There is nothing, absolutely nothing that gets me psyched for summer like the latest Mary Alice Monroe novel does!

The Summer Guests follows several people who all live on south eastern coast and all find themselves (and their animals) in the crosshairs of a major hurricane. Luckily, they are all friends (or family) with the generous Grace and Charles Phillips. Grace and Charles have a large farm and offer all their friends and family who need to evacuate to come to their home to wait out the storm. Everyone brings their animals (dogs & horses) and a few personal possessions to hunker down at the Phillipses’. Many don’t know each other and ultimately create new friendships and some old friends get reacquainted and clear up past misunderstandings.

I loved the premise for this novel! I know a lot of people who don’t typically read book series’—this book is for you! The Summer Guest has some past Mary Alice Monroe character favorites, but it is a complete standalone! I enjoy reading Mary Alice Monroe’s novel for many reasons, but her love for animals always comes shining through in every book! I felt I learned a lot about horses in The Summer Guests— loved that! If you’re looking for a 5 star read to get completely lost in, than The Summer Guest is the book for you! I am already looking forward to reading Mary Alice Monroe’s next novel!

I have always loved Monroe’s Beach novels so I didn’t read the description, just assumed it would take place on the beach. This time though Monroe takes the reader dingo the horse world of Carolina mountains, and, although I enjoyed the book, I missed the turtles and beach. It was classic Monroe, though, and everyone ended up happy and satisfied.

The Summer Guests tells the story of multiple families escaping the wrath of a major hurricane headed for the FL/SC coast. Each family owns or rides horses and they travel north to a mutual friend's horse farm in NC. Monroe builds the momentum of the story as the storm approaches. At times I was in suspense, but mostly The Summer Guests is a story of friends, the connections of community and finding one's path.

I would have given this one 3.5 stars if I could. I liked it, but not as much as I usually like easy summer reads, if only because it felt a bit formulaic and repetitive at times. Also, I wasn't particularly fond of the ending. Nevertheless, it was still an inspiring read that, in my opinion, actually works quite well as a stand-alone novel. I will likely not continue on in the series but enjoyed nevertheless.

The Summer Guest
Mary Alice Monroe

This books setting takes place in North Carolina, with an approaching category 5 hurricane .
MAM Intriguing insight into the world of equestrian jumping and dressing .
This is my first book written by this author. Well written dialogue and good character building makes for a fast paced and enjoyable book

Thanks NetGalley for this complimentary copy for an honest review.

A bit of a change up with MAM in this one, but still a peek in at our old friend, Cara, and the beach house. This book opens up new things with the equestrian world of jumping and dressage. A great location in the rolling hills of North Carolina where friends come from Florida to escape a Cat 5 hurricane. Interesting characters from all walks of life come together with old and new friends and end up finding themselves and goals for their futures. As always, MAMs writing makes you feel you are right there with the characters and the horses and can feel the pelting of rain and wind from the storm. A very beautifully written book. Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for the ARC

Mary Alice Monroe tells stories with the perfect words and gives each of her characters perfect grace. I always feel sad to leave when I reach the end of that last page. Give stars for The Summer Guests.