The Summer Swap by Sarah Morgan

The Summer Swap by Sarah Morgan

Published by Canaray Street Press ISBN 9781335474940

Trade paperback, $18.99, 336 pages

From the Publisher:

A recent widow’s plan to spend the summer in Cape Cod hiding from her interfering family is upended when she discovers her beach house has an unexpected guest, and the secret she's been keeping about her marriage threatens to be exposed. Perfect beach reading for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Emily Henry.

70 year old widow Cecilia Lapthorne can’t bear the prospect of a family party to celebrate her birthday and the memory of her husband, famous artist Cameron Lapthorne. They had a toxic marriage but stayed together for the children, and bound by a big secret. She runs away to the Cape Cod seashore cottage she owned with Cameron--it’s where they first fell in love--but she hasn’t returned since she discovered him cheating on her there (for the first time). No one in her family knows about it, so she will be perfectly, delightfully alone for the summer.

Except struggling artist Lily has been secretly crashing on the sofa of the seashore cottage for the last couple of weeks. Unable to make rent after dropping out of medical school to pursue her dreams of becoming an artist and working as a housekeeper in Cecilia's Cape Cod enclave, she’s been illicitly camping at the cottage. Which isn’t a problem as it’s been unoccupied for years…until Cecilia unexpectedly shows up.

After the drama of discovering she has an unexpected house-guest has faded, Cecilia decides she’ll get along just fine with Lily for the summer. They form a tentative and powerful bond, based on shared love of art, but also the vulnerabilities they both share with each other. And when Todd, Cecilia’s beloved grandson (and the man who broke Lily’s heart in college) tracks her to the cottage, the three of them settle in for a summer of self-discovery, self-belief and second chances.

My Thoughts:

As someone who has visited Cape Cod on more than a few occasions, I was drawn to Sarah Morgan's The Summer Swap initially because of its setting. Morgan paints a vivid picture of the cottage that Cecelia, Lily, and eventually Todd end up spending the entire summer. I could see the cottage in my mind's eye and would love to have spent time there myself, and if you are someone who loves interior decorating, you'll enjoy this part of the story even more.

The characters are also vividly portrayed and you can see why Cecelia and Lily were drawn to each other. They are both trying to discover what the rest of their lives should be, what would make them happy and fulfilled. It was also enjoyable watching the relationships between Todd and Lily and Cecelia and her old friend blossom.

There is a bit of a mystery here, but one that careful readers will probably guess at early on; that doesn't make it any less interesting however. 

The Summer Swap is a perfect novel with which to start the summer beach reading season. Pop it in your beach bag next to the sunscreen.

Thanks to Harlequin for putting me on Sarah Morgan's blog tour.

The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan

The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan

Published by Harlequin ISBN 9781335180926

Trade paperback, $15.99, 432 pages

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.