Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 704 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
The Lakeshore Chronicles
George Bellamy finds that his brain tumor has become inoperable and untreatable without a great deal of pain, so he decides to stop treatment and live his remaining days enjoying life. He has made a list of all the things he want to do before he dies and that means traveling back to Willow Lake and Camp Kioga. He hires a private nurse and sets out on his way.
Meanwhile, George's grandson, Ross is returning home from Afghanistan as he has completed his tour of duty and the whole family is counting on him to "talk sense" to his grandfather and get him to return home for treatment. When he reaches Camp Kioga and talks to his grandfather, Claire the nurse and reviews his grandfather's medical reports, even talks to some doctors after a trip to the emergency room for George, he realizes he has to bend to his grandfather's wishes.
One of the first things George wants to do is reunite with a brother he has not seen in 55 years, then he also wants to skydive, ride a Harley, and have a big family reunion. As Claire and Ross work together to make everything happen they grow closer and closer, (something that was also on George's list.) but her past keeps holding her back.
Yes this story was a little predictable but there were some surprises too. Susan Wiggs is one of the best current day storytellers around. She weaves the words so wonderfully and takes us right into the story. The flashback parts of the story are truly a treasure. There are so many characters that have come from all the books in the series and most where present for the family reunion and it is no small task to keep them all fresh, and remind us of their history. If you have read the other books in this series this is a family you want to read this and find out what is going to happen next at Willow Lake.
As a side note, the covers on the books in this series are fabulous.
http://dollycas.blogspot.com/
George Bellamy finds that his brain tumor has become inoperable and untreatable without a great deal of pain, so he decides to stop treatment and live his remaining days enjoying life. He has made a list of all the things he want to do before he dies and that means traveling back to Willow Lake and Camp Kioga. He hires a private nurse and sets out on his way.
Meanwhile, George's grandson, Ross is returning home from Afghanistan as he has completed his tour of duty and the whole family is counting on him to "talk sense" to his grandfather and get him to return home for treatment. When he reaches Camp Kioga and talks to his grandfather, Claire the nurse and reviews his grandfather's medical reports, even talks to some doctors after a trip to the emergency room for George, he realizes he has to bend to his grandfather's wishes.
One of the first things George wants to do is reunite with a brother he has not seen in 55 years, then he also wants to skydive, ride a Harley, and have a big family reunion. As Claire and Ross work together to make everything happen they grow closer and closer, (something that was also on George's list.) but her past keeps holding her back.
Yes this story was a little predictable but there were some surprises too. Susan Wiggs is one of the best current day storytellers around. She weaves the words so wonderfully and takes us right into the story. The flashback parts of the story are truly a treasure. There are so many characters that have come from all the books in the series and most where present for the family reunion and it is no small task to keep them all fresh, and remind us of their history. If you have read the other books in this series this is a family you want to read this and find out what is going to happen next at Willow Lake.
As a side note, the covers on the books in this series are fabulous.
http://dollycas.blogspot.com/
Patty A. (gypsyvelvet) reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I just finished this book, and loved it. I read it in 1 day. The characters are well rounded and believable. I loved the character of George Bellamy, an elderly gentleman who wants to see his grandson happy in love before he dies. I love the way Susan Wiggs recognizes the importance of family. I highly recommend this book. Have tissue ready.
Helpful Score: 2
Another wonderful addition to the Lakeshore Chronicles by Susan Wiggs. A private duty nurse with a shadowy past, a rich, elderly gentleman, a tough and handsome grandson all combine with long estranged relatives to provide several additional stories to Willow Lake and Kamp Kioga.
Mary-Ellen M. (membylake) reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Susan Wiggs continues her story of Camp Kioga in Avalon, NY with another branch of the Bellamy family. Great book. If you like the other Lakeshore Chronicles, you'll like this one too.
Samantha L. (buckilady) reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I had already read this book, but had just forgotten. I really enjoyed the book. It kept you interested from the start to finish.
I enjoyed reading about the things people would think of when they are told that they're life is ending here. I enjoyed reading about the demographics of the family and reading of the different cities and states included in the story.
I enjoyed reading about the things people would think of when they are told that they're life is ending here. I enjoyed reading about the demographics of the family and reading of the different cities and states included in the story.
La-Shauna F. (SHADY) reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 1266 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book essentially features two stories, though most of it does take place in the present day. You have the story of George Bellamy, the elderly man who is at the end of his life and has hired Claire to take care of him, and you have that of Claire and Ross, who is George's grandson. George has been estranged from his brother for fifty-five years and he's decided that before he dies, he wants to reconnect. As the book unfolds, we learn more about the estrangement, discover what drove such a wedge between George and Charles (Charles' wife, Jane), and watch two men become brothers again and meet one another's families. I found George's story more engaging and interesting than Ross and Claire's, though as other reviewers have pointed out, George's story is not romantic - if anything, it's heartbreaking!
Tisha G. (anothertag) reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 85 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the 7th book of the series THE LAKESHORE CHRONICLES. This story involves an older gentleman George and his grandson Ross and Claire, the nurse. George and his brother Charles have been estranged for 40 years. But now George is dying and wants to see Charles. Claire is on the run and doesn't let anyone close to her. But now she met Ross. It is neat how the characters from other novels pop up in these stories. Good read.
Carol M. (Tunerlady) reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 581 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book in the Lakeshore series. I love the way the author interweaves characters from other books and makes the stories seamless. Excellent book.
This book really contains two stories: Ross and Claire plus George's flashback relationship with Jane and his brother, Charles. I was completely caught up with George's story even though Ross/Claire's story had top billing. It was just so heartbreaking filled with regret and lost opportunities.
The story had a lot of humor in the midst of fulfilling George's bucket list. Ross and Claire's story was okay but really nothing that memorable. Oddly enough Ross felt more like a side character because the concentration was on Claire's past and George's reconciliation with his lost family. There was a bit spent on the traumas of military life and possible PTSD treatment but Ross's problems are overshadowed by others quickly and never mentioned again.
The book was enjoyable, had some closure. I came off feeling really bad for Charles though and somehow felt their relationship was tainted by Jane and George. Still worth the read.
The story had a lot of humor in the midst of fulfilling George's bucket list. Ross and Claire's story was okay but really nothing that memorable. Oddly enough Ross felt more like a side character because the concentration was on Claire's past and George's reconciliation with his lost family. There was a bit spent on the traumas of military life and possible PTSD treatment but Ross's problems are overshadowed by others quickly and never mentioned again.
The book was enjoyable, had some closure. I came off feeling really bad for Charles though and somehow felt their relationship was tainted by Jane and George. Still worth the read.
Krista C. (titlereader) reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 19 more book reviews
Very Good!
Norma B. (Norbe) - , reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 27 more book reviews
As usual, this author knows how to deal w/relationships and make them believable. Enjoyed!!!
I enjoy all the Susan Wiggs books I have read.
I enjoy all of Susan Wiggs books .
Rochelle P. (toastqueen) reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 34 more book reviews
Only so-so.
Nina R. (britishladybooklover) reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 57 more book reviews
Good, light reading. I've enjoyed the entire series.
If I had to describe this story in one word it would be: wise. There is so much wisdom in this story of a man who is dying, and all those who love him, past and present. It's about falling in love, letting go, regret, reconciliation, forgiveness, hope, healing, how to live life fully and face death with grace and beauty. This was a great summer read, with all the gorgeous descriptions of Willow Lake and Camp Kioga - really made you want to be there. I loved this story.
4.5 stars ---good reading material
Susan Wiggs pens another in the Lakeshore Chronicles series. Powerful message of the times.
Great Wiggs story of Avalon. Sad but nice read.
Juliana (philippaj) -
~ MY FIRST SUSAN WIGGS BOOK; ENJOYED SUBPLOT MORE THAN MAIN ROMANCE (3 stars) ~
[Present day - Ulster County, New York]
[Summers 1944, 1945, and 1955 - Ulster County, New York; Autumn 1955 - New Haven, Connecticut]
This is my first Susan Wiggs novel and although it didn't rate very high with me, I do think she is a talented author and skilled storyteller and will read one or two more books before I decide she's not for me. My complaints are as follows:
~ THE HERO ~ Although I wanted to like Ross and felt a bond with him at the beginning, when we meet him on his last day of deployment, throughout the rest of the book he seemed to be more of a shadow than a full-fledged character. His relationship with his grandfather was heartwarming and I really wanted to feel more attached to him, but I just felt disconnected and unable to connect with him as one normally does with a romance book's hero.
~ THE HEROINE ~ Claire/Clarissa was engaging and someone whom it was easy to root for, however I was never able to completely believe her back-story. Although yes, she has to be on the run and her life is in danger, the fact that she is *always* planning an escape route everywhere she goes, hides her "escape bag" at Camp Kioga right away, etc., was a little much for me. It's not like she's on the FBI's wanted list or that the government is out to get her; the chances of her being found in some random small-town in upstate New York are slim. Sure, I understand she has to be on her guard, but I thought it was all slightly exaggerated.
~ ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP ~ I did not at all feel the chemistry or connection between Ross and Claire. As I read this book, I got the feeling that Wiggs is more of a slow-paced romantic author than the other contemporary romance authors I normally read (Rachel Gibson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Deirdre Martin, Jennifer Crusie, Nora Roberts, etc.). For me, that wasn't a problem, since one of the things I enjoy best about these books is watching the emotional/intellectual connection between the hero and heroine develop. Unfortunately, in THE SUMMER HIDEAWAY, all aspects of their relationship fell flat for me.
~ TWO STORIES IN ONE BOOK ~ This book essentially features two stories, though most of it does take place in the present day. You have the story of George Bellamy, the elderly man who is at the end of his life and has hired Claire to take care of him, and you have that of Claire and Ross, who is George's grandson. George has been estranged from his brother for fifty-five years and he's decided that before he dies, he wants to reconnect. As the book unfolds, we learn more about the estrangement, discover what drove such a wedge between George and Charles (Charles' wife, Jane), and watch two men become brothers again and meet one another's families. I found George's story more engaging and interesting than Ross and Claire's, though as other reviewers have pointed out, George's story is not romantic - if anything, it's heartbreaking!
THE LAKESHORE CHRONICLES:
Novella - "Homecoming Season" in MORE THAN WORDS anthology (October 2006), Miranda
Book 1 - SUMMER AT WILLOW LAKE (August 2006), Olivia and Connor
Book 2 - THE WINTER LODGE (February 2007), Jenny and Rourke
Book 3 - DOCKSIDE (August 2007), Greg and Nina
Book 4 - SNOWFALL AT WILLOW LAKE (February 2008), Sophie and Noah
Book 5 - FIRESIDE (February 2009), Kimberly and Bo
Book 6 - LAKESHORE CHRISTMAS (October 2009), Eddie and Maureen
Book 7 - THE SUMMER HIDEAWAY (March 2010), Ross and Claire
Book 8 - ? (?), Daisy and ?
OTHER BOOKS BY SUSAN WIGGS:
Like I said before, although I didn't enjoy this book very much I will be giving Wiggs another chance. After looking through her backlist, I found these five books that all had high ratings with Amazon.com readers and stories that sounded appealing to me: THE DRIFTER, HALFWAY TO HEAVEN, THE CHARM SCHOOL (Calhoun Chronicles, Book 1), THE HORSEMASTER'S DAUGHTER (Calhoun Chronicles, Book 2), SUMMER AT WILLOW LAKE (Lakeshore Chronicles, Book 1), and THE WINTER LODGE (Lakeshore Chronicles, Book 2). Keeping my fingers crossed that I enjoy these books more than THE SUMMER HIDEAWAY!
[Present day - Ulster County, New York]
[Summers 1944, 1945, and 1955 - Ulster County, New York; Autumn 1955 - New Haven, Connecticut]
This is my first Susan Wiggs novel and although it didn't rate very high with me, I do think she is a talented author and skilled storyteller and will read one or two more books before I decide she's not for me. My complaints are as follows:
~ THE HERO ~ Although I wanted to like Ross and felt a bond with him at the beginning, when we meet him on his last day of deployment, throughout the rest of the book he seemed to be more of a shadow than a full-fledged character. His relationship with his grandfather was heartwarming and I really wanted to feel more attached to him, but I just felt disconnected and unable to connect with him as one normally does with a romance book's hero.
~ THE HEROINE ~ Claire/Clarissa was engaging and someone whom it was easy to root for, however I was never able to completely believe her back-story. Although yes, she has to be on the run and her life is in danger, the fact that she is *always* planning an escape route everywhere she goes, hides her "escape bag" at Camp Kioga right away, etc., was a little much for me. It's not like she's on the FBI's wanted list or that the government is out to get her; the chances of her being found in some random small-town in upstate New York are slim. Sure, I understand she has to be on her guard, but I thought it was all slightly exaggerated.
~ ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP ~ I did not at all feel the chemistry or connection between Ross and Claire. As I read this book, I got the feeling that Wiggs is more of a slow-paced romantic author than the other contemporary romance authors I normally read (Rachel Gibson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Deirdre Martin, Jennifer Crusie, Nora Roberts, etc.). For me, that wasn't a problem, since one of the things I enjoy best about these books is watching the emotional/intellectual connection between the hero and heroine develop. Unfortunately, in THE SUMMER HIDEAWAY, all aspects of their relationship fell flat for me.
~ TWO STORIES IN ONE BOOK ~ This book essentially features two stories, though most of it does take place in the present day. You have the story of George Bellamy, the elderly man who is at the end of his life and has hired Claire to take care of him, and you have that of Claire and Ross, who is George's grandson. George has been estranged from his brother for fifty-five years and he's decided that before he dies, he wants to reconnect. As the book unfolds, we learn more about the estrangement, discover what drove such a wedge between George and Charles (Charles' wife, Jane), and watch two men become brothers again and meet one another's families. I found George's story more engaging and interesting than Ross and Claire's, though as other reviewers have pointed out, George's story is not romantic - if anything, it's heartbreaking!
THE LAKESHORE CHRONICLES:
Novella - "Homecoming Season" in MORE THAN WORDS anthology (October 2006), Miranda
Book 1 - SUMMER AT WILLOW LAKE (August 2006), Olivia and Connor
Book 2 - THE WINTER LODGE (February 2007), Jenny and Rourke
Book 3 - DOCKSIDE (August 2007), Greg and Nina
Book 4 - SNOWFALL AT WILLOW LAKE (February 2008), Sophie and Noah
Book 5 - FIRESIDE (February 2009), Kimberly and Bo
Book 6 - LAKESHORE CHRISTMAS (October 2009), Eddie and Maureen
Book 7 - THE SUMMER HIDEAWAY (March 2010), Ross and Claire
Book 8 - ? (?), Daisy and ?
OTHER BOOKS BY SUSAN WIGGS:
Like I said before, although I didn't enjoy this book very much I will be giving Wiggs another chance. After looking through her backlist, I found these five books that all had high ratings with Amazon.com readers and stories that sounded appealing to me: THE DRIFTER, HALFWAY TO HEAVEN, THE CHARM SCHOOL (Calhoun Chronicles, Book 1), THE HORSEMASTER'S DAUGHTER (Calhoun Chronicles, Book 2), SUMMER AT WILLOW LAKE (Lakeshore Chronicles, Book 1), and THE WINTER LODGE (Lakeshore Chronicles, Book 2). Keeping my fingers crossed that I enjoy these books more than THE SUMMER HIDEAWAY!
Cindy S. (mamacindy) reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 34 more book reviews
Good book. I really love this series.
Annetta D. (abdunham) reviewed The Summer Hideaway (Lakeshore Chronicles, Bk 7) on + 436 more book reviews
This book was certainly different from the others in the series, but I really liked it. Still had a lot of the usual characters, but had a lot of mystery and excitement, sadness and sorrow, but ultimately a very good read. Loved it.
