Book Review – Nantucket Blue

At the risk of sounding like a total cliché, there’s something magical about beach reads set in quaint coastal towns. When I picked up “Nantucket Blue,” I was ready for my usual summer fare – you know, the kind where you can practically feel the sand between your toes and taste the salt air. But while Leila Howard’s novel definitely delivered on the atmospheric New England coastal vibes, it ended up being a bit heavier than your typical beach romance.

Let me paint you a picture: we follow Cricket (and can we talk about these unique YA protagonist names for a minute?) as she heads to Nantucket for what she hopes will be a transformative summer. As someone who spent every teenage summer dreaming of that one magical season that would change everything, I totally get it. But Cricket’s summer doesn’t exactly go as planned – does it ever?

The absolute star of this book is Nantucket itself. Howard’s descriptions of the island had me immediately opening up Airbnb in another tab (don’t judge – we all do this while reading, right?). Picture stone-paved streets where bikes outnumber cars, unlocked doors, and secluded beaches perfect for summer romance. The Cranberry Inn, where Cricket ends up working as a chambermaid, is exactly the kind of cozy establishment I dream about stumbling across on vacation. I found myself completely swept up in the setting, even when other elements of the story left me wanting more.

Speaking of wanting more – let’s talk about Cricket. She’s dealing with some heavy stuff, including losing her second mom figure and watching her best friend Jules push her away in grief. While I appreciate books that don’t shy away from difficult topics, Cricket’s character development felt a bit stagnant. I kept waiting for her to have that big moment of growth that never quite arrived. She remains somewhat of a pushover throughout, which became increasingly frustrating as the story progressed.

The romance aspect was… interesting. And by interesting, I mean I’m not entirely sold on it. It’s just that something about this particular dynamic just didn’t sit right with me. The relationship also felt a bit instalove-ish, without the proper build-up needed to make me invest in their connection.

However, what saved this book for me were the secondary characters at the Cranberry Inn. Liz, the quirky Irish girl who tries to draw Cricket out of her shell, Gavin with his protective dad energy, and George, the injured journalist who brings much-needed humor to the story – they’re the real MVPs here. Every scene with this makeshift family had me smiling, and they’re the reason I kept turning pages even when the main plot dragged.

The handling of grief in this book is… complicated. While it’s realistic that people push away those closest to them when dealing with loss (I’ve unfortunately seen this happen with friends), Jules’s complete personality transplant felt a bit extreme. I wanted to feel sympathy for her, but her treatment of Cricket made it difficult. It’s hard to watch someone fight to maintain a friendship that seems pretty one-sided.

On a brighter note, Howard’s writing style is genuinely engaging. Her descriptions are vivid and immersive – she has a real talent for making you feel like you’re right there on those cobblestone streets or secluded beaches. It’s the kind of writing that makes you want to book a trip to Nantucket immediately (though maybe not to work as a chambermaid).

Look, “Nantucket Blue” isn’t a perfect summer read. If you’re expecting a light, fluffy beach romance, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re in the mood for something with a bit more weight to it, centered around a gorgeous setting with some truly loveable supporting characters, you might want to give this one a try. Just don’t blame me if you end up spending hours browsing Nantucket vacation rentals afterward!

And seriously, can someone please tell me if the Cranberry Inn is based on a real place? Asking for a friend…