My first Chick Lit in I’m not sure how long, but it seems forever and a day ago. I loved the blurb and wanted to see if the road trip was as fun as it sounded. I wasn’t disappointed, but it wasn’t exactly what I thought it was going to be about. Part of me felt it was going to be a little bit Rom-Com and really about the road trip. It wasn’t about the road trip at all, but about four people overcoming fears in their lives and shucking the expectations others were putting on them and there was no comedy at all. Well, maybe one or two scenes.

This is an emotional rollercoaster with twists, turns, blind curves, black holes, and switchbacks. Quite the journey for four people to take in one book. Although they are all tied together each one is on a different ride. The romance is flimsy at best with only one real romance happening for the two youngest, however it isn’t so much about love as it is each of them helping the other find their groove. The declarations of love come from the older couple who are working to get their marriage back on track, to be in the same car together rather than separate cars on the same road. The person I thought was going to give us the comedic part, turned out to be reflecting on regrets she had in life and reconciling that had she not taken the path she did, she never would have been with the one.

The two most interesting people are the mother and daughter who are both emotionally stunted from things the mother did long before her daughter came along. The mother is smart woman and had been alone for 5 years, so I’m not sure why she needed all the reflection on a road trip she spent in the back seat of a cramped car on to realize her life turned out how it should have and things might have been very different had she taken the other path; regrets are better left in the past and forgiven than left to fester. That felt like the wrong setting for her to have the reflections and epiphanies she did.

The daughter on the other hand all of a sudden gets a backbone to stand up to her family who is taking her for granted for the last 10 years. I’m not sure I buy that. I do think the reflections she had once alone were spot on, but she never really had an epiphany through them and that was a little disturbing. It took her husband coming around for her to have her epiphanies and make a plan. I just don’t think the setting was right for her to have made such progress. Also, everything happens over the course of two to three weeks.

All in all, the emotion, inner dialogue and epiphanies were great, it was the setups of the stories that didn’t really fit the emotional rollercoaster. There was a lot of weird dialogue and mind reading I didn’t get either. The scenery was well researched having travelled Route 66 myself, but there was no connection with the scenery or the trip itself it was just there with no personality or intervention in the story. For these reasons I’m only giving this one a 3 of 5. If you love emotional rollercoasters and are looking for some light reading this one might be up your alley.

Kathleen is an 80-year old widow living in Cornwall who hasn’t lost her adventuresome spirit. In her youth, she was the presenter for a show called Summer Seekers, which had her traveling throughout the world. She misses that life and when she has an encounter late one night with an intruder, Kathleen decides now is the time to embark on the road trip she’s always wanted to take…Route 66 in America, from Chicago to Santa Monica. Daughter Liza is beyond concerned and was actually ready to have “the talk” with her mother about selling the house and moving into a residential community. But Kathleen’s not ready to settle down and places an ad for a driver to accompany her, hiring Martha Jackson, a complete stranger. She’s 24-years old, already divorced and living at home with her parents because she’s lost her job and can’t seem to find a new one.

Liza is almost the mirror image opposite of her mother, more practical and logical but she’s also frustrated with her own life. She’s married and the mother of twin teenage daughters who all take her for granted and she feels invisible.

This had all the ingredients for a fun story, which it was, but delivered so much more. Each of these women were at a crossroad in their lives and this trip gave them the opportunity to examine their options in a unique way. Kathleen was a godsend for Martha who, despite her loathing of driving, took the job to escape her oppressive home life. They were perfectly suited for one another as Martha appreciated and respected Kathleen’s life achievements and accomplishments, understanding that she was still a vibrant woman with lots more life ahead of her. Liza uses her mother’s absence to leave her family in London and stay in Cornwall as she reflects on her life, including her relationship with her mother.

I loved everything about this story as it was so much more than a comedic road trip. The women’s introspection was relatable and there were no easy solutions. Kathleen’s relationship with her daughter seemed problematic on the surface but as the layers of her life were explored, I got to see she was more complicated than what she presented. I listened to the story and enjoyed the narrator, even though the American accents needed some work at times. Otherwise, I felt her characterizations of all three women were wonderful. I can always count on this author to serve up a fascinating life journey and this one is exceptional.

Forty-year-old Liza doesn’t have a whole lot of free time, but lately she’s been using those moments worrying that her marriage is in trouble. Between working, twin teenage daughters, and a never-ending to-do list, there’s no time for herself let alone her marriage. Liza feels overwhelmed and unappreciated, and I was ticked off on her behalf!
Eighty-year-old Kathleen is being pressured by her daughter, Liza, to sell her beloved home by the sea and move into a residential home. Kathleen has always been an independent woman, she traveled the globe for her show, The Summer Seekers, and she has no intention of giving in. After a wake-up call, Kathleen decides it’s time for another trip, this time to the States driving the historic Route 66. Now all she needs is a driver and this is where Martha comes in.
Martha is living back at home after a few setbacks. She’s reminded constantly of her “bad choices” by her family and it’s chipping away at her soul. When she stumbles upon Kathleen’s ad she jumps at the chance for employment and escape.
This story and these women touched my heart! I felt a connection to all of them! I think most can relate to the situations these women found themselves in: What it feels like to be an overwhelmed wife and mother, to question choices and keep oneself at arm’s length for emotional protection. These characters were far from perfect and had made mistakes. Most notable to me was Kathleen and her relationship with her daughter, a bit distant and seemingly cold on her part, but as her story was revealed I could understand how she got there. Liza’s story really spoke to me as a wife and mother, but I found all the stories emotionally compelling.

I can’t talk about The Summer Seekers without mentioning the setting and how vividly it came to life though the author’s talented writing! Oakwood, Kathleen’s home on the Cornish coast sounded beautiful and full of character. I’d never want to sell either! The road trip on Route 66, with all the regional charms made me eager to embark on a road trip of my own!

The Summer Seekers was such a realistic and heartwarming story! The perfect summer read! There’s self-discovery, a bit of romance and a restoration of love and understanding. I loved their journeys to happiness!

Kathleen is determined to live on her own despite what her daughter thinks is best for her. Liza is the family worrier, the one who does it all to make sure it is done right. After an intruder ends up on her kitchen floor Kathleen, in an effort to get out from under Liza's plans, decides she is taking a summer trip along Route 66. Her career as a travel video were some of the best years of her life and she longs for the adventure, but knows driving is not a good idea so she advertises for one. Recently divorced Martha applies for the job as she is ready for a new beginning. Kathleen and Martha set out and both come to terms with their past and what it will take to move forward. Liza is struggling and decides to spend time at her mother's home while she is away and rediscovers her passions as well as reigniting her marriage. A great story of second chances and new beginnings that lead to reconciliations.

This is a fantastic story about three generations of women, their adventures and their lives….

Kathleen is a very independent eighty year old who is determined not to give in to her daughter’s suggestions that she move into a retirement home. After an unexpected encounter with an intruder and a frying pan, Kathleen decides what she needs is actually an adventure . . . . an adventure driving across America on Route 66.

Her daughter, Liza, is definitely not in favour – but her attempts to thwart her Mum’s plans fail, leaving Liza considering her own life which seems to be doing everything for everyone else and nothing for herself.

Martha is the young divorcee who applies for the job of driving Kathleen as a way to escape her home situation and ex-husband, even though she’s not a confident driver – she hopes she will be by the time she’s driven all that way!

The story is told from the point of view of these three women.

It is a story of relationships, reconnecting, sharing and opening up about feelings, the past and dreams for the future. There are many other key characters involved, including Liza’s husband and their twin teenage daughter, Kathleen’s famous but secret neighbour, a hitchhiking tech tycoon and a very distinctive cat! All of them are brought to life in this fascinating story which has a great mix of angst, matchmaking and family drama. It is another great read from this talented author and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Thank you to HQN and Netgalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read, thoroughly enjoyed and honestly reviewed.

The Summer Seekers is an absolutely delightful lighthearted novel with charming characters full of humour and heart. Don’t let the lightheartedness fool you though, there are some deeper issues addressed while the characters tackle growth, trust, and tinges of regret. It is a sweet, feel-good read and most readers will find it relatable to some degree as it presents the challenges and joys of family, friendships, and the standards we and society place on ourselves. It’s a good reminder to put aside the critical voices, personal fears, and over-commitment and prioritize a life lived freely of the weight of unreasonable expectations. If this doesn’t make you want to pack your bags and head cross country (or to the nearest coast) to soul-search and live a vivacious life, I’m not sure what will! Just be sure to make some new friends and cherish the old ones along the way!

Recommended for: fans of contemporary women’s fiction and romance

My thanks to the publisher for the gifted ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.

**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

When I saw this book for my summer/spring reads email from the publisher I knew that I wanted to read it. The cover gave me some serious Audrey Hepburn vibes with the headscarf flowing out behind a car. Plus I have read some books by this author and really really liked them. Also, the fact that it was a travel book of sorts also piqued my interest. I couldn’t wait to read it.

Kathleen is almost 81. She spent years traveling the globe and recording a very popular TV show. She starts to question what she is doing when a man comes into her home and she bangs him with a cast-iron skillet. Her daughter Liza doesn’t want her to live alone anymore and to sell her home. Kathleen has other ideas. She is going to travel Route 66. She puts an advert for a driver and companion for the trip. Martha who has hit rock bottom with her life applies. Together they leave the UK and go to the US to drive Route 66. They discover things about themselves along the way and long-fought memories return to the surface. This book was good. Not amazing and not horrible. I did have a hard time getting into it. The beginning I thought was a bit tedious. Once they got on the road and things started to shake out between the characters it got better. I still didn’t hate it though.

The interaction between these characters is amazing. Martha totally brings Kathleen a different perspective than what she is used to. Marth is very intuned to people’s feelings and their thoughts. I think she would be a perfect nurse or something of that nature. I wish that I am like Kathleen when I am older. She was free to be her and lived a life full of adventure. Unfortunately, I think I more like her neurotic daughter Liza. Doing everything for everyone and getting burned out with her life. The shift with each of the characters was written very well. They each shift their life and it turned out for the best for each of them. I was really bummed there wasn’t an epilogue. I really wanted to know how each of them turned out in the end. I thought it ended rather abruptly. Maybe there will be a sequel follow-up book.

I really loved this book! I was a bit skeptical at the beginning, but the character development was immaculate. I tried to binge this in one sitting, but sadly, night came a bit too quickly.

My favorite character from this was definitely Kathleen. She was a riot! From the very beginning, I was looking forwards to her segments. I always knew she'd be scheming, and traveling, which never got old.

As for Liza, I didn't like her at the beginning, but I ended up loving her plotline. At the beginning, she was a pushover, and clearly unhappy. Her arc was amazing though, and I loved her development. I'll admit I did ship her with Fin for a short while, but her and Sean were adorable when they fixed their relationship

Martha was probably my least favorite character, as she seemed to only be there to develop Kathleen. She was still interesting, I just didn't connect to her. I did enjoy her relationship with Josh though!

Id definitely recommend this! It's a super fun summer read full of family and travel. I'm not sure if I'll reread it, but it definitely leaves a good memory.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sarah Morgan for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

If your idea of a fun vacation is a road trip along historic and scenic Route 66, Sarah Morgan's novel The Summer Seekers will take you there in a Mustang convertible no less. It's the story of three women in different stages of life who choose to escape from their lives, if only for a little while.

Kathleen is a vibrant eighty year-old widow, living in her family home by the sea in Cornwall, England. After she surprises an intruder in her home with a smash of her frying pan to his head, her daughter Liza becomes convinced that they should move Kathleen to a retirement home and sell the family home.

Instead, Kathleen plans a trip to America, traveling from Chicago to California along the famous Route 66. She advertises for a driver, and twenty-something Martha shows up. Martha is looking to get away from her family's home following the death of her beloved grandma and the collapse of her short-lived marriage after she catches her newlywed husband in bed with another woman.

The fact that Martha is not a very experienced (or good) driver doesn't faze Kathleen, nor does Liza's disapproval. Kathleen and Martha fly to Chicago, and Kathleen shows Martha the good life, starting with fancy cocktails and lobster risotto at the rooftop restaurant of their hotel.

For twenty years Kathleen hosted a television travel show called The Summer Seekers. It took her away from home and Liza, and their relationship suffered as a result. Perhaps because of that, Liza is a very hands-on mother to her twin teenage daughters. She does everything for her children and loving-but-work-obsessed husband Sean. They depend on her for everything.

When Sean forgets their anniversary, Liza leaves and goes to her mother's home to get away to think. She relaxes, and indulges in a lot of 'self-care'. She enjoys being responsible only for herself, walking the beach, and even taking up painting again.

Kathleen picks up a hitchhiker named Josh much to the dismay of Martha. Kathleen encourages Martha to open herself up, and she hopes to make a love match between Josh and Martha. The three continue on their way along Route 66, seeing the sights and eating in the best reviewed diners.

Martha, Kathleen, and Josh become close spending so much time together. They draw each other out, and eventually Martha discovers why Kathleen wants to go to California.

The Summer Seekers has characters you care about, and you will root for Kathleen, Martha and Liza to each to find what they are seeking. You'll feel the wind blowing through your hair as your ride along Route 66, and the sea breeze and sun on your face as you walk along the beach with Liza. Toss this one in your beach bag, it's a great summer escape.

Thanks to Harlequin for putting me on their Beach Reads Summer Tour.

THE SUMMER SEEKERS has got to be the best feel good story I have read in a long time. Hang on to your seats, it’s a crazy rollercoaster ride! At first, the story is fun and light. Then it takes a turn and gets emotional and deals with many different heavy situations. Kathleen is eighty years young and bored. She decides she needs some adventure in her life and hires a driver for a road trip across the USA! While her mother is away her daughter Liza is having a midlife crisis and decides to stay at Kathleen’s cottage while she is away. Wow! She finds out things about her mother that she never knew. After reading THE SUMMER SEEKERS, I want to hang out with Kathleen and go on a road trip with her and Martha too!

I have only read Sarah Morgan twice before but after reading THE SUMMER SEEKERS I know I will be reading everything by her that I can get my hands on. She hooked me from the very first page. I found myself totally absorbed in this story and I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters within this heart tugging story. I found all of the characters very real and relatable and it was interesting to read how they are all dealing with their troubles in very different ways and it takes a summer away to try and help them.

THE SUMMER SEEKERS has it all, adventure, heartbreak, great dialogue, and awesome characters. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! I have made it a quest to catch up on the rest of Sarah’s books because her writing is just that good. She makes her readers feel every emotion her characters are feeling to the point where you feel as if you are right there, riding along with them. My emotions were on a wild roller coaster ride from the first page all the way until the very end. At first I really tried to read it slowly and make it last, but soon I was so caught up in everyone’s lives and business, I was flipping the pages like a mad woman.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My best Sarah Morgan's read so far , I am passionate about her writing but in Summer Seekers for me she has outdone herself, having read her previous books in which she presents in the same book parallel dilemmas of three different characters but even so none of them had the same impact on me. I do not know how to explain the reason, I believe that for being women with very different experiences (but one of them has a life similar to mine) and knowing during an unforgettable summer the history, the struggle of each one and how each helps the other, the bonds that are formed and the reason behind it.

I loved Liza and Martha's love story too much but Kathleen stole my heart, both in her different way for an 80 year old lady and her past.

I loved the cover, the explanation for the title and the achievements of the three women.

With 14 months (and counting) that most of us haven’t been able to safely vacation anywhere, this book came at a great time to do some armchair traveling! The premise alone sounded like it would be an entertaining trek with a distinct cast of characters and The Summer Seekers was just that.

Beyond the sightseeing, however, was a deeper theme that flowed throughout. This story was about family, and more specifically, about mother/daughter relationships. The novel alternates between Kathleen, Liza and Martha’s points of view, and all three of them have their own relatable relationships with their mothers. There were overly-critical mothers, distant/absent mothers and over-involved mothers to compensate. I loved the exploration of those dynamics, and how sometimes it’s easier to speak honestly and openly to a stranger than your own loved ones. I also liked how the character development allowed for the revelation of how things are not always as they appear on the surface. One can present a certain way that everything is fine but there can also be so much more unsaid.

Another major theme in The Summer Seekers was the idea of what ifs and regrets. Living life to the fullest played heavily and, in all honesty, was one of the main catalysts in setting off the story – Kathleen’s need for adventure. There were many instances that us, as readers, can perhaps reflect on our own opportunities for growth or change. Facing your fears, embracing your passions, letting go of some control… the narrative covered a lot of ideas but it felt like it could be relevant for many to extract the ideas (and not book-specifics) and apply to their own lives.

Without giving anything away, there are a few moments that really were satisfying to read on the page. One particular pivotal moment involves Liza and the day of her anniversary – I wanted to jump up and give her a big high five!

Overall this was a delightful book, perfect for a summer day whether you’re reading on the beach, in the park or at home. It left me nostalgic for the days of vacations and the local discoveries you would make on your travels. There’s a bit of romance, a lot of sun and a whole lot of adventure!

What an incredibly written book - thank you Sarah Morgan for doing it again. This book made me belly laugh and tear up. Although this book took me on an unexpected ride (see what I did there??), it was pure pleasure every step of the way. I wish there was a sequel so I could see what happened to these beloved characters but I am sure they will get their own happy endings. Each character was beautifully written and I felt close to them. This is a delightful summer read for anyone who needs some happiness in their life.

A road trip along Route 66 with an eighty-something and a twenty-something sounded all sorts of summer fun so I snatched up a copy and settled in to enjoy a journey of the soul for three women by a new to me author.

The Summer Seekers opens with Kathleen discovering an intruder in her cottage on the Cornish coast and she quickly dispenses with that danger. While this night-time adventure awakens her after years of simply going through the motions since her husband’s death, her daughter Liza doesn’t see it that way. Liza is her mum’s opposite. Kathleen is not done having adventures and determines that she is up for one more and sets off on a summer road trip across America to face a bit of her past and find her old self along the way. Going along with Kathleen is Martha, a recent divorcee who answered Kathleen’s ad for a driver.

The book hits all the emotions from humor to private pain. The story is a multi-generational, three woman point of view. Liza back in Cornwall and Kathleen and Martha in America. I confess to enjoying the vibrant Kathleen and tentative Martha’s part the best, but I was cheering on lost and unhappy Liza, too. Being closest in age to Liza, I related to a lot of her thoughts and actions, but I saw Martha as a bit of my past and hope to be something like Kathleen in my future. The author wrote these women so that their flaws and strengths made them richly developed and interesting. I have to admit that Kathleen’s neighbor, a reclusive rockstar, tickled me each time he appeared in the story, and I loved the little adventure Liza had with him. Incidentally, I think everyone who is feeling the heavy side of life should have an adventure.

I wish the road trip descriptions could have been more prominent, but I get that this was a character-focused story, so the travel adventures had to be less to develop that. Though, don’t get me wrong, the traveling side is not neglected. I thought it was hilarious that Martha applied for the job as driver and ended up driving a sports car when she’s terrified of driving. I confess this is a preference for more because I love taking road trips and have enjoyed several with family and friends over the years, though never all the way down Route 66…

All in all, this was a heartwarming and thoughtful story about people who drifted apart, lost their way, and needed to face some issues to restore life’s joy and have a little romance. The writing drew me close and left me wanting to pick up more of the author’s books. This is perfect for a summer beach read and I can recommend it to women’s fic or chick lit fans who love focus on multi-generational women characters.

I should just go ahead and buy stock in Kleenex. 😉 Today’s tears brought to you by The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan. Three woman, three generations, each at a crossroads in her life. A road trip adventure filled with laugh-out-loud humor, forgiveness, understanding, self-reflection, emotional healing, and a reminder that we’re never too old -or too young - for new beginnings. I couldn’t put it down. Take it to the beach, take it to the pool, or just take it to the couch. This heartwarming tale should be on everyone’s summer reading list.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

Updated review at The Romance Dish Blog:

I should know by now that a book by Sarah Morgan will always bring me to tears...in the best possible way. Today’s are brought to you courtesy of The Summer Seekers, Morgan's newest women's fiction novel that immersed me into the lives of three very different women, each unique in her own right, all tied together by unexpected circumstances. I was intrigued by all three, curious about the circumstances that brought them to this point in their lives, and eager to discover where one summer of change would take them.

Three woman, three generations, each at a crossroads in her life. One who escapes her unappreciative family for a summer of exploration and self-discovery in her English seaside childhood home and the hope of finding the person she used to be. For the other two unlikely companions, a flight to the United States, followed by a highly entertaining, cross-country, road trip filled with adventure, laugh-out-loud humor, poignant moments, new love, and a long-overdue reconciliation. For all three, a summer of forgiveness, understanding, self-reflection, emotional healing, and a reminder that we’re never too old - or too young - for new beginnings.

Once I began reading this book, I became so fully immersed in these characters and their stories that I could not put it down until I finished. The Summer Seekers is another heart-tugging, uplifting, soul-satisfying story by Sarah Morgan that has my enthusiastic recommendation. Take it to the beach, take it to the pool, or just take it to the couch. This heartwarming tale should be on everyone’s summer reading list.

Sometimes, I need a feel-good story that goes where you expect it does and ends where you expect it to. All the boxes get checked. All the loose ends get tied up. All the stories come to a satisfactory ending. The characters are relatable. This book fits that bill completely. The Summer Seekers is a lovely summer escape and a perfect casual beach read.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2021/05/the-summer-seekers.html

Reviewed for NetGalley and the HTP Bead Reads Summer 2021 blog tour.

A road trip story seems like the perfect setting for a summer beach read. It really interested me that the road trip would be made with an octogenarian and a 20-something. A bit different than your typical summer getaway trip.

There are three stories going on in this book. We have Kathleen, a widow who made a name for herself as host of a travel show back before cable television. Her daughter Liza is a middle-aged married mom of teen girls who overworked and underappreciated. Then there’s the hired driver, Martha, who is trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life.

Kathleen is definitely an interesting character. She was way ahead of her time with her travel show, had her daughter later in life before that was the norm, and put her career before her family in a time that was virtually unheard of for a woman. Kathleen has some skeletons in her closet that have turned her into a woman who has a hard time with shows of affection, yet she found her soulmate in her husband. A man who understood her wanderlust and never made her feel “less than” for leaving for long stretches of time to follow her dreams. While I understood these things about Kathleen, I had a hard time with how she reacted to her daughter. It was very hard for me to find a connection to her. As the story progresses it becomes obvious that she’s not oblivious to her inadequacies and it helps to humanize her to the reader.

My sympathies in the mother/daughter relationship were always squarely with Liza. She has a huge heart and often turns a blind-eye to how much she does for others without anything in return. Sure, we shouldn’t do things to get a reward. But nobody in her family seemed to realize how hard she worked to keep the wheels turning smoothly in their lives. Liza’s is my favorite arc in this story. I was rooting for her and cheering for her even while I was screaming at her to speak up! There are a lot of ups and downs in her journey. Plenty of times I thought she may misstep or overstep. It was beautifully done.

Ah, Martha. Sweet, feisty, compassionate Martha. Talk about black sheep of the family. At least, that’s how she’s viewed. Where, in my opinion, Martha is the only good one in her family. She is older than someone I would consider having a coming-of-age story, but she really blossoms. She was in stasis for a few years so it makes sense. Martha’s family really did a number on her confidence, which drove her to making some very bad relationship decisions. Kathleen may not have been a great mother, but she was just who Martha needed to get back her self-respect and learn to stand up for herself and her dreams.

Put all of these ingredients together and it makes for an engaging and heartfelt story.

The Summer Seekers is my second novel by Sarah Morgan. This contemporary woman’s fiction read is full of fun, family, travel and soupçons of romance. The three main characters in this story are from different generations and are all trying to get the most from their lives in the best way they can.

The reader is introduced to the three protagonists, Kathleen, Liza and Martha. Octogenarian Kathleen has had a road trip on her wish list for years which will take her on Route 66 and on to California. But she gets up one night feeling thirsty after eating salty bacon and disturbs an intruder. She manages to defend herself with a skillet, but in the struggle, receives a blow to her own head. Liza, Kathleen's daughter, has troubles of her own. She is finding it difficult juggling the demands of family life and is worried about the state of her marriage to Sean. Martha is an anxious twenty-four-year-old who was working at a coffee shop and is living with her parents and sister, Pippa. These three women are hoping for adventure as they share their emotional journeys.

The characters seemed to leap out at me from within the pages and I found I had something in common with all of them, so I could personally relate. The level of imagery was excellent and the author's particular cocktail of drama, heartbreak and adventure were perfect, drawing me in from the opening pages. This is a really riveting story where the event-filled and emotionally driven narrative held me captive, making it difficult to move from my reading armchair. The Summer Seekers is a charming story that draws on the personalities of the quality protagonists and I'm sure it will appeal to many.

Thanks to NetGalley, HQN Books and the author, Sarah Morgan for the complimentary copy. This is my honest and totally voluntary review.

There is just something special for me about listening to an audiobook that is narrated by someone with an accent and I could’ve listened to Georgina Sutton’s voice all damn day. It was soothing and melodic and coupled with the beautiful story SM wrote it was an absolutely delightful listen for me.

I’m such a fan of stories about unlikely friendships and the relationship between Kathleen and Martha was just the type of odd pairing that I enjoy. At first glance these two have nothing in common but maybe they can learn a thing or two from each other? Kathleen’s zest for life and feisty personality is the opposite of Martha’s hesitation and shyness but these two balanced each other out perfectly, I just adored them both separately and together. Their adventurous road trip swept me away and made me feel like I was cruising down Route 66 alongside them and the settings were well described and full of life. Liza was an added bonus to two wonderful characters and I so enjoyed her journey to find what makes herself happy instead of being constantly consumed by what her family needs, I think most mothers can relate to that, I know I sure did. This was heartfelt, funny and warm and overall just a lovely and sweet read.

The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan is an amazing, moving, emotional tale of three women, three generations, each having a crisis with how their life is at the moment. Join these women on adventurous road trip with laugh-out-humor, understanding, forgiveness, self-reflection, and emotional healing, and a reminder that life is too short for anyone not to grab a fresh start on life, no matter what age they might be. Warning: keep tissues nearby.

Kathleen might be eighty years old, living alone in the countryside, but after s an encounter with an intruder her daughter fears for her safety and wants her to move into a residential home. Kathleen is a very independent women and refuses; craving an adventure like she used to have.
Liza has tried to understand her mother, but that bond never formed. Liza is a take control person, taking care of everyone else, never herself. The daily stress of her family life and demands is overwhelming her and the last thing she needs is her mother jetting off on a crazy holiday with a stranger. All of this is making Liza long for a summer by herself; no demands, no picking up after her twin teen daughters or busy husband.

Martha is having her own crisis, despite only being in her twenties. She is a kind soul who took care of her ailing grandmother, helps her elderly neighbors yet is unemployed, unloved, and unable to please her parents. Martha has no idea how to get her life together or what she wants to do with her life, and with low self-esteem and constantly being treated like the help it’s hard to get inspired. She knows something has to change but has no idea how to make the change. Seeing Kathleen’s advertisement for a driver and companion to share an epic road trip across America might just be the answer to Martha’s prayers.

As these women embark on the journey of a lifetime, they will discover it's never too late to start living life as they have dreamed of.

Ms. Morgan wrote a story that illustrated the soul and growth of her characters. I loved this wonderful, heartwarming, multi-generational story, which I could not put down. I highly recommend The Summer Seekers to other readers and it should be on everyone’s summer reading list.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.