Book Review: The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
The Details
Media Type: Print Book
Title: The Summer of Broken Rules
Author(s): K.L. Walther
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages/Length: Paperback; 359
Release Date: March 4, 2021
Source: Purchased
Add it on: Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N
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 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.
The Review
It’s been quite a while since I’ve actually written a review, so pardon me if I’m a bit rusty. Every time I sit down to talk about a book that I’ve read, I find myself scrambling for words. In this case though, The Summer of Broken Rules snuggled down into my heart, so I felt I owed it a review. I’m sure I’ll be rambling a bit, but you’ll know that this is an honest review!
This story is filled with characters that made me laugh, made me smile, and even made me teary at times. Meredith is doing her best to pretend to be normal, while the death of her sister is eating away at her inside. Wit is feeling lost, and trying to find his place in the world, but trying valiantly to enjoy time away with his family. Both of them aren’t looking for one another, but sometimes that’s just how life works. The story that grows between these two, and the sweet family members that they’re surrounded by, all weaves together into a gorgeous story.
I thought that the use of Assassin as a plot point was great too. It truly brought out the family dynamic, and the beautiful relationship between the people and the land they’ve all come together on. Watching them enjoy themselves, mourn together at times, and make new memories with new family members, well it all just had me grinning ear to ear. Some of the assassinations made me laugh so hard, and it was lovely. There’s something so wholesome about the entire story. Like those summers that we all wish we had, and never did. A little angsty, a little sad, but a whole lot of sweet.
I honestly don’t know what else to say! This book isn’t anything groundbreaking, but that’s exactly what I needed right now. What it is, is something sweet and funny. It’s full of love, understanding, and a ton of self discovery. If you’re looking for a beach read, this is it.
