Wednesday 5 September 2018

Guest Review: The Summer Sail by Wendy Francis

A trio of college friends who reunite aboard a cruise ship experience an unforgettable vacation in this compelling novel from the author of The Summer of Good Intentions, which was hailed as "everything a summer read should be" by Elin Hilderbrand.
Three college roommates are celebrating a twentieth wedding anniversary by taking a cruise to Bermuda. As the ship pulls away from the pier, everyone is looking forward to lounging by the pool, sipping sunset cocktails, and reminiscing. Abby, the mother hen of the group, will be celebrating her wedding anniversary in style, even as she and her husband keep a secret from the group. Ambitious career woman Caroline happily anticipates several stress-free days away from her magazine job with her boyfriend, Javier, who may or may not be finally inspired to propose. And single mom Lee (annoyingly gorgeous and irresistibly popular in college) hopes she'll win back the affections of her formerly sweet daughter Lacey, who after her first year in college, has inexplicably become a little bit of a monster.
As the balmy pink shores of Bermuda come into view, tensions simmer, and old jealousies flare, sending the temperature from soothing to scorching in this engrossing tale of three best friends on a vacation they won't soon forget--but not for the reasons they expect.



Review: I have to admit that I'm not familiar with Wendy Francis's work, but, as someone who loves to cruise, I was always going to find it difficult to pass on a book with this fantastic cover that simply speaks of cruise ship. 

The main characters in this story are three women who were roommates at college, where they formed a really strong bond that has lasted over the years. There have obviously been frequent meetings since, but on this occasion Abby has invited everyone along on a cruise to Bermuda to celebrate her 20th wedding anniversary to husband Sam. As well as the other friends, Caroline and single mum Lee, the party includes Abby and Sam's twin sons, Lee's daughter, Lacey, and Caroline's partner Javier. Each of the adults has their own hopes for the cruise beyond a week of sun and relaxation, but how will things pan out? 

This was an enjoyable, easy to read story, with a wonderful setting, both on board the cruise ship and off on the island of Bermuda. Wendy Francis successfully transported me on what sounded a marvellous holiday. She obviously did her research well; I recognised some of the travellers you typically encounter on any cruise. I found the characters in the story both likeable and believable - ordinary people with everyday problems and worries trying to 'get away from it all' for a while. Definitely a good holiday read to add to your suitcase, whether or not you are off on a cruise. 

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

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