What do you think?
Rate this book
A Summer in Sonoma
They've been best friends since seventh grade. But this summer, on the threshold of thirty, four women are going to need each other more than ever.
Cassie has sworn off romance. Yet deep down, she's still looking for Mr. Forever. A long-haired biker doesn't figure into her plans, so where's the harm in touring the back roads of Sonoma on a Harley with Walt Arneson?
Julie married her high school sweetheart—who can get her pregnant with a mere glance—too young and now wonders how her life became all about leaky faucets and checkbook balances. Maybe love isn't enough to sustain the hottest couple in town.
Marty's firefighter husband has forgotten all about romance, and an old flame begins to look mighty tempting.
Beth, a doctor trapped in a body that's betrayed her yet again, is becoming a difficult patient and a secretive friend.
Life can change in an instant…or a summer. And having friends to lean on can only up the chances of happily ever after.
Cassie has sworn off romance. Yet deep down, she's still looking for Mr. Forever. A long-haired biker doesn't figure into her plans, so where's the harm in touring the back roads of Sonoma on a Harley with Walt Arneson?
Julie married her high school sweetheart—who can get her pregnant with a mere glance—too young and now wonders how her life became all about leaky faucets and checkbook balances. Maybe love isn't enough to sustain the hottest couple in town.
Marty's firefighter husband has forgotten all about romance, and an old flame begins to look mighty tempting.
Beth, a doctor trapped in a body that's betrayed her yet again, is becoming a difficult patient and a secretive friend.
Life can change in an instant…or a summer. And having friends to lean on can only up the chances of happily ever after.
408 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
1484 people are currently reading
6345 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Carr
164 books12.6k followers Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series and Sullivan's Crossing series. Robyn's new women's fiction novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, will be released in January 2024. The new hit Sullivan's Crossing TV series (season 1) inspired by Robyn's book series was released in the USA in the fall of 2023! Plus, season 5 of the worldwide fan-favorite Virgin River TV Series is now streaming on Netflix (July 2023) with two holiday episodes coming November 30, 2023. Both TV series have been renewed for another season!
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 642 reviews
August 4, 2013
Almost dropped it several times throughout the story.
Sometimes sweet.
Ultimately predictable though.
Meh.
Most of it and
Especially the later half was extremely boring.
Ruined Walt. I'll never get over that.
I blame my age at least partially for my lack of enjoyment of the story.
Not sure if I'll pick up anything else by the author.
Slow and cheesy ending.
Overall, a disappointing read.
Not 2 stars, nor 3, but honestly just 2.5 stars.
Occasionally very interesting.
Marty and Joe's story was my second favorite.
Adored the first half, and Julie and Billy's romance.
Also, I loathed Cassie. And had a lot of trouble feeling the relationship between the four supposed best friends. Maybe it's just the author's style that doesn't work for me, but something about their so-called lifelong friendship never rang true for me.
*Buddy read with my best frenemy, Jenny. Check out her review here.*
Sometimes sweet.
Ultimately predictable though.
Meh.
Most of it and
Especially the later half was extremely boring.
Ruined Walt. I'll never get over that.
I blame my age at least partially for my lack of enjoyment of the story.
Not sure if I'll pick up anything else by the author.
Slow and cheesy ending.
Overall, a disappointing read.
Not 2 stars, nor 3, but honestly just 2.5 stars.
Occasionally very interesting.
Marty and Joe's story was my second favorite.
Adored the first half, and Julie and Billy's romance.
Also, I loathed Cassie. And had a lot of trouble feeling the relationship between the four supposed best friends. Maybe it's just the author's style that doesn't work for me, but something about their so-called lifelong friendship never rang true for me.
*Buddy read with my best frenemy, Jenny. Check out her review here.*
March 21, 2010
As a fan of the Virgin River series, I thought I would try out a stand alone book by Robyn Carr. I found that I am not just a fan of Virgin River, but I really do like Carr's writing.
A Summer In Sonoma introduces the reader to four high school friends on the verge of turning 30. Each woman looks at the others and feels pangs of envy for one reason or another and thinks the other's life is better than her own. The classic "the grass is always greener" syndrome. What the reader knows is that each has her own issue that makes her life difficult. They are trying to hide it from the others, but sooner or later all their secrets come spilling out.
This book is part-romance and part-chick-lit. Since a couple of the characters are already married, it is what happens after the happily-ever-after. If you are after a classic romance, this one isn't it for you. If you want something a little more real with a lot of interaction between female friends, then this is the perfect book for a Sunday afternoon.
I found myself really liking a couple of the characters, while the other two I kept thinking, "Is she really that dumb?" They all did dumb things, but two of them seemed to be over-the-top dumb. Not that this is unrealistic by any means. I think that all of the stories were realistic and their conclusions were the same. Some parts of the story were a little predictable, but in a very real way, so it worked.
The name A Summer in Sonoma seemed a bit like a misnomer since Sonoma really was barely mentioned as was summer. The story begins in summer and ends into the fall, but really I didn't get much of the Sonoma or the summer part.
Overall, I really liked this book. I found myself not wanting to put it down. It only took me one day to finish and I had a happy-little feeling in my heart when I finally did put the book down.
I received this book from netgalley.com
A Summer In Sonoma introduces the reader to four high school friends on the verge of turning 30. Each woman looks at the others and feels pangs of envy for one reason or another and thinks the other's life is better than her own. The classic "the grass is always greener" syndrome. What the reader knows is that each has her own issue that makes her life difficult. They are trying to hide it from the others, but sooner or later all their secrets come spilling out.
This book is part-romance and part-chick-lit. Since a couple of the characters are already married, it is what happens after the happily-ever-after. If you are after a classic romance, this one isn't it for you. If you want something a little more real with a lot of interaction between female friends, then this is the perfect book for a Sunday afternoon.
I found myself really liking a couple of the characters, while the other two I kept thinking, "Is she really that dumb?" They all did dumb things, but two of them seemed to be over-the-top dumb. Not that this is unrealistic by any means. I think that all of the stories were realistic and their conclusions were the same. Some parts of the story were a little predictable, but in a very real way, so it worked.
The name A Summer in Sonoma seemed a bit like a misnomer since Sonoma really was barely mentioned as was summer. The story begins in summer and ends into the fall, but really I didn't get much of the Sonoma or the summer part.
Overall, I really liked this book. I found myself not wanting to put it down. It only took me one day to finish and I had a happy-little feeling in my heart when I finally did put the book down.
I received this book from netgalley.com
July 11, 2010
The style of this book reminded me of Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street series. Four friends, dealing with all the angst we face in real life. The first is nearly the victim of date rape until a big, burly biker rescues her; the second, has a strong marriage, an unplanned fourth pregnancy, and is facing foreclosure on their home; the third, single career woman whose life is all she wants until she's diagnosed with breast cancer... again; and lastly, a woman whose husband adores her but she's not feeling very loved (foreplay consists of, "You awake?") when she runs into an old boyfriend who oozes charm.
This heartwarming story reminds us all that we can't judge people by appearances; that we should never be too proud to admit when we need help; that love and laughter really can be the best medicine; and if we want better relationships, we have to change bad behavior, stop tolerating bad treatment, never stop trying to communicate, and never, never, never do anything to destroy trust.
If you're going through tough times or know someone who is, consider the money you'll spend for this book as an investment in encouragement (buy it so you can pass it on).
This story, while also set in Northern California, is not related to the Virgin River series. Brand new characters, brand new place. That's good news 'cause there is so much going on there is no space for back story.
This heartwarming story reminds us all that we can't judge people by appearances; that we should never be too proud to admit when we need help; that love and laughter really can be the best medicine; and if we want better relationships, we have to change bad behavior, stop tolerating bad treatment, never stop trying to communicate, and never, never, never do anything to destroy trust.
If you're going through tough times or know someone who is, consider the money you'll spend for this book as an investment in encouragement (buy it so you can pass it on).
This story, while also set in Northern California, is not related to the Virgin River series. Brand new characters, brand new place. That's good news 'cause there is so much going on there is no space for back story.
March 5, 2023
Four women, all facing very different life challenges, lean on each other for support.
Robyn Carr manages to deal with disparate issues (sexual assault, breast cancer, extreme financial distress and a marriage that is on the rocks) seamlessly and still manages to write a book that is positive and hopeful.
I know women who have faced or are facing these very issues and I have given this book to more than one of them. Women who are facing some of these challenges should read this book, even if it's for no other reason than to know that other women face the same issues. That isn't to say that others won't enjoy or find value in this book, it's an entertaining read for just about anyone, obviously targeted to women but there are plenty of men who will also enjoy this book.
Robyn Carr manages to deal with disparate issues (sexual assault, breast cancer, extreme financial distress and a marriage that is on the rocks) seamlessly and still manages to write a book that is positive and hopeful.
I know women who have faced or are facing these very issues and I have given this book to more than one of them. Women who are facing some of these challenges should read this book, even if it's for no other reason than to know that other women face the same issues. That isn't to say that others won't enjoy or find value in this book, it's an entertaining read for just about anyone, obviously targeted to women but there are plenty of men who will also enjoy this book.
October 7, 2012
Extremely odd. Book included a near-rape, pages and pages of wives nagging their husbands practically to death, laundry lists of house-hold errands, a horrible bout of breast cancer, the tedious details of financial disaster, and buried in there...a couple of sweet romances. Too bad the romance with the nurse and adorable biker dude wasn't the main event. It was very sweet. But the other stuff had nothing to do with romance.
Not sure what to make of this one.
Grade: C/C+
Not sure what to make of this one.
Grade: C/C+
August 15, 2011
a story about four women who have been friends since junior high. They are all about thirty years old...here's what is written on the back of the book. "Life can change in an instant...or a summer. And having old friends to lean on can only up the chances of happily ever after." So these four women all have some "secret problem" or life crisis. The first half of the book is spent on these problems. And it is a 400 page book. Each woman looks at the others and feels pangs of envy for one reason or another and thinks the other's life is better than her own. Life gives you your own personal basket of blessings, but we are so preoccupied with what is in our friends and neighbor's baskets we neglect our own. So you learn that Cassie is sad and lonely. She is husband hunting. Julie and her husband are teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. I get it. The author beats it into your head over and over again just in case you didn't understand. Beth is a OBGYN. But really, was the following line really necessary? “Beth began to work, talking to Julie’s vagina.” Really?!!!! Once the story line gets going it is quite decent. The title is misleading. Sonoma is barely mentioned. I was looking forward to a book with rich descriptions of the wine country! If you do decide to read this book be warned- Robyn Carr jumps from subplot to subplot so stay on your toes!
February 8, 2021
Robyn Carr books are escape reads. They make you smile and dream of a calmer lifestyle.
But I was duped by the title! I imagined a group of friends running off for a while to beautiful Sonoma together, like we all wish we could. Especially now with Covid‘a grip keeping us homebound. Apparently, these folks live in Sonoma and the location really is no significance to this story. I liked this well enough, but it could have been much more.
But I was duped by the title! I imagined a group of friends running off for a while to beautiful Sonoma together, like we all wish we could. Especially now with Covid‘a grip keeping us homebound. Apparently, these folks live in Sonoma and the location really is no significance to this story. I liked this well enough, but it could have been much more.
July 4, 2025
Labai patiko ši knyga, net šiek tiek gaila, kad tiek ilgai ji pragulėjo pas mane knygų lentynoje. Jautrus, nuoširdus ir atviras pasakojimas apie gražią keturių moterų tarpusavio draugystę. Įvairiapusė istorija tikrai neleidžia nuobodžiauti, sunku buvo padėti knygą į šalį kol neperskaičiau iki galo. Net sudėtingiausios problemos išsisprendžia kai labai to nori, kai šalia ištikimi ir atsidavę vienas kitam žmonės. 😌👌
March 17, 2018
2/5; C
I read this book years ago and thought I remembered liking it so when I saw the audiobook available at the library I thought I’d check it out. Well, I’ve read and really enjoyed many books by this author and I’ve always noticed she can skirt the ledge between philosophizing and lecturing quite closely. In this book she steps off the ledge fairly frequently so the life lessons about marriage, friendship, and love are kind of heavy handed lectures. I wouldn’t recommend it to any of my romance reading friends.
Kate Turnbull was the narrator and did a prettty good job.
I read this book years ago and thought I remembered liking it so when I saw the audiobook available at the library I thought I’d check it out. Well, I’ve read and really enjoyed many books by this author and I’ve always noticed she can skirt the ledge between philosophizing and lecturing quite closely. In this book she steps off the ledge fairly frequently so the life lessons about marriage, friendship, and love are kind of heavy handed lectures. I wouldn’t recommend it to any of my romance reading friends.
Kate Turnbull was the narrator and did a prettty good job.
July 15, 2011
Wonderful read of 4 friends who are unhappy in their respective life's but are jealous and wish for what other has,its the case of the grass is greener on the other side,how these 4 hide their issues and sadness but it all comes out and how these 4 stick together for each other and find their HEA
Julie has married her high school sweet heart Billy both are really crazy and very much in love with each other but they are financial in trouble and Julie has managed till now but its getting out of control and Billy's always saying it will all be good and we will manage it which irritates and frustrates Julie
Marty is married to Joe have 3 year old son but she is sick n tired of always being the one to clean,cook and manage house and work and Joe's habits and their marriage has lost their spark and the love is lost somewhere,Marty has tried to tell him and even begged him but Joe did't get the point,its a case of misunderstanding,these two don't understand each other what one says other one takes it in some other way which is creating problems
Cassie is tired of bad dates and now recently she had a near rape incident which has left her more scared and has made her self clear she will never find a good decent guy to love and have a house,husband and children that is when she meets Walt who she thinks is a bike mechanic but there's a twist here
Beth she is a Gynec and is doing great as in career but she also has breast cancer,she has survived it once but now its back and now she has again to go through the operation,chemo,radiations and emotionally she is wreck but she hides this from Jules,Cassie and Marty but later its out and these 3 support her through the treatment and then there's her Doc Jerod who wants much more relation from Beth,he likes her and wants to be there for her
I really liked the way all issues were handled and how girls and even the guys advice each other and are there for each other
Good read
Recommend it
Julie has married her high school sweet heart Billy both are really crazy and very much in love with each other but they are financial in trouble and Julie has managed till now but its getting out of control and Billy's always saying it will all be good and we will manage it which irritates and frustrates Julie
Marty is married to Joe have 3 year old son but she is sick n tired of always being the one to clean,cook and manage house and work and Joe's habits and their marriage has lost their spark and the love is lost somewhere,Marty has tried to tell him and even begged him but Joe did't get the point,its a case of misunderstanding,these two don't understand each other what one says other one takes it in some other way which is creating problems
Cassie is tired of bad dates and now recently she had a near rape incident which has left her more scared and has made her self clear she will never find a good decent guy to love and have a house,husband and children that is when she meets Walt who she thinks is a bike mechanic but there's a twist here
Beth she is a Gynec and is doing great as in career but she also has breast cancer,she has survived it once but now its back and now she has again to go through the operation,chemo,radiations and emotionally she is wreck but she hides this from Jules,Cassie and Marty but later its out and these 3 support her through the treatment and then there's her Doc Jerod who wants much more relation from Beth,he likes her and wants to be there for her
I really liked the way all issues were handled and how girls and even the guys advice each other and are there for each other
Good read
Recommend it
October 22, 2010
First book that I had read by this author and I absolutely loved it. I couldn't put it down. I really liked that most of this book just seemed to be about normal women with everyday lives and could be part of my group of friends. I enjoyed Cassie's part of the story with Walt and how realistic it seemed to have an idea of what the perfect guy would look like and how hard it would be to have a biker fit in with the idea of Mr Right.
I also really liked Julie and Billy's story being high school sweethearts and now struggling with financial issues. I totally related to the feelings that they had and really liked seeing a solution for them and how they stayed together to get thru it.
Marty and Joe kind of annoyed me just because some of the things annoying Marty seemed so superficial but it also showed how problems just seem to blow up if you don't work them out as you go. I also liked the point that Joe thought he was helping her out by doing perfectly maintaining the lawn and boat and all outdoor things and how it took them really talking to realize that those things didn't matter as much to Marty as him picking up his dishes and dirty clothes. It is so easy for couples to say that they want help but each person's idea of helping is different.
Beth seemed to be the one character that I didn't feel a personal conection with. Other than her cancer being a wake up call to the others that their problems weren't so bad, her part of the story just didn't seem to fit in as naturally as the others.
I also really liked Julie and Billy's story being high school sweethearts and now struggling with financial issues. I totally related to the feelings that they had and really liked seeing a solution for them and how they stayed together to get thru it.
Marty and Joe kind of annoyed me just because some of the things annoying Marty seemed so superficial but it also showed how problems just seem to blow up if you don't work them out as you go. I also liked the point that Joe thought he was helping her out by doing perfectly maintaining the lawn and boat and all outdoor things and how it took them really talking to realize that those things didn't matter as much to Marty as him picking up his dishes and dirty clothes. It is so easy for couples to say that they want help but each person's idea of helping is different.
Beth seemed to be the one character that I didn't feel a personal conection with. Other than her cancer being a wake up call to the others that their problems weren't so bad, her part of the story just didn't seem to fit in as naturally as the others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2019
I loved this so much! I got so attached to everyone in this book❤️
February 18, 2021
3.5 - The best part of the whole book was the romance between Cassie and Walt, her biker boyfriend. They were adorable together.
July 16, 2021
I did not enjoy this. All the characters were so annoying. Beth is like irrelevant like I feel the author just put her in there for the sadness because she had cancer. She literally started dating her doctor who’s treating her for said cancer. Julie and her relationship was fine they were the least annoying but they were weird with the pregnancy situation/kink whatever you wanna call it. I don’t even know the other woman’s name because she was a irreverent also but how she literally was cheating on her husband big no no. And then the last girl I think her name was Callie hated her she starts off by getting sexually assaulted which is not good obviously so trigger warning. But then the guy who saves her they become friends and she starts to develop feelings but she’s like he is a mechanic he doesn’t have enough money he doesn’t look how a guy i should date should look like she made me so mad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2010
This one would get 2.5 stars if I could rate it that way and unfortunately Robyn Carr has been removed from my auto-buy list.
I just didn't really like this book. The cast of characters is okay, but their stories are just unexciting. I'll admit this book did make me think about my own life and relationships a bit, but there was just not enough excitement to keep me very interested in these lives and relationships while I was reading. It also felt like there were too many subplots for one book at times.
There were also a few implausible parts in this story which is common in fiction, I know, but I don't care how good of a friendship you have, it is unlikely you'll see your high school bestie for your OB/Gyn needs. And maybe one of you would, but not all of you. This whole thing bothered me immensely. And what kind of a name is Walt for a man born in approximately 1978? I thought he must be an old guy when he was first introduced.
Anyway, it could have been worse, but it could also have been a whole lot better. I was disappointed with this one. I will still check out Robyn Carr's books, but I will definitely read a sample first.
(Excuse any typos, submitted from my iPhone.)
I just didn't really like this book. The cast of characters is okay, but their stories are just unexciting. I'll admit this book did make me think about my own life and relationships a bit, but there was just not enough excitement to keep me very interested in these lives and relationships while I was reading. It also felt like there were too many subplots for one book at times.
There were also a few implausible parts in this story which is common in fiction, I know, but I don't care how good of a friendship you have, it is unlikely you'll see your high school bestie for your OB/Gyn needs. And maybe one of you would, but not all of you. This whole thing bothered me immensely. And what kind of a name is Walt for a man born in approximately 1978? I thought he must be an old guy when he was first introduced.
Anyway, it could have been worse, but it could also have been a whole lot better. I was disappointed with this one. I will still check out Robyn Carr's books, but I will definitely read a sample first.
(Excuse any typos, submitted from my iPhone.)
February 26, 2015
I really enjoyed this one. It was my first by Robyn Carr and was recommended to me as one of her best. It's the story of four girlfriends, friends since high school. Cassie wants the "happily ever after," but only dates jerks. Julie married her high school sweetheart at 19 and is currently drowning in debt with three kids and a husband who works constantly. Marty is married to Joe, they have the nice house and all the toys that Julie has to do without. But Marty and Joe aren't connecting any more. Beth is a doctor with her own health concerns.
The book opens with Cassie's first date with her newest jerk. When he assaults her in the front seat of her car, she's saved by Walt, the kind of man Cassie would never be interested. He's big. He's a biker. He has a tattoo of a naked biker on his forearm. But he's nice and Cassie takes him to coffee as a thank you. Most readers can see where this is going. Getting there was a lot of fun.
I recommend this one! I'm almost afraid to read another Robyn Carr story though. If this is one of her best, will I be disappointed in the next one? Hmmm ... I think I'll go look at some reviews of some of her other novels.
The book opens with Cassie's first date with her newest jerk. When he assaults her in the front seat of her car, she's saved by Walt, the kind of man Cassie would never be interested. He's big. He's a biker. He has a tattoo of a naked biker on his forearm. But he's nice and Cassie takes him to coffee as a thank you. Most readers can see where this is going. Getting there was a lot of fun.
I recommend this one! I'm almost afraid to read another Robyn Carr story though. If this is one of her best, will I be disappointed in the next one? Hmmm ... I think I'll go look at some reviews of some of her other novels.
August 4, 2020
A Summer In Sonoma is a story about the lives of four friends at different places in their lives. At times I had a love/hate relationship with most of the characters in this book. All four of them were hard to like at times. I think Beth is the only one that didn't do something that make me think she was a nasty piece of work.
Julie and Marty are both nagging wives at times. Julie got the award for woman who needed to be shaken to have some sense brought into her. She pretty much stayed that way throughout the whole book. I had a hard time liking her from the start because she was really the nagging wife. Granted she had a reason, but she really nagged hard without sharing any information with her husband. And dear lord she was a baby factory, and she liked it that way. Cue more shaking from me.
Let's not get me started on Marty. I absolutely hated her. Nothing she did made me like her any better. Her relationship is on the rocks and rightly so. And then she attempts to have a fling. GAH! I hated her with every fiber of my being. Not that her husband was great. He was thick in the head, but he was trying. She needed a club over the head.
Beth I liked, but she was the one with the most difficult to deal with troubles and she didn't want to share with anyone. I don't know how any one person could face what she did, mostly alone until a friend found out her situation.
Then there's Cassie. The book starts out with her and a big triggering moment. A near rape, but she is saved by a big burly biker. Not the kind of guy she wants to fall for, but she does eventually, because looks can be deceiving.
I think what these characters are the most would be real. The only thing that really puts them in that fantasy fictional realm is that in high school they were all, you guessed it, cheerleaders.
It was an enjoyable and often frustrating read. I'm just glad these ladies aren't in my life
Julie and Marty are both nagging wives at times. Julie got the award for woman who needed to be shaken to have some sense brought into her. She pretty much stayed that way throughout the whole book. I had a hard time liking her from the start because she was really the nagging wife. Granted she had a reason, but she really nagged hard without sharing any information with her husband. And dear lord she was a baby factory, and she liked it that way. Cue more shaking from me.
Let's not get me started on Marty. I absolutely hated her. Nothing she did made me like her any better. Her relationship is on the rocks and rightly so. And then she attempts to have a fling. GAH! I hated her with every fiber of my being. Not that her husband was great. He was thick in the head, but he was trying. She needed a club over the head.
Beth I liked, but she was the one with the most difficult to deal with troubles and she didn't want to share with anyone. I don't know how any one person could face what she did, mostly alone until a friend found out her situation.
Then there's Cassie. The book starts out with her and a big triggering moment. A near rape, but she is saved by a big burly biker. Not the kind of guy she wants to fall for, but she does eventually, because looks can be deceiving.
I think what these characters are the most would be real. The only thing that really puts them in that fantasy fictional realm is that in high school they were all, you guessed it, cheerleaders.
It was an enjoyable and often frustrating read. I'm just glad these ladies aren't in my life
May 3, 2023
Certainly not my favorite read, but overall decent.
I realized 300 pages in I was only on chapter like 13, so they were very long chapters. Personally, that sometimes makes it harder for me to read and stay interested in reading. So I didn’t love that. I found myself often picking it up, reading a few pages, and just getting distracted and having to put it down.
I did like the overall plot of the book. It’s very real life struggles that I know many people deal with on a regular basis. It really shows that the life we often see someone living and that we are envious of is not always all it’s cracked up to be behind closed doors. With that being said, each characters life just felt like it was very drawn out when it could have been condensed. And the ending just kind of really wrapped up quickly for me.
It was a random discount bookstore find, the cover struck my interest and the back sounded interesting enough. Just not my favorite overall.
I realized 300 pages in I was only on chapter like 13, so they were very long chapters. Personally, that sometimes makes it harder for me to read and stay interested in reading. So I didn’t love that. I found myself often picking it up, reading a few pages, and just getting distracted and having to put it down.
I did like the overall plot of the book. It’s very real life struggles that I know many people deal with on a regular basis. It really shows that the life we often see someone living and that we are envious of is not always all it’s cracked up to be behind closed doors. With that being said, each characters life just felt like it was very drawn out when it could have been condensed. And the ending just kind of really wrapped up quickly for me.
It was a random discount bookstore find, the cover struck my interest and the back sounded interesting enough. Just not my favorite overall.
August 1, 2018
I've read a lot of Robyn Carr's books since I've discovered her. This book is by far my most favorite book ever written by her. Long after the book has been finished the characters and their story still remain. Seriously couldn't put it down once I started it! Every emotion you could possibly have while reading this was had for me!Thank you Robyn for this brilliantly written story and for making the characters come to life! I highly recommend this book!
June 10, 2022
Great summer read!
July 3, 2010
Fantastic story centered around 4 women that have been friends since 7th grade. Over the years, they each weathered the ups and downs of each other. Now, in their 30's, they encountered their own kinds of personal problems. The story was nicely written, and had me laughing and crying.
Cassie and Walt Arneson were the primary characters in the story. How they met, how they differed-drastically--from each other. How they fell in love. It was very sweet.
Julie and her husband Billy (new firefighter/carpenter). They had love and three great little kids, but were broke. Beyond broke. They had a strong marriage that faced a lot of hills. How they got through some bad things was very touching. Billy rocked! What a man. He loved his wife and family so much.
Marty was married to Joe (senior firefighter). They had one 3 year old son and people thought they had it all. Nice house, nice boat, etc. Joe was a slob around the house unless he was polishing the boat, cleaning the garage or working outside. His hygiene habits were deplorable. His idea of foreplay was to roll over and ask, "You awake?" Marty was very lonely, felt like a maid and wanted the romance. Joe felt once he got married, he didn't have to do any romance. She was HIS. Well now....
Beth was a successful OB/GYN. She kept a lot to herself, but when the girls' found out what was going on in her life, I was grabbing the tissue box. Thank goodness for Jerod. I would have liked to have read more about Beth and Jerod....
Marty and Beth had small rolls in the book. All the girls secretly envied the other's life. Things aren't always what they seem. When Beth's problem got out, it really put things in perspective.
5 Stars and another favorite for This Reader.
Cassie and Walt Arneson were the primary characters in the story. How they met, how they differed-drastically--from each other. How they fell in love. It was very sweet.
Julie and her husband Billy (new firefighter/carpenter). They had love and three great little kids, but were broke. Beyond broke. They had a strong marriage that faced a lot of hills. How they got through some bad things was very touching. Billy rocked! What a man. He loved his wife and family so much.
Marty was married to Joe (senior firefighter). They had one 3 year old son and people thought they had it all. Nice house, nice boat, etc. Joe was a slob around the house unless he was polishing the boat, cleaning the garage or working outside. His hygiene habits were deplorable. His idea of foreplay was to roll over and ask, "You awake?" Marty was very lonely, felt like a maid and wanted the romance. Joe felt once he got married, he didn't have to do any romance. She was HIS. Well now....
Beth was a successful OB/GYN. She kept a lot to herself, but when the girls' found out what was going on in her life, I was grabbing the tissue box. Thank goodness for Jerod. I would have liked to have read more about Beth and Jerod....
Marty and Beth had small rolls in the book. All the girls secretly envied the other's life. Things aren't always what they seem. When Beth's problem got out, it really put things in perspective.
5 Stars and another favorite for This Reader.
September 15, 2014
4.5 STARS
Cassie is looking for love and a family of her own but has been looking at all the wrong guys...then big tattooed biker named Walt comes into her life questioning her "on paper" attributes for her perfect guy.....Julia and Billy have been in love since they were in their teens and married after they became pregnant. Everything has been going great in the love department but unfortunately as the unplanned pregnancies increase their finances decrease. Billy needs to shed the "everything will be fine" attitude before he loses his family and maybe their home.....Beth is smart and gorgeous and a doctor to boot. After a heartbreak she has focused on her work and left no room for her personal life...Marty loves Joe but since they married Joe has turned into someone else. On his days off he never shaves, showers and is always dressed in old dirty shorts. They never go out anymore unless it is the sports bar to watch the game. Enters ex-bf, Ryan, who broke her heart and cheated on her. He says he has changed but is just as charming as ever. He is what Joe used to be.
Seriously, I did not want this book to end! I read it slowly savouring the lives of 4 high school best friends. My love was torn between pretty boy sweet as pie Billy and tough but tender burly Walt. Robyn Carr is one of my new favourite authors. If you are looking for a sweet cozy realistic read...pick up this book.
Cassie is looking for love and a family of her own but has been looking at all the wrong guys...then big tattooed biker named Walt comes into her life questioning her "on paper" attributes for her perfect guy.....Julia and Billy have been in love since they were in their teens and married after they became pregnant. Everything has been going great in the love department but unfortunately as the unplanned pregnancies increase their finances decrease. Billy needs to shed the "everything will be fine" attitude before he loses his family and maybe their home.....Beth is smart and gorgeous and a doctor to boot. After a heartbreak she has focused on her work and left no room for her personal life...Marty loves Joe but since they married Joe has turned into someone else. On his days off he never shaves, showers and is always dressed in old dirty shorts. They never go out anymore unless it is the sports bar to watch the game. Enters ex-bf, Ryan, who broke her heart and cheated on her. He says he has changed but is just as charming as ever. He is what Joe used to be.
Seriously, I did not want this book to end! I read it slowly savouring the lives of 4 high school best friends. My love was torn between pretty boy sweet as pie Billy and tough but tender burly Walt. Robyn Carr is one of my new favourite authors. If you are looking for a sweet cozy realistic read...pick up this book.
May 8, 2024
2024 -Re-read + audible.
—————
2020 Review——I was recommended this book 3 years ago by a friend and you know what it’s like, you say to yourself, I’ll get around to reading it one day then kick yourself for not reading it sooner.
This book is about four girlfriends, two are married and are having problems, one has cancer and one is rescued by a sexy biker after an assault. Each character goes onto find their way through their relationships, their ups and downs and struggles in life.
I love Robyn Carr, she always tells and incredible sorry, builds a fantastic world rich in detail. I’ve never read a stand alone by her before but I’ll definitely be checking more of her books out. Read it in two days couldn’t put it down.
—————
2020 Review——I was recommended this book 3 years ago by a friend and you know what it’s like, you say to yourself, I’ll get around to reading it one day then kick yourself for not reading it sooner.
This book is about four girlfriends, two are married and are having problems, one has cancer and one is rescued by a sexy biker after an assault. Each character goes onto find their way through their relationships, their ups and downs and struggles in life.
I love Robyn Carr, she always tells and incredible sorry, builds a fantastic world rich in detail. I’ve never read a stand alone by her before but I’ll definitely be checking more of her books out. Read it in two days couldn’t put it down.
January 7, 2013
*****5 shiny stars*****
A great read. The blurb says it all really. Four women, best friends since school, facing difficult situations in life, going through them together.
It is a real page turner, I just wanted to know about which road they were going to take, if things finally work out (of course they always do).
I could see myself in some aspects, probably many women can relate in some way.
Love Carr's writing style. Won't be my last book by her.
A great read. The blurb says it all really. Four women, best friends since school, facing difficult situations in life, going through them together.
It is a real page turner, I just wanted to know about which road they were going to take, if things finally work out (of course they always do).
I could see myself in some aspects, probably many women can relate in some way.
Love Carr's writing style. Won't be my last book by her.
September 9, 2012
This was a great book. Funny and romantic, but so real. The characters felt like real people with real problems like debt and cancer as well as complicated relationships. I would recommend this book to anyone.
June 15, 2021
This book was painful to get through. The title is very misleading, there has hardly ANY mention of Sonoma:( The author really has a way of making grown women look pretty naive and stupid. Major eye roll
August 6, 2014
This book should be called Women Whine in Sonoma. Ugh!
September 17, 2018
Totally Awesome Book. Love Robyn Carr Books. When I Read Her Books I Feel Like I Am Right There. Highly Recommend This Book. 🍭
August 12, 2019
Oh, how I love Robyn Carr books.
This has not been a good reading year for me. I blame myself and my over-exuberant self for requesting too many ARCs, which has resulted in reading a lot of books that just don’t pull me in. Then it takes me days and days to finish them…
But then I get an email (one of three that arrive in my inbox every single day), and find out a Robyn Carr book I haven’t read is on sale for $1.99. And I know it’s just what I need to get my reading mojo back! At least for a little while, any way. Because no one so consistently pulls me in and keeps me entertained - page after page - like Ms. Carr. A Summer in Sonoma didn’t disappoint.
There was a lot going on in this book about four best friends. All about to turn 30, all in different stages of life.
Cassie is an ER nurse on the search for the one to have her own happily ever after with. When he finally does arrive, it takes her a good long time to realize it.
Julie loves her wonderful husband dearly, but getting married really young and an early start to their family has them constantly struggling to make ends meet.
Marty has been married to Joe for five years, and is the envy of all her friends. A husband who adores her, a nice house and an RV and a boat...they think she has it all. But what they don’t know is she’s terribly unhappy and tempted by a man from her past.
Beth is an OB-Gyn, and facing a serious health crisis she doesn’t want to bother her friends with.
As the four women deal with each of the trials in their life, they lean on each other for the support they need. But also receive the straight-shooting, kick-in-the-pants that’s needed as well.
The thing I loved about this book - about all of Ms. Carr’s books, really - is that the characters are realistic (no alpha-male billionaires to be found), and all of their struggles are realistic. The men are manly, but also kind, caring, and considerate. There’s no trumped up drama, no storylines added for the sake of adding artificial suspense. Just darn good storytelling. Every single time.
Do her books tend to be a little formulaic? Yes, especially those books within her series. But I’ve read over 30 of her books (and listened to at least another half dozen, in addition to listening to those same books I’ve already read!), and I never tire of them. Even though they may have a slightly recycled plot, they still manage to seem fresh and completely entertaining. Her ability to spin a tale so cohesively with so many characters amazes me. Every single time.
Several reviewers felt none of the storylines in this book where developed enough. I thought they were developed well, but wanted more. To be fair, I feel that way about pretty much every Robyn Carr book - I get to the last page and don’t want them to be over. Every time I read one I laugh, I cry, I can’t put them down. I usually finish them in less than 24 hours. There’s a small list of authors that are that reliable for me, and Ms. Carr is at the very top.
This has not been a good reading year for me. I blame myself and my over-exuberant self for requesting too many ARCs, which has resulted in reading a lot of books that just don’t pull me in. Then it takes me days and days to finish them…
But then I get an email (one of three that arrive in my inbox every single day), and find out a Robyn Carr book I haven’t read is on sale for $1.99. And I know it’s just what I need to get my reading mojo back! At least for a little while, any way. Because no one so consistently pulls me in and keeps me entertained - page after page - like Ms. Carr. A Summer in Sonoma didn’t disappoint.
There was a lot going on in this book about four best friends. All about to turn 30, all in different stages of life.
Cassie is an ER nurse on the search for the one to have her own happily ever after with. When he finally does arrive, it takes her a good long time to realize it.
Julie loves her wonderful husband dearly, but getting married really young and an early start to their family has them constantly struggling to make ends meet.
Marty has been married to Joe for five years, and is the envy of all her friends. A husband who adores her, a nice house and an RV and a boat...they think she has it all. But what they don’t know is she’s terribly unhappy and tempted by a man from her past.
Beth is an OB-Gyn, and facing a serious health crisis she doesn’t want to bother her friends with.
As the four women deal with each of the trials in their life, they lean on each other for the support they need. But also receive the straight-shooting, kick-in-the-pants that’s needed as well.
The thing I loved about this book - about all of Ms. Carr’s books, really - is that the characters are realistic (no alpha-male billionaires to be found), and all of their struggles are realistic. The men are manly, but also kind, caring, and considerate. There’s no trumped up drama, no storylines added for the sake of adding artificial suspense. Just darn good storytelling. Every single time.
Do her books tend to be a little formulaic? Yes, especially those books within her series. But I’ve read over 30 of her books (and listened to at least another half dozen, in addition to listening to those same books I’ve already read!), and I never tire of them. Even though they may have a slightly recycled plot, they still manage to seem fresh and completely entertaining. Her ability to spin a tale so cohesively with so many characters amazes me. Every single time.
Several reviewers felt none of the storylines in this book where developed enough. I thought they were developed well, but wanted more. To be fair, I feel that way about pretty much every Robyn Carr book - I get to the last page and don’t want them to be over. Every time I read one I laugh, I cry, I can’t put them down. I usually finish them in less than 24 hours. There’s a small list of authors that are that reliable for me, and Ms. Carr is at the very top.
June 7, 2019
I got this book at Half Price on a sale. During their sales I'm willing to take a chance. I'm glad I didn't pay much for this book. I wanted a pleasant, light read heading into the summer. This book was light. And it had some pleasant moments. It was like reading a Hallmark Christmas Movie, only not as good. The most interesting character was Walt and even he was really Too Good To Be True [TM]. I found the women tedious. Beth less so. But even she irritated me when she tried to talk a friend out of having a medical procedure instead of being her doctor and doing what the friend asked. Cassie was too self absorbed, I hate that Julia was made to feel bad about her life being shit, and Marty, well. She needed to learn how to talk to her husband instead of just one night moving out of their bedroom.
I think the author did some good research and then she infodumped it all for us. Each story line of the 4 friends wrapped up way too neatly. And I found it stretched my credulity a bit too much to do so. Still if you want a light read that isn't going to require you to think too much (and in fact it's best if you don't, to be honest), you might like this. Or you might not.
I think the author did some good research and then she infodumped it all for us. Each story line of the 4 friends wrapped up way too neatly. And I found it stretched my credulity a bit too much to do so. Still if you want a light read that isn't going to require you to think too much (and in fact it's best if you don't, to be honest), you might like this. Or you might not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 642 reviews