The Summer Guests

By: Mary Alice Monroe

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

This “authentic, generous, and heartfelt” (Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author) novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Beach House series is about the bonds and new beginnings that are born from disasters and how, even during the worst of circumstances—or perhaps because of them—we discover what is most important in life.

Late August is a beautiful time on the Southern coast—the peach trees are ripe, the ocean is warm, and the sweet tea is icy. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the rocking chairs on the porch. But beneath the calm surface bubbles a threat: it’s also peak hurricane season.

When a hurricane threatens the coasts of Florida and South Carolina, an eclectic group of evacuees flees for the farm of their friends Grace and Charles Phillips in North Carolina: the Phillips’s daughter Moira and her rescue dogs, famed equestrian Javier Angel de la Cruz, makeup artist Hannah McLain, horse breeder Gerda Klug and her daughter Elise, and island resident Cara Rutledge. Strangers to all but the Phillips, they must ride out the storm together.

During the course of one of the most challenging weeks of their lives, relationships are put to the test as the evacuees are forced to confront the unresolved issues they have with themselves and with each other. But as the storm passes, they realize that what really matters isn’t what they brought with them to the mountains. Rather, it’s what they’ll take with them once they leave.

“Fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Wendy Wax will enjoy the picturesque setting and heartwarmingly intertwined character arcs” (Booklist) and “Monroe writes gorgeously, with authority and tenderness, about the natural world and its power to inspire, transport, and to heal” (Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

Critic reviews

"Narrator Cassandra Campbell provides listeners with a full range of accents, emotions, and inflections for characters who span the globe in this audiobook about horses, family, and friendship. In North Carolina in 2018 during a hurricane, guests and their horses converge in the hills to escape the storm. While there, emotions run high, secrets are revealed, and lives are altered in unexpected and unplanned ways. Campbell captures the atmosphere with her nuanced voice. Whether a character is from Germany, South America, or North Carolina, Campbell's accents let the listener know who is talking at any given time. The story is rich with information about horses, competition, and unspoken expectations. Campbell's deft narration is an enjoyable listen."

I kept waiting for something to happen

Really wispy plot. It wasn’t terrible. I just felt like the whole thing was the intro.

Enjoyable Light Read

I first have to comment on some of the reviews that reference the horses. Admittedly, if you do not know much about horses, the terminology and subject matter might lose you. However, I think the author gives enough explanation that a non-horse enthusiast can follow along. I thought of this as a fun light summer beach read, if your are looking for literature that knocks your socks off, this isn't it. The story is cute and fun, whether or not some of the plots are realistic again is what makes it a fun read, and not serious literature. I did find some of the relationships that developed to be over the top **spoiler (Greta and Angel) fell in love and decided to live together, over the course of a 4 day storm..and Angel arrived at the beginning of the book with a different girlfriend. Too quick, and really unbelievable. But again, light and easy reading. I definitely feel a sequel coming on, as none of the story lines for any of the characters wrapped up by the end of the book. So be aware of that. Lastly, I love Cassandra Campbell, and this was yet another highly enjoyable narration by her - which is why I gave the Performance 5 stars. If you are looking for a light fun read, I don't think you will be dissapointed.

Mary Alice Monroe does it again!!!

wonderful job transporting you into the story, I felt the feelings, smelled the smells and lived within the house with the characters. Mary Alice Monroe does it again!

Great

One of her best Hope she turns into a series Loved the connection to the equestrian world. Doesn’t get much better than beaches and horses

not my favorite from Mary Alice

It felt like there were too many characters to keep track of. Cara and David seemed out of place in this story and as if it was a forced tie-in right at the end. I kept wondering how this was going to work and if at all. I didn't fall in love with any of the characters and felt they were almost like very arrogant and not relatable. I finished listening because I love all of her books and didn't want to miss out on one of them, but I will definitely say this is my least favorite of them all.