Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore

Summer in Maine is supposed to be perfect—but for three families converging on the rocky shores of Vacationland, this season will bring more than just sun and sand. Meg Mitchell Moore delivers a captivating novel that captures the messy, beautiful complexity of family life against the backdrop of coastal New England.

When secrets surface and long-held tensions bubble up like the tide, these interconnected families discover that vacation can be the most revealing time of all. Moore’s keen eye for domestic drama shines as she weaves together multiple perspectives, creating a rich tapestry of relationships, regrets, and second chances.

What makes this story sing is Moore’s intimate understanding of family dynamics—the way old wounds resurface at the dinner table, how teenage rebellion clashes with parental worry, and the quiet moments of connection that happen on a beach at dusk. Her characters feel like people you might meet on the Marginal Way: real, flawed, and utterly human.

Vacationland is perfect for readers who loved The Nest or Big Little Lies—stories where family secrets and summer settings collide in the most compelling ways. It’s the kind of book that pairs beautifully with a beach chair and the sound of waves, though you might find yourself so absorbed you forget to look up at the ocean.

Whether you’re a year-round Mainer or just dreaming of coastal getaways, this novel captures something essential about what happens when we gather the people we love in one beautiful, complicated place.