The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
Summary
Meredith's family's annual game of assassin at Martha's Vineyard during a summer wedding is the perfect chance to honor her sister's legacy, and finally join the world again. But when she forms an alliance with a cute groomsman, she's at risk of losing both the game ... and her heart.
When Meredith Fox lost her sister, Claire, eighteen months ago, she shut everyone out. But this summer she's determined to join the world again.
The annual family vacation to Martha's Vineyard seems like the perfect place to reconnect. Her entire extended family is gathering for a big summer wedding, and although Meredith is dateless after being unexpectedly dumped, she's excited to participate in the traditional Fox family game of assassin that will take place during the week of wedding festivities. Claire always loved the game, and Meredith is determined to honor her legacy.
But when Meredith forms an assassin alliance with a cute groomsman, she finds herself getting distracted. Meredith tries to focus on the game and win it for her sister, but she can't help falling for him. And as the week progresses, she realizes she's not only at risk of losing the game, but also her heart.
Book Setting: Martha’s Vineyard
Quicks Hole Tavern: A Fox family tradition to eat at the tavern before boarding the ferry
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: Where Sarah and Michael are getting married
Murdick’s Fudge: Eli’s and Pravika’s place of work
Edgartown Books: Meredith thought Claire would work
Morning Glory Farm: The Fox family would always get their pies from this local market
Mad Martha’s: Jake is working there this summer
Coop Deville: One of Claire's favorite restaurants
Dock Street Coffee Shop: Wit and Meredith grab breakfast
The Home Port Restaurant: Wit and Meredith go on their first “date”
Menemsha Hills Reservation Trail: Wit and Meredith go hiking her and have a heart to heart
Back Door Donuts: Wit, Meredith, Sarah and Michael go for a midnight donut run here together
Jaws Bridge: Wit and Meredith jump off the bridge together on the day of the reception
Beach Plum Inn: Sarah and Michael have their rehearsal dinner
Alchemy Restaurant: Fox’s would celebrate big birthdays here
The Atlantic: Wit recreated the childhood photo of Meredith eating lobster guacamole
Reviews
"The mix of budding romance, competitive hijinks, a close-knit circle, as well as dealing with loss make for a satisfying read."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Seamlessly weaves in the importance of family, and by the end, I felt like I had joined the Fox family and their traditions...a quick and easy read recommended for anyone who is looking for a lighthearted book sprinkled with elements of reality."
— Sachi Sharma, Manhattan Book Review
"[It's] a rose-tinted romance that readers will want to toss into a beach tote for some relaxing, enjoyable fun."
— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books