My Review:
I liked this book a lot. It was better than I expected and I say this because I don't believe the summary of the book does the story justice. The front of my book says, "she was the perfect wife and mother - and he was the perfect temptation." After reading the book I would say that line has no business on the front of the book. I think it cheapens the story.

I enjoyed the Nantucket setting, the characters and the main theme. I thought that Claire was like any normal mother of four. I don't think she was the perfect mother, she was just struggling like the rest of us. And she was afflicted with that " mother guilt" about just about everything. I think many modern day mom's can relate to that. I sure can. "Things" happen. Affairs that should never happen, DO happen. I thought the story was very relevant and gave insight to how something like this can happen. I liked how the story takes us through the affair and to the to the other side of the affair.

There was a best friend element in the story, as well. I liked the element of Claire and Siobhan's friendship. I liked how Elin Hilderbrand wove the elements of a major social event, motherhood, marriage and friendship into a very interesting story.

It was more than just a summery romance book. I don't think everything I read has to be loaded with prose and lyrical writing. I liked this book a lot. I will be looking for more Elin Hilderbrand in the future. ( )

I liked this book. ( )

Hilderbrand writes of a woman’s journey to find herself in this new summer beach read. ( )

This is a refreshing book about Claire, a modern woman whose friends think she has it all. A devoted husband, 4 great kids and a beautiful home in Nantucket. She should be happy, but Claire has a problem with setting limits. Her cup overflows when she takes the chairperson position for the charity ball. She not only has to deal with the activities of the ball, but finds her emotions confused. She falls for a married man that gives her what she thinks she is missing in her own life. The ending may surprise you, but it makes you reflect on you own life...and how you lead it.

I enjoyed this book and was swept up in to Claire's life. I couldn't put the book down and finished it too quickly. I hadn't read any of Elin Hilderbrand's books before, but will be putting them on my 'to read' list. ( )

I devoured 'A Summer Affair' on vacation this year and really enjoyed it. Hilderbrand did a wonderful job of creating flawed but likeable characters, particularly in the forms of Claire, Max and Siobhan. Through all of their indecisions, poor judgement calls and strange choices, you're right there with them -- and I really had a hard time faulting anyone for their indiscretions. Because I understood! I understood what they were going through -- as much as anyone could understand an affair, the harm of a child or a senseless car accident . . . These things are all catalysts for change, opportunities for the characters to grow and emerge as new people.

Hilderbrand is an exceptionally skilled writer, and I loved the ambiance of Nantucket as the backdrop for the story. I even liked Claire's snobby co-chair! Great read. ( )