Definitely not her best book. ( )

What a great surprise to find a new author and a thoroughly enjoyable read! Set in a great little countryside town, odd characters tell the story of their lives revolving around one another. More great news, she has many other books, most of which I found and ordered today! ( )

Matt, who has written a best-selling novel, is plagued with insecurities and often feels disorientated. His sister Imogen is not entirely happy in her marriage, and their friend Nick is decidedly unhappy with his. Nick's father Milo wants to sell a small house he has been renting out, and would like it to remain with one of his loved ones...

There are a lot of sub-plots and a large cast in this book, and it took me a while to sort them all out. It's written in Marcia Willett's usual warm style, with secrets and misunderstandings from the past affecting different people in different ways. I wasn't at all sure where it was going, at first, and had a bit of trouble sorting out who was whom; but gradually I felt drawn in. I was particularly keen on Lottie, Nick's aunt, who was a gentle, intuitive presence throughout the book.

The gradual uncovering of Matt's past made sense - I'd guessed at some of it already - and although in places there was a bit too much introspection for my tastes, it was overall a pleasant, heartwarming read.

Enjoyed even more on re-reading nine years later.

Latest full review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-summer-house-by-marcia-willett.... ( )

Blended family of sorts - Summer House on grounds of main house. Sister married to vet whose practice is too far from house to be practical. Brother involved with completely wrong for him girl, more her idea than his, moved into house (a writer). Older couple - a man and his much younger sister-in-law (no love interest) very amicable together and supportive of young folks. Pretty good story. ( )

Na een veelbelovend begin was ik een beetje teleurgesteld in de afwerking. Ik had het einde wel aan zien komen, maar ik wilde wel weten hoe de hoofdpersoon Matt nu tot dezelfde conclusie kwam. Dat ging eigenlijk zonder veel aanwijzingen en binnen een paar bladzijdes had hij de oplossing van het raadsel. Dat vond ik wel jammer. ( )