The Summerhouse by: Jude Deveraux

 

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Jude Deveraux's The Summerhouse offers a captivating exploration of regret and the allure of "what if," wrapped in a warm tale of enduring friendship. As Leslie, Madison, and Ellie approach their fortieth birthdays, their annual summer gathering in Maine takes an unexpected turn. The arrival of the enigmatic Madame Zoya presents each woman with an extraordinary opportunity: to revisit three pivotal weeks from their past and potentially alter the course of their lives.

Book Description

Have you ever wanted to rewrite your past?

Three best friends, all with the same birthday, are about to turn forty. Celebrating at a summerhouse in Maine, Leslie Headrick, Madison Appleby, and Ellie Abbott are taking stock of their lives and loves, their wishes and choices. But none of them expect the gift that awaits them at the summerhouse: the chance for each of them to turn their “what-might-have-beens” into reality…

Leslie, a suburban wife and mother, follows the career of a boy who pursued her in college wonders: what if she had chosen differently? Madison dropped a modeling career to help her high school boyfriend recover from an accident, even though he’d jilted her. But what if she had said “no” when her old boyfriend had called? Ellie became a famous novelist, but a bitter divorce wiped out her earnings—and shattered her belief in herself. Why had the “justice” system failed her? And could she prevent its happening the second time around?

Now, a mysterious “Madame Zoya,” offers each of them a chance to relive any three weeks from the past. Will the road not taken prove a better path? Each woman will have to decide for herself as she follows the dream that got away…and each must choose the life that will truly satisfy the heart’s deepest longings.

About Jude Deveraux

Jude Deveraux is the author of historical and contemporary women's fiction featuring women of strong character and gorgeous, exciting men. Jude has had more than thirty books on the New York Times bestsellers list, 60 million copies in print, and has been translated into 18 languages. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading murder mysteries, working in her garden, and in boxing class, she likes to show much younger males that she can throw a mean right cross.

My Thoughts

Jude Deveraux's The Summerhouse offers a captivating exploration of regret and the allure of "what if," wrapped in a warm tale of enduring friendship. As Leslie, Madison, and Ellie approach their fortieth birthdays, their annual summer gathering in Maine takes an unexpected turn. The arrival of the enigmatic Madame Zoya presents each woman with an extraordinary opportunity: to revisit three pivotal weeks from their past and potentially alter the course of their lives.

Deveraux skillfully portrays the individual longings that haunt each friend. Leslie wonders about the career path she might have had with a different college romance. Madison grapples with the sacrifice of her modeling dreams for a former flame. Ellie yearns to undo the financial and emotional devastation of her divorce. The premise is instantly relatable, tapping into the universal human tendency to ponder alternate realities.

The narrative smoothly transitions between each woman's journey into their past, allowing the reader to become invested in their hopes and the potential pitfalls of their choices. Deveraux excels at creating believable characters and weaving engaging scenarios, making their revisited experiences both poignant and thought-provoking. While the element of magical realism introduces an element of fantasy, the emotional core of the story remains grounded in the genuine desires and vulnerabilities of these women.

Ultimately, The Summerhouse is a tender reminder that the paths we choose, even those marked by hardship or regret, shape who we become. It gently questions whether rewriting the past truly guarantees a happier future, suggesting that true contentment might lie in accepting and finding peace within the present. This is a charming and reflective read, perfect for those who enjoy stories about female friendship and the complexities of life's choices.

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