The Darlings

A Novel

By: Hannah McKinnon

Narrated by: Sara Sheckells

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

On a secluded stretch of Cape Cod, a wedding is being planned at a beloved beach house—only for a long kept secret to emerge that hurtles both the wedding and the family off course, in this fresh, lyrical novel from the acclaimed author of the “charming and warmhearted” (PopSugar) The Summer House.

At age ninety-two, Tish Darling is the matriarch and protector of what’s left of the Darling family fortune, including the decades-old beach house, Riptide. Located on the crook of Cape Cod, it’s a place she once loved but has not returned to in decades, since a tragic family accident one perfect summer day. Still, she is determined to keep Riptide in the family. Even if that means going back there on the cusp of her granddaughter’s wedding. Even if it means revealing someone else’s truth.

Her daughter-in-law Cora has her own complicated feelings surrounding Tish’s return as well as doubts about her place within the Darling family. After all, Cora came into the family carrying a secret that her husband promised to keep for her forever. Tish’s sudden return to Riptide may force everything they’ve worked so hard to protect out into the light.

Meanwhile, Cora’s eldest daughter, Andi isn’t exactly looking forward to her little sister’s wedding so soon after her own divorce. To make matters worse, her ex has arrived on the Cape with his insufferable new girlfriend. Andi has no idea how she’ll be able to survive this family reunion…until she bumps into an old friend from the past. A friend who may just offer her a second chance.

As the three distinct generations of Darling women arrive at Riptide, they have no idea that this summer will forever change them. One old secret, kept with the best of intentions, threatens to not only divide the family, but shatter each member’s sense of who they really are. Can the ties that bind survive, when the history you’ve always been told turns out to be untrue?

©2023 Hannah Roberts. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“In the vein of J. Courtney Sullivan, Elin Hilderbrand, and Jennifer Close, and contrasting picturesque coastal perfection with the messiness of real life, this multigenerational saga sets familial obligations against the freedom of new opportunities, all wrapped up in a heartwarming bow.”—Booklist

"Part delectable family drama, part testament to the various ways in which love blooms, Hannah McKinnon’s THE DARLINGS is an absolute treasure of a novel . . . Slip this one in your beach bag and share a copy with a friend."—Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of THE WEDDING VEIL

"A perfect beach read! I loved it"—Pamela Kelley, USA Today bestselling author of THE RESTAURANT

I was unsympathetic

there are characters that we are supposed to sympathize with or empathize with, but frankly a couple of them are just awful. Everybody is forgiven in the end to some degree, but that's really no excuse. *SPOILER** Morty would have been ashamed. But Morty also caused the problem. Make a will, people!

Slow to start

I enjoyed getting to know the elders in the family.. Story was a little hard to follow at times due to the time jumps . Over all a good listen.