28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand: Book Review

28 Summers is one of those books where you just know you’re going to love it. For me, I knew the moment when I read the synopsis. Combine one of my favourite authors with a story-line based on the memorable movie Same Time, Next Year – it was a simply a no-brainer. This book has become my favourite read of 2020.

The story begins in 2020 when Mallory Blessing’s son Link is given instructions to call the phone number in her desk drawer. Link follows her direction, and is surprised to hear Jake McCloud’s voice at the end of the phone. He wonders how his Mom knows this man – after all, Jake’s wife Ursula is running for President of the United States.

The book then retraces the events leading to 2020, beginning in 1993 when Mallory is a young woman. She has just inherited a cottage in Nantucket from an aunt. She is drawn to this part of the world and soon decides to make this her home. When her brother Cooper announces his engagement, he calls Mallory to ask she will host a bachelor party in her new cottage for him and a few friends over the Labor Day weekend. He includes his college buddy, Jake McCloud, who Mallory has never met but has talked to at length over the phone during Cooper’s college days. Eager to show off her new cottage and town, Mallory agrees. After a turn of events, Jake and Mallory are left alone for much of the remainder of the weekend, which turns out to be the perfect weekend. And so begins the tradition of Jake and Mallory getting together each Labor Day weekend, no matter what, to rekindle their romance. They eat the same food, watch Same Time, Next Year and spend a weekend of romance. That is, until Mallory learns she is dying.

Have I said how much I love this book? It has everything I love in a book. Romance ✔️. Strong women. ✔️ An engaging story with likeable characters ✔️. There was tragedy in this book on many levels and my emotions were all over the map. I laughed, I cried, I was nervous for what was to come. I appreciated that the storyline included a discussion reminiscent of a fairly recent political event (way to go Elin)! What more can I say without giving the whole story away. Do yourself a favour and read this book!

I recommend this book for anyone who loves general fiction, women’s fiction and romance. This would be an excellent book for discussion at book club. I listened to the Audiobook version and Erin Bennett’s narration of the book is second to none. An absolutely fabulous performance.

Thanks to libro.fm, Hachette Audio and Little Brown & Company for the ALC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here. What makes Libro.fm so unique is that 100% of both print and audiobook purchases support your local bookstores. You can find the link to your local bookstore for this book and others here: https://www.bookstorelink.com/9781549117367

28 Summers publishes on June 16.

My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5.