Swallowtail Summer

by Erica James

It was the summer it all ended . . . It was the summer a new story began. Linston End has been the summer home to three families for several decades. The memories of their time there are ingrained in their picnics on the river, gin and tonics in the pavilion at dusk, hours spent seeking out the local swallowtail butterflies. Everyone together. But recently widowed Alastair is about to shock his circle of friends with the decisions he has made - and the changes it will mean for them all... Can these friends learn to live life to its fullest? Fans of Fern Britton and Katie Fforde will love escaping into summertime with this warm-hearted, uplifting story set in the beauty of the Norfolk Broads.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Romance, Audiobook, Ebooks, Family Drama

400 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2019

About the author

With an insatiable appetite for other people's business, Erica James will readily strike up conversation with strangers in the hope of unearthing a useful gem for her writing. She finds it the best way to write authentic characters for her novels, although her two grown-up sons claim they will never recover from a childhood spent in a perpetual state of embarrassment at their mother's compulsion.

The author of nineteen bestselling novels, and the winner of the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award, Erica divides her time between Suffolk and Lake Como in Italy.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erica James latest novel is a wonderful, although, summer read set in the idyllic Norfolk Broads. It is where the summer home of Linton's End is located that provides the happy and unforgettable memories for three close families. This is a story of long term male friendships that begin in childhood when Alastair invited his best friends, Danny and Simon, for the summer at Liston's End where they find adventures, looking for the beautiful Swallowtail butterflies, a time of joy and sheer contentment. This is to continue into adulthood, a virtually unbroken ritual and tradition that is to include their partners and children. Time sweeps in the winds of change and the Norfolk summers look to come to an end with the death of Alastair's wife, Orla, and he now has a new woman in his life, Valentina. Alastair's momentous decision that does not go down well with the others. The narrative takes in love, loss, betrayal, family drama, betrayal, secrets and lies set amidst the fabulous background of the Norfolk Broads. Many thanks to Orion.

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ A Compelling and Poignant Read

Swallowtail Summer is a compelling story about friendships, Family, loss, love and changes.

I found the amount of characters to be a quiet confusing to start with and found I had to go back and forth a fair bit to work out who was who, which I normally find off putting but once I got used to who was who I soon settled into getting to know each one.

Alistair and his best friends Danny and Simon have always spent every holiday together with their families at Alistairs gorgeous holiday home Liston End.
They have treasured many a happy memory together, something which they thought would go on for generations.
But when Alistairs wife Orla passes away in a tragic accident, he feels like he can no longer spend his time at Liston End, so he goes travelling.

But when Alistair returns home it's not just adventures and memories he brings home.
Alistair has met someone (Valentina) and fallen in love.
But is this just a Holiday Romance?
What will happen to the friendships when a new person sets to rock the dynamics of the group.

I have mixed feelings about this book, I found the friendship between the men admirable but I did find there reaction to Alistar's news about the house frustrating, instead of being happy at his chance of happiness they was only thinking of themselves. It just shows how people and dynamics change.

Swallowtail Summer is very much a character driven story, the characters are a complex bunch and all very different.
The pace is a little slower and builds gradually which fits the plot really well.
It's a story that explores the value of friendships, the dynamics between friends,
loyalty, dealing with changes, new partners with a good serving of romance, drama, dash of mystery, secrets and lies.

If you are looking for a summer read, thats compelling and poignant set along the charming Norfolk Broads that features beautiful Swallowtail Butterflies
then you will really enjoy Swallowtail Summer.

Thank you to Tracy at Compulsive Readers Tours and Orion Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and after finishing this book, I feel like I have discovered a secret gem and look forward to finding her other books ASAP!!

The book is set in the idyllic village of Linston on the Norfolk Broads. Alistair Lucas has returned home to Grebe House, he has been away for 9 months following the tragic death of his wife Orla. Now he is back he wants to gather his closest friends together as he has something important to tell them, that will affect them all!!!

Alistair, Simon and Danny met at school and have been close friends ever since, they and their partners have spent many a summer at Grebe House which he inherited after his Aunt Cara died.

Alistair has met and fallen in love with Valentina, he wants to sell his house, but his friends are worried that he is on the rebound and will regret selling up and moving away. This new addition to their circle could change their friendship forever.

I was addicted to this wonderful story of friendships, with a few secrets revealed along the way. I was not expecting the ending which came as a bit of a shock!!

I couldn’t help but fall in love with the Norfolk Broads and this close circle of friends, that have been there for each other, through illness and grief. Their children have grown up as one large extended family.

If you like a book about friendship with a touch of mystery, then this is the book for you.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars
Ever since they met as boys, Alistair, Danny and Simon have been best friends. As adults they and their respective families meet up at Liston End. The large charming house is set in the idyllic area of Norfolk Broads. After Alistair’s wife Orla dies, Alistair goes travelling. When he return to Liston End and his friends, he tells them he has met a woman called Valentina. He has invited her to Liston End to meet his friends, Is this just a holiday romance or something more? And how will this new relationship and the decisions he makes, affect long time friends? What secrets will emerge as betrayal, secrets and possessiveness, take centre stage.
This book contains some decidedly unlikable characters, of which Orla was the prime example. Though dead she still dominates the story. She is far from the only unlikable character. Most of them are unlikable.
The cover of this book gives the impression of a lighter read. This is not the case. It definitely has a darker feel to it than this author’s other books. I have loved many of her other books which is why I chose this one to read. Despite unlikable characters and not being the type of lighter book I had wanted it turned into a strangely compelling read, at times. Other times it dragged and I felt it went on too long.
Maybe being unfairly rated by me given my expectations. But that, and the unlikable characters meant that I never engaged with it as I have this author’s other novels. Overall I found it okay but depressing. I was glad when I reached the end,

[Judith van Wijk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generally love books by Erica James, but this one really wasn't my cup of tea. It was an easy read, but I disliked almost all characters, and the story didn't interest me much.

[Claire Mc Partlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book as it is set on the Norfolk Broads, and I love Norfolk and often visit on holiday. The actual house and the setting sound lovely, but I found the characters harder to like.

Alastair owns Linston End, the house that his friends have holidayed in over the years (Danny and Simon from his schooldays, along with their wives and children). He and his wife Orla lived in it, until Orla died. Then once this happens Alastair takes himself off travelling for a while, only to return with the news that he's met someone and is selling the house and moving. Everyone is shocked and quite put out really as where are they going to holiday now?! I'm not really sure why as it is Alastair's house, not theirs, and it wasn't really their decision. The guys all had Alastair on a bit of pedestal, which I found a bit strange as they were all adults now with families of their own and it was like their friend was being taken away from them.

Once the new lady in Alastair's life is also thrown into the confusion when they all visit the house to meet her there are a real mix of varying emotions from everyone. Everyone seems to have their own worries and things they keep secret.

I did finish the book as I wanted to find out what happened in the end, but I must admit to skim reading the second half. Maybe it was me but I just couldn't connect to most of the characters and didn't even like some of them which made it hard going at times.

[Kristine · Rating 1 out of 5]

The synopsis made this sound like a whimsical book of endings and positive new beginnings. The cover leads you to believe this is a sweet summer story. Nope!

This was dark and every single character was petty in their own right. I'm trying to think of a character I disliked the least and the only one is Blake's mum living in the mill. Not a bad bone in her body. As for everyone else, meh. I get that change is hard but reading 400 pages of moaning is also hard. Taking responsibility for your own actions needed to be done. Listening to your friends, even if they were blunt, after decades of friendship you should be able to read between the lines. This was morbid, depressing, unhappy and dark. Too many secrets and withheld opinions, it just felt stifling. I was relieved when I finished. To say the least, this wasn't the sweet summer read I was expecting and hoping.

Thank you NetGalley for an opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Leonie · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a lot of characters and I disliked most of them. A disappointment, because I usually really like her books!

[Donna Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story. Slow at times, but then it picks back up again. On the surface, it’s about three couples and their 30+ years of shared lives. It’s set after the death of one wife, at the vacation home where they and their families have always gathered.

I really liked the way the author did some chapters from the POV of the antagonist. A little insight into her thoughts and reasons made her more human and complex.

Speaking of complex, the good guys weren’t always good, either. I guess that is what the story is about: our shared humanity, and how we build each other up, and let each other down.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Featherlight but fun to read. A (guilty, but not really) pleasure.

[Lisa M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this with a little trepidation as I didn't finish the last book I read by this author. However I quite enjoyed it! It was a book where nothing really happened, it was just a tale of life, but I thought it was charming. It got a little tedious by the end but I'm pleased I read it and would try more of her work.

[Amy Boucher Pye · Rating 3 out of 5]

A long novel told through each of the main characters and their points of view. The cast seemed too large for all these inner voices, and as a reader I never felt I therefore connected with any of them.

The plot felt very dependent on major outside happenings such as random accidents.

A novel that kept my attention but not one I'd overly recommend.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery and story revolved around a drowning in a river and a circle of close friends from the past set in the Norfolk Broads on a long, dark brooding Summer.

What will happen when a 'new-comer' comes in to disrupt the circle of friends? Read it and see in this new novel Swallowtail Summer by Erica James.

I actually liked the character, Valentina and can't help thinking how different things could have been and how we shouldn't always 'hold onto the past' and be set in our ways and let our friends decide everything for us.

There's butterflies, boating stories and lots of different characters who make up this story in Swallowtail Summer which is so well-written by Erica James.

It kept me intrigued and thinking right up until the very end.

If you like a mystery and something that keeps you guessing you'll enjoy Swallowtail Summer by Erica James.

[Lauren Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely beautiful book.. I couldn’t put it down. The only time I couldn’t read it was when I was at work, but I may have snuck in a few chapters while on the clock 😂 everybody please read this, such an amazing read that brings us through the bonds, the laughs, the lows and the love of friendship.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a heavy read but Erica James, as usual, writes about serious intimate family events with a light touch. I was sorry to leave the characters and their lovely setting at the end. Enjoyabel, nicely written and thought-provoking all at the same time.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with an interesting collection of characters.

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to a book by Erica James; her stories always have substance - the sort that you can really get your teeth into. This, her latest story, set in the picturesque Norfolk Broads, sounded right up my street. I settled down to read it with great anticipation. I have to admit that, unusually, I found the book a little heavy going at the beginning, where so many characters were introduced at once; I kept losing track of their relationships. However, I eventually became immersed in their world.

This is a story of friendships and loyalties, centred on three men who have been the very best of friends from schooldays and their families. One of the trio, Alastair, owns a rather marvellous sounding house right by the water, where the families gather together every summer to enjoy a holiday of fun and relaxation on and off the water, sometimes searching for the elusive swallowtail butterfly. Since Alastair was widowed the previous year, this summer promises to be somewhat different. However, none of the others could have guessed exactly how different. Alastair has some shocking news for them all, which promises that things will never be the same again. This news triggers a reaction that reverberates through the group, affecting them all in turn.

I have to admit that this is not my favourite Erica James novel; it has the usual depth that I associate with her writing, but it did not fire my imagination to the usual extent. There was certainly never a dull moment, however. Alastair’s shock announcement had everyone considering what it meant for them and whether they should try to change his mind. All sorts of emotions were released, often leading to conflict within the group and testing the strong ties that existed between the friends. Quite a few skeletons came out of the cupboards as well. I certainly never knew where the story would lead next, and definitely could not have predicted how it would all end. I would still recommend this as an interesting book to read, but, to my mind, there are better Erica James books out there.

[Fay Flude · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book cover tends to suggest this will be a light-hearted summer read and yet as the story develops you soon realise there is a hidden depth beneath the colourful images. The house, Linston End in Norfolk certainly sounds idyllic but Alastair has been bereaved and only just returned from a jaunt across the world to find that the news he shares with his oldest friends is hardly welcome. Everyone is missing Orla, Alistair's eccentric and dead wife, and hot on the heels of discovering that Alistair has fallen in love with Valentina, they now have to cope with the news that Alistair plans to sell Linston End, a place they have extremely fond memories of as they have holidayed there all together for so long.
The story follows Alistair's battle with bereavement and starting again, Frankie and Danny's fear that Danny will have another heart attack, and Sorrel and Simon's marriage which appears to be ailing but why? Throw in a daughter who wants to be married but ends up nearly drowning, another daughter who has hardened her heart to love but can't help being attracted to Blake, a son who is in love with his sister's best friend and on top of all that yet more complications with friendships, romantic liaisons and a long-ago affair and what do you get? You have a lethal cocktail which turns out to be deadly for one of the characters but full of hope and new beginnings for the remainder of the cast.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not be taken in by this beautiful cover, there is something dark lurking behind it.

Linston End was left to Alistair, it is a house on the Norfolk Broads and is a place where he and his friends have met up every year. Alistair, Simon and Danny have always been friends, well more brothers than friends. They have all married and some have children. Summer holidays are taken at the house with the families coming together.

This summer is different, this summer Alistair is bringing someone new and his friends are nervous and worried. The newcomer is Valentina, she is the new lady in his life and has a chance at a new start. With changes ahead, tension is ever-present during the summer holiday.

The author has done a wonderful job are creating a stunning setting for Swallowtail Summer, the house sounds like such an idyllic place for old friends and their families to come together. A chance to catch-up and reminisce about old times. But with the arrival of Valentina things are different. There is an air of mistrust at her arrival. The author mentions, partway through the story, that some things from the past have been swept under the carpet, they have been things that others may have been aware of but not voiced. With the added tension of Valentina, nerves are a little frayed. Comments are made and past events alluded to, and gradually the ticking time-bomb of the past ignites.

This is a story that is quite captivating as I do like a story with a past, with secrets and with a touch of the dramatic, and this story does have those. It also has the dynamics of family and friends who are close, but apparently not quite as close as they like to think as they have all held something back.

There is quite a lot of intrigue throughout and as to have a fresh start you do have to deal with the past first, it means admitting your part in the events before moving on. I like the way this had all been laid out and then gradually pulled together for quite an ending.

A very enjoyable read that will appeal to readers of a slower-paced story about family, friends, secrets, the past and the future. It is one I would recommend.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erica James is one of those authors who never disappoints. I have read a few of her books in the past and they never fail to disappoint.

Swallowtail Summer is no different.

A twisting tale of friendship, and how closeness can become too close: how the links of a friendship chain can become knotted and difficult to smooth over again.

There were a lot of characters to get to grips with, but essentially each point of view was necessary to forward the story.

Three best friends; Alastair, Danny and Simon: having lived most of their lives with each other by their side, and the beautiful Norfolk Linston End property as the backdrop to many of their memories.

Three women; Orla, Frankie and Sorrel, brought together as the spouses of three very close friends.

Three children: Jenna, Rachel and Callum, firm friends because of their parents.

What happens when one of this trio of triumvirates dies suddenly?

Everyone's lives are changed irrevocably.

Solid relationships begin to unravel.

Secrets start to creep out of the woodwork.

And a new character arrives on the horizon, hoping to fill the gap left by death... or maybe wanting to tear the whole gang apart...

I enjoyed this book. It kept me guessing. When I am whispering to myself about a character, willing he or she to do something or disappear, I am sure that is a sign of a good book!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Kingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book - a wide number of characters with lives interwoven over almost 50 years coming to terms with how life changes after the sudden death of one of the group.

I'm glad I didn't read the other reviews until after I had read the book - I must admit that I do wonder if I've read the same book as some of the other reviewers.

I have read a number of other books by Erica James and have always enjoyed how well written they are. This book features families, friendship, romance, tragedy, jealousy, secrets, sailing and food set in the Norfolk Broads.

There are a lot of characters, but all are brought to life convincingly and it is similar to watching a TV show such as Cold Feet, where two generations are being followed at the same time. The book had lots of twists and turns in the story as secrets were uncovered, and I hadn't expected the ending to turn out the way it did. My poor dog had to wait his walk so I could finish the book yesterday.

Well worth reading and definitely worth 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for this digital copy in return for a honest review.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Swallowtail Summer, Erica James

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: general fiction (adult)

I've read a few of Erica's novels in the past, and those all had a romance slant, so even though this wasn't billed as romance I somehow was expecting one. My bad, its not romance. It is however, and accurate, sharp look at us as people, how we turn a blind eye to what we don't want to acknowledge, and how differently people react when the truth is forced in front of them.
I liked the strength of the characters, the way they felt real. I can't say I really liked any of them as people though, and I wasn't really invested in the outcome of events. Its not a book that really worked for me, very well written, but the actual story just didn't resonate with me. Possibly because I was waiting for a romance to develop somewhere....totally my fault. I do read stories other than romance, but my mindset wasn't in the right place. Maybe at a different time I'd enjoy it, but right now I didn't. I found it a very sad story, almost depressing in how people could be let down so bsdly by those close to them.

Stars: Two, just not one for me, but I'll happily read others from Erica.

Arc via Netgalley

[LindyLouMac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erica James has written over twenty novels and over the years I have read the vast majority. There were a few in recent years that I missed so I am currently catching up on her back catalogue.
Swallowtail Summer took me to familiar territory as set in the Norfolk Broads where I have spent many holidays over the years. The descriptions are very realistic, so I was able to visualise the settings perfectly.

The story takes place in and around Linston End a much loved house set on the banks of one of the rivers. It has been the scene of many happy gatherings for the owner and his two best friends, plus their families for several decades. That is all about to change as unexpected news unsettles the equilibrium as the friends struggle to come to terms with what is happening.

The author has written a very readable contemporary novel that reveals a surprising number of secrets within its pages. A well-constructed story about family, friendships, love and loss. Recommended if you are looking for escapism that has some depth.

https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alistair Lucas is a 60 year old retired lawyer, he inherited a gorgeous old house in the country from his Aunt Cora and he and his two best friends, their wives and children have spent idyllic weekends and holidays at Linston End. After Alistair's wife Orla dies tragically Alistair left England to travel, but now he has returned and his plans will shock and disturb his friends.

Sorrel and Simon Wyatt and their two children Rachel and Callum have spent every holiday at Linston End, except one disastrous summer when Sorrel insisted they went to Brittany, it was an unmitigated disaster and since then there has been no further dissent. But Sorrel bears grudges against Alistair and Orla and the way in which her family has idolised the two of them.

Danny and Frankie Fielding and their daughter Jenna make up the third family. Danny and Frankie have a perfect marriage but after Danny's recent heart attack and enforced retirement their marriage has become a minefield of fear and secrecy.

As the families gather for one last weekend together secrets are spilled, and a catalyst threatens to destroy a friendship that has lasted for fifty years.

This novel was reminiscent of the novel Rebecca, or at least Alistair's wife Orla and the stranger that comes to Linston End both remind me of the first Mrs de Winter, callous, self-absorbed, the life of the party, needy. I also can say that I pretty much disliked every character in this novel, their so-called lifelong friendship seemed based on nothing more than self-interest.

Overall, I thought this novel meandered slowly through the twists and turns of this weird group of so-called friends but the outcome was fairly obvious right from the start and frankly the destination wasn't worth the journey and I was left with a sour taste in my mouth.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Bumped for release.

[Heleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ik zou dit boek niet aan iemand anders aanraden. Het is echt een vreemd verhaal en leunt bijzonder zwaar op oneerlijke stereotypes.

Het stoorde me bijvoorbeeld dat geen enkel gesprek tussen de twee dochters ging over iets anders dan “een man vinden”.

Hoe de thema’s racisme en seksisme op twee hele vreemde manieren in het verhaal verwoven worden. En dat iedereen die niet Brits is of een soort psychopaat (de chinese vrouw die huizen in de fik steekt) of emotioneel incapabel is (het Russische gezin).

Ik hou best van een beetje drama maar een complete escalatie, een huis in de fik en een dodelijk auto-ongeluk in een hoofdstuk gaan echt te ver.

[Sally · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you want to read a book that is depressing and full of cliches then this is for you!
I normally love Erica James but this is truly dreadful. The reviews on the book are clearly about another book or the reviewer didn’t read it. I’m not going to bore you with the story as it’s boring. The characters were not likeable and again the couple who struggle with infertility are unstable, their relationship is clearly suffering as they have infertility! Please stop with the stupid cliches, stop writing about a subject you clearly don’t understand or have ever walked through. It’s boring, it’s rude and it’s lazy.

[Charlotte Alty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t keen on this at first and almost gave up after a few chapters but I’m glad I stuck with it! Once I got about half way in I couldn’t put it down. Such a nice, easy read about friendship and life. I think there are parts of all of these characters that we all have in us and that plus the dynamic of these lifelong friends, with all their personal and intertwined baggage, was perfectly written and relatable. A couple of unexpected twists too and I found myself tearing up at the final page. I’ll be looking for more by Erica James!

[Nicole West · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of three boy's who in school make a pact to always stay together and have each other's backs.

Alastair is idolised by his two mates. Alastair owns Linston End in Norfolk Broads which became the regular holiday home for all over the years.

A story of love, hurt, control, mixed in with friendship.

[Sophie vN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leuk boek weer!! Echt top hoe Erica James die verschillende verhaallijnen moeiteloos door elkaar weeft. En net als hij Het grote huis leef je erg met sommige personages mee maar kan je je ook vreselijk ergeren aan anderen. En ook spannende elementen, hoewel de setting van het boek juist heel huiselijk en cosy aanvoelt.

[Novelle Novels · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 and half stars
This is a good book