53 pages • 1 hour read
28 Summers
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Book Brief
432
Novel • Fiction
Nantucket • 1990s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
At 24, Mallory Blessing inherits a Nantucket cottage, moves there from New York, and begins a secret annual Labor Day weekend romance with Jake McCloud, who marries another woman, Ursula. Despite various life events, they maintain their yearly tryst until Mallory's terminal cancer diagnosis brings Jake back for a final goodbye. 28 Summers deals with infidelity, terminal illness, and bereavement.
Nostalgic
Romantic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
280,181 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elin Hilderbrand's 28 Summers captivates readers with its compelling romance and evocative Nantucket setting, showcasing her signature detailed storytelling. Praise centers on its emotional depth and intricate characters, though some criticize its predictability and occasional melodrama. Overall, it's a heartfelt summer read that resonates with fans of the genre.
Who Should Read 28 Summers?
A reader who would enjoy 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand typically appreciates emotionally resonant, character-driven narratives. Fans of Nicholas Sparks, Jojo Moyes, or Emily Giffin will find the book's themes of love, nostalgia, and summer romance particularly engaging. The novel's intricate relationships and picturesque settings also appeal to those who enjoyed The Notebook or Me Before You.
280,181 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jake McCloud
Jake McCloud
A central character whose relationship with Mallory is pivotal to the story's conflict; he is portrayed as caring and family-oriented, often caught between obligations.
Ursula de Gournsey
Ursula de Gournsey
Jake's girlfriend and later wife, known for being highly ambitious and career-focused, often at the expense of personal relationships.
Leland Gladstone
Leland Gladstone
Mallory's friend from New York who is competitive and assertive, with tensions arising due to her insensitive actions throughout the book.
Frazier “Fray” Dooley
Frazier “Fray” Dooley
Mallory's brother Cooper’s best friend and Leland’s ex-boyfriend, who is hardworking and generous, playing a significant role in the story's development.
432
Novel • Fiction
Nantucket • 1990s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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