The Summer Club: A Novel

By Hannah McKinnon

Book Overview

Hannah McKinnon, the acclaimed author of the "charming and warm-hearted" (PopSugar) The Summer House, returns with a fresh beach read about a group of outsiders threatening the status quo at an exclusive New England beach club.

Mayhaven is the best keep secret in Massachusetts. Tucked between old cedars and a spring-fed lake, the Mayhaven beach club has long been the ultimate escape to understated exclusivity. It's the place where Darcy Birch is supposed to be experiencing the best summer of her life, but there are a few things standing in her way. Her high-strung mother won't stop hovering over her, her father is consumed by his job as president of Mayhaven, where she works as a summer camp counselor and things are not as rosy as they seem, and her neurodivergent little brother is struggling to live with a measure of independence not everyone is ready for.

Then there is the matter of the new neighbors. Flick Creevy, his mother, and stepfather have arrived in town, parking their enormous RV, not to mention all-night music and clouds of marijuana, in the Birches's perfectly landscaped backyard.

Flick is not interested in the perfect summer or the girl next door. Pushed to get a job at Mayhaven by his mother, who has her eyes on a new life for their family, his own eyes have been opened to the ways of the upper crust. Even though Mayhaven prides itself on being an inclusive association of good New England families with good New England values, the fact remains: either you're on the inside or the outside.

As the heat of summer increases, it's soon clear that the members of Mayhaven will have to struggle to stay cool in this sharply written and refreshing new novel that is perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Jennifer Weiner.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1668025183
• ISBN13: 9781668025185
• Release Date: July 2024
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

3.75 stars

THE SUMMER CLUB by Hannah McKinnon Despite the title of this book, this isn’t your average lighthearted beach read. This story has a lot of depth, heart and addresses a few serious topics. As expected there’s a lot of the typical affluent country club politics; “the haves vs. the have-nots”. There’s talk about golf, the ins and outs of managing a beach club and family drama with some teenage angst thrown in. While Stan and Spencer felt like caricatures, the rest of the characters (Ned, Darcey and Flick) made up for it. I liked the Birch family and related to their individual struggles and circumstances. Additionally, I appreciate the way the author portrayed a neurodivergent character with sensitivity and awareness. The ending, while satisfying, felt rushed as there were still a few loose ends and questions left unanswered (Spencer? thefts?). Perhaps there’s a sequel in the works? Overall, a quick summer drama that would be a good choice if you’re in need of a palate cleanser. Rating: 3.75/5 ⭐️