What a lovely, refreshing read. I got stuck into this one and could have read it in one sitting if time allowed!
This story follows Summer and her extended family as they all come to terms with her dad’s imprisonment.
It means something different to them all, Summers mum who has been divorced from him for years, his second wife and her child.
I loved how everyone came together in this, but it wasn’t just some happy ever after, they all came with their baggage, they were open and honest and told it as it was! But through doing this, they became stronger, together.
All in all a fantastic read. I loved most of the characters as they grew on you throughout the story. It shows how families can be complicated, but how love can endure and how a little understanding can go a long way.

This was an easy book to read as the plot was not overly complex and there were no big plot holes! I do feel I perhaps was not the target audience, however, and I feel that readers who are a little older than me, perhaps 30s-50s would enjoy this very much!

I enjoyed the relationships between Summer and her mother and step-mother. It was interesting to follow how those relationships developed and the challenges they all faced, particularly once Allison came to live with them.

I particularly liked Summer. I feel she was a really kindhearted character!

Overall, I rate this 3.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 4.

I always love reading books by Susan her characters and storylines are so relatable, heart-warming, and emotional.

The book centres around two women who are connected by Summer, the daughter/stepdaughter. Erica is the mother, and Allison is the stepmother. They are all brought together when Summers dad is sent to prison.

I found the challenges of blended families quite thought-provoking. I kept asking myself if I could live with my ex husband’s wife and children.

I really enjoyed this family drama. This is the perfect summer read

For the Love of Summer by Susan Mallery is a page-turning read. Erica, Summer, Allison and Mara are strong women coping with circumstances beyond their imagining. When Erica's ex-husband is arrested and jailed, their sixteen year-old daughter is distraught. Not, it turns out, for herself but for her stepmother Allison. Begged by Summer and encouraged by her mother, Mara, Erica does the unthinkable and invites pregnant Allison and her toddler son to live with them.

In some ways this is just a fairytale. Erica's wealth allows her to do whatever she likes whilst her companion Killion appears to command immediate service and action to support her and hers. The plot unwinds a little too easily but it is engaging. If Susan Mallery's account of the legal and social care systems in the USA are accurate, I'm a little bit horrified, but here the problems are overcome without too much difficulty.

I love the idea of a book brining families together in times of need and I love the unexpected connections that life provides us. This book is the perfect example of that. I highly enjoyed For The Love Of Summer and I know readers will too! Susan Mallery is definitely on my top authors list.