Summer Guest

by Emma Hannigan

Perfect for fans of Maeve Binchy, a lovely, warm, Irish family saga of three generations of women coming together one magical summer in the small seaside town of Caracove Bay . Lexi and her husband Sam have put their heart and soul into renovating No. 3 Cashel Square. Lexi's mother thinks it's high time they had a baby, but Lexi's thriving art gallery keeps her more than busy. Plus her headstrong niece Amelie seems to have practically moved in. And then, just as summer arrives, a mysterious stranger knocks on the door. Kathleen Williams has come from America, longing to see the house in Cashel Square where she was born, over sixty years ago. Kathleen's visit is tinged with sadness but she finds comfort and laughter with Lexie and Amelie. Soon the three women are sharing their hearts, tears and secrets, little knowing their unexpected friendship will touch them all in more ways than they can imagine...

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Ireland, Amazon

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Emma Hannigan was an Irish author and blogger, best known for writing about her experience of suffering from cancer.

With a family history of breast and ovarian cancer, Hannigan's mother and maternal aunt tested positive for the responsible gene, BRCA1. She also received a 'positive' result in August 2005, which carries an 85% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer. In 2006, Hannigan underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy (or both breasts removed) and a bi-lateral oopherectomy (or both ovaries removed) to reduce the risk of cancer developing to 5%. However, breast cancer soon developed, "in the neck, shoulder and under my arm", in 2007. After repeated treatment, a tumor always reappeared. She died at age 45 after her tenth battle with cancer.

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved this book! The audio was narrated in a lovely soft lilting Irish accent - the only drawback being that the female narrator (whose name I stupidly did not make note of) did not do a good job of the men's parts.....but other than that she was delightful to listen to.

Lexi and Sam are a golden couple. She is still madly in love with her husband Sam as her 40th birthday approaches, and he with her. Lexi manages a thriving art gallery and spoils her teenage niece Amelie and Down's Syndrome godson Kalvin. Lexi and Sam are in agreement that they do not want children of their own. But Lexi's mother Pauline has a few things to say about that.....that and the fact that Lexi does not want a big birthday bash.

And then, just as summer arrives, a mysterious stranger knocks on the door. Kathleen Williams has come from America, longing to see the house in Cashel Square where she was born, over sixty years earlier. Before long Kathleen is ensconced in the basement flat and touching the lives of all she meets with her love and kindness.

This is a real 'feel good' read and I just loved it. I will be looking out others by the same author.

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a delightful book this was to read.

Happily married couple.
Wife coming up to her 40th birthday.

No fuss!

Meanwhile restoring a beautiful cottage.

A lovely sweet twist in the tail…..I didn’t need anything else in my life, just this.

Lovely summer read if you are looking for a great story that also has body to it.

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had mixed thoughts about this novel. I had to really work at suspending disbelief to accept that Lexie would so easily invite a complete stranger into her home, as she did when Kathleen knocks on her door. Sure there were extenuating circumstances in that Kathleen had been born in the house on Cashel Square sixty years earlier, and had lived there for the first years of her life but even so. And then Lexie and Sam invite her to stay. I don’t consider that a spoiler as the title virtually gives that away anyway. Kathleen had not been back to Caracove Bay and Cashel Square since she was a child. Her life was in America with her husband Jackson, who was portrayed beautifully.
Lexie also shares her home at times with her niece Amelie. Despite Lexie’s comment that Amelie was ‘a great kid’ which others in the story reiterated, I did not agree. I thought she was a selfish brat. As for Lexie’s mother Penelope, she was an interfering old bat. I’m glad I never had a mother like that. And I spent a lot of the time not that fussed on Lexie either. One minute she was generous to a complete stranger but a lot of the time she was selfish. When it came to Amelie Lexie was, at times, irresponsible. The character I most liked was Kathleen. She was lovely, as was Jackson. And I felt sorry for Lexie’s husband Sam. I didn’t think he was allowed much of a hearing from Lexie on the subject of changing plans and having a child.
Despite not being able to relate to or even like some of the main characters, I still enjoyed the novel and the way relationships develop and issues are dealt with. It is the second book I have read by this author and while I didn’t rate it as highly as The Secrets We Share, I thought it was a still a pleasant way to spend a few hours and I had some teary eyes towards the end.

[Lydia Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure this was going to me quite ‘my thing’ but had high hopes for it after reading all the reviews & was after something light & easy for the summer. I was disappointed. It is really well written & has a good plot (& interesting sub-plots) & the characters are all 3D & believable. For me though the problem was it was too depressing; angsty teenagers, major marital problems, recent widowhood & serious illness don’t for me a light read make!!

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, charming and light-hearted read that's bound to warm your heart.
The Summer Guest touches on a few deeper, more challenging issues, but it's done in a gentle and sympathetic manner.
Overall, it's an easy and enjoyable read.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a beautiful cover this is! It is brilliantly summery and makes you want to sit and sip a lovely long drink in the garden.

This book has wonderful descriptions of the home, family and life. You can immerse yourself in the descriptions and almost see yourself there in the book with the characters.

The story is about Kathleen, an American who has returned to her home of Ireland after spending the majority of her years in the States. She returns to her home town and visits her old home from her childhood. There she meets Lexi and Sam who are the owners of the house now.

Lexi and Sam are a lovely couple, they have very successful careers and have a lovely home. They have recently renovated the basement and are looking to find a lodger soon. Kathleen turns up and they get on so well, Lexi and Sam offer her the basement for her stay while she is in Ireland.

Amelia is Lexi's niece and is having a hard time at home and being a teenager is never easy. Lexi and Amelia get on very well and she takes her under her wing. I particularly liked Amelia's voice in the book and thought this was a nice alternative to the other characters in the story. I do think though towards the end Amelia's voice was lost a bit and this was a shame.

I think this book is very middle aged, it covers topics for women who are middle aged and the topics could be very real, this maybe why I felt I couldn't connect so well to this book as others Hannigan has written.

The story is very enjoyable, however I don't think an awful lot happens in it and I was waiting for something major to happen which didn't. It is a lovely story - very nice and nice is the only word I can describe it as, nothing makes it go pop and there is little excitement in it. It is quite a slow paced novel, one you can pick up and put down after a period of time and still know what is going on.

I have read a few books by Emma Hannigan now and unfortunately this has been my least favourite.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me this in exchange for a honest review.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm prepared to read anything and that's why I'm prepared to plough through some of these types of novels – but every time I get to the end I wonder why I bothered.

If your fantasy world is one where people have to face crises and however much it might hurt they come out of it all fortified ('That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger' – Nietzsche); if you like your characters to come out of a Disney fairy tale rather than those of the Brothers Grimm; if for you a cup of tea (rather than a couple of large gin and tonics) will resolve any crisis; if coincidences are interpreted as something paranormal; if the answer to strong female characters is to litter the novel with stereotypes and two dimensional clones; if you generally look at the world through rose tinted glasses then this is the book for you.

But not for me.

Yes there are a couple of twists at the end but I just found them, in a sense, predictable. There could only have been two options and if the author had chosen the other the story wouldn't have been greatly changed.

A good Catholic book as although there might be times when the family structure is been put under pressure the family always wins out in the end, for the best of all concerned.

I don't think we live in a world with such perfect people and don't think I would like it if we did.

Goodreads First Reads winner

[Lindsey Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read, one of those grab a cup of tea and a blanket kind of books, or a holiday read. A book to just meander through. A really nice well written story that plays out perfectly without being too fluffy or twee.

[Janet Emson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sent a copy of this book by the publishers and this is my honest review.

Lexie and Sam have been happily married for 17 years and have spent most of that time lovingly restoring their home, affectionately recognised as a money pit. After an accident left her unable to carry on her career, Lexie opened a gallery which has become her pride and joy. She puts up with her overbearing mother and often spends time with her teenage niece, Amelie. She is delighted when she receives a letter from Kathleen asking if she can visit her childhood home. The two soon strike up a friendship, made all the more close when Kathleen moves into their 'granny annex'.

I did struggle to get into this book in places. I didn't warm to Lexie who I felt came across as nice and kind one minute, then selfish the next. Her and Sam battle over whether or not to have a child and her resolute refusal to discuss it grated on me. That said I am heavily pregnant at the time of reading and reviewing so that may have some influence on my viewpoint!

Each of the characters were distinct and I was left with clear opinions on all of them, which to me is always a positive. Better to love or loath a character than be indifferent to them. I liked Kathleen and Sam, and felt more on Sam's 'side' than Lexie's. His reaction to the situation he and Lexie find themselves in seemed more natural to me. I also liked the character of Maia, Lexie's best friend, who is blunt to the point of rudeness but to me was portrayed in a funny and quirky light. I did however detest the character of Amelie, Lexie's niece, and was always bewildered when another character said what a nice girl she was. She just appeared to me to be spoiled by Lexie and self-centred.

Overall I thought this was a gentle-paced, easy and quick read, something to take to the pool or beach perhaps.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexie’s relationship with her mother Penelope is strained but with her approaching 40th birthday, it reaches a crisis that she doesn’t manage very well and with best friend Maia pregnant, Sam moving the goal posts and niece Amelie relying on her to rescue her, Lexie’s perfect life is falling into chaos.

Kathleen is a point of stability and balance, sharing her wisdom and enlisting her in the things she promised Jackson she would do while visiting her childhood home at No. 3 Cashel Square.

I found The Summer Guest a gently paced and inspiring read.

With a 3rd person narrative, I found it easy to get into our character’s minds and emotions. I identified with the three generations – where they were in their lives and the life choices they were making. My favourite however, has to be Kathleen. I admired her strength and her positive outlook. The rainbows were just awesome!

Caracove Bay and its inhabitants became a part of my life. I was there, dealing with Lexie’s customers in the art gallery, meeting Sam in the fish restaurant on the promenade and just as excited as Lexie at the change to the spare room! My favourite scene though is with Kathleen and Lexie picnicking in the undergrowth … the contrast between the lashing rain and the seclusion seemed quite magical.

Emma Hannigan shows us that facing fears and the sadness that may bring can also be uplifting and empowering. No matter the changes that happen to our ‘life plan’ we are adaptable and with friends by our side, nothing is insurmountable.

I read The Summer Guest as a Lovereading reviewing panel member. I would like to thank them for providing a paperback in exchange in for an honest review.

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I defy anyone who reads this book not to warm to the characters within the pages, this is a book to read for the pure pleasure of meeting some lovely people, to worry with them as they try to sort out everyday problems a book where even when things are difficult there is hope that on the next page that all will be resolved.

The characters include Kathleen Williams who is returning to Ireland for a three month stay. Her first visit since she left as an eight year old girl. Instantly she meets the friendly people and sets about tracking down the house she lived in as a child. Number 3, Cashel Square is owned by Lexie and her husband Sam who welcome their guest with open arms. During her stay she gets to know the couple’s family and friends including Lexie’s niece Am̗élie who is supposed to be studying but is keener on her boyfriend. The chapters are interspersed with excerpts from Am̗élie’s diary making this a truly multi-generational novel.

Perfect for a summer read which is billed for lovers of Maeve Binchy which I endorse. This isn’t a book which is all lightness and fluff, there are some serious issues explored but overall I closed the book with an overriding feeling of hope.

I'd like to thank The Lovereading Review Team who gave me a copy of this book in return for an honest opinion.

[karmaforlifechick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of The Summer Guest by Emma Hannigan in exchange for an honest review.

Lexi and Sam seems to have everything they want from life, great jobs, a great house that they've poured their soul into and each other. But as life goes on all their friends seem to be having babies and the expectation level for them to take the next step in their lives is making them wonder if their original decision was right to begin with. Kathleen is visiting Ireland with a list of three things that she hopes to accomplish and Lexi and Sam's home was where she spent her early childhood years. Together the two formed a friendship that came at a time when they both needed it most. This book was very emotional for me and by midway through to the end I had to take frequent breaks. It was very hard to read Lexi's take on everyone's expectation for her and Sam, and how easy it was for our judgment to intervene in the lives of others. The author introduces a perspective I had never considered and although I do have friends who choose not to have children I never paid much thought into the expectation of society and how difficult it must be to know how they may be perceived. Totally eye-opening and a must read.

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

There were too many ???!!!??? moments in the first 30% to make me want to read on. Shallow, self-centred individuals who are materialistic and money-minded. The elderly woman from the US was just too far-fetched for my liking.

[Lauren Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but I just didn’t love it.. will read this author again though!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, I'm going to begin my review by swooning over Emma's stunning cover for The Summer Guest. Take a look, readers. Isn't it just sublime? Everything about that cover is what I LOVE. The gorgeous blue sky, the pretty garden seats. It reminds me of beautiful summers spent sitting in the garden, with the sun shining down, laughing, eating and drinking wine. I can't swoon over this cover more, even if I tried. It is such an eye-catcher.

I found The Summer Guest to be a smooth, easy read, but Emma still managed to slip in some real-life issue that really gave the story a bit of "oopmh!" Some dramatic, some happy and some just plain sob-inducing. With these real-life issues added to the mix, as well the warm, homely undertone that rolled through it too, I was hooked.

Emma's characters were wonderfully put together, and I found them all to be true delight. I became so involved with them that I was quite concerned about what Emma had planned for them. You have Lexie and Sam, the young, gorgeous couple who are living happily in their newly renovated home, No.3 Cashel Square. You have Kathleen, who travels all the way from America to visit her childhood home. There's a real sense of nostalgia when it comes to Kathleen, which at times made me teary eye but then at other times made me smile in happiness. As well as those fantastic characters, there's also Lexie's hormone-charged teenage niece, Amelie, who reminded me so much of my own sister. At a time in her life where exams are taking over, stress is ruling and friends have a huge influence, it's a good job Amelie has her auntie Lexie to try and keep control of things. I adored the relationship between Amelie and Lexie, it was so lovely to witness. There's a wonderful mix of people involved in this adorable story and it was just an absolute pleasure to read.

Emma Hannigan creates such cosy and picturesque settings, I just wanted to live in this story and meet all of these fabulous characters. Perfectly written with a twisting story-line that will grab hold of your heart in its hands.

The Summer Guest by Emma Hannigan is receiving a rating of 5/5 from Becca's Books - this is going to be a MUST to read during the summer, sitting in the garden and sipping a glass of wine.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also posted on my blog http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...

The Summer Guest has a stunning cover and the writing is just as beautiful and warm to match. Although The Summer Guest touched on some serious issues, this was on the whole, a light easy read. So maybe not the perfect choice if you’re after drama but for a gorgeous, feel good read which gently covers the realities of growing up, I couldn’t think of a much better choice.

It was the people in this book that made it for me. I loved how everyone we met was kind and friendly – from the main characters to simply the taxi drivers. It really gave this book a positive, uplifting vibe which was a joy to read.

Kathleen was probably my favourite character and I loved her spirit and how she always had a great lease of life, despite some upsetting stages in her life. She teaches you to value and appreciate everybody in your life without being pushy and forcing her views onto others. Amelie was another character I loved – her relationship with Lexie and seeing her character develop were two highlights of this book for me.

Friendship was the biggest theme in The Summer Guest and I thought this was written in a stunning fashion. I loved seeing Kathleen and how she could befriend anyone! Watching the friendships grow made for a beautiful story and the direction Emma takes this novel in is faultless.


4.5/5.

*Book gifted for honest review.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could have given this book more than 5 stars I would have. It's a brilliantly written book set in Ireland, bringing 2 generations of people together with a house in common.

Kathleen moved to America as a young girl, now she's much older and recently widowed, she returns to Ireland as a promise to her husband, and visits the house she used to live in.

Lexie and Sam are in their late 30's/early 40's and they live in the house Kathleen used to live in.

Between them they create a great friendship over the Summer which Kathleen spends in Ireland.

Add in Lexie's strong willed Mother, adoring Father, a Niece who's going off the rails, a crazy friend and the gallery Lexie owns and the story is complete.

A story of revisiting the past, making new friends, healing and making decisions.

I got totally engrossed in the story and laughed and cried in equal measure.

This is a great book and well worth a read. I must go and get more of Emma's books to read.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book by Emma Hannigan - only the second book I have read by this author. Set in Ireland it follows Lexie and Sam who have bought an old property which they are restoring. Then Kathleen arrives from the US and it turns out she used to live in Lexie and Sams house years before. The extended family members brought the story to life. Had some sad parts which brought a tear to my eye. Very well written.

[Adeline Kam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book is when you can't seem to put it down and you are so absorbed into the story...imagining you are at the places described in the book itself. Exactly how I felt about this book. I imagined myself at Caracove Bay, Lexie's Gallery, the garden at the basement, Connemara and No. 3 Cashel Square. Drinking tea and eating scones with the characters in this book. Kudos to the late Emma Hannigan for such a beautifully written book. I am definitely looking out for all her other books.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summer Guest is an excellent book, Emma Hannigan positions the characters in such a way that you can't help but identify with each of them.

This is a lovely read which also touches on some deeper subjects, regardless of the characters age they all had their own individual struggles & the support offered between them is heart warming.

Would I recommend this book... 100% - 5 stars from me.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book didnt think I would I like it but enjoyed this story about an older woman who lives in orlando and visits ireland and befriends a couple whos house she wanted to see again its a heartfelt story well written book.

[Sheryl Maree Akintola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer rainbows that warm the heart

What an absolutely delightful story - I loved every DAMN page of this book! Highly recommended and I'm looking forward to reading more, by Emma Bennigan.

[Eileen Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two and a half stars is how I would rate this book. It is a very easy pleasurable read. Not too deep, perfect for a light read.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely gentle book 7/10. Full review on blog : www.candysbookcase.wordpress.com

[Gurdeep Assi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written, poignant and inspiring. Great characters and setting, definitely a page-turner!

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely read

This was a delightful read about friends and family. I really enjoyed it. Whilst it’s an easy read it really kept my interest the whole way through.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proof copy originally reviewed for Lovereading. “The Summer Guest”is an addictive read. The story revolves around a young Irish woman called Lexie, her friends, family and her unexpected guest. Lexie is about to turn 40 (a similar age to myself) and finds herself at a crossroads in life with big changes on the horizon and decisions to be made that will effect everyone around her. Although Lexie's lifestyle is very different to mine, I could relate to her on many levels. The unexpected summer guest of the title is an elderly lady from the States who has returned to Ireland to revisit her childhood haunts. She touches the lives of all who meet her, including that of the reader in my case! All the characters are well described and despite any of their more negative characteristics were endearing, the kind of people I would love to meet. This novel is very uplifting. Reading it brought both tears of joy and laughter. I thoroughly recommend “The Summer Guest”.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the stories of the characters, and the way in which they are interwoven. The ending, which I didn't expect, was very moving. It surprised me but, at the same time, it made sense and I think it was perfect to provide closure.

The only thing I can say against this book is that part of the plot was very predictable. The first time Lexie's stay in France is mentioned, it's very clear what it is that happened in France. I think this could have been told in a better way. Also, the summary of the book that's on the back contains a spoiler about Kathleen, I can't understand that they did this.

All in all, this is a very entertaining and moving book that I really enjoyed reading.

[Judith Falkner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Excruciating
That one word was my original review but I decided to justify my reasoning. One dimensional characters did not appeal to me, either so so nice or thoroughly irritating. Too much mundane description. Writers are allowed to set the scene and atmosphere especially in an unusual environment but utterly unremarkable places do not require pages of prose about nothing in particular. There were hints that secrets were ahead but by page 68 I had lost the will to live and I had no wish to proceed any further.

[Marie (UK) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely not literature but it fits into easy reading and chick lit quite nicely. Everything is just peachy for most of the book and the saccharine levels rise throughout. Even Amelie as the rebellious teen is far from the teen from hell. The characters are varied and I enjoyed the read