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Monday, September 2, 2013

Mary Kay Andrews: Summer Rental Book Review

I really enjoyed reading Summer Rental, by New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews. It was the perfect summer read. It was funny, sexy (tasteful), easy to read (short chapters & to-the-point) and it lightheartedly dealt with common issues many people (both men & women) face today.
Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet
supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues) not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff)
Summer Rental is Supersweet 

No Spoiler Synopsis

Pour yourself a glass of iced-tea or lemonade, because this book is a page turner and captures you from the very beginning. Summer Rental is about four women, in their mid-30's, that plan a month-long vacation in North Carolina. Before getting there, each experiences unexpected & dramatic changes in their life.

Three of the women have been best friends since childhood (Ellis, Julia, Dorie). The fourth woman is befriended while on vacation (Maryn). The character Ellis is single, and was recently laid off from her professional job of 11+ years. Julia is an "aging" model, that lives in Mayfair, London with her professional photographer boyfriend Booker. Dorie is a school teacher, who experiences some serious problems in her marriage to Stephen. The character Maryn is married to Don, an abuser, cheater, liar and embezzler. What a great group huh? HaHaHa With these type of issues, one would think the book would be heavy and sad. Au contraire! Au contraire!



Despite the problems these women face, Summer Rental made me CHUCKLE, SMILE and LAUGH from beginning to end. How could that be? Each woman, came up with the most innovative and POSITIVE solutions to each others problems. Instead of letting problems take over and suffocate their life, they evaluated their options, looked at all sides of a situation, enjoyed what was NOW, what was CURRENT, and what was happening TODAY. Overall, they chose to look at the BRIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE, instead of diving into despair.

Instead of sulking the entire month, they made the best of their time at Ebbtide (name of the house where they stayed). They cooked, decorated, played games, hung out at festive dives, visited the beach daily, and patronized local eateries & shops. While doing so hidden secrets were revealed (juicy ones! i shall not divulge! HaHa), and memories of the past breathed new life into their current situations.


It's a MIRACLE! What truly surprised me about this book, was how likeable ALL the main characters were. Each had a charm about them. Usually there's one or two characters that get on your nerves (and you want to skip some chapters), but that was NOT the case with this group. I liked all of them.

My personal favorite was Ellis. I related to her character the most, because we share the same quirks & tendencies. Don't be surprised if you relate to one or several of these women. Next was Ty Bazemore! Ty! Ty! OH MY TY! He's the HOT guy in the book! I'm usually not into games when it comes to relationships, but the ones he plays on Ellis are super hilarious. I like Ty. He's handsome, smart, fun, and lives simply. My third favorite was Julia. Julia see's things for what they are and tells it like it is. If you need a reality check, Julia will give it to you. You'll also LOVE her boyfriend Booker! Booker is a great guy that sticks with Julia through thick & thin. Gotta love a guy like that!


My Final Thoughts: Summer Rental is a great read for both men & women.What I love about the story is how supportive all the characters are to each other. They UPLIFT one another! They LISTEN to each other! They genuinely CARE, RESPECT and LOVE one another! They HELP each other out! The women help the men! The men help the women! They all WORK TOGETHER! In today's society, that truly lacks. Some reviewers of this book, have said the story is too simple! I say, sometimes within simplicity you find greater meaning. Learn to look beyond what is in front of you! When you learn to do that, lessons and messages become very clear. There were many lessons in this book. :) 
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51 comments

  1. Okay, I officially want to read this book now! You made me so curious about these women and what happens to them on vacation. Its great that they look on the positive side of things. Sounds like they'd need to with those kind of problems!

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

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  2. This book sounds lovely. I love to read on the beach. Thank you for the recommendation. Xxxx

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  3. Sounds like a great book! lovely review too Kim! :)

    I like your little videos, too cute :)


    Away From The Blue

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  4. Hiya Kim!! Happy Monday :) I haven't read this book, but it sounds interesting. I will have to have a good browse on Amazon soon...I'm still trying to finish books I started at the beginning of the summer, LOL!! Gotta get cracking!! But, I shall put this on my list :)) I hope you have a stellar week doll Xx

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  5. Wow, Kim you really sell this book and make it sound so very interesting. I'm interested! Great and enjoyable post. x/Madison :-
    )

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  6. Hey sweetie,Wow, what a lovely review on this book, I have not read this one.I am looking out for this one at Whsmith, Maybe i would find it. Have a beautiful Monday.

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  7. This book sounds lovely. I really wish I could take a couple of weeks off from the world, disappear onto some island and just read for a while... Great post. Have a lovely Monday xo

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  8. Sounds like a really fun, easy-to-read book :-) Thanks for sharing!

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  9. Great to find a book with so many likable characters. Sounds like one of those books you just don't want to end. Wouldn't it be good to spend some time away with friends like that? I'm going to see if I can find summer rental at my library. Thanks for sharing Kim :D
    sparkle2day.com

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  10. Sounds like a fab book Kim. What I adored though were your little gif's ha ha - so cute. Happy Monday love,
    Ax

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  11. I haven't heard of this book so thank you Kim for the recommendation. I have immediately added it to my must-read list. Sounds like my kind of read and anything which is likely to make me chuckle from beginning to end is appealing!! Your review is detailed without giving away any secrets - well done! Thank you so much for your very sweet comment on my Paris Street Style post. Have a great week, Kim!

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  12. Thanks for the review doll - I love a great summer read!


    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  13. Hi Kim! I havent heard about the book, what a shame, reading your review you just made me want to find it. Looks like a worth reading, inspiring and positive, I like this kind of books in which you identify with the characters and there are important messages. "Learn to look beyond what is in front of you", this will be my today mantra:) Kisses dear, happy Monday! xo

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  14. I need a good book for our trip to Shreveport manana-- I'll run and pick this up!

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  15. Hey I really got to check this book out!

    Fang Ting
    ftashion

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  16. Have never heard of this book, Kim. Great review. It's great when all the major characters are relatable.

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  17. I'm curling up with a few books today! It's raining here and that forges me precious time to read (smile). xo and Happy Labor Day!!! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  18. Never heard of this book but would love to read it! Thanks for sharing Kim <3

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  19. I'm very curiuos about this book now, it should be a great book, thanks for the review!

    www.thebeautifulessence.com

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  20. This sounds like the type of book I could totally get into and I like it when all the main characters are actually likable. I need a positive heartwarming read so I'm definitely adding this one to my list. Thanks for the review Kim! Hope you're enjoying your Labor Day sweets!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  21. Hopefully I can have this title delivered to my kindle!

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  22. Sounds like a very uplifting read where the main female characters actually get along and like each other!

    I'm not sure if this is a book that you would typically read, but I recommend Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn to everyone because it's the best ever.

    Oh to Be a Muse
    Shop Layered Muse

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  23. Kim, I truly appreciate your words, thanks so so much! The best part of blogging is being able to know such great people and new friends♥ Big hugs dear!

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  24. This is will be my next read in my kindle.
    Sounds great.
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

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  25. Hey thanks for posting I am always looking for something new to read and this book sounds wonderful.

    Ali of Dressing Ken

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  26. What a great review. I love the little gifs you added. Nice touch!

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  27. Happy Monday Kim, I didn't know about these book and I cannot promise you that I will read.. but your review is so perfect!

    Ciao
    Nicky

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  28. I must try and find this boom great review.

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  29. You have me hooked Kim, it really sounds like a novel I would enjoy, thanks for the recommendation. Happy September Doll!

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  30. Happy Labour Day Kim! I'm definitely buying this book but lately I've been reading everything on my Kobo e-reader. Are you fond of reading books electronically? Have a great day!

    xo Jo

    http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com/

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  31. Oh, I'm definitely putting this on my to-read list. I hope you're enjoying your holiday, doll!

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  32. I love a good summer read - something that makes me smile and feel good is so important!
    Chic on the Cheap

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  33. Great review Kim, I love a good book! :)

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  34. Great review Kim:) Have a good week!
    ~Anne

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  35. Love a good, uplifting book. Thanks for the recommendation and Happy Labor Day! xx Kat

    Love and Ace

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  36. You've sold me on the book and make me want to go read it now :) Sounds like an enjoyable and fun read!

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  37. I always want a good read Kim. Thank you for sharing this to us. This seriously sounds like enjoyable to read and you can't put it down.

    xo
    Sam
    http://fabulouspetite.blogspot.com

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  38. I haven't read a book in a really long time, which is pretty shameful. But maybe I'll have to pick this one up! Thanks for the really thorough review.

    Giveaway: Win a $1900 aquamarine necklace!

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  39. nice! I have to check this out!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

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  40. I'm in need for a new book! So I may have to try this one out. Hope you had a fabulous long weekend, Kim!

    Grace
    A Southern Drawl

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  41. This book sounds great! I'll look for it!

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  42. lovely post, seems to be a great book.
    http://rumelatheshopaholic.blogspot.in

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  43. I am intrigued! Will definitely check this book out. Thanks Kim! And seeing your iced tea made me so thirsty. lol.
    (^^,)

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  44. hey kim...

    awesome review! Thanks so much for sharing..

    http://simplysassysstyle.blogspot.com/

    dawn

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  45. Lovely book! I shall buy one and read it. I will be attending my High School reunion next month. I will be seeing my HS friends which will be exciting but I'm also nervous. I might learn something here for my trip. Great review Kim!

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  46. sounds like an interesting read, kim...thanks for the thorough review. i have a long queue, but will add this to my list!

    rockoomph.blogspot.com

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