Customer Reviews

Summer Iris

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fifty-year-old Iris Stanton's life has not simply been shaken up, it has been through a landslide. Iris is newly divorced and has just lost her job at the school. Unless she finds a new source of income, she will lose her home too. Her crazy best friend, Yvonne, sees it all as an opportunity for Iris to spread her wings. So for a Big 5-0 present, Yvonne hands Iris the key to a beach cabin where Iris can spend the entire summer relaxing before she must return and look for employment. The cabin is being renovated by Sam Hanratty and will be a wedding present for his son. While in the small beach town of Silver Crest, Iris can also tend to the task of selling a small lot in Gull's Landing.

The little cottage on Cove Lane is very quaint and Iris meets the locals quickly. Sam turns out to be a handsome widow and Iris finds her attraction to him returned. Then there is Eddie Morgan, a contractor that is very good looking but annoys Iris for reasons she cannot fully explain. Iris gets many visitors while residing on Cove Lane. Her daughter, Stephanie, is having boyfriend trouble and visits a couple of times to get her head straight. Yvonne drops in to check out Sam, attend a local cook-out with Iris (at Sam's, where several locals gather to mingle), and simply to urge Iris to live a little by possibly dating the man.

Iris soon finds herself considered to be one of the locals by the locals. She even accepts a part time job working for Victoria in a boutique called The Rage. When the school contacts Iris about a new position, she knows she should be excited. So why does the thought of leaving Silver Crest feel wrong?

**** This is the author's debut novel. She seems to possess a remarkable talent for creating realistic characters and placing a few difficult obstacles in their way to overcome. This heroine shows that you are never too old to begin anew or try something totally different from the norm. The secondary characters are as well developed as the main characters. Everyone should have a kooky friend like Yvonne; and perhaps Stephanie will get her own story told some day. (Hey, it could happen!) One thing is for sure, M. Kate Quinn is definitely an author to keep your eye on. Sweet! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

The last few reviews gave very in depth reviews of the book and were right on the money. The story is about real people, real life situations and is written so well that you really don't want the book to end. The writer has such a quick wit that I found myself laughing out loud. The language and the way she expresses her feelings makes you feel like you know her personally. As I expressed in the title for the review this book is wonderfully refreshing and Iris Stanton is so totally likable, funny and honest that you find yourself wishing she was your friend. This is a wonderful, sweet, easy read. Loved it and am looking forward to her next adventure.

Originally posted at: [...]

A charming seaside town, delightful friendships, and witty dialogue create a captivating read that is heart-warming, poignant, and uplifting. Summer Iris by M. Kate Quinn is, without a doubt, one of the best written debut novels I have read a very long time.

Iris Stanton's fiftieth birthday present from her best friend, Yvonne, is a summer at a cottage by the sea. Iris is standing at a major crossroad in her life. She is divorced, out of a job, and about to lose her home. Upon her arrival at the cottage, she finds herself vexed by Eddie Morgan, the man overseeing renovations on the cottage and charmed by Sam Hanratty, the owner of the cottage. The two men are lifelong friends and total opposites. Iris quickly discovers the joys of small town living when the locals embrace her arrival with open arms. With Yvonne's gentle prodding, Iris begins her journey of rediscovery and transformation.

Summer Iris is a fast-paced and engrossing novel. M. Kate Quinn has an engaging writing style with a quick wit that pulls the reader into the story. The plot and characters are very well developed and realistic. Ms. Quinn keeps the story light and angst free. The scenes with Yvonne and Iris are laugh out loud funny, and I fully believe every woman needs a friend like Yvonne in her life. The relationship between Iris and her daughter, Stephanie, is touching and true to life. Sam and Eddie are both hero material, and Ms. Quinn keeps the reader guessing who will finally win Iris's heart.

Summer Iris by M. Kate Quinn is the perfect summer read. It is light-hearted and fun with an emotionally satisfying, feel good ending. I am eagerly awaiting Ms. Quinn's next installment in The Perennials series!

Summer Iris is a story of hope and inspiration for when life throws you curve balls. A page turner for sure, this book is well written and the story flows very nicely. You will laugh and cry as you read about Iris Stanton's game changing summer at the Jersey Shore. Being familiar with the Jersey Shore myself, I particularly enjoyed the local references and could imagine myself living in Silver Crest along with the other main characters. I very much look forward to reading more from M. Kate Quinn.