Summer on Nantucket. The mere phrase conjures images of pristine beaches, quaint cobblestone streets, and carefree days spent sipping cocktails by the shore. But in Elin Hilderbrand’s captivating novel “A Summer Affair,” the idyllic island setting becomes a pressure cooker of scandal, secrets, and sultry romance.
Like the shimmering pieces of sea glass that wash up on Nantucket’s beaches, the characters in this story are multi-faceted, flawed, and utterly mesmerizing. Hilderbrand, the undisputed queen of the beach read, proves once again why her novels are as essential to summer as sunscreen and sand between your toes.
A Glassblower’s Delicate Balancing Act
At the heart of “A Summer Affair” is Claire Danner Crispin, a renowned glassblower and mother of four who finds herself taking on far more than she can handle when she agrees to co-chair a charity gala on Nantucket. The Summer Gala promises to be the social event of the season, with Claire’s former high school flame – now world-famous rock star Max West – headlining the concert.
What could possibly go wrong? Well, just about everything, as it turns out.
As Claire juggles the demands of organizing the gala, creating a one-of-a-kind glass piece for the auction, and managing her rambunctious brood at home, she finds herself increasingly drawn to the event’s charming executive director, Lockhart Dixon. Their “good-hearted affair” quickly spirals into dangerous territory, threatening to shatter Claire’s carefully constructed life.
A Cast of Characters as Colorful as Nantucket’s Hydrangeas
Hilderbrand populates her novel with a vibrant ensemble cast that brings the insular world of Nantucket’s summer community to life:
- Siobhan Crispin: Claire’s husband, a stoic locksmith struggling with depression
- Isabelle French: Claire’s Manhattan socialite co-chair, whose icy exterior hides painful secrets
- Gavin Wheeler: Claire’s lifelong best friend and caterer extraordinaire
- Daphne Dixon: Lock’s wife, battling a prescription pill addiction
- Max West: The brooding rock star with unresolved feelings for Claire
Each character is fully realized, with their own desires, flaws, and hidden depths. Hilderbrand expertly weaves their stories together, creating a rich tapestry of island life and all its complexities.
Simmering Tensions and Steamy Romance
While “A Summer Affair” has plenty of light, breezy moments perfect for poolside reading, Hilderbrand isn’t afraid to tackle weightier themes. The novel delves into issues of fidelity, addiction, grief, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with personal ambition.
Claire’s relationship with Lock Dixon provides much of the book’s sizzle factor. Their stolen moments of passion are steamy enough to fog up your sunglasses, but Hilderbrand never lets us forget the very real consequences of their actions. The affair isn’t just a flight of fancy—it’s a powder keg threatening to blow Claire’s entire world apart.
Nantucket: More Than Just a Pretty Backdrop
One of Hilderbrand’s greatest strengths as a writer is her ability to bring Nantucket to life on the page. Having lived on the island for over 25 years, she infuses “A Summer Affair” with authentic local color and insider knowledge. From mouthwatering descriptions of fresh seafood to breezy afternoons spent sailing Nantucket Sound, the island becomes a character in its own right.
But Hilderbrand doesn’t sugarcoat island life. She explores the tensions between year-round residents and wealthy summer people, the challenges of maintaining privacy in a small community, and the sometimes stifling nature of island traditions.
A Master Class in Beach Read Brilliance
What sets “A Summer Affair” apart from run-of-the-mill chick lit is Hilderbrand’s deft handling of her characters’ inner lives. She has a knack for getting inside her protagonists’ heads, laying bare their hopes, fears, and deepest insecurities.
Claire, in particular, is a wonderfully complex heroine. Her struggle to reconcile her roles as mother, wife, artist, and individual will resonate with many readers. We root for her even as we cringe at some of her choices.
Hilderbrand’s prose is crisp and engaging, peppered with wry observations and flashes of humor. She keeps the plot moving at a brisk pace, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end.
Not Just Another Fluffy Beach Read
While “A Summer Affair” certainly delivers on the escapism front, it’s far from a mindless romp. Hilderbrand tackles some weighty subjects with sensitivity and nuance:
- The challenges of maintaining a creative identity while raising a family
- The lingering effects of past trauma on present relationships
- The complexities of female friendships and rivalries
- The devastation of losing a child
These deeper themes give the novel a satisfying emotional heft, elevating it above typical summer fare.
A Few Minor Quibbles
No book is perfect, and “A Summer Affair” does have a few weak spots:
- Some readers may find Claire’s justifications for her affair a bit hard to swallow
- A few of the secondary characters could use more development
- The ending wraps things up a bit too neatly for some tastes
However, these are minor complaints in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable read.
The Verdict: Pack This in Your Beach Bag ASAP
“A Summer Affair” is the literary equivalent of a perfect summer cocktail—refreshing, intoxicating, and leaving you thirsty for more. Hilderbrand proves once again why she’s earned her crown as the queen of the beach read.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, sprawled on the sand, or just dreaming of a seaside getaway, this novel is the ideal summer escape. Just be warned—once you start, you won’t want to put it down. You might even forget to reapply your sunscreen (but please don’t—safety first!).
Who Should Read This Book:
- Fans of smart, character-driven women’s fiction
- Anyone who loves a juicy summer scandal
- Readers looking for an escape to Nantucket (without the ferry fare)
- Those who enjoy complex female protagonists
- Anyone who’s ever struggled to balance personal ambition with family life
Who Should Skip It:
- Readers looking for squeaky-clean romance
- Those who prefer their beach reads ultra-light and fluffy
- People triggered by infidelity storylines
If You Loved “A Summer Affair,” Try These Next:
- “Summer of ’69” by Elin Hilderbrand – Another fantastic Nantucket-set novel from the same author
- “Big Summer” by Jennifer Weiner – A twisty, turny beach read with depth
- “28 Summers” by Elin Hilderbrand – For more Nantucket romance and drama
- “The Summer Guests” by Mary Alice Monroe – Southern charm meets summer scandal
- “The High Tide Club” by Mary Alice Monroe – Another beachy tale of friendship and secrets
Final Thoughts: A Sparkling Addition to Your Summer Reading List
“A Summer Affair” showcases Elin Hilderbrand at the top of her game. With its intoxicating blend of romance, scandal, and seaside charm, this novel is the perfect companion for lazy summer days. So grab your sunhat, slather on the SPF 50, and lose yourself in the glittering world of Nantucket’s elite. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself booking a ferry ticket by the time you turn the last page.
