This was my first read by this author and it did not disappoint!
All the characters are well developed, likeable and relatable!
The relationships built between each other were great!
It is so good and loaded with rich descriptions, in-depth emotions, and some sweet heat that enhanced the budding romance!
A must read!

Susan Mallery's book are just like the title: the perfect summer getaway. She knows how to give you a perfect mix between relaxation and temptation. As in this story where -as a mum- I can totally relate to Robyn starting to feel out of sorts: kids all grown, best friend of the rails and an ex-husband trying to start over with girlfriends half his age. Susan paints the perfect picture of Robyn's feelings and her need to get away. But when everyone ends up at Robyn's getaway, Susan shows you the value of family and friends. A heartfelt story, close to my heart. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

This is one of those books that you pick up and can't put down until you have finished it. I really enjoyed all the characters, Especially Lillian.
I really respected Robyn for her stand on various topics.

I highly recommend this title I am sure you will enjoy it,

Perfect summer read to feel like a getaway. Characters were believable and you felt brought into a new surrounding. You won't like everyone but you will feel like you understand them. Recommend.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

I’m def going to read a book that Susan Mallery writes. Some I really love, some I just like. This one was a like book.

What I liked:

The cover is PERFECTION. And had me super-duper anticipating reading this.

Some of the one liners that Susan Mallery used!

The ultimate tone and message of the book- you are never too old to find your HEA and if things seem too perfect, but you are getting a vibe- it’s ok to walk away.



Bottom line: The book was just ok to me. I had high hopes, but some of the characters/situations detracted from my enjoyment. Still not a bad read, though.



*This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.*

~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review~~~

The Summer Getaway is an absolute beach read. It takes family drama to the next level- this book's plot could be the synopsis for the next Lifetime series. Secrets, lies, affairs, wealth, romance, fights... sometimes a bit over the top, but most beach reads are! I enjoyed this book overall, though, sometimes the characters were on the annoying side. The story follows Robyn and her family as she travels to California while healing after a divorce. She is the matriarch holding the family together and they each, one by one, trot after her. This is a good read for someone looking to escape for a while- with a cocktail and an ocean view!

This was a unique story. I enjoyed it. Although the daughter was really annoying. I know the point is she was immature but I almost wanted to skip her parts.

Another great story by this author. Family drama, realistic characters and a great setting that all gets worked out in the end.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I hate writing negative reviews... but that was awful. So cheesy, so many ridiculous cringey lines. The characters were all so insanely immature. I got a headache from rolling my eyes so many times.

I’ve had this one on my Netgalley shelf for a little while and I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner.

This book was a breath of fresh air for me. I’ve felt stagnant with my reading and I love a book that just surprises me, keeps me intrigued and sweeps me away!

Single mom Robyn Caldwell is the family matriarch and the person everyone runs too when they need help or advise. With a bridezilla daughter, a son who won’t go to college and an ex husband and best friend making horrible decisions, Robyn decides she needs a change in scenery to regroup and heads to California to visit her great aunt Lillian! Soon, everyone follows her to California and brings their baggage along with them.

I truly felt for Robyn. Everyone lays their issues on her and takes her for granted. But I loved reading along as she starts her journey of self discovery and realizes what she needs to do to not only change her own course, but to help everyone around her as well!

I absolutely adored Great Aunt Lillian. She was my favourite character throughout the whole book! I definitely hope to be as sharp as she is, and enjoying plenty of cocktails like her, at 94 years old.

And I could have read less of Robyn’s daughter Harlow, best friend Mindy and ex lover Jace, but I understand their importance in the story. It is more a personal opinion as I strongly disliked their characters.

Overall this was a quick and enjoyable read and one I recommend picking up.

In the Summer Getaway, Susan Mallery tells a riveting family saga that centers around Robyn a woman who has no real sense of how strong she is until she has the the courage to getaway to the home of her great Aunt Lilian to reflect and determine the next step of her life. When family and friends alike follow Robyn on her journey, she is aided by Lilian’s wisdom to discover that she is the glue that holds her family together and has the courage to take a risk on a future filled with love. I received an advanced reader copy of this novel for free and I post my thoughts voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley and #HarlequinTradePublishing .

ABOUT THE BOOK:



Already a worldwide success in mass market and trade paperback formats, Susan Mallery’s newest hardcover is an emotional, witty, and heartfelt story about a woman who takes a trip to California to figure out her life and get a break from her family...only to be reminded that life--and your children--follow you wherever you go. With a powerful mother/daughter relationship at its core, fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Susan Wiggs, Mary Alice Monroe, and Nancy Thayer will love this book.




Robyn Caldwell’s family is driving her crazy. There’s Harlow, her daughter, who’s engaged to a man she’s only known a short time and is rapidly turning into bridezilla. And her son, Austin, who would rather work with his dad’s family charter boating business than go to college. Her friend, Mindy, who’s playing with fire by contemplating an affair with her tennis instructor. And let’s not forget her ex-husband whose bad behavior has just crossed the line yet again.




Robin needs some time to catch her breath and figure out what her next step should be. So when her beloved aunt Lillian asks her to come to Santa Barbara for an overdue visit, Robyn jumps at the chance. Her aunt Lillian is working on settling her affairs and a distant relative is staying with her that stands to inherit the house. Trouble is the last thing Robyn needs, but she refuses to let her aunt be taken advantage of.




While staying in her aunt’s beautiful, quirky mansion and spending time in the Santa Barbara sunshine with the woman who’s like a mother to her, Robyn will see herself—and the people she loves most—with a bit more clarity. And it will push her to take chances she hadn’t dreamed of before.






But life has a funny way of following you wherever you go. What began as an escape soon becomes an unforgettable adventure…and Robyn is ready to dive in, feet first.


MY TAKE:






I enjoyed reading The Summer Getaway. Other reviews I read talked about the "family drama" in the book, but for me, this is an honest account of what life looks like post-divorce. Robyn has an awakening when she realizes that she has to move from the family home after her youngest son graduates from high school. The drama in my opinion has more to do with a somewhat spoiled older daughter who feels that mom is trying to "ruin her life" when the house goes on the market, right before her dream wedding.




The book picks up speed and becomes very interesting when Robyn goes to visit an aunt in California. Here's where Robyn's character blooms, the aunt is a delight and she meets a man who is honest and kind.




The book is filled with humor, the characters are well developed, the plot is realistic. This is the plan for a good beach read, and this book hits all the marks. It's heartwarming and hopeful, something we all need more of during this crazy time.







ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship and romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree—forty million copies of her books have been 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.


SOCIAL LINKS:

Twitter: @susanmallery

Facebook: @susanmallery

Instagram: @susanmallery

Author website: https://www.susanmallery.com/


BUY LINKS:

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/the-summer-getaway/9781335479990

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1335479996?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwsusanmalle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1335479996

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-summer-getaway-susan-mallery/1139380149?ean=9781335479990

Books-a-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Summer-Getaway/Susan-Mallery/9781335479990?id=8185827134866

Indie Bound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781335479990

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093T6319S?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwsusanmalle-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B093T6319S

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-summer-getaway-susan-mallery/1139380149?ean=9780369703668

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Susan_Mallery_The_Summer_Getaway?id=ZgcsEAAAQBAJ

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-summer-getaway/id1565341890

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-summer-getaway-1

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Summer-Getaway-Hardcover-9781335479990/209254131

Target: https://www.target.com/p/the-summer-getaway-by-susan-mallery-hardcover/-/A-83982879

So, this novel has the perfect title for a read at this time of year. It will be enjoyed by both her new and old readers of this author. They will find an involving story about characters, families and the choices that people make.

Robyn’s life involved always being there for her husband and children. In order to do this, she ruled out options like going to college. Now, in her forties, Robyn’s husband and she are divorced. He has had a series of relationships, some of which are questionable. Robyn’s daughter, Harlow, is planning to marry young, while her son has decided not to go to college. Oh, by the way, Robyn also has to figure out how to support herself when the payments from her former spouse stop. Yes, she has a lot to think about.

While Robyn is in Florida, her great aunt Lillian (aged 94 or so) is in California. Lillian is getting to know the former Marine (and current writer) Mason to whom her husband left her eccentric home. It will pass to him when Lillian dies. There is also a bequest to Robyn.

Robyn decides to leave family behind for a trip to California and Lillian. Will her family stay behind? What will happen out West? How will Robyn’s life change as a result? Readers will find out over the course of this story.

In addition to following Robyn, there is also a secondary plot about Robyn’s best friend and her marriage. Robyn has worked part-time in this friend’s antique business. So, two families that readers get to know.

This book will be enjoyed by those who read women’s fiction. They will most likely then eagerly await the author’s next book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

The Summer Getaway was everything the book promises from the title: a summer getaway read! These books always feel predictable to me, but in that comforting way like being on the beach. A little bit fluff, a litle bit of heart and a little bit of beach life.

A fun, light, summer read! A great vacation or beach read! Single, divorced mom takes a vacation to see an elderly aunt, and her problems, in the form of kids, friend and her ex, follow. She finds love along the way, and problems get solved.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I like that this is a standalone and I really enjoyed the character building and world building. I will be reading more of the standalones.

My first Susan Mallory novel and I’m hooked! So many interesting storylines woven together into a common theme. Great summer vibes!

The Summer Getaway had a little too much drama for me, and I didn't see a lot of character growth. As always Susan Mallery's writing was fantastic.

Robyn needs a break. Her ex-husband is a cad, her current boyfriend turns out to be not much better, her daughter is entitled, and her best friend/boss is determined to have an affair that is sure to destroy her family despite Robyn's warnings. Her son seems to be the only one who doesn't expect anything. Robyn has spent most of her life doing what was best for everyone around her, and now it's time to slip away and spend some time figuring out what she actually wants for herself. Her great-aunt has been asking her to California for a visit, and it's definitely time.

Aunt Lillian lives in a sprawling mansion with a little bit of a Dr. Seuss meets the Winchester House feel. On top of that, it's heavily loaded with antiques. Upon Lillian's passing, Robyn inherits the contents and the 15 cats, and her deceased husband's distant cousin, Mason, inherits the home with the understanding that he is to live in it for a year before selling it to the historical society. The purpose of the year is primarily to give Robyn time to inventory the contents. Upon her arrival, Robyn finds that Mason has also recently taken Lillian up on an invitation to visit that she has been extending to him for years.

As the summer progresses, Robyn and Mason strike up a romance while Robyn's friend and family back in Florida discover things about themselves, and the people around them, that they also feel the need to take a break, or run away, from. Lillian's home gets more full as the time passes, and it becomes something of a retreat where the lost go to find their truths and decide their futures. Lives will be forever changed in Aunt Lillian’s unique home, and she will be the heart of it all.

The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is that beach read we all grab for when this time of year rolls around. There are some serious stories being told with just enough fluff and just the right setting. My favorite person was absolutely Aunt Lillian. She wasn’t the main character and yet she seemed to be the center of it all, enjoying the ins and outs of everyone’s lives with a cocktail in hand and advice when needed. Quite honestly, her house was the second best character. I wanted to walk through it and find all of the hidden treasures, whether they were passageways, doors to nowhere, or antiques. A couple of the other characters left something to be desired, at first, but that was done deliberately to show their growth as the book progressed. In other instances, just the opposite happened.

Thankfully, I wasn’t looking for perfection because there was some convenient writing here and there in order to make things come to the close the author wanted. Had I been looking for a deeper read, that would have bothered me more, but beach reads bring different expectations. The bigger issue I had was with the crassness of some of the writing. I prefer a book that alludes to things rather than spells them out, but that’s just me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with an ARC which I have chosen to leave this objective review on.