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.
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.
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.
UK Version:
The publication date is July 21, 2022 (in the UK)
About Susan Mallery
SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.
Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She's passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two ragdoll cats and adorable poodle who think of her as mom.
I like Aunt Lillian already! Why couldn’t Robyn catch a break? Why did friends and family go to? I’m definitely interested in how this turns out. Thanks for sharing a review!
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I like Robyn already! I don’t normally read much women’s fiction, but I can relate to the pressure to put everyone else’s needs before your own. I think that’s something far too many women have experienced.
This one sounds like it might be fun to read. I love the colors in the UK cover, but I really like the beach in the US cover. It makes me want to go to California. Maybe this summer. 🙂
At first I thought all the problems all at once was a little over the top. On second reflection, I decided it was very much “real life” where problems rarely come singly, but just accumulate approaching a tsunami. Good review, Wendy!
I like Aunt Lillian already! Why couldn’t Robyn catch a break? Why did friends and family go to? I’m definitely interested in how this turns out. Thanks for sharing a review!
[…] Can’t Wait Wednesday #37: Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult, and Jennifer Finney BoylanWednesday: Book Review: The Summer Getaway by Susan MalleryThursday: Book Review: Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha SharmaFriday: Book Review and Book Tour: Catherine by […]
I like Robyn already! I don’t normally read much women’s fiction, but I can relate to the pressure to put everyone else’s needs before your own. I think that’s something far too many women have experienced.
She was such a great character!
This one sounds like it might be fun to read. I love the colors in the UK cover, but I really like the beach in the US cover. It makes me want to go to California. Maybe this summer. 🙂
I was offered this one, but had to pass as I had too many books for review. I’ll have to request a library audio. It sounds like something I’d enjoy.
It’s an interesting story. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
I adore Susan Mallery’s style. I’ll need to get to this. Great review!
I agree, Susan Mallery is so good.
This sounds like a lot of fun. I haven’t read a lot of family drama books, but I have really loved the ones I have read. Nice review!
I like the UK cover a lot.
Thank you, Kami!
I love when a story hooks you like that. Wonderful review!
Thank you, Kimberly
This does sound like a fun read! I might have to give it a go.
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Thank you, Susan. I hope you enjoy it if you get to it.
That’s an adorable cover. I sure wouldn’t mind living in a mansion overlooking the Pacific!
All her family and friends follow her to California? That’s hilarious! 🙂
This looks interesting! Great review & I love that you included the UK cover. I love comparing book cover designs.
I try to add the different covers when I come across them. It’s just fun to look at the differences.
You got me with ‘a fabulous great-grandma’.
She was wonderful!
This sounds like a wonderful story and I absolutely LOVE the setting 😍. Excellent review, Wendy!
Thank you, Tessa. It was a fun escape.
At first I thought all the problems all at once was a little over the top. On second reflection, I decided it was very much “real life” where problems rarely come singly, but just accumulate approaching a tsunami. Good review, Wendy!
You’re so right, Linda. It seemed like so many things went wrong all at once, but that does happen sometimes.
Great review 💕 I love the covers 😊
Thank you, Jenny! They are both beautiful covers!
Great review! This sounds lovely and heartwarming. I’m sure I’ll enjoy this. I love this new look, Wendy.
Thank you, Yesha!
The moment I read about all those cats I decided I have to read this one. Great review Wendy🙂🐈
LOL! They are a cute part of this story!
I am looking forward to reading this one. Susan Mallery is one of my many must read authors.
Seriously the UK cover is amazing, and this sounds like such a great read.
I love that UK cover better too. It was a great book.
Lovely review Wendy! I’m so excited to get to this one. So happy you loved it!🤗📚💜☕
Thank you, Susan. You just can’t go wrong with a Susan Mallery book.