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28 Summers

A "captivating and bittersweet" novel by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Summer of '69: Their secret love affair has lasted for decades--but this could be the summer that changes everything (People).

When Mallory Blessing's son, Link, receives deathbed instructions from his mother to call a number on a slip of paper in her desk drawer, he's not sure what to expect. But he certainly does not expect Jake McCloud to answer. It's the late spring of 2020 and Jake's wife, Ursula DeGournsey, is the frontrunner in the upcoming Presidential election.

There must be a mistake, Link thinks. How do Mallory and Jake know each other?

Flash back to the sweet summer of 1993: Mallory has just inherited a beachfront cottage on Nantucket from her aunt, and she agrees to host her brother's bachelor party. Cooper's friend from college, Jake McCloud, attends, and Jake and Mallory form a bond that will persevere--through marriage, children, and Ursula's stratospheric political rise--until Mallory learns she's dying.

Based on the classic film Same Time Next Year (which Mallory and Jake watch every summer), 28 Summers explores the agony and romance of a one-weekend-per-year affair and the dramatic ways this relationship complicates and enriches their lives, and the lives of the people they love.

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Published Feb 9, 2021

433 pages

Average rating: 7.24

384 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

AlisonM.Reads
Jun 14, 2025
7/10 stars
While there were pieces of these characters I disliked, I enjoyed the "over decades" love story and the tradition and sentiment created. I had to push past some frustration with the story, but I was glad I did. The last page gave the lies and affair a reason to exist for me, making it worthwhile.
hailey0792
May 27, 2025
4/10 stars
Elin Hilderbrand is the queen of East Coast summer and will always be my go-to. As per usual, Hilderbrand has me dreaming of sunshine and saltwater and a home with beach-worn charm. However, I was not able to get past romanticizing an affair and the classic infidelity trifecta: the cold, workaholic spouse, the cowardly, mistreated cheater, and the innocent, oh-so-fun “other woman”. I remind myself not to cast too harsh a judgment as I have never been faced with such temptation, but it seems to me like Mallory and Jake senselessly denied themselves a lifetime of happiness while hurting the people who care about them. As always, Hilderbrand is a talented writer who has me dreaming of a place I’ve never been and knowing people who aren’t real. This story just wasn’t for me.
Anonymous
May 01, 2025
9/10 stars
4.5⭐️ Elin Hilderbrand knows how to break my heart and also soothe it. This one was no exception. Loved the format and starting each chapter with what was talked about that year…that was super nostalgic! Not sure if it’s in all of her books since this is just the 4th of her books I’ve read, but seems like cheating on a partner is a theme and not sure if I’m super on board with that.
aviationmet
Mar 31, 2025
8/10 stars
Overall a pretty decent read - but, that ending - I'm a wreck!
Anonymous
Jan 09, 2025
10/10 stars
Heart wrenching

It's been quite a while since I've read a book that has grabbed me by the heart strings like 28 Summers has. The characters are vividly drawn, and so relatable. Great mid-winter read.

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