In the town of Nantucket, rumors seem to be the theme of the summer, and Madeline and her best friend Grace seem to be the talk of the summer.

Madeline is a writer suffering writer's block. Grace is a fanatic for her garden and her gardener, Benton. Their families have been close for years. Their children are dating and both moms vow to stay out of any problems. Grace's husband Eddie is a real estate agent. He has big plans, but not enough money to carry them out. Madeline's husband, Trevor, is a pilot.

As the summer progresses, Grace and Benton take their relationship to a new level. Yes, they have become lovers. Grace confides in Madeline, and she is not happy to be part of this secret. Getting pressure from her publisher, Madeline is trying to come up with a story line. Little did she know that writing a not-so-true story about two people having an affair would results in a best seller. Can Madeline really have her book published if it can ruin her friendship?

With all of this going on their still is the mystery of Eddie and his money problems, plus the two kids dating but not staying true to each other.

What a great story line. Elin Hilderbrand's books could be the story of anyone's life. Rumor's fly around all the time. She shows how the simplest things could turn into a huge rumor. Elin Hilderbrand also shows the powerful emotions of the two main characters. Can Madeline sacrifice her best friend's marriage to publish a book? On the other hand, Grace not caring if her husband finds out about the affair.

Elin Hilderbrand tells how rumors, whether good or bad, can hurt a whole community. Gossip can hurt everyone, not just the one it is about, and it can cause problems in a family. Elin Hilderbrand also shows what some people will do when they are put in a corner.

THE RUMOR is one of those books I couldn't put down. I read this in one day. I'm once again sorry that I read it so fast, but I was curious to see what would happen to these two families.