The book revolved around a beach club in Massachusetts and its members. The story follows along with Ned, the president of the beach clubs, his daughter, Darcy, who quit playing golf (a sport her dad love), and is a moody teenager, and Flick, the boy who moved in next door. Each character is dealing with their own inner conflicts regarding the club.
I enjoyed the book but, it did take me a bit to get into it. It is an easy read. If you’re into “beach reads,” then I suggest you give this book a chance.
Thank you NetGalley and Hannah McKinnon for the chance to read the book before it is released ❤️

This book had a lot of potential but was slow moving for me. I just wasn’t hooked on the story or characters enough to finish to the end.

Hannah McKinnon has become one of my favorite writers and her new releases are always one of my must-read books of the year. Her writing style has the knack for drawing readers right into her world, and I love the cadence of her words and the settings she draws with them.

Some of her books resonate with me more than others, and this one falls in the middle for me. I felt drawn right into the world of Mayhaven, a private summer club with a golf course on the lake, a place with a glorious past but an uncertain future. I liked reading the story through the three points of view characters—Ned, the man who runs the club and who had been going to Mayhaven since he was a child (even though he’d been snuck through the back door)…his daughter Darcy, a golf whiz who suddenly quits the sport for reasons unknown…and Flick, the son of Ned and Darcy’s new neighbor, transported to their quiet, idyllic town from deep in the boroughs of New York City. In some ways, the book is a clichéd retelling of the age-old story of the haves and have-nots, of outsiders being kept on the outside and judged for their differences, of snotty rich kids who never experience the consequences of their actions. There are some heavier questions in the book that are alluded to throughout the story but aren’t touched upon until the very end, and that ending comes quickly with a wrap-up that left me wanting a little bit more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

“The Summer Club” is a quick read with some interesting summertime drama. What I liked best: the likable characters, especially Darcy, Ned, Adam, and Flick. The behind-the-scenes glimpse at the running of a club like this was also fun, and reminded me a bit of the movie “Dirty Dancing” in terms of relationships between staff, long-time members/guests, and newcomers. I also found that I was easily able to envision the settings, mostly Mayhaven itself, but also the neighborhood where Darcy and Flick live, thanks to abundant descriptions. What I liked least: that no one really pressed Darcy to explain her sudden change-of-heart regarding golf. This ongoing tension added to the drama, but it didn’t come across as overly realistic. The novel was somewhat predictable, but still a fun read for the summer. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This family drama is set in a small community near an exclusive beach club in Massachusetts. The chapters alternate between characters. It’s also a coming of age story about Darcy. Her father’s life has revolved around the club and golf since he was very young. Their one commonality is golf. There is s substantial part of the plot devoted to golf. I love many sports, golf isn’t one of them. Glad I didn’t forgo reading this because I would’ve missed a great story. Darcy’s brother has some social challenges and she is his strongest advocate and protector. Darcy is great at golf then abruptly quits the game. Then some new neighbors move next door. They don’t seem to fit with the locals expectations and shake up the neighborhood. Soon it’s about Darcy choosing between the rich club member’s son with clout and the new kid in town who’s a different color and doesn’t fit the mold. I found all the characters compelling and realistic, they drew me into their world. There’s something for everyone in the plot – mystery, romance, humor, family values, community, and it would be a great beach read. Even as I already guessed much of the plot and some of it was too predictable, it never hurts to be reminded of what’s important in life. The author was new for me and I enjoyed her novel.
An Advance Reader Copy of “The Summer Club” by Hannah McKinnon, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, anticipated publication 07/23/2024, was provided by NetGalley. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

I want to thank NetGalley, Hannah McKinnon, and Simon & Schuster for letting me read The Summer Club. It's a nice story about summer, family, golf, and friendships set in Massachusetts. The characters are likable, and the book touches on important topics despite its light tone. The plot focuses on the Birch family and their experiences at the Mayhaven club, showing the differences between rich and working-class people. When teenager Flick moves next door, he becomes friends with Darcy, and they have a memorable summer together. The book is suitable for teens with its clean content, but the ending felt sudden, leaving some things unresolved.

A fun look into a small, idyllic American summer town and their country club! The book follows the point of view of three members of the community (Ned the president of the club and Darcy's Dad, Darcy, Ned's teenage daughter and Flick, the new Latino kid in town and Ned and Darcy's neighbour) that are adjacent to the members of the club and how their lives are intertwined and affected by the club and its members. The book follows the drama and gossip of the summer. Beyond the gossip of the town, the reader experience's Flick and Darcy's coming of age book and Ned grappling with how his past has affected his actions with his family and community.

With that, the book tries to tackle too many socio- economic issues at once, which is probably true in many country clubs but as a result it feels like the author skims the surface of each rather than digging deep into one. It was often time predictable and felt like it was trying to cover too much.

Ultimately, a fun beach read that is thought provoking in the class system of North America

The Summer Club is a delightful and engaging read that takes us into the world of a country club camp for adults. The story revolves around Ned, the president of the Mayhaven Community, his family, and their new neighbors—Stan, Josie, and Flick—who recently moved to town and are not part of the Mayhaven Community.
The narrative unfolds over a summer as Ned strives to keep Mayhaven running smoothly despite the club facing various struggles. Alongside managing his responsibilities at the club, Ned is also dealing with personal challenges, including his daughter Darcy's sudden disinterest in golf, a sport in which she had been excelling as a junior.
Flick, adjusting to the move from bustling New York City to the serene yet preppy suburbia, secures a job at Mayhaven. This new role helps him integrate into the community, and he forms a friendship with Darcy. The summer at Mayhaven is marked by a series of scandals and fun-filled events, making the story both entertaining and immersive.
One of the highlights of the book is the behind-the-scenes look at the workings and struggles of country clubs. This aspect is both informative and intriguing, adding depth to the narrative. The characters are well-developed and likable, each bringing their own unique charm to the story.
The climax of the book centers around a major event at the club where everything seems to go wrong—or perhaps, right? This twist keeps the readers on their toes and adds to the overall enjoyment of the book. Although the story contains trigger warnings for sexual assault, these elements are handled with care and are not overly heavy.
Another commendable aspect of The Summer Club is the inclusion of Ned's son, Adam, who is a person with autism. Adam's portrayal is thoughtful and well-executed, avoiding stereotypes and providing a genuine representation of his character. His presence in the story adds an extra layer of richness and inclusivity.
The ending of the book is satisfying, although it leaves some threads unresolved, such as the issues with Spencer and the thefts. This open-endedness suggests the possibility of a sequel, leaving readers eager to return to Mayhaven next summer.
Overall, The Summer Club is a great summer read, perfect mix of drama, humor, and the lightheartedness of summer.

This was a fast beach read that included some laughs, a lot about golf, teenage issues, and a lesson on how a country club is run.

My major flaw with the book is that so many side stories and questions were never dealt with/answered. What was wrong with Darcy (we have three main characters - Ned, the father and President of the country club; Darcy, his daughter and champion golfer; and Flick, the new boy in the neighborhood.) seemed obvious to me it was annoying that nobody really cared enough to push her into telling what the problem/s was/were.

Not my favorite of McKinnon's books, though it's a fast read. Honestly, the plot feels already done, it resolves around serious themes.

Mayhaven is an exclusive golf and tennis club in Massachusetts. Darcy Birch is the head of the club’s daughter. She is working at the club day camp for the summer while her dad tries to keep the club afloat. Flick Creevy has just moved to the area from NYC with his hardworking mom and boisterous stepdad. He gets a job in the club kitchen. The Summer Club is the story of what happens to them during the summer told from their three viewpoints. I enjoyed the format and the story. There was several anecdotes of “rich people behaving badly” coupled with some more serious themes. A negative, however, was that several of the plot points were never resolved which troubled me. I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. 3.5 stars rounded to 4 for me.

The Summer Club by Hannah McKinnon

Mayhaven is a secret haven in Massachusetts, and summer is just beginning at the club. Darcy, who’s played golf forever, decides she is done. Her parents are devesgaged. Her dad helps run the club, and has so enjoyed watching her succeed with her talent in golf. He is overwhelmed with a new club built in the same town. Adam, her brother, has special needs and can’t keep a job, but finds one at the club. Darcy works for the camp with the kids, and she has two boys she has an eye on. Ingrid their mom, is trying to sell a very large home but is struggling.

New neighbors move in, and let’s say they are loud, proud, and a lot to handle. But their son, Flick, gets a job also at the club. His mom is trying her best to fit in, and his stepfather is just a lot! He starts to meet with Darcy at night and get to know her. She opens up to him about what’s been heavy on her heart.

It all makes sense the day he sees her run out of the shed, and he decides to take matters into his own hands. But that gets him into trouble. Little did anyone know, Adam, actually took more into his hands. Darcys secrets spoil out, the club is in uproar, but Flick can’t watch it all happen and do nothing.

This sweet story was just full of family love, and the realness of the chaos of life. I adored Flick, and was rooting for him from the start. Darcy was so easy to connect with, and you just loved how this story ended for her. The game of golf brought out so much for this family, and it was such a great story. I always adore the way @hannahmckinnonwrites with such honesty, truth, and allows the reader to fall in love with the characters from the start. The topic that Darcy was suffering through is one that isn’t talked about. I love that it showed how she hid it, and her parents were truly trying to understand. A lot to learn from this book. A beautiful summer masterpiece. Well done @hannahmckinnonwrites

Thank you @netgalley @arita.books for this advance copy.

Bring on all the fun summer reads! ☀️🎀

I enjoyed this book and it was an easy read. I thought it was very predictable though, from the main plot to the little sub plots. Not sure I would read this author again. It just didn't pull me in.

An easy, fast read. Dad is head of the local golf club, but must answer to the rich, demanding board chairman. Teenage daughter gives up on her potential college golf scholarship for reasons only hinted at. Son is on the spectrum. Mom is a real estate agent hoping for the mega million sale that will keep the family finances afloat. The family next door is new to the area. The teenage son is of darker skin and worries about fitting in.

That's the plot in a nutshell. Not a book that will stick with me, but enjoyed it while it lasted. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review.

An exclusive beach club in New England is the setting for this summer novel. The residents in the neighborhood who are members are upset by an aggressive newcomer and there are fireworks developing between the teenager members of the club and among their parents during the summer.

The social club scene and their members are the focus of this very average novel.

Thank you NetGalley, Hannah McKinnon, and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read The Summer Club by Hannah McKinnon in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I have read from author Hannah McKinnon, and found this to be an easy read which contains summer romance, family dynamics, golf, country club antics, teenage emotions, affluence v. working class, and gorgeous scenery. The characters demonstrated redeeming qualities throughout the plot centering on family, friends, secrets, and inclusiveness. As a reader in MA, I was enthused to read The Summer Club by Hannah McKinnon, about a beach club set in Massachusetts. I enjoyed the Boston speak within the story. I have to point out the cover does not align with the actual plot of the book. The Summer Club is an easy, quick read, but I wouldn't categorize it as a beach-y read due to the deeper topics in the plot. The novel focuses on an actual club, stuffy Mayhaven, where Darcy Birch and her dad Ned both learned how to golf, but have never been members. Ned is now the manager of Mayhaven, and is going out of his way to make it the club it once was. There is a definitive social class divide here, the haves and the have nots, the affluent and the working class, and I liked the Birch family. Flick is a teenager forced to move to Massachusetts from New York with his mom and new stepdad. They move in next door to the Birch family, and Ned gives Flick a job in the kitchen at Mayhaven. Flick develops a fascination for Darcy, who has suddenly quit her beloved golfing. When her dad puts her to work at Mayhaven, the teens begin hanging out over an unforgettable summer. I found The Summer Club to be a book you could actually share with a teen - there's only one incident of groping but no sex and it's PG (over quickly) I found this trio of characters presented a strong positive message. The Summer Club was predictable, and in my opinion, the ending came suddenly and left me wishing there were more wrap up with several incomplete storylines and characters. 3/5

This book exposes the underbelly of an elitist "association" in terms of the difference between the have and the have nits and the members attitude towards both. That even with the financial wherewithal to join, does everyone truly belong? Ned is the president and snuck Darcy into the golf course early in the morning as he didn't have the ability to enjoy golf as a member. UT is only when.she displayed a true gift that superseded the rest of the members that she wad permitted to join the team. It was a true shame that she opted to quit; however, the reason that was revealed certainly makes it understandable as to why. As a young and susceptible teenager, the reader can understand why she chose to focus on her self image and lacked confidence as she didn't feel worthy of those she deemed popular. She wad immensely protective of Adam that unfortunately was ostracized by this community. Flick was treated as a meager dishwasher despite his stepfather and what was important is how he chose to follow in his mother's footsteps as a hard working individual that deserved everything they put in. As the book evolved along with the character development, I had true insight as to what makes a good person. It isn't wealth but rather how such as Flick and Nexus family that devout love and willingness to protect is the most important. Like Darcy and Flick, that is how one finds happiness.

The Summer Club
by Hannah McKinnon
Pub Date: July 23, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have read this author before and was eager to read her newest one! Also, this is a great summer read with a gorgeous cover.
This was not my favorite of McKinnon's books but definitely one I can recommend for those who need a quick read.
The Summer Club is a summer escape to the idyllic and exclusive Mayhaven Club in Massachusetts. Absolutely pristine, it is Ned Birch’s whole world outside his family. When his teenage daughter, Darcy abruptly leaves behind her beloved sport of golf, she joins him for what turns out to be an unforgettable summer lakeside. New neighbors, new jobs, new dreams and hopes, it really is a summer of change. The characters are beautifully written and so relatable. The Summer Club is a good summer read!

Unfortunately not a fan. Perhaps more of a YA book? Issnot well developed, lots of tangents that were not resolved. Could be a light, quick beach read.

While slow to start, this one ended up being a fun summer read. I loved the setting and the country club vibe, but sometimes the characters made me shake my head. But I think that was the point? It was a quick read, but also predictable. It was fun, but also juvenile. So... make of that what you will? I liked it but didn't overwhelmingly love it... but it was fun nevertheless.

I’m always looking for a good summer read to have in between some of the other books I choose to read. So, I was excited to read The Summer Club.

Here’s the thing, I don’t classify it as a beach read at all. It’s a quick read, definitely, but there are some heavier topics mentioned. Even if they’re not fully developed topics, these are heavier issues than I expected to encounter. 

And to nitpick a bit more as I am someone who will choose a book based on the cover, I do not see a correlation between the cover and the story at all. This feels like a miss to me.

I did enjoy the characters but I wish there had been more… more development, more interaction, more growth with them. I felt like everything happened to them, they didn’t control their own story or decisions. 

The Summer Club wasn’t a bad story but it could’ve been so much more.