Thursday, July 9, 2026

Review: The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay

 
The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay

The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay
Publication Date: May 26th 2026 by Berkley
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher 
Rating:

My Thoughts:
Hannah, a van-life travel blogger, and Simon are shocked to learn they’ve each inherited half of the same beach cottage courtesy of their grandfathers,. Hannah wants to keep the cottage, since it’s been a while since she’s put down roots and Simon wants to sell for financial reasons.
 
They butt heads over that, but part of the will stipulates they live there for two months before making any decisions. Cohabitating gives them a chance to see the other’s side and a chance to get to know each other. Of course, (this is a romance!) sparks of attraction fly between them.
 
The Summer Share is the perfect summer read! The small town of Cape Split in the Outer Banks of North Carolina sounded so charming and beautiful!  Exactly the kind of place I’d want to spend a summer! The quirky, friendly community welcome Hannah and Simon right away and give them glimpses into their grandfather’s lives. I loved the gentle slow‑burn romance and the way both characters find peace, acceptance, and love.

4 Stars



Book Description:

When two misfits discover they’ve inherited the same beach house, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways, in this hilarious and heartfelt rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading.

Free-spirited travel influencer Hannah Spencer has spent five years touring the country in her vintage van. An unexpected inheritance from her Pops brings Hannah to Cape Split, North Carolina, where she learns she’s the new owner of a worse-for-wear seaside beach house. Or, rather, fifty percent of one. Turns out Simon O’Malley inherited the other half from his Gramps.

As Simon and Hannah spend the summer tag-teaming repairs on the crumbling cottage, they discover the house was once home to a timeless love story. Soon, they begin to wonder if the house’s romantic past may be a good omen for their future together. But there’s one problem—Simon is set on selling the property at the end of the summer.

Hannah thought one summer at the Split would be enough, except it isn’t like any place she’s ever been, and Simon isn’t like any man she’s ever known—and she’s thinking about putting down some roots. She just needs Simon to see their budding relationship and this newfound community the same way or their first summer share might also be their last.


17 comments:

  1. I've been seeing this on Fb, I'm glad it was good.

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  2. Great review. I think I'd like this plus the Carolina setting.

    Anne - Books of My Heart

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  3. Ah, this sounds like a fun summer read. I read another book with a very similiar premise. I love forced proximity!

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  4. I actually really enjoy this trope of a loved one who forces you to work with someone and love abounds.

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  5. I did not enjoy this one as much as you; I found these two characters more frustrating than funny, especially at the beginning. I mean, why couldn't he just say he needed to sell the house because he needed the money?! And his dad showing up at the end? Ugh. I was disappointed because I usually love her books. Oh, well. I didn't love Katherine Center's newest one either. So maybe the problem is me. ;D

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    2. I was a little annoyed with Simon for keeping his motivations to himself, but I enjoyed that there wasn't much drama, couple wise. His father was awful! Yes, the newest Katherine Center was not my favorite either! I generously gave it 4 stars but upon thinking about it I probably should've given it 3 or 3.5 stars. I was very annoyed by the main female character, so you are not alone in your feelings. The problem is not you! :)

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  6. The cover is so beautiful! I do love stories like this, so I might have to give it a try. Great review!
    https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2026/07/04/e-galley-review-the-lure-of-wolves-and-whispers-the-martyred-isle-1-by-amanda-connolly/

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    1. I do love the cover, too! It was a fun read! Perfect for summer vibes!

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  7. This sounds lovely and we will be in the Outer Banks in a few weeks.

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  8. This is exactly the kind of summer read that I love while on vacation. I've got a flight next week, so it may make my list!

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    1. It was a fun, easy going one, Ethan! Perfect vacation kind of read.

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