An Invincible Summer

Wyndham Beach, Book 1

By: Mariah Stewart

Narrated by: Kate Marcin

An endearing novel of friendship, forgiveness, and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart.

It was a lifetime ago that recently widowed Maggie Flynn was in Wyndham Beach. Now, on the occasion of her fortieth high school reunion, she returns to her hometown on the Massachusetts coast, picking up right where she left off with dear friends Lydia and Emma. But seeing Brett Crawford again stirs other emotions. Once, they were the town’s golden couple destined for one another. He shared Maggie’s dreams - and eventually, a shattering secret that drove them apart.

Buying her old family home and resettling in Wyndham Beach means a chance to start over for Maggie and her two daughters, but it also means facing her rekindled feelings for her first love and finally confronting - and embracing - the past in ways she never thought possible. Maggie won’t be alone. With her family and friends around her, she can weather this stormy turning point in her life and open her heart to the future. As for that dream shared and lost years ago? If Maggie can forgive herself, it still might come true.

©2021 Marti Robb. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Didn’t like the narrator

I haven’t finished this book yet, but keep getting distracted because the narrator makes the characters quite unlikable. The way she phrases the dialogue can’t be the way the author intended it to sound. It’s confusing because it sometimes gives the characters an attitude I don’t think they are supposed to have!

First time listening to this author, and I like the settings/character so far

Too Long

Way too long and filled with many unnecessary details. The reader/listener does not need to know every piece of clothing or jewelry a character puts on for every event or day. ! Sounds like word filling and it's ridiculous. Second, while I love that the main characters are older, why make them sound so insecure or dumb? They are smarter for having lived and gone through life experiences and the writer should've portrayed that better. This story had so much potential but with all these unnecessary things, it makes it hard to concentrate and listen.

fabulous

Another fabulous book from Mariah Stewart! Her characters are intriguing. Can't wait for the next one!

1 down 2 to go

I have to admit that I started listening to book 3 and then realized there was two other books, so I stopped listening to book 3, which is killing me because I am I am most good halfway through and I said listen to book one so now I’m on table to loving these characters. Thank you so much.

Great book great readw

This is a woman's book.well written. I liked the inner action between the characters. had enough good story to keep you interested. I highly recommend this book you will want to find this author again.

Not her best

I have read her other series so I was excited to read this one. There is a decent story here but it doesn't compare to her other books.

Maggie

Great highs and lows, had you not wanting to stop and shut it down. I love all her books this was my first audible and to my surprise I really enjoyed it

3.5 Stars

This book is the definition of women’s fiction. At least, as I often think of the antiquatedly-named genre.

Featuring:

* Older women friendships (45-50+) ✔️
* Major life changes (widowed, divorced, etc)
* Adult children of said older women ✔️
* Generational and domestic conflict
* Small town (bonus points if it’s a beach town) ✔️
* Very light romantic elements (often featuring a “second chance” trope) ✔️
* Happy ever after or equivalent✔️

An Invincible Summer had each of those elements but handled with a very light touch. Light on conflict. Light on romance. Heavy on multiple character references and POVs. It was quickly a 3-star read with its lightly entertaining and easy reading style. Yet, with its lack of a deeper dive into the meatier subjects, I can't rate it any higher. While Maggie's story was foremost, it also flitted around many other characters - family, friends, and otherwise. At times, the details were superfluous and prevented some of the depth the story could have taken. I would have enjoyed this book much more if there was a deeper dive into Maggie’s personal story with lighter touches of those around her. I have to say that I’m still curious about the next two books which, in all likelihood, will feature Maggie's two friends along with ongoing stories of other characters introduced in this story.

I recommend this series for readers who enjoy light and fluffy reads that only graze deeper topics of loss, love, and conflict.

The audio presentation was well done.

Invincible it was not

Not the best book but okay to listen to while walking but that is all

Great stories about friendship and families.

I liked the plot lines and hints of romance. I hated her Boston accent and who she chose to have it. Should have thrown in a Philly accent too.