The Book of Summer: A Novel

by Michelle Gable Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

Overview

Physician Bess Codman has returned to her family's Nantucket compound, Cliff House, for the first time in four years. Her great-grandparents built Cliff House almost a century before, but due to erosion, the once-grand home will soon fall into the sea. Though she's purposefully avoided the island, Bess must now pack up the house and deal with her mother, a notorious town rabble-rouser, who refuses to leave.

The Book of Summer unravels the power and secrets of Cliff House as told through the voices of Ruby Packard, a bright-eyed and idealistic newlywed on the eve of WWII, the home's definitive guestbook, and Bess herself. Bess's grandmother always said it was a house of women, and by the very last day of the very last summer at Cliff House, Bess will understand the truth of her grandmother's words in ways she never contemplated.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

03/27/2017
Gable weaves a tale of generations of women who have come back to the comfort of their home in Sconset, Nantucket, time and time again. On the cusp of a difficult divorce, physician Bess Codman returns to Sconset to visit her mother, Cissy, at Cliff House, their family home on the bluff overlooking the sea. While Cissy is determined to get local government to approve erosion prevention methods. Bess struggles with her impending divorce, unplanned pregnancy, and newly awakened feelings for her high school boyfriend, Evan Mahew. Interspersed with present-day events are the musings of the past from the Book of Summer, a book started by Sarah Young, one of the first residents of Cliff House in 1914. She asked family and friends alike to memorialize their stay at the summer home with pictures or tales of their visit. Entries in the book are highlighted throughout the novel, revealing the difficulties faced by other residents, most notably Bess’s beloved grandmother Ruby, who lived in the home during World War II. Gable cleverly illuminates the past, revealing how it mirrors the present. This is a splendid multigenerational novel about the strength of the women of Cliff House. 100,000-copy announced first printing. Agent: Barbara Poelle, Irene Goodman Literary Agency. (May)

From the Publisher

Praise for The Book of Summer:

“Michelle Gable has moved in on [Elin] Hilderbrand’s home turf with a humorous and smartly written story of two generations of love and vacations.” —Wall Street Journal

"A sure bet for women's-fiction fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Nantucket novels." —Booklist

"Gable cleverly illuminates the past, revealing how it mirrors the present. This is a splendid multigenerational novel about the strength of the women of Cliff House." —Publishers Weekly

"Gable develops fully rounded characters that readers feel as if they could reach out and touch. We want to know more about them and Gable gives us plenty." —Richmond Times-Dispatch

"These laid-back books epitomize the term 'beach read.'" —Coastal Living

"A must for any summer reading list." —The Boston Herald

"This time of year is meant for books to devour. Vacations, the beach, lazy afternoons all call for a good book that allows you to escape. Michelle Gable knows how to deliver." —Newport News Daily Press

"It's Gable's ability to weave a family's tale through the musings of summer visitors, war, relationship drama and a smattering of sexual tension that makes it a must for any summer reading list." —Fort Worth Star- Telegram

"A deep look at the strength of women, this will tantalize readers as they, along with Bess, learn of her family." —Parkersburg News + Sentinel

"The Book of Summer is delightful. The three main women in the story are quirky creatures with major differences, but their family bond shines through, making this a charming, profane, funny, and touching read...A perfect book to bring to the beach, Michelle Gable's fourth novel is sure to appeal to readers of Elin Hilderbrand and Kristan Higgins." —Shelf Awareness

"This book warmed my soul and I couldn't wait to finish it! I aggressively read like the last third of the book because I was so wrapped up in it! It was wonderful and I would highly recommend this book to other readers! Though now I want to binge read all of her other novels because her narration style and plot points were all wonderfully thought out." —The Lit Bitch

"If you enjoy historical beach reads that focus on family, you'll love The Book of Summer. I especially appreciated how the past intertwined with the present and the message of female strength throughout the novel. I definitely recommend this one!" —Confessions of a Book Addict

"A great escape!" —The Fine Books Blog

Praise for Michelle Gable:

“Plot-master Gable’s (I'll See You In Paris) affection for hidden treasures emerges again in her second absorbing novel. Readers are kept guessing ’til the end in this sweet story of love, mystery, art, literature, and Paris. As complex and moving as Naomi Wood’s Mrs. Hemingway and Liz Trenow’s The Forgotten Seamstress.” —Booklist

"Gable (A Paris Apartment) writes an engaging story, and both worlds—Annie's in 2001 and Pru's in 1973—are easy to slide into. Readers will root for both women as they uncover family secrets and discover hidden aspects of themselves. Readers of Kate Morton and those who enjoy family-centered mysteries will approve highly of this book." —Library Journal

"Gable (I'll See You In Paris) has crafted another page-turner of a good read, filled with history, mystery and a dash of romance. This is the sort of fun, escapist read that is beloved by books clubs. There are characters to love, characters to hate, enticing settings and a requisite amount of plot twists." —Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Michelle Gable (I'll See You In Paris)...elegantly navigates the narratives of the generations, making each set of characters complex and likable.” —Richmond Times Dispatch

“Gable’s (I'll See You In Paris)novel provides a wonderful, highly literate mystery...stories within stories, an almost Wuthering Heights narrative complexity.” —The Roanoke Times

"Gable (A Paris Apartment) tells an engaging story of a fascinating, largely forgotten historical figure against the backdrop of two fledgling romances." —Kirkus Reviews

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169936148
Publisher:	Brilliance Audio
Publication date:	05/09/2017
Edition description:	Unabridged

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