Review: These Summer Storms by Sarah McClean

Thank you Ballantine Books for my copy! All thoughts are my own.

When I saw this cover, I knew it would make my Summer reading list. I think fans of Elin Hildebrand will really enjoy this book as it has multiple characters, rich people problems, and a New England setting. It was on the slow side for me but I did really enjoy it and the twist ending was great.

Synopsis:

“Alice Storm hasn’t been welcome at her family’s magnificent private island off the Rhode Island coast in five years—not since she was cast out and built her life beyond the Storm name, influence, and untold billions. But the shocking death of her larger-than-life father changes everything.

Alice plans to keep her head down, pay her final respects (such as they are), and leave the minute the funeral is over. Unfortunately, her father had other plans. The eccentric, manipulative patriarch left his family a final challenge—an inheritance game designed to upend their world. The rules are clear: spend one week on the island, complete their assigned tasks, and receive the inheritance.

But a whole week on Storm Island is no easy task for Alice. Every corner of the sprawling old house is bursting with chaos: Her older sister’s secret love affair. Her brother’s unyielding arrogance. Her younger sister’s constant analysis of the vibes. Her mother’s cold judgment. And all under the stern, watchful gaze of Jack Dean, her father’s intriguing and too-handsome second-in-command. It will be a miracle if Alice manages to escape unscathed.

A smart and tender story about the transformative power of grief, love, and family, this luscious novel explores past secrets, present truths, and futures forged in the wake of wild summer storms.” —NetGalley

What I Liked:

  1. The Concept/The Messy Family Dynamics—Perfect for Summer. Plus, there was a literal storm in this emotional storm, which is something I happen to love.

  2. The Romance—I wanted more of Jack!!!! MORE. But that’s the romance reader in me.

  3. The Setting—Private island off the coast of Rhode Island! Love a New England summer moment. I wish there had been some flashbacks to summers past.

What Didn’t Work for Me:

  1. The Pacing: Long chapters, lots of detail…I wanted a bit more plot and pacing to keep me interested. It was a tad introspective. I thought there’d be more action from the synopsis and idea of the “game.”

Character Authenticity: 3/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 4/5

Content Warnings:

death of a parent

Book ReviewPhoebe WrightComment