The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is out in paperback on July 21st and is already available in eBook and audiobook. We’re so excited to be publishing this heartwarming and poignant story of love, loss and having the strength to take a chance on life and love. The perfect summer escapism!

In this blog, Susan shares some handy reader discussion points that are perfect for Book Clubs and buddy reads!

 

Discussion Questions

Note: These questions contain spoilers. Lots and lots of spoilers. For the best reading experience, we recommend that you wait until after you have finished The Summer Getaway before reading the questions.

1. Mother/daughter relationships can be difficult, even when both are lovely people. Why do you think that is? What makes the stakes so high between mother and daughter? What were some of the reasons that Robyn and Harlow’s relationship was complicated?
2. Why do you think Robyn stayed with Cord even after he cheated? Would you have stayed?
3. Cord surprised Robyn with a house, a grand gesture supposedly made in apology for his infidelity. Would you be happy if your significant other bought a house for you that you’d never seen? Why or why not?
4. Robyn feels Harlow is too young to marry at 22, even though she (Robyn) married at 18. What’s something you did as a young adult that you wouldn’t want your kids to do? Do you think 22 is too young to marry?
5. When Mindy talked about having an affair with her tennis instructor, Robyn tried to warn her, but Mindy wouldn’t listen. What did you think was going to happen? Were you surprised that Payne forgave Mindy? What would you do if a friend told you she wanted to cheat on her husband? How would you react after she followed through?
6. Mason spent 25 years in the army, including two as a drill instructor. How do you think this shaped him as a man? What made him so appealing to Robyn?
7. Family dynamics are infinitely complex, as Susan Mallery has demonstrated with one bestselling family drama after another. Each family is unique, and each relationship within that family is unique. How did Austin and Harlow’s relationships with their mom and dad differ?
8. What would you do if you inherited $250,000? What about $10 million?
9. Were you surprised when Lillian died, or did foreshadowing lead you to suspect it?
10. Robyn was the heart of her family, as evidenced by the way everyone followed her to California. Who is the heart of your family?

 

The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery

Robyn Caldwell needs a life plan. Fast. So when her beloved Aunt Lillian asks her to come to Santa Barbara for an overdue visit Robyn jumps at the chance.

In the sunshine Robyn begins to see her life with a bit more clarity and the more time she spends with free-spirited Lillian, and mysterious author Mason Bishop, the man destined to inherit her aunt’s mansion, the more she sees the appeal in taking chances on dreams, and love. Life is meant to be lived with purpose. But when Robyn’s past catches up with her, can she muster the courage to take a chance on herself?

Pre-order here.

By Lauren Gardiner