With a strong and interesting storyline, The Summer Getaway will appeal to readers of Women's Fiction. 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. Mindy assumed Robyn was kidding and burst out laughing. Robyn faked a smile, even as she told herself to stop trying to convince her friend of anything. Based on how her children were behaving lately, she had no skills at persuasion. Oh, for the days when she could bribe them with a Popsicle.

It’s okay. As for talking to her when I was Harlow’s age, I probably wouldn’t have listened, either. I want to say I would have been mature and interested in her opinion, but it seems unlikely.” Up to this point this was amusing. I especially liked the part where a new person showed up everyday and how all the different people brought their drama across the country for it to play out under one roof. Madison shook her head in faux sympathy. “You have no idea what I’m talking about. Oh, no. I shouldn’t have said a word.” If you like family drama, this is the book for you! It would definitely make a great beach read. There's no end to the drama in this book: cheating, lies, divorce, grieving, steamy romance, entitlement, difficult decisions, you name it - it's all here. 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.What didn’t I love about this story! Robyn was the heartbeat of her family, which was news to her before she decided to take some time for herself and visit with the aunt who took her in when her parents died. Aunt Lillian is 94-years old and is eager to settle her affairs while she’s still in good health so her time there not only gave her much needed self reflection but an opportunity to spend time with a woman she loved dearly. At the same time, Lillian has invited Mason Bishop, the remaining relative of her late husband, to discuss his legacy. He’s a recently retired Army veteran who is comfortable with life but completely unprepared for what Lillian presents. He and Robyn use the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company while developing a plan for the estate settlement in the future. I loved their developing relationship, how mature and drama free it was in the midst of the chaos Robyn left behind in Naples. 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. 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.

You have a great husband. Payne loves you and the kids, and never has eyes for another woman. Why would you screw that up?” Genres: Fiction / Family Life / Marriage & Divorce, Fiction / Family Life / Siblings, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Women Robyn is divorced, living in Naples, Florida, and will need to sell her home in just a few months as part of the divorce settlement. Her daughter has turned into bridezilla and is demanding to be married at the home - which just isn't going to work. Her son is eighteen and won't even discuss college. Her ex-husband is involved with a woman he shouldn't be involved with. Her best friend is talking about cheating on her husband with a tennis pro. Her boyfriend is not the man she thought he was. It's all too much. Robyn flees to California to stay with her great-aunt Lillian in a beautiful home on the coast in Santa Barbara. Robyn needs to come to grips with her life, her finances, her kids, and find the direction she wants her life to go. But I’m not doing it for him. I’m doing it for me.” She smiled dreamily. “At least let me see him naked.” The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is a women’s fiction title that has some romance with a whole lot of family drama. The story in The Summer Getaway is one that is told by changing the point of view between the characters giving all sides to the story.

FEBRUARY 13, 2024

You have four kids,” Robyn pointed out. “If things go south in your marriage, I’d rather have Payne move in.” It has been a long time since I read a book by this author, although my Kindle is loaded down with her books. I do not recall her stories being this sexually explicit, but this one had a few sexy time scenes in it I wasn’t prepared for… but one can always skim past those passages, I suppose. 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.

Imagine all the drama you could think of happening within a family, and quadruple it. This family goes through a lot, with cheating, divorce, serious illness, death, lies, debt, in-laws, as well as everything else! Corr this is a book and a half. This will be your read of the summer, that’s for sure! Hell, maybe even your read of the year! 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.” Audiobook review: the narrator wasn't very good -- she was often monotone, then annoyingly squeaky or fast. There were times when I missed the character's POV change, all voices were similar, no pause in change of scene or POV. One by one, everyone she was escaping appear in her great aunt’s home. With her great aunt Lillian’s counsel and the steadfastness of a new male friend, Robyn can have everything she wants if she is willing to believe in herself.

Robyn had not planned on her children tagging along for the summer, but they made it work and realized the time together is just what they needed. This story is as if you are watching a real family play out their emotions and drama. The vibes of the summer are paramount for this atmospheric and situational wave of emotions.

I heard Harlow’s engaged. You must be thrilled. My oldest refused to get married until she was nearly thirty. It was a nightmare. But she finally did the deed.”I was more analyzing, than enjoying the plot and characters. Perhaps author think that if she has a different narrator for every chapter, the reader might not notice how thin and unrealistic the plot is! I noticed. I disliked it.... Is Cord’s relationship going to be a problem for you and Harlow? Boys will be boys, but it’s just so awkward.” There is a lot of angst in the story, but also humor. It's a light, enjoyable read. The characters felt real. Robyn is a strong character who guides her family and deserves respect. I loved the character, Lillian, who was loved by all in the book and was a person Robyn and her children could come to for advice with anything. And she has 15 cats names for kings and queens! I looked forward to reading The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery, having enjoyed her work in the past and it did not disappoint. In the Summer Getaway, Mallery delivered a tale filled with family drama, angst, humour and romance.