For the Love of Summer, A Summer Beach Read by Susan Mallery

Susan Mallery's novel delves into the complex dynamics of family and relationships in "The Summer We Met." At the heart of the story is Erica, the owner of Seattle's top salons, who finds herself grappling with her teenage daughter Summer's growing closeness to her stepmother, Allison.

Allison's world is suddenly turned upside down when her husband, Peter, is arrested, leaving her pregnant, financially strained, and emotionally isolated. Despite their fraught history, Summer turns to Erica's help in supporting Allison during this tumultuous time. Reluctantly, Erica agrees to assist, even though she harbors reservations about Allison, the woman who has shared a bond with her daughter that Erica herself struggles to understand.

As Erica and Allison navigate their complicated relationship, they confront their past hurts and misconceptions about each other. Erica, independent and wary of dependence on others, discovers that Allison may need more than just assistance—she needs genuine friendship. Through their interactions and shared experiences, both women begin to redefine their notions of family and find unexpected strength in each other.

Mallery's narrative explores themes of forgiveness, empathy, and the evolving nature of familial bonds. "The Summer We Met" promises to captivate readers with its exploration of personal growth, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship, making it a compelling beach read for fans of authors like Elin Hilderbrand and Emily Giffin.