The Jacobson family seemed to have it all. Leo and wife Sylvia raised their four children in Westfield, New Jersey with love and lots of support. A beach house on the Jersey Shore (Beach Haven, LBI) provided the perfect summer getaway. But Sylvia fell ill and passed away and Leo decided to move to Boca Raton, Florida. Their now grown-up children needed to help go through the contents of the beach house and prepare it for its sale. Noah, the youngest brother, went out to purchase a lottery ticket and sisters Laura and Sophie happily joined in for their chance at the multi-million-dollar Powerball prize. Oldest brother Matthew, an attorney and the most successful of the siblings, wanted no part of the silliness citing the odds against winning. When it turns out that the three Jacobsons had a winning ticket, their good luck appears to be short-lived. Each family member is impacted by their sudden wealth and the normal issues they've been experiencing in life become magnified. Without the guidance from their wise mother, the family needs to find a way to pull together. Will they realize that their family bond is their most valuable asset?

Author Elyssa Friedland writes enjoyable contemporary novels that are so relatable. Having just lost a spouse, sold my house in New Jersey, and moved to South Florida, Jackpot Summer is a book I fully connected with (although I have never played the lottery). Friedland deals with the messiness of family dynamics in a way that is both heartwarming and funny. A perfect book to head to the beach with.

Rated 4.25 stars.

Money doesn't buy happiness in this new book from author Elyssa Friedland about the Jacobson family who win the actual lottery and have to deal with consequences. I am a HUGE fan of Friedland and her Jewish Rep and this book featuring a family about to lose their family beach home when three out of four siblings win the lotto pulled me in from page one. I could relate to each sibling and their own individual hurdles and found patriarch Leo very entertaining. Pop this one in your beach bag for the perfect poolside read.

3.5 stars. This was a fun but predictable read. I really liked the premise of 3 siblings who win the lottery while the 4th sibling had opted out of buying Powerball tickets and I really enjoy family stories so it was fun to be part of the Jacobson family for a while. But everything was kinda tied up too neatly and the characters were pretty vanilla. I thought Matthew and Beth's son was the most interesting actually. I think with such a fun premise I wanted more than I got from this one. Excellent on audio though, Therese Plummer is one of my favorite narrators!

Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedman stands out as a unique exploration of family dynamics, delving into the profound impact of a sudden, significant change on all members. The narrative unfolds when three out of four siblings win the lottery, transforming them into instant millionaires. This unexpected windfall disrupts their lives, but the question remains-will it lead to a better or worse future?

What deeply resonated with me in Jackpot Summer were the emotional journeys of the characters,  beautifully reflecting the messy yet pure dynamics of real-life families.  As the four siblings, each grappling with their unique life situations, navigate the sudden wealth, their experiences become a mirror for our own pursuit of happiness and joy.

One of the standout features of Jackpot Summer is its exploration of the lottery win on a deeper, more universal level.  The diverse ways in which each sibling handles the money and the lessons learned by every family member, regardless of whether they won any money, serve as valuable insights that resonate with all readers, making the book feel more relevant and relatable.  

Jackpot Summer is a captivating exploration of human nature and family bonds.  I wholeheartedly recommend it to any reader this summer, as it's a book that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the complexities of family dynamics and the human experience.

Have you ever dreamt of winning the lottery? Who hasn’t? Well for three of the four Jacobson siblings, that dream comes true. But things aren’t always greener on the other side as the infusion of cash causes sibling rivalries and family secrets to resurface. The “fantastic foursome” begin to realize they’ll never be truly rich unless they have their family together.

This was such a fun and unique story. I thought it was a contemporary romance before I started it, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was a contemporary fiction book about family dynamics.These characters all were flawed, and I enjoyed how realistically Friedland wrote about how their lives changed after winning the money. I liked some of the siblings better than others, but my favorite character was the patriarch of the family, Leo. There was a lot going on throughout the book, but the way it all came together at the end was chef’s kiss! If you’re looking for a story with a messily authentic family then grab this one.

Thanks for the free book Berkley Publishing, the DRC from NetGalkey, and the advanced readers copy PRH Audio in exchange for my honest review!

This was a delightful, ensemble comedy about the Jacobson siblings. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they win a massive Powerball jackpot, leading to both comedic and poignant moments as they navigate their newfound riches. The characters are extremely relatable, funny, and engaging. The story was fast-paced and certainly a character-driven storyline. I really enjoyed this group of siblings and following their journey as they worked through some deep, family emotions.

Elyssa Friedland delivers another family saga full of heart and humor in her signature style. The book asks the question of how money changes us and offers up a humanistic approach to a complicated question. I could see bits of myself in each of the Jacobson siblings and was delighted with the way the family came together in the end. A perfect summer read!

I absolutely loved Jackpot Summer! It was so nostalgic since I grew up at the Jersey Shore.
Check out my full review on Instagram!

Jackpot Summer is the perfect fun summer read. When three out of four adult siblings chip in on a lottery ticket, and WIN, their lives are altered in unimaginable ways.

I enjoyed this story about family dynamics and was envious of this sibling quartet. At times emotional, other times stressfull, and still other times LOL funny, Jackpot Summer is a very entertaining read.

I was surprised how much I adored this book! It was filled with family drama but also some laugh out loud moments. Each Jacobson sibling had problems in their own lives even before they won the lottery, but winning the lottery made everything more complicated. I loved the full cast of characters of the Jacobson family and how they came together and resolved everything at the end. It mostly took place at the Jersey shore, so if you’re looking for a fun, character driven book to read this summer give this one a try. The Jacobson family will warm your heart.

Elyssa Friedland has done it again! She has quickly become an auto-buy author for me as no one does heart-warming family drama quite like her.

Can money solve all your problems? The Jacobson family is about to find out.

When the Jacobson siblings reunite for one final weekend on the Jersey Shore to pack up the family beach house, none of them expect to walk away as millionaires. But that’s exactly what happens for three of the four siblings.
In Jackpot Summer, Friedland explores how the money impacts them as individuals as well as the overall dynamics of their family.

I love a good family drama, especially one that centers around sibling relationships and Jackpot Summer delivers. I liked how the narration of the story flowed seamlessly as it shifted between each sibling. This was a quick, fun read without being overly heavy. My only wish was that there had been an epilogue as I’d love to know where the siblings are in five years or so.

This was a good read! I loved the honesty of the family dynamic and sibling messy bits, made it feel more raw and relatable! About siblings who randomly win the lottery one summer, which you think would be amazing and it might've been, but also money complicates things! I love the character development throughout and how close these siblings are. Even through fights and messy moments, they truly do prevail. Truly amazing to see! I also thought the articles ay beginning was interesting about lottery winners, may be twisted but rooted in truth. Overall, I love this family! Sophie was amazing, the dad Leo and Noah are probably my favorite characters though! Makes me want to call up my sisters and do a nice chat over dinner.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

Elyssa Friedland’s "Jackpot Summer" offers a humorous and heartfelt exploration of what happens when a dysfunctional family suddenly finds itself wealthy. The story revolves around the four Jacobson siblings who, despite being raised to respect the value of a dollar, find their lives in financial and personal disarray.

As the siblings reunite to pack up their Jersey Shore childhood home following their beloved mother's death, they each bring their own drama. Matthew is struggling with his corporate law job and distant relationship with his son, Laura's marriage is falling apart, Sophie’s art career is stagnant while her boyfriend's career is on the rise, and Noah is still living at home doing tech repair gigs. When they pool their money to buy a Powerball ticket and actually win, the unexpected cash brings more problems than solutions, exposing deep-seated family issues and rivalries.

Friedland’s portrayal of the Jacobson family is both relatable and entertaining, as each sibling's journey reveals the pitfalls of sudden wealth. The dynamics among the siblings are well-drawn, with moments of humor and heartbreak as they navigate their new reality. The character development is solid, though some readers might find certain arcs a bit predictable.

The setting, primarily at the Jersey Shore, adds a nostalgic touch that complements the themes of family and memory. The narrative's pacing keeps the reader engaged, though there are moments where the story drags slightly, making it feel longer than necessary.

Overall, "Jackpot Summer" is a light, enjoyable read that delves into the complexities of family relationships and the age-old adage that money can’t buy happiness. It’s perfect for fans of contemporary family dramas looking for a mix of humor and heart. I struggled to feel invested, but you might love these characters! I'd recommend for a breezy, summery read you aren't expecting too much from.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Berkley for the free book!

If you enjoy family-centered stories, then you should read JACKPOT SUMMER.

We follow the Jacobson siblings before and after winning the lottery ticket. They think by winning the lottery many of their struggles will disappear, but oh how wrong they are, it only gets messier.

I loved the sibling dynamics, and how real our characters were with their inner thoughts and struggles.

While the story dragged a bit to get to the end, I enjoyed the ending and how it all came together.

Advanced Book Review! Thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
“After the Jacobson siblings win a life-changing fortune in the lottery, they assume their messy lives will transform into sleek, storybook perfection – but they couldn’t be more wrong.”
I really enjoyed this book by Elyssa Friedland. I generally love books about siblings and this one was no exception. The four Jacobson siblings are still reeling from the loss of their mom and now their father is selling their beloved summer home on Long Beach Island. Three of the four siblings decide on a whim to go in on some Powerball lottery tickets, with the fourth sibling and his wife basically ridiculing the idea because you could never actually win the lottery right?
Well someone has to win, and low and behold, the Jacobson siblings actually win the lottery, which is not necessarily the dream come true one would expect. The win creates a whole host of new issues for their already complicated lives, not least of which is, what to do about the one sibling who didn’t go in on the ticket if they want to stay a cohesive sibling unit.
Elyssa Friedland explores family dynamics following a major loss and life change, while throwing in the added pressure of instant riches. Read to see how each sibling handles their newfound fame and fortune, and how they
I also loved the Jewish representation in this one. Especially at a time like this I think it’s so important to read a novel about a relatable family, who’s Judaism is demonstrated throughout their daily lives.
This was my first book by Elyssa Friedland but it won’t be my last! I already have two of her backlist books waiting for me on my to be read shelf.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Berkley Publishing for and advanced e-arc copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

Jackpot Summer was a fun read. I didn't expect anything extraordinary, but I did anticipate some excitement. While I was definitely entertained by parts of the book, there were also parts that went on and on.
I think a lot of us dream about what it would be like to win the lotto and how'd we'd handle the situation, or what we'd do with all the money... The family in this book entertains us while we read about all of their mistakes and misjudgments, but they don't exactly provide an example for us to follow if we win big in life.
Overall, if the synopsis really gets your interest, take the chance. I give this book 3.5 stars.

The story of a family of jackpot winning siblings (minus one who declined to participate) raises the questions of what do we owe our siblings and does money change us. While I enjoyed the first half of the story, I found the subsequent plot lines predictable and less than engaging..

Jackpot Summer features four siblings who are each managing family drama. Then, three out of the four win a powerball jackpot throwing their already chaotic life into a wild mess. The story tracks the changes in their homes and sibling connection. Friedland treats the reader to humor, wealthy expectations and what it means to be family.

Thank you, Berkley

Thank you Berkle Pub for the free book and thank you PRH Audio for my #gifted listening copy of Jackpot Summer! #PRHAInfluencer #PRHAudioPartner #BerkleyBookstagram #berkleypub #BerkleyIG #berkley

Title: Jackpot Summer
Author: Elyssa Friedland
Narrator: Thérése Plummer
Pub Day: June 11, 2024

𝟰.𝟱★

I loved this book so much! It was the perfect family drama and I loved the time I got to spend with the Jacobson siblings! This was such a fun premise for a book and I thought that Friedland did such a great job with this one. I loved how the siblings all had their own issues they were dealing with on top of now having to navigate their new lives as lottery winners. This book was just so much fun and at the same time did not seem over the top, if that makes sense. Perhaps my favorite part were the text thread conversations because they just felt so real.

Trust me, you are not going to want to miss this one!

🎧I alternated between the physical book and the audiobook, narrated by Plummer and once I started listening to the audiobook, I did not want to stop. She knocked this one out of the park! I was completely hooked. This book was already so funny at times to me, and she just added to the humor and I thought she was the perfect pick. She was truly so dynamic and I highly recommend this one on audio!

💰Family Drama
💰Set in LBI
💰Jewish Representation
💰Laugh-Out-Loud Funny
💰The Perfect Summer Read

Posted on Goodreads on June 5, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around June 6, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on June 11, 2024
**-will post on designated date

Read if you like:
💸 More Money, More Problems
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Family Dynamics
🤐 Secrets and Lies
✡️ Jewish Rep

All in all, if you are looking for a summery family drama story with beachy vibes and Jewish Rep, this is your book!

For me family drama stories can be hit or miss but this one is so different than others I’ve read that have deep rooted family issues with this one coming up as a result of winning the lottery and all the messes that can come for people because of the more money, more problems that can occur.

I esp loved the opening of the book to really set this stage, esp because I’ve been fascinated how winning the lottery can often be a curse for many.

Thank you so much to Berkley for my ARC in exhange for my review!