Cover Image: The Summer Swap

The Summer Swap

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Member Reviews

Another lovely gentle easy read from Sarah Morgan.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

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Thank you Sarah for a beautiful, warm, comforting read, full of well written characters that flow from the page and into the heart, I always enjoy your stories but this one will stay with me for quite a while, bravo!

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Cecilia Lapthorne lived in the shadow of her husband Cameron, a successful artist, for many years and, since his death, she's just been plodding along with life, then her daughter Kristen decides to throw a party for her mum's birthday and uses the occasion to exhibit some of her father's artwork but this all becomes too much for Cecilia and she decides to escape, going to the one place she swore she'd never return to; Dune Cottage. The remote cottage on Cape Cod used to hold some special memories for Cecilia, now the only ones she keeps remembering are the bad ones. Lily has dropped out of medical school, she never really wanted to be a doctor but didn't want to disappoint her parents, who think she's throwing her life away, so she takes off to Cape Cod to decide what happens next and has been hiding away in Dune Cottage, however Cecilia's arrival could change that, but the two hit it off and together they begin to help each other realise they could follow their dreams after all.

The Summer Swap is the latest women's fiction by this author and is a multi perspective tale of families, relationships, betrayal, secrets and lies. I loved the instant rapport between Lily and Cecilia and the subsequent friendship that developed, helping each other realise that they could live their lives the way they wanted, how other people felt about their decisions wasn't their problem. This was another easy, feel good read which tapped on all my emotions throughout the story, smiling one minute and crying the next and the events that followed melted my heart. This author creates likeable characters and brings them to life within the pages of her stories, highlighting issues that many of us face in real life and writes about them so beautifully. Another five star read for me, which I highly recommend, but don't forget your tissues!

I'd like to thank HQ and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

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‘The Summer Swap’ by Sarah Morgan is a fabulous beach read full of sunshine vibes, emotion, intergenerational dynamics and sprinkles of romance which I really enjoyed reading. As a big fan of those author’s festive novels, I was delighted to try one of her summer books…

This novel follows three women: Cecelia, who is trying to rediscover herself as more than just the widow of a famous artist; Kristen, her anxious daughter whose marriage is on the rocks; and Lily, the former best friend of her granddaughter Hannah who has stepped away from a life in medicine to follow her artistic passions but wonders if she has made the right choice. Each of the three main characters belongs to a different generation and I enjoyed their different challenges and perspectives, as well as the ways they interacted with each other.

Much of the book is set in a gorgeous vacation home by the beach in a small coastal town, and I adored how the cottage became a character in itself, containing artworks, memories and an abundance of potential!

I really liked:
- Lily’s relatable lack of confidence and how torn she was between what she desired and what she believed would impress her parents
- The exploration of grief in Kristen’s story
- Cecilia proving that it’s never too late to take life in a new direction
- Multiple distinct love stories throughout the chapters
- The connections between the women and the importance of supportive people to confide in
- Encouragement to follow your dreams

Giving this 4.5 stars and truly think anyone who enjoyed any of Sarah’s Christmas tales will adore this too!

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher HQ via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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Another exceptional novel from Sarah. Set in wonderful surroundings where Cecilia returns to for some me time. Family issues, secrets and romance abound.

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This is a lovely summer read. It had me giggling one minute and crying the next. It is about relationships at the core. It was lovely once again to read one of Sarah's books, she is a brilliant author and her stories really draw you in. A five star read for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this ebook

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I had been (in)patiently waiting for the book to be released and so when I managed to get an early copy it went straight to the top of my to-be-read pile.

I wasn’t disappointed! I really enjoyed reading The Summer Swap. I felt I could connect to all the characters. It was well written.

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Another great read from Sarah, her books seem to get better and better the more she writes. A lovely summer read and you will enjoy this very much. 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC

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This is such a sweet and uplifting read with a gorgeous setting close to the beach.

The storyline focuses on relationships. The ones between both couples and the relationship between family members.

I loved how three generations had a point of view, and I enjoyed each side of the story's. I'm usually drawn to just one couple in these circumstances, but I thoroughly enjoyed all three. I need Lily to come and decorate my room 😊

Another great read by Sarah, this is the perfect summer read.

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Another winner from Sarah. I enjoyed this book very much. A perfect summer read either on the beach or in the garden. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

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The Summer Swap is billed as the perfect summer novel and I wholeheartedly agree. It’s a tale of family, new beginnings, friendships and old acquaintances. The plot unfolds well and each chapter leaves you eager to keep reading. The characters were both likeable and relatable and the whole novel was truly captivating. Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and the author for the chance to review.

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I always look forward to reading a new Sarah Morgan and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. The Summer Swap is set mainly in the gorgeous location of Cape Cod. The story is told from the POV of three women, Cecilia who has escaped to Cape Cod to avoid the birthday party organised by her daughter Kristen, Lily who is escaping from her family and trying to be an artist and Kristen who is struggling to cope with the death of her father and a mostly absent husband.
I loved all three of the women and the way that they all grew during the course of the novel. Kristen’s story in particular really resonated with me and I was almost disappointed by the resolution even though it fitted the story beautifully. The romance between Lily and Todd was touching and I enjoyed the way it gradually grew during book.
As always, location is a huge part of Sarah Morgan’s books and she always makes me want to go straight to the places her novels are set in.
This is the perfect Summer read and I am very grateful to Net Galley and HQ for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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I have been a fan of Sarah Morgan writing since she first released her Manhattan with Love series. And I have literally read every book since. It has become a tradition in my house to purchase her annual Christmas book release and buy it to gift to friends and family, so when I saw she had a new book coming out for the Summer I was excited to get the chance to read it.

The Summer Swap takes us to the beautiful setting of Cape Cod. The book is told in 3 different POV's, from women of different generations.

Cecilia Lapthorne, is the matriarch of the family and wife to the famous painter Cameron Lapthorne. she has long lived in his shadows, and feeling suffocated after his death and trapped at her 70th birthday party she flees to Dune Cottage, a place she swore she would never set foot in again.

There she meets Lily a budding artist who has been staying in the cottage which she has been cleaning, nobody has stayed in such a long time, she thought that it had been abandoned. The cottage has become somewhat of a refuge for her whilst she tries to navigate her way in the world. Both women are going through their own hardships and take comfort in each other's company. It transpires that Lily is friends with Hannah her granddaughter and her grandson Todd. And with Todds help they redesign and redecorate the cottage making Lily free from past painful memories.

We then meet Kristen, Cecilia's daughter. She also lands at Dune Cottage when her and her husband are going through a bad patch in their relationship. She realises that maybe her mother isn't the person she thought she was and it isn't too late for the two to become closer and heal wounds from the past.

Sarah Morgan deals with family dynamics and friendship so well. Even when tackling heavy subject matters she still manages to do it in a way that is easy to read and light hearted. I don't know what it about her writing style, but whenever I finish reading one of her books, I always feel like I have just had a warm hug. Or that I have just reunited with an old friend. This is why she is on my list of favourite authors and this book was no exception. I enjoyed it so much I devoured it in one sitting.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Another enjoyable read from Sarah Morgan. As soon as I started the book I felt like I was in safe hands. I liked the story being told from the point of view of three different women. I particularly liked Cecelia's story and I enjoyed the art theme. I liked Lily, but thought she was a bit drippy at times, and her thought monologues were repetitive. I loved the theme of doing what you love though. As for Lily and Todd, I would have liked to hear a bit more from Todd, and perhaps have more scenes with them in, showing their development. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Sarah Morgan has delivered yet another corker of a summer read. The storyline, setting and characters are faultless which made it a real page turner for me. A wonderful uplifting read not to be missed.
Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review. It was an absolute pleasure.

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Wow, what a read! I really, really thought this was going to be a slow burner, but the author was leading me into a false assumption. As soon as the lead-in had been establised, I was taken upon a roller-coaster ride, which never lets up. One of the two main protaganists is an elderly lady who learns to embrace life again and shows the young-ones up. Together with a would-be artist with whom she gets into a pseudo mother-daughter relationship, and the love of the young lady's life unexpectedly inserting himself into their life.
Beautifully paced and chock full of engaging characters, I can't wait for the author's next.
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the reading copy.

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Wow another great book by Sarah Morgan such a talented writer loved the characters and how she intertwines each of characters secrets.
This book has everything family secrets, romance and unrequited love interest re-emerging plus the description of the scenery is lovely and you feel you are there.
Would highly recommend could not put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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I thought this was a fun, lightheaded read. I enjoyed it and got through it quickly and loved seeing the story from Cecila's and Lily's POVs. I didn't care for Kristen much and found her chapters a bit difficult to get through.

I thought Todd and Lily were cute but I didn't think their relationship had much depth? Lily's lack of communication with Hannah also really frustrated me throughout the book and thought that was sorted out as a bit of an afterthought.

Overall I enjoyed this for what it was but probably wouldn't reread it.

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I loved this from beginning to end. It has everything that I look for in a story - a beautiful location, a great storyline, wonderful characters and some romance.

I really enjoy Sarah Morgan's style of writing, she keeps the reader captivated, her books flow really nicely and I'm always excited to read her latest book as I know it'll definitely be a great read!

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Cecelia's husband was a famous artist and Cecelia put aside her painting career to support him. Now he's dead and her daughter is insisting on a big party for her 75th birthday. A party full of her husband's friends and clients and one she has no wish to attend.
As the party people arrive Cecelia leaves by the back door and drives to a beautiful cottage on Cape Cod,a cottage she was told her husband had sold years ago.
When she arrives she finds Lily living there. Lily is caretaker and cleaner of a group of cottages, she is also a budding artist.
As the two women tell each other about their lives and problems and enjoy living in such beautiful surroundings another two people enter their lives and we see how a person or a moment can change things forever.
I loved this book. Sarah Morgan always pens a really good read.
I liked the characters and the mystery of the painting as well as the hope for the future and new loves.

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