Who is ready for warmer weather and summery reads?! 🙋🏻‍♀️ There’s nothing better for me than a beach read and bonus points if it’s from Susan Mallery, one of my all time favorite authors 🤩 ❤️

Robyns friends and family are driving her nuts and she needs to get away, recharge and figure out what her future looks like. She’s always put her family first and now it’s finally time for her to focus on herself so she heads out to Santa Barbara to visit her aunt for the summer. Sounds like an amazing escape right? Well it is until one by one everyone in her family follows her there. Not so ideal when your problems literally follow you to your happy place. I loved the unique spin the author put on the typical woman goes on vacation to find herself trope, you can’t help but laugh when Robyn’s family shows up 🤦🏻‍♀️ and it made for such an entertaining read.

I’m always so much more invested in a book if I can relate to the characters and the way SM writes about motherhood and marriage is spot on. She also writes about female relationships in such an insightful and authentic way and as always, this had a little something for everyone. There’s some steamy romance, lots of family drama, plenty of laughs and a gorgeous setting. Definitely one of my favorite reads as of late and one I highly recommend you add to your spring/summer TBR!

The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is a wonderful book and a perfect one to read on the beach or poolside. This is a well written and even paced story that will help you escape from the everyday world. Filled with family drama, romance and even steamy romance!! It will make you smile, even laugh and yet you may shed a tear. Mallery does a great job, as always in writing and handling some sensitive issues such as infidelity, deceit, lies and secrets in this must read summer novel. The characters are lovable and not so lovable but easy to relate to. You will feel like you
are are part of the scenes and characters. I highly recommend this to read…..it is definitely a fun one!

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
#netgalley #thesummergetaway #harlequintradepublishing. #arc #susanmallery. #htpinfluencer

The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery

Excellent, well crafted, satisfying, feel good story that drew me in and left me with a smile on my face as I read the last page.

What I liked:
* Robyn: divorced, empty nester soon, untethered, facing a fork in the road, has much to contemplate, wise, about to come into her own
* Mason: retired after twenty-fiver years in the army, commanding, calm, wise, solid, capable, trustworthy, deep, admirable
* Lillian: ninety-four, wealthy, lives in an intriguing home, has lived an interesting life, major force in Robyn’s life, important to many in this story
* Austin: high school graduate, Robyn’s son, thinks deeply, plans before acting, smarter than most his age, engaging, loving son and brother, has a plan for his life
* Harlow: college graduate, Robyn’s daughter, cancer survivor, learns and grows/matures a great deal through the story
* The writing, pace, setting and character development
* The house…it is a character all on its own
* The strong sibling relationship between Austin and Harlow
* The way more than one character in this story grew in one way or another
* The development of the relationship between Robyn and Mason
* The cats…I love cats but wonder how anyone could have fifteen of them!
* That it seemed real and believable – and feeling I was there with the characters as they experienced what they did
* The way so many people were drawn to Santa Barbara…and their reasons for ending up there
* Wondering about how Harlow and Austin will end up in the future
* The way all of the parts of the story were woven together and no threads left dangling at the end
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* There were a couple characters it was easy to dislike for their selfishness, manipulative personalities, or other less than stellar traits…they were not wicked or evil but did create trouble for others.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and HQN for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

While Mallery’s newest is full of drama, it isn’t a heavy read. Instead readers are given a story perfectly balanced between hilarity and emotion, with plenty of growth and self-discovery. There’s a lot going on but it’s delivered in an enjoyable, light read that has characters you can root for.

Robyn, and pretty much everyone around her, is at a turning point – with her youngest now out of high school, she needs to decide what she wants to do with her life. When things get overwhelming at home, she heads west to take time to think . . . only it turns out not to be the quiet time away she expected.

I like that we get different sides. We have Robyn in her 40s plus her ex and their grown kids, all of whom have life-altering decisions to make. It’s messy and angsty but they manage to handle it with humor and moments of grace. And occasionally poor choices :) It’s a delightful story about growing up, figuring out who you are & what you want, and the importance of family.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.25 Hearts First off you can not go wrong with Susan Mallery. This is the perfect “beach” read. Not sure what that is? It’s a book that puts you in a relaxing, enjoyable mood while you are (or dream about) sitting on a beach instead of spending your day “Adulting!!!”

In this latest book by Mallery we meet Robyn and her family. She is going through a rough patch. Her daughter is wanting the wedding of her dreams and becoming a bridezilla to get it, her son who just graduated can’t figure out what he wants from life, soon she will have to sell her house per her divorce decree and her best friend is just plain stressing a girlfriend out. And now her great aunt invites her to run away to Santa Barbara.

First off, the aunt’s house had me imagining Winchester Mystery House and was just fun if you ask me. Soon the family comes to Santa Barbara one by one and life catches up to Robyn.

Another wonderful story by Mallery. Susan Mallery is easily one of my favorite authors. Her name is the first I suggest to anyone who is looking for a new-to-them author.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a compelling and entertaining story but, if you are on the wrong side of 40 and more, it’s always a book about us and how we would like to be able to find a place where look at things from afar and, maybe, start something new.
Robin is a mother, an ex-wife, a friend. She’s involved in her daughter wedding plans, has to deal with her son, try to convince her best friend not to ruin her marriage.
She’s always considered in relation to someone else. Robin travels to her aunt home and maybe things will change.
It’s a character driven novel and I loved Robin, rooted for her and hoped for a HEA. I liked the characters and wished I could travel to a place like her aunt’s
It’s a heartwarming, life affirming, compelling, and entertaining novel. It’s a story that describes a lot of women and a story that a lot of women would like to live.
Susan Mallery delivers another novel I thoroughly enjoy and loved.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Robyn has just about had enough of her family drama. So, she heads to her Aunt Lillian’s house in Santa Barbara to decide what to do with the rest of her life. But, it is not as simple as that. Everyone in the family drifts her way. First it’s her kids, then it’s her ex-husband, then her ex-boyfriend…and it goes on and on.

I loved Robyn…oh and Mason…you need to read this to find out about him! He is the best strong, silent type! Plus, Aunt Lillian’s house in Santa Barbara is a treasure trove and a unique place! I so want to find this house and explore.

This is such a refreshing and wonderful read. It has so many elements. It is about learning about yourself, growing up, managing life and making good and bad decisions and it’s about family! I am still thinking about these characters and their decisions. This is a story which will give you all the feels!

Need a great story to take you away…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Susan Mallery does great beach reads/chick lit and this doesn’t disappoint. The theme of finding oneself winds through all the major characters as they grow and change. Plenty of people to root for. Lose ends all neatly tied up in a bow.

Talk about family drama! But I loved it. Robyn needs a getaway, her aunt asks her to come to California and with her kigs grown she decides to go. they follow her and bring the drama with her. There is love and happiness in this book which makes it great. I loved all the characters as well. Perfect weekend read.

Snow in NYC in Mid-March has me thinking about summer and hot weather. The Summer Getaway was the perfect novel to get me feeling warmer!

Single Mom Robyn is trying to figure out her next step. After her divorce 4 years ago, she focused on raising her kids and working part time at an antique store. As her kids start their own lives, Robyn must make her own decisions; that includes selling her big house much to her daughter’s dismay. Her son doesn’t know what he wants, but he knows it isn’t going to college. Her new bf isn’t as good as he seems and when she gets overwhelmed, she flees to her great aunt’s house in Santa Barbara. Her aunt Lillian has a huge house filled with antique treasures that she needs help organizing. The one part she doesn’t tell her is that her late husband’s nephew is also staying with her.

I just loved this book. I loved that Robyn was an older MC who is trying to do what she wants to do, not because anyone else told her. She lost herself in her marriage and she’s finding herself now in her 40s. Her daughter is pretty bratty, but at that age, most girls are just as self absorbed as Harlow. Austin was spunky and I loved that he was sort of the peacekeeper between his mom and sister. Mason had some of his own baggage, but he also seemed to be finding his footing after 25 years in the military.

As someone who recently got married, I totally understand the sticker shock on planning a wedding. I really felt this part deeply! I have read several of Susan’s books and they honestly just keep getting better. This is definitely my favorite I’ve read and not just because the cover is my favorite color!

Thank you so much to @susanmallery @hqnbooks @htpbooks for my gifted copy! The Summer Getaway is on sale March 15 and would make the perfect addition to your beach bag!

Love the family and all that happens. Good characters and interesting places they find themselves in. I loved the setting. Would love to live in the California location. As always things just seems to work in the end. It is a fun journey to get there

Susan Mallery does it again! An enjoyable and fun romance that will be recommended at my library. A perfect beach read

The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery has Robyn Caldwell at a crossroads in her life. Her daughter, Harlow is engaged and living with her fiancé, Kip. Robyn’s son has just graduated from high school and his moving into his own apartment for the summer. Her best friend is about to do something that could ruin her marriage and her ex-husband is also making questionable decisions. Robyn has some choices to make and decides to take her great-aunt Lillian up on her invitation to visit. Robyn has happy memories of the unique home outside Santa Barbara. Lilliam is ninety-four with a quick mind and spirited attitude. Robyn instantly feels better just being with Lillian in her quirky home. She is unprepared, though, for Lillian’s handsome houseguest. Robyn’s peaceful getaway is disrupted as those she loves and cares about follow her across the country one by one. Problems do not seem as daunting in the unique home with the ocean view. Robyn along with the other guests must deal with their problems and decide what they want to do with their future. The Summer Getaway is a family drama with romance thrown into the mix. I thought the story was well-written with steady pacing. The characters are realistic and developed. They seemed like real people with realistic problems. I liked that Robyn is a mature protagonist (in her 40s). All the activity kept the book moving forward. I wanted to see what choices each character would make especially Robyn. Lillian was my favorite character. I hope I am as lively and quick witted when I am that age. I would have loved to live in Lillian’s quirky home. The Summer Getaway is an emotional novel. There are some wonderful heartwarming moments as well as some devastating ones that cause pain. There are also some laughs along the way. I especially enjoyed people’s reactions to Lillian’s home. I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story. I do want to warn readers there is foul language and intimate situations (some of them steamy with a little too much detail). The Summer Getaway is an entertaining story (have the popcorn ready) with family drama, romance, humor, relationship angst, poor choices, financial woes, and helpful advice. It is a great book to read on a rainy afternoon or a sunny one laying by the pool. The Summer Getaway is a diverting tale with a self-centered sister, a Don Juan dad, a flirty friend, an affable aunt, stalwart son, an ex-military man, and an odd domicile.

The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is a clever and honest family drama/fiction novel that focuses on second chances and standing up for oneself.
That makes it sound like it is a heavy read. But it isn’t at all. It is more like watching your favorite tv show or a chick flick. You just need to jump in and go for the ride that the author takes you on.
Robyn is everything to everybody. But four years after her divorce, she feels stagnant. And it is no wonder when her ex’s choice for a girlfriend has a disturbing connection to the family.
I don’t want to give that away, but it was a legit laugh-out-loud moment for me. And it really et the tone for Robyn’s attitude through the rest of the book.
I think any woman of a certain age will relate to Robyn wanting to do more for herself. Having to put others first for so long can make one go a little mad and want to toss it all away.
This was the aspect of the story that I enjoyed the most. I especially liked how Robyn sees great-aunt Lillian as the free-spirit she actually wants to be. But it is also a case of “be careful what you wish for.”
And what happens when the rest of the family realizes they can’t do without Robyn, bringing their drama to rain down on her blissful dreamlike existence with Lillian?
I’m not sure what else I can say about The Summer Getaway without giving anything away (see what I did there?)
There are times that the family drama seems almost too contrived. And I don’t think that any of the male characters are as developed as they could be. They seem the most cookie-cutter of all of the characters.
But The Summer Getaway is a book that doesn’t require a lot of thought. As I said before, you just have to go for the ride and be entertained by Susan Mallery’s writing talents.

Single mom Robyn has some decisions to make to fulfill her divorce settlement. She has been putting these decision off far too long. The man she is dating turns out to be a jerk, her daughter is turning into bridezilla, her son's plans don't include college, her best friend is contemplating a decision that will ruin her life and to top it off her ex-husband is dating her daughter's future sister-in-law. Robyn has had enough and needs an escape. When her Aunt Lillian invites her to come out and get a start on cataloging the antiques, Robyn jumps at the chance. Maybe this time away will help her with the decisions. Things are going well and then everyone follows her!! A family drama that is filled with lots of emotions, new romance and reconciliations.

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.

It’s been four years since Robyn Caldwell’s divorce and Robyn has come to a realization that she needs a plan for the rest of her life after the divorce settlement runs out. The only thing standing in Robyn’s way of figuring out her own future, handling everyone else’s troubles all around her before she can begin to tackle her own.

Robyn’s son has just graduated high school and refuses to go to college. Robyn’s older daughter did make it through college but wants to marry her boyfriend despite Robyn’s protests of not knowing him well enough but she also wants this in the family’s backyard of the home Robyn needs to sell. Robyn’s bestie is contemplating a fling all the while knowing Robyn hates cheating after her own husband’s infidelity. In the midst of all the chaos Robyn heads out to the west coast to stay with her aunt hoping for a break.

The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is one of those books that I felt I needed to tackle with a bowl of popcorn nearby while diving into all the drama. There certainly was a lot going on in the story that kept the pages turning trying to sort out all of the mess Robyn’s friends and family seemed to bring into her life. There were chuckles and heartwarming moments and moments of pain but all of it wrapped up together nicely to make a great story to read.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This book was exactly what I needed today. It’s so easy to fall into a Susan Mallery and The Summer Getaway is the perfect escape read from reality. It was therapeutic to read about other people’s problems for an entire afternoon. There was a lot Of character development in the story. I liked Robyn, Mason, and Austin the most. I thought Jase and Mindy were ridiculous and added some comedic relief. Lillian was the queen of calm and compassion. I had to keep laughing as people kept descending on her home.
Harlow redeemed herself which I was glad to witness because I spent most of the book not liking her.
I consider this my kickoff summer reading. It’s a great read and I love the cover.

Robyn Caldwell is in that next phase of life where her children don't need her every day and instead need her during the big decision moments and her ex husband is fully an ex and she hasn't quite moved forward since they divorced. This may sound a little weird, but this book felt as though it was a coming of age for a woman entering the second half of her life - she is coming into her new age!

There was one character that for me, I didn't enjoy her storyline and thought the book could have done without her - the friend, Mindy. From page one, I didn't love her, but I was glad to keep reading and find that she wasn't involved in the heart of the story, but she sure was distracting and I could have loved the book more without her.

I tend to love Susan Mallery's stand alones and I did like this one, but this wasn't one of my favorites that I would widely recommend. If you have read her others, you will love how she builds strong women and sends them down interesting paths.

Great read full of interesting characters. I loved how the family members’ lives are intertwined. Never a dull moment! Thanks for the great story!

The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is another one of her wonderful family & romance novels. Robyn Caldwell, our heroine, is divorced and has two grown up children; she feels like everything is falling apart in her life; as she needs to make a decision on selling her house.

When her daughter, Harlow, who is engaged, insists that she wants her wedding to held at the backyard of their house, she becomes belligerent when she learns her mother is planning to sell. Robyn tries to explain that her ex-husband, Cord, wants the half of the sale and time is running out; she can no longer afford living there; but Harlow is beyond reasoning, only caring about herself. Austin, her son, just graduated high school and is working for his father. He is very close to Robyn, but she worries, since she feels that he should go to college, not depend on his father’s fishing charter business. Her ex-husband becomes involved with Harlow’s fiancée’s sister (20 years younger), and her best friend, despite her warnings, is cheating on her husband. Robyn is stressed to the max, as she always puts her family first, but now she receives a call from her great aunt, Lillian, to visit her this summer in Santa Barbara, California; it took her a day to decide this is what she needed, to get away and spend time with her beloved aunt.

Aunt Lillian, is 94 years old, and lives in a huge mansion that has secret rooms, priceless antiques, and considered a historical mansion; she also has 15 cats. Lillian was thrilled to see Robyn, and introduced her to Mason Bishop, a distant relative of her deceased husband. Mason is a former army veteran, and also writes on the side. Robyn, at first was a bit worried about Mason, but in a very short time, they became friends; as Lillian had already told them that Mason will inherit the mansion and Robyn will get all the contents (antiques, books, papers) within. Lillian keeps pushing Robyn to move to California and open her own antique store, since she will be able to sell all the valuable items in the house. Mason and Robyn begin to spend a lot of time together, and the attraction between them escalates, as they both realize that they are perfect for each other. Will Robyn allow herself to fall in love again.

What follows is a wonderful story of family; especially as each one of those at home in Florida, slowly show up at Lillian’s home to be with Robyn. She is surprised when Austin shows up, with Harlow, who apologizes on how nasty and angry she was to her mom. But it doesn’t end there, as in a short period, her ex-husband, ex-boyfriend, best friend, Harlow’s Fiancée and his sister all show up; fortunately the house was big enough to accommodate almost everyone.

The Summer Getaway was a wonderful storyline, that pushes all the buttons of a family, with emotions, drama, anger, divorce, hope, struggles and even sex. Robyn was the center of this story, and I thought she was great. I really rooted hard that she would end up with Mason. Another fantastic book that was very well written by Susan Mallery, which kept me unable to put the book down. I suggest you read The Summer Getaway.