Member Reviews

Cute feel good story that made me want to visit the east coast. Perfect summer read that tugs at your heart strings, highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a summertime finding yourself book.

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What is a person to do when they find out the last 40 years of their life has been a lie? Main character Cecilia finds herself at a crossroads between mourning her late husband and mourning the life she should have been living. Caught up in a lie from her early twenties, Cecilia finds herself facing the truth decades later after a series of events leads up to the incident’s exposure. Simultaneously, Lily also is in a position where she has to make some tough decisions about her life choices - personally and professionally. The two overlap and connect with Cecilia directly and indirectly, leading to a rich story filled with layers and dimension.

I received a copy of this book though NetGalley and have written an objective review.

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Thank you to Canary Street Press for this copy in exchange for an honest review. This was a sweet story and about family, love, and the complications that arise through time. I loved most of the characters (and at least understood all of them by the end).

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Lovely summertime read. Get lost in a heartwarming read. Romantic and funny and hopeful. Recommend it!!

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The Summer Swap by Sarah Morgan is a delightful and heartwarming summer romance that explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery. The story follows two women, Frankie and Eve, who swap homes for the summer to escape their respective personal challenges. As they navigate life in each other’s shoes, they both find unexpected growth, new relationships, and the courage to face their fears. With Morgan's signature blend of humor, emotional depth, and relatable characters, this book is a perfect escape for fans of feel-good, uplifting romances.

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This story is packed with emotion—grief, secrets, and the inner battles we all face—making it easy to connect with each character, no matter their age. But don’t worry, Sarah Morgan brings plenty of light, love, and uplifting moments that make this read as comforting as a warm summer breeze. At its heart, The Summer Swap follows three women—Cecilia, a widow stepping into her own after a marriage spent in the shadows, Kristen, her daughter, struggling with loneliness in her marriage, and Lily, a young woman who ditches medical school pressure for a fresh start in Cape Cod. Their stories intertwine most beautifully, bringing a perfect blend of family drama, self-discovery, and just the right touch of clean romance.

Even with some heavy themes, Morgan keeps the story engaging and feel-good, especially in the second half. I loved how age never stands in the way of finding happiness and chasing what you truly deserve. The theme of family—three generations navigating love, loss, and healing—hit home in the best way. And can we take a moment to appreciate Todd? He had such a level-headed, accepting nature, making him a quiet standout in the story. The setting? Absolute perfection. Dune Cottage and Cape Cod felt so vivid, I wanted to step right into the pages and soak up the sun alongside these characters. The story delivers all the best beach-read vibes: secrets, second chances, unexpected friendships, and swoon-worthy romance. It took me a second to piece together how everyone was connected, but once I did? I was all in—laughing, tearing up, and rooting for every single character.

Overall, The Summer Swap is a heartfelt, uplifting tale of healing, growth, and finding joy in unexpected places. If you love women’s fiction with strong themes of friendship, family, and second chances, this one’s for you.

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If you enjoy Cape Cod and Elin Hilderbrand novels you will love this family drama about Cecilia & her family. After losing her husband she begins to learn secrets he has kept and in order to find herself again she runs away to the cottage on the coast where it all began. Told from multiple POV, this was such a cozy and engaging family drama I just couldn't stop reading

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This story begins with Cecilia, and she's been stating that she doesn't want a party. Her pleas go ignored and so, Cecilia goes to this party to please her daughter, Kristen. When Cecilia gets overwhelmed, she runs off to Dune Cottage. This cottage used to hold so many wonderful memories about her and her husband, but now it just sits empty.
We meet Lily, who is the caretaker of Dune Cottage. However, with the cottage being empty for so long, Lily has just resulted in living there versus having a job to keep it clean.

When Cecilia shows up, she finds Lily and there is an agreement that she can stay there too. Before what feels like they can blink, Cecilia's family is on a mission to find her to see why she took off.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Cecilia and Lily. I love an unexpected friendship and especially if they're different ages.

I think there's a lot to learn from each other! We also got to see Kristen (Cecilia's daughter) and her relationship with her mother with healing!

This is not my first Sarah Morgan novel, definitely not my last!

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The Summer Swap by Sarah Morgan is a heartwarming and emotionally layered novel that explores themes of loss, self-discovery, and second chances. Cecilia Lapthorne, a widow, unexpectedly returns to the remote Cape Cod cottage where she spent many meaningful years with her late husband. Determined to leave behind memories of the past, she finds herself confronting them once again—along with a well-kept secret that could change everything.

Enter Lily, a struggling artist who’s cleaning houses on the Cape to make ends meet. After a chance encounter, Lily becomes an unlikely guest at Dune Cottage. Despite their age difference and differing life paths, an unexpected bond forms between them. The arrival of Cecilia’s grandson, Todd, adds a romantic twist to the story, particularly for Lily, who harbors feelings for him.

Morgan’s writing is sharp, witty, and filled with moments of genuine emotion, making this the perfect summer read. With a picturesque setting and engaging characters, The Summer Swap seamlessly combines humor with poignant reflections on personal growth and healing. Both Cecilia and Lily embark on transformative journeys, learning to embrace new opportunities and release old regrets.

For readers who enjoy stories about love, family, and the courage to start anew, The Summer Swap is a delightful and uplifting novel that will stay with you long after the last page.

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The Summer Swap by Sarah Morgan is a heartwarming and uplifting tale of love, family, and self-discovery set against a stunning summer backdrop. Morgan’s masterful storytelling brings the characters to life, making their emotional journeys deeply relatable and engaging. The novel’s dual settings and intertwining storylines add depth and charm, keeping readers captivated from start to finish. With its perfect blend of humor, romance, and poignant moments, this book is a refreshing summer escape. Fans of contemporary fiction will adore this feel-good story about finding connection and embracing life’s unexpected opportunities.

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The Summer Swap by Sarah Morgan is a heartwarming and charming contemporary romance that explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and new beginnings. Set against the beautiful backdrop of a coastal town, Morgan creates a delightful, feel-good story perfect for summer reading, with a cast of relatable characters and a sweet romance.

The story follows two main characters, Frankie and Eva, who decide to swap homes for the summer in an attempt to escape their respective problems and gain a fresh perspective. Frankie, a successful but overworked woman, swaps her bustling London life for Eva's peaceful seaside cottage in the hopes of slowing down and reconnecting with herself. Eva, on the other hand, seeks a break from her own complicated life and moves into Frankie's chic city apartment.

As the women experience each other's lives, they come to realize that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Both Frankie and Eva must face unresolved issues from their pasts and challenge their preconceptions of what they truly want in life. Throughout the novel, their journeys toward self-discovery and healing are intertwined with an evolving romance that adds an extra layer of sweetness to the story.

Sarah Morgan does a fantastic job of developing the characters. Both Frankie and Eva are well-rounded, with clear motivations and relatable struggles. Frankie’s journey of self-acceptance is especially touching, as she learns to balance her career with her personal life and opens herself up to love. Eva’s story of personal growth and overcoming fear is equally compelling, and her connection with Frankie’s life in the city provides a lovely contrast to her small-town existence.

The romance in The Summer Swap is tender and slow-burn, with chemistry building gradually as the characters work through their own personal obstacles. The secondary characters, particularly the love interests, are well-developed and add depth to the story, making the romantic elements feel genuine and heartwarming.

The setting is another standout feature of the novel. Morgan’s descriptions of both the coastal village and the vibrant city life are vivid and transport the reader to both locations, making it easy to imagine the beauty and appeal of each place. The contrast between the two settings mirrors the internal conflict that both protagonists face, giving the story an additional layer of meaning.

The pacing is steady, with the plot unfolding at a perfect rhythm that allows readers to fully invest in the characters’ journeys. While the book is a light read, it doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper emotional themes, making it more than just a typical romance. The message of personal growth, learning to embrace change, and the importance of friendship and love is poignant and uplifting.

**Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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⛱️𝒜ℛ𝒞 ℬℴℴ𝓀 ℛℯ𝓋𝒾ℯ𝓌⛱️

Summer Swap
Sarah Morgan
⭐️⭐️⭐️


𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊ℊ𝒽𝓉𝓈
This book is the perfect summer read. The story encompasses grief, family drama, and romance. It alternates between multiple points of view, which gives you insight into each character and their lives, that ultimately intertwine. I found myself really rooting for each character in their own way despite their varying challenges. I enjoyed the multigenerational storyline and feel that it was really well written and easy to follow. I loved the wisdom and bond shared by the older main character, Cecilia and the younger main character, Lily. It was impossible to not root for both of their happiness. Overall, this wasn’t a page turner for me but nonetheless, left me with the warm and fuzzies. I look forward to reading more by Sarah Morgan.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced copy, out now!

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The Summer Swap was a sweet summer read that can be enjoyed in one sitting. There's a little bit of romance, a little drama, just the right mix to distract you for a while. So, set aside your responsibilities and take a trip to Cape Cod, if only in your mind.

I received an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!
At its heart, this is the tale of three women, all at different turning points in their lives. Cecilia starts the action when she decides to disappear and escape her seventieth birthday party. Her daughter, Kristen, dealing with dissatisfaction in her marriage and the recent death of her father, continues the story. Wrapping up this trio is aspiring artist Lily, who is just trying to find her way in the world after fleeing medical school. Their connections make this such a good read!

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I read this book at the perfect time -it was just what I needed. Happiness, a beach, a love story, a little mystery. Sarah Morgan is an excellent writer and I'm now inclined to binge every book she's written!

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The Summer Swap was my first Sarah Morgan and not my last!

The story followed three interconnected women. The characters had depth in a wide range of emotions and human experiences. The setting was a cozy coastal town. The writing style was comforting and warm.

Highly recommend for a touching, sweet story.

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I hate to say it but it was a DNF. I was very bored. I gave it about 30% and just couldn’t get into it.

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Sarah’s stories are always a delight. They focus on relations and relatable struggles. So, I always enjoy to where Sarah takes me.

This time to the Cape, where Cecilia is facing her past and where Lily is trying to hide. with all the storylines of Cecilia’s family intertwining, it is wonderful to see the story unfold from everyone’s point of view.

And although I already suspected the ending and the revelation of the mystery of the painting, I still really enjoyed the story. Believeable characters, relatable struggles and a dosis of romance and heartbreak. what’s not to love? Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc

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This was so cute and joyful! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read the ARC! I look forward to read more from the author!

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I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

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