With her divorce settlement about to run out and a mortgage she can’t afford, Robyn Caldwell needs a plan for her future. She nurtured her family and neglected herself. But how’s she supposed to think when her daughter has become the most demanding bride ever, her son won’t even consider college, her best friend is on the brink of marital disaster and her ex is making a monumentally bad decision that could bring everything crashing down on Robyn’s head? So when her great-aunt Lillian invites her to Santa Barbara for the summer, Robyn hops on the first plane.
But it’s hard to run away when you’re the heart of the family. One by one, everyone she left behind follows her across the country. Somehow, their baggage doesn’t feel as heavy in the sun-drenched, mishmash mansion. The more time Robyn spends with free-spirited Lillian, the more she sees the appeal in taking chances—on dreams, on love, on family. Life is meant to be lived on purpose. All she has to do is muster the courage to take a chance on herself.
My Rating:
Favorite Quotes:
Mindy, you make me crazy. You have a perfectly good penis at home. One is enough.
“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.”
You know to wear a condom every single time, right? Every time. You whip it out, you put on party clothes.
They grow up. It’s God’s way of saying go find a hobby.
We’re like a bad TV script… For a show no one wants to watch.
My Review:
This was a delightfully amusing and engaging read that kept me smirking and pleasantly entertained throughout perusal. I enjoyed all the various storylines, all of which were advancing at a steady pace.
Every character was in transition and actively moving forward while wading through unanticipated opportunities and conundrums. I adored the couple of Mason and Robyn, but Mason most of all, as he was not at all what I was expecting.
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. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of these characters in an ongoing series.
Excerpt
“I’m not ready for us to live together.”
The blunt statement caught her off guard. “We’ve never discussed living together. What does that have to do with anything?”
“I thought that’s what you were expecting.”
There was something in the way he said the words—a tone that implied a weakness on her part. Or maybe it more about him judging.
“I wasn’t,” she said coolly. It had crossed her mind, but now she was firmly committed to getting her own house.
“I’m not ready for that,” he told her.
“So you’ve said.”
She told herself he wasn’t deliberately trying to be hurtful, implying she wanted more from the relationship than he did. She almost believed herself.
“Your expectations—” he began.
Okay. This had gone on long enough.
She cut him off by standing. “You’ve been in a mood since you walked in. I have no idea what’s going on with you. I’d ask, but then you’d feel interrogated. By the way, not liking when people ask about your day is dumb. Asking about someone’s day shows interest and affection.”
He started to speak, but she held up her hand. “I’m not done.”
“Perhaps I am.” He set down his drink and rose. “I’m not the only one in a mood. We should table this discussion.”
“Fine with me.”
She led the way to the front door and waited until he stepped onto the porch before closing it in his face. Childish? Maybe. But very, very satisfying.
She walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. She’d made a healthy salad and had fish ready to grill.
“Not eating that tonight,” she murmured.
She scrolled through her phone, then pushed a button.
“Hi. I’d like to order a pizza, please. A large, all meat, extra cheese.”
When the order was on its way, she sent a quick text to Austin.
Jase had to leave, so the coast is clear whenever you want to come home. There’ll be leftover pizza in the refrigerator, in case you’re hungry.
His reply came in seconds.
When did you order it?
Two minutes ago.
On my way home.
Robyn laughed. I’ll set the table.
About the Author
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#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives – family, friendship, and romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur.
Another book for my tbr. This sounds great.
I don’t know why I haven’t read a Susan Mallery book. I must rectify that!