A review by katie_holder
Summer Island by Kristin Hannah

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Summer Island was… fine. Tolerable. Not bad, but nothing that wowed me. Kristen Hannah’s writing here felt a little too formulaic—like every emotional beat followed a predictable pattern, and every thread got tied up with a neat bow.

The biggest miss for me was the “forgiveness factor.” Conflicts resolved too easily, without the depth or struggle that would have made the reconciliations feel earned.

The highlight for me was Eric. He was the only character I felt a real emotional connection to, and his storyline carried the most weight.

Overall, it’s a serviceable read, but not one I’ll be thinking about for long.