Title: The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 416 pages
Summary:
One woman takes the vacation of a lifetime in this poignant and heartwarming story about the threads that hold a family together from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.
Single mom Robyn Caldwell needs a new plan for her future. She has always put her family first. Now, with her kids grown, she yearns for a change. But what can she do when her daughter has become the most demanding bride ever, her son won’t even consider college, her best friend is on the brink of marital disaster and her ex is making a monumentally bad decision that could ruin everything?
Take a vacation, of course. Press reset. When her great-aunt Lillian invites her to Santa Barbara for the summer, Robyn hops on the first plane to sunny California.
But it’s hard to get away when you’re the heart of the family. One by one, everyone she loves follows her across the country. Somehow, their baggage doesn’t feel as heavy in the sun-drenched, mishmash mansion. The more time Robyn spends with free-spirited Lillian, the more possibilities she sees—for dreams, love, family. She can have everything she ever wanted, if only she can muster the courage to take a chance on herself.
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Excerpt #18
Robyn hurried to open her front door, then smiled at Jase.
“You made it.”
“Sorry I’m late.” He walked in and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I got tied up with a patient.”
“Not a problem. Dinner can keep. Austin’s out with his friends, so it’s just us.”
She led the way to the kitchen, where she had ingredients for drinks on a tray. It only took a couple of minutes to mix up the martinis. Jase, a compact man about five-nine with a lean build, had taken his usual seat on the sofa. He smiled when she offered him a drink.
“Thanks,” he said, his brown eyes more tired than usual. “It’s been a day.”
She sat across from him, careful not to ask for specifics. Everyone had their quirks, and one of his was being asked about his day. Early in their dating relationship, he’d explained the question was a real hot button for him. It made him feel monitored and interrogated. Robyn didn’t understand his reasoning, but she’d respected his request she not ever ask the question.
“What’s happening with you?” he asked, his way of saying he wasn’t going to explain any more than he had.
“The usual,” she said with a smile. “Last night Austin negotiated to borrow the big TV.” Her smile widened. “He’s going to wash my car every week for the summer.”
Jase’s mouth turned down. “You think he’ll follow through?”
“Sure. Austin keeps his word.”
“I’m not saying he doesn’t. It’s just he’s kind of checked out from life. He’s coasting, with no ambition.”
“He’s working full-time. I’m not saying I’m happy he’s chosen to get a job with his dad, but it’s not like he’s spending the summer hanging out with his friends and playing video games.”
“He is when he’s not working.”
Robyn tried to temper her irritation. “If he’s finished with work, why shouldn’t he enjoy himself?”
“He’s eighteen. He needs goals.”
While she agreed, there was something about Jase’s tone. A condescension that made her want to throw something at his head.
“New topic,” she said. “Are the girls enjoying camp?”
Jase had twelve- and fifteen-year-old daughters who were in North Carolina at a very exclusive science and math camp.
“Settling in. Now we hear from them three times a day, not eight.”
“Improvement.”
Author Bio
#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives-family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.
Author Links: Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Instagram
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