Curling up under a blanket on my couch while 30 degree winds swirl outside my window is probably not the typical way to enjoy Elin Hilderbrand’s Here’s to Us. Her beautiful imagery of Nantucket in June makes me want to be outside, in the sun and on a lounge chair. Alas, that was not to be, and since I am so behind on my summer reading list (what month is it again?!), I took the opportunity to get caught up.

Hilderbrand’s story of a family facing both their past and future after the unexpected death of their patriarch (who happens to have been married a time or three) is one that I enjoyed. When all of the loves of his life converge on the little island off the coast of Cape Cod, the reader is treated to a look inside the intricate and often dysfunctional family unit they have inadvertently formed over the years.

True to form, Hildebrand’s book does quite a bit of name-dropping when it comes to Nantucket eateries and popular places. Those who have not been to there might find themselves feeling a bit left-out when it comes to those references, but it is not a deal-breaker.

Here’s to Us had some poignant moments of dealing with loss. One of the most relatable moments for me was when one character turned on a car radio, and the first song she heard was her recently deceased father’s favorite, instantly making her feel as though he was there with her.

As one would expect in a book recommended for the beach, the tone of the story is pretty light (even if it centers around the death of a major character), and the plot is not too hard to predict. Oh, and there is a lot of swimming and bike riding.

Overall Here’s to Us was an easy and delightful read – exactly what I look for on a warm summer day, as well as cold winter nights.

-Allison

Allison works at CLP – Main in the External and Government Relations Department as a Development Associate. She enjoys long walks, good books and bad reality television.