The Summer Getaway

by Susan Mallery

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I looked forward to reading The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery, having enjoyed her work in the past and it did not disappoint. In the Summer Getaway, Mallery delivered a tale filled with family drama, angst, humour and romance.

The Summer Getaway introduces Robyn Caldwell a divorcee and mother of two young adults. She is at the point in her life where the need for more comes knocking. Her daughter is planning her wedding, her son is moving out temporarily and her current relationship has taken a nose dive. Looking for perspective on the path she should take concerning her future, she travelled to Santa Barbara to visit her great aunt Lillian, the one person who always kept her grounded. Lillian learns that while her great aunt was a source of comfort for her, she was the same for others. Everyone she attempts to get away from flocked to her like steel to magnet.

I had an interesting time with this story. The characters featured will make you either want to cheer them on, scream at them, shake some sense into them or feel indifferent towards them. I knew I would like Robyn from the moment of her introduction. She was such a personable character. No wonder everyone looked to her for solace, whenever situations in their lives goes sideways.


Now when Robyn went to visit her aunt the romance was the last thing she expected to find. Mason Bishop stands to inherit the house her aunt resides in, while Robyn will get the contents. Sparks flew when they met and slowly built to a raging inferno. I enjoyed their romance and it was good to see Robyn finding a man who appreciated her. Mason, a retired army veteran was an awesome individual. He had a calming and likeable personality, which made him perfect for Robyn.


The story delivered some interesting and dramatic moments, most of which were centered around Robyn's philandering ex-husband , Cord and her entitled daughter, Harlowe. The depth of character development in The Summer Getaway was precisely what I expected from Mallery. The characters grew and learn from their mistakes. Even the obnoxious ones. I believe Robyn's friend got off too easy for her stupidity. After all the warnings Robyn gave her she went and did the unthinkable and then she came running to Robyn looking for solace. It shows Robyn's kindheartedness.

With a strong and interesting storyline, The Summer Getaway will appeal to readers of Women's Fiction.

This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading