Standalone Women's Fiction
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.
Can a holiday heal her heart
Robyn Caldwell needs a life plan. Fast. So when her beloved Aunt Lillian asks her to come to Santa Barbara for an overdue visit Robyn jumps at the chance.
In the sunshine Robyn begins to see her life with a bit more clarity and the more time she spends with free-spirited Lillian, and mysterious author Mason Bishop, the man destined to inherit her aunt’s mansion, the more she sees the appeal in taking chances on dreams, and love. Life is meant to be lived with purpose. But when Robyn’s past catches up with her, can she muster the courage to take a chance on herself?
A heartwarming story of finding beauty in chaos, and love in the most unexpected of places, from international bestselling author Susan Mallery.
"Mallery's latest contemporary romance (after The Stepsisters, 2021) has the family dynamics, heartfelt introspection, and emotional truths that keep readers coming back. The perfect escape for readers wanting to get away."
Booklist
The Summer Getaway has been named a Best Book the Month in Romance by the editors at Amazon.com!
The Summer Getaway has been named a Best Book of 2022 So Far in Romance by the editors at Amazon.com!
Amazon.com
"My first 5 star read of 2022! . . . The Summer Getaway was the PERFECT winter escape! There was drama, family, romance, friendship, coming of age, and even heartbreak."
Instagrammer @momssanity
"The perfect spring break beach read."
CNN
5 Stars! "I adored this one and highly recommend!"
WBTBBookReviews on Instagram
"While it's centered around family drama, it's really about loving yourself, relationships, family, love, embracing what you have, starting over and dreams. . . perfect for a day at the beach."
ReadingwithRemy on Instagram
"Watching some of the characters grow up and become a better version of themselves was heartwarming and evoked a sense of pride in us. We could not get enough of this story: with every chapter, every character, every snippet of drama, we waited with bated breath to see what would happen next as relationships blossomed, wilted, and everything in between."
The Honey Pop
"[Mallery] writes such memorable characters but they are memorable because they could be us. . . she writes from the heart. I could feel the realness of the characters—their struggles and their triumphs."
The Lit Bitch
4.5 Stars! "I enjoyed this fast-paced story that had me hooked from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until the very end. . . Robyn is a very sympathetic character, and her struggles with her family and friends felt real and I empathized with her immediately. . . I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves women’s fiction."
The Bashful Bookworm
"Robyn, for better and often for worse, is a fixer. She tries to make everyone around her happy. This means that she puts herself last – if she considers herself at all. And she has finally come to the realization that she has to stop. . . The Summer Getaway is the story of a summer when everything changes."
Reading Reality
"Such a refreshing and wonderful read. It has so many elements. It is about learning about yourself, growing up, managing life and making good and bad decisions and it’s about family! I am still thinking about these characters and their decisions. This is a story which will give you all the feels!"
Reeca's Pieces
"Highly recommended . . . a well-written entertaining novel full of drama, humor, romance, family, relationships. . . well-paced plot . . . The characters are realistic and interesting as we see both their strengths and weaknesses."
She Treads Softly
"[A] touching novel of self-discovery and new beginnings. . . In addition to making plans for her future, Robyn has the opportunity for love if she is willing to risk her heart again. . . With a wonderful blend of humor and seriousness, Susan Mallery brings this marvelous novel to a heartwarming conclusion."
Book Reviews and More by Kathy
4.5 Stars! "Robyn’s son and daughter added to the drama with their growing pains but were also the cause of some of the most tender and realistic exchanges. This is a very enjoyable women’s fiction family drama with a good balance of angst vs. happiness."
Avonna Loves Genres
5 Stars! "The writing was crisp, insightful, and smartly paced with a well-honed balance of clever humor and tension and surprising conclusions to several of the threads."
Books and Bindings
5 Stars! "The Summer Getaway is a story of relationships and connections, of putting the past behind, rediscovering oneself, and exploring the potential in opening one's life to new chapters, regardless of age. . . I connected with Robyn almost immediately and by the end of the book was emotionally attached to the entire family. . . This one comes with my enthusiastic recommendation."
The Romance Dish
"The Summer Getaway is a reflective and moving tale of family ties. The powerful and discerning characters display every emotion between sorrow, joy, hope, and despair, and some sensual scenes are included to add spice—all focused around Robyn. She finds her true worth among those she cherishes the most."
New York Journal of Books
"Genuine, relatable characters. . . Robyn is at a crossroads in her life and yet no one else in her life seems to see that she could possibly have anything other than their issues to deal with. . . This book has such a great balance of some heavy issues with lightheartedness thrown in. As someone who is married to a vet, I appreciated that story line and all the research that went into it. It’s the perfect book to pick now or to add to your summer reading list – one that you will breeze through with its entertaining storyline and engaging characters. I definitely recommend it!"
"Audio thoughts: [Tanya Eby] really gets her characters nuances and has such a way of bringing them to life. . .a great performance!"
Always with a Book
"I wanted to explore her Aunt's historic Santa Barbara house and all its treasures. . . a good soapy drama that was fun and engaging to read and I found myself wanting to stay with the characters after I finished."
Kahakai Kitchen
5 Stars! "Excellent, well crafted, satisfying, feel good story that drew me in and left me with a smile on my face as I read the last page."
Cathy Geha
"What didn’t I love about this story! Robyn was the heartbeat of her family, which was news to her before she decided to take some time for herself . . . I could hardly put my headphones down, not wanting to miss what was happening next. The narrator added to my enjoyment of the story as she captured the perfect tone and spirit of both the characters and the tale. . . I loved every moment of my listening experience!"
Blue Mood Cafe
"Fun and juicy!"
Bookstagrammer @bibliosmast
4.5 Stars! "Fantastic beach read. . . wonderful story."
Instagrammer @ohthebooksshewillread
"Another great read! Can't live without Mom!"
Instagrammer @megsbookclub
"As a Mallery fan, I loved this book and did not want the story to end. Her signature style of writing real-life scenarios with drama that feature well-rounded characters should attract romance fans everywhere. I recommend you read Susan Mallery’s books."
Instagrammer @book_review_crew
(Audiobook review) "Full of complex characters, fierce friendships, family drama, and a sprinkling of romance too! [Tanya] Eby did an exquisite job narrating one of my favorite books this year."
Instagrammer @nurse_bookie
5 Stars! "I loved the unique spin the author put on the typical woman goes on vacation to find herself trope, you can’t help but laugh when Robyn’s family shows up and it made for such an entertaining read. . . some steamy romance, lots of family drama, plenty of laughs and a gorgeous setting. Definitely one of my favorite reads as of late."
Instagrammer @novelgossip
"The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is a wonderful book and a perfect one to read on the beach or poolside. . . I highly recommend this to read...it is definitely a fun one!"
Instagrammer @mokwip8991
"A heartwarming book with a lot of family drama, conflict, friendship and love. I recommend this one if you enjoy family stories. This will also make a great summer read."
Instagrammer @booksandchinooks
"Another wonderful story by Mallery. Susan Mallery is easily one of my favorite authors. Her name is the first I suggest to anyone who is looking for a new-to-them author."
Kimberly, Books-n-Kisses
"The perfect beach read. The story brings comfort and joy, giving Robyn the chance to find everything she needs in life, including love."
Robin Loves Reading
"Sometimes you just really need a chill book to make you happy and force you to take a minute to relax. For me, the most recent book to do that was Susan Mallery's The Summer Getaway. As the title implies, it is the perfect spring or summer read."
Quirky Cat on Book Hype
"A feel good, multi-generational novel with snappy dialogue and loads of emotion, Susan Mallery’s latest, The Summer Getaway, is sure to be the perfect heartfelt beach read."
Harlequin Junkie
"A wonderful, feel good story with a lot of laughs and some tears shed along the way."
Stacy Alesi
5 Stars! "I’m a long-time fan of Susan Mallery and The Summer Getaway is one of my favorites."
Once Upon a Page
"A perfect beach read and a great book club choice."
Instagrammer @busyreadingchapters
(Audiobook review) "Susan Mallery has done it again! This is a lovely story of family love and second chances . . . I listened to the audiobook version of The Summer Getaway which was narrated by one of my favourite audiobook performers Tanya Eby. Her voice is expressive, full of enthusiasm, and easy to listen to."
That Happy Reader
"The perfect spring or summer read. . . Lately, I’ve felt like I’m in need of an escape . . . It was light, endearing, and precisely what I needed."
Quirky Cats Fat Stacks of Books
Chapter One
“I’m going to sleep with Dimitri.”
Robyn Caldwell picked up her glass of white wine and briefly thought about swallowing the entire contents in one gulp. Mindy’s statement was certainly gulp-worthy. But she knew pacing herself through lunch was the responsible thing to do. A lesson her friend had yet to learn.
“You are not,” Robyn murmured, because shrieking wasn’t attractive. Especially at “the club,” where their friends and frenemies were also enjoying Thursday’s lobster salad. The dining room was filled with forty or so women, all dressed in Florida chic—diamonds sparkling, gold or platinum charm bracelets clinking, necklaces resting on tanned and toned skin.
“I might,” Mindy Krause said, picking up her champagne. “He’s gorgeous.”
“Of course. He’s a thirty-year-old tennis pro. What else would he be?”
Mindy, a petite brunette who was six months from turning forty, sighed. “I need a Dimitri in my life.”
“You have a great husband. Payne loves you and the kids, and never has eyes for another woman. Why would you screw that up?”
“Payne would never know.”
“There aren’t any secrets in this town. Not in our social circle.”
Something Robyn had learned the hard way herself. She’d been blissfully unaware of her ex-husband’s affairs until a “friend” had oh-so-sweetly informed her.
“Maybe just some kissing,” Mindy mused. “I want a little Dimitri action. The fantasies make me happy, so imagine what the real thing would do.”
“The fantasies are safe. The real thing could destroy everything you have. Knowing you’ve cheated would devastate Payne.”
Mindy’s mouth formed a pout. “I never see him anymore. All he does is work.”
Robyn stared at her friend-slash-boss. “You two talked about how that promotion would be more work for him but that it would be worth it. You wanted this for him.”
“I didn’t know how much he’d be gone.”
The unreasonable statement grated nearly as much as Mindy’s whine. “This isn’t a good look for you,” Robyn murmured. “You’re changing the rules without telling your husband. That never ends well.”
Mindy dismissed the warning with a quick shake of her head. “I’m not worried. Besides, if he does find out, I can just move in with you.” She laughed. “You’ll soon have that big house all to yourself.”
“You have four kids,” Robyn pointed out. “If things go south in your marriage, I’d rather have Payne move in.”
“Well, that would get people talking.” Mindy held up her empty glass to the server. “More, please.”
The server obliged.
Mindy took another sip. “My sister called, swears she found a Thomas Pister chest in a tiny shop in Wales. It’s dirt cheap, so I’m afraid it’s a fake. She’s looking for someone to prove authenticity. Wouldn’t that be a find?”
“It would. I’d love to see it.”
Thomas Pister had built beautiful chests and cabinets in the late 1600s and early 1700s. His intricate designs with stunning inlays sold quickly and for huge amounts. Depending on the condition and the materials, a good-sized chest of drawers could go for sixty or eighty thousand dollars.
“She also found a couple of early Dutch strongboxes,” Mindy added. “Those sell for at least thirty K.”
Mindy, along with her three sisters, owned an exclusive antique shop in Naples. None of the other sisters lived in Florida, so Mindy was in charge of retail. Her sisters traveled extensively, keeping the shop well-stocked with unique and expensive items.
Robyn and Mindy had met in the store. Robyn was a frequent client, although her taste was slightly less upscale than much of Mindy’s inventory. They’d quickly moved to having lunch every month. When a part-time position had opened up, Robyn had applied. It was only a few hours a week, but Robyn enjoyed working with the other clients, as well as checking out whatever was new in the store. The selling wasn’t her favorite, but learning about different eras and the history of each piece enthralled her.
Mindy set down her glass. “How goes the wedding?”
Robyn did her best not to grimace. “So far we’re just talking generalities.”
“You’re still not happy they’re engaged?”
Robyn again resisted the urge to chug her wine. “Kip’s great. He adores Harlow, and doesn’t every mother want that in a future son-in-law? I just wish…”
She placed her hands flat on the table. “She’s barely twenty-two. They’ve known each other less than a year, and getting married is such a big step. Why can’t they live together for a few years? Take off for Paris or go hiking in Chile? Why get married so quickly?”
Mindy tried to hide her amusement. “And how old were you when you married Cord?”
“Nineteen.” Robyn sighed. “Which is my point. I had a two-year-old when I was Harlow’s age. Sure, I had my kids early, but what if I hadn’t? What if I’d gone to college or spent six months in Australia or done something other than what I did?”
“So is your concern about what Harlow might miss out on or what you gave up?”
A very valid question, Robyn thought. “How can you be insightful? That’s your third glass of champagne.”
“Liquor brings out my best qualities.”
“I don’t regret my life. I love my kids. I wouldn’t wish them away.”
“But?”
“I want her to have options.” She picked up her fork. “Not a conversation my daughter wants to have with me.” She and Harlow had managed to survive the teen years with hardly a cross word, but lately, they seemed to be fighting all the time.
“Would you have listened to your mother?” Mindy asked.
“I’m not sure. She died when I was eleven.”
Mindy’s brown eyes widened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay. As for talking to her when I was Harlow’s age, I probably wouldn’t have listened, either. I want to say I would have been mature and interested in her opinion, but it seems unlikely.”
Mindy touched her hand. “It’s your past, Robyn. You rewrite it however you’d like.”
“Thanks. The last time Harlow mentioned the wedding, she said something about wanting to dye the pool to match the bridesmaids’ dresses.”
“Can you even do that?”
“No idea, and I really don’t want to know.” She could only hope that her daughter’s wedding plans became a little more normal as time passed. Or that she decided to elope. Or hey, postpone.
“Want to play tennis next week?” Mindy asked brightly.
Robyn eyed her. “I’m not interested in meeting your fantasy guy.”
“Why not? Once you see him, you’ll have to admit he’s totally worth the risk.”
Robyn gave in to the inevitable and swallowed the rest of her wine. “Mindy, you make me crazy. You have a perfectly good penis at home. One is enough. Forget about Derrick.”
“Dimitri.”
“Whatever. Don’t risk your marriage and your family. He’s not worth it.”
“But I’m not doing it for him. I’m doing it for me.” She smiled dreamily. “At least let me see him naked.”
“See a therapist instead.”
Mindy assumed Robyn was kidding and burst out laughing. Robyn faked a smile, even as she told herself to stop trying to convince her friend of anything. Based on how her children were behaving lately, she had no skills at persuasion. Oh, for the days when she could bribe them with a Popsicle.
She excused herself to use the restroom. Halfway across the room, Madison Greene spotted her. The fiftysomething avid golfer’s favorite hobby was spreading bad news. The sight of her wave and quick approach caused Robyn to nearly stumble. What now?
“Robyn, darling. You look amazing. What are you doing these days? You never join me for a foursome.”
Robyn smiled as they exchanged an air-kiss, not bothering to point out that she didn’t golf.
“Always a pleasure, Madison,” she said, bracing herself.
“I heard Harlow’s engaged. You must be thrilled. My oldest refused to get married until she was nearly thirty. It was a nightmare. But she finally did the deed.”
Madison glanced around, as if checking that they were alone, which they weren’t. They were in a crowded dining room, not that Madison would care. She was here to share something awful, and the more people who heard it, the better.
“Is Cord’s relationship going to be a problem for you and Harlow? Boys will be boys, but it’s just so awkward.”
Robyn thought briefly about a quick, “We’re fine,” only she had no idea what Madison was talking about. And not knowing something about her ex-husband could be risky, especially if their daughter was involved.
Madison shook her head in faux sympathy. “You have no idea what I’m talking about. Oh, no. I shouldn’t have said a word.”
“But you did, didn’t you?”
Madison blinked at her. “Yes, well, it’s just I thought you should know. Cord is dating Zafina.”
Why did anyone think she was the least bit interested in who her ex-husband went out with? “I have no idea who that is.”
Thin eyebrows rose as much as the Botox would let them. “Your ex-husband is dating your daughter’s fiancé’s twin sister.”
Robyn stood there, trying to absorb the words. Cord was dating Harlow’s fiancé’s twin sister?
“I didn’t know Kip had a twin sister,” she said before she could stop herself. Crap! Double crap!
Madison offered a self-satisfied smile. “I wondered why you were so calm. I’m sorry to be the one to bring you such bad news.”
“Are you?” Robyn asked before she could stop herself. “It seems to me you’re delighted. It must be hard having such a small life.”
With that she turned away and continued her journey to the restroom. Once she was safely in the bathroom stall, she took a moment to decide if she was going to pee, as she’d originally planned, or just plain puke.
