The Summer Getaway

Product Information

Mindy, a petite brunette who was six months from turning forty, sighed. “I need a Dimitri in my life.” Something Robyn had learned the hard way herself. She’d been blissfully unaware of her ex-husband’s affairs until a “friend” had oh-so-sweetly informed her.

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 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. 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. One woman takes the vacation of a lifetime in this poignant and heartwarming story about the threads that hold a family together from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery. 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.Madison offered a self-satisfied smile. “I wondered why you were so calm. I’m sorry to be the one to bring you such bad news.” 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.

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. 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.

FEBRUARY 13, 2024

You know to wear a condom every single time, right? Every time. You whip it out, you put on party clothes. 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. Why did anyone think she was the least bit interested in who her ex-husband went out with? “I have no idea who that is.” Standalone Women's Fiction One woman takes the vacation of a lifetime in this poignant and heartwarming story about the threads that hold a family together from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery. 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.