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.

This book was quirky, funny and enjoyable! I loved the storyline and some parts really Made me giggle. Definitely a happy and cozy read. ☺️
Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this

Thank you so much for this ARC. I really enjoyed this book. I am a sucker for a good fake dating trope. This was just the right amount of funny, heartwarming, and family drama. I also loved how this was told from four different POVs, I was not expecting that. Jack had a reputation as being a heartbreak/ badass but I feel like I didn’t really see that side of him. He just seemed like more of a softie. Otherwise I don’t have a suggestions on what to add to this book. It was chefs kiss 💋

This book is 100000% perfect for a Spring Break beach read! It's such a cute and funny story with good characters.

What a cute feel good book. I enjoyed the three sisters so much since I am one of three myself and we all love going to the beach each year. It was an adorable and fast read. No spice but that's ok. It didn't need it. The romance was great and I definitely love the whole rom-com feel. I would recommend this for sure. I read it right before Christmas so that's a bit of a weird time to read a beach read but it was still great! It's going to be a hit when it comes out in June. I've never read anything by this author before but I really like her writing style. Thanks for the advanced copy!

Rachel Magee’s “What Not to Do on Vacation” is wonderful! The description of "Ten Things I Hate About You meets "Nobody Wants This" is spot on. This is a lighthearted rom-com with a blend of humor, heart, and sisterly shenanigans that will keep you hooked and rooting for the characters. This was a great book to read as a palate cleanser from all the suspenseful, anxiety inducing thrillers/fantasy I normally read.
The story revolves around the Prestly sisters, who are on a mission to relive their carefree childhood summers at the beach. Savannah, the eldest, has meticulously planned the perfect vacation to reconnect with her sisters. However, things take an unexpected turn when Bianca, the youngest, announces her engagement and challenges her perpetually single sister, Cora, to find love on a dating app.
Magee weaves a tale of fake dating, beach vibes, and family drama, all while keeping the tone light and engaging. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each bringing their own quirks and charm to the story. Cora’s skepticism about love and her hilarious interactions with the charming Jax add a delightful twist to the narrative.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments. It sweet and makes it fun. The sisterly bond is beautifully portrayed, and the beach setting adds a touch of nostalgia and warmth. The writing is witty and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the story.
“What Not to Do on Vacation” is a must-read for fans of lighthearted romance and family-centric stories. It’s a feel-good read that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. Highly recommended for your first summer '25 read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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!

First off, a big thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this ARC!

This was such a funny, sweet, and quick read. The story is told from four POVs in third person: one for each of the Prestly sisters and one for Jax, Cora’s love interest. The Prestly sisters are spending a few weeks together at their childhood beach getaway, trying to reconnect and rebuild their bond. Things take a fun turn when a bet leads Cora into some semi-fake dating with the local heartbreaker, Jax.

I do wish we got to see more of Jax’s mysterious, bad-boy side before diving into his softer (and very swoon-worthy) personality, but still a very valid and captivating MMC. As for the sisters, they’re all relatable in their own unique ways—Savannah is the perfectionist, Cora is fiercely independent, and Bianca is figuring out her path in life. I could see a little bit of myself in each of them!

Overall, it’s a super cute standalone that’s perfect for vacation reading—especially on the beach! 🏖️

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!

Complex, cute, and definitely funny romcom about family, communication, finding yourself, letting go, buildi g trust, and ultimately finding what has been there all along. No spice, definitely a feel good story with a HEA.

This is a fun and amusing romance based on miscommunication and unlikely matches. It’s well written and modern in setting and feel, with an entertaining cast of characters to keep you interested. It’s a predictable plot but many readers are fine with that and it all ties up with a really satisfying epilogue,

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.

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

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!

I LOVED this book! It was a bit slow in the beginning but then boom I was hooked!! I finished it in one sitting! My first by this author but will not be my last!!