There are so many pieces in this book that I related to. It’s magical when an author writes from the heart. Mallory totally understands women, kids we’re trying to raise, and those crazy emotions all over the place.

This book was loaded with fun surprises, a growing touching romance, and self-discovery that leaves the reader feeling fulfilled right along with the characters.

Speaking of characters, I just loved every one of them, well except her ex-husband. What a piece of work. But in the end, he seemed to grow up too.

Mallery teases us with descriptions of fantastic houses and fairytale locations. It just begs for the beach, water, hot sunshine, and a cool beverage, along with this book to dive into.

Honestly, put this book on your must-read list. It is so good and loaded with rich descriptions, in-depth emotions, and some sweet heat that enhanced the budding romance. I just fell in love with The Summer Getaway. Maybe because I need to escape too!

So much love for this one!!

What a perfect book to read to escape the doldrums of everyday life and all of its challenges! Robyn is a divorced mom, a woman who has never really found her niche in life but who desperately wants to. She is dealing with her spoiled daughter Harlow who wants her to keep the expensive home she can no longer afford just so Harlow can get married there. She is also dealing with a selfish ex-spouse who flaunts his affairs and who insists that his way is always best. When Robyn has finally had enough of the drama at home in Naples, Florida, she takes a flight to visit her great-aunt Lillian, a wonderful elderly woman who dispenses wisdom and encouragement as if it’s her second nature. There, Robyn meets Mason, a retired army drill sergeant who will inherit Lillian’s house when she dies. Mason and Robyn have interesting conversations as they realize how much they have in common and how attracted they are to each other. What started out as a getaway from everything for Robyn turns quickly humorous and chaotic as all the people she thought she left behind follow her to California. The plot is multi-layered and character-driven, written with an eye for detail that I greatly appreciated. There is romance, drama, wise advice and unforgettable characters who made an indelible mark on my heart and mind. Of course, not all of the characters are likable, nor are they meant to be, but they are all portrayed realistically, complete with flaws, doubts and hard decisions to make. This is a book that is well-paced, with just enough conflict to keep me guessing about the outcome and enough romance to keep me enticed. With a mansion filled with antiques that also interested me as well as the Pacific Ocean in the backyard, the setting was perfection! All in all, this is one of the best standalone books for beach reading that I have ever read and I highly recommend it. It’s cleverly plotted, intricately woven and so filled with emotional highs and lows that this book is a getaway for anyone who reads it.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin Trade Publishing via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

The strength of women and family is showcased in The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery. She can be counted on to give readers romance, laughter, and tears

Really enjoyed the premise of the book, and the characters were all fun and unique. It fell short for me however, in the flow. It often times seemed wordy, and to drag on.

Just okay for me.

This is a novel filled with decisions, changes, and growth.

Robyn Caldwell has decisions to make. Her youngest Austin has graduated from high school which means she has to sell her house or buy out her ex. She wants to sell but her oldest is throwing a fit because she wants to be married in the gorgeous backyard. Robyn has mainly been drifting since her divorce but comes to the realization that her divorce settlement is nearing its end and she doesn't have any future plans. Her cheating ex is dating her daughter's fiancé's twin sister and Robyn's own boyfriend turns out to be a toad who is ashamed of her.

When her great-aunt Lillian invites her to Santa Barbara to spend time with her, Robyn is on the first plane. Her aunt has always been a source of support who is filled with good sense. But Lillian is ninety-four and seeing her death. She wants things settled. The house will be inherited by her husband Leo's distant relation Mason Bishop. Robyn will be inheriting the contents of the house and Lillian's fifteen cats.

Mason and Robyn hit it off and become close as they spend time with Lillian and get used to the changes coming in their lives. But before their relationship can ger on a firm footing, Robyn's troubles come to join her. First her son Austin, who has quit his job with Robyn's ex, comes. Then her daughter Harlow comes running when her relationships with her fiancé and her father both reveal feet of clay, Then her friend Mindy arrives when an affair Robyn had counseled her against blows up in her face.

That would be enough of an invasion, but the numbers quickly grow when Harlow's fiancé, Robyn's ex and his pregnant girlfriend, Mindy's husband, and Robyn's toad of an ex-boyfriend all also show up.

One by one, those problems are dealt with leading to growth for all. But, when the unthinkable happens, can everyone find their way to a happy ending?

The story was filled with interesting and well-rounded characters with both strengths and flaws. I enjoyed the setting. The relationships were engaging and complex. The romance between Mason and Robyn did almost get lost among all the various problems Robyn was dealing with, but the epilogue did tie up all the loose ends.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I love a good story of a single Mom finding her strength after a divorce. This book did not disappoint.

I loved the relationship between Robyn and Lillian. I wanted to go to this house and explore - it sounded like an amazing place.

This book would be a great beach read. Highly recommend!

The Summer Getaway is such a heartwarming read. You have Robyn who is the glue to her family to the point even her ex-husband goes to her for advice. Austin is the youngest of Robyn's two children. He is the one coasting through life at 18 and still looking for his purpose. He sees everything and will put a smile on your face with some of the advice he gives out. Harlow is the oldest of Robyn's children. She is the most dramatic and has this bratty way about her. She has a lot of growing to do and you may not care for her at first but just wait she is full of surprises. Robyn takes a much-needed break to reconnect with her aunt and help go through all the priceless treasures she has collected over the years. This is Robyn finally giving herself a chance to focus on herself past being a mother and an ex-wife and going for what she wants. Mason is that piece of the puzzle that Robyn never realized was missing. He is amazing and you are going to fall hard for this ex-military guy. Robyn and Mason have amazing chemistry and I love how supportive he is of her. Mason will steal your heart as he bonds with Austin and Harlow. This is a summer journey for all that will warm your heart so much as everyone grows and finds what really matters to them. This is a book on healing, family and love that keeps you glued to the pages. I loved every moment of this one and could not get enough of Robyn and her family. There are so many little giggle moments that will keep it a lighter read when it could get heavy. You need to read this one.

What a truly amazing story right here! You'll start reading this and get completely lost in this book! 5 stars for this one!
This story basically centers around Robyn who's divorced, her daughter Harlow and her son Austin. When Robyn's finally reached her limit of being everyone's go to, she decides to take her aunt Lillian up on her suggestion to head west for the summer and reset herself. Spending time with the woman who meant so much to her in her life has been so rewarding, but as with her life lately, everyone seems to still need her help, throw in the hot guy Mason, and he just may be the only saving grace in her currently demanding life!
I enjoyed this book from start to finish, even stayed up late because I didn't want to put it down!

The summer getaway is an intriguing story about family, and trust. The characters will pull at your heart strings as they find their way. The plot will keep you reading until the end.

another good book by this author. This was a fun romp through family drama, divorce, etc etc. You just can't put her books down!

If you like family drama, this is the book for you! It would definitely make a great beach read. There's no end to the drama in this book: cheating, lies, divorce, grieving, steamy romance, entitlement, difficult decisions, you name it - it's all here.

Robyn is divorced, living in Naples, Florida, and will need to sell her home in just a few months as part of the divorce settlement. Her daughter has turned into bridezilla and is demanding to be married at the home - which just isn't going to work. Her son is eighteen and won't even discuss college. Her ex-husband is involved with a woman he shouldn't be involved with. Her best friend is talking about cheating on her husband with a tennis pro. Her boyfriend is not the man she thought he was. It's all too much. Robyn flees to California to stay with her great-aunt Lillian in a beautiful home on the coast in Santa Barbara. Robyn needs to come to grips with her life, her finances, her kids, and find the direction she wants her life to go.

There is a lot of angst in the story, but also humor. It's a light, enjoyable read. The characters felt real. Robyn is a strong character who guides her family and deserves respect. I loved the character, Lillian, who was loved by all in the book and was a person Robyn and her children could come to for advice with anything. And she has 15 cats names for kings and queens!

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on March 15, 2022.

Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book. I loved the story in this book! The main character was so strong and it was funny to see how everyone flocked to her even when they were on the "outs" with her. I laughed out loud many times in this book as the most unlikely people kept showing up to the quaint house. I loved the old eccentric aunt who had such love and wonderful wisdom. There is good men, bad men and conceited men in this book. There are children who are lost but eventually find their way. The book being set in Naples Florida and Santa Barbara California make you want to go to the beach to read! If you are looking for a fun yet poignant read about a slightly dysfunctional family, this is a great book for you.

A wonderful portrait of strong women and their family, friends and lives. Robyn has decisions to make in her life now that her kids are grown and she heads across the country to California where her free spirited Aunt Lillian lives. Surprises await her there as well as having her family follow her one at a time. Entertaining, so lovely and
romantic. It is a beautiful book filled with twists and turns that I loved.

This book sucked me in on page one and I couldn't put it down. I adore Susan Mallery and this is one of my favorites from her!

We all need a summer getaway to relax, refuel and reflect on what we want out of life. As children, we couldn’t wait to hit the road for the yearly trip to the beach where memories were made that would last forever. The ocean calls to each of us with its peacefulness, the hypnotizing sound of the waves and with the blue sky on the horizon. Robyn Caldwell certainly needed a change of scenery and beautiful Santa Barbara, California was just the place. She could be herself, visit with her beloved Aunt Lillian and reminisce about how special the house was to her. Robyn felt at peace the minute she walked through the door and was excited about leaving her problems in the rear-view mirror while looking ahead to her future.

Aunt Lillian’s house was a magnet for Robyn’s troubled family and friends, and I think that Robyn was the catalyst that brought everyone together. Her kindness and willingness to listen are two of her best qualities. Robyn wasn’t sure how she felt about Mason, but she did admire his honesty and his devotion to her aunt. He too, was seeking refuge in the glorious house with the numerous cats, secret doors and magical views of the ocean. It was a safe haven for both of them while they decided which path to take in life.

This book was a joy to read, and I had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading. I was excited for the characters as they traveled across the country in search of answers to the meaning of life. It was impossible to stop reading because everyone had something to say and by the end of the book, it was satisfying to see them happy and content as they found what they were looking for.

I have always been a fan of Jennifer Weiner, but I think that this book takes her writing to a whole new level! Wow! This book is told from the point of view of so many characters (including a house) whose lives get tangled up in so many ways. Yet, I never had to reread a passage, confused about who was speaking or what was occurring. The characters were simply that well-developed. A must read for your summer vacation!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

I loved this book from the beginning. Couldn’t put it down. Robyn is at her place in all her relationships that she just needs to get away. What follows has to make you smile.

What an incredibly written book. This book just pulled on the heartstrings. This is about a mother and her grown children discovering what they truly want from life and growing into a better version of themselves. The daughter had the most to discover about herself and it wasn’t always pleasant. There were some funny moments and some incredibly sad moments. It’s definitely a book that makes you stop and contemplate what you’ve read. I really loved reading this. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Robyn is dealing with an ex husband, an ex boyfriend and her daughter. She decides to flee to California and Lillian just to get away from everything. What starts as a getaway with just her quickly ends up with unexpected guests.
It was a story about family and falling in love again.
I enjoyed this book. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

The Summer Getaway
by Susan Mallery
Pub Date March 15, 2022
HQN
Story of family and relationship drama, romance which at times was quite steamy.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Mallery's previous book (The Christmas Wedding Guest, This book not so much. I know our patrons will scurry to check it out, but for me this is a book I cannot recommend.
Thank you to the author, HQN and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
3 stars