Publication Date: May 7, 2024
“The perfect summer novel—sharp, smart and so much fun!” —Viola Shipman, USA TODAY bestselling author, on The Island Villa
Cecilia Lapthorne always vowed she’d never go back to Dune Cottage. So no one is more surprised than Cecilia to find herself escaping her seventy-fifth birthday party to return to the remote Cape Cod cottage—a place filled with memories. Some are good—especially memories of the early days with her husband, volatile artist Cameron. But then there are the memories she has revealed to no one.
After dropping out of medical school, aspiring artist Lily is cleaning houses on the Cape to get by, guilt-ridden for disappointing her parents. Unoccupied for years, Dune Cottage seems the perfect place to hide away and lick her wounds—until Cecilia unexpectedly arrives. Despite an awkward beginning, Lily accepts Cecilia’s invitation to stay on as her guest, and a flicker of kinship ignites.
Then Todd, Cecilia’s grandson—and Lily’s unrequited crush—shows up, sending a shock wave through their unlikely friendship. Will Lily find the courage to live the life she wants? Can Cecilia finally let go of the past to find a new future? Because as surely as the tide erases past footprints, this summer is offering both Cecilia and Lily the chance to swap old dreams for new…
“Morgan is a masterful storyteller…. For fans of Jojo Moyes, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Stacey Ballis.” —Booklist
The Summer Swap by Sarah Morgan was rich with emotion, thanks to the three strong women in the story. Cecilia, Kristen, and Lily are from three different generations, and the stories are told from their points of view in various chapters. We get to know them a little at a time through the upheavals in their lives and the toll it is taking on each of them and others in their families. There are a lot of memories and reminiscing along with some dissatisfaction in each of their lives as they forge new paths. Many secrets slowly see the light of day, adding layers to the story.
Cecilia and Kristen are mother and daughter but have had a rocky relationship through most of their lives and live in Boston. Lily is best friends with Kristen’s daughter, who is studying to be a doctor. Lily’s path has veered from that career goal, and she is currently cleaning houses on the Cape while painting and trying to figure out what’s next for her. When Cecilia and Lily’s paths cross at a cottage on the Cape, things take quite a turn for both of them as they form a bond and are there for each other, offering support and another perspective. When Cecilia’s grandson tracks her down to make sure she’s okay, the story takes another interesting turn.
Art is woven throughout the story and adds color and another dimension. There are vivid descriptions of the locations, the homes, and the artwork. When romance enters for each of them, their lives veer in unexpected directions and helps give them purpose and a new outlook even though they often second-guess what they are doing. Communication is key to all relationships, and we see what can happen when active listening is used. There is closure and the potential for a happily ever after for the three, but I would have welcomed an epilogue.
The Summer Swap is women’s fiction with layers to the story as the main characters, all strong women in their own right, cross paths and offer support when it’s most needed. As we head towards summer, sit back with a cold drink with your feet in the sand as you feel the sun’s warmth and hear the ocean waves.
USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes lively, sexy contemporary stories for Harlequin.
Romantic Times has described her as ‘a magician with words’ and nominated her books for their Reviewer’s Choice Awards and their ‘Top Pick’ slot. In 2012 Sarah received the prestigious RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America. She lives near London with her family. Find out more at www.sararahmorgan.com.
