The Summer of Broken Rules by K L Walther Book Review: A Heartfelt Reconnection, Romance, and Healing

The Summer of Broken Rules is K.L Walther's YA contemporary fiction novel written in 2021.

It centers around Meredith Fox, who returns to Martha's Vineyard for the summer after her sister's death. The family gathers for her cousin's wedding, which coincides with their traditional game of Assassin. With her boyfriend breaking up with her before the wedding, Meredith shows up without a date. Her assigned target in the game turns out to be an attractive groomsman, and despite her determination not to be distracted, she starts falling for him. The story explores the challenges Meredith faces as she navigates the game and her budding romantic feelings, risking both the game and her heart in the process.

Author

K.L. Walther is a Pennsylvania-based author who wrote the young adult novel The Summer of Broken Rules. She is a writer who values her close-knit family, loves dogs, and enjoys her passion for books. Aside from reading and writing, she likes going to the beach, supporting the New York Rangers Ice Hockey Team, and immersing herself in romantic comedies with her favorite snacks.

Aside from the subject of our current book review, Walther also wrote the novels If We Were Us and What Happens After Midnight, which can be found on her website https://www.klwalther.com/.

Theme

The theme explored in this novel is the journey of self-discovery and finding one's own identity through Meredith's quest to establish herself as an independent person, separate from the influence of her late sister, and to find her own place within her family and the world.

The family game of Assassin motivates Meredith's transformation. It presents her with an opportunity to break free from Claire's shadow and assert her individuality. Through the game, she seeks to honor her sister's memory while also proving her capabilities and independence. Throughout the novel, Meredith navigates complex relationships and confronts her insecurities. She faces mixed reactions from friends and family, highlighting the challenges of breaking free from the expectations and perceptions others have of her. Despite distractions and obstacles, Meredith begins to realize her own desires and aspirations, leading her to make decisions that align with her growth and healing.

By the end of the novel, Meredith has undergone a significant personal journey. She learns to embrace her true self, make choices that reflect her desires, and forge meaningful connections based on mutual understanding and support. The introduction of the "Claire Fox Cup" as a new tradition symbolizes the family's recognition of Meredith's individuality and her ability to carve her own path.

Characters

Meredith Fox

Meredith is the protagonist of the story and Claire's younger sister. Since Claire's tragic death, she has withdrawn from others and sought solace in her relationship with her boyfriend, Ben. Meredith experiences grief, heartbreak, and a journey of self-discovery throughout the novel. She is an amazing and relatable character whose loss, emotional healing, and growth are worth following and rooting for as her resilience carries you through the story.

Wit/Stephen

Wit is one of the groomsmen at the wedding and becomes an important person in Meredith's life during her time at Martha's Vineyard. His real name is revealed to be Stephen. Wit offers support and companionship to Meredith, and their connection grows into a budding romance. He provides a sense of hope, a potential new beginning for Meredith.

Claire Fox

Although Claire is already deceased, her presence lingers throughout the story. She is Meredith's older sister, and her death has had a profound impact on the family. Claire's favorite game, Assassin, becomes a way for the family to honor her memory. She is remembered as a vibrant and joyful person, and her absence is keenly felt by those who loved her.

Plot

A year and a half ago, Claire Fox tragically died in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Since then, her sister Meredith has kept to herself, only finding solace in her boyfriend Ben. Their family is gathering at Martha's Vineyard for a cousin's wedding, the first time they've all come together since Claire's passing. Adding to Meredith's sorrow, Ben recently broke up with her just before the event.

At Martha's Vineyard, the bride announces that they will play Assassin, Claire's favorite game, throughout the wedding week to honor her memory. The game involves everyone having a target and three rules to follow. Meredith makes two resolutions: one with a groomsman named Wit to share information and support each other, and another to win the game in Claire's honor.

Throughout the week, Meredith reconnects with friends and family, but their reactions to her presence are mixed. Her friends feel betrayed, thinking she abandoned them during their shared grief, while her family misses the person she was before Claire's death. Despite these challenges, Meredith finds comfort in Wit's attention and affection, but their budding romance distracts her from the game's objectives. They realize their time together is limited, as Meredith is heading to college and Wit has plans to travel to New Zealand.

As the week nears its end, Meredith's grandfather, Wink, asks about her college plans and encourages her to continue healing. Reflecting on her past and future, Meredith decides to attend Hamilton College, seek therapy, and pursue a long-distance relationship with Wit, anticipating their reunion on Martha's Vineyard next summer. Although she doesn't win the game, she knows Claire would be proud of her.

A year later, Meredith and Wit are still together and stronger than ever. The family has made progress in forgiving and supporting one another. Wink introduces the "Claire Fox Cup" as a new tradition, awarded annually to the Assassin game winner in Claire's honor. As a new game begins, Meredith is determined to win, ready to give it her all.

Writing Style

The novel is narrated from the first-person point of view, which allows for a deep connection with Meredith's thoughts, emotions, and observations, experiencing the story through their perspective. The descriptive language effectively sets the scene, capturing the atmosphere and emotions surrounding the family's return to Martha's Vineyard. The narrative delves into her memories, family traditions, and recent heartbreak from a breakup with her boyfriend, Ben. The prose combines descriptive details, such as the sights and sounds of the surroundings, with introspective musings and emotional reflections. The reader gains insights into Meredith's relationship with her family, particularly her sister Claire, as well as her inner turmoil regarding the recent breakup.

The language is vivid and engaging, with a mix of present moments and past memories, creating a sense of nostalgia and anticipation. The writing style and point of view contribute to a sense of intimacy as readers become invested in Meredith's journey and emotional growth. By exploring her past and present experiences, the novel creates a rich tapestry of memories, hopes, and challenges, setting the stage for potential character development.

Hot Scene

As the title suggests, this novel is a perfect fix for those craving summer romance! These characters' golden lines effortlessly capture the essence of love and passion, leaving readers yearning for more.

"It's one of those special places where you feel like time doesn't exist. Where it will always be summer, where I'll always wake up with you."

"You are affectionate without even thinking about it. You let me talk for hours, and you listen for hours. You make me feel absolutely golden."

"The sheets and pillows smelled like the sea and citrus. "Oranges," I murmured. "My shampoo," Wit murmured back. "I love oranges." "So you love me." I giggled. He hadn't phrased it as a question, and for some reason-lack of sleep, probably-that made me giggle. Really giggle. "You have a nice laugh," Wit commented. "A nice laugh?" I asked, giggles gone."

Final Thoughts

The Summer of Broken Rules by K L Walther is a sweet story of family, friends, and love in a cool summer setting. It is the perfect book to go along with if you're a fan of motivational, feel-good stories. It is powerful, bittersweet, genuine, and entertaining, leaving your feelings everywhere!

Just like a refreshing summer breeze, this novel truly delivers on its promise of a delightful summer romance. It's a captivating journey that will make you believe in the magic of summer love. So grab a cozy spot under the sun and dive into the pages of The Summer of Broken Rules, and let yourself be swept away by the enchanting world within.

FAQs

Q: What is The Summer of Broken Rules novel all about?

A: The Summer of Broken Rules follows the story of Meredith Fox as she returns to Martha's Vineyard for the summer after her sister Clair's death and plays the game Assassin to honor her sister's memory. It explores the challenges Meredith faces as she navigates the game and her budding romantic feelings with her assigned target, Wit, risking both the game and her heart in the process.

Q: How many chapters does The Summer of Broken Rules novel have?

A: The Summer of Broken Rules by K L Walther is a completed young adult novel with 24 chapters.

Q: What is the novel genre The Summer of Broken Rules?

A: The Summer of Broken Rules is a young adult contemporary fiction by K.L. Walther.