Nancy Thayer’s latest offering, Summer Light on Nantucket, delivers exactly what her devoted readership has come to expect: a warmly crafted story that balances the complexities of modern family life with the intoxicating promise of rekindled love. Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Nantucket Island, this novel weaves together multiple storylines with the practiced hand of an author who understands both the geography of the heart and the intricate dynamics of multi-generational relationships.
A Mother’s Summer Sanctuary
At the heart of this narrative stands Blythe Benedict, a divorced middle school teacher who has created a satisfying life for herself and her four children in Boston. Thayer’s portrayal of Blythe feels refreshingly authentic—she’s neither the martyred single mother nor the woman desperately seeking male validation. Instead, she’s a competent, thoughtful parent who genuinely enjoys her independence while remaining open to life’s unexpected possibilities.
The annual summer migration to Nantucket serves as more than just a change of scenery; it’s a ritual of renewal that allows both Blythe and her children to temporarily shed their mainland responsibilities. Thayer captures this transformation beautifully, showing how the island’s slower pace and natural beauty create space for both introspection and adventure. The Nantucket setting isn’t merely decorative—it becomes a character in its own right, influencing the decisions and relationships of everyone who inhabits it.
Children as Complex Individuals
One of Thayer’s greatest strengths lies in her nuanced portrayal of Blythe’s four children. Rather than presenting them as generic teenagers, she crafts distinct personalities that feel genuinely lived-in:
- Miranda, the eldest at seventeen, embodies the emotional intensity of first love with her devoted relationship to Brooks, yet her vulnerability and need for maternal approval add depth beyond typical teenage romance
- Daphne, the environmentally conscious fifteen-year-old, represents the idealistic activism of her generation while struggling with her own identity in the shadow of her accomplished older sister
- Teddy, the athletic fourteen-year-old, provides moments of levity while navigating the awkward transition between childhood and adolescence
- Holly, the youngest at twelve, channels her creativity into graphic novels about “sea gerbils,” representing the last vestiges of childhood imagination
These characters avoid falling into stereotypical roles because Thayer allows them contradictions and growth throughout the narrative. When Miranda’s relationship with Brooks hits a rough patch, her emotional devastation feels genuinely heartbreaking rather than melodramatic.
A Tale of Two Suitors
The romantic subplot unfolds as a thoughtful exploration of different types of love rather than a simple love triangle. Aaden Sullivan, Blythe’s high school sweetheart who abandoned her for Ireland decades earlier, represents the allure of passionate, all-consuming romance. His reappearance awakens dormant feelings and forces Blythe to confront unresolved emotional wounds.
In contrast, Nick Roth, Sandy’s friend and a fellow educator, offers the possibility of mature, companionate love built on shared values and genuine compatibility. Thayer skillfully avoids painting either man as a villain or perfect hero. Aaden’s charm and the intensity of their shared history create genuine temptation, while Nick’s steady presence and understanding of Blythe’s priorities as a mother make him an equally compelling choice.
The author’s handling of Blythe’s romantic dilemma feels particularly mature. Rather than rushing toward a dramatic conclusion, Thayer allows her protagonist to genuinely wrestle with what she wants from a relationship at this stage of her life. The distinction between being “charmed” and being truly understood becomes a central theme that resonates beyond the romantic plot.
The Weight of Family Secrets
Thayer weaves several compelling subplots throughout the main narrative. The revelation of Bob’s fertility issues and how this secret affects his relationship with current girlfriend Teri adds layers of complexity to the post-divorce family dynamics. Rather than portraying Bob as simply the “bad ex-husband,” Thayer shows how secrets and shame can damage relationships across multiple generations.
The health scare involving Celeste, Bob’s mother and the children’s beloved grandmother, provides emotional weight to the story while exploring themes of aging, mortality, and the preciousness of family relationships. Celeste’s character serves as both wisdom figure and bridge between past and present, maintaining loving relationships with all family members despite the divorce.
Strengths That Shine
Thayer’s greatest asset is her ability to capture the rhythms of family life with remarkable authenticity. The constant chaos of four children moving through a house, the delicate negotiations required to maintain household harmony, and the way children can simultaneously bring joy and exhaustion—all of these elements feel lived-in rather than observed from a distance.
The author’s descriptions of Nantucket summer life are particularly evocative. From yacht club dinners to beach days to the simple pleasure of morning coffee on a porch surrounded by flowers, Thayer creates a sense of place that makes readers long for their own island escape. Her attention to sensory details—the taste of fresh peaches, the sound of children’s laughter, the feel of sand between toes—anchors the story in physical reality.
The dialogue throughout the novel feels natural and age-appropriate. Teenage conversations about movies and relationships ring true, while adult discussions about parenting challenges and romantic complications avoid both preachiness and artificiality.
Areas for Improvement
While Summer Light on Nantucket succeeds on multiple levels, it’s not without its limitations. The pacing occasionally slows during the middle sections as Thayer juggles multiple plotlines. Some readers may find the careful deliberation over romantic choices somewhat frustrating, particularly when the “right” choice seems obvious early in the narrative.
The resolution of certain subplots, particularly Miranda’s relationship drama with Brooks, feels slightly rushed compared to the careful development of earlier conflicts. Additionally, while Thayer does an admirable job avoiding stereotypes, some secondary characters—particularly the yacht club social scene—occasionally veer toward familiar territory.
The novel’s commitment to maintaining a largely optimistic tone, while generally appealing, sometimes minimizes the real challenges of single parenthood and blended family dynamics. Blythe’s life, while not without problems, runs remarkably smoothly for a divorced mother of four managing a long-distance romance and family crises.
Literary Techniques and Style
Thayer employs a third-person limited perspective that allows readers intimate access to Blythe’s thoughts while maintaining enough distance to observe the family dynamics objectively. Her writing style is clean and unadorned, focusing on emotional truth rather than literary flourishes. This approach serves the story well, allowing the characters and their relationships to take center stage.
The author makes effective use of parallel storylines, contrasting Miranda’s intense teenage romance with Blythe’s more measured approach to adult relationships. This technique highlights themes about emotional maturity and the different forms love takes at various life stages.
Thayer’s integration of contemporary issues—from climate change concerns through Daphne’s environmental activism to social media’s impact on teenage relationships—feels organic rather than forced. These elements ground the story in the present moment without overwhelming the timeless themes of family and love.
Comparison to Similar Works
Summer Light on Nantucket fits comfortably within the contemporary women’s fiction genre pioneered by authors like Elin Hildebrand and Dorothea Benton Frank. Like Hildebrand’s Nantucket-set novels, Thayer creates a vivid sense of place while exploring family dynamics across generations. However, Thayer’s focus on post-divorce life and single motherhood provides a different perspective from Hildebrand’s often marriage-centered narratives.
The novel also shares DNA with Jennifer Weiner’s family-focused fiction, particularly in its honest portrayal of the challenges and rewards of motherhood. Thayer’s Blythe Benedict joins the ranks of complex female protagonists who refuse to be defined solely by their relationships with men.
Readers familiar with Thayer’s extensive backlist will recognize recurring themes and settings. This novel fits seamlessly into her Nantucket series, which includes titles like “Secrets in Summer” and “A Nantucket Wedding”. However, Summer Light on Nantucket feels more emotionally mature than some of her earlier works, perhaps reflecting the author’s own growth and experience.
The Verdict
Summer Light on Nantucket succeeds as both an engaging summer read and a thoughtful exploration of contemporary family life. Thayer’s ability to balance multiple plotlines while maintaining focus on character development makes this a satisfying entry in the women’s fiction genre. While it may not break new literary ground, it delivers exactly what it promises: a warm, well-crafted story about love, family, and the courage to embrace life’s second chances.
The novel works particularly well for readers seeking escapist fiction that doesn’t insult their intelligence. Thayer respects her characters’ complexity and her readers’ emotional sophistication, creating a story that can be enjoyed on a beach chair but also provides enough depth for meaningful reflection.
For longtime Thayer fans, this novel represents a welcome return to form after some less compelling recent entries. New readers will find an accessible entry point into her fictional world, while those familiar with Nantucket-set fiction will appreciate the authentic island atmosphere and genuine sense of place.
Perfect Pairings: Books for Similar Readers
If you enjoyed Summer Light on Nantucket, consider these complementary reads:
- “A Summer Affair” by Elin Hilderbrand – Another Nantucket-set exploration of complicated love across decades
- “The Summer House” by Lauren K. Denton – A Southern-set family drama about mothers, daughters, and second chances
- “Where the Rivers Merge” by Mary Alice Monroe – Contemporary women’s fiction balancing family obligations with personal growth
- “Summer Sisters” by Judy Blume – A deeper dive into female friendship and the lasting impact of summer relationships
- “The Identicals” by Elin Hildebrand – Twin sisters navigating family drama across Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard
Final Thoughts
Nancy Thayer has crafted a novel that honors both the complexities of modern family life and the enduring appeal of second-chance romance. Summer Light on Nantucket may not reinvent the wheel, but it spins that wheel with considerable skill and genuine heart. For readers seeking a thoughtful escape into a world where love is possible at any age and families can weather any storm, this novel delivers exactly what its sun-drenched cover promises—a perfect summer reading experience that lingers long after the final page.
In a literary landscape often dominated by dark themes and dystopian futures, Thayer’s commitment to hope and healing feels both refreshing and necessary. Summer Light on Nantucket reminds us that sometimes the best stories are about ordinary people navigating extraordinary love with grace, humor, and genuine affection for one another.
