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.

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.

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.

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.

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

DNF at 30%

I hate not finishing books, especially when I receive an advanced copy but I can’t imagine reading another 5 hours of this book. 30% in and a lot of things are hinted at (Kristen’s almost affair, a painting that should have been destroyed, Todd’s failed engagement) but nothing really happens. The majority of the beginning takes place in Cecilia’s bedroom. The hints at things to come didn’t intrigue me enough to keep reading. If anything they frustrated me because they kept being thrown at the reader with nothing more than mere mentions. The plot was slow and I had to force myself to read it. I really wanted to like this book but couldn’t get into it. I will say that the cover is gorgeous!

Sarah Morgan has a writing style that quickly grasps my attention right from the starts and makes me want to stop everything I'm doing to binge her books. each character in this story had so much depth to them that you could really connect to them and their story line. Family, Grief, with some romance all created a plot that keep you reading chapter after chapter. I only recently discovered Sarah Morgan and I love the way she writes. I would highly recommend this book to others

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Canary Street Press for the eARC of this book.

The Summer Swap is a touching story following the themes of family, choosing happiness, expectations, and forgiveness. I enjoyed reading the interconnected storylines and experiences told through three different female perspectives. The author did a great job combining Cecilia, Kristen and Lily’s stories throughout the novel. It’s the kind of book where you get lost in time while reading. My only complaint is that the romance was only towards the last 4th of the book

Sarah Morgan has such a talent for weaving the stories of multiple women who you wouldn't expect to cross paths who all bond together. This was a nice lighthearted beach read set in Cape Cod, but I liked her previous book The Book Club Hotel more. Still a good read!

Sarah Morgan can do no wrong and this book is no exception. I love everything she writes and will forever buy her books. The end

The Summer Swap put me in the mood for summer! I loved watching the family dynamic play out and the home renovation aspects. This book was a perfect escape!

Sarah Morgan does a great job of leaning into season specific stories. I read this while I was on spring break and boy, did it get me ready for a summer of fabulous beach reads. The Cape Cod setting is one of the quintessential locations for a summer read. Lobster rolls, dinners on the back porch overlooking the ocean, bike rides and the sea breeze all lend their hand to making The Summer Swap a great summer story. It is not all light and fluffy beach read, however. The fraught relationships between Cecilia and Lily and their families are the main plot drivers, but the friendship that they develop with each other is just as important. This book is very character driven–the growth both Lily and Cecilia experience during this summer is the real star of the show. To me, the plot was a bit slow, but is necessary in order for the characters to grow in the ways they need to.

More than just a beach read. Loved the setting but this is more than a fun beach read. The story is about the journey of three women all at different times of their lives. Really enjoyed it.

THE SUMMER SWAP by Sarah Morgan. On sale May 7/24

Lily has to change her life, so she drops out of medical school and flees to Cape Cod. Cleaning houses isn’t what she envisioned her life to be, but it pays the rent. Well it did, until she loses her roommates. Would anyone even notice she is living in one of the houses she cleans? Now one has been there for years, but they paid to have it maintained and looked after.

Cecilia is about to have her 75th birthday. Her daughter Kristen has planned a birthday party slash tribute to Cameron, Cecilia’s husband who passed away a month prior. But Cecilia has just found out something, a secret he kept from her, and so Cecilia has to leave…. Leave before the party and the reporters swirling around.

Kristen has been everything to everyone, and her husband Theo, whom she needs the most, hasn’t been there for her for a very long time. It isn’t until her father’s passing, does she realize she needs a lot more in her life and someone has been showing an interest in her and it feels good.

These three women’s lives are about to change on a beach in Cape Cod as THE SUMMER SWAP shows them how to look after themselves, and their lives going forward.

Lighthearted beach read. A little formulaic and predictable. Though I liked the setting and smooth writing, the predictable plot didn't hold my attention for long periods of time. But for a summer beach read, it'll do.

First I would like to thank Netgalley and Canary Street Press for the ARC of this novel.

I’m a sucker for a Sarah Morgan book. She just writes the best beach reads and books that just make me feel warm and fuzzy and this was no exception. I loved the characters, the storyline and the location. She did a great job of making me feel like I was at the beach with the characters.

I loved the theme of finding yourself at each stage of like with the three main character and although there were multiple love stories going on none of them took centre stage and the women were able to find out what is important to each of them.

This was a very good 4.25/5 star read for me.

“You are the person I love most in the whole world”

This book is a perfect beach read - sweet with beautiful story-telling!

Set in a cottage on the Cape, the story begins when family matriarch Cecilia escapes her seventieth birthday party and flees to Dune Cottage. The summer cottage, which was once a welcoming sanctuary, evokes strong memories and contains something Cecilia is anxious to get her hands on. Once there she stumbles upon Lily, an aspiring artist with nowhere to live, who has been overstepping her caretaking duties and staying there for the summer. Lily recognizes Cecilia immediately when she arrives because she is close friends with Cecilia’s grandchildren. They form an immediate kinship and Cecilia asks Lily to stay but then Todd, Cecilia’s grandson and Lily’s unrequited crush arrives to check on his grandmother. While this storyline is unfolding Cecilia’s daughter Kristen is also dealing with big feelings of her own. Her marriage to Theo, a brilliant surgeon is falling apart and she is on the verge of making some major life decisions.

Amazingly, Sarah Morgan is able to weave all of these storylines together into one delightful book! If (like me) you have read her books before then you know how skilled she is at writing multigenerational family stories. I really liked the relationship between Cecilia and Lily as well as the romance between Lily and Todd. I thought Kristen’s storyline was incredibly honest and so much deeper than it seemed at first glance. I also took such pleasure in reading about all three women who were in very different places in their lives but who’s journeys blended together beautifully.

I have read so many of Sarah Morgan’s books and am a huge fan! If you haven’t read any by her yet then I strongly encourage you to check them out!

So the first thing I want to say about this book is that I was interested in it based on the title and the cover. (the North American cover, because I’m from Canada)
But the cover and the title are very deceiving, because I was expecting a lighthearted summer based romantic romp, and although that would’ve been great because that’s what I was fully expecting, it was so much more than that!

I usually try to read books blind, so I wasn’t even sure what the storyline was going to be, and author Sarah Morgan is such a good writer that she created a story that quickly intrigued me, engaged my interest, and made me want to keep reading well into the night!
I was totally invested in the characters as there was a lot of depth to each of them and their stories.
I enjoyed how the characters connected with each other, etc.
There was an unexpected relatability to every generational character in this book.
There were some fun revelations throughout the book, a very nostalgic storyline, and you just can’t go wrong when it is all set in an ideallic setting, of course!

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

Charlene @lastnownext 🌸📚🤗

This was a quick, entertaining read! I enjoyed getting sucked into this story and following all of the characters with their various situations. I can absolutely see this being a great summer read.

There were a handful of things that stuck out. First, I didn’t understand what the title had to do with the book? Perhaps I missed something?

The next few were just nitpicky things that made me enjoy the book a little less. First, the constant discussion of Lily letting her parents down. It was mentioned too often. Second, the Todd + Amelie situation wasn’t believable.

What happened w/Jeff? I kept waiting for him to resurface since he was given so much weight?

Lastly, the end was too neat and tidy with everything wrapped up perfectly for all the characters. Felt too contrived and maybe not in line.

Overall I did enjoy this fast read! Thanks to NetGalley + Canary Street Press for this advance reader copy.

This was another excellent read from Sarah Morgan - a multigenerational story of women who are each finding their way. The story was emotional, and touched on some heavier topics but still gave me that light, summer getaway feel too. It delivers a compelling combination of family dynamics and secrets, friendship, and romance.

I really loved that the three leads of the story each brought such an interesting perspective and story: Lily, as a young 20-something aspiring artist with a broken heart; Cecelia, as a family matriarch new-ish widow who lived in her famous husband shadow and carried a burden of secrets; and Kirsten, a women in her 40s dealing with the death of her beloved father, grown children and an absent husband. Each has secrets, struggles and dreams of finding a way forward to contentment and the next phase of her life.

Honestly, I just loved this story - I’m a sucker for a well written multi POV story where we can see the thoughts, feelings and lives of each character playing out and how they all intertwine. When it’s done well it is a favorite element for me, and Sarah does it with skill.

I found each character to be engaging and able to reach me at n a different level. I loved that the women were each at such different stages in life but still relatable and struggling with some similar things.

I really enjoyed the setting, the description (and the cover art) made it so easy to envision and made you long to visit the Cape and walk in the sand.

Overall, just a really wonderfully written story that kept me flipping the pages. I loved seeing the “secrets” come to light and finally be laid to rest and the story had such a satisfying and hopeful conclusion.

Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy! 💜 All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely offered.