Spend time at: The Summer Place

A Novel

by Jennifer Weiner

Every summer I look forward to a long, immersive read by this author and this year is no exception. The Summer Place, at over 400 pages, is populated with many characters and situations that draw the reader in.

There are plans for a wedding. Ruby and Gabe are young but think that this is what they want. They met as students at NYU and spent time living with Ruby’s family during Covid, eventually announcing that they want to have a simple Cape Cod wedding.

Ruby grew up as a strong willed girl and is a strong willed young adult. Her father Eli raised her as a single parent for a number of years. Readers will learn why and what secret he carries. Eli has a second marriage and family when he marries Sarah who had been Ruby’s teacher. They are enjoying a good life as the story begins.

Sarah has her own backstory of dreams deferred or let go. Her mother is a wealthy author. Veronica has been widowed and has some history as well.

Sarah’s twin brother is still finding his way when he is introduced to the story. He has been unlucky in love and uncertain of what he wants from life. He has tended to rely on others for answers.

Gabe, Ruby’s fiance, was raised by a single parent. She, too, has a story. It may surprise you with its plot twist.

What will happen as all of the story lines and characters intersect and interact? Readers will enjoy finding out. Ms Wiener really knows how to tell her story and keep track of everyone.

Enjoy this one if you want an ultimate summer/beach read. You won’t forget this wedding day.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 10 May 2022

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The Summer Place:

“[A] funny, tender read. A new novel from Weiner heralds the start of beach reading season, so prepare your collections accordingly.” —Booklist (starred review)

“The Summer Place is so good, it will be on every beach this summer. [It] gets at the core of just how life’s twists and turns, choices and moments can consume us – and how beautiful that entanglement can be, despite the hardships…with its Cape Cod setting that evokes seashells, cool water, melting ice cream and summer bliss, it’s sure to be the must-have beach bag item this year.” —USA Today

“A meditation on mothers and daughters, Weiner’s latest novel also explores class conflicts, identity issues and real estate dramas.” —The New York Times

“From steamy affairs to juicy family secrets, bestselling author Jennifer Weiner’s scintillating beach read has it all.” —Apple Books

“The natural beauty of the Outer Cape is the backdrop for plenty of family drama and romantic intrigue in Weiner’s latest novel, which incorporates the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic but still manages to feel breezy and delicious to read.” —Emma Specter, Vogue