The May House by Jillian Cantor - A Review

Three sisters, one beach house, one week every May. That’s the deal they made with their grandmother. It works until the oldest sister, Julia, doesn’t show up one year, and suddenly everything Nora and Emily thought they knew starts to unravel. I loved the premise right away, especially how the house itself holds so much history and emotion, quietly anchoring the story.

The book manages to feel lighthearted while still touching on meaningful family issues, especially the secrets people keep to protect one another and the way those truths shape who you become. The sisters’ dedication to returning every May and honoring their promise to their grandmother was genuinely moving. Each character feels distinct and well developed, and Nate was by far my favorite, bringing a steady, grounding presence to the story.

My main struggle was with the writing style and the time hops. At times the flow felt a bit awkward for me, and the jumps between years sometimes made it harder to stay oriented in the timeline. I am not a fan of nonlinear narratives in general, and occasionally it pulled me out rather than adding depth. That said, the emotional core of the story and the relationships kept me engaged overall.

This is a good choice for readers who enjoy complex family dynamics, everyday life drama, and stories focused on emotional growth. Even with some pacing and structure issues, it’s a thoughtful and heartfelt read that left me reflecting on family, memory, and the meanings we attach to places.

★★★★

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. All opinions are my own.