‘The Summer of Broken Rules’ by K. L. Walther

5 killer stars!

Book Blurb:

“Meredith Fox has been going to Martha's Vineyard for the summer as long as she can remember. But this summer is the first one back since the death of Meredith's sister. It will all be overwhelming, but even more since the entire extended family will be together for her cousin's big wedding.

Unfortunately, Meredith's longtime boyfriend unexpectedly dumped her two weeks before the wedding, leaving her dateless. Luckily, she has the perfect distraction. Her family has a tradition of playing the ultimate game of Assassin every summer, and this year it will take place during the week of wedding festivities.

But her target just happens to be a very cute groomsman. She's determined to not let herself get distracted, not let herself be lost in another doomed relationship. But as the week progresses, she can't help falling for him, which may cost her not only the game, but also her heart.

Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Katie Cotugno, this is a story of loss, romance, and the time it takes to become who you really want to be.”

Review:

‘The Summer of Broken Rules’ has so much to offer, I hope this review can do it justice.  It is brilliantly written with witty banter, clever dialog, a fully fleshed-out whirlwind new romance, and so much more.  Author K. L. Walther creates the perfect storm in which Meredith and Wit become tangled up in each other’s lives and it’s so easy to root for them as they fall for each other.  Walther expertly entwines the detailed threads of young love, self-discovery, large family gatherings, and a wide-spread game of Assassin, with all the best parts of a summer vacation.

I love being inside Meredith’s head – love her narrating through memories of prior summers, the loving moments between sisters including snarky moments, her feelings towards her family, friends, and her crush on Wit.

This book is also a wonderful illustration of how loved ones who’ve passed away too soon are “always with us.”  There are numerous ways in which Meredith feels her sister Claire’s presence, both on her own and with the help of family and friends pointing it out to her.  This is a truly lovely way to share the story of a main character who is still reeling from losing her sister, but is starting to find her way back to joy – with the memory of her sister by her side helping her find happiness, rather than despite her recent loss.

This book handles grief over a loved one spectacularly well without taking anything away from the light-hearted, comedic, or romantic aspects of this book.  Meredith’s older sister, Claire, had passed away approximately a year and a half before this story begins, and so while we don’t see Meredith and her family process fresh, brand-new grief, we do follow how they’re doing after some aspects of life have gone “back to normal.”  Grief does not go away overnight, and this book handles that beautifully.

Claire is in Meredith’s every memory of the island they’ve spent all their summer vacations on.  Claire is in her thoughts in every chapter of this book, and is discussed between characters many times throughout.  Meredith discovers that Claire is, indeed, still with her in most things she does on the island.

Claire was the reigning champion of the family’s massive summer game of Assassin played each year.  This year’s game is dedicated to Claire and will be played to honor her memory during a busy week of festivities leading up to a cousin’s wedding.  By strategizing and taking a more active role than usual, Meredith finds greater enjoyment in the game and feels closer to her sister.

‘The Summer of Broken Rules’ brought back wonderful memories of summer moments, and can do the same for you!  We follow Meredith through many scenes on hikes, at the beach, a pond, a nearby town, driving over sand in Jeep-type vehicles – there’s a scene for every reader to connect with and fondly remember our own joys under the sun.

While the scenery is a wonderful jog down memory lane, the fully fleshed-out characters and plotline are even more amazing.  The attention paid to the little details, such as side characters with their own goals and relationships, help bring the summer atmosphere to life.

‘The Summer of Broken Rules’ will be available on May 4, 2021.

#NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.