Book Review: Down with the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell Moore

 

Pages: 320

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: June 2, 2026

Publisher:William Morrow

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books by Author: Mansion Beach, 

The Islanders, Summer Stage, Two Truths and a Lie, 

and Vacationland 

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "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.

 

Three Shipman sisters gather at their family's New Hampshire beach house for a sort of reunion after their mother's untimely passing. Except their father, Calvin, has different plans. Not only has he remarried since their mother's death, but he also wants to sell their beach house, unbeknownst to the sisters. So, this week is looking to be more than just a relaxing trip. The eldest sister, Jordan, is a high-powered communication consultant who lives and breathes her job. Natalie, the middle sister, is a bit of a tradwife influencer, except her social image is about to blow up. And lastly, there is Mae, the youngest daughter, who is dealing with some issues of her own and working on training a rescue dog. All of the sisters and their families come together for this week, and they have to deal with memories of summer's past, memories of their mother, and how each person grieves in their own way. Meg Mitchell Moore's Down with the Shipmans is a heartfelt beach read for those who enjoy a family drama with a beachy setting. 
 
I thoroughly enjoy stories that alternate between each sister's point of view, as it paints a more vivid picture of the family that way, and that's the case in Down with the Shipmans. Each sister grieves their mother's death differently and tackles the selling of the house in their own way, not to mention dealing with their father's new wife. While this is a heavy topic for a beach read, I believe Moore balances it nicely with the beach house setting and the fact that story takes place right around 4th of July.
 
If you enjoy family drama with issues that are relatable, look no further. I laughed at a few parts in Down with the Shipmans, especially dealing with the training of a rescue dog. Also, the novel tackles the complicated love of sisters, family bonds, resentments, and ultimately moving on from a death in the family. While this wasn't my favorite of Moore's novels, I enjoyed the sisters' heartfelt stories and their chance to come together once again at their beloved beach house.
 
Are you a fan of Meg Mitchell Moore? Is Down with the Shipmans on your summer TBR list? Let me know in the comments below.