The Summer Guests

One thing I’ve learned from reading Monroe is that you get a mini lesson on different animals. From birds of prey to turtles to horses as was with The Summer Guests. Definitely not the norm for her as this was centered around a group gathered as a hurricane approached the coast. But it was nice to touch base with Cara from the Beach house series. I did enjoy this one a lot despite having no interest in horses and rich people who ride them

A natural disaster sets the scene for Mary Alice Monroe’s newest book. The setting, the characters, and the animals are all woven together into a satisfying read. I liked that Cara was able to stay at the beach in the midst of the storm. There was just enough drama and suspense to this part of the storyline, and there was a good resolution - as there was with the group of people and animals that rode out the storm in the lovely North Carolina mountains. The author’s love of all living creatures is again evident in her newest book. I’d love to read more about these new characters so that my curiosity about their lives and goals is sated. The timeline and the storm’s progress is indicated at the start of each chapter, and it creates a sense of tension. I learned much about horses and horseback riding as I read the book. Thanks, Mary Alice. You are a sweetheart and a wonderful author. It is a joy to be one of your ARTists.

I usually love books by this author, but this one was not the same for me. I love horses and thought I would really love this book. There was a lot of brand name identification that made it seem like a sponsorship, although I am fairly certain that it is not. Hermes, Audi, Calida, Viking stove, LeCreuset pot, etc,etc. I found that irritating.As a long time dressage rider I am very familiar with the horse world and the author did a pretty good job of representing that in a believable manner, although palominos are few and far between in the world of world class show jumping...Nautical back in the 1950's...that's all I can think of.Maybe it is just that she ventured too far away from what she really knows....the beach and Lowcountry books are all so fabulous.... I appreciate Ms Malone's effort to branch out, but I hope she returns to the sea.

I enjoyed this book as I have others by this author. The descriptions of a North Carolina horse farm fd my desire to live on one. The friendships are strong and familiar characters from other books by Ms Monroe kept me reading to find out how they weathered life's storms as well as the current hurricane.

Having lived on the barrier Island of Kiawah for three years, I completely related to Mary Alice Monroe's tales of the Lowcountry. But in her latest book, she has stepped up her game to include the North Carolina mountains. Her love of place and animals is evident in each of her novels. She is meticulous in her research and I always feel smarter after reading her books. Instead of focusing on turtles and shorebirds, The Summer Guests explores the relationships between people an horses and dogs. And, of course, between humans themselves. She doesn't completely leave her beloved coast or turtles behind but they play a lesser role. Couldn't put this one down and hated for it to end.

I enjoyed it very much. It was a little different from what I expected because we don't "see" much of Cara. Although there is a bit of mystery with Cara's story wondering if she will be okay. We also get a peek at characters from previous novels. Many of the people in the novel are navigating a hurricane of sorts in their own life and need to figure out where they go from here. I learned a lot about horses. I had no idea they can be so tuned into our energy and thoughts and feelings. I also enjoyed that dogs and a cat added additional characters in the story.

This one hooked me from the beginning. I loved all of the characters. I love when authors continue the storylines of characters from previous books and I thought Cara Rutledge’s character would have been more front and center rather than a side story. That was a bit disappointing, in fact the story itself stood alone without the tidbits of Cara’s story thrown in. It was almost as if she was thrown in for filler. Nonetheless, it was an easy, fast read that hooked me from the start. A great distraction and I’d highly recommend this one.

Another winner for Mary Alice Monroe. My only complaint is that I am already 3/4 done with it !! I love how she weaves personalities and human nature including love throughout relatable compelling challenges in life —and as if like magic teaches us to love and protect nature. I love this storyline which includes horses, hurricanes and strong women who make a huge difference as they find meaning in their lives. And helps me find more meaning in mine. Thank you Mary Alice Monroe!

I am a great fan of Mary Alice Monroe but this one disappointed me. Including Cara Rutledge and her families' troubles in the book was unnecessary and actually played no significant part in the story.