The Summer Guests

By: Mary Alice Monroe

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

This “authentic, generous, and heartfelt” (Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times best-selling author) novel from the New York Times best-selling author of the Beach House series explores how new beginnings can be born from disasters and how, even during the worst of circumstances - or perhaps because of them - we discover what is most important in life.

Late August is a beautiful time on the Southern coast - the peach trees are ripe, the ocean is warm, and the sweet tea is icy. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the rocking chairs on the porch. But beneath the calm surface bubbles a threat: it’s also peak hurricane season.

When a hurricane threatens the coasts of Florida and South Carolina, an eclectic group of evacuees flees for the farm of their friends Grace and Charles Phillips in North Carolina: the Phillips’s daughter Moira and her rescue dogs, famed equestrian Javier Angel de la Cruz, makeup artist Hannah McLain, horse breeder Gerda Klug and her daughter Elise, and island resident Cara Rutledge. Strangers to all but the Phillips, they must ride out the storm together.

During the course of one of the most challenging weeks of their lives, relationships are put to the test as the evacuees are forced to confront the unresolved issues they have with themselves and with each other. But as the storm passes, they realize that what really matters isn’t what they brought with them to the mountains. Rather, it’s what they’ll take with them once they leave.

“The Summer Guests in an intimate and wise novel about what matters most in our lives. Mary Alice Monroe writes with great wit and wisdom about what happens when both human nature and the natural world collide” (Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times best-selling author).

©2019 Mary Alice Monroe (P)2019 Simon & Schuster

Enjoyable Light Read

I first have to comment on some of the reviews that reference the horses. Admittedly, if you do not know much about horses, the terminology and subject matter might lose you. However, I think the author gives enough explanation that a non-horse enthusiast can follow along. I thought of this as a fun light summer beach read, if your are looking for literature that knocks your socks off, this isn't it. The story is cute and fun, whether or not some of the plots are realistic again is what makes it a fun read, and not serious literature. I did find some of the relationships that developed to be over the top **spoiler (Greta and Angel) fell in love and decided to live together, over the course of a 4 day storm..and Angel arrived at the beginning of the book with a different girlfriend. Too quick, and really unbelievable. But again, light and easy reading. I definitely feel a sequel coming on, as none of the story lines for any of the characters wrapped up by the end of the book. So be aware of that. Lastly, I love Cassandra Campbell, and this was yet another highly enjoyable narration by her - which is why I gave the Performance 5 stars. If you are looking for a light fun read, I don't think you will be dissapointed.

Great

One of her best Hope she turns into a series Loved the connection to the equestrian world. Doesn’t get much better than beaches and horses

Different story

I was disappointed in this title. I have been enjoying other books by this author but this one was hard to follow and characters were weekly developed. None of the characters (Except maybe the horses) stuck with me. I just don't care for any of them now that it's over. It wasn't horrible... just blah.

Mary Alice Monroe does it again!!!

wonderful job transporting you into the story, I felt the feelings, smelled the smells and lived within the house with the characters. Mary Alice Monroe does it again!

Good book

Liked the story much. Lots of characters and color. Engaging, First time listening to this author!

not my favorite from Mary Alice

It felt like there were too many characters to keep track of. Cara and David seemed out of place in this story and as if it was a forced tie-in right at the end. I kept wondering how this was going to work and if at all. I didn't fall in love with any of the characters and felt they were almost like very arrogant and not relatable. I finished listening because I love all of her books and didn't want to miss out on one of them, but I will definitely say this is my least favorite of them all.

Good light read,

The author really went off the rails with a horse being reincarnated - two unrealistic

Narrator excels

The story wa a bit predictable but well written and fun for beach read. The narrator did an excellent job with accents and tone.

The summer Guests

Great story about people and their relationship s with the horses. As well
Support for each other.

Did not disappoint

I really enjoyed this audio version of The Summer Guests. The characters all seemed to grow into better versions of themselves as the story progressed, something I love in a good book. If you’re an animal lover, especially horses,
you’ll love this book. Great narration by Cassandra Campbell.