The Summer Guests

Summary

This “authentic, generous, and heartfelt” (Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times best-selling author) novel from the New York Times best-selling author of the Beach House series is about the bonds and new beginnings that are born from natural disasters and how, even during the worst of circumstances - or perhaps because of them - you 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 the beginning of peak hurricane season.  When a sudden storm threatens the coasts of Florida and South Carolina, an eclectic group of evacuees flee for the farm of their friends Grace and Charles Phillips in North Carolina: the Phillips’ 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. They bring with them only the few treasured possessions they can carry. 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 wasn’t what they brought with them to the mountains but 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)   “Monroe writes gorgeously, with authority and tenderness, about the natural world and its power to inspire, transport, and to heal.” (Susan Wiggs, number one New York Times best-selling author)

©2019 Mary Alice Monroe (P)2019 Simon & Schuster