Summer on Cape May

by Monica Garner

Set over one summer in the charming seaside resort of Cape May, New Jersey, amid the planning of a lavish wedding three longtime friends find that past secrets, new loves, and hard choices test their bond like never before. Perfect for fans of Rochelle Alers, Rhonda McKnight, and Susan Mallery.

Fast friends since forever, Lu, Kenya, and Natalia share a special love for the historical beach town of Cape May. For Lu, it was a welcome escape from the corporate arena into a simpler life—owning a B&B with her soon-to-be-husband, Zach . . . Kenya fell for Cape May's tranquil shores and believed she and her high school sweetheart would be there together forever . . . And family vineyard owner Natalia feels it’s the perfect place to complete her happy marriage with the baby—or babies—she desperately longs for . . .

But as the trio plans Lu's lavish wedding, the bride-to-be is stunned when the estranged father she thought was dead shows up to make amends—and throws her every certainty about family and love into heartbreaking doubt. Meanwhile, widowed Kenya is drawn to a kind, attractive stranger, even as she wonders if passion is enough to risk her future on. And when Natalia uncovers an unthinkable betrayal, the secrets she and her friends have kept from each other will explode across the long summer nights . . .

Moving and relatable, here is a captivating story of true sisterhood, and the ties that challenge us—and help us heal.

Genres: Romance, Family Drama, Contemporary, Fiction, Summer

321 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2025

Reviews

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet three friends, but friends that keep secrets from each other.

Lu owns a B&B and is engaged to Zach.

Natalia owns a winery and wants a baby but keeps losing them.

Kenya's husband was killed in a car accident.

Then a huge surprise phone call causes Lu's life to spiral. This seems to be a huge secret.

It sounds like everything is out in the open between these three friends, but each friend found out a secret about one of them and a secret they kept to themselves.

They couldn't share these secrets just yet, but how long can they keep them?

We follow the three friends through everything - good and bad.

Found out how it all turns out in this change of pace and a true tribute to friendship read. 4/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This plot does not appeal. Very silly stuff.

Library Loan

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader]

Giving away a copy on my blog next week. https://themarybookreader.blogspot.com/

[Stef · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was such a soap opera; it was just missing the “dun-dun-dun” sound at the end of each chapter. I wasn’t a big fan, but it did keep me entertained.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A sisterhood and secrets novel

My Review: Summer on Cape May by Monica Garner is a contemporary, women's fiction novel. It is scheduled for release on 4/29/25.

About the Book: "...three longtime friends find that past secrets, new loves, and hard choices test their bond like never before."

In My Own Words: A trio of friends have secrets and entangled lives.

My Final Say: Summer on Cape May represents a place where lies persist, lines are crossed, and love becomes the glue that binds a group of friends together.

I really wanted to love this book, but in the end, it was just a like for me. It was an interesting read, with a lot of moving parts. Some of those parts were believable and some were unbelievable.

I did love that the characters were multicultural and that they dealt with emotionally sobering issues.

It took me a minute to warm up to the writing style, truthfully. Also, the pacing was challenging for me, as a reader. I wonder if an audiobook format might set a better tone.

Other: Readers who enjoy stories of friendship and sisterhood, stories on overcoming situations in life, and stories on fresh starts may like this book.

Rating: 3.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Triggers: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: E-book

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Kensington Publishing | Dafina), and to NetGalley for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. I am appreciative for the opportunity. I look forward to reading more from this writer.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer on Cape May
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Monica Garner

I really enjoyed this story of three women all of whom are successful in their careers who have this amazing friendship which ends up being tested through situations that they go through such as grief, adultery, and found family.

I loved these women (Natalia, Lu and Kenya) and wanted to join their Friday evening dinners at Lu’s Seaside Inn on beautiful Cape May. As someone, that appreciates the coastal towns along the Jersey shore I loved that this book was set there. You should add this book to your summer TBR.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting even 1/4 of the shocks and secrets this book delivered!
I loved the setting of the beach of Cape May and the friendships of Lu. Kenya, and Natalia.
However, I didn’t think it was cool some of the secrets that the friends shared to others and even the unintended recipient.
I thought Kenya definitely deserved to know what had been withheld from her because it might have helped her recovery.
Lu receives 2 huge secrets but navigates both successfully.
Natalia gets the biggest shock and I thought it was bad but in the long run she’s better off with the results.
Friends who have your back are hard to find but even they can mess up sometimes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advance copies.

[Kimyatta Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Which is worse - being betrayed by your mother, your wife, your fiance’ or your best friend?
Lu, Kenya and Natalia are doing their best to live the lives they have and the ones they want. Then, there’s a shake up! One after another, the friends are dealt some interesting cards. But...what do they do? How will they handle these fractures? This story has a few moving parts but it all goes together well. I quite enjoyed the story and loved getting to know the friends and seeing them through their ups and downs. The author does throw a curveball or two when you least expect it so be prepared!

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Received through Goodreads in the book giveaways. I thought it was a really good book and easy light reading. Would be a great book to bring to the beach. I am hoping there will be a book #2 with the 3 friends. Monica Garner did a great job…my favorite part of this book was that there were no ridiculous bedroom antics. I swear the other books I’m reading are so full of steamy, raunchy, sex…that I eye-rolled them while reading through those parts, so I really enjoyed that the author didn’t have to go there to get a point across. There were some love scenes but the author gave subtle hints as to what was going on and let the reader use their own imagination on what was happening. Highly recommend!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

An enjoyable beach read/summer women's fiction story about the lives of three friends who are navigating losses, infidelity, unexpected pregnancies and more. This was good on audio and is sure to appeal to fans of authors like Shirlene Obuobi or Brenda Novak. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital, audio and #gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!

⚠️CW: infidelity, miscarriage

[On_a_sandbar (Carol) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review to come. This was not what I expected, even with the description. There were some flaws, a few things that irked me, and some dragging out that had me skimming.

[Cindy Feigert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story of three friends who share their lives while living in Cape May. They each have their dramas and their strong friendship carries them through. I would consider this a good "beach read "

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @_monica.writes @uplitreads and @kensingtonbooks for these gifted books
Thank you @librofm for the gifted audiobook.

This summery, beachy cover did not prepare me for the unexpected drama and secrets that were about to unfold in this story! The twists and reveals kept me turning pages, eager to uncover the next revelation.

This book skillfully delved into the complexities of female friendship and sisterhood. The three women at the heart of the story navigated a web of secrets, relationship issues, family troubles, loss, infidelity, and personal aspirations, all set against the backdrop of picturesque Cape May. Their struggles were emotional, so it was easy to be drawn into their world.

Secrets abound in this book, and betrayals come from every angle—mother, wife, fiancé, and even these best friends! I found myself becoming invested in the journeys of these three friends: Lu, Kenya, and Natalia. I empathized with some of their decisions, while others crossed lines and betrayed trust.

An engaging story with multiple life situations going on at once, a whole lot of drama, and a trio of friends being put to the test.



🎧I believe this is my first time listening to Jasmin Walker's narration. She did a great job adding feeling and emotion to the characters.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lu finds out her mother was not truthful to her about her father and now her fiancé has not been completely truthful to her either. Will their long planned wedding take place?

Kenya lost her husband in a accident, or was it suicide? Either way she was left out of decisions that she should have been party to. Now a new man in her life wants her and she's not sure she can do a relationship again.

Nathalia wants to be a mother in the worst way. After a miscarriage, she finds her husband's old lover and mother of his child is still in contact with her husband. Can they move forward after this loss and betrayal?

All three women are guilty of keeping information from each other, and sharing information with others that they were sworn to secrecy to keep. Their rock solid girl group is now shattering as truths come to the surface and each of them feels betrayed by the others.

Three different stories for these three different women. After being close friends for ages, can they work through their individual issues and be there for each other?

I enjoyed this book. Although it begins a bit slowly, the book finds its legs and scampers forward quickly. A wonderful resolution for all three women.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable, and very drama filled, book set at the beach with three best friends.

I’ll start by saying that sometimes I dont enjoy a ton of personal drama in a book, but the drama works here. It really pulled me into the story.

This book is first and foremost about friendship.
Lu, Kenya, and Natalie are best friends. They are closer than blood. They’d do anything for each other, but they’re also keeping massively huge secrets from each other.

I loved the setting of this book. It’s set on a beach, mainly at Lu’s B&B, on the beach in Cape May.

Lu is about to get married when her father contacts her. This is a huge deal because Lu’s mom told her that her father died when she was a child.
When she decides to meet with him, she uncovers a whole can of worms about her mom.

Kenya is a young widow who is a successful lawyer. She’s working on a murder case.

Natalie has been obsessively trying to have a baby with her husband Nic.

Absolutely everything these women thought they knew will be tested. A lot of ties will be tested.

But these three women have been getting together every Friday for years to talk and enjoy dinner. They should be up to any challenge right?

Well, buckle up, you’re about to find out.

[Megan Taylor]

I enjoyed reading about these three women, and the beautiful friendship they shared. Some of the secrets they kept from each other were awful, and some I wasn't sure why they didn't just come clean. All of them made me mad though! However, the author managed to write this story in a way that reminded me that we are all human, we all make mistakes, and there is true power in forgiveness and honesty.

I loved Lu's story the most, as she navigated her engagement to a wonderful man, Zach...who also was keeping a secret. And a big secret from her childhood was also revealed. But Lu handled these things with such grace.

Kenya was grieving, and I felt so much sympathy for her as she worked through her summer of moving on, with the love and support of her best friends.

Natalia's story was the worst for me. Her husband's attitude and behavior was gross and he was far and away my least favorite character!

I think this book is worth picking up, especially if you're a fan of stories that celebrate the value and joy of strong female friendships!

*Thank you to UpLit Reads and Kensington books for the copy of this book to read and review!

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer on Cape May by Monica Garner is more than a summer read or a beach read. The novel explores friendship, strength, and trust. Lu, Kenya and Natalia are besties. They get together weekly sharing a meal, companionship, and feelings.

While their friendship is a key element, their living on the beach at Cape May is also one of the key elements for the book. However, secrets are another element. Each of the women is inadvertently placed in a situation where they know a secret that should be shared with one of the others, but they don’t. So when the secrets come out - which we all know they will - the information shatters their friendship.

The novel has strong female characters and while I appreciated them all, I was not liking any one character more than the others. This is a novel that if you are a foodie, the food described might be something for you. The novel reminded me that even the most together person has areas of self doubt and confusion like the rest of us! Summer on Cape May by Monica Garner is a good read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores the question is it ever ok to keep something from a friend. Set in a beautiful location this is a story of friendship and what happens when truths withheld are revealed. Lu, Kenya, and Natalia are more than friends, they are as close as sisters. But each knows something that they are keeping from the others. When the truth is revealed the confrontation and aftermath are painful for everyone involved. Will the friendships survive? Set on the beach in Cape May it is a beautiful setting for a book. The characters are strong successful women that are struggling with a piece of life that is important to them. I enjoyed meeting the characters and watching them work to figure out what and who is really important to them. I recommend adding this book to your summer reading #tbr if you enjoy stories in a beautiful setting that explore difficult questions and celebrates friendships and found family.

Thanks to UpLit and the publisher for providing a gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Adrianna | cozycraftyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful story of friendship through thick and thin. From perspectives of three close friends (multiple POVs) you follow each of their journeys, their separate struggles, and their care for each other.

I really enjoyed each of their stories and the connections between the three. It was easy to follow, and the transitions between characters were easy to follow.

Watching the friends keep secrets from each other, even if well intentioned, was a little difficult to see. But seeing them work through it and forgive each other…..absolutely heartwarming.

Overall, if you’re looking for a quick summer read with some depth to it, this one is for you. It was a tribute to friendship.

🛑 There were some difficult subjects that were broached, so I would recommend checking out any warnings before starting.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @_monica.writes and @uplitreads . However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this time of year when all the beach reads start coming out.

Fast friends since forever, Lu, Kenya, and Natalia share a special love for the historical beach town of Cape May. These three friends are very different but they have a tight bond. That is until the secrets start to come out. Can their friendship survive?

I enjoyed these three ladies. They each have their own issues. Lu has just discovered that her father is alive. Her mother told her he died years ago. Natalia’s husband is having an affair. And Kenya is newly widowed and struggling with her grief. Not only are these big issues but each lady is harboring a different secret from the others. And as you can guess…it all comes out!

This is a bit predictable but I enjoyed these three ladies, the setting, secrets and drama!

Need a story about lies, betrayal and true friendship…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[Cheryl Durham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished. I wanted to read something a little light-hearted as well as meaningful. It didn’t disappoint. This read looks at the long time friendship of Lu, Natalia and Kenya. Each has a unique personality. Their friendship had weathered the typical growing pains of age-old relationships. There had been much forgiveness and trust. They always made time for one another and shared so many unspoken secrets. It goes to show that true sisterhood is a gift to the heart.

Here, at Camp May, NJ, they would gather once again. Lu is getting married. During such a joyous occasion, the trio, would once again be challenged with revelations that could change them forever. Are they ready? Is Lu ready to deal with a revelation that the father whom she thought was dead….was estranged? Is widowed Kenya ready to give love another try? Is the friendship strong enough to handle the betrayal that Natalia uncovers? No spoilers here. Enjoy the read just as I did.

[Carley Felder · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Set over one summer in the charming seaside resort of Cape May, New Jersey, amid the planning of a lavish wedding three longtime friends find that past secrets, new loves, and hard choices test their bond like never before."

This book had everything I could've wished for in a book, although it didn't deliver how I'd hoped. A Jersey girl through and through, I will truly read just about anything if it takes place within this state, especially if it takes place somewhere I frequent often. This book had very sweet moments between friends, but their fall out and make-ups felt rushed and unrealistic. I also feel like the second half of the book was rushed just to fit in the wedding and anything that came after that in the timeline.

This would be a perfect beach read if you want something quick and breezy to read that leaves you feeling warm inside!

[Latasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monica Garner’s “Summer on Cape May” goes beyond being a light summer read. It delves into the profound bonds of friendship, strength, and trust through the lives of Lu, Kenya, and Natalia, three inseparable friends who cherish weekly meals and personal connections.

The book’s central themes revolve around the profound bond between the women, their idyllic beachside lives in Cape May, and the intricate web of secrets they weave. However, as these secrets are gradually uncovered, the very foundation of their friendship is shattered by the harsh light of truth.

This one had a lot of drama going on. No one was perfect in this story but all three were trying their best to do the right things. Each woman’s situation is explained as they all try to move forward with their lives.

Such a fun book that will have you longing for true friendship and the beach!

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a warm, emotionally rich novel about three lifelong friends, Lu, Kenya, and Natalia and as the summer unfolds in Cape May, long-held secrets emerge, challenging the trio's friendship and forcing them to confront truths about themselves and each other.

Monica Garner does a beautiful job capturing the complexity of friendship and the strength it takes to grow through life’s unexpected twists. The Cape May setting is absolutely beautiful! It doesn't feel just like a setting but as a character itself! This is definitely a thought provoking read! It will have you thinking about the bonds you have in your life and how they affect you and the secrets that can both divide and unite.

Overall its an honest, heartfelt, and full of heart story, that would be a great start for your summer reading! Thank you Uplit Reads and Monica Garner for sharing this book with me!

[Michelle Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read about a strong friendship among 3 women, all in different stages of their lives. This is the first book I have read by this author. I wasn't sure if I would like the book, but I was surprisingly shocked at how much I did like it. I am a reader of all things Colleen Hoover and Lucy Score, and this was a very different read. However, the obstacles and challenges that the 3 friends face along the way keep the reader hooked. I found myself rooting for their friendship to stay strong and for everything to shake out in their favor! No spoilers here, so you'll have to read it yourself to find out about all the challenges they face and if their friendship can survive what life throws at them! Thank you to the publisher for my copy of this book! I enjoyed it, and these opinions are my own after reading the book.

[Courtney Halverson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lifelong friends Lu, Kenya, and Natalia share deep ties to the seaside town of Cape May, where each has built a life filled with hope and hidden heartache. As Lu prepares for her dream wedding, the sudden reappearance of her long-lost father shatters her sense of family. Widowed Kenya wrestles with the possibility of new love, and Natalia’s world unravels when she discovers a devastating betrayal. Over one tumultuous summer, the friends’ secrets and desires collide, testing their bonds and redefining what love and loyalty truly mean.
I got about 50 pages in and the writing style just felt very choppy to me and I was having a hard time getting into the plot. There were so many lies and secrets right off the bat for this group of friends that made it feel like they weren't actually that good of friends.

[Pinki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about friendship, trust and forgiveness.

Lu, Kenya, and Natalia are best friends who are more like sisters living in Cape May. Despite their busy lives, they always find time for each other and are there to support one another. However, unspoken secrets threaten their trust and friendship.

I love the strong sisterly bond these characters share and how their friendship is portrayed. Their reactions to revealed secrets were understandable. They were trying to do what was best for them and trying to move forward.

I love the beach setting, making it the perfect beach read. I enjoyed the food descriptions in the book. However, the pacing was quite slow. Overall, I liked reading this book.

[Jorie April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I won this book in giveaway, I would not have purchased it. It’s more of a library loan but a good summer season read. I’m not a reader reader, it was way too many chapters to my liking, some really could have been condensed. This book made me want to travel or go on a vacation. I would love to visit Cape May, but the description in the book sounded like it could’ve been on any beach, B&B, or winery. Lu, Natalia and Kenya spend the summer processing emotions, rebuilding trust, and healing to move forward. I can see this being a TVone or BETHer movie. A lot of betrayal, sad its from the people closest to you, like mother, besties, or spouse. Once the secrets and issues of each friend came out it lost my interest, but it picks back up to towards the end.

[koyyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three friends with different situations in their life that they need to overcome. From love, forgiveness, honesty, importance of friendship, grief and finding peace in their life by overcoming their difficult circumstances.
I love this book in a way that it gives me a chill read because of the theme that its in a beach. I appreciate the smooth transition of different POV's it did not come out as confusing, also I like how its kinda fast paced read but it does not feel like its forced to finish the book.
I would recommend this book if you want a chill read and that can relate to your experiences in life.