Summer on the Bluffs: A Novel (Oak Bluffs, Book 1)

This was such a well thought-out story. Sunny wove the fabric of each person's life into a well developed storyline of itself. Her ability to paint the scene really helped in seeing each setting she described. I really appreciated the short, yet complete, chapters. I also appreciated how the secrets unfolded. I only had difficulty with the last two paragraphs of chapter 41. She stated they walked into town, but then she stated on the way back home she drove... This was a little confusing, but overall, it didn't take away from the book.

Well written novel. Love how many parts of the story were poignant and lyrical. The characters were well developed and the writing brought the setting to life. Some of it became predictable but was nevertheless entertaining and kept the reader interested and invested. Looking forward to the 2nd and 3rd books!

That. Was. So. Freaking. Marvelous!!! Wow, Wow, Wow!First, I've been following Sunny Hostin for years and I've always loved how educated, poised, yet also carefree and loving she is. I read her memoir and loved her even more. Now after reading this, I think I've reached new heights to just how much I love her. This book was phenomenal.I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. Mystery, Love, Heartache, Family, Secrets, Education, Fulfillment, Wholesome, Infidelity, Forgiveness, and so much more. I was not ready for this. WOW.Ama, aka Amelia Vaux Tanner, was a woman of many talents and mysteries. I kept thinking I had her figured out and then, BAM, she threw a curve ball in there. Yet, the way she loved those girls, her 3 God daughters, melted my heart. To give so much of yourself, yet not be truly fulfilled, is very selfless. Although some of the things she did could be deemed as selfish, I'd have to strongly disagree.Mr. Omar Tanner was a man of love. Oh, I wish there was more on just him. I loved every moment he was talked about. The guilt and shame he felt from his past, yet the heart, compassion and unyielding Love he had for his 3 god-daughters was beyond immaculate. I wanted to reach in the book and soothe his heart. Take that pain and guilt and shame away. Such an inspirational character.Mrs. Perry, aka Esperanza, was very much annoying. I liked her calm spirit at first, yet once she started to act the way she did with her husband baffled me a bit. I get it to a certain extent, yet what was so unsettling for me was how she was basically having an affair, yet was texting her husband saying she missed him, then would get upset bc of her husband's response to her text and how he only wanted to come home so they could work on their marriage. She should've nipped the whole flirting situation with that young tenderoni before it even got legs. I didn't really care for Perry. I felt for her situation with her parents, yet that's it🤷🏾‍♀️.Ms. Olivia was so conflicted with her self confidence and seeing and truly loving herself, that I'm glad Perry (finally) called her out on it. I get her dilemma more than you know; being a dark skin Black Woman isn't always happy moments, yet there has to be a point where you say I'm no longer going to allow others to stomp all over me or be pushed to the side. Anderson was so good for her, in the sense that she needed to open her eyes to new possibilities, yet I didn't feel like they were compatible enough for marriage 🤨.Ms. Billie, the rebel. I liked Billie. Her character build up was really good. I don't particularly like how she handled the whole job situation, yet she was the free one of the sisters and I liked that about her. I was hoping for more on her mom; maybe in the next book 😏.Overall, I truly enjoyed this Wonderful story. Now I want to get a house by some body of water and live in peace and calm and have me some nice summers on the bluff, if you will😏. Phenomenal Read. Highly recommend.

Relaxing, fun book. Enjoyable

Very well written, and described awesome spring read…🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

I liked the story but had to put it down after a couple chapter s because the name dropping of designers , artists and musicians took away from the story line . I did return to finish - a variety of interesting characters & interesting story line but a little flat .

I really enjoyed the story. A fairy tale. Great to read a story that wasn’t about women of color that weren’t uneducated💜, down and out and a great big mess. They had issues, we all do but I am glad they weren’t “scratching and surviving.

I bought this book to read on a vacation along with my mom to Martha’s Vineyard. It was a super fun book to read while actually there - we would read together and be like “omg! They’re going to the same restaurant we just went to!” It’s cool the author is so specific about the island.Also if you’ve been to Martha’s Vineyard and want to reminisce or plan to go and want to anticipate the beautiful atmosphere there.I say all this because I think this book’s highlight is the atmosphere it describes. It does a great job at depicting the island and it’s vibes. The characters are all okay and entertaining/likable enough. Generally though I don’t think the writing is the best (dialogue comes off a bit stilted/corny at times) and the plot is a little limp, though once again, pleasant enough. It almost reads like you’re hearing about real people rather than a dramatized movie/book character.But in general, the book is a wonderful beach read for something lighthearted, enjoyable and especially special for those who know/love the island. I imagine you could read lots of other books just like it with a better plot and more interesting characters though, just set in a different place, which is why the most notable thing about this book is if you are connected to the setting in specific, in my opinion. Something cool about reading a book set in a place you hold dear!

I didn’t know what to expect as the title sounds like a light summer romance. It is not. This book has depth and breadth in its characters and story lines. I learned more about the Black experience and perspective and I enjoyed both the gravitas and the humor that came with that. I am going to buy Sunny’s next book right now!

Couldn’t put it down, fantastic little beach read, really joyed this book will look for the next in the series

Enjoy the read. Definitely a great style of writing that is accessible to all. Who knew!!??? Hostin's second offering only leaves you wondering one thing. When is the next one coming????

I found it interesting at first, but the latter half was boring. I began skimming quickly. Too much info about what everyone was wearing. I wanted her to get to more meaty action.

I loved the book , bought it on the day Sunny announced it on the view. Looking forward to book 2 .Thank you !