This "authentic, generous, and heartfelt" (Mary Kay Andrews, New
York Times bestselling author) novel from the New York
Times bestselling author of the Beach House series explores how new
beginnings can be born from disasters and how, even during the worst of
circumstances--or perhaps because of them--we discover what is most
important in life.
Late August is a beautiful time on the Southern coast--the peach trees
are ripe, the ocean is warm, and the sweet tea is icy. It's the perfect
time to enjoy the rocking chairs on the porch. But beneath the calm
surface bubbles a threat: it's also peak hurricane season.
When a hurricane threatens the coasts of Florida and South Carolina, an
eclectic group of evacuees flees for the farm of their friends Grace and
Charles Phillips in North Carolina: the Phillips's daughter Moira and
her rescue dogs, famed equestrian Javier Angel de la Cruz, makeup artist
Hannah McLain, horse breeder Gerda Klug and her daughter Elise, and
island resident Cara Rutledge. Strangers to all but the Phillips, they
must ride out the storm together.
During the course of one of the most challenging weeks of their lives,
relationships are put to the test as the evacuees are forced to confront
the unresolved issues they have with themselves and with each other. But
as the storm passes, they realize that what really matters isn't what
they brought with them to the mountains. Rather, it's what they'll take
with them once they leave.
"The Summer Guests in an intimate and wise novel about what matters
most in our lives. Mary Alice Monroe writes with great wit and wisdom
about what happens when both human nature and the natural world collide"
(Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author).
