Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons on May 26, 2026
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating:
Goodreads
From The New York Times bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script , a romance about a single mother who’s offered a Pretty Woman -type deal that’s too good to refuse.
If they begin by pretending, can they end with something real?
Dolly Brick has never met a problem she couldn’t solve. Not when her mom left when she was twelve, and not at thirty-nine when she moves with her son back to Whitfield, Rhode Island for the summer to keep her dad and brother from losing the family home.
So when she comes across Stewart Whitfield—annoyingly handsome scion of the Whitfield family—with a flat tire and at the wrong end of a very public, very humiliating breakup, it’s in her nature to help. But Stewart’s proposed arrangement ends up being more than either of them bargained for, because as public dinners and high society benefits turn into sunset boat rides and swinging on the porch, Dolly starts to feel something more than helpful. She’s never relied on anyone besides herself, can she really start now?
After being caught changing Stewart Whitfield's (yes, that Whitfield's) tire, Dolly is mistaken as Stewart's new paramour. Needing to rehab his image, Stewart proposes they keep the ruse going, but why does pretend dating feel so real?
Since her adult debut, I have eagerly awaited Monaghan's new releases every year, and the reason is simple, her stories are feel good and make me smile. Over and over again, I found myself wholly absorbed by Dolly's tale. The snappy banter and humor had me grinning from ear to ear, but there were also these tender and meaningful moments that had my heart exploding.
I am not one of those readers with a strong opinion on fake dating, but if there was any character who deserved this summer delight more than Dolly, I have yet to meet them. Dolly was thrust into her caretaker lifestyle at twelve years old when her mother abandoned her family. She became a single mom when her boyfriend abandoned her after learning of her pregnancy, and she continued to support her father and brother, coming home when needed. She was always taking care of others, but there was no one to take care of her.
This arrangement with Stewart was eye opening for Dolly. First, rubbing elbows with the wealthy heir meant the yacht club and galas - a whole world that she was never part of, but it also meant having someone who brought her tea and pushed her to ask for things she wanted. It meant not having to split herself in two when there were multiple crises because Stewart would assist. For the first time in a long time, someone was taking care of the caretaker, and it allowed Dolly to experience so many new things while she grew and made changes for her future.
Oh, how my heart exploded for Dolly! Not just because she seemed to make a lot of personal sacrifices for those in her life, but because she didn't let it get her down. I never got the impression that she was burdened. In fact, I often felt how much she loved her father, brother, and son.
And you know what? I also loved Stewart. He was not in a great place in the beginning of the story. His fiancée's indiscretion was revealed by Page Six at a critical time in his career. He was vying for the CEO position in the family business where his all work, no play lifestyle was worrying his family. Dolly brought out a different side of Stewart, and they were perfection together.
Overall, another spectacular book from Monaghan! Filled with humor and endless warmth, this one put a perma-smile on my face as my heart burst with joy.
Published by William Morrow on June 2, 2026
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction
Rating:
Goodreads
From the bestselling author of Mansion Beach, a summery drama following three sisters who return to their childhood home, each with their own secret, perfect for readers of Sandwich and Pineapple Street.
It’s the week after Fourth of July, and the Shipman sisters are returning to their picturesque summer home on the New Hampshire coast for what they believe is a family reunion, the first without their late mother. However, their tranquil setting quickly becomes a stage for drama when their father, Calvin, drops the bombshell news that he plans to sell the cherished beach house.
Mae, the youngest daughter, who has a newfound penchant for attracting trouble, is distraught, already dealing with her own emotional scars and a problematic rescue dog. Natalie, the middle sister and social media darling known for her seemingly idyllic life as a tradwife, is equally anxious, especially since her flawless public image is on the verge of imploding. Meanwhile, Jordan, the eldest, a high-powered crisis communications expert, is ready to be rid of the house so she can tend to her own professional disaster.
As old memories are stirred up and the sisters navigate both the packing of the house and their personal crises, the arrival of Calvin’s new wife pushes Jordan, Natalie, and Mae to decide how far they’re willing to go to preserve the Shipman bond.
A delicious summer read that explores the enduring power of family and sister connections, Down with the Shipmans is a humorous, heartfelt reminder that home is not a place, but the people who love you, no matter how imperfectly.
Calvin summoned the Shipman girls for a week of family bonding at the beach house. This would be their first time back since their mother's death. The first time back to HER house without her, and emotions flair when they discover this will also be their last visit as their father is selling the house.
Once again, Meg Mitchell Moore takes me back to the beach with this emotionally satisfying story of a family navigating grief. It may have been two years since their mother's death, but the wound due to that loss was still wide open for every member of this family. Being back in this place they so closely identified with their mother was tough enough, but having to say goodbye to her house, and in essence, to her again, was a whole new challenge. In addition, each Shipman sister had a personal issue they were grappling with on their own. This resulted in a high level of emotions, but best of all, it brought the family closer as they shared their burdens and supported each other.
The drama unfolded at a perfect pace which pulled me in and never let go. I was so invested in each and every character's story and how it would be resolved. I could not stop flipping the pages until I knew they were OK! This story was told with so much charm, wit, warmth, and humor that I could not help but fall in love with this family.
Overall, I had an incredible time with the Shipmans as they said goodbye to a big part of their lives. They may have closed a chapter of their history, but this time together resulted in changes for everyone involved while bringing them closer to each other.
*ARCS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER
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