I had never read a historical fiction novel that took place in the Barbados prior to this one. In fact, I had never read any novel that took place there. So it was with some trepidation that I decided to read this novel, as I knew very little about what was going on during this time and place. However, I absolutely love Lauren Willig's novels, so it was an easy decision to begin reading. So happy that I did, because as with every novel by this author that I have read before, it was great. It's definitely one of those novels that breaks your heart and gives you hope at the same time. I felt connected to the characters, and truly cared about this lives. It was also a plus to learn more about a place I had never read a novel set in before. Definitely another great one by this author.

Wonderful! Love being educated about a little known part of history, and I loved the setting, the characters, and the story. What a gorgeous read too!

A sweeping novel that switches between two storylines, 1812 and 1854 Barbados. This was a slow start for me, possibly because I was trying too hard to keep track of all the character to enjoy the story, but around the midway point, I was absorbed. This was beautiful and about a time and topic that doesn't see a lot of attention. Thank you Lauren Willig for this ambitious novel.

This is a meaty historical saga that will haunt the reader long after they finish it. The story moves back and forth between two time periods and the horrors and loves that connected them.
Willig’s setting, writing, and storyline were superb and kept me vividly immersed through almost 400 pages, but it was her characters that truly undid me. Jenny, the slave and character at the core of the Regency-era storyline, shocked and grabbed me so much that, even knowing it’s a fictional story, I’m having a very hard time forgiving those who, even unknowingly, caused her pain.

I'm sorry, but I was unable to finish this book. I'm a longtime fan of Laura Willig's work, but this story line couldn't pull me in. I couldn't get into the plot. I didn't feel connected to the characters or the events.

I wish much success for the book. Laura is a truly gifted writer and I am disappointed I wasn't able to finish this book.

A superb piece of historical fiction. Willig does a masterful job of transporting the reader within two different time-frames of 19th century Barbados. Set on Barbadian sugar plantations the book revolves around the complex issues of colonial expansion and slavery. The characters are complex and interesting yet relatable. Tackling hard issues such as freedom, survival and cultural dictates Willig paints emotions that truly resonate with the reader. The author is very successful in illuminating the vast difference between British ideology and raw island reality. The writing style is engaging and keeps one guessing with a plot full of family history twists reminiscent of Withering Heights or Jane Eyre.
I read this book in ebook format on kindle which helped since the author used numerous period words and terms unknown to me. The ability to define words without interrupting the flow of reading was beneficial. I feel that would have been a problem for me had I read the book in print.
In my opinion the best historical fiction draws me to explore actual historical narrative and Willig achieves this. Summer Country is an all-round enjoyable read which I would be pleased to recommend this book.

I enjoyed the Pink Carnation series quite a bit, but I knew that The Summer Country would take a more serious tone. This is a solid piece of historical fiction with compelling characters and thought-provoking situations. Colonial Barbados is a time and place I know little about, and Lauren Willig for brought it to life for me. It's definitely one of those books that is hard to put down because you simply need to know what happens next.

Willig always does a fantastic job at dual-timeline historical fiction, and The Summer Country lives up to my expectations as a Willig fan!

Setting one: 1812 Barbados. Third-person narration with the most emphasis on Jenny, a slave, and Charles, a landowner who had been sent to England for education and has only recently returned. As Charles is trying to get a grasp on running the sugar cane plantation after his father's death, he also has to figure out his tempestuous younger brother Robert; Mary Anne, the heiress next door who, according to her guardian/uncle is mad; and his burgeoning feelings for Jenny, Mary Anne's devoted slave. Can Jenny and Charles ever be together?

Setting two: 1854 Barbados. Emily and her cousin Adam and his wife Laura (who is also Emily's BFF) have just arrived in Barbados because when their grandfather passed away, Emily inherited Peverills, a plantation in Barbados. But why did Emily inherit it? And what is its history in regards to the slave riot? And how does Emily's family fit in with that time in history? Maybe Dr. Braithwaite, a former slave, can help her solve some of the mysteries because the mistress at neighboring Beckles, Mary Anne Davenant holds her secrets close....

As Emily fits the pieces of her family tree together, the reader switches back and forth between the two time periods, subsequently, learning how everyone fits together.

Like with the Three W's book The Forgotten Room, there are so many people across time periods introduced that I had to make a family tree to help me keep everything straight. But I loved it-- it's part of trying to solve the mystery before Emily does. But if you're wanting an easy beach read, this probably isn't the book for you.

However, the diction, the vernacular and slang of the characters, and the idioms astounded me again and again. Brava to Willig for really creating verisimilitude via the lexicon. *heart eyes* The mystery was also really good-- as is the slow burn between Emily and another character! And the character development that Emily and Jenny experience is what good stories must have. Brava, Willig!

I was disappointed in the Three W's The Glass Ocean, but The Summer Country will make me come back for the next Willig/Three W's book because I know I'll get quality story, fantastic characterization, and stellar diction.

Willig=reading satisfaction. Hers is the kind of writing you can dive into and forget everything else. One major caveat with this outing: the exoticism Willig uses to attract the reader. Clearly issues of race are paramount, and she's not advocating racism or slavery, but...she's still trading on those things to add to the "dark mystique," as it were, of the setting. Since I haven't finished yet, the jury is still out on whether I think she goes overboard with it. For now, I'm enjoying the book but needing to stay very conscious that I'm complicit in trading in this exoticism.