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A Summer Affair

Book 1 in the series:Nantucket

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'A Summer Affair' by Elin Hilderbrand follows the story of Claire Danner Crispin, a wife, mother, and artist who agrees to chair the Summer Gala on Nantucket, unknowingly turning her life upside down. The book delves into themes of human needs, flaws, and urges, exploring Claire's journey of self-discovery amidst an affair, family responsibilities, and the complexities of relationships. Set against the backdrop of Nantucket, the story weaves together elements of love, guilt, vulnerability, and the pursuit of happiness, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged till the surprising end.

The book is praised for its exploration of flawed yet relatable characters, particularly Claire, Max, and Siobhan. Elin Hilderbrand's writing style is commended for its ability to draw readers into the characters' lives, making them empathize with their struggles, indecisions, and growth throughout the story. The ambiance of Nantucket serves as a rich backdrop for the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of the characters and the challenges they face, ultimately leading to a satisfying and thought-provoking read.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Claire being particularly complex and relatable, while others contribute to the narrative's emotional tension.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is engaging and emotionally resonant, creating a vivid backdrop of life on Nantucket and relatable characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on a woman's internal battles with guilt, temptation, and the need for self-expression while she co-chairs a significant charity event.

Setting:

The setting is integral to the story, providing both a picturesque summer backdrop and a platform for exploring deeper issues among the characters.

Pacing:

Pacing varies, with a slow start that eventually builds momentum, keeping it within the casual reading vibe of a beach novel.
It was something to do with the charity, she decided. Since selling his company in Boston and moving to Nantucket year-round, Lock Dixon had graciously agreed to serve as the executive director of Nan...

Notes:

The story takes place in Nantucket during the summer.
Claire is a nationally renowned glass artist who gives up her craft to focus on her family after a traumatic accident.
She has four children, and her youngest was born prematurely.
Claire struggles with guilt and seeks to atone for her past decisions, including a drunk driving incident involving a friend.
The book features a charity gala that Claire co-chairs, leading to complicated relationships and emotional turmoil.
Claire enters into a secret affair with Lock, the event's executive director.
The story explores themes of motherhood, creativity, love, guilt, and personal growth.
Various supporting characters, including Claire's sister-in-law who owns a catering business, add depth to the narrative.
Claire's former high school boyfriend, now a rock star, also plays a significant role in the story.
The ending of the novel leaves many plotlines unresolved, prompting mixed feelings among readers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of infidelity, guilt, emotional distress, and strong language.

Has Romance?

There is a significant presence of romance throughout the novel, primarily focused on Claire's tumultuous affair with Lock.

From The Publisher:

She's the perfect wife and mother - and he's the perfect temptation in this "perfect summer cocktail of sex, sun, and scandal" (Kirkus Reviews).

Claire has a problem with setting limits. All her life she has taken on every responsibility, assumed every burden, granted every request. Claire wants it all - and in the eyes of her friends, she has it: a devoted husband, four beautiful children, even a successful career as an artist. So when she agrees to chair the committee for Nantucket's social event of the year, she knows she can handle it. Claire can handle anything.

But when planning the gala propels her into the orbit of billionaire Lock Dixon, unexpected sparks begin to fly. Lock insists on working closely with Claire - often over a bottle of wine - and before long she can't ignore the subtle touches and lingering looks. To her surprise, she can't ignore how they make her feel, either. Claire finds the gala, her life, and herself spinning out of control.

A Summer Affair captures the love, loss, and limbo of an illicit romance and unchecked passion as it takes us on a brave and breathless journey into the heart of one modern woman.

"Think you know where this is going? Think again. Hilderbrand is way too smart to give away the whole story in her title." -Elisabeth Egan, New York Times

Ratings (4)

Liked It (2)
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Reader Stats (9):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (4)
Did Not Finish (1)
 
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