Mystic Summer by Hannah McKinnon

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From Atria Books:

“When two roads diverge...take the one that leads to the beach! Hannah McKinnon delivers a charming gem of a novel in Mystic Summer. I adored this book.” —Elin Hilderbrand, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Rumor

A chance run-in with a college boyfriend puts a young woman’s picture-perfect life in perspective in this warm-hearted and lyrical novel—from the author of The Lake Season.

Since finishing graduate school, Maggie Griffin has worked hard to build an enviable life in Boston. She’s an elementary school teacher in a tony Boston suburb, a devoted sister, and a loving aunt. With her childhood best friend’s wedding quickly approaching and her own relationship blossoming, this is the summer she has been waiting for.

But when Maggie’s career is suddenly in jeopardy, her life begins to unravel. Stricken, Maggie returns home to seaside Mystic, Connecticut, where she expects to find comfort in family and familiarity. Instead, she runs into Cameron Wilder, a young man from her past who has also returned home, and whose life has taken a turn that puts Maggie’s city struggles in harsh perspective. When tragedy strikes for Cameron, Maggie is faced with big decisions as she weighs what matters most and strives to stay true to the person she’s become.

Set against the gorgeous backdrop of a New England summer when past and present collide, Mystic Summer is a gorgeous novel about looking back, moving forward, and the beauty that blooms when fate intervenes.

Source: advance e-galley received from the publisher


Some days just call for a sweet story that soothes you and puts your heart at ease. Like comfort food. Mystic Summer is that kind of a novel. When faced with life changes coming at her from her work and personal life, thirty-something year old Maggie decides to return to her picturesque hometown of Mystic. Being with her loving family, away from the madness, she can take a few deep breaths to plan her next move. She’s surprised when she runs into her first love - her high school sweetheart, Cameron. Seeing him is a reminder of a previous life that seems so much simpler. What she doesn’t count on is feeling just as connected to him now as she was back then. To further complicate things, she has a boyfriend who’s a rising, young TV actor who adores her and he has his own commitments. Maggie inevitably finds herself at a crossroads as she immerses herself back into Mystic life and into Cameron’s, all the while asking that ultimate question: what will she be when she grows up? The other question: how does Cameron fit in?

Hannah McKinnon has written a romance that's cute and devoid of any unnecessary angst. This was exactly what I needed. I also liked her description of the many spots around Mystic that have special meaning to Maggie. As for Maggie herself, she's an adorable, tender-hearted young woman who receives a second chance at creating a life of happiness but on her terms. You should grab this feel-good read to take along on your next trip to the beach or pool! 

~ Bel