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A review by beyondevak
The Summer House by Susan Mallery
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a sweet yet complicated story. Though lighthearted overall, there were a few factors that made this a bit challenging, if I am being honest. I don't know that I got the answer I was looking for on why Rick made the marriage-altering choice that he did. Mandy's was indicated in detail. The reason should have been revealed for both for there to be balance and transparency.
About the Characters:
Rick - I liked him, but I did always like what he said, and I definitely did not like him after the big no no. Upon seeing each other again, he rubbed me the wrong way when he stated that Mandy had not changed and that she was running...again. Dare I say that she was justified when she left initially, even if she made an error in judgment with what came after. On the flip side, the way Rick engaged with Eve was charming. I appreciated how the two clicked.
Mandy - I liked her, but I did not love her. She was likable, but at the same time, she seemed to lack strength of conviction, as well as confidence. I understood her backstory, but she was old enough to be more firm in what she wanted. It should not have taken a man to spur her on.
Eve - I loved this character. It was refreshing to meet her in the story. For her diagnosis, she appeared high functioning. I liked that she communicated as well as she did. It was also good to see her in a family unit with two supportive adults.
Rick's mom/Mandy's MIL - Although she did not make a direct appearance, she was a force, in terms of presence. She likely saw all that should have/could have been. with her son and former DIL. It was interesting to see her influence...and her patience with Rick and Mandy, even as they were not always patient with each other.
About the Conflict: This couple did not have small problems. Because they were young when they first got together, they went into the marriage with some distorted perceptions. Instead of communicating, they shut down and drifted apart. From there, the bad choices were theirs to be made. The second chance scenario was realistic, I suppose.
About the Book:
Married young
Faulty expectations
Blaming/accusations
Adultery
Divorce
Second chance
Disability
Reconciliation
About the Characters:
Rick - I liked him, but I did always like what he said, and I definitely did not like him after the big no no. Upon seeing each other again, he rubbed me the wrong way when he stated that Mandy had not changed and that she was running...again. Dare I say that she was justified when she left initially, even if she made an error in judgment with what came after. On the flip side, the way Rick engaged with Eve was charming. I appreciated how the two clicked.
Mandy - I liked her, but I did not love her. She was likable, but at the same time, she seemed to lack strength of conviction, as well as confidence. I understood her backstory, but she was old enough to be more firm in what she wanted. It should not have taken a man to spur her on.
Eve - I loved this character. It was refreshing to meet her in the story. For her diagnosis, she appeared high functioning. I liked that she communicated as well as she did. It was also good to see her in a family unit with two supportive adults.
Rick's mom/Mandy's MIL - Although she did not make a direct appearance, she was a force, in terms of presence. She likely saw all that should have/could have been. with her son and former DIL. It was interesting to see her influence...and her patience with Rick and Mandy, even as they were not always patient with each other.
About the Conflict: This couple did not have small problems. Because they were young when they first got together, they went into the marriage with some distorted perceptions. Instead of communicating, they shut down and drifted apart. From there, the bad choices were theirs to be made. The second chance scenario was realistic, I suppose.
About the Book:
Married young
Faulty expectations
Blaming/accusations
Adultery
Divorce
Second chance
Disability
Reconciliation