Summer Roommates

by Holly Chamberlin

A summer beach read with heart and substance, this poignant novel will delight fans of Elin Hildebrand, Nancy Thayer, and Shelley Noble, as four older women who are strangers to each other share a house for the summer in the picturesque Maine town of Yorktide.
 
Sandra Pennington has lived through enough Maine winters to know how long they can be. Even in April, Yorktide is chilly and muddy, adding to Sandra’s pangs of loneliness. It’s been five years since her husband died, her dearest friend is in a care facility, her children are grown, and the big house is suddenly terribly empty. But Sandra has a to rent out three bedrooms and set up a summer bed and breakfast of sorts.
 
There will be challenges, of course, and Sandra’s daughter is concerned. But Sandra is eager to try and build a community of like-minded, mature women for companionship and support. Soon, one by one, her chosen housemates arrive . . .
 
Mary, recently retired, is ready to discard her tough lawyer façade. Patty refuses to reveal—or act—her age, but beneath her flightiness lies a deep vulnerability. High-school teacher Amanda feels uncertain about where her long-term relationship is going. But surely it’s too late now to change course?
 
Over arguments and laughter, these very different women get to know each other—and themselves. And while summer is always too short, there’ll be time enough for reinvention, reflection—and realizing it’s never too late to keep growing, changing—and making new friends . . .
 
Praise for the novels of Holly Chamberlin
 
“A great summer read but with substance. It will find a wide audience in its exploration of sisterhood, family, and loss.” —Library Journal on Summer with My Sisters

“Nostalgia over real-life friendships lost and regained pulls readers into the story.”
—USA Today on Summer Friends
 

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, Summer Reads

450 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2023

About the author

Holly Chamberlin is a native New Yorker, but she now lives in Portland, Maine - the aftermath of stumbling across Mr. Right at the one moment she wasn't watching the terrain. She's been writing and editing - poetry, children's fantasies, a romance novel or two, among many other genres and projects - her entire life. She has two cats, Betty and Cyrus, and when she's not writing her hobbies include reading, shopping, and cocktails at six.

Reviews

[Cynthia Judkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sounded like a perfect summer read but I could only get 35% through it. It was so boring that when one roommate gave the cat cream (after specifically being asked not to) was the peak of the action, I had to move on.

[Lisa Leone-campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Roommates is an inspiring lovely story about aging, agism, being stuck in your ways, the challenges women face as they grow older, companionships and of course love. The story takes the reader on a journey with four older women in their fifties up to their seventies, all strangers to each other who live in a house in Maine for the summer, most set in their ways and the challenges they endure to not only get along and understand each other, but to also begin to comprehend themselves.

Until recently, Sandra Pennington seemed to have it all. Two great children all grown up, a loving husband, terrific friends and the beauty of her coastal town in Maine. But with the death of her husband and now her best friend diagnosed with dementia and having to be put in a care facility, this past winter came with a loneliness she had never experienced.

So, Sandra decides, with the help of a realtor to open her home up for the summer to three older women for not only the comfort of having others around, but to see if perhaps she would like to continue this experiment in the future.

She goes through the applications and picks the three women.

Mary, a lawyer who has recently retired from the job she loved due to the stress of the company being sued. Although they were found not at fault, it took its toll on Mary who now just wants some down time to relax and rebuild herself to discover what she wants next in life. Never having children and not close to her only sibling due to being a workaholic, she feels the need to discover who she is now that she’s not working.

Amanda, who is a teacher decides she needs a vacation before the next school year starts. She has lived with her boyfriend Liam for eight years. They are comfortable together and both feel marriage is not an option. Although she feels independent, she does seem to rely on Liam a great deal. Liam for some reason thinks this time away would be great for her.

Patty, the oldest is the quietest yet dresses the loudest. She lives with her sister and brother-in-law as her income is inconsistent, because of fleeting jobs which has left her with hardly any money for her retirement, a fact her sisters insist on reminding her on a daily basis. This certainly was not the way she thought she would end up. All she ever wanted was to be married and have children. But she made poor choices when she was younger to needless to say, that ship has certainly sailed!

And with the cast of characters in place for the summer, as they try to cohabitate, there are some arguments, heated debates and discussions about life, friendship and even love. As the women begin to open up to each other, they also look inward. They soon bond and all try to imagine what their futures could be like. What they discover will change their lives forever.

Summer Roommates is an uplifting, wonderfully different take on aging with strong characters and unorthodox options for their futures. And why not? You are as young as you feel!

Thank you #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #SummerRoommates #HollyChamberlin for the advanced copy.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington books, and the author for an ARC of Summer Roommates in exchange for my honest review.
I usually really enjoy Holly Chamberlain’s books but this one was a little too slow paced for me. The characters were great, really like able and fun, but I felt like there were some unnecessary side stories that distracted me.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unrealistic - who would discuss huge somewhat political issues like end of life care and senior housing options with people they just met? This book had a disappointingly small amount of story and way too much repetitive, preachy introspection me. How many times do I need to read about one woman's habit of dating married men or another's dislike of all human interaction? Definitely not for 400+ pages! I could also do without the Golden Girls pandering. I stuck it out because the premise had so much potential, but this book fell way short of the mark.

[Mary Gill pace · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish. Boring.

[Kade Gulluscio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

Summer Roommates bright book cover caught my eye. Like her other books, this one is also set in Maine.
We meet our FMC Sandra whom is a bit older in age. Her husband passed a few years back and her best firend is in a care home, so she's feelin ga bit lonely. She decides to turn her home into a bit of a b&b and rent out three of the rooms that way. Hoping to find some companions / like-minded people.
The other characters we meet through this are great. They add their own twists and entertainment to the story.

This genre / book isn't my normal read. I don't typically gravitate toward books featuring older / elderly main chaaracters, but this book was pretty good.
Overall a decent book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Holly Chamberlin and I really enjoyed her writing style! I enjoyed the plot of the book although it was a little slow, but unfortunately, I didn't love all the characters which was my reason for not loving the book. This book is centered around older ladies so it was not the type of book I would usually read as I typically read books focused on people close to my age but I think my mom or grandmothers could like it!

Thank you NetGally, Kensington Books, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alma Latham · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring

Repetitive, pedantic, preachy. Did anyone edit this? Was this self published? I’m sorry I wasted my time and money on this.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com

I enjoy stumbling upon books about the older generations and how life is different for them. Holly Chamberlin has created a heartwarming beach read that will appeal to many generations.

Sandra has been a widow for five years, her children don’t live nearby, and she’s lonely. Her best friend has dementia and she decides that for the summer, she’s going to create a retirement community of her own in her house by renting her extra bedrooms to three women. She uses a real estate agent and carefully vets most of the applicants, and soon Mary, Amanda, and Patty comes to live for the summer.

Each woman brings her own personal baggage and ways of doing things. Surprisingly, despite the fact that the women have very distinct personalities, they work well together and are for the most part respectful of others. There are a few instances early in the book where there is a clash, but the women in question discuss the difference of opinion calmly and judiciously. This was very refreshing to read after so many romances where there’s always some big fight or misunderstanding. It shows that with maturity can come wisdom and patience.

Indeed, each of the women has a lot of self-reflection during their summer in Yorktide, Maine. Mary retired early after a hard-working life as a corporate attorney and the death of her best friend, but now she’s questioning her decision to hang it up. Amanda left her boyfriend of eight years behind for the summer as she contemplates their relationship and all the ones she’s had before. Patty is just scraping by after a lifetime of bad choices with men and spending frivolously and caring more about her appearance than applying to better herself. She has to take a job in a local store in order to pay for her summer rental and will have to live with a very judgmental sister when she returns home because she’s so broke.

The women share a Wednesday dinner and discuss a great many things, and while I found them interesting, I realized that this could be off-putting to younger readers as all the topics center around aging. The conversations brought up made me contemplate how I plan to live my best life as I age, and the choices I’ve made and will make in order to make that happen.

I found this a great beach read for Gen X or Boomers, but the pace may be too slow for a younger reader.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Me · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a little to detailed for me. I barely got through the first few pages.




*******************I received an ARC for my honest opinion from NetGalley****************

[Sarah Hetherington · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is zero plot. It’s just old ladies talking about things I don’t care about. The love story part is ridiculous.

[RJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story of four women that are from ages 50s to early 70s. Sandra owns a house in Maine and rents out three rooms to strangers for one summer.
Each chapter is, on average, four pages long. Each chapter is told from a different character.
I liked the story, but the constant descriptions were very tiresome to read over and over again.

[Tina Prince · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just ok for me. I liked watching the characters grow through the summer and I liked that it was about “older women” and it women in their20’s and 30’s. I loved the plot of all of them living together for the summer and the ending.I thought this book was to wordy and should have gotten to the end a lot quicker.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer Roommates written by Holly Chamberlin was truly a heart warming summer read. A story of friendship is truly the most beautiful thing. I loved this book, but my only concern was it could've been cut shorter, at times the story just dragged on and got repetitive which lost my interest. Watching a new friendship blossom is literally so heart warming and mesmerizing, it's like you grow out of touch with one friend, but then the next person comes along and y'all can make new memories. The bright beautiful cover really caught my attention, but the prospect of having summer roommates really drew me in. Summer for me has so many meanings, staying out late with friends, making new friendships along the way, sunsets, swimming, tanning, fairs, and of course cotton candy. Despite how much I loved this story, I felt like the book was too long and started repeating itself in some situations, but honestly that was the only concern I had with this book. I have never read a book by Holly Chamberlin before, but this definitely won't be my last. If you're looking for a summery book before summer ends, look no further than Summer Roommates. I can't recommend this book enough for all my girlies who have found new friends in this Goodreads community.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND KENSINGTON BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!

Summer Roommates is a deeply satisfying and emotional story about a group of four older women who come together under one roof for an unforgettable summer of their lives. These women renew their self discovery, and the healing power of friendship, after this summer these women will have found a new companion in one another. A run down rambling house on the coast of Maine is the perfect place for four strangers to spend the summer together under one roof. Sandra Pennington has lived through enough winters in Maine to know how long they can be, even in April when it's almost spring, it's still muddy and chilly in Maine. The long winter months add to Sandra's loneliness, Sandra lost her husband five years ago, and her best friend is now in a care facility, so Sandra is feeling extra lonely. Sandra has children, but they are all grown, so the big house is suddenly empty. Sandra gets an idea to rent out three bedrooms and set up some sort of bed and breakfast for the summer. Sandra has all these ideas, but her daughter thinks she's being irrational and making silly decisions because Sandra's lonely.

There will be challenges, of course renting out three bedrooms to three strangers, but Sandra is determined to try and build a community of like minded women who are in need of companionship, support, and new found friendships along the way. Soon when Sandra gets the bedrooms ready to be rented out, her house guests start to arrive. In Summer Roommates we meet Sandra, Amanda, Patty, and Mary. Let's do little introductions. Sandra, is of course the owner of the rambling run down house, Amanda is a high school teacher who feels uncertain where her long term relationship will end up. Patty refuses to act and or reveal her age, but under that facade lies a deep sense of vulnerability. Mary is recently retired and ready to hang up her tough lawyer facade. These four women might not all have the same problems, but the one thing they all have in common is the need of companionship of supportive women. I absolutely adored every single one of these women, they were so adorable, some were obnoxious, but that's what made them different from each other. Despite what life threw at these women, they never gave up, they picked themselves back up and found support and new friendships in one another.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable novel about, for a change, older women. The four women ranged from their fifties into their seventies. While it is presented as a "beach read", it is really more than that, examining aging, friendship, intimate relationships, family conflicts, and personal and professional growth.

Sandra, 74, lives in a small coastal Maine town, the kind of place where everyone knows everybody else, in a large well-cared-for gracious home. She is widowed, her two grown children live far away, and her best friend has developed dementia. Other than the loneliness that comes with those circumstances, her life is a good one, with the companionship of her recently adopted cat, Clovis. But after a winter feeling isolated and rather lonely, she decides to try renting rooms to compatible single women to see how that might out on a more permanent basis – following the expanding current trend in group living for older adults.

Her daughter, a lawyer, is concerned for her safety and that she won't be taken advantage of, but her son is more supportive and encouraging. Sandra carefully vets the candidates with the help of a trusted realtor. She chooses Mary, a 60-something recently retired lawyer from New York; Amanda, a teacher in her 50s from Boston who has decided to take a vacation from her long-term relationship; and on a gut feeling that the realtor tries to dissuade her from, Patty, going on 70, who is adrift after a life of low-paying jobs and poor decisions about money and men, and is reluctantly living with her sister and brother-in-law. There is something about her, though, that touches Sandra, and she accepts her, giving her the smallest, least expensive room, and making accommodations for weekly payment instead of upfront as the others have made.

There are disagreements and misunderstandings, but over the summer, the four get to know one another, form connections, and perhaps more importantly come to terms with themselves and their individual issues.

I enjoyed the author's examination of the concerns of older women, on aging and sexism, and coping with concerns about healthcare and dementia. These are very real things that many older people are struggling with or worrying about. I did feel that the characters, aside from Patty, were a little bland. I would liked a little more ethnicity in the mix as well, but for other readers, they are probably diverse enough. On the whole it is a good read, thoughtful but not overly demanding. I'll look for this author's work again.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting novel that explores the choices and opportunities facing women as they enter the latter stages of life. It holds great promise, but the writing style limited my enjoyment of the book. Specifically, sections of dialogue addressing meaningful issues often felt pedantic and lacked any emotional depth. What could have been inspiring is simply a rather sterile intellectual exercise.

Sandra Pennington has lived on the coast of Maine her entire life. Now a widow at age 74, she is facing the prospect of selling her charming, spacious home to acquire something more manageable and less reflecting her aloneness. Instead, she decides to open her home as a hybrid B & B to three mature women for the summer as an experiment in communal living. Each woman comes from a different background with a different agenda, but each is seeking clarity about their respective futures. Mary is a talented lawyer who retired after a series of events left her disillusioned and burned out. Amanda, an educator at a private school, feels she has lost her enthusiasm for teaching as well as for her 8-year romance with her housemate. Lastly, there is Patty who is the female equivalent of Peter Pan. She has had a string of unfortunate romantic liaisons and has never gained self-sufficiency, finding herself without financial resources, a car or a home. Over the summer, these women forge a bond of friendship and rediscover what is truly important to create meaning in their lives.

The pace of the story is extremely slow, due to preponderance of the above-mentioned dialogues coupled with a multitude of details in the characters backstories. There is very little action to build any real momentum. Overall, there are some interesting points made about the age-related issues of work, loss, loneliness and health concerns. However, I didn’t find this an enjoyable read.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars, which I will round down to 3 stars overall.

I believe I have read almost all of Holly Chamberlin's books. Are they my favorite writer, no but I do enjoy the stories for the most part. Do not think these are 5 stars, Bestseller books. They are not but, they are good for "beach reads" or books to take your mind of things at times. This one, however, was not a favorite.

Let me start by saying that it started out really well. When I started it, I immediately got into the story of Sandra looking for housemates at her home in Maine, 5 years after her husband passes away. She ends up with Mary, a recently retired lawyer, Amanda, a school teacher, and Patty, someone completely different than everyone who, to me, is kind of lost in her life with no clear direction.

I really liked the story of these three very different women, trying to co-exist, while slowly become friends, almost like a makeshift family or community. I liked reading how the characters evolve through the summer situation, and I was invested in each of the stories.

That was until around chapter 53, I think. I really noticed it by chapter 56. I started to realize that I was just bored. The story itself started well but then it felt like it was dragging. I really got to the point where I was wondering if there had to be the 400+ page count, or if the author really did want to drag this story out for that long. I don't mind long stories but, there has to be a purpose and a way in which the story is moving along. That was not here. By this point, I was reading for the sake of reading. Reading because I bought it.

Overall, I enjoyed most of the book, which is why I gave a 3.5 stars. 3 stars because it was so slow by the end that i kind of skipped a few chapters and read the last one so I could call it done.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A H.E.A. that leaves you with a happy heart and a smile on your face.

Sandra Pennington, 74, has been a widow for 5 years. Her son and her daughter do not live nearby. Sandra decides to invite 3 strangers to share her home in Yorktide, Maine for the summer. Mary Fraser is in her early 60's. single, a recently retired lawyer from NY City. Amanda Irving, 56, a teacher in a private school, has been living with Liam Sexton for 8 years and wants a break from her life. Patty Porter, 69, is single and living with one of her two sisters in Boston. Patty's life has not been what she expected it would be and her financial situation is dire.

Each woman has 'history' that is not as simple as first impressions convey. During the summer the four strangers become friends as they learn about each other and about themselves. The main characters are well developed and secondary characters are equally interesting.

Plan to spend a few hours listening to each character dwell on their past experiences, their current situations and their future hopes and dreams.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington Publishing through Net Galley.
Release date June 27, 2023

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review

It has been five years since Sandra Pennington's husband passed away, and she is, quite frankly, lonely. Sandra's best friend has had to be put into a care facility because of Alzheimer's, and both of Sandra's children are married and living elsewhere. Sandra decides to open her home up and rent out her three extra bedrooms for the summer. She chooses three women to rent to - Mary, a recently retired lawyer, Patty -she is living with her sister because she can no longer afford her own apartment and she is dealing with her problems the same way she always has.... hiding her head in the sand, and then there is High-school teacher Amanda, who is taking a sabbatical from her stagnant relationship, This will be a summer of reflection, reinvention, and friendship for all four women.

I usually enjoy this author's books, but this one was a miss for me. The story seemed to just meander along, without really progressing. I didn't care for the writing style either. I felt like the conversations were too stilted and unnatural, and I did not enjoy all of the inane reflections on everything. I can not recommend this one.

[Shayna · Rating 2 out of 5]

why is everyone so mean to Patty!!

Ok so I was hopeful about this book It was a nice idea and the story was ok but fell apart in so many ways. I’m writing this review because everyone (family and roommates and store manager) were so mean to Patty. Almost after every comment someone would be appalled at her for speaking and then the characters were all thinking mean things about her. I loved Patty and I didn’t like everyone being mean to her. Until all of a sudden on page 412 when someone happened to pay her positive attention!! Then family (still rude) softens a bit because she’s no longer their “ burden “ as if a sister is ever a burden!! And then the roommates are thinking all kinds of nice things bout her. I want to shake them all. Patty never changes. She’s always kind, helpful, honest (she does withhold her age for a bit but who cares!) and she’s so nice. I’m still mad.

Also why in the world did they call the manger a “crèche”. The entire book is English and all of a sudden there’s this weird word that doesn’t even fit. It’s a nativity scene. The word does not go with the story in any way .

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because Sandra and the three women who rented a room for the summer, did it with an open mind. The women came from different walks of life, but they got to know each other, and find things they have in common.
They are all over 50 and all seem to be at a crossroad, and this time helps them learn things about themselves and the other women. They reflect on the past, and see how they have changed. The summer in Maine has helped them grow, do something different, and lets them see there is still a lot of life left to live.
Life is what you make it, and they chose to take a chance and try something different.
As I read the book, I thought everyone has crossroads, and if you reflect on the past, you can see who you used to be compared to who you are now. As I have many times just seem to coast through life and not really paid attention, this book showed me I should pay attention to see the changes, the growth, and the person I am today.
I received an ARC from Kensington through NetGalley.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since the death of her husband five years ago, Sandra Pennington has been lonely and her large family home in Yorktide, Maine feels empty. She decides to open her home to three summer boarders and, with the help of an agent, quickly selects Mary, a newly retired lawyer and Amanda, a teacher. Patty is a last minute choice and this opportunity gives her a much needed break from living with her sister. Poor choices have caused severe financial difficulties and she sees this summer as a second chance. She’s right. This will be a second chance for all four women, a chance to learn more about themselves and to see how they can change for the better.

Summer Roommates is a slow read. The story of the women’s self discovery competes with a narrative of the many different ways people can live together in groups. This is interesting, if dry, information but it interrupts the main plot. I wish the talented Holly Chamberlin has chosen one or the other. Three stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Holly Chamberlain for this ARC.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Roomates has such a clever premise! I really enjoyed Sandra and her roommates, which makes for an entertaining and enjoyable read!

Sandra Pennington, lost her husband 5 years ago. Her children are grown and have moved out. Sandra decided after reading an article on co-living after a death of a spouse, that she would try it out for the summer, since she was still lonely. Sandra decided to rent out 3 rooms for the summer. Sandra’s daughter isn’t convinced and doesn’t think it’s a good idea, but Sandra is determined to try it. Sandra chose the following roommates: Mary, in her early 60’s, a retired lawyer, Amanda, in her late 50’s, who taught at a private school, and Patty, over 60, who is a retired office assistant. Patty was the only one who didn’t have good credit or glowing references. Will Sandra enjoy their company or will she quickly regret her decision? Will Patty become a problem or will this be a second chance for her?

I love Holly Chamberlin’s writing style, it always promises a fun and entertaining read!

[Ivy Kaprow · Rating 1 out of 5]

The blurb on Goodreads compares Holly Chamberlin to Elin Hilderbrand, but honestly, there is no comparison. This book was probably the most boring piece of fiction I’ve ever read. I made it to about 40% before I skipped to the last chapter.
Sandra is a 74 year old widow living by herself in Yorktide, Maine. She decides to rent out 3 of the rooms in her house to perfect strangers for the summer and thus Mary, Amanda, and Patty come to live with her. Mary is a recently retired attorney, Amanda is a high school social studies teacher in a closed off relationship, and Patty is a single nearly 70 year old who behaves like she’s 7. The women are vastly different but learn to live together.
It’s hard to give a good review when you’ve skipped 60% of the book, but that should tell you more than any review could.
If you like repetition, no real plot, and complaints from 3/4 of the characters than this is the book for you. If none of that sounds good, skip this one and pick up any of Elin Hilderbrand’s books.

[Tricia Hackney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can a book be too "wordy"? If possible, thats one of the things that kept me from enjoying this book. And the fact that I absolutely couldn't stand half of the main characters. Mary and Amanda were downright miserable and I cringed every time that a chapter or even a section of a chapter was focused on them. They were insanely judgey towards Patty and she had more spirit and kindness in her little finger. Although I liked Patty - her character was portrayed to be woe is me, I guess I can't do anything right and it's all my parents fault. I enjoyed Sandra. Okay - and her cat lol. Maybe I would have liked the book better if I was able to put mysel in it - which I couldn't and I don't believe its due to my age (which isn't much younger than the youngest resident) I'm generally a Holly Chamberlin fan but this was a miss for me. I offer this honest review in exhange for a digital copy of Summer Roommates provided by Netgalley.

[Reny Horner · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt so long and plotless. While things did pick up some in the second half, I felt like most of this book was just Chamberlin describing the appearance of characters and setting rather than making anything happen. The only one of the "summer roommates" I liked was Sandra, so I really only enjoyed when she was involved because she wasn't as obnoxious as the others. I wish I had enjoyed this one more, but there was not enough to the story for me to get into it, and the whole time I just wanted it to end. I did like the development of the relationships between the women and thought that the novel wrapped up nicely. Each woman seemed to have grown over the course of the summer and learned something new about herself, which was rewarding to read in the end. However, I just did not think there was enough going on in this one, so it wasn't for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summer Roommates is a sweet, charming story about unexpected friendships formed and forged later in life. Sandra Pennington has decided to rent out three bedrooms in her home, a sort of bed and breakfast, and from here, friendships begin. I've been on a bit of a Maine kick, so the setting was perfect and well described. This is the fourth novel in Maine author Holly Chamberlin's Yorktide, Maine novels, but you don't have to have read the first three to enjoy this one. This book is ideal for fans of beach reads and women's fiction.. Thank you to #Netgalley and #Kensingtonbooks for an ARC of Summer Roommates in exchange for my honest review!

[Mary Mellgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been five years since Sandra Pennington’s husband passed away. With no family close and her best friend in a care facility, she realizes that her house feels so empty. She decides to rent out her three spare bedrooms for the summer. She hires someone to screen out the candidates and chooses three ladies. They seem so different that she is unsure it will work out. Over arguments and laughter, the women get to know each other and themselves. It is a summer of reflection and making changes to the futures of all four women! Great read!



Thanks to Holly Chamberlin and Kensington books!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this author, and this book felt like it was written by someone else- by a less-experienced writer. There was way too much introspection and narration, and not enough diaglog-driven action. I got bored very easily and admit that I skimmed through many of the introspective chapters.

It seemed totally unrealistic that all of a sudden, without even talking to Patty, Phil became so interested in her!

I did like the fact (when I finally got to the end) that each of the women seemed to have learned something about herself and had grown a bit in the process.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.