Another great summer book from Elin Hilderbrand! 28 Summers tells the story of Mallory and Jake's secret romance over the course of 28 Summers. Jake visits Mallory on Nantucket Island every Labor Day weekend, no matter what else is happening in their lives. Their relationship starts one Labor Day weekend when Mallory's brother brings two friends to visit Mallory at the Nantucket cottage she inherited. Mallory and Jake form a romance, but their different life paths prevent them from being together year round. They decide to become each other's "Same Time Next Year" and the story takes us through the next 28 years of their lives until Jake gets a call that Mallory is dying.

Just in time for beach reading, 28 SUMMERS fills that niche when all a reader wants is a plot with recognizable emotions woven through the pages. Author Elin Hilderbrand is the expert in providing emotional power packs and this book supplies plenty of it. Our protagonist, Mallory Blessing, lives her life quickly and just a bit on the nontraditional side, even if some of it resembles a well known movie plot. The book moves rapidly and while there are no big surprises, there are no disappointments either. This is a tale that will please the author’s many devoted fans. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I enjoyed this book more than I feel like I should have. The whole "one weekend a year" premise would normally turn me off and create a roadblock to connecting with the characters, but I truly liked Mallory and Jake and found myself rooting for them to be happy in whatever way they could. I simply couldn't be judgmental because I liked them both so much. I enjoyed the flashbacks to what was happening each year - it was a fun and creative way to segue into each new year. My only complaint was that I wasn't all that thrilled with the ending - I was hoping for a far different wrap up. I get why it ended how it did, and it's not actually a complaint. I was just looking for something different.

Highly recommend if you're looking for a good summer beach read or a "chick" book that actually has some substance to it!

28 summers tells the unlikely love story of Mallory Blessing and Jake McCloud. Jake and Mallory met through Mallory's brother, Cooper. They were attracted to each other one Labor Day weekend while vacationing at Mallory's house in Nantucket. They make a pact to meet at the same time, same place for years to come. They do just that for 28 years; their actual lives, children, and Jake's wife don't exist for those 3 days. The book starts off present day (Summer 2020) and then flashes back through the last 28 summers. It did take me a while to get into the story, but once I did, I enjoyed it.

Hilderbrand is, hands down, one of my favorite authors. I eagerly anticipate her novels and find myself continually engaged with the beautiful stories that she writes. I have read all of her books and this one definitely lands in my top two or three of all time that she has written. She has such a beautiful way of creating her story so that it unfolds and you feel as though you've escaped reality to live in another life, which offers such a rich and rewarding reading experience. This story of Mallory and Jake and their love and life events is just divine. I am almost sad that I read it before I could take it to be poolside or beach-side with me this Summer. In fact, I plan to purchase in hard copy form so I can do that and then share it with friends. Whether you are a fan of HIlderbrand or not, this book is a must. It is almost too wonderful for words!

This book was EXCELLENT! I have read many books by this author, but far and away, this was the best. I liked how the main story was about Mallory and Jake, but how all the supporting characters also had their stories told in detail. It was a quick, easy read, but mostly because I couldn't put it down. It will make a great beach read this summer!

I normally look forward to Elin Hilderbrand's book. They're some of my favorite beach reads and I'm still eagerly looking forward to the next in the Winter in Paradise series this year (I hope it comes out this year). However, I <i>hated</i> <i>28 Summers</i>. The summary of the book is that two people have an affair for twenty-eight years. Jake cheats on his girlfriend then wife for their entire relationship, Mallory gets in other relationships but always calls them off or cheats in order to be with Jake one weekend a year. Both lie to everyone in their lives and alienate people because of their affair. The characters are so unlikable and selfish that it made it really hard for me to get through the book.


Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of the book.

To me, this is a 5 star book! It’s enchanting, and loving, and just the perfect read for me. I have read a lot of Elin Hilderbrand books, and I think this is her best one yet.

When Mallory was in her early 20s, trying to make her way through living in Manhattan, her aunt dies leaving her a cottage in Nantucket. For Mallory this is just what she needed as a change. During her first Labor Day weekend at the cottage, she hosts a bachelor weekend for her brother. She ends up falling in love with her brother’s friend, Jake McCloud. The final night, they watch the move Same Time Next Year. The two make a pact, a Same Time Next Year no matter what.

Hilderbrand does a great job narrating the longing felt by both Mallory and Jake. While I’m not in favor of infidelity, my heart made an exception for these two. Aside of the deep love story for these two, Hilderbrand included “What were people talking about in year XXXX”. I loved these little blurbs and the nostalgia.

I adored Jake and Mallory and know you will too. I would recommend this book as a book club pick!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Release Date: 06/16/2020

Oh my! Erin Hilderbrand has outdone herself. This memorable beach read is her best yet. In a time when we all need to escape the crazy that has become our reality, Hilderbrand introduces us to characters that are interesting, complex, and loveable. The reader is drawn into the story immediately and we follow the lives of the friends and family from year to year and are taken away to Nantucket each summer. Life progresses, but for one long weekend every year, it is the same. This is a story of friendship, family, secrets, and love. Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown, & Company for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

28 Summers is one of the absolutely best books I've ever read. The story line, the characters, Mallory and Jake - I loved it all. Thank you, Elin Hildebrand, for a perfect book.

I always look forward to Elin Hilderbrand's books every summer! This one did not disappoint -- the descriptions of Nantucket and beyond made me feel like I was right there among the characters. Also, I'm from Baltimore and the connection to Baltimore was spot-on.
The connection to Mallory was one of the best connections I've had with a character in a long time, but even at the end, I wasn't sad because I knew she had done everything she had wanted and needed to do.
Not only was this a great summer read, it was a good read for anyone that is searching for something without knowing that they already have it.

First, thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I met Elin Hildebrand a bit ago with Erika and Maureen. Gosh she can write! This book is so, so good. In her 20’s, Mallory was gifted a bungalow in Nantucket from her aunt. Her brother Cooper wanted to have a bachelor’s party over Labor Day weekend. She hosted him and two friends. One friend she had an instant connection with and from that weekend forward, they made a plan to continue that weekend, no matter what for each Labor Day to come. No matter what they were doing in life, this would be their weekend. Read it! All the feels! #28summers #elinhildebrand

I always enjoy Elin Hilderbrand's novels. I have never been to Nantucket, but every time I read one of her new books, I always remind myself that it's on my bucket list.

Reading 28 Summers while in self-isolation due to the pandemic was exactly what I needed. I could escape my life and pretend I was on Nantucket, enjoying the sun, beaches, and people that inhabit the island. There were a few chapters that dragged a bit and some superfluous characters, but overall Hilderbrand is back to what she does best: a great beach read.

Another amazing summer read by Elin Hilderbrand! Loved every page of this one. The book follows Mallory and Jake who get together every Labor Day weekend, having fallen in love in their early 20s but circumstances preventing them from truly being together. Mallory displays truly unselfish love, letting Jake go even though one could consider him more selfish than selfish with the way he treats her. Each chapter opens up with what happened in the world that year, which was pretty cool. Some events not awesome but part of history anyway. I ready this one in one sitting; I couldn't put it down. Sad that I won't have it fresh for the summer but I couldn't wait to read it and during the COVID crazies of 2020, it was just what I needed.

Best one yet!!! Elin just keeps getting better and better. (HOW does she do it?!?) All of her works are great, but 28 Summers is exceptional. It gives you all the feels without being too dramatic or heavy. Perfect weekend or beach read, or anytime read, really. Just read it. You won't be disappointed!

I stayed up all night to finish this. I loved the highlights given of each year. Mallory and Jake were destined to be together. She worked so hard to keep everyone happy. But she only kept three days a year for herself. Jake married because of an obligation to his sister's memory. I could not find one likeable thing about Ursula. Not one relationship in this story was happy besides Apple and Hugo. Mallory stayed waiting for someone she couldn't have. Cooper couldn't stop finding the wrong person. Leland was a terrible friend and partner.
I am still dealing with the end. I was broken hearted. It was a good read. I just wished for a different ending.

I absolutely LOVED this novel! I have been a big fan of every Elin Hilderbrand novel that I have read, but I think this might be my new favourite! I don't even read the descriptions for her books anymore because I now I'm going to love them, but I didn't know exactly what I was getting myself into with this book and I'm glad I didn't have any expectations.

This is a beautiful novel spanning as the title alludes to, 28 Summers or years. The style of writing in Hilderbrand's latest has a different feel than a lot of her books, but it still has that Nantucket charm and so many beautiful references to recent history and pop culture.

I have been savouring this novel over the last week because I didn't want it to end. I finished today through very teary eyes at such beautiful ending. I can't wait for others to read this novel so I can talk more about it!

I so rarely rate a book 5 stars, but I went on goodreads as soon as I finished this one and automatically gave it 5 big ones.

I fell in love with Hilderbrand's books years ago when I read the Blue Bistro and it has been my favorite of all her books until now. 28 Summers was magical and beautiful. My heart was in it from the start and the format was brilliant. The start of each year pulled me back to those years in my own life and helped me connect even more with the story. The writing, the characters, the tragic and beautiful moments made this a book I soon won't forget. The complex relationships and the perfect little moments really make the reader reflect on holding onto those moments when true happiness and love find us. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand Reviewed May 9. 2020
If it is summertime ~ it is time for the latest [author: Elin Hilderbrand] Nantucket novel. This is my19th EH novel ~ I am a big fan!
I am old enough that I remember the 1978 classic movie, “Same Time, Next Year” with Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn. It is the story about a couple who fall in love but each is married to someone else. They decide to meet one day a year. They do so and end up meeting for over 20 years. It, of course, is a story of adultery but it is funny. Here is the trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3U2LbkkkPM

Twenty eight summer ago, Mallory is hosting the bachelor party for her brother in her home on Nantucket (she inherited this beach house from her aunt) She meets and falls in love with Jake, her brother’s best friend. Sure enough romance blooms. The bachelor party falls apart but not these two. They hit it off which includes viewing the movie “Same time, Next Year”. They love the idea and agree to meet next Labor Day weekend.
Since the story covers 28 summers. Each summer starts off with “What are we talking about in (date)?
What was popular in the new, what books, music etc. ~ which I totally loved.
Okay here’s one …What year did this happen?… LAPD chasing a white Bronco, the bloody glove etc.

I am NOT a Chick lit/ Romance/Women’s Fiction kind of a gal but I am a big Elin Hilderbrand fan! Additionally, I always enjoy reading the Author’s Note at the end of a novel. In this case, Ms. Hilderbrand explains in her “Acknowledgments” her inspiration for the story. Mentions that playwright Bernard Slade died on the day she completed her first draft. She point out that she like Mallory moved to Nantucket in 1993 and yes! This is her 28th summer!

Want to thank NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for this early release granted in exchange for an honest professional review. Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 16, 2020

Oh. My. Goodness.
Oh, Elin. You got my heart with this one and I loved every moment. So, I got this ARC about 2 weeks ago and I told myself I should hold onto it until the weather was just right and maybe even when school was out as a little reward to myself.
Well, full disclosure here: on April 17th my 45 year old cousin died unexpectedly and I found myself back in that position of not being able to read anything or concentrate fully to finish a book. I knew then that I had to bust out my Ace in the Hole: the new Elin summer novel. It’s EXACTLY what I needed. I read this in under 24 hours. I loved: the narrative style, the character development, the insight into everyone, the food descriptions, the setting ALWAYS, the buildup, the plot development, and especially the memories of each year as the summers open. I also appreciated the many Easter Eggs Elin dropped from past novels- I was like daaaaamn she pulling some Stephen King magic here! I really enjoyed that Mallory was a high school English teacher and so well read. I loved her parents- they TOTALLY reminded me of Emily & Richard Gilmore. I loved the ripped from the headlines scandal and how Ursula made us like her even though we really didn’t want to. I loved how she wrote 9/11 and also how she & Emily Giffin both did this for their 2020 books- and both did it beautifully. Simply put, I absolutely loved this book. It pulled me out of my funk and allowed me to escape and it also broke my heart. I cried all the way through the end and I’m not ashamed. I read her books as soon as they’re released, or before if approved and admittedly, some I like better than others. This one may be my favorite yet. All the damn stars!!! Thank you so much to Net Galley & Little Brown for approval and thank you, Elin, for always making the world a little better with your books! Also, HUGE thank you for making a school counselor a prominent character! We never get any props. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️