and laugh out loud moments, misunderstandings and I loved it all!

This story was made even fuller and touching because not only was this a search for love, it was a time for bonding of sisters, old traditions followed as a last wish by their mother to spend time at the beach every year and new traditions as they are all grown now with lives of their own. I really liked that part too and loved reading how Savannah, Cora, and Bianca got to know each other again and how they stuck together when it really mattered.

This was a fun book to listen to. It felt fresh, and even if it was a bit predictable, I enjoyed all the sweetness and humor and the very perfect happily ever after. It is a good pick me up and the narrator did a wonderful job in making all the characters real in this wonderful story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen to the fun lighthearted audiobook!

10 things I hate about you, meets How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, meets Nobody Wants This…
This was such a cozy, warm, sweet, familiar, (somewhat) cheesy in the best way, Rom-Com!
10/10 fully recommend! I listened to the audiobook book and the narrator did such an amazing job voicing the characters.

If you're looking for spice, this isn't the book for you—but if you're after a heartfelt story about family, growth, and summer transformation, *What Not to Do On Vacation* delivers beautifully. Rachel McGee weaves a tender tale of three sisters navigating old wounds, new beginnings, and the kind of messy, meaningful connections that only family can bring. It's light on romance but rich in emotion, making it the perfect cozy read for anyone who loves character-driven stories and a warm, satisfying ending. A lovely quick escape with heart.

# A Grateful Shoutout to NetGalley for This ARC!

*What Not To Do On Vacation** is a delightful blend of *Ten Things I Hate About You* and *How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days*, merging the genres of romcom and family drama!
The storyline was enjoyable and unique, though it had moments that felt a bit slow.
I appreciated the diverse dynamics, the combination of the plot, and the multiple points of view.
However, I wish there had been multiple narrators to bring the various characters to life.
Overall, it was a charming summer read that allowed me to mentally escape to the beach as I immersed myself in the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this advanced audiobook of What Not to Do on Vacation, by Rachel Magee.

I loved this story, as it followed the Prestly sisters, Savannah, Cora, and Bianca, who agreed to fulfill their mother’s dying wish - to spend a month together in the beach town they grew up visiting. Ofcourse, while there, one of the sisters is holding onto a secret, one sister falls in love, and one sister realizes her real passion. Such a fun story, although predictable, I finished it in a day! Everything flowed well and I never grew bored of the storyline. I did find the title funny, however, because I don't (at all) think it goes with the storyline. I also have to say that Karissa Vacker is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrations. With her talent for narrating, it was like hanging out with a friend all day listening to her talk. It was fantastic! 4.5 stars!

Karissa Vacker did an outstanding job of bringing the characters to life in the audiobook, perfectly capturing their emotions, humor, and loving tones.

This story took a minute to get into because there were so many characters telling the story but in the end all of the perspectives made for a great story. This book definitely resonated for me as someone who has only sisters who were very similar to the sisters in this story. The story really shows how easy it is to fall into and out of connection with family without being preachy and reflects how our own issues and perceptions can cloud our view of the world around us.
I think the narrator of this story had pros and cons. Her narration was fine but I didn’t love the voices she did for each of the girls because I felt like she made them sound ditzy when the descriptions of them were of grown and developed women who are still finding their way.

My favorite summer romance this year! A great job developing the sisters characters and interactions and all the folly that comes along.

Savannah is determined to reconnect with her two sisters. Her plan? To recreate their epic childhood summers at the beach. She has rented the same beach house, convinced her sisters to clear their calendars for a whole month, and made a bucket list of beach activities they need to relive. A little bit of nostalgia and summer fun will be the perfect antidote to the divide that has been plaguing the Prestley sisters for years. Did the secret she's hiding have anything to do with her planning the trip? Maybe, but that's beside the point. The fact is, everyone could use a little vitamin sea in their life. It's going to be great! What could go wrong?

Bianca has a surprise. She's getting married! Of course her sisters aren't as thrilled at the announcement as they should be, which she probably should've expected. Her entire life, she's been trying to prove that just because she's the youngest doesn't mean she's a baby. So maybe she had some trouble getting her act together in the past, but that's different now. She's determined to show her sisters just how together her life is. And if the only way to do that is to find a soulmate for her closed-off-sister to prove that the dating site she used to meet her future husband is legit, then Cora better get ready. She's about to be swept off her feet. Bianca's going to make sure of it. Who's the one lacking follow-through now?

Cora knew there was a good reason she does her own thing. It's because people in general--her sisters specifically--are ridiculous. Bianca needs to give up her delusion that this new relationship will work out perfectly. It won't. And Savannah needs to let go of her hopes of Cora getting married. It's not going to happen. She likes being alone. Life is better when she's alone. Safer. But she'll go on this date if it will show her sisters just how ludicrous they're being. And since they set her up with the town playboy who has never been on a second date in his life, proving her point has never been easier. She's got this all under control.

At least she thinks she has it under control.

Not under control at all.

This book is all about sisterly love, comedy, romance and a fun summer! This comes with multiple point of views, lovable characters and strong connections. I really enjoyed reading this medium paced read. I felt it to be cozy, easy to read and listen to! Having both the audio and digital book versions were amazing, it really brought the book to life! The narrators did an incredible job! This novel came with diverse characters, had a clear thesis and flowed well. It made me feel lighthearted, full of love, gave me some laughs, and felt adventurous! I love the sisters in this book and their different personalities! If you are wanting a clean beach romantic comedy, this one is for you!

“What Not To Do On Vacation” is about three sisters named Cora, Savannah and Bianca! They all come together for a beach vacation. They rekindle their bonds with one another during this trip. Cora uses a dating app hoping to find love, Bianca tells them that she is getting engaged with a mixed reaction from her sisters, and Savannah is there just wanting to reconnect with her sisters again! This was both entertaining and captivating! I did find the ending to be predictable, yet satisfying. Overall, I rate this 4 out of 5 stars.

Content warnings include death of a parent and cancer. I think anyone that loves reading a beach romance comedy would enjoy reading this book! It definitely has “10 Things I Hate About You” movie vibes!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Rachel Magee, narrators, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and Thomas Nelson Fiction publishing for this digital advanced reader’s copy and audio copy of this book is exchange for my honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on May 20, 2025!

This was a fun, closed door romance. At its heart, I think it’s more a book about family, specifically sisterhood. I enjoyed this mostly lighthearted book, but will note that it does touch on some heavier topics such as loss of a parent due to cancer. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. The narrator did a good job with the characters but it would have been great with multiple narrators.

*What Not to Do on Vacation* by Rachel Magee is a delightful rom-com that masterfully balances humor, heart, and family dynamics. Set against the backdrop of a nostalgic beach house, the story follows the Prestly sisters—Savannah, Bianca, and Cora—as they reunite to fulfill their mother's wish. The narrative is rich with witty dialogue, engaging characters, and a slow-burn romance that keeps readers hooked until the very end. The beach setting adds a touch of warmth and nostalgia, making it a perfect summer read.

The audiobook, narrated by Karissa Vacker, brings the characters to life with her engaging performance. Her voice captures the essence of each sister, enhancing the emotional depth and humor of the story. Listeners can expect a captivating experience that complements the charm of the written word.

Overall, *What Not to Do on Vacation* is a must-read for fans of lighthearted romances with a touch of family drama. With its engaging storyline and memorable characters, it's a book that will leave readers smiling long after they've turned the last page.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for the advanced copy of the audio book.

This is a feel good novel about families, the romance is sweet and helps move the story along, but the focus is really the relationship of the three sisters. Savannah, Cora, Bianca. They come together, for one last 'summer' at the beach, in honor of their mother, who has passed away. Savannah is determined to relive the past, including chore charts and bucket lists. Meanwhile Cora and Bianca set off on their own summer paths, and are leaving her behind, so it seems.

Her younger two sisters square off in a bet. If Cora win's Bianca will not move to Idaho to marry a man she's never met in person, and if Bianca wins she can move.

Turns their secrets are bigger than they are and in order to get to the other side and find happiness, they must each work through them together.

Though there is romance, it's closed door and focuses on the relationship of the characters. This was told in a four person point of view (each sister and Cora's love interest Jax). What made this for me was the narrator. She managed to give each character a voice that was just a bit different, which made the four person point of view a bit easier when listening.

I loved this and would listen to it again!

Three sisters, Savannah, Cora, and Bianca, go on a vacation to Florida to fulfill their mother’s last wish. Savannah booked their childhood vacation home and came up with a bucket list to make the vacation just like when they were kids. She had hoped that this trip would help with sister-bonding. The real reason Savannah booked the trip was something else, but could she find the right moment to tell her sister without ruining their trip?

Bianca is a hopeless romantic and found herself a husband on a dating site that matches people up with AI. They are now getting married and Bianca is going to move in with her fiance. Her sisters are not very excited by this news, because Bianca hasn’t met her fiance and doesn’t really know him.
Bianca and Cora come up with a bet. If Bianca can find ‘the one’ for Cora on the dating app, she would call off the wedding.

Cora is done with love and is convinced that she can win this bet. She made her profile on the dating app and got her match from AI. Cora and Jax started texting and soon went on their first date. Cora thought she would easily win the bet with her sister but after meeting with Jax she realises that it’s going to be harder than she thought.

This is the first book I read from Rachel Magee and I’m impressed. Normally I don’t read books like this, but this book was very enjoyable. There were really funny parts but there were also times that dealt with serious topics.
There was a lot happening with these sisters, so it was never boring to read.
You get this story from the pov of Savannah, Cora, Bianca and Jax. I really liked this because you know what everyone's thinking and feeling.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What Not to Do on Vacation: A Must-Have for Your Summer Beach Bag

If you love stories about messy families, unexpected romance, and sun-soaked second chances, What Not to Do on Vacation is the beach read you need this summer.

Three sisters—Savannah, Cora, and Bianca—are back at their childhood vacation beach house in Florida to honor their late mother’s final wish: one last summer together. Savannah, the oldest and most put-together, is the one pulling everyone back. Cora, the middle sister with a bit of an edge, isn’t exactly thrilled. And Bianca? She’s the free spirit who impulsively got engaged to a man she met on a dating site… without ever seeing him in person.

To prove her whirlwind love story is the real deal, Bianca makes a bet with Cora—and ropes in Jax, a charming local with his own reasons for playing along, to help stage a fake relationship. Chaos, laughs, and heartfelt moments follow.

The narrator did a great job of making this book and enjoyable listen. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for this free advanced copy . I am leaving this review voluntarily

What Not to Do on Vacation by Rachel Magee is a light and entertaining read that captures the unpredictable nature of getaways gone wrong. With a charming cast of characters and plenty of unexpected turns, it offers a fun escape that’s easy to enjoy. Perfect for readers looking for something breezy, heartwarming, and full of little surprises.

•𝐀𝐋𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•

{𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑵𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒐 𝒐𝒏 𝑽𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏}

“𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎’𝚜 𝚋𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚜.”

🏖️ Release Date: May 20, 2025 🏖️
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If I had to choose only one word to describe this book, it would have to be “predictable.” I felt like I already knew everything that was going to happen in this book only a few chapters in, so I spent most of my time reading being bored out of my mind. So while I wouldn’t call this story “bad”, it definitely wasn’t captivating by any means and overall, I’d consider it a letdown.

This story focused on three sisters and their journey to fixing their relationship after their mom died. We got the pov of all three sisters, plus the pov of one of the love interests. Honestly, I feel like they should have just left the love interest’s pov out and the story would have been just fine. Most of the characters felt extremely cliché and it was hard to connect with any of them in general. As you would expect, the ending tied everything up with a big red bow and everyone got their HEAs.

This was a new-to-me author and honestly, I don’t think I’ll be reading any more of her books. Like I mentioned earlier, her writing style in this book was very predictable and that just takes all the fun out of reading. So while her other books may not be as predictable, I’m just not willing to take that chance.

The audiobook was a lot more digestible than the e-book. The narrator was amazing and did a great job!
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I received a complimentary alc from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio. All opinions are purely my own.

This will be a perfect beach read. Easy to listen to while laying out and people watching. The narrator did a great job. The plot had parallel story line to How To Lose a Guy in 10 days. I really enjoyed this being closed door/ clean romance!