May, what are you doing to us in the UK? It feels like we are getting all the April showers (and more) a month late. What better way to inject some cheer into the blog than my stop on the blog tour for Sarah Morgan's latest novel The Summer Seekers. It's published by HQ who kindly gifted me access to read the book on Net Galley, and it's turned out to be the perfect way to add some sunshine into these gloomy days.
As I'm writing this I've yet to see 'The Summer Seekers' on the shop shelves, but it will definitely stand out for shoppers, I don't think I've ever seen a front cover so bright and bold, and yellow!
'The Summer Seekers' follows the story of Kathleen, her daughter Liza, and Martha, three women seeking adventure and change in their lives, and I think it's safe to say they got it. Kathleen is a former travel TV presenter seeking a new adventure after the passing of her husband, Liza is fed up with being the dutiful wife and mother that everyone depends on, and Martha is feeling lost since her grandmother's passing and is in need of a new job. The Summer Seekers follows them on their adventures that span two countries, Route 66, a famous flirtatious art-loving rock star, and bacon.
I won't give too much of the story away, but the minute a bacon sandwich was mentioned at the start of the opening chapter I was craving one, and I still haven't had one yet so I really need to sort that out. This is where Sarah shines as an author though, the small things that bring visual images or emotions. I read about bacon and it was almost as if I had some sizzling in front of me.
There's another line later on in the book where Liza comments "I've read books without feeling there's something else I should be doing." That hit hard, I love to read and was a big bookworm when I was younger, but as an adult with two jobs, anxiety (sometimes), and other things to deal with, I found I was either too tired, had other things to do, or just didn't have the concentration to read. I am trying to fit in some chill-out time into my days or weeks to shut off and pick up a book, and the motivation of a review or blog tour helps, and it feels so good.
All three women in this story want to feel good too, they want to escape the past, move on in a positive way, and reconnect with what they feel they've lost. Whether you relate to being stuck in a rut (Liza), hating the idea of a sedentary old age (Kathleen), or have no idea what to do with your life (Martha), these ladies and the way they learn from each other will win you over.
Where 'The Summer Seekers' lacked a little for me was the scene-setting in America as Martha and Kathleen explored Route 66. I just felt at times like I could have been reading about anywhere and expected a little more detail about the iconic route, whereas there was plenty to transport me straight to the UK coastline and Oakwood cottage.
It's still a book that kept me reading consistently until the end and I enjoyed the relatable moments and unexpected friendships too. It's delivered a splash of summer when I needed it, and I've already got my eyes on my next Sarah Morgan summer read (when mums finished with it!).
'The Summer Seekers is available from May 27th on ebook, audiobook, and paperback from all your favourite places to buy. If you need a warm cozy hug of summer adventure, then this is the read for you.
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