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The Summer Getaway
10 hours, 50 minutes
One woman discovers the beauty in chaos in this poignant and heartwarming story about the threads that hold family together from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.
With her divorce settlement about to run out and a mortgage she can’t afford, Robyn Caldwell needs a plan for her future. She nurtured her family and neglected herself. But how’s she supposed to think when her daughter has become the most demanding bride ever, her son won’t even consider college, her best friend is on the brink of marital disaster and her ex is making a monumentally bad decision that could bring everything crashing down on Robyn’s head? So when her great-aunt Lillian invites her to Santa Barbara for the summer, Robyn hops on the first plane.
But it’s hard to run away when you’re the heart of the family. One by one, everyone she left behind follows her across the country. Somehow, their baggage doesn’t feel as heavy in the sun-drenched, mishmash mansion. The more time Robyn spends with free-spirited Lillian, the more she sees the appeal in taking chances—on dreams, on love, on family. Life is meant to be lived on purpose. All she has to do is muster the courage to take a chance on herself.
One woman discovers the beauty in chaos in this poignant and heartwarming story about the threads that hold family together from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.
With her divorce settlement about to run out and a mortgage she can’t afford, Robyn Caldwell needs a plan for her future. She nurtured her family and neglected herself. But how’s she supposed to think when her daughter has become the most demanding bride ever, her son won’t even consider college, her best friend is on the brink of marital disaster and her ex is making a monumentally bad decision that could bring everything crashing down on Robyn’s head? So when her great-aunt Lillian invites her to Santa Barbara for the summer, Robyn hops on the first plane.
But it’s hard to run away when you’re the heart of the family. One by one, everyone she left behind follows her across the country. Somehow, their baggage doesn’t feel as heavy in the sun-drenched, mishmash mansion. The more time Robyn spends with free-spirited Lillian, the more she sees the appeal in taking chances—on dreams, on love, on family. Life is meant to be lived on purpose. All she has to do is muster the courage to take a chance on herself.
Audiobook
First published March 15, 2022
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About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,488 reviews
May 16, 2022
The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is a 2022 HQN Publication.
Robyn’s post-divorce life is filled with drama- an ex-husband who has a string of girlfriends, an eighteen-year-old son who has decided not to attend college and opting to work for his dad, instead, and a daughter planning a wedding and insisting Robyn keep a house she can’t afford just so she can have the backyard wedding she always wanted. Robyn's romantic life, though, was secure…
Until it wasn’t…
Needing a break, Robyn goes to visit her great aunt Lillian out in sunny California to regroup and formulate a plan for her future. But, if she thinks she’s going to get any peace from her family, she’s in for a big surprise….
I had no trouble wrapping myself up in this delicious drama. The story is sudsy, and over the top at times, but it was also a nice journey of renewed self-discovery for Robyn and a time for those who maybe took her for granted, who needed to become more self-reliant, to start growing up and making better decisions, both the younger characters and some of the older ones, too.
It has been a long time since I read a book by this author, although my Kindle is loaded down with her books. I do not recall her stories being this sexually explicit, but this one had a few sexy time scenes in it I wasn’t prepared for… but one can always skim past those passages, I suppose.
Otherwise, this is pretty much what one would expect from a Susan Mallery novel, which is exactly what I wanted when I picked it up. Though I thought it was a little silly from time to time, I enjoyed Robyn’s journey and liked the way everything came together in the end.
Overall, a quick, enjoyable read that also has me craving more books by this author.
3.5 stars
Robyn’s post-divorce life is filled with drama- an ex-husband who has a string of girlfriends, an eighteen-year-old son who has decided not to attend college and opting to work for his dad, instead, and a daughter planning a wedding and insisting Robyn keep a house she can’t afford just so she can have the backyard wedding she always wanted. Robyn's romantic life, though, was secure…
Until it wasn’t…
Needing a break, Robyn goes to visit her great aunt Lillian out in sunny California to regroup and formulate a plan for her future. But, if she thinks she’s going to get any peace from her family, she’s in for a big surprise….
I had no trouble wrapping myself up in this delicious drama. The story is sudsy, and over the top at times, but it was also a nice journey of renewed self-discovery for Robyn and a time for those who maybe took her for granted, who needed to become more self-reliant, to start growing up and making better decisions, both the younger characters and some of the older ones, too.
It has been a long time since I read a book by this author, although my Kindle is loaded down with her books. I do not recall her stories being this sexually explicit, but this one had a few sexy time scenes in it I wasn’t prepared for… but one can always skim past those passages, I suppose.
Otherwise, this is pretty much what one would expect from a Susan Mallery novel, which is exactly what I wanted when I picked it up. Though I thought it was a little silly from time to time, I enjoyed Robyn’s journey and liked the way everything came together in the end.
Overall, a quick, enjoyable read that also has me craving more books by this author.
3.5 stars
April 1, 2022
A Must-read!!!! Sure to be a best-seller!!
Bring on summer!!! I could use a perfect escape! I wish I had been on the beach reading this women's literary novel. The characters bring to life real emotions and situations. I felt each sentiment and pain as if it were my own. I love this book!!!
Robyn is a single mom trying to figure out the rest of her life. Although Robyn lives in a sophisticated home in Naples, Florida, she is recently divorced, and dealing with family issues. She stands at a crossroad with her children. Her daughter is behaving as a bridezilla with intolerable demands for her wedding and her son is finishing high school with no plans for college or his future. On top of that, her ex is vocal about his problems with his new girlfriend.
While feeling defeated, Robyn receives an invitation for a summer visit at her Aunt Lillian's estate in Santa Barbara. Her aunt is eccentric and a free spirit in her nineties. She makes plans for her estate with one of her late husband's relatives, Mason, who has retired from the military. Mason and Robyn's friendship blossoms naturally and openly.... perfect timing.
Robyn had not planned on her children tagging along for the summer, but they made it work and realized the time together is just what they needed. This story is as if you are watching a real family play out their emotions and drama. The vibes of the summer are paramount for this atmospheric and situational wave of emotions.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title in exchange for my honest review!
Bring on summer!!! I could use a perfect escape! I wish I had been on the beach reading this women's literary novel. The characters bring to life real emotions and situations. I felt each sentiment and pain as if it were my own. I love this book!!!
Robyn is a single mom trying to figure out the rest of her life. Although Robyn lives in a sophisticated home in Naples, Florida, she is recently divorced, and dealing with family issues. She stands at a crossroad with her children. Her daughter is behaving as a bridezilla with intolerable demands for her wedding and her son is finishing high school with no plans for college or his future. On top of that, her ex is vocal about his problems with his new girlfriend.
While feeling defeated, Robyn receives an invitation for a summer visit at her Aunt Lillian's estate in Santa Barbara. Her aunt is eccentric and a free spirit in her nineties. She makes plans for her estate with one of her late husband's relatives, Mason, who has retired from the military. Mason and Robyn's friendship blossoms naturally and openly.... perfect timing.
Robyn had not planned on her children tagging along for the summer, but they made it work and realized the time together is just what they needed. This story is as if you are watching a real family play out their emotions and drama. The vibes of the summer are paramount for this atmospheric and situational wave of emotions.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title in exchange for my honest review!
March 17, 2022
Robyn Caldwell is a divorced mother of two who’s soon reaching a crossroad. Her oldest, Harlow, is engaged, planning her wedding and turning into a bridezilla, blaming her mother for anything not going her way. Her son Austin is graduating from high school but doesn’t seem to have a plan. Her ex-husband Cord has entered into a disastrous new relationship he’s keeping secret from his children. With Austin turning eighteen, Robyn has to make a significant financial decision about their beautiful but costly Naples, Florida home in accordance with her divorce settlement. When her great aunt Lillian Holton calls and invites her to consider a summer stay at her Santa Barbara estate, Robyn flees to California for a respite. Little did she know how vital she was to the people in her circle who would soon follow her, bringing their baggage with them.
What didn’t I love about this story! Robyn was the heartbeat of her family, which was news to her before she decided to take some time for herself and visit with the aunt who took her in when her parents died. Aunt Lillian is 94-years old and is eager to settle her affairs while she’s still in good health so her time there not only gave her much needed self reflection but an opportunity to spend time with a woman she loved dearly. At the same time, Lillian has invited Mason Bishop, the remaining relative of her late husband, to discuss his legacy. He’s a recently retired Army veteran who is comfortable with life but completely unprepared for what Lillian presents. He and Robyn use the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company while developing a plan for the estate settlement in the future. I loved their developing relationship, how mature and drama free it was in the midst of the chaos Robyn left behind in Naples.
I could hardly put my headphones down, not wanting to miss what was happening next. The narrator added to my enjoyment of the story as she captured the perfect tone and spirit of both the characters and the tale. It was enlightening to see Harlow and Austin find their way on their own, both having a higher appreciation for their mother. It was even more heartwarming to see Robyn learn to let them go and finally focus on her own needs. I loved every moment of my listening experience!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
What didn’t I love about this story! Robyn was the heartbeat of her family, which was news to her before she decided to take some time for herself and visit with the aunt who took her in when her parents died. Aunt Lillian is 94-years old and is eager to settle her affairs while she’s still in good health so her time there not only gave her much needed self reflection but an opportunity to spend time with a woman she loved dearly. At the same time, Lillian has invited Mason Bishop, the remaining relative of her late husband, to discuss his legacy. He’s a recently retired Army veteran who is comfortable with life but completely unprepared for what Lillian presents. He and Robyn use the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company while developing a plan for the estate settlement in the future. I loved their developing relationship, how mature and drama free it was in the midst of the chaos Robyn left behind in Naples.
I could hardly put my headphones down, not wanting to miss what was happening next. The narrator added to my enjoyment of the story as she captured the perfect tone and spirit of both the characters and the tale. It was enlightening to see Harlow and Austin find their way on their own, both having a higher appreciation for their mother. It was even more heartwarming to see Robyn learn to let them go and finally focus on her own needs. I loved every moment of my listening experience!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
August 18, 2023
Not doing a review this wasn’t for me am not sure if it was Mallory’s writing style but I just couldn’t feel for the characters at all, that’s not to say she is a bad writer I think 🤔 the plot line didn’t get me in.
March 9, 2022
The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is a women’s fiction title that has some romance with a whole lot of family drama. The story in The Summer Getaway is one that is told by changing the point of view between the characters giving all sides to the story.
It’s been four years since Robyn Caldwell’s divorce and Robyn has come to a realization that she needs a plan for the rest of her life after the divorce settlement runs out. The only thing standing in Robyn’s way of figuring out her own future, handling everyone else’s troubles all around her before she can begin to tackle her own.
Robyn’s son has just graduated high school and refuses to go to college. Robyn’s older daughter did make it through college but wants to marry her boyfriend despite Robyn’s protests of not knowing him well enough but she also wants this in the family’s backyard of the home Robyn needs to sell. Robyn’s bestie is contemplating a fling all the while knowing Robyn hates cheating after her own husband’s infidelity. In the midst of all the chaos Robyn heads out to the west coast to stay with her aunt hoping for a break.
The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is one of those books that I felt I needed to tackle with a bowl of popcorn nearby while diving into all the drama. There certainly was a lot going on in the story that kept the pages turning trying to sort out all of the mess Robyn’s friends and family seemed to bring into her life. There were chuckles and heartwarming moments and moments of pain but all of it wrapped up together nicely to make a great story to read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
It’s been four years since Robyn Caldwell’s divorce and Robyn has come to a realization that she needs a plan for the rest of her life after the divorce settlement runs out. The only thing standing in Robyn’s way of figuring out her own future, handling everyone else’s troubles all around her before she can begin to tackle her own.
Robyn’s son has just graduated high school and refuses to go to college. Robyn’s older daughter did make it through college but wants to marry her boyfriend despite Robyn’s protests of not knowing him well enough but she also wants this in the family’s backyard of the home Robyn needs to sell. Robyn’s bestie is contemplating a fling all the while knowing Robyn hates cheating after her own husband’s infidelity. In the midst of all the chaos Robyn heads out to the west coast to stay with her aunt hoping for a break.
The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is one of those books that I felt I needed to tackle with a bowl of popcorn nearby while diving into all the drama. There certainly was a lot going on in the story that kept the pages turning trying to sort out all of the mess Robyn’s friends and family seemed to bring into her life. There were chuckles and heartwarming moments and moments of pain but all of it wrapped up together nicely to make a great story to read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 20, 2022
I was reading this book, rather enjoying it...bumping along with the family drama and the humor. And then the last quarter the author unceremoniously jettisoned the personality of some of the characters that we spent the the whole first part of the book getting to know. The heel turn of one character especially annoyed me especially since I cynically felt it was 100% done in the service of making one character more sympathetic. And the more I thought about the book, everything about how some of the other outcomes came about began to annoy me.
The story is fairly simple. Robin is the divorced mother of two. Her son is an 18 year old who doesn't want to go to college. Her daughter is engaged to be married and is planning her wedding. Her ex husband owns a lucrative charter boat business and is a habitual and long term womanizer.
As the book begins, we learn that Robin is at a crossroads. She is coming to the end of her divorce settlement and because she married very young because she was pregnant, she never went to college and has no real marketable skills. She is panicking a bit because she has no plans and no money really saved.
Her daughter, Harlow is a rather selfish, entitled young woman who doesn't understand that her mother can no longer afford to live on the huge home they've grown up in and needs to sell. She is insistent on having her wedding there.
Various other things are happening that are getting on Robin's last nerve so she decides to run away to visit her great Aunt in Santa Barbara.
Except, one by one, her problems she ran away from in Florida all follow her... literally ... landing on her aunt's doorstep.
Up to this point this was amusing. I especially liked the part where a new person showed up everyday and how all the different people brought their drama across the country for it to play out under one roof.
But then one person who had been fairly decent seeming and loving turned into a monster. Another person who had been arrogant and supercilious turned whiny and pathetic. Harlow miraculously becomes cured of her entitlement and privilege through some hard thinking. All of the groundwork laid for Robin wanting to do something with her life because she needed to make a plan, vanishes because Deus ex Machina,
I think a lot interesting character nuance and some important themes about privilege and hard work and access that was being explored in the early part of the book, just disappeared and whisped away in the name of tidy clean up and plot convenience. Just left me feeling kinda soured on the whole book.
The story is fairly simple. Robin is the divorced mother of two. Her son is an 18 year old who doesn't want to go to college. Her daughter is engaged to be married and is planning her wedding. Her ex husband owns a lucrative charter boat business and is a habitual and long term womanizer.
As the book begins, we learn that Robin is at a crossroads. She is coming to the end of her divorce settlement and because she married very young because she was pregnant, she never went to college and has no real marketable skills. She is panicking a bit because she has no plans and no money really saved.
Her daughter, Harlow is a rather selfish, entitled young woman who doesn't understand that her mother can no longer afford to live on the huge home they've grown up in and needs to sell. She is insistent on having her wedding there.
Various other things are happening that are getting on Robin's last nerve so she decides to run away to visit her great Aunt in Santa Barbara.
Except, one by one, her problems she ran away from in Florida all follow her... literally ... landing on her aunt's doorstep.
Up to this point this was amusing. I especially liked the part where a new person showed up everyday and how all the different people brought their drama across the country for it to play out under one roof.
But then one person who had been fairly decent seeming and loving turned into a monster. Another person who had been arrogant and supercilious turned whiny and pathetic. Harlow miraculously becomes cured of her entitlement and privilege through some hard thinking. All of the groundwork laid for Robin wanting to do something with her life because she needed to make a plan, vanishes because Deus ex Machina,
I think a lot interesting character nuance and some important themes about privilege and hard work and access that was being explored in the early part of the book, just disappeared and whisped away in the name of tidy clean up and plot convenience. Just left me feeling kinda soured on the whole book.
March 16, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Rounded Up)
THE SUMMER GETAWAY by Susan Mallery is a women’s fiction story full of family drama, but also humor, familial love, and romance. The story is centered around the life changing decisions a divorced mother contemplates with her entire family in flux. This is a standalone read.
Robyn Caldwell has always put her family first Now with her daughter making untenable demands for her wedding, a son who refuses to consider college, a friend on the brink of blowing up her marriage and a relationship she discovers is not what she assumed, she runs away across country to her great aunt’s home on the opposite coast.
One by one, everyone she was escaping appear in her great aunt’s home. With her great aunt Lillian’s counsel and the steadfastness of a new male friend, Robyn can have everything she wants if she is willing to believe in herself.
I loved getting to know all the characters in this story. Lillian is the kind, loving and wise elder we all wish for in our lives. Robyn is like so many other women who put their families first until an event or situation makes them look at what they want for themselves. The contrast between the three men, past and present in Robyn’s life could not be more different and at times entertaining. Robyn’s son and daughter added to the drama with their growing pains but were also the cause of some of the most tender and realistic exchanges. There are many complicated problems happening all at once which felt believable, but it also made for a lot of character hopping, and I felt sometimes this fragmented the flow of the story.
This is a very enjoyable women’s fiction family drama with a good balance of angst vs. happiness.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Rounded Up)
THE SUMMER GETAWAY by Susan Mallery is a women’s fiction story full of family drama, but also humor, familial love, and romance. The story is centered around the life changing decisions a divorced mother contemplates with her entire family in flux. This is a standalone read.
Robyn Caldwell has always put her family first Now with her daughter making untenable demands for her wedding, a son who refuses to consider college, a friend on the brink of blowing up her marriage and a relationship she discovers is not what she assumed, she runs away across country to her great aunt’s home on the opposite coast.
One by one, everyone she was escaping appear in her great aunt’s home. With her great aunt Lillian’s counsel and the steadfastness of a new male friend, Robyn can have everything she wants if she is willing to believe in herself.
I loved getting to know all the characters in this story. Lillian is the kind, loving and wise elder we all wish for in our lives. Robyn is like so many other women who put their families first until an event or situation makes them look at what they want for themselves. The contrast between the three men, past and present in Robyn’s life could not be more different and at times entertaining. Robyn’s son and daughter added to the drama with their growing pains but were also the cause of some of the most tender and realistic exchanges. There are many complicated problems happening all at once which felt believable, but it also made for a lot of character hopping, and I felt sometimes this fragmented the flow of the story.
This is a very enjoyable women’s fiction family drama with a good balance of angst vs. happiness.
March 29, 2022
“Mindy, you make me crazy. You have a perfectly good penis at home. One is enough.”
✮✮✮✮✮
Robyn Caldwell, single mum to two now adults, decides she needs to make a plan for her life. She has mere months to either buy out her ex-husbands half of the house, or sell up. Her daughter desperately wants her to keep the house, as a selfish bride-to-be wanting her wedding there, while her son is off doing his own thing. When her aunt Lillian asks her to come and visit for a while, Robyn decides it’s the perfect time to go and spend some time thinking. One by one, every person she knows follows her to Santa Barbara, ending up with a house full of drama, oh and the handsome stranger due to inherit the house.
Imagine all the drama you could think of happening within a family, and quadruple it. This family goes through a lot, with cheating, divorce, serious illness, death, lies, debt, in-laws, as well as everything else! Corr this is a book and a half. This will be your read of the summer, that’s for sure! Hell, maybe even your read of the year!
I loved the characters, they were so well built. Surprisingly, my favourite character was the son, Austin, who is just such a switched on person at a mere 18 years old. He seemed to have such a fantastic outlook on life, and was giving everyone else advise and asking all the right questions. I’ve never met someone so young, that is that switched on! I loved the relationships formed and the bonds created and broken. This was a page-turning novel right from the very first page. Even the first sentence was captivating, and that really is a sign of a good book! I laughed and cried right along with the characters all the way through.
I love Susan Mallery as an author so will always highly recommend her books, but this is perfect for a light summer read!
✮✮✮✮✮
Robyn Caldwell, single mum to two now adults, decides she needs to make a plan for her life. She has mere months to either buy out her ex-husbands half of the house, or sell up. Her daughter desperately wants her to keep the house, as a selfish bride-to-be wanting her wedding there, while her son is off doing his own thing. When her aunt Lillian asks her to come and visit for a while, Robyn decides it’s the perfect time to go and spend some time thinking. One by one, every person she knows follows her to Santa Barbara, ending up with a house full of drama, oh and the handsome stranger due to inherit the house.
Imagine all the drama you could think of happening within a family, and quadruple it. This family goes through a lot, with cheating, divorce, serious illness, death, lies, debt, in-laws, as well as everything else! Corr this is a book and a half. This will be your read of the summer, that’s for sure! Hell, maybe even your read of the year!
I loved the characters, they were so well built. Surprisingly, my favourite character was the son, Austin, who is just such a switched on person at a mere 18 years old. He seemed to have such a fantastic outlook on life, and was giving everyone else advise and asking all the right questions. I’ve never met someone so young, that is that switched on! I loved the relationships formed and the bonds created and broken. This was a page-turning novel right from the very first page. Even the first sentence was captivating, and that really is a sign of a good book! I laughed and cried right along with the characters all the way through.
I love Susan Mallery as an author so will always highly recommend her books, but this is perfect for a light summer read!
March 15, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
Mindy, you make me crazy. You have a perfectly good penis at home. One is enough.
“I’m sorry to be the one to bring you such bad news.” “Are you?” Robyn asked before she could stop herself. “It seems to me you’re delighted. It must be hard having such a small life.”
You know to wear a condom every single time, right? Every time. You whip it out, you put on party clothes.
They grow up. It’s God’s way of saying go find a hobby.
We’re like a bad TV script… For a show no one wants to watch.
My Review:
This was a delightfully amusing and engaging read that kept me smirking and pleasantly entertained throughout perusal. I enjoyed all the various storylines, all of which were advancing at a steady pace.
Every character was in transition and actively moving forward while wading through unanticipated opportunities and conundrums. I adored the couple of Mason and Robyn, but Mason most of all, as he was not at all what I was expecting.
The writing was crisp, insightful, and smartly paced with a well-honed balance of clever humor and tension and surprising conclusions to several of the threads. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of these characters in an ongoing series.
Mindy, you make me crazy. You have a perfectly good penis at home. One is enough.
“I’m sorry to be the one to bring you such bad news.” “Are you?” Robyn asked before she could stop herself. “It seems to me you’re delighted. It must be hard having such a small life.”
You know to wear a condom every single time, right? Every time. You whip it out, you put on party clothes.
They grow up. It’s God’s way of saying go find a hobby.
We’re like a bad TV script… For a show no one wants to watch.
My Review:
This was a delightfully amusing and engaging read that kept me smirking and pleasantly entertained throughout perusal. I enjoyed all the various storylines, all of which were advancing at a steady pace.
Every character was in transition and actively moving forward while wading through unanticipated opportunities and conundrums. I adored the couple of Mason and Robyn, but Mason most of all, as he was not at all what I was expecting.
The writing was crisp, insightful, and smartly paced with a well-honed balance of clever humor and tension and surprising conclusions to several of the threads. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of these characters in an ongoing series.
February 16, 2022
So many emotions. Sweet funny sexy sad… oh so good.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are so many pieces in this book that I related to. It’s magical when an author writes from the heart. Mallory totally understands women, kids we’re trying to raise, and those crazy emotions all over the place.
This book was loaded with fun surprises, a growing touching romance, and self-discovery that leaves the reader feeling fulfilled right along with the characters.
Speaking of characters, I just loved every one of them, well except her ex-husband. What a piece of work. But in the end, he seemed to grow up too.
Mallery teases us with descriptions of fantastic houses and fairytale locations. It just begs for the beach, water, hot sunshine, and a cool beverage, along with this book to dive into.
Honestly, put this book on your must-read list. It is so good and loaded with rich descriptions, in-depth emotions, and some sweet heat that enhanced the budding romance. I just fell in love with The Summer Getaway. Maybe because I need to escape too!
So much love for this one!!
* copy received for review consideration
* Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-summer-g...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are so many pieces in this book that I related to. It’s magical when an author writes from the heart. Mallory totally understands women, kids we’re trying to raise, and those crazy emotions all over the place.
This book was loaded with fun surprises, a growing touching romance, and self-discovery that leaves the reader feeling fulfilled right along with the characters.
Speaking of characters, I just loved every one of them, well except her ex-husband. What a piece of work. But in the end, he seemed to grow up too.
Mallery teases us with descriptions of fantastic houses and fairytale locations. It just begs for the beach, water, hot sunshine, and a cool beverage, along with this book to dive into.
Honestly, put this book on your must-read list. It is so good and loaded with rich descriptions, in-depth emotions, and some sweet heat that enhanced the budding romance. I just fell in love with The Summer Getaway. Maybe because I need to escape too!
So much love for this one!!
* copy received for review consideration
* Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-summer-g...
August 18, 2022
Publication Date: March 15, 2022
Narrated by: Tanya Eby
Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
Robyn Caldwell (42) has to find a new plan for her future now that her daughter Harlow (22) and her son (18) have moved out. Robyn sacrificed her dreams and always put her family first. Now she don't know how to deal with problems her adult children and her ex-husband create. When her great-aunt Lillian invite her to sunny Santa Barbara for the summer, she decide it is time to get away from all the stress and troubles, be with the person who has always been there for her!
Beginning of the story was ok but I found the characterization flat, superficial and boring. The story is told from multiple POVs, that makes things repetitive and predictible. I especially disliked Harlow's POVs. Was she real?
I was more analyzing, than enjoying the plot and characters. Perhaps author think that if she has a different narrator for every chapter, the reader might not notice how thin and unrealistic the plot is! I noticed. I disliked it....
Audiobook review: the narrator wasn't very good -- she was often monotone, then annoyingly squeaky or fast. There were times when I missed the character's POV change, all voices were similar, no pause in change of scene or POV.
This could have been nice and enjoyable summertime read, but the slow pace, and needless character perspectives made this an average experience for me. Not in a hurry to read anything else by this author!
Narrated by: Tanya Eby
Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
Robyn Caldwell (42) has to find a new plan for her future now that her daughter Harlow (22) and her son (18) have moved out. Robyn sacrificed her dreams and always put her family first. Now she don't know how to deal with problems her adult children and her ex-husband create. When her great-aunt Lillian invite her to sunny Santa Barbara for the summer, she decide it is time to get away from all the stress and troubles, be with the person who has always been there for her!
Beginning of the story was ok but I found the characterization flat, superficial and boring. The story is told from multiple POVs, that makes things repetitive and predictible. I especially disliked Harlow's POVs. Was she real?
I was more analyzing, than enjoying the plot and characters. Perhaps author think that if she has a different narrator for every chapter, the reader might not notice how thin and unrealistic the plot is! I noticed. I disliked it....
Audiobook review: the narrator wasn't very good -- she was often monotone, then annoyingly squeaky or fast. There were times when I missed the character's POV change, all voices were similar, no pause in change of scene or POV.
This could have been nice and enjoyable summertime read, but the slow pace, and needless character perspectives made this an average experience for me. Not in a hurry to read anything else by this author!
February 8, 2022
If you like family drama, this is the book for you! It would definitely make a great beach read. There's no end to the drama in this book: cheating, lies, divorce, grieving, steamy romance, entitlement, difficult decisions, you name it - it's all here.
Robyn is divorced, living in Naples, Florida, and will need to sell her home in just a few months as part of the divorce settlement. Her daughter has turned into bridezilla and is demanding to be married at the home - which just isn't going to work. Her son is eighteen and won't even discuss college. Her ex-husband is involved with a woman he shouldn't be involved with. Her best friend is talking about cheating on her husband with a tennis pro. Her boyfriend is not the man she thought he was. It's all too much. Robyn flees to California to stay with her great-aunt Lillian in a beautiful home on the coast in Santa Barbara. Robyn needs to come to grips with her life, her finances, her kids, and find the direction she wants her life to go.
There is a lot of angst in the story, but also humor. It's a light, enjoyable read. The characters felt real. Robyn is a strong character who guides her family and deserves respect. I loved the character, Lillian, who was loved by all in the book and was a person Robyn and her children could come to for advice with anything. And she has 15 cats names for kings and queens!
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on March 15, 2022.
Robyn is divorced, living in Naples, Florida, and will need to sell her home in just a few months as part of the divorce settlement. Her daughter has turned into bridezilla and is demanding to be married at the home - which just isn't going to work. Her son is eighteen and won't even discuss college. Her ex-husband is involved with a woman he shouldn't be involved with. Her best friend is talking about cheating on her husband with a tennis pro. Her boyfriend is not the man she thought he was. It's all too much. Robyn flees to California to stay with her great-aunt Lillian in a beautiful home on the coast in Santa Barbara. Robyn needs to come to grips with her life, her finances, her kids, and find the direction she wants her life to go.
There is a lot of angst in the story, but also humor. It's a light, enjoyable read. The characters felt real. Robyn is a strong character who guides her family and deserves respect. I loved the character, Lillian, who was loved by all in the book and was a person Robyn and her children could come to for advice with anything. And she has 15 cats names for kings and queens!
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on March 15, 2022.
April 5, 2022
While I actually really enjoyed the book, the setting, and the super dramatic plot line... the extremely graphic and seemingly unnecessary and too long sex scenes were a bit (a lot) much for me, and felt really out of place alongside the rest of the story. Without them it would’ve been a lot more charming and I would have recommended it to friends and family.. but with that level of specific physical description I certainly won’t be haha.
It was kind of like watching a nice pleasant beachy show but having it cut to porn in the middle and then back to the show 🥴 very meh for me.
It was kind of like watching a nice pleasant beachy show but having it cut to porn in the middle and then back to the show 🥴 very meh for me.
January 27, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is a family drama that includes an ex-husband, an entitled daughter, and an unambitious son, along with a cheating friend, and a fabulous great-grandma. I enjoyed this fast-paced story that had me hooked from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until the very end.
Robyn Caldwell only has a few months left until she’ll be forced to sell her home in accordance with her divorce settlement with her ex-husband Cord. Her daughter, Hailey, is furious with her as she has always dreamed of having her wedding in the backyard of their family home. Her son, Ryan, is floundering after just graduating High School and he is not interested in college but hasn’t found a career path at all, and is working as a deckhand in his father’s fishing charter business. On top of all her family problems, her boss, and friend is making some bad decisions that have the potential to blow up in her face.
When her great aunt Lillian invites her to visit her in Santa Barbara, Robyn packs up and travels across the country to visit her 94yo aunt. Aunt Lillian lives in a sprawling mansion, complete with 15 cats all named after British royalty, lost staircases, doors to nowhere, and priceless antiques. But, Robyn’s escape doesn’t last long as one by one, her family and friends join her in California.
I was pulled right into this family drama. Robyn is a very sympathetic character, and her struggles with her family and friends felt real and I empathized with her immediately. Great Aunt Lillian was my favorite character, and her home I would consider a character in itself. Lillian lives in a huge mansion overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara, and it’s obvious that she lived an amazing life. A bit of a romance happens but is secondary to the main story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is a family drama that includes an ex-husband, an entitled daughter, and an unambitious son, along with a cheating friend, and a fabulous great-grandma. I enjoyed this fast-paced story that had me hooked from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until the very end.
Robyn Caldwell only has a few months left until she’ll be forced to sell her home in accordance with her divorce settlement with her ex-husband Cord. Her daughter, Hailey, is furious with her as she has always dreamed of having her wedding in the backyard of their family home. Her son, Ryan, is floundering after just graduating High School and he is not interested in college but hasn’t found a career path at all, and is working as a deckhand in his father’s fishing charter business. On top of all her family problems, her boss, and friend is making some bad decisions that have the potential to blow up in her face.
When her great aunt Lillian invites her to visit her in Santa Barbara, Robyn packs up and travels across the country to visit her 94yo aunt. Aunt Lillian lives in a sprawling mansion, complete with 15 cats all named after British royalty, lost staircases, doors to nowhere, and priceless antiques. But, Robyn’s escape doesn’t last long as one by one, her family and friends join her in California.
I was pulled right into this family drama. Robyn is a very sympathetic character, and her struggles with her family and friends felt real and I empathized with her immediately. Great Aunt Lillian was my favorite character, and her home I would consider a character in itself. Lillian lives in a huge mansion overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara, and it’s obvious that she lived an amazing life. A bit of a romance happens but is secondary to the main story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 24, 2022
4.5 stars
The Summer Getaway, by Susan Mallery, is a delightful, heartwarming story with all the feels.
Robyn Caldwell is mother of two young adult children and is managing a lot in her life. As the drama and tensions build, she decides an escape to her precious grandmother’s home in picturesque Santa Barbara, California, like previous times in her life, is exactly what she needs. One-by-one the people and problems she is running from show up at her door, but she’s finally ready to deal with them. What she isn’t prepared for is the new arrival of a handsome, kind-hearted stranger, the estranged relative of her grandmother’s late husband.
This story has it all and it is all done so well! Personally, there are more graphic, steamy scenes than I am comfortable with, but I glossed over those and the rest of the story is perfection. There is humor, some eye-rolling, head-thumping interactions, relatable dialogue, laugh out loud banter, tender moments, sweet romance and inspiring family bonds. It’s so refreshing to actually see healthy family relationships, especially with adult children. The characters are intelligent and strong, flawed, but likeable (or not in some cases, as is intended), but authentic and appealing. I loved this story and am so grateful that I got to read it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Press for the free advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Summer Getaway, by Susan Mallery, is a delightful, heartwarming story with all the feels.
Robyn Caldwell is mother of two young adult children and is managing a lot in her life. As the drama and tensions build, she decides an escape to her precious grandmother’s home in picturesque Santa Barbara, California, like previous times in her life, is exactly what she needs. One-by-one the people and problems she is running from show up at her door, but she’s finally ready to deal with them. What she isn’t prepared for is the new arrival of a handsome, kind-hearted stranger, the estranged relative of her grandmother’s late husband.
This story has it all and it is all done so well! Personally, there are more graphic, steamy scenes than I am comfortable with, but I glossed over those and the rest of the story is perfection. There is humor, some eye-rolling, head-thumping interactions, relatable dialogue, laugh out loud banter, tender moments, sweet romance and inspiring family bonds. It’s so refreshing to actually see healthy family relationships, especially with adult children. The characters are intelligent and strong, flawed, but likeable (or not in some cases, as is intended), but authentic and appealing. I loved this story and am so grateful that I got to read it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Press for the free advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2022
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I looked forward to reading The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery, having enjoyed her work in the past and it did not disappoint. In the Summer Getaway, Mallery delivered a tale filled with family drama, angst, humour and romance.
The Summer Getaway introduces Robyn Caldwell a divorcee and mother of two young adults. She is at the point in her life where the need for more comes knocking. Her daughter is planning her wedding, her son is moving out temporarily and her current relationship has taken a nose dive. Looking for perspective on the path she should take concerning her future, she travelled to Santa Barbara to visit her great aunt Lillian, the one person who always kept her grounded. Lillian learns that while her great aunt was a source of comfort for her, she was the same for others. Everyone she attempts to get away from flocked to her like steel to magnet.
I had an interesting time with this story. The characters featured will make you either want to cheer them on, scream at them, shake some sense into them or feel indifferent towards them. I knew I would like Robyn from the moment of her introduction. She was such a personable character. No wonder everyone looked to her for solace, whenever situations in their lives goes sideways.
Now when Robyn went to visit her aunt the romance was the last thing she expected to find. Mason Bishop stands to inherit the house her aunt resides in, while Robyn will get the contents. Sparks flew when they met and slowly built to a raging inferno. I enjoyed their romance and it was good to see Robyn finding a man who appreciated her. Mason, a retired army veteran was an awesome individual. He had a calming and likeable personality, which made him perfect for Robyn.
The story delivered some interesting and dramatic moments, most of which were centered around Robyn's philandering ex-husband , Cord and her entitled daughter, Harlowe. The depth of character development in The Summer Getaway was precisely what I expected from Mallery. The characters grew and learn from their mistakes. Even the obnoxious ones. I believe Robyn's friend got off too easy for her stupidity. After all the warnings Robyn gave her she went and did the unthinkable and then she came running to Robyn looking for solace. It shows Robyn's kindheartedness.
With a strong and interesting storyline, The Summer Getaway will appeal to readers of Women's Fiction.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
I looked forward to reading The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery, having enjoyed her work in the past and it did not disappoint. In the Summer Getaway, Mallery delivered a tale filled with family drama, angst, humour and romance.
The Summer Getaway introduces Robyn Caldwell a divorcee and mother of two young adults. She is at the point in her life where the need for more comes knocking. Her daughter is planning her wedding, her son is moving out temporarily and her current relationship has taken a nose dive. Looking for perspective on the path she should take concerning her future, she travelled to Santa Barbara to visit her great aunt Lillian, the one person who always kept her grounded. Lillian learns that while her great aunt was a source of comfort for her, she was the same for others. Everyone she attempts to get away from flocked to her like steel to magnet.
I had an interesting time with this story. The characters featured will make you either want to cheer them on, scream at them, shake some sense into them or feel indifferent towards them. I knew I would like Robyn from the moment of her introduction. She was such a personable character. No wonder everyone looked to her for solace, whenever situations in their lives goes sideways.
Now when Robyn went to visit her aunt the romance was the last thing she expected to find. Mason Bishop stands to inherit the house her aunt resides in, while Robyn will get the contents. Sparks flew when they met and slowly built to a raging inferno. I enjoyed their romance and it was good to see Robyn finding a man who appreciated her. Mason, a retired army veteran was an awesome individual. He had a calming and likeable personality, which made him perfect for Robyn.
The story delivered some interesting and dramatic moments, most of which were centered around Robyn's philandering ex-husband , Cord and her entitled daughter, Harlowe. The depth of character development in The Summer Getaway was precisely what I expected from Mallery. The characters grew and learn from their mistakes. Even the obnoxious ones. I believe Robyn's friend got off too easy for her stupidity. After all the warnings Robyn gave her she went and did the unthinkable and then she came running to Robyn looking for solace. It shows Robyn's kindheartedness.
With a strong and interesting storyline, The Summer Getaway will appeal to readers of Women's Fiction.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
January 21, 2022
The overall tone and feeling of the story was enjoyable. I mostly liked the characters and their development, even if it was a bit surfacey and cliched. I was interested in finding out where they each ended up (with a couple of exceptions that I didn’t really care about).
I could have done without the awkward mentions of erections, lust, clits, etc. I’m good with a well-placed steamy sex scene in my reads, but most of these just felt shoved in (pardon the pun) and jarring/unnecessary.
More of a 2.5 star book, but I did enjoy it overall so rounded up.
I could have done without the awkward mentions of erections, lust, clits, etc. I’m good with a well-placed steamy sex scene in my reads, but most of these just felt shoved in (pardon the pun) and jarring/unnecessary.
More of a 2.5 star book, but I did enjoy it overall so rounded up.
March 29, 2022
This was Mallery's best yet. I loved the family drama all of it and I love the ending more then anything. My favorite character was Aunt Lillian what a great character she was. This is a 5 star summer must read.
January 14, 2024
This turned out to be my first beach read of the season and my second truly chick-lit book of the year. I’d heard good things about this newest Susan Mallery novel, and as it was my third book by this prolific author, I was looking forward to getting away with The Summer Getaway.
Yes, it checked many chick-lit boxes: relationship misunderstandings, family drama, steamy sex, beautiful locations (Florida and Santa Barbara, CA), cocktails and sunsets – all the over-the-top essentials of chick-lit. But there were a few bothersome elements that made this only a 2-star book for me.
I found this novel neither poignant nor heartwarming, as the book jacket claimed. Robyn Caldwell, the 40-ish divorced and Florida-based main character, travels to Santa Barbara to visit her ultra-wealthy and slightly eccentric great-aunt Lillian in order to figure out the next chapter of her life. She immediately meets her great-aunt’s distant relative, Mason, who is also staying there and happens to be her age. They soon fall for each other. Before long her two adult children, an ex-husband, a recent boyfriend, and other assorted friends and relations make their way across the country to great-aunt Lillian’s mansion, which is reminiscent of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, CA. Loved the descriptions of this sprawling multi-level estate with stairways to nowhere, doors opening to brick walls, countless rooms, numerous fireplaces, ocean-view balconies, valuable antiques, stained glass windows, chandeliers, etc.
Robyn and her aunt are able to accommodate everyone who turns up, the family keeps buying and preparing food or eating out, occasionally staying in hotels, renting cars, flying back and forth across the country, etc. Privileged and entitled, these people never seemed to worry about money as they hosted guests, even though money (or the lack of it) was driving the plot. I thought I’d find more reviews complaining about rich, white people.
In addition to the affluence and self-absorbed drama of the characters that provides the book with its soap opera flavor, the writing could have been better. Mallery repeats facts and explanations too often. Where was the editor? Also, several of the characters’ personalities and behaviors conveniently changed halfway through the novel, as if just to move the plot along. Despite the suspension of disbelief needed when reading chick-lit, I just can’t recommend this.
I didn’t really connect with anyone except great-aunt Lillian, and she was a tangential character. The best part was the fun cocktails the characters drank – I was disappointed there weren’t recipes for these at the back of the book.
Yes, it checked many chick-lit boxes: relationship misunderstandings, family drama, steamy sex, beautiful locations (Florida and Santa Barbara, CA), cocktails and sunsets – all the over-the-top essentials of chick-lit. But there were a few bothersome elements that made this only a 2-star book for me.
I found this novel neither poignant nor heartwarming, as the book jacket claimed. Robyn Caldwell, the 40-ish divorced and Florida-based main character, travels to Santa Barbara to visit her ultra-wealthy and slightly eccentric great-aunt Lillian in order to figure out the next chapter of her life. She immediately meets her great-aunt’s distant relative, Mason, who is also staying there and happens to be her age. They soon fall for each other. Before long her two adult children, an ex-husband, a recent boyfriend, and other assorted friends and relations make their way across the country to great-aunt Lillian’s mansion, which is reminiscent of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, CA. Loved the descriptions of this sprawling multi-level estate with stairways to nowhere, doors opening to brick walls, countless rooms, numerous fireplaces, ocean-view balconies, valuable antiques, stained glass windows, chandeliers, etc.
Robyn and her aunt are able to accommodate everyone who turns up, the family keeps buying and preparing food or eating out, occasionally staying in hotels, renting cars, flying back and forth across the country, etc. Privileged and entitled, these people never seemed to worry about money as they hosted guests, even though money (or the lack of it) was driving the plot. I thought I’d find more reviews complaining about rich, white people.
In addition to the affluence and self-absorbed drama of the characters that provides the book with its soap opera flavor, the writing could have been better. Mallery repeats facts and explanations too often. Where was the editor? Also, several of the characters’ personalities and behaviors conveniently changed halfway through the novel, as if just to move the plot along. Despite the suspension of disbelief needed when reading chick-lit, I just can’t recommend this.
I didn’t really connect with anyone except great-aunt Lillian, and she was a tangential character. The best part was the fun cocktails the characters drank – I was disappointed there weren’t recipes for these at the back of the book.
March 19, 2022
📚 Hello Book Friends! OMG!! I don’t remember reading a book with more family drama than THE SUMMER GETAWAY by Susan Mallery. I related to Robyn throughout the book. Her relationship with her children is very similar to mine. I had also a similar experience with a girlfriend who wanted to cheat on her husband. Fortunately, my gf listened to me and did not happen contrary to Robyn’s friend. Yikes, what a mess!! I also love how she found love again with a solid and decent man. Her relationship with her great-aunt was special and beautiful. Overall, this novel is a great read.
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February 28, 2022
Great book! Perfect for spring/summer vibes. Love Robyn and Mason. Perfect description of how motherhood isn’t always rainbows and unicorns. It’s so challenging and not always picture perfect. Susan nailed it. Also, who else wants to explore that house him Santa Barbara? 😆 Great book!
Watch my live interview with Susan here: https://amazon.com/live/broadcast/16a...
Watch my live interview with Susan here: https://amazon.com/live/broadcast/16a...
June 6, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it provided a delightful escape from reality! The captivating storyline and vivid setting were truly engaging. However, I must admit that the explicit and lengthy sexual scenes felt excessive and out of sync with the overall narrative. Without them, the book would have maintained its charm, making it a perfect recommendation for friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the explicit content, I won't be able to suggest it to them.
March 16, 2022
This book was so good! I read it in one day. Honestly I was way more interested in and invested in her kids stories and lives than the main character. Part of it may have been the Insta-love, which is my least favorite troupe. Really good summer read with messy, fun family dynamics! Highly recommend.
July 23, 2023
Format Read: Hardcover
Review: This is more a family literature book then a romance since it covers the stories of all the family members. I enjoyed the mother’s storyline far more then the children’s. Also I felt the title didn’t fit the story at all. Still and enjoyable read.
Recommended For: Those who wants interesting characters with a fun storyline.
Bookopoly #1
Review: This is more a family literature book then a romance since it covers the stories of all the family members. I enjoyed the mother’s storyline far more then the children’s. Also I felt the title didn’t fit the story at all. Still and enjoyable read.
Recommended For: Those who wants interesting characters with a fun storyline.
Bookopoly #1
June 12, 2022
Robyn Caldwell has come to realize she needs a plan for her future. Her daughter is getting married and her son at eighteen is considering his options. Soon to lose the alimony payments from her ex husband Robyn needs to downsize and find a better job. When her great aunt invites her to stay with her at her home in Santa Barbara for the summer she jumps at the opportunity. The last thing she expected was for her son, daughter and best friend to randomly show up at her great aunt's home. As the guests keep arriving Robyn finds comfort in the steady presence of Mason, the sexy ex military man set to inherit her great aunt's house. Over the course of the summer Robyn, her family and Mason all discover new paths for the future.
Heartwarming and romantic, a fabulous summer beach read.
Heartwarming and romantic, a fabulous summer beach read.
March 15, 2022
When Robyn realizes that her relationship has hit the wall, she decides to take a break. She travels to spend the summer with her great aunt Lillian, the one person who always gave her comfort. Facing an empty nest as her daughter is soon to be married and her son wants to move out on a trial basis, there is no time at the present for Robyn to take time away.
However, Robyn is all things to everyone. Her time away is soon populated by everyone in her life that she thought she was getting away from. Robyn is a people magnet. While she received comfort from Lillian, she herself was the source of comfort to everyone in her life.
Robyn is striving to find her path in life, and taking a chance on herself just might be too big a risk. Lillian is incredibly wise and the time that Robyn spends with her will no doubt change her life. However, what about the fact that her family is showing up, one by one? Has Robyn actually gotten away or has everything she escaped followed her to the degree that she might never find her footing?
As Robyn is like most caring women and mothers, this book would make the perfect beach read. The story brings comfort and joy, giving Robyn the chance to find everything she needs in life, including love.
However, Robyn is all things to everyone. Her time away is soon populated by everyone in her life that she thought she was getting away from. Robyn is a people magnet. While she received comfort from Lillian, she herself was the source of comfort to everyone in her life.
Robyn is striving to find her path in life, and taking a chance on herself just might be too big a risk. Lillian is incredibly wise and the time that Robyn spends with her will no doubt change her life. However, what about the fact that her family is showing up, one by one? Has Robyn actually gotten away or has everything she escaped followed her to the degree that she might never find her footing?
As Robyn is like most caring women and mothers, this book would make the perfect beach read. The story brings comfort and joy, giving Robyn the chance to find everything she needs in life, including love.
March 12, 2022
The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is a women’s fiction title that has some romance and lots of family drama. It’s been four years since Robyn Caldwell’s divorce and Robyn has come to a realization that she needs a plan for the rest of her life after the divorce settlement runs out. Robyn’s son, Austen, has just graduated high school and doesn't want to go to college. He has a job at his dad's boat charter business and an apartment for the summer. Robyn’s daughter, Harlow, has finished college and also had a job at her dad's business. She is planning to marry in a year and wants to get married in the backyard of the family home. The problem is that Robyn needs to sell the house as she cannot afford to buy Cord, her ex-husband out. She is in a relationship with a cardiologist, but finds out some information that has her wondering about where they are going. Finally, her BFF is contemplating a fling with her tennis instructor and Robyn warns her that it won't be worth it. In the midst of all the chaos Robyn gets a call from her great-aunt Lillian inviting her to visit her in Santa Barbara. Robyn packs up and travels across the country to visit her 94 year old aunt hoping for a break. The main thing standing in Robyn’s way of figuring out her own future, is dealing with everyone else’s problems before taking care of her own. Will she finally get the time she needs to figure it all out?
I was pulled right into this family drama. Robyn is a very sympathetic character, and her struggles with her family and friends felt real. Being a mom of adult children, I feel Robyn's pain. They will always be our kids and it is hard not to step in when they need us or when we think we know best. Her children were polar opposites, with Harlow being a spoiled princess and Austen being laid back, supportive of his mom and pretty sure of where he wants to go in his life. Great Aunt Lillian was a wonderful character, smart and a great listener. I loved the description of her home, a huge mishmash of a mansion overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara. It is a character in itself and plays an important role in the story. There is a bit of a romance along the way, but that is secondary to the main story. This is a story of family, finding your path in life, and self-discovery. Although there is some angst and frustration, there is also humour and heartwarming moments wrapped up together to make this a wonderful, entertaining story that I very much enjoyed. I did a read/listen to The Summer Getaway and enjoyed both formats. Tanya Eby narrated this book and does a good job. She is not one of my favourite narrators, but her sweet voice fits this story well. I recommend the book to those who enjoy heartwarming women's fiction and family drama. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I was pulled right into this family drama. Robyn is a very sympathetic character, and her struggles with her family and friends felt real. Being a mom of adult children, I feel Robyn's pain. They will always be our kids and it is hard not to step in when they need us or when we think we know best. Her children were polar opposites, with Harlow being a spoiled princess and Austen being laid back, supportive of his mom and pretty sure of where he wants to go in his life. Great Aunt Lillian was a wonderful character, smart and a great listener. I loved the description of her home, a huge mishmash of a mansion overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara. It is a character in itself and plays an important role in the story. There is a bit of a romance along the way, but that is secondary to the main story. This is a story of family, finding your path in life, and self-discovery. Although there is some angst and frustration, there is also humour and heartwarming moments wrapped up together to make this a wonderful, entertaining story that I very much enjoyed. I did a read/listen to The Summer Getaway and enjoyed both formats. Tanya Eby narrated this book and does a good job. She is not one of my favourite narrators, but her sweet voice fits this story well. I recommend the book to those who enjoy heartwarming women's fiction and family drama. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
April 20, 2022
DNF about 80%. I used to like this author's standalones. But the last few have felt really out of touch. She always wrote characters who I wanted to be my friends though. But not this one. Everyone, except Austin and Lillian, are annoying, self centered and full of themselves. They do come to self realizations and grow, but I didn't want to hang around and watch it.
First there is an over explanation about cooking. I don't know why some things that happen in the story are skimmed over, but if someone is cooking it gets explained. It really took away from the story for me because the plot and flow would just stop to talk about how she made a grilled cheese or marinade.
Then the big annoyance for the last few books is the female protagonist is put in a situation where she loses the way she supported herself. This is supposed to add a distressing element that she overcomes. But they haven't really had to worry about money or where they are going to live or how to feed their kids. This one stayed a member at a club she loathed even though she only worked part time and could have made better use of the money. She does change some aspects and realize she needs to get her life sorted, but then she goes to California where her beloved great aunt is telling her to open an antique shop with her belongings, most of which are priceless. So she was never really in trouble and never really had to worry.
Then there was the relationship with Mason. He is supposed to be this steady, stoic sort of guy, but the second he meets her, its instalust. It felt like such a departure from where they were going with him to have him suddenly be a big raging ball of hormones who is constantly thinking about her and her perfect this and that. It got old, fast. Then there is talk of her buying some acreage from him to build a house, kind of close to where he wants to build one. She is supposed to be thinking realistically about the future, but what if they didn't work out? Then she is stuck living close to someone she wants no contact with.
Don't even get me started on her ex husband. Everyone would call each other on their crap, but nobody touched him. They let him treat them like crap and act like a child without any repercussions by the time I quit. It got really annoying how no one would say anything to him, but were ready to rip into each other, when he was the problem. I think I'm done for awhile.
First there is an over explanation about cooking. I don't know why some things that happen in the story are skimmed over, but if someone is cooking it gets explained. It really took away from the story for me because the plot and flow would just stop to talk about how she made a grilled cheese or marinade.
Then the big annoyance for the last few books is the female protagonist is put in a situation where she loses the way she supported herself. This is supposed to add a distressing element that she overcomes. But they haven't really had to worry about money or where they are going to live or how to feed their kids. This one stayed a member at a club she loathed even though she only worked part time and could have made better use of the money. She does change some aspects and realize she needs to get her life sorted, but then she goes to California where her beloved great aunt is telling her to open an antique shop with her belongings, most of which are priceless. So she was never really in trouble and never really had to worry.
Then there was the relationship with Mason. He is supposed to be this steady, stoic sort of guy, but the second he meets her, its instalust. It felt like such a departure from where they were going with him to have him suddenly be a big raging ball of hormones who is constantly thinking about her and her perfect this and that. It got old, fast. Then there is talk of her buying some acreage from him to build a house, kind of close to where he wants to build one. She is supposed to be thinking realistically about the future, but what if they didn't work out? Then she is stuck living close to someone she wants no contact with.
Don't even get me started on her ex husband. Everyone would call each other on their crap, but nobody touched him. They let him treat them like crap and act like a child without any repercussions by the time I quit. It got really annoying how no one would say anything to him, but were ready to rip into each other, when he was the problem. I think I'm done for awhile.
December 10, 2021
Robyn Caldwell is going through a rough patch to say the least. With her divorce settlement about to run out she is concerned about money and so many other family topics. Her daughter has become a bridezilla, her son is not interested in college at all, and her best friend is close to destroying her marriage. When Robyn’s great aunt calls to invite her to stay in Santa Barbara for the summer, she jumps at the chance! The more time that Robyn spends with her free spirited great aunt, Lillian…the more she realizes that she needs to take a lesson for her own life.
A great family drama with some romance thrown in! I enjoyed Susan Mallery’s latest book. The characters were great in this story, they all brought a sense of realism and depth. THE SUMMER GETAWAY would make a perfect beach read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
A great family drama with some romance thrown in! I enjoyed Susan Mallery’s latest book. The characters were great in this story, they all brought a sense of realism and depth. THE SUMMER GETAWAY would make a perfect beach read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
March 31, 2022
If you're looking for a book with family drama and romance, then I suggest reading this one! This book centers around Robyn, a single mom trying to figure out her life. In the meantime, her two adult children and pretty much everyone around her are also trying to figure out theirs too. I was shocked to not hate any character in this book. Everyone had their flaws, but they all fit in perfectly with the story. There was something that happened earlier than I expected and it shocked me. I was hoping for more and that event to be something written in the epilogue. I'd be interested to see the kids getting their own stories. Maybe the author will think of that for her next novella!
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