Summer Secrets: A Novel

Summer Secrets, so much more than a "beach read," opens the reader's eyes and heart to the devastating, destructive demon that is alcoholism. One recognizes how certain personality types are susceptible to this disease. The main characters, sensitively and fully developed, draw the reader in with their torturous dances of sobriety and lapses and the difficult family intrigues which ensue. The struggle of the alcoholic is real and recovery always in the distance. Redemption, when achieved, is an exquisite reward. Jane Green delivers an insightful, captivating novel, rich with emotion, and an expansive plot.

I read almost any book set in Nantucket. It was a good story, It wove many themes: love, family, Nantucket, alcoholism, recovery, etc. It follows a female from when she was young until she has a daughter about the same age. One big surprise in the story. I recommend it. It is a good, light summer read.

This is one of those novels that wind up being disappointing because it had the potential to be so much more. This is chick lit, but the female characters are portrayed very badly-they're all either drunks, depressed,make bad decisions, are nasty and vengeful, jealous, or backstabbers. The vast majority of the men are portrayed in an overwhelmingly positive light...all calm, patient, loving, etc. This is the antithesis of femininity. I read to the end, hoping for a positive message on family and the bond of sisterhood. Instead, the message seems to be that the most important thing in life is landing a man, even a man that has rejected you more than once before. This makes a pretty decent beach read...but don't expect for it to be a positive, uplifting experience. Instead, it kind of leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

Based on the title and the cover I expected a “beach read “. This book is so much more. It is an authentic description of a young woman who abuses alcohol. Her denials of having a problem, her half hearted attempts at sobriety and the toll it takes on her life ring true. There’s also plenty of family issues that begin in her childhood. This book isn’t for the faint hearted, but I highly recommend it. It’s such a worthwhile read.

I gave it four stars because of the beginning and that I put it down and then after reading another book, I picked it back up and then I finished it. At the beginning I didn't have a connection with the characters, but I did want to know what happened to them. My connection to the characters became picking up the pieces and moving on with my life through the mistakes we all make.

This book is well done and is second only to Promises to Keep. The emotional connection Green creates between the reader and the main character is phenomenal! Green seemingly nails the traits of addiction and how we often struggle to "fit in ", with our social groups and within our families. The book reads quickly and I found it difficult to put down. Highly recommended for an eye opening summer read where one can't help but root for the underdog.

This book helps me understand alcoholism a little better. Even though I have several alcoholics in my family I still didn't totally get it. And just a good story too.

I bought this book mostly because the cover caught my eye to be honest. But it was a wonderful story that I enjoyed from the very start. This story was different than the ones that I normally read, and I got pulled into it. Cat was a very interesting character, dealing with her alcoholism and trying to deal with her family's secrets.I highly recommend this book. Especially perfect as a beach read. In Nantucket.

I always enjoy Jane Green books; set in similar surroundings and easy reading with a focus on relationships and no crime or violence. This one did not disappoint but was a little confusing earlier on with different chapters relating to alternate characters and timeframes. Enlightened by the workings of AA. If you enjoy this author try Perth's own Liz Byrski.

I haven't read a Jane Green novel for a long long time - maybe 5 or 6 years - but I really enjoyed reading this. I really identified with the characters and thought it was an accurate portrayal of being a 20 something in London working in media, and a fabulous story of an alcoholic who tries to turn s corner and put things right.

Tolles Buch von Jane Green, chic lit at its best! Leichter Roman für Sommer oder Winter, ideal zum Abschalten am WE oder nach der Arbeit.

Green never lets you down an amazing novel top class, makes you laugh and cry.. Impeccable style as always.. I

Me gusta la trama de la novela, tan agradable como me habian recomendado y estaba en muy buen estado de conservación