Meh. This was a dud for me.Seriously underwhelmed by this book, which I got for free as a giveaway at a conference. The first 100 pages of the story were unnecessary and embarrassingly repetitive, telling rather than showing the inner conflict/motivation and backstory of the two contemporary romantic characters, Ross and Claire. I get it: Ross is a mildly emotionally damaged soldier fresh from a war zone who longs to start a family, and Claire is a hunted loner who longs for a family. You don't have to remind me 25 times, on every other page, before proceeding with a (flimsy) plot. They had zero chemistry and their thrown-together romance unconvincing, inevitably sounding more like desperate, lonely people clinging to each other rather than two people falling in love.The most interesting aspect of the story was that of George, Charles, and Jane--an intriguing love triangle, though Charles was a cardboard foil for the other two far more vibrant characters. I really wish the story had focused on the three of them and stayed there. This could have been an emotional blockbuster with a formidable premise: that of a dying man wanting to reconcile his past. Instead, it fell flat.This is the kind of romance that reminds me why I don't care for the Harlequin formula. But clearly, lots of other folks do, since Wiggs is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. She'll happily continue on without my dollars. Susan Wiggs outdoes herself on Book 7 of the Lakeshore Chronicles, The Summer Hideaway. Now we have to wait for number eight. George Bellamy hasn't seen his brother Charles for fifty years. He returns to Camp Kioga with his nurse, Claire and grandson Ross, to live out the rest of his life. He has fought the cancer he has but it is useless so decides to stop fighting and live as best as he can. His trip to Camp Kioga is not one his family understands nor likes. They are also afraid Claire is going to take advantage of him. However, when Ross returns, the family settles down some. Charles and Jane own Camp Kioga and his family runs it. They are surprised and delighted to see George and plan a reunion for him to meet the family. Excitement, murder, mayhem abound in the story. It keeps your interest quite well.
What do You think about The Summer Hideaway (2010)?
excellent book, was unable to put down. Recommend to read
—Kristina
Nice story. Lots of feelings. Holds your interest.
—apurba
This was my favorite out of the series!
—amanrehal
