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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4.5 stars.
The Summer Cottage by Viola Shipman is a marvelous novel of self-discovery, healing and new beginnings.
Following her divorce, Adeleine "Adie Lou" Kruger unexpectedly decides to return to her family's beloved summer cottage in Saugatuck, MI. With big plans to renovate "Creaky Cottage" in order to turn it into a B&B, the contractor's exorbitant estimate gives her pause. However, Adie Lou knows she is making the right decision and despite the Historical Society's interference, construction is soon under way. With her nineteen year old son Evan's encouragement, Adie Lou is soon making surprising discoveries as they begin a social media campaign to garner interest in the upcoming opening. She also reconnects with old friend, Scott "Scooter" Stevens whose interest in her goes deeper than friendship. Is Adie Lou ready to open her heart the possibility of love? Dare she dream her new business endeavor will exceed her wildest expectations?
Adie Lou's marriage to Nate has been on the rocks for quite some time when they file for divorce. Upon reflection, she realizes that she gave up everything for her soon to be ex, including her identity. At first planning to sell Creaky Cottage, Adie Lou knows she cannot get rid of the place that means so much to her. She also plans to honor her heritage by incorporating the traditions she and Evan hold so dear. While the cottage is under renovation, so is Adie Lou. She is discovering hidden strengths that help her find the self-confidence she needs to succeed in both business and her personal lives.
The Summer Cottage is a heartfelt novel that is poignant yet uplifting. Adie Lou is an endearing character whose love of family and its traditions shines brightly throughout the story. The storyline is engaging with an underlying theme that empowers and celebrates women. The romantic element is very understated and takes a backseat to Adie Lou's metamorphosis as she sheds her unhappy past and fully embraces her future. Saugatuck serves as a perfect backdrop for this heartwarming story and Viola Shipman brings Creaky Cottage, the town and its inhabitants vibrantly to life. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this wonderfully charming novel.
The Summer Cottage by Viola Shipman is a marvelous novel of self-discovery, healing and new beginnings.
Following her divorce, Adeleine "Adie Lou" Kruger unexpectedly decides to return to her family's beloved summer cottage in Saugatuck, MI. With big plans to renovate "Creaky Cottage" in order to turn it into a B&B, the contractor's exorbitant estimate gives her pause. However, Adie Lou knows she is making the right decision and despite the Historical Society's interference, construction is soon under way. With her nineteen year old son Evan's encouragement, Adie Lou is soon making surprising discoveries as they begin a social media campaign to garner interest in the upcoming opening. She also reconnects with old friend, Scott "Scooter" Stevens whose interest in her goes deeper than friendship. Is Adie Lou ready to open her heart the possibility of love? Dare she dream her new business endeavor will exceed her wildest expectations?
Adie Lou's marriage to Nate has been on the rocks for quite some time when they file for divorce. Upon reflection, she realizes that she gave up everything for her soon to be ex, including her identity. At first planning to sell Creaky Cottage, Adie Lou knows she cannot get rid of the place that means so much to her. She also plans to honor her heritage by incorporating the traditions she and Evan hold so dear. While the cottage is under renovation, so is Adie Lou. She is discovering hidden strengths that help her find the self-confidence she needs to succeed in both business and her personal lives.
The Summer Cottage is a heartfelt novel that is poignant yet uplifting. Adie Lou is an endearing character whose love of family and its traditions shines brightly throughout the story. The storyline is engaging with an underlying theme that empowers and celebrates women. The romantic element is very understated and takes a backseat to Adie Lou's metamorphosis as she sheds her unhappy past and fully embraces her future. Saugatuck serves as a perfect backdrop for this heartwarming story and Viola Shipman brings Creaky Cottage, the town and its inhabitants vibrantly to life. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this wonderfully charming novel.
Too much perfection, too much saccharine sweet to give 5 stars for.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
A really sweet, lighthearted read.
I chose this as my cabin read for my first trip to Northern Michigan, and it did not disappoint for an atmospheric/match my vibe whispy read! Enjoyed the characters, the message and YES the happy ending!
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Well, that was very ... sweet. Definitely the epitome of feel good chick lit. I struggled with actually connecting to any of the characters but the setting and plot line was nice.... Maybe a little too neat and tidy for my liking though.
The main theme of this book is second chances. When a forty something woman find's herself starting her life over she makes some huge life changing decisions. She has some ups and downs along the way to finding her new self and the life she was "maybe: meant to have. There are some current hot topics touched upon in this story, but they are brought up in such empowering and positive ways. This a book written for our time and for issues many women, of all ages, are faced with today.
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Adult contemporary realistic fiction. Adie Lou is fresh off of a divorce, looking to start over. She decides to turn her grandparents' Michigan summer cottage into a B and B. The cottage is blessed with lakefront property and her grandfather's well-maintained boat, so she has some assets to work with. But turning a one-family cottage into a full bed and breakfast takes a lot of time and money. Luckily Frank the contractor (the grandson of the original cottage builder) is up to the task. Scooter, her childhood friend, agrees to not only check on the boat but also to drive it on sunset cruises. And her son Evan is happy to put his business and marketing skills to use. Adie finds a very supportive community and is determined to be open for the start of the tourist season Memorial Day weekend.
This book was organized around the rules for the cottage, things such as "everyone must be present for sunset," and "dinner is a family affair." Another winning novel about connecting with our past but not being scared to face the future.
This book was organized around the rules for the cottage, things such as "everyone must be present for sunset," and "dinner is a family affair." Another winning novel about connecting with our past but not being scared to face the future.