What Not to Do on Vacation by Rachel Magee was such a fun read. I loved it from the beginning to the end.

WHAT NOT TO DO ON VACATION by RACHEL MAGEE is a delightful read, with unforgettable characters, witty dialogue and a charming story line,
The Prestly sisters have drifted apart and Savannah has arranged for the three of them to spend some quality time together at Sunnyside in the beach cottage where they used to spend summers with their parents when they were growing up. She has her work cut out with independent Cora, who has her own ideas and tends to keep people away, and her youngest sister, Bianca, to whom she has been a mother since their mom died, and who makes an anouncement on her arrival which shocks her two older sisters. Add to that Savannah’s secret, a dating app, Jax Verona,who has a dangerous reputation, local boy Luke, and gym-qrat Zander, as well as an exhausting bucket list and fake dates, - what more do you want in an entertaining story?!
I highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a romcom with a deeper meaning.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a captivating read that held my attention from start to finish. The story was well-paced, and the characters felt real and engaging. I’m grateful to the publisher for providing an early copy—it was a pleasure to read!

This story was an adorable rom com! I enjoyed the characters as three sisters came together at their childhood beach house to fulfill the wish of their mother. The humor was delightful, and it had just the right amount of reflection and dealing with family drama. I could relate to each of the sisters, at different points of the story!

What Not to Do on Vacation is a cute book about sisters reconnecting at their childhood spot. We see them navigate challenges and celebrate wins while also maybe finding time for love. This was such a fun and cute book to read!

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of What Not to Do on Vacation by Rachel Magee

Loved this book and I am so excited I got early access to it! It made me laugh and was a great quick read. Definitely recommend.

What Not to Do on Vacation has made Rachel Magee a must-read author for me. I enjoyed her earlier book, but this novel was even better. It will be the perfect beach read.
Sister relationships can be blessings or tensions in one’s life. Magee gives the reader three sisters who have been close, but due to parent divorce they went different ways. Oldest sister Savannah brings her two sisters together for a reunion at the summer cabin in Florida that they rented when growing up. Middle sister Cora has hardened her heart after the family split and her mother’s death and is not excited to for the reunion. Bianca is the baby of the family and shows up to the reunion announcing her engagement to a man she only knows online. While Savannah is hiding her own secret, Cora and Biance make a deal involving Cora also trying online dating.
I enjoyed that this book dealt with familial relationships and added romance for Cora. I really enjoyed Cora’s relationship with Jax and the batter between them added a romcom element.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

This is a delightful story with lovable and memorable characters. It grabbed my attention from the first page when Cora stops at a CVS to buy a toothbrush because her luggage didn’t arrive with her. She dashes through a torrential downpour into the store where inside she encounters another customer who is tall and handsome and freely gives her his opinion on what toothbrush she should buy and how many.
Cora and her two other sisters are meeting in the beach town of Sunnyside, Florida, where as kids they had many happy memories of fun vacations. Their mother’s last wish was that the three sisters would return and relive the fun memories of past beach vacations in Sunnyside. Savannah, the oldest sister comes up with the plan they should all spend a month to relive their childhood summers. Neither Cora or the youngest sister, Bianca is onboard for a whole month but eventually they all agreed and find themselves in the same house their parent’s had rented years ago, all in matching PJs thanks to Savannah.
To the objection of the two younger sisters, Savannah plans many of the same activities they did as children, however she fails to tell her sisters of a secret she is keeping to herself. When Bianca announces, she is engaged to a man who is her soul mate, chosen by a dating app; a man she has never met in person, although is moving to Idaho, Cora sets out to prove a dating app can’t possibly find your soul mate. At a little manipulation by Bianca, Cora is paired up with the toothbrush expert she met in CVS.
There are many moving parts to this charming and delightful story. I found it to be heartwarming as the sisters went from activity to activity, however, also discovering much about themselves. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

A quirky take on family. Following their mother's last wishes the three sisters set to recreate summer vacations at the beach but realize that nothing is the same as their memories. Secrets and lies are holding the sisters back from their best lives. I enjoyed that they were real people who's past helped to shape them and their issues in the present. I loved seeing the progression as the summer went on and each learned about themselves. There was quite a few laugh out loud sections that made for a enjoayable read.

In a world full of technology, this book asks whether AI through a comprehensive set of questions, find your true soulmate or is UT an act of serendipity. Cora wants to win a bet to find a relationship and Jax wants to prove to his family his stability to remain in one place and therefore he deserves the promotion in the family business. They never expected that love supersedes anything else that they both had deemed as far more important. You can be independent but that doesn't mean you have to be alone. What is great about this book is how vulnerable the characters become and how strong sisterhood is. I must admit to tearing up as Cora realizes how important family is and how creating her strife with her Dad was simply not worth it. He was already proud of her even when standing alone at her graduation. No moment is worth missing. Everything came together at the end such as Sienna and Luke but most importantly, they came together as a family. Despite past feuds,nothing is more important than love for those who surround us.

What Not to Do on Vacation by Rachel Magee was a fun, encouraging story about love, family, and reconnection. I loved her characters and could relate to the three sisters in this story. This book is encouraging and humorous, while dealing with serious issues relevant to the readers right now. I give this book 5 stars. I received a complimentary review copy of this book from NetGalley.

"What Not To Do On Vacation" radiates a delightful vibe reminiscent of "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days." ❤️ It’s an endearing rom-com featuring relatable, charming characters. The story is fun, humorous, and engaging, blended with just the right amount of drama. As the three sisters embark on a journey to honor their mother’s last wishes by recreating their summer beach vacations, they soon discover that their memories don’t match reality. Uncovering secrets and confronting lies, the sisters find themselves held back from living their best lives. I appreciated how the story highlighted their relatable struggles, shaped by their past experiences. Watching their growth over the summer as they each discovered more about themselves was truly rewarding. The book is sprinkled with laugh-out-loud moments, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish. I received a complimentary
e-copy of this book and read it with pleasure. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. Releases May 20, 2025

I enjoyed this book from the first time that I picked it up to read! I especially liked the differing viewpoints of each chapter and thought it was easy to follow. I liked how each character had they own story arc yet they all blended together well. This would be the perfect book for your next summer read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Can I start my review with a giggle? I loved this one! The title alone grabbed me and the book held on! Loved it!

**Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts!**

I LOVED this book!! Oh my word, it was so cute. It had the most adorable romance with no spice, the book was clean, the summer themes were amazing, and the plot was so good!

This book definitely compares to 10 Things I Hate About You and How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days. The banter, the playfulness, the bets, everything! Ugh, it was so cute!! I had a giant grin on my face as I read, and I couldn't put it down.

The writing was really well done, but I will say there are a lot of POVs (4), which can get confusing. For the most part, though, the characters were distinct enough for me to tell whose POV it was.

Like I said, the book was super clean, which was awesome! I truly just had such a fun time reading this. It's the perfect summer book (and winter too- I finished in February!) full of cute romance and sisterly love.

omg what a fun read! i was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time. I wish I could reread the book for the first time again! i received a complimentary copy for this book & all opinions are my own.

This was a great story about families and even though we’re apart we come together when we’re needed. Along the way there’s a bet, a dating app and lots of summer memories.

What Not to Do on Vacation by Rachel Magee

Sisters Cora, Bianca and Savannah are spending a month at the beach at their family’s traditional vacation spot to honor their mother’s last wish. Oldest sister Savannah has planned lots of summer bucket list activities, but the one activity not listed is to prevent youngest sister Bianca out of her plan to marry her fiancé whom she met online but has never met in person. Of course, the plot becomes knottier, but I don’t want to spoil the story.

This story has lots of witty banter, some family and relationship drama, and lots of laughs plus a great setting. Never mind that it isn’t unpredictable. It is a great beach read and has a happy ending with an important lesson that all the sisters learn.

I enjoyed it and would recommend it to a friend who enjoys a clean and witty romcom. I am grateful to the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Fast good summer read. Likeable sisters in a easy to read and love story. Siblings move apart and live separate lives but revert to childhood habits. Love how the author brought them together. Recommend.

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC of #WhatNottoDoonVacation

This book is everything I love in a feel-good, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy—with bonus sisterly banter, beach vibes, and an online fake dating setup that totally stole my heart.

This story gave me all the nostalgic rom-com feels—think "10 Things I Hate About You" meets "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" with a splash of "Failure to Launch". Savannah is the oldest, and acts as the mother of the group. Her over-the-top mission to reconnect her sisters is both hilarious and heartwarming, but she's hiding a pretty big secret. Cora, the middle sister, is sassy, cynical, and afraid of love. She is a tough-as-nails skeptic who "accidentally" gets tangled in her own fake dating web (and she is now one of my favorite rom-com leads). Bianca is the baby sister, and lives and loves freely. Bianca's wild matchmaking bet between her and her sisters? Absolute gold. And don’t even get me started on her love interest, Zander aka Lord Farquaad. Cora's love interest on the other hand. M-MMM-MMM! Jax is swoony, charming, and totally unexpected in the best way.

This book nails that slow-burn tension while keeping things sweet and clean (a true low-spice rom-com win!). The humor is witty, the sisterly banter is on point, and the beach-town setting makes you want to pack a bag and escape to Sunnyside immediately.

Do you love happy books?
Do you love clean books?
Do you love to have fun?

Then this is your next read! Come hang out with the Prestly sisters for a month on their (re-reunion?) month vacation, in hopes of recreating their happy childhood memories. Ten or more years have passed and their lives have gone in different directions: motherhood, careers (or lack there of), and relationships.
The. biggest surprise of all is that the youngest, Bianca has decided to marry a guy she has met on an APP a few weeks ago and move to Idaho. Cora and Savannah cannot sit and watch their younger sister do something so impulsive. So the sisters have a bet. If Cora finds love on the same APP Bianca will rethink her quick nuptials.
Meanwhile, a local heartbreaker needs to fall in love so he can become the SVP of his family's business (Of course!!) I know it sounds like another shallow hallmark, but this story is engaging, fun and flirty!!

I loved how this book took us on the hilarious and fun dates. Starting off with the "meet cute" in the CVS oral hygiene aisle. As much as Cora tried to put up her walls again love, our heartbreak heart throb was determined to tear them down.
. If I could marry a book character, he would be the one! These characters were the most "real" characters I have seen in a rom com recently. There was a sweetness and charm to the characters. There was no cheese or formulaic plot like all Hallmark movies. There were many humorous moments but none cringey.
If anything you will read the book hungry books the food in this book was chefs kiss delicious---made me want a blueberry pie.
I had read one book by Rachel Magee which was decent, but wow her writing has grown and she has found her lane . I am already excited to see what she puts out next.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Rachel Magee for allowing me to review this advanced copy of What Not To Do On Vacation. I was not paid in exchange for my honest review.

A perfect Summer read!

I loved this book. I won't lie, I knew how it was going to end, but I still loved every minute of it. This book tugged on the heartstrings because I also have two sisters, and one of them had a heart issue. I'm pretty sure the first few pages had me crying because I realized I can't relive childhood memories or take a trip with them. I enjoyed how these sisters were different, and all had things to figure out. I like the "fighting" and rivalry because that's what sisters do. I enjoyed that this took place at a beach house. It was also told from different points of view and wasn't confusing at all. In fact, it helped understand each character more. I wouldn't be opposed to a sequel....

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC.

Sister vacation trip, family secrets, and matchmaking--what's not to love? This summer read has it all. I could see this all happening with three sisters. This also would be great for a series to follow these sisters.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I love a good rom-com whether in book or movie form. This book had four narrators, the three sisters and Jax. They each have their own secrets and mischievous motives that don't work out all that well for them. Jax is trying to prove he can stick with something while Cora is trying to achieve the opposite. It all starts out with a meet-cute over toothbrushes. Later Jax assures Cora that he did notice her because "my toothbrush wisdom isn't for just anyone, you know" (location 1153).

Bianca is struggling to figure out where she fits in in life, in the workplace, in her family. Savannah just wants to recreate their family traditions when life was easier before she reveals her big news. It's ripe for misunderstandings, tension, drama, and more. Still in the end, there's a reminder that family sticks together.

I enjoyed this beach read a lot. It was witty and fun. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book was so cute! It has How to Lose a Guy in 10 days vibes which I loved! Three sisters Savannah, Cora, Bianca are going to spend the next month reliving their childhood vacations by visiting the beach town Sunnyside just as their mom wished before she died.
The book switches between each of the sisters perspectives and it made the book so fun to get to know what each sister was thinking.
I definitely recommend this cute romcom. Such a great summer read!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

This book was truly special. This book gives Emily Henry and Abbey Jimenez a run for their money!

Three sisters trying to reconnect with life getting in the way. As a person who vacationed 2 weeks a year on cape cod with my grandmother, this book gave me a lot of feelings.

Cora, Savannah and Bianca are sisters who have made it through some tough times, and they are trying to rekindle their former relationship at the family’s summer vacation home; the problem lies in that they are adults, with adult problems.

This book felt very real to me, I laughed, I got choked up and I didn’t want his book to end. The characters are amazing, and I can see myself in each sister, I’m stubborn, not the healthiest, and creative.

Trigger warning: heart conditions, loss of parent, parental cancer, divorce, online dating.

Three sisters. One beach house. A summer full of second chances.
In this heartwarming story perfect for fans of 10 Things I Hate About You and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Savannah has her bucket list (and chore chart) ready, determined to rekindle the bond with her sisters by recreating their epic childhood summers. But when Bianca drops a surprise wedding announcement and tries to play matchmaker for their grumpiest sister, Cora, things go off the rails fast. Add in one charming playboy, a few buried secrets, and a whole lot of sisterly chaos, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for sun, love, and family healing.

There was so much happening in this story! I loved that it featured more than one love story, giving each character their own romantic journey. The cast stayed busy with everything from pickleball and beach days to hospital volunteering, making the story feel vibrant and full of life. I especially enjoyed the sisterly dynamics that were equal parts heartwarming and chaotic. They clearly love each other deeply, even when they’re butting heads. Overall, it’s a fun, adventurous, and feel good read with lots of heart.

Luckily, this summer read will be released on May 20th, just in time for those summer vacations. Special thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book hits all the sweet spots! From the beginning, the sisters all have complicated relationships (with each other and other people), and I enjoyed seeing the story arc of 3 sisters who are not on the same page, still reeling over the death of their mother, and dealing with even more curveballs when they decide to spend a month together at a beach house. The romances are sweet and genuine and perfectly paced! This book harkened back to the old romcom vibes of How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, which is one of my favs, but puts its own spin on things. Lovely, uplifting, and sweet, this romcom is so great.


Arc review: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

From the beginning, Cora, and Jax, and their toothbrush argument, and practically every encounter after that was such a crack up! They had very different objectives. Cora had a desire to win a wager against her sister by not being able to keep a date. Meanwhile, misunderstood womanizer Jax needed to carry on the same relationship with the same person for a month. A month lol. That isn’t much time, but Cora wasn’t making it easy on him.

The story had other point-of-views from Cora’s oldest and youngest sisters, but Cora and Jax’s POVs made me want to give this story even more than a five-star review! Lord Farquaad’s appearance makes this a solid ten star! And thus, I leave you with one of the best quotes from the story, starring Lord Farquaad….

“It was also worth noting that whoever had done his implants hadn’t done a particularly great job. The tiny tufts of hair sticking up sort of resembled an old hairbrush that had lost half its bristles.”

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

Three estranged sisters reunite for a month-long beach trip to reconnect, hoping to mend their fractured relationships. But secrets, surprises, and forced matchmaking threaten to derail their carefully crafted plan for summer bliss.

This is a fun and charming women’s fiction. The characters are well-developed, and each of the sisters has a unique voice. The romance aspects are endearing. Overall, it’s a heartwarming, beachy read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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 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.

This book is funny, emotional, and full of that warm, nostalgic summer energy. It’s perfect for tossing in your beach bag, reading poolside, or escaping to when you need a little sunshine and sisterly drama. What Not to Do on Vacation hits all the right notes for a satisfying summer escape.
Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon books for this free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily

The sisters' relationship added a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative, making it feel remarkably real with its love, humor, and honesty.
I appreciated how the love stories developed individually, and I would highly recommend the book.

oh this book took me to the very joyous world you can only escape to when the book is just that good. i wanted to sak how i felt about this book all up.
the three sisters story was good enough. when you add love into the mix and youve got a winner. that is to say its a winner if done well. and im pleased to say it was more than done well and more than i couldve predicted or wished for.
our three sisters come together to try and reunite. they do so by using the place they went to as a child. a place where they were all involved with each other and had a bond. the three are at very different points and arent in the best place to be feeling the togetherness right now. Cara is sceptical. way over sceptical of this whole thing. and she certainly isnt on board when her sister reveals she is getting married. Bianca is happy. or thinks shes going to be when she weds the love of her life who she met online. but Bianca has one more thing up her sleeve. shes gets Cora on a date! she determined she will find her own true love.
but Cora is laughing all the way to the banks or so she thinks. because she has been paired with the least likely person to settle down to one woman never mind one love.
but life isnt tying thee threes lives and relationship in a bow. nope, there is more hard work and hurdles before that can happen. reading those things is nothing short of perfect though and Maggie drew me in to the story and the character from the first page.

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 a fun beach read centered around dynamic family and romantic relationships. Since each of the sisters (plus one love interest) get a POV, it keeps the story lighthearted and fresh. Each of the characters are truly interesting with their unique personalities, which makes it easier to follow the varying perspectives and more satisfying to watch them overcome their weaknesses. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a clean contemporary romance to read this summer!

Special thanks to the Publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book pulled me in from the first chapter to the last. It is such a perfect feel good light beach read with a little bit of family drama, secrets, and some romance sprinkled in!

This story follows three sisters: Bianca, Cora, and Savannah. They are all grown and busy with their current lives which leads them to have lost touch. Their mother had a dying wish that they would continue their family beach trips to the Panhandle of Florida. Savannah is determined to reconnect with her sisters and her plan is to recreate their childhood summer vacations. She has booked their vacation beach house for a month and has planned a nostalgic beach trip with a fun bucket list.

Rachel Magee is a new author for me. I am so glad I took a chance on her! This was a great contemporary women's fiction full of sister dynamics. It reminded me of me and my 2 sisters, even down to the young and free spirited youngest sister and the bossy older sister trying to hold it all together. Set in a beach town, the 3 sisters go on a sister trip. Free spirited youngest, Bianca, thinks she is in live and engages herself to a man after only 4 weeks and have never met. Cora, the middle sister refuses to date. So, they make a bet. Cora will go on dates for 3 weeks matched by the dating app. If she doesn't find love, Bianca will wait to move to Idaho and marry her mystery man. The adventure begins! and what a ride it is. Reminiscent of How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days. There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 kisses only. Multiple POV from all main characters.

What a great story ‘
This is the first book I have read by this author. And loved it.
Thank you for ARC I will definitely look for other books by her
It was funny but yet serious and heartwarming

Rachel Magee’s newest book, What Not to Do on Vacation was a an absolute delight. A trio of sister return to their childhood vacation spot, hoping to reconnect and relive some of that magic of their youth, but they aren’t the kids they once were. Savannah, the oldest, has a health secret she’s keeping from her sisters. Bianca, the youngest, has a secret of her own…she’s getting married. To a man she’s only ever met online and met through an app. Naturally her sisters think she’s crazy, and Cora is determined to prove you can’t find love that way…but she’s in for quite the surprise. Both funny and touching, it’s a summer the sisters will never forget. Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for allowing me access to an ARC of What Not to Do on Vacation.

What Not to Do On Vacation is like a beach read, a rom-com, and a sisterhood story all wrapped into one delightful page-turner! At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but once it got going, I couldn’t put it down.

Told through four different viewpoints (three sisters + one love interest!), it brings the perfect mix of chaos, heart, and humor. Cora and Jax totally stole the show for me—think How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibes, more than 10 Things I Hate About You. Romantic, witty, and just the right amount of swoon.

Beyond the love story, it’s a beautiful tale of sisterhood, grief, and finding your way back to each other. Savannah is doing her best to keep traditions alive, Bianca’s determined to prove herself, and all their journeys tugged at my heartstrings in different ways.

It made me laugh, cry, and hope. If you love messy, meaningful stories with big feels and bigger love—this one’s for you. 10/10 recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for thus ARC.

This book is the perfect summer beach read! Rachel Magee promises a rom-com with a happily-ever-after and she delivers. With multiple points of view, the characters become compelling and draw you in to see how everything unfolds. On a vacation that was supposed to be a nostalgic bonding experience for three sisters, one mishap after another happens and this threatens their chance to reconnect.

Savannah, Bianca and Cora meet up for a beach vacation at a beach house the sisters used to go to every summer with their parents.

Savannah, the oldest sister, booked the vacation as a way for the sisters to reconnect and fulfil their mother’s last wish. She also has a secret that she wants to share with them and hopes that by bonding over the activities she has planned Savannah can then open up with them.

Bianca, the youngest, also has a secret. She just got engaged with her “soulmate” that she met online through a dating app. Bianca has never met her fiance in person, but fully trusts that the app has connected her with the man she was meant to marry.

Cora right from the start did not think this vacation was a good idea. The sisters hadn’t had a close relationship in years, and Cora did not want to take time off from her job. Cora loses her luggage on the flight, pulls into town late at night and tries to pick up some last minute supplies, and finally gets to the beach house to meet her sisters. Bianca drops the bomb that she’s getting married to a man she’s met only through an online dating app and Savannah and Cora are shocked and concerned. The fix? Cora is going to prove to Bianca that the dating app does not work by signing up herself and proving that whoever she is matched with will not last past the second date.

What Not to Do on Vacation is all about family, deep connection, romance, love, and of course a happily-ever-after. This book is the perfect summer read, and I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I love how this author does contemporary versions of Shakespeare. The romance is secondary to the story about the relationship among sisters. I loved the sister’ growth and the side characters. This was a perfect beach read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

✨Review - What Not To Do On Vacation by @rachelmageeauthor

This retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew brings all the beachy vibes as three sisters meet at a vacation home in Florida to fulfil their mother’s dying wish of them reconnecting to relive childhood memories.

This one was so sweet. Lots of sisterly drama that ultimately ends in reconciliation and healing. Each sister’s character was very well developed, and I loved that you got to read from each of their POV. And then of course there was some romance too. Each of our love interests came into the relationship with a secret agenda, and I loved seeing their defences wear down as they became more vulnerable with each other.

A huge thanks to @uplitreads for allowing me to be part of this campaign. All thoughts are my own.

Three sisters, a nostalgic beach house, and a bet that has the power to alter one or both lives of these three sisters.
Reunited at their childhood beach house, Savannah, Cora & Bianca have arrived to the beach house that holds their most precious childhood memories for one more summer vacation, a final wish from their mother that they are (begrudgingly) fulfilling.

The beach house holds some of the best and hardest memories from these three sisters. The thing they weren't expecting, that an announcement from the youngest of the three would set the course for their summer at the beach.

It's the best of How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, with the volatile yet loving interaction of three sisters who while all wildly different have agreed to spend the summer taking a trip down memory lane, summer bucket list and all.

This is my second read of Racel Magee and from the first chapter I was reminded why I love her work. Multiple story arcs and character perspectives written seamlessly together. The writing is clear, the characters well developed and the banter hilariously enticing.

It may be spring for me, but I'm already longing for a summer at the beach thanks to Rachel and her wonderful cast of characters.

Will it be sisters before misters?

Or, will one sister take advantage of sister time to advance her own life plans?

Three sisters. A beach cottage. Their late mother wished for them to reconnect there, but are there too many years and hurts to overcome?

Here is what I loved about this clean rom-com from Rachel Magee:

🌴A beach vacation has so many possibilities -- beach days, sand castles, boogie boarding, ice cream, and more. The chore wheel -- not quite so fun, but necessary.
👭The sister relationships are given their share of pages. Savannah is a perfectionist. Cora is the middle child who specializes in leaving. Bianca is the baby and wants to be taken seriously.
🍻A trivia contest early on is key to the plot and sets up plot elements of The Taming of the Shrew. Such a fun modern twist on the classic. We officially meet Jax at the pub -- hubba hubba.
🥒There is an epic pickleball matchup between Jax and Cora that is so entertaining to view. Later references in conversations increase the fun.
🥂A fledgling business in special event planning takes up a good amount of Bianca's time. Her childhood friend Luke is an adorable business partner.

Happy Publication Day to this heartwarming rom-com. I will be looking for more reads from Rachel Magee. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own

What Not to Do on Vacation by Rachel Magee is a delightful rom-com, just perfect for summer down days. Three sisters find themselves at the beach, just like when they were little. Except, nothing is like when they are little. Not them as people, not their expectations, not even their memories of their time there. There are stories within the story and still, they all blend together seamlessly and create an excitement for when the point of view switches again. I adored each of the sisters and their reasons for being there as well as their reason for staying, because let’s face it, nothing ever goes as planned. The messes, and chaos, and drama, and familial love are all wrapped up nicely with well-timed humor and poignant life lessons. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to more by this author.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

“We’re all stronger when surrounded by our loved ones.”

I was so excited to read this book. Not only is it the first book I’ve read from this author, I thought it would be the perfect “start to summer book” and I was right. I loved the beach vibe of the cover too.

The story is full of humor and heart and I really enjoyed these three sisters. Savannah, Cora, and Bianca are fantastic characters. The development of these women is well done. Their healing and mending of past hurts was expressed well. The bargain the sisters make was a great lead to the story. The idea of the dating app for Cora and Jax was fun.

The multiple POVs was done well. The author does a great job of showing each sister and their needs. Savannah wants the perfect reunion, to relive all the fun things the sisters did in their youth, but her motives are for other reasons. I loved Bianca and her positivity and how she improves her situation, and hatches a plan for Cora. My favorites were Jax and Cora. They had the perfect meet-cute toothbrush argument. The two had amazing chemistry.

The audio narrator was fantastic. Karissa Vickers does a great job with all the voices. Her tone and expression brings the story to life.

Thank you to @uplitreads for including me in the tour. Thank you to the publisher for the NetGalley links for the audio/ebook and the paperback!

"What Not to Do on Vacation" is a heartfelt blend of romance and family drama that delivers both emotional depth and lighthearted charm. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of the sisters through their unique points of view. Each one bringing a fresh perspective and adding richness to the story. The supporting characters were equally compelling, perfectly complementing the main cast and bringing warmth and humor to the narrative.

What begins as a simple vacation meant for bonding soon turns into a transformative journey. The sisters not only reconnect with each other, but also confront the pain of their shared past, offering forgiveness, rediscovering themselves, and, for some, even finding unexpected love. The story kept me fully engaged from start to finish and I found myself eagerly turning the pages, not wanting to put it down.

This is a touching, well-crafted novel about family, healing, and second chances and is an absolute joy to read.

Three sisters-Savannah, Cora, and Bianca-gather at their childhood cottage in Sunnyside, Florida, to honor their late mother’s wish: one last summer together in their beloved vacation spot.
But when Bianca reveals she's getting married and moving to Idaho to be with a man she’s never met (someone she connected with on a dating app) the reunion takes an unexpected turn. The sisters strike a deal: if Cora, the skeptic who doesn’t believe in love, can find “the one” using the same app, they’ll give Bianca their approval.
As Cora dives into the world of online dating, Savannah tries to recreate their childhood traditions, while hiding a secret of her own, waiting for just the right moment to tell her sisters…

This novel is the perfect summer read, it truly has it all: a charming seaside setting, heartfelt romance, and just the right dose of family drama. I really enjoyed it!
The slow-burn, no-spice romance was really well done - refreshing and beautifully paced, adding depth without overshadowing the story's emotional core. What stood out most to me was the realistic portrayal of sibling dynamics. The way the sisters' relationships evolved throughout the book felt authentic and relatable, making their journey all the more impactful.
I honestly have no complaints. It’s a well written, thoughtful, and engaging novel. If you enjoy summer stories centered around family bonds and clean romance, I definitely recommend this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC!!