Title: The Summer Cottage by Viola Shipman
Publisher: Graydon House
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
From the bestselling author of The Charm Bracelet and The Recipe Box comes the perfect summer escape about the restorative power of family tradition, small-town community and the feel of sand between your toes
Adie Lou Kruger’s ex never understood her affection for what her parents called their Cozy Cottage, the charming, ramshackle summer home—complete with its own set of rules for relaxing—that she’s inherited on Lake Michigan. But despite the fact she’s facing a broken marriage and empty nest, and middle age is looming in the distance, memories of happy childhoods on the beach give her reason for hope. She’s determined not to let her husband’s affair with a grad student reduce her to a cliché, or to waste one more minute in a career she doesn’t love, so it becomes clear what Adie Lou must do: rebuild her life and restore her cottage shingle by shingle, on her terms.
But converting the beloved, weather-beaten structure into a bed-and-breakfast isn’t quite the efficient home-reno experience she’s seen on TV. Pushback from Saugatuck’s contentious preservation society, costly surprises and demanding guests were not part of the plan. But as the cottage comes back to life, Adie Lou does, too, finding support in unexpected places and a new love story on the horizon. One cottage rule at a time, Adie Lou reclaims her own strength, history and joy by rediscovering the magic in every sunset and sandcastle.
Review:
The Summer Cottage by Viola Shipman is a marvelous novel of self-discovery, healing and new beginnings.
Following her divorce, Adeleine “Adie Lou” Kruger unexpectedly decides to return to her family’s beloved summer cottage in Saugatuck, MI. With big plans to renovate “Creaky Cottage” in order to turn it into a B&B, the contractor’s exorbitant estimate gives her pause. However, Adie Lou knows she is making the right decision and despite the Historical Society’s interference, construction is soon under way. With her nineteen year old son Evan’s encouragement, Adie Lou is soon making surprising discoveries as they begin a social media campaign to garner interest in the upcoming opening. She also reconnects with old friend, Scott “Scooter” Stevens whose interest in her goes deeper than friendship. Is Adie Lou ready to open her heart the possibility of love? Dare she dream her new business endeavor will exceed her wildest expectations?
Adie Lou’s marriage to Nate has been on the rocks for quite some time when they file for divorce. Upon reflection, she realizes that she gave up everything for her soon to be ex, including her identity. At first planning to sell Creaky Cottage, Adie Lou knows she cannot get rid of the place that means so much to her. She also plans to honor her heritage by incorporating the traditions she and Evan hold so dear. While the cottage is under renovation, so is Adie Lou. She is discovering hidden strengths that help her find the self-confidence she needs to succeed in both business and her personal lives.
The Summer Cottage is a heartfelt novel that is poignant yet uplifting. Adie Lou is an endearing character whose love of family and its traditions shines brightly throughout the story. The storyline is engaging with an underlying theme that empowers and celebrates women. The romantic element is very understated and takes a backseat to Adie Lou’s metamorphosis as she sheds her unhappy past and fully embraces her future. Saugatuck serves as a perfect backdrop for this heartwarming story and Viola Shipman brings Creaky Cottage, the town and its inhabitants vibrantly to life. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this wonderfully charming novel.
