Summer on the River

by Marcia Willett

As summer beckons, Evie’s family gathers once more at the beautiful old riverside house they all adore. But when Evie discovers a secret that threatens their future, a shadow falls over them all: this summer by the river could be their last together . . .

For Charlie, a visit home to see stepmother Evie is an escape from his unhappy marriage in London. Until a chance encounter changes everything: in the space of a moment, he meets a woman by the river, falls in love, and his two worlds collide.

As Evie and Charlie struggle to keep their secrets safe, they long for the summer to never end . . . Can the happiness of one summer last for ever?

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Romance, Chick Lit, British Literature, Summer, Womens Fiction

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2015

About the author

Marcia Willett began her career as a novelist when she was fifty years old. Since that first novel Marcia has written twenty more under her own name as well as a number of short stories. She has also written four books under the pseudonym "Willa Marsh", and is published in more than sixteen countries.
Marcia Willett's early life was devoted to the ballet, but her dreams of becoming a ballerina ended when she grew out of the classical proportions required. She had always loved books, and a family crisis made her take up a new career as a novelist - a decision she had never regretted.

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Evie has been left a house, known as the Merchant’s House, in Dartmouth. She has inherited it from her former lover, later to be husband Tommy. Ange, who is married to Tommy’s son Charlie, is aghast that the house has been left to Evie instead of Charlie. But Tommy has his reasons as both Evie and the reader discover as the story progresses. Charlie loves to visit the old house where his friend Ben, is now living after he split up from his wife. Evie, meanwhile is still living in the Boathouse nearby and happy for Ben to live in the Merchant’s House. Things are always uncomfortable when Ange and Charlie visit together. Ange prefers London. That doesn’t stop her feeling resentful that Evie owns the house she believes should be Charlie’s and worse, that Ben is living in it. One time when Charlie comes down on his own he meets Jemima and and instant love or attraction whatever you want to call it flares up. But there is Ange. What are Jemima and Charlie to do? And when the secret Tommy left behind is uncovered what difference will that make to the people who love this place and the house? There is also a person bent on revenge for the past.
This is a book about friendship, expectations, loss and love. I struggled with this book for several reasons. One was the main character Evie, and her casual attitude towards affairs. She has over the years had affairs with two already married men, Russell and later, Tommy. Tommy is affectionately known as TDF, which is cringe worthy when the reader learns what the letters stand for. The setting of this book is beautiful but I found the characters shallow and some of them added nothing to the story. I could not relate to any of them.
‘What a lovely read!’ someone had written inside my copy of this library book. It just may be that comment that kept me reading to see what I was missing. Several times I considered putting it down and moving on to something else. Despite misgivings I persisted, with a bit of skimming, to the end. The end itself is a non-event. In the past, before I was on Goodreads, I had read and enjoyed a couple of other Marcia Willett books. This one left me wishing I had not bothered. Others, like the writer of the quote I mentioned, may enjoy it but it was just not for me. I was left thoroughly disappointed.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Marcia Willett when my favorite Author Rosamunde Pilcher stopped writing and I'm so glad I did. She writes amazing English novels and have enjoyed all of hers.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't mind this book and the English narrator added the authenticity to the characters.
My only thing with this was the end. There sort of wasn't one. It finishes off leaving everybody up in the air. It's like - "what? but........ do they end up together, what happens to him, does she move, etc?" I haven't come across too many like that and I don't particularly like it. You just have to assume.
The story itself is quite entertaining and the characters are fun. It's all very believable and a nice, easy read.

[Beachreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Summer on the River has a beautiful impressionist cover illustration. Who wouldn't want to spend a summer day on the banks of this river. The title and cover invite the reader to enter this bucolic scene. But do not be fooled by this, because the tone of the book is not really evocative of this serenity.

Evie, a former college English professor and successful author of English civil war period novels, lives in a boathouse on the river in Dartmouth. Her husband Tommy has died and left her the Merchant's House across the road where several family members and an old friend congregate each summer for Regatta.

Character development and sense of place are the strengths of this book, though the writing is overly descriptive at times. It is a slow paced story, and it took me three days to read the last three or four chapters because by that point I really didn't care how it ended.

Evie is a person with no moral values when it comes to choosing whom to have affairs with. She has had two affairs with married men, and she justifies her role in this by saying they kept their affairs compartmentalized, completely separate from the man's wife and children. There are ramifications of this that come to light in the story and yield a dark tone to the idyllic life in Dartmouth.

I didn't care for most of the characters except Ben, the cousin who lived in the Merchant's House. There were at least ten characters in the story that were given their own third person voice. I think at least two of them (the little girl Maisie and her mum) were unnecessary. Several relationships were awkwardly contrived.

When Charlie and Jemima meet, the author actually writes "... [s]he knows nothing will ever be quite the same again." Each character expresses this, as does a third character when he sees them together. Isn't that just a bit over the top? Such a melodramatic expression for a 2015 novel.

Overall I was disappointed by this book. I don't actually recall if I've read this author before, but I certainly won't be looking for any of her other books.

Two stars mainly for bringing the setting to life. The charm of the town and the two houses was appealing.

[Annemiek · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into the story, but when I did I really enjoyed it.

The story is about a family who owns a beautiful house by the riverside and they all love it. Once a year they will all come from different parts of England to the house to enjoy a wonderful summer together as a big family. Bit this summer is different than others, Evie tries to keep this a secret from the others, but can she keep it from them as long as needed?

Recommend for a joyful summer read.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

I whipped into the library and saw this book on display - lovely cover - great mistake. Seemingly the author is popular in some quarters as she has had more than 20 novels published. In my quarter it was nothing more than well whipped egg-whites.

[Alison Large · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads Giveaways winner - thank you!

A very pleasant read with engaging characters, you are left wanting to know what will happen to them next rather than having the feeling that their stories are finished. It really made me want to visit Dartmouth as the setting if the story is as important as any of the people living in it.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I typically love Marcia Willett books. All cozy British, sometimes with a bit of family drama or intrigue or secrets but I have to admit...I found this one torturously slow. I also could not relate to at all or care about people who were all agonizing over inheritance laws. Nor did I care about the romantic relationships. Or weird subplot. Bleah. Did not care for this one. 

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not recommend this book. Several times I almost put it down, largely due to the characters' lackadaisical attitude toward affairs. (This seems to be a frequent theme in books set in the UK, I have found.) But because the author doesn't go into detail and gives a good sense of time and place, I continued. It was not offensive, but neither was it above average. It was reminiscent of Rosamund Pilcher in its descriptions of scene, and I suppose that's what kept me reading.

[Artemiz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Minu arvustust saate lugeda siit.

[Vickie Richens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it, will look out for more of her books

[Kacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Marcia Wilett. I am so happy I read this. I fell in love with her way of storytelling. I can´t wait to read more from her! This was not a typical love story. There were so many secrets and twists I didn´t see coming and I loved it!!! I love when I can´t figure out things. It makes me want to not put the book down. And this book I needed to know what happened. I felt like I was right along side Charlie and Evie at the beautiful summer house. I love when an author can do that to me!!!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sort of sequel to "A Summer in the Country" (aka "Forgotten Laughter"). Although every single character in this story caused me to feel some sadness for them, I felt like this was a happy story. Maybe because the main characters handled their sadness so well and kept a cheerful outlook.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like slipping into a warm wool sweater (handknit, of course), reading a Marcia Willett story is relaxing and satisfying. It's always easy to imagine the beautiful setting (always a variation on the same theme) and the characters are reliably able to solve whatever the relationship-drama du jour happens to be.

[TheHauteBookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel!! The author is so eloquent with her writing, some parts are almost poetic. An audio version of this story would be magical.
This story is unique in that it follows the lives of several characters during a short period of time. As the reader we are given a window into the lives of these heartwarming eclectic characters. We discover how they are all connected and watch as their lives are forever changed inside a week.
The setting is the quaint English village of Dartmouth at the start of the village’s week long regatta festivities. During the festivities the character’s lives intersect, some through familial relations and others through spontaneous, fated run-ins, forging intriguing friendships. As the reader, we get to enjoy their gatherings, hearing stories, learning secrets, and finding love. The author continually vacillates between characters points of view, allowing us to see events and issues from various angles. I quickly grew fond of several of the characters with equal dislike for the more annoying antagonists. During the week their stories and lives unfold, showing unhappiness, family secrets, sadness, and comfortable joy.
After the week fades and time wears on many characters try desperately to recapture and/or hold on to all that was gained during regatta week. However blissful the week was, they all know it will never be the same and it is time to answer some hard questions. The Fortescues’ beautiful merchant house overlooking the river, has been in the family for generations. A shocking secret could disturb all of that history and change the future. Should the secret be revealed? What do you do when you meet your soulmate, but they’re already married? Should you pay into blackmail because of guilt?
The author’s interesting and captivating style of writing, gives us a voyeuristic view into the here and now with no real beginning or end. I truly enjoyed the characters, their appreciation and support of each other. I was a bit frustrated with the ease with which some seemed to be able to compartmentalize their feelings and those of others to allow themselves to have affairs. I was pleased with how the story ended with the realization for the need of accountability and not allowing history repeat itself. Despite my lack of support for extra-marital affairs, I did truly enjoy this well written story. The characters were so likable and the pacing comfortable.
All in all it was a captivating, pleasurable story.
I read an ARC of this story. My honest review is voluntary.






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[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book features quite a cast of people, and if I’d been reading just a couple of chapters each evening, as I usually do, I think I would have become very confused. It’s not as if they’re people from former books by Marcia Willett, and they're introduced individually, with connections that don't become clear until quite a way into the book.

There’s not a great deal of plot; the story essentially covers a long summer, and then the later part of the year ending with Christmas, featuring different interactions between the characters, and the unfolding of a mild mystery. There are flashbacks to fill us in on the past, but the main part of the novel is told in the present tense, switching between viewpoints in a way that works well.

It was a good book to read on a flight as it didn’t require much mental energy, but it’s a bit rambly in places; Willett has a gift for description and conversation, but there’s also rather more inward reflection than I wanted, and a fair amount of repetition. Perhaps more editing would have helped.

My main gripe is the casual attitude to morality in this book. This author demonstrates quite a strong Christian ethos in some of her books, and her writing is, thankfully, almost entirely free of bad language. But there seems remarkably little that’s ethical in this novel. Deceptions abound, and nobody seems to have any problem with people going to bed together casually or - in more than one case - in adulterous relationships. The one person who had genuinely suffered through this, before the book starts, is shown to be bitter, twisted and generally unlikeable.

Still, overall I thought it a good read. It's very readable and one that I’m glad to have on my shelves; the characters feel realistic, and while the ending is a bit abrupt, it is, on the whole, encouraging.

[Chrisoula Panagoulia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's the First time i've ever read Marcia Willett's books. I saw the lovely colour on the Bookshelf at the bookstore and decided to buy it. It seemed so intriguing... But fate had other plans. I couldn't follow the plot, I got confused with so many characters doing this and that and finally, I couldn't figure out what happened in the end. Did Charlie and Jemima get together? What about Ben? What about Evie and Claude? The end was so disappointing that I'm not sure I'll buy any of her other novels. Too bad...

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the setting - in the West country of England on a scenic river. The rest of the book was just OK. About the only other thing that I liked about the book was to figure out how the dilemmas in the book were going to be resolved. There was more I did not like about the book. First, although rare, there were instances of unnecessary and offensive profanity. There were no sex scenes but there was certainly enough talk about sexual relationships & adultery -- something else I do not like in a book.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good three stars, I was tempted to give it four! As always, the author gives us very likeable characters, the reader wants to know more about them and their lives, I did wonder if this book is a sequel, there seems to be a lot in the past. I like to read books set in the South West and for one to be set in Dartmouth is a real treat. I wasn't too sure about the ending - perhaps there will be another book, I hope so.

[Tina]

picked up this book of library van heavens had opened and I was stuck for a while I have read a few of her books and this one was so good I could not put it down

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute treasure. I loved it from beginning to end, It's based around Evie who lives in a converted boathouse in Dartmouth over looking the river. Her late husband Tommy has left her the beautiful Merchant's House (the family home) which stands opposite her house. Tommy's nephew Ben is currently living in the house. Tommy's son Charlie has been left the wine business, but accepts the fact that his Father has left the Merchant's House to his Stepmother Evie. However his dreadful wife Ange has a real bee in her bonnet and continuously makes nasty comments to Evie and Ben, always reminding them that they are not true family. Every reader will take an instant dislike to her, she is a horrible, arrogant character. The great thing is that Evie doesn't let her get away with anything and always succeeds in upsetting her.
A local lady, Jemima enters into their lives and makes quite a big impact on them all, especially Ben and Charlie.
There are lots of family secrets, twists and turns and lots of likeable characters.
Marcia describes the beauty of Dartmouth throughout the book and is a wonderful author. I shall personally be reading a lot more of her books.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summer on the River is a story about how a family interacts at their beloved family estate in Dartmouth. Evie, the stepmother, has stumbled upon a family secret that she is trying to keep hidden but also rectify. A very married Charlie, Evie's step-son, has fallen in love with a woman and has a magical week at the river house during regatta. This should be a recipe for a summer read filled with suspense & romance. There were moments where I really enjoyed this novel and then moments where I was scratching my head. There is a second story line brought in with a few more characters relating to a past romance Evie had that really didn't need to be part of the book. Overall it was a good read, albeit a little muddled. The book abruptly ends too, with some ends not tied up.

Thank you to both NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for the free digital copy for my unbiased review.

[Mrs. Janice Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Marcia Willetts books, she entertains, humourous, makes you think about life in general. Perhaps I am biased as I live in the area that she writes about, and can visit shops, pubs and restaurants too. Her descriptions of the flora and fauna move me to tears on occasions, and her characters totally believable. Thank you Marcia, you make an old woman happy. To the reviewers who complain about sudden endings....that's life, we don't always know what happens to the people around us. However, sometimes with Marcia's stories, characters appear elsewhere, as Jemima has, with her half-sister, Brigid, and Frummie her mother. Both get a mention in this book. Characters pop up in the other stories, that we have met before. So stay with the stories, breathe in the beautiful countryside of our beloved part of the U.K, and enjoy.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Evie (Drake) Fortescue lives in one of the Boathouses along the river but also owns the Merchant's House across the street, left to her by her late husband Tom. It is summer time and the town of Dartmouth is full of people visiting for the annual regatta. Evie's grandson Ben is staying at Merchant's House. Ben's cousin Charlie is coming with his wife Ange. Tom's best friend Claude arrives to stay with Evie. Then there is Jason and his son Mikey arriving to stay at his SIL's flat. When Charlie has a chance meeting with Jemima, sparks fly. What will the week hold?
Giving this 3 1/2. There are a lot of characters and it was hard at first to keep everyone straight. Almost too many. The storyline with Jason doesn't quite seem to fit in my opinion. And things at the end seem neatly pulled together. But I enjoyed it as the light, cozy read that her books are for me.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed a change of pace from the mysteries I usually read, so retreated to one of my favorite British authors. Why is it British authors write about the locale so beautifully that I always end up getting out a map and looking up all the towns and rivers and everything mentioned with such wonderful detail -- I even had to look up a tree this time. I love to learn things when I read and somehow British authors tweak my curiosity in a way other authors don't seem to. I also find this true when I read Charles Todd and Rosamunde Pilcher. I loved the book -- as usual there was a dog and even a quick mention of a cat. Wonderful and human characters -- lovely descriptions of the area and the seasons -- what a great escape for a few days from all the stress that is currently affecting all of us in our truly great, but so divided, country.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version. It was a reasonably engaging listen but left me a little cold. Most of the characters were of the entitled middle-class variety, hanging about in lovely coffee shops and drinking tea on the terrace. The main character, Evie, seems to inhabit a world where it is perfectly acceptable to have an affair with a married man, as long as you keep to your boundaries and are careful that his wife never finds out. She is a widow and is always looking back fondly to memories of the man who became her husband only after his wife died. A similar scenario looks as if it will emerge between his son and an attractive single woman, Jemima. But history does not repeat itself, and we are left with the family members preparing to celebrate Christmas together. They listen to carols and plan to go to church. Quite why, I can't imagine.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love anything that Marcia Willett writes.
And this book was no exception. I was filled with sadness the way that Evie missed Tommy. I liked Claude and the closeness of their long friendship. I loved the boathouse and felt like I was right there looking outside over the river.
The story was interesting as well as the description of the little town. The problems with inheritance, the bad and hurt feelings they would cause... and Charles, Ange and Ben... I wondered how it all would end. I read the book late into the night and then finished it today. It was wonderful escapism. To disappear into this little world in England! I even got online and looked at rentals but they are much too expensive. But there is something I always say and that’s that “dreaming is free”.

[Lisbeth Zabihi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Når man kaster sig over en Marcia Willett - roman, ved man altid hvad man får: ultimativ engelsk råhygge.

Jeg er ret vild med Marcia Willett. Jeg bliver altid i godt humør af at læse hendes romaner. De er fyldt med spændende mennesker og masser af menneskeindsigt. Denne roman er ingen undtagelse.

Vi følger Evie, der er enke og som ejer to huse lige op og ned af hinanden. Det ene er et arvet hus fra ægtemanden. Og Evie skal nu finde ud af, hvordan hun skal fordele sol og vind ligeligt, når hun dør. Hvem skal arve huset - og hvorfor?

Vi følger det spændende persongalleri henover sommeren og vinteren. Og får et indblik i Evies bekymringer og beslutninger omkring arven. Dejlig roman.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another classic Marcia Willet about a group of people, some related, not some, in a lovely English town keeping secrets from one another. Not awful destructive secrets, but secrets nonetheless. In this case, Evie, who inherited the house everyone thought was meant to go to her step son Charlie, knows something the envious others do not. And Charlie, well, he steps out on his wife with Jemima. There's a couple of plot lines and at times it's a tad confusing but then it all pulls together. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is light family drama (compared to most) which, fair warning, remains somewhat unresolved at the end.

[JennM · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the author's writing style and the descriptions of the water and the boathouse. The writing alone motivated me to continue and finish reading the book. The plot, however, seemed weak. I was waiting for something to happen. And I have to agree with another reviewer that the end was non-existent. It kind of left everything up in the air without any real implication of what will happen. I don't think I would read it again, nor would I recommend it. The cover is beautiful, though.