Susan Mallery is a master storyteller. I love her stories of family and love, always told with a touch of humour. The Summer Getaway is a wonderful escape read which is perfect for fans of Women’s Fiction. The book published March 15, 2022.
From The Publisher:
Single mom Robyn Caldwell needs a new plan for her future. She has always put her family first. Now, with her kids grown, she yearns for a change. But what can she do 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 ruin everything?
Take a vacation, of course. Press reset. When her great-aunt Lillian invites her to Santa Barbara for the summer, Robyn hops on the first plane to sunny California.
But it’s hard to get away when you’re the heart of the family. One by one, everyone she loves 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 possibilities she sees—for dreams, love, family. She can have everything she ever wanted, if only she can muster the courage to take a chance on herself.
Book Review:
Susan Mallery has done it again! This is a lovely story of family love and second chances and I appreciate the middle-aged protagonist with a little more life experience. The central characters are well written and highly likeable. The story is engaging, full of banter, and easy to read. The calamity of having friends and family following Robyn Caldwell one by one to Santa Barbara showed the deep respect that others have for this woman who may be lacking a little self esteem as she heads into a different chapter in life. Who doesn’t need a boost of confidence?
Robyn is a single mother of two – Harlow, 22 and engaged to be married, and Austin 18. Under their divorce agreement, Robyn needs to move out of the family home or buy out her ex-husband Cord no later than 4 months after Austin’s eighteenth birthday. Her only income is a part-time job for a few hours a week. She does not have a college education and is wondering how she’s going to support herself in a few months time.
When Robyn is invited to spend some time with her 94 year old Great-Aunt Lillian, Robyn feels this is the perfect time to getaway for a visit and to contemplate where life will take her next. Not only did Robyn find the clarity she needed to move forward in her life, but so do all that follow her! Throw in a romance for Robyn, and you have a lovely story that just begs to be read.
Audiobook Review:
I listened to the audiobook version of The Summer Getaway which was narrated by one of my favourite audiobook performers Tanya Eby. Her voice is expressive, full of enthusiasm, and easy to listen to. Ms. Eby’s performance elevates this already wonderful read, and I would recommend listening to this format of the book if you enjoy audiobooks.
What I Liked:
- The entertaining and engaging storyline
- The middle-aged protagonist contemplating where life should take her next
- The respect and family love illustrated in the book.
I Recommend This Book To:
Those readers who enjoy Women’s Fiction or stories about family.
My Rating:
★★★★✭/5
Add The Summer Getaway to your Goodreads shelf
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to my local library for purchasing the audiobook of The Summer Getaway.
Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:
The Stepsisters by Susan Mallery
The Vineyard at Painted Moon by Susan Mallery
The Friendship List by Susan Mallery
Fadima Mooneira
Sounds like an awesome read. I believe this book is my cup of tea. Will add this to my TBR. Thank you for sharing.
thathappyreader
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did Fadima! Thanks for reading.
Eleanor
I love this post! I think this sounds like a great summer read, and I love that there’s family storylines that you enjoyed 🙂 thanks for sharing x
thathappyreader
Thanks Eleanor! I love family storylines!
Jaya Avendel
Aww, this book sounds so emotional and empowering! I love that Lillian is a great-aunt as opposed to a younger friend; the experience and gap between the two women opens up room for a learning adventure!
thathappyreader
Absolutely Jaya! Thanks for reading.
Wendy Williams
Susan Mallery is consistently excellent. I also enjoyed this story. The audiobook versions sounds wonderful.
thathappyreader
I absolutely agree Wendy. Tanya Eby is one of my favourite narrators too and it was worth the wait to listen to this book in audiobook format. Thanks for reading!
Aimsy
This book sounds like such a good read. I haven’t read any Susan Mallery’s books before, so maybe this is a sign to sample a few!
Thanks for sharing your review 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Aimsy!
GWT
Such a summery cover. I feel myself escaping through it. The main lead, that one person in the family that everyone looks up to, brings everyone together. I can appreciate her and this story.
thathappyreader
Isn’t the cover lovely? Thanks for reading!
Jamieadstories
Sounds like a good story with an engaging narrative.
thathappyreader
It certainly is! Thanks for reading.
Her Digital Coffee
This sounds like a great story about family, love, and second chances! It’s great to hear that the characters were likeable as well. I’d love to check out this audiobook after hearing your praise for Tanya! Thank you for sharing!
thathappyreader
I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did! Thanks for reading.
Aspen Hite
I am a middle-aged protagonist…haha! Thanks for the recommendation!
thathappyreader
I am too Aspen! Thanks for reading!
Stephanie
I’ve had a Susan Mallery book on my shelf for a while now – one that was sent by the publisher – but I haven’t picked it up yet. You’re making me want to give it a go after seeing how much you loved this book. Then maybe, if I like that one, I’ll wind up reading this one too!
thathappyreader
I hope that you enjoy her books as I much as I do Stephanie. Which book were you sent?
According to Chren
This seems like a common trend for single moms. Love that it focuses on her finding herself.
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Chren. I think it does a great job of representing women who are in this situation.
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