Um, who’s about ready for a beach vacation? THIS GIRL.
While we may not be taking actual vacations anytime soon, I’m here to tell you that you can take a vicarious one with Summer Rental.
I feel like this novel could’ve easily been called “Summer of Secrets,” because that’s pretty much the sitch in this easy, breezy, beach read from Mary Kay Andrews. It’s admittedly an older book from this popular author, but it’s a goodie. I loved Andrews’ The High Tide Club when I read it a few years ago, so when I found Summer Rental at a used book sale for $1, I couldn’t resist picking it up.
Three friends rent a summer beach house in the Outer Banks, NC, and when their “fourth” for the house bails on them last minute, they invite a random woman (ummm, okay….) to take the extra bedroom off (and put money in) their strapped-for-cash hands.
While these lifelong friends think they know everything about each other, just a few days together in the summer rental proves them very wrong. Drinks are flowing, secrets are pouring out, relationships are in jeopardy, and sexy trysts are happening on the beach…it’s mayhem! Glorious, fun-in-the-sun, I-love-me-some-girly-gossip-until-2am mayhem! And, that’s not even counting the mounting mystery with the Random Fourth Renter, who, we soon find out, has a whole Sleeping with the Enemy-kinda thing going on.
Everything about Summer Rental lends itself to being a perfect beach read. It’s got humour and friendship, swearing and sass, and sex and romance, not to mention a little adrenaline-pumping thrill of suspense. And, it all happens AT THE BEACH!!! Treat yo’self to imagining you’re summering with these girls at a cozy, ramshackle beach house that’s only steps away from soft, grainy sand and gently lapping waves. Say it with me: Ahhhhhhhhhh.
Fun fact: I started reading Summer Rental around 2am when I couldn’t fall back asleep. Within minutes, Andrews’ writing had me so craving a beach vacay that I started looking up AirB&B rentals in the dead of night. If this book doesn’t make you crave a lil’ getaway (and/or start trolling vacation rental websites), then I dunno what’s wrong with you.
I kinda wish I’d saved reading this book for an actual beach vacation, but I have to tell ya — reading it now while it’s still kinda chilly out and we’re all sequestered in our houses (#StayTheFuckHome) provided the perfect mental getaway. The world out there may be crazy, but it was 80 degrees, sunny, and carefree in my mind, thanks to the fun, beachy atmosphere of Summer Rental.
What’s your favorite escape read, Tartlets? Have you read any other books by Andrews? I’d love to hear which ones!
And, be sure to check back in for my book-inspired recipe: Salsa Verde Shrimp Pasta!
