How does one learn how to be true to oneself after a lifetime of repressing ones own needs and desires?

Three women. Three generations. Three women with unfulfilled dreams. Three women, in many ways, trapped by past decisions. This is their story. While quite different on the surface, they find strength and a common bond together. Art unites them and that connections provides many a surprise to them as the open up to each other and themselves. We meet Lily, young and rather lost, Cecilia, nearly 75 and still trying to find herself beneath the label of being wife to a famous artist, and her daughter Kristen, married to a famous surgeon, suffering her own pangs of emptiness and pondering an affair, before the women actually meet each other. They find each other at Dove House, where Lily has been, uh, staying without permission and fallen in love with a painting, "The Girl on the Shore", a name you'll hear frequently as the story progresses. I'm not going to ruin your joy of immersing yourself into the story by detailing the plot but will say to be sure you have some hankies handy as it definitely hits you in the feels, more than once, in fact. Family secrets, broken romances, found romance, romance not limited by age, btw, the art world, old friends, drama, snoopy reporters, and, oh, so much more. I've just hit the surface, trust me. All have lessons to learn, including accepting their own roles in creating their current places in life.

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this trip to Dove House to meet these three amazing women. The men in their lives aren't perfect but the interactions add to the moment. I definitely liked Todd who, even before he appears, is painted as being his own man, not beholden to his family or heritage, and lived up to that mental image in my mind. For me, I probably related most to Cecilia but all have universal traits, dreams, and concerns, making them all the more real. Sarah Morgan, as always, has done an excellent job presenting us with full-fledged characters and putting them down in what sounds like a beautiful setting. Thanks #NetGalley and #HarlequinTradePublishing - #CanaryStreetPress for introducing me to these women. They are a great reminder that you're never to old to put the past behind you and head into the future with eyes open.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing with providing me an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun, cozy beach(ish) read! I liked the multi POV with Cecilia, Lily and Kristen (Although I found Kristen a bit annoying at first, but she got better.) I also liked their backstories and being in different situations that allowed them to grow in their own ways. The biggest let down for me was the romance, it went from 0-100 real quick and seemed way too far fetched for me. I was also left confused about Jeff and how he even got involved with Kristen and if he knew about the painting? That just go brushed over a bit and seemed kinda thrown in. But overall, I enjoyed my time reading it this!

I liked the aesthetic/ setting of this book because it reminds me of my childhood and when my grandparents used to live on the cape. I appreciate how the author accurately depicted the Cape Cod setting and seems like she did her research. I didn’t hate the characters (Cecilia was my fav) but I kept getting all of them mixed up. Also somehow so much was going on while also nothing was happening at the same time which was really confusing. This book wasn’t terrible and would be great to read during the summer but I just lost interest in the story so this wasn’t for me at all.

This is my favorite of Sarah Morgan's books thus far. I needed something light and fun for the start of the summer and this book was it.

The Summer Swap chronicles dual story lines surrounding the Lapthorne family. Cecilia, the grandmother matriarch of the family, escapes to her secret Cape Cod cottage. At the cottage she finds Lily, her granddaughter's best friend. Cecilia allows Lily to stay at the cottage with her and from there the story expands. There is a lot of depth to all the female characters and some story lines that surprised me at the end.

I loved this book and would recommend it to a friend.

As Cecilia and Lily form an unexpected bond within the cottage's walls, readers are drawn into a tale of intergenerational connection and personal growth. The arrival of Todd, Cecilia's grandson, and Lily's long-time crush, adds a delightful twist to the story, sparking new dynamics and challenges for the protagonists. Is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of second chances.

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book, but I did definitely judge a book by its cover. I thought it would be fun beach read, but this book had more depth and more drama. So much drama! There's multiple female POVs, some intrigue and a beautiful, inviting setting. I wanted to be in the Cape Cod house and walk outside on the beach at night. The story did start slow, but it built up and then was easier to read. It wrapped as I thought it would, which I always appreciate.

If you are looking for a book that deals with relationships, the good and the bad, the beautiful and the ugly this book is for you. The relationships in this make the book. Mother and daughter, husband and wife, friends, dating couples, siblings, it's all there and it's all wonderful. The characters grow, change, laugh, cry and love. They get mad, they forgive. I loved this book. It was everything I like in a book. And the Cape Cod setting just added to all of it!

I can't wait until the next one!

This book was the absolute perfect first summer novel to start off the season! I’m always looking for a relaxed, charming beach read and this was everything!

Told from three different perspectives, The Summer Swap, at its core is a novel about three women and their desires to be seen, heard, and loved by those that they love. They also each have to make peace with where they’re at and what they’ve been through.

Cecilia, is the novels matriarch, of sorts. She’s a classy septuagenarian widow who finds herself in need of some alone time and so begins her journey by fleeing from her birthday party that her daughter, Kristen threw for her. So she makes her way to her secret Cape property, Dune Cottage.

What Cecilia doesn’t expect is to find cottage caretaker, and friend of Cecilia’s granddaughter, Lily staying at the cottage. Lily, needing a place to stay after disappointed her parents over her need to drop out of medical school–also just needs a fresh start and a place to lick her wounds. Dune Cottage holds all of that for her. When Cecilia asks Lily to stay, they both help soothe each other and help each other see their lives from different perspectives.

Kristen, Cecilia’s daughter, is having her own crisis as her marriage is close to shambles. SheTh doesn’t have the strongest relationship with her mother, and her children are adults living their own lives. Tragedy hits and Kristen and her husband have a reckoning of sorts… but not all is fixed so easily.

One of the best parts of this story was the culmination of all of these ladies’ stories ending at Dune Cottage–a beautiful character on its own.

I loved how the author brought everyone their happily-ever-for now and ended the story with some bittersweet–but much needed–changes for all the characters.

Thank you for the ARC!

I don't know what drew me to this book but I enjoyed how each of the three women were at such different parts of their lives and going through different things yet still had more in common than they would think. I'm not the biggest fan of books that follow different story lines because it tends to get a bit confusing for me but I really enjoyed the way this was done.

Thank you for the opporutnity to read!

Ugh I barely ever DNF books but I just couldn’t go on with this one. For such a short book it was incredibly slow paced.
There was no excitement. It just happened. But then nothing happened at the same time

I appreciate the advanced copy from NetGalley but this book just didn’t shape up to be for me.

This was the perfect warm up to summer book. It is definitely a romance, but erred on the side of literary fiction. The split POVs across the three generations made for some great character development, as well as well rounded perspectives on the goings on. There was just the right amount of unpredictability balanced with the happy endings that you wished for each of the main characters. The storylines intersected in cool ways without too much cheese.

Overall an enjoyable read.

I can picture myself in Dune Cottage, especially after Lily and Todd’s renovation efforts. I wonder if they’re available for my house?

I received this book as an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you Sarah Morgan and Harlequin Trade Publishing!

Summer swap was a heartwarming family drama with romantic sub plot of three generations of characters. I loved the present day perspectives of the three main characters as they navigated relationships with family and love interest. The characters were connected by family, friendship and the heartache of betrayal. The story focuses on three women and their journey to find new beginnings by following their heard and learning to put their dreams in the forefront. The story takes place in the beautiful setting of Cape Cod in a secret cottage that brings the characters together.

Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity to read such a beautiful story of family, friendship and dreams coming true. It is never too late to find happiness.

Sarah Morgan's "The Summer Swap" invites readers into a picturesque Cape Cod setting, where the lives of three distinct women intertwine, revealing layers of personal struggles, growth, and unexpected connections. While the novel showcases Morgan's adeptness in crafting compelling characters and exploring their complexities, it ultimately falls into the realm of predictability despite its undeniable charm.

At the heart of the narrative are Lucy, Cecilia, and Kristen, each grappling with their own set of challenges. Lucy, a med school dropout turned house cleaner, finds herself entangled in Cecilia's world when she begins residing in a house she cleans but doesn't own. Cecilia, recently widowed and the owner of the Cape Cod house, navigates the nuances of grief and newfound independence. Kristen, Cecilia's daughter, struggles to assert herself in her marriage, yearning for validation and understanding.

Morgan's strength lies in her ability to breathe life into her characters, infusing them with authenticity and depth. Lucy's determination and vulnerability make her a relatable protagonist, while Cecilia's journey of self-discovery resonates with readers facing similar transitions in life. Kristen's quest for empowerment adds a layer of poignancy to the narrative, underscoring the universal desire for fulfillment and acceptance.

Moreover, Morgan demonstrates her prowess in capturing the essence of Cape Cod, painting a vivid backdrop that serves as a character in its own right. The idyllic setting enhances the novel's allure, transporting readers to a place where sea breezes and sandy shores offer solace and sanctuary.

However, despite its merits, "The Summer Swap" falls short in its predictability. While the characters' arcs are well-developed, the plot follows a conventional trajectory, adhering to familiar tropes and resolutions. As a result, the story lacks the element of surprise that could elevate it to a more memorable read.

In conclusion, "The Summer Swap" is a well-written novel that adeptly explores themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery. Sarah Morgan's skillful character development and evocative prose create a compelling narrative that captures the essence of Cape Cod life. However, its predictable plot may leave some readers yearning for a deeper sense of intrigue and originality. Despite this, "The Summer Swap" remains an enjoyable summer read, offering moments of warmth, reflection, and connection.

A fun summer read. The characters are not very deep, but if you are looking for a beach read, or something to pass the time while on vacation, this fits the bill.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoy books by Sarah Morgan, and this was a delight! I fell in love with all the characters and how they were intertwined with each other.

After her husband passed away, Cecilia feels out of sorts. Instead of hanging out with her adult children (& grandchildren) at her 70th birthday party, she retreats to her old cottage in the Cape. At her cottage she finds Lily, who is cleaning and taking care of the house. Lily and Cecilia actually have quite a bit in common, and their friendship begins.

Lots of family drama in this book, complete with family secrets that have been kept for decades. LOVED it!

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC! Definitely add it to your list - will be out in book stores on May 7th! #booksbyashleynicole

Cecilia, the widow of a famous artist, Kristen, her daughter who is having an affair, and Lily, an aspiring artist who dropped out of medical school, all have their struggles. They all have their secret garden. To pay the bills while she figures out her next step, Lily cleans houses, including Dune Cottage, which she also uses as a refuge, because it has been unoccupied for years. Until Cecelia, the actual owner, shows up, after running away from her seventieth birthday party, which Kristen organized, using the occasion to commemorate her father's life work, bringing back memories for Cecelia, good and bad.
This is women's fiction with a touch of romance, told in the POV of the three women. Honestly, I feel that once you've read two or three books by Sarah Morgan, you've read them all. I mean, why change a winning formula, right? This author knows how to write complex characters and relationships. But as some point, it does get redundant. I also felt like some things were really dragged out (like, tell us what happened with The Girl on the Shore already or stop talking about and dance around it!!!). And I felt like some of the dialogues were clumsy and felt unnatural, which is not something I usually feel from this author. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad book, there are many fantastic reviews, but I think I'm going to take a break from Sarah Morgan. I did love the setting and the summer read vibes, and despite some heavy topics, it was heartwarming.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was such an easy read. I love when books have multiple POVs. I loved getting to know Kristen, Cecilia, and Lily. This book has found family, small town and second chance romance. I’m a sucker for second chance romances.

4.5 stars!

Sarah Morgan is a new-to-me author and I was drawn in by the book cover and the fact that the story is set on Cape Cod, which makes any book a must-read for me. All I can say after reading this is "WOW!" This novel and author totally exceeded my expectations and I could not put it down. I was expecting a lighthearted beach romance, but there was so much more to this story!

This is a multi-generational story that follows 3 women from 3 generations:
1) Kristen, whose marriage is on the rocks and she feels overwhelmed with family drama associated with her young adult kids and her widowed mother.
2) Cecilia, the mother of Kristen and the widow of a famous artist, who escapes to the Cape after learning some shocking revelations left behind in her husband's will.
3) Lily, who just dropped out of med school and is cleaning houses on the Cape while trying to pursue her dream of becoming an artist. She was bffs with Kristen's daughter until a falling out, and has a crush on Kristen's son.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys:
*Starting over
*Second chance romance
*Found family
*Following your dreams
*Idyllic small (coastal) town

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Canary Street Press for this arc in exchange for my review!

The Summer Swap is about three different women's point of views: Cecilia, Kristen, and Lily. Each of the three women are in different areas of their lives but they all can relate at the same time as well. Each woman shares their own story through their struggles throughout marriage, grief, and how they handle different situations in each of their lives. Cecilia is older and she ends up getting away from her family and the cottage is her hideaway. The cottage is Lily's hideaway as well but she does not know Cecilia is there until they run into each other. Cecilia ends up inviting Lily as her guest in her home. As their friendship starts to evolve, they learn more about each other and how they each can help one another with their situations and encourage each other. This book is a great summer read as I could really relate to some situations that happened throughout the book. Also the cottage I wish I could visit in real life as it sounds beautiful. You also find out that Lily has a crush on Cecilia's grandson Todd. Overall, I enjoyed the different point of views between the three women and the different scenarios they encountered throughout the book. If you love romance reads, romantic comedies, or need a good summertime read, this one is for you!

Another Sarah Morgan book that I loved. It was fast-paced and kept me hooked. I liked the multiple points of view. It was great to hear all three women's perspectives. I also really liked the art aspect of the book. Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC copy of this book.