If I had to pick one word for this book, it’d be predictable. I pretty much knew how everything was gonna go just a few chapters in, so honestly... I was kind of bored. It wasn’t terrible, but it definitely didn’t grab me, and overall it just didn’t hit the way I hoped it would.
We get all the 3 sister POVs plus one from a love interest that, in my opinion, didn’t really need to be there. Most of the characters felt super cookie-cutter, and I didn’t really connect with any of them. And yep, the ending tied everything up in a neat little bow with happily ever afters all around.
This was my first book by this author and, if I’m being honest, probably my last. The writing just didn’t do it for me. It way too predictable, which kinda takes the fun out of reading.

Three sisters spend a month on vacation at the beach to honour their mother's wish. Of course everything is not as it used to be when they were here on vacation as kids and all three have their own problems. But maybe this summer can change all their lives for the better...
I really enjoyed reading this book but it took me a while to warm up to the main characters. They all seemed rather juvenile but maybe that was meant to be a consequence of them being back for a summer vacation like they used to do as kids. The story itself was entertaining and mostly believable and of course it ends with HEAs all around. An enjoyable summer read.

If you are looking for a great beach read this summer, look no further than "What Not to Do on Vacation" by Rachel Magee. I really enjoyed this book set right on the beach with the story alternating between all 3 sisters points of view. The book shows 3 very different sisters with very different lives and perspectives, coming together for one last summer on the beach - something their mother had hoped she'd do after her death.

This book has a bit of everything - sister drama, misguided characters, journeys of self-discovery and romance. It is a clean read book with just a bit of kissing for those looking for a clean read/closed door romance. There is great character growth for all 3 sisters as they learn more about each other and themselves while staying at the beach.

Thank you for Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.75! I liked it! I thought it was an easy read as well as a good bit of character growth and emotion. At times the book felt a little scattered and maybe would have been better if it had focused on one sister.

Rachel Magee’s What Not To Do on Vacation is a heartwarming and fun escape that follows three sisters as they embark on a much-needed vacation to reconnect after years of growing apart. Between the fallout of their parents' divorce, the loss of their mother, and the complexities of adult life, the sisters find themselves struggling to rediscover the bond they once had.

The story is set against a charming beach vacation backdrop where the sisters used to vacation as children. This book balances lighthearted moments with deeper emotional feelings. Magee does a good job of exploring family dynamics, the importance of forgiveness, and the strength of sisterhood. Along the way, the sisters also navigate friendship, personal growth, and some fun, clean romance, making this book a delightful blend of heart and humor. Magee has written a lovely reminder that it’s never too late to reconnect—with family, with love, and with yourself.

What Not To Do on Vacation is perfect for fans of feel-good fiction and a wonderful choice for the beach bag!. 4.5 Stars

Thanks Net Galley for the preview!

This book is an unexpected gem.
A heartwarming and fun story of three sisters navigating life's ups and downs, all the while trying to rediscover the summer magic of their childhood.
This is going to be a cosy summer/beach read for 2025!

'What Not to Do on Vacation' begins with the three Prestley sister's fulfilling their mothers final wish for the girls to spend one last summer holiday together, like they used to as kids.
Savannah has orchestrated the whole thing, right down to the same activities they used to love and ensuring quality sister time is shared. She has a secret, but she won't let that ruin her summer.

Cora knew this trip was doomed from the start, and that's not just because the airline lost her luggage. Her memories of the beach house are linked to happier times when their family was whole, and isn't interested in playing along with Savannah's trip down memory lane.

Bianca, the baby of the family and has always been treated as such. She can't wait to tell her sisters the good news; she's engaged and moving away to <i>finally</i> start her own life. Savannah and Cora think she's impulsive, Bianca thinks it's true love. But can you really love someone you have never met?

After an argument on their first night, the sisters set out to prove each other wrong - what's a little bet to make things interesting?
Their summer of sisterly fun is now overshadowed by scheming, plotting and an unexpected romance. But maybe a bit of "serendipitous" meddling is just what the sisters need...

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

This one was cute and I enjoyed the balance of humor and romance. I would have loved for this book to only have two POV’s instead of four. It was just a lot to keep up with and honestly I was most invested in relationship between Cora and Jake. They had great chemistry and I liked their banter.

3.5 stars

This is a great summer read. It was giving me that vibes of The Summer I Turned Pretty but without all the teenage angst and love triangles. Just good summer beach house vibes.

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

A wonderful retreat, What Not to Do on Vacation is the ideal light read that will both warm and entertain you. Especially when you're in the mood for something feel-good and amusing, Rachel Magee's lovely romantic comedy is easy to lose in.

The book stands out mostly for its well-written characters. They exude personality, believability and interest. The hectic vacation antics of the main character are funny and realistic and the developing romance is pleasant without being unduly formulaic. The natural chemistry among the lead characters develops in a pleasing manner.

For me, though, the interaction between the sisters really made the narrative sparkle. Their relationship seemed very real, full of love, jokes and the kind of honesty only sisters can share. It gave the narrative emotional depth beyond only the love theme and a significant layer.

If you're looking for something light, short and fun generally, this book is a fantastic choice. This kind of narrative makes you smile and features people you wouldn't mind spending some more time with. Perfect vacations (or staycations) read here!

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.

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.

Thanks to a netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own. While I agree with some other reviewers that it was fairly predictable, I feel like that’s because I had The Taming the Shrew and 10 Thungs I Hate about You playing in the background of my mind the entire time. And you know what? I didn’t hate that. I like that play and love that movie, so I was here for it and requested the book for those reasons. Cora and Bianca’s story closely follow those tales while Savannah’s secret kept me guessing for a good bit. I felt like it was humor, likable characters, and a clean and fun romance. Sometimes i found myself getting annoyed with Cora, but I kept reminding myself this was going to end well and just go along for the ride. Are we talking deep and intellectual writing? Heck no. But it was an enjoyable and light story and just what I needed in my book rotation. FYI some profanity but not much and pretty clean overall and a quick, fun read

Thank you net galley for the opportunity to review this story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 stars. The premise was there, there were parts that just weren't. One thing that threw me off was the "ya'lls" that kept happening after I was already introduced to the characters and 40% through the book, I was just distracted by it.

Genre: Rom Com
Descriptors: Sisterly dynamics, beach setting, dating app
Least favorite character: Cora, she just never grew on me. I didn't really LOVE any of them TBH.
Point of view: multiple characters
Would I recommend: I think so 😬 maybe?

This book tells the story of three sisters reliving their childhood summers at a beach house. A little more damaged by life, the story unravels to explore friendships, family relationships, and various significant others. Solidly good!

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

📚 BookTok Review: What Not to Do on Vacation by Rachel Magee 🌊💕​

What Not to Do on Vacation by Rachel Magee is a delightful blend of sisterly bonds, self-discovery, and unexpected romance, making it a perfect addition to your summer reading list.​

Synopsis:
Determined to reconnect, Savannah Prestly organizes a month-long beach vacation to relive cherished childhood memories with her sisters, Cora and Bianca. However, the trip takes unforeseen turns when Bianca announces her engagement and challenges Cora to find love through a dating app, leading to a high-stakes bet that could change their lives. ​

What to Expect:
-Sisterly Dynamics: The novel delves into the complexities of sibling relationships, highlighting the love, tension, and growth that come with family ties. ​
-Fake Dating Fun: Cora's reluctant participation in the dating app bet introduces humorous and heartfelt moments, especially when she crosses paths with Jax, a charming yet enigmatic local. ​
-Self-Discovery Journeys: Each sister confronts personal challenges and secrets, leading to transformative experiences that resonate with readers. ​

If you're in the mood for a heartwarming rom-com that explores family bonds and unexpected love, What Not to Do on Vacation is a must-read.​
#WhatNotToDoOnVacation #RachelMagee #BeachReads #FakeDating #SisterGoals #RomCom #BookTokRecs

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.

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.

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.

What Not to Do on Vacation is a cute summer/vacation read and truly is the perfect blend of romance and women's fiction. On the one hand, we get not just one, but two really sweet love stories. Cora's story in some ways reminded me a little bit of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days... two people entering into opposing bets to prove a point and things not quite going as planned. (But this definitely is a completely unique story all on its own)... I loved seeing her and Jax's connection and chemistry... despite neither one of them really looking to fall in love. And Bianca, well... I can't give too much away, but it was a really cute story too. Savannah doesn't get a love story (she's already married after all), but she added so much heart to the story... I loved seeing these sisters coming together and growing throughout the story. I'm honestly not super familiar with The Taming of the Shrew, so I can't say much about how closely this modern reimagining mirrors it. Though, I HAVE seen 10 Things I Hate About You, another reimagining... and yes, I could definitely see some similarities there too... while again being completely its own story too. If you like romantic comedies with a lot of heart and/or women's fiction with a focus on sisterhood and family, this is absolutely one worth checking out.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.