For the Love of Summer: A Summer Beach Read BY Susan Mallery

One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery is a heartwarming and engaging beach read that delves into the complexities of family relationships and the unlikely friendships that can form in challenging times.

Erica, the owner of Seattle's premier salon, is deeply concerned about her teenage daughter, Summer, drifting away and growing closer to her stepmother, Allison. Just when Erica is grappling with her fears, a crisis hits Allison's world. Her husband, Peter, is arrested, leaving her pregnant, financially strained, and alone with a toddler.

When Summer discovers the truth, she turns to Erica, her mother, for help. Despite the fraught history between Erica and Allison, Erica agrees to support her stepdaughter's stepmother. Initially, Allison feels overwhelmed by Erica’s strong, independent presence, but as they spend more time together, she begins to see Erica in a new light.

The two women, linked by their complicated past with Peter, start to build an unexpected friendship. Through their shared struggles and evolving understanding of each other, they confront their own vulnerabilities and redefine what it means to be family.

Mallery's novel beautifully captures the journey of two women learning to support one another, transforming their fractured connections into a genuine and supportive bond. One Big Happy Family is a touching and uplifting story about love, resilience, and the power of friendship.