🌞 Book Review: Summer of ’79: A Summer of ’69 Story by Elin Hilderbrand (Kindle Edition)
A nostalgic, emotionally resonant novella that revisits beloved characters a decade later—Elin Hilderbrand offers fans a brief but satisfying glimpse into the lives of the Foley-Levin clan, ten years after the summer that changed everything.
🧠 Overview
Published in February 2020, Summer of ’79 is a 61-page novella that serves as a follow-up to Hilderbrand’s bestselling novel Summer of ’69. This story catches up with Blair, Kirby, and Jessie—three sisters whose lives were shaped by the tumultuous events of the late ’60s. Now, in the summer of 1979, they reunite for a somber occasion, offering readers a chance to see how time, choices, and relationships have transformed them.
Though brief, the novella delivers Hilderbrand’s signature warmth, character depth, and Nantucket charm, making it a heartfelt postscript for fans of the original novel.
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.85/5 from over 13,000 ratings
- 📖 Readers appreciated the chance to revisit familiar characters and see how their stories evolved
- 🧾 Many noted that the novella works best as a companion piece—reading Summer of ’69 first is highly recommended
- 💬 “You still feel the characters come to life and it feels as if you only just left them… a quick snippet into their lives”
📚 Themes & Highlights
- 🕰️ Time and transformation: Explores how a decade of growth and change affects relationships and identity
- 👭 Sisterhood and family: The bond between the Foley-Levin sisters remains central, even amid grief and distance
- 🏡 Nantucket nostalgia: The setting continues to evoke warmth, tradition, and emotional grounding
- 📖 Literary closure: Offers a satisfying “what happened next” for fans of Summer of ’69
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At just over 60 pages, it’s a quick read—more of a character epilogue than a standalone story
- 📚 Best read after Summer of ’69: The emotional impact and character depth rely on familiarity with the original novel
- 🧠 Subtle storytelling: Focuses on reflection and emotional nuance rather than plot-driven drama
🏁 Final Verdict
Summer of ’79 is a gentle, reflective novella that rewards longtime readers of Elin Hilderbrand with a glimpse into the lives of characters they’ve come to love. While not a standalone, it’s a beautifully written coda that adds emotional richness to the Summer of ’69 universe.
