The Malign Ghosts of Summer by Ann McMan

Description Told through the interwoven perspectives of four unforgettable characters—Meg, a talented chef whose culinary journey forms the backbone of the narrative; Camille, the devoted musician who is Meg’s childhood best friend and unrequited love; Laurent, a razor-sharp food critic and loyal confidant who sees through Meg’s bravado; and Kip, a fearless documentary photographer who dares Meg to embrace her passion and live out loud—this richly layered, postwar novel spans decades, continents, and the vastness of emotional terrains. From postwar Paris to mid-century New York City, to the remote beauty of Vermont’s Lake Champlain Islands, The Malign Ghosts of Summer explores how the quest for love—in all its forms—can shape a life. As each character grapples with loss, belonging, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world, their voices converge in a story of reinvention, chosen family, and the quiet, radiant triumph of becoming who you were always meant to be. For readers of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, The Hours, and Honey Girl, this novel is a tender celebration of resilience, chosen family, and the sustaining power of connection. Ann McMan’s The Malign Ghosts of Summer will be available in eBook, paperback, and audiobook formats. Ann McMan is the author of fifteen novels and two short story collections. A two-time Lambda Literary Award winner, she has also received multiple Independent Publisher (IPPY) and Foreword INDIES medals, as well as Golden Crown Literary Society Goldies. A laureate of the Alice B Foundation for her outstanding body of work, she divides her time between Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Grand Isle, Vermont. Twitter | @annmcman Instagram | @mcmanann Facebook | facebook.com/ann.mcman/ Website | annmcman.com