Member Reviews

I just finished reading “The Summer Swap” by Sarah Morgan. I love the characters in this book and the journey they were on. It was a cute book and I didn’t want it to end. I hope there will be more stories about these women in the future!

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3.75 stars!

This was a solid summer read-it’s told in 3 POV’s of different women all going through challenges in their current stage of life. I am always a sucker for a Cape Cod setting with beautiful lavish beach homes. The little pinch of mystery was a fun touch as well! Friends to lovers is a top trope for me, and it was done well.

The story seemed rushed at times, and the timeline seemed off it felt like weeks were going by when it was only days. Overall very solid beautiful story!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

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Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It's told from the POV of 3 different women, all going through challenges in their lives. I was invested in the storylines and appreciated the little mystery thrown in there. My only complaint was how fast the love story progressed. It was like 0-60 and a bit awkward. Other than that, certainly a great read to take on vacation!

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Imagine a book with a beach setting, and you've already captured my heart, just like The Summer Swap by Sarah Morgan. This is a tale that weaves between three women: Cecilia, Lily, and Kristen. Each of them is at a pivotal point in their lives, grappling with transitions and the need to redefine themselves. Cecilia, a recent widow, is navigating the void left by her husband's passing. Lily, a recent medical school dropout, is at a crossroads in her career and personal life. Kristen, feeling isolated as the wife of a prominent surgeon, is contemplating an affair. All three find themselves in Cape Cod, where they unravel mysteries and make life-altering decisions.

I loved Cecilia and Lily’s stories, primarily, especially when those stories coincided early in the story. The relationship between the two women warmed my heart and made me happy. They are two like souls, and meeting each other pushes them into the next part of their lives with the love and support they have been lacking. Kristen’s story irritated me mostly because adultery is a small trigger for me, which made me unable to find sympathy for the character.

One of the highlights of the book is the relationship between Lily and Todd. Their journey from friends to lovers, a romance trope I typically find less appealing, is portrayed with such authenticity and depth that it became a favorite aspect of the story for me. Similarly, Kristen's relationship with her husband, which starts off on shaky ground, evolves in a way that feels genuine and relatable for their stage in life.

The Summer Swap is the perfect feel-good read for the warmer seasons.

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I devoured The Summer Swap. This is a warm story set on the dunes of the outermost Cape Cod and will leave you daydreaming of warm summer breezes and toes in the sand.

I really enjoyed the characters and though they all had equally interesting story lines, that flowed together naturally. It had elements of grief, family drama, romance, and determination. I honestly wanted to be Lily's best friend. She was my favorite character and I loved watching her dreams realized.

My only complaint is that it felt like some of the story lines jumped from one point to the next. It seemed like the storyline would move ahead by weeks, when it was only days, so some of the timelines felt a little unrealistic, but it didn't take away from the story.

The Summer Swap is one to add to your reading list for this summer!
Thank you, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

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“The Summer Swap” is a multigenerational story based in Boston & the Cape. It is an easy read that has you cheering on all the characters as they revolve on their journeys of self discovery. Sarah Morgan’s descriptive writing style has you visualizing the scenes to the point you can smell the salt air & the butter of the lobster rolls. This is a must for your beach bag this summer. Thank you to Net Galley

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This was a sweet story about lost love, bad decisions, and, eventually, making things right! I loved all of the storylines and especially loved the romance between Lily and Todd. The author describes the beach cottage in a way that I could almost see it, and I know I’d love to visit!

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This was my first read by this author and it won’t be my last! I’d been wanting to read something by her since I’d previously seen a different book floating around. The writing style was immediately captivating and I just loved the characters.

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Cecilia escapes from her problems, family and her seventieth birthday party by heading to Dune Cottage on Cape Cod. Upon arrival she discovers Lily, hired caretaker of the cottage, who is currently actually living in the cottage. The two remain in the cottage and become close as the summer passes. Eventually Cecilia's grandson, Todd, arrives to check on her and also ends up staying. Kristen, Cecilia's daughter and Todd's mother, also ends up at the cottage after martial problems of her own. Relationships begin, start back up again after many years and continue throughout the story. Does it all work out for all the couples in the end? You'll have to read this delightful story yourself to find out the answers.

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I originally thought this would be a sweet summer story but it was so much more than that. I didn’t expect it to elicit so many feelings but I enjoyed it a lot. I would check tw for sensitive topics because it may be heavy for some!

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Loved this sweet summer story! Full of hope and lovable characters, a must read for summer! I will be suggesting this one for my friends summer buddy reading!

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Such a fun summer read! I love Sarah Morgan’s books & this one was no different. A quick easy read with very lovable characters. I am a sucker for dual POVs & that aspect definitely added to this story. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth in this summer read, as many are fluffy. So glad to see one of my favorite Christmas authors take on a summer book & do it so well!

Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC copy of this book.

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I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but I was pleasantly surprised and ended up really enjoying it. The story of Lily, Cecilia, and Kristin, and how their lives are woven together. Love, loss, friendship, and new beginnings. The story was beautiful and kept me wanting to read more. 4.5/5 stars (rounded up to 5 for this review).

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I love Sarah Morgan’s Christmas books, so I was excited to read a summer one from her. It did not disappoint. She has a way of getting you to connect with the characters. I loved reading the different points of view from the three women and their struggles. I would highly recommend this book.

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This was a great book. It was a quick and easy read. There is lots of secrets. Three different relationships in three different stages and a rekindled romance.

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This review was posted on good reads on 4/5/2024. The link is attached.

3.5 ⭐️

Family, grief, and marriage, with a subplot of romance wrapped up in the perfect summer beach read!

This story is told from the perspectives of three different women of three generations within a family. All three women are at much different stages of life and face different challenges, but are able to relate and support each other in ways they did not anticipate. This book touched on generational choices and how circumstances within each generation of a family affect the family to come.

Sarah Morgan does a great job of adding depth to a summer read. This book is very character driven which made the plot a bit slow for me. However, towards the end of the book you realize that the 'slowness' was necessary to see the growth and development in our main characters. The romances in Lily and Cecilia's POV were a bit abrupt and rushed to me, but Kristen's was incredibly real and well done.

Thank you to the author Sarah Morgan, Canary Street Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication date.

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publish for an ARC of The Summer Swap.

Set in Cape Cod, this story is told through three different POV. An older woman Cecelia, middle-aged Kristen, and 20-something Lily. They are each working through grief and the reality that they aren’t truly happy with how their lives are going.

I don’t normally love 3+ POV novels but this was very well written. The Cape Cod setting will whisk you away to the beach as the characters talk art and love and happiness. From the title and cover I was expecting a quick light read but it ended up being deep.

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One of the tropes that I love to read is the blossoming connections between the younger generation and the older generation. I love it. So when I read the synopsis for this book, I knew it was one for me!

Struggles with grief and secrets that no one knows is key in this story. Regardless of the age of the character, everyone will connect with the turmoil going on inside. But Morgan brings in light and love that not only uplifts the characters but you as well.

The Summer Swap tells the story of three different women who are interconnected dealing with family, marriage, and healing, along with healthy doses of clean romance wrapped up in a captivating story.

Even with some heavy topics, Morgan manages to keep the story light-hearted and sweet, especially in the last half of the book. I love that age is no blockade to happiness and giving yourself what you deserve. I love the overall message in this story.

Morgan has gifted us a story that will make you feel good and leave you with a big smile of satisfaction.

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EEK! I loved this one so much. The main storyline was great and just what I needed to read.

This was a quick and easy read. perfect for someone needing a palette cleanser.

I enjoyed the generational conversations and perspectives the most.

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In "The Island Villa," author Cecily Watson crafts a poignant and nostalgic tale that unfolds against the backdrop of the serene Cape Cod. The novel expertly navigates the complexities of family dynamics, regrets, and second chances. As Cecilia returns to Dune Cottage, a place teeming with memories both cherished and concealed, readers are swept along on a journey of rediscovery and reconciliation. Watson's prose is evocative and heartfelt, drawing readers into the lives of Cecilia, Lily, and Todd as they navigate the ebbs and flows of their relationships and aspirations.

With its richly drawn characters and idyllic setting, "The Island Villa" is indeed the perfect summer read. Watson deftly explores themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and the enduring bonds that tie families together. This novel is as sharp and smart as it is heartwarming, offering readers a captivating escape into a world filled with love, hope, and the promise of new beginnings. Whether lounging on the beach or curled up indoors, this book is sure to enchant readers seeking a delightful blend of wit, warmth, and nostalgia

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