Celebrating Family, Love, and Resilience: A Book Review of “For The Love Of Summer” by Susan Mallery @HarperCollins @SusanMallery

For The Love Of Summer follows the intertwining lives of Erica, a successful salon owner, and Allison, her ex-husband’s wife, as they navigate unexpected challenges and forge an unlikely bond rooted in family, resilience,

Publishes: June 4, 2024 by MIRA.
Length: 432 pages.
Genre: Family Life

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to MIRA and Edelweiss+ for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

As the owner of Twisted, Seattle’s best salons, Erica knows that the sharpest cuts come from the people we love. She’s terrified that she’s losing her teen daughter, Summer, to her “other” family, especially to her stepmom, Allison.

All it takes to blow up Allison’s happy life is one collect call. From prison. Her beloved husband, Peter, has been arrested, leaving Allison pregnant, broke, scared and alone with a toddler. But when her stepdaughter ferrets out the truth, the teen rushes to the last person Allison wants to ask for help—her husband’s battle-ax ex.

Erica would do anything for Summer, even take in the woman her daughter loves like a second mom. Allison feels intimidated by Erica—a woman who would never let herself become so dependent on a man. But the more time they spend together, the more Allison realizes what Erica truly needs is a friend. Can two women who married the same man move beyond their complicated past and rethink what it means to be family?

My Thoughts:

“For The Love Of Summer” by Susan Mallery isn’t just a book; it’s an emotional rollercoaster that grabbed my heart from the very first page. As someone who’s a die-hard fan of Susan Mallery, I couldn’t wait to dive into this latest masterpiece, and boy, it did not disappoint. This might be her best work yet.

Let me tell you, Erica, the protagonist, isn’t just any character. She’s a force of nature, running Seattle’s best salons while juggling motherhood and being an all-around badass. Her daughter, Summer, is wise beyond her years, and their bond is something truly special.

But it’s not just about Erica. Enter Allison, the stepmom dealing with life’s curveballs after her husband lands himself in prison. Cue Summer’s unwavering support and a reluctant invitation for Allison to enter into Erica’s world. Watching the relationship of these two women evolve was like witnessing a beautiful dance, filled with ups, downs, and unexpected turns. The banter was highly entertaining.

What struck me most was the underlying message of resilience and generosity woven throughout the story. Erica’s commitment to helping others, coupled with Allison’s journey of self-discovery, left me feeling inspired and hopeful.

And let’s not forget the romance subplot! Erica’s hesitant steps towards love again with a longtime friend added an extra layer of warmth to the narrative, reminding us that it’s never too late to open our hearts.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, “For The Love Of Summer” isn’t just a book about family dynamics; it’s a testament to the messy, beautiful chaos of life. It’s a story that tugs at your heartstrings, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for the power of love and unexpected connections. Trust me, this is one book you won’t want to miss.