
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther is a romance story set in Martha’s Vineyard, inspired by Taylor Swift’s song “Hey Stephen”.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
My Overview
Meredith Fox has been visiting the Martha’s Vineyard every summer for years. It’s the place that holds many happy memories and traditions for the Fox family. This summer’s visit to Martha’s Vineyard, though, is their first without Meredith’s sister (Claire). It’s been eighteen months since Claire’s death. The family hasn’t visited Martha’s Vineyard since her death, but they’re gathering with their extended family to celebrate a wedding.
As if visiting Martha’s Vineyard while grieving her sister isn’t overwhelming enough, Meredith’s boyfriend dumped her two weeks before. Clearly, this week-long visit is one she wishes she could avoid. Fortunately, she meets Wit (Stephen) on her first day at Martha’s Vineyard. Their meet-cute moment is far from ideal, but their attraction and banter helps overcome it. Since they’re only there for the week of wedding festivities, the rules for their summer together quickly become blurred.
Two things to note:
- Meredith’s grief for her sister is palpable throughout the story. Claire was an individual full of love and joy for everyone, so the references in the story are positive and uplifting.
- The Fox family has a tradition of playing Assassin every summer. I found the game to be distracting and tedious to the storyline, but enjoyed the idea of the extended family having such a long-held tradition. I also liked how they honored the memory of Claire.
Overall, I enjoyed this feel-good story about love, family, and grief. Between the beach setting and Taylor Swift’s music as the backdrop, this was the perfect summer read for me. This books has all the summer feels.
My Recommendation
This is my first book by this author, and I’m now looking forward to reading some from her backlist. I enjoyed the writing style and family dynamics woven throughout. Specifically, the unconditional love and support of the Fox family as they struggled to move forward after a death. I listened to the audiobook and read the Kindle edition at times. I recommend either.
Have you read this book?
Dedra @ A Book Wanderer
Oooh, this one sounds good! I’ve seen it around but I haven’t really checked it out. Great review!
Lucy
Thank you! I hope you’ll enjoy this one too 😊.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
Sounds like a heartwarming story! I like the setting too! It does sound like the perfect summer/beach read.
Lucy
Yes, it’s perfect for summer ☀️. I’m glad the setting was such a big part of the story.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
Being close to my sisters, the plot with Meredith grieving her sister sounds overwhelming to me. But it does seem like Walther doesn’t allow the story to get bogged down in sadness.
Lucy
I can see how this one wouldn’t work well for you. Since it’s my first book by this author, I don’t have a different one to recommend yet. I did enjoy the writing style, so perhaps try one of her other books 🙂.
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
I’ve seen this book around but had no idea it was inspired by a Taylor Swift song. It sounds really good!
Lucy
Yes, it’s pretty good and has all the summer feels too 😉.