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The Summer Cottage

Viola Shipman (Goodreads Author)

4.23 · Rating details · 366 ratings · 154 reviews

From the bestselling author of The Charm Bracelet and The Recipe Box comes the perfect summer escape about the restorative power of family tradition, small-town community and the feel of sand between your toes.

Adie Lou Kruger’s ex never understood her affection for what her parents called their Creaky Cottage, the charming, ramshackle summer home—complete with its own set ...more

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Kindle Edition, 386 pages

Published April 16th 2019 by Graydon House

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4.23 ·

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· 366 ratings · 154 reviews

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Apr 24, 2019 Berit☀️✨ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019, arc-physical

Rule#1: Leave Your Troubles at the Door. Rule#3 Nap Often. Rule#13 Everyone Must Be Present for Sunset.

A charming story bursting with sunsets and love. Viola Shipman Rights such delightful books filled with engaging characters and good vibes. Stories about The importance of family tradition and friendship. Tales that make you realize we are all forever tied to our loved ones that came before us.

Adie Lou has returned to her families summer cottage after divorcing her philandering husband, quitt ...more

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Feb 15, 2019 Kendall rated it really liked it

This was my first book by Viola Shipman and was super fun to read over Valentine's week!!

The Summer Cottage is a touching and moving story about Ade-Lou finding herself after a painful divorce and the death of her parents.

Ade-Lou decides to literally quit her job and leave her old life behind traveling to the place she loves the most to her parents summer cottage. The summer cottage is literally falling apart and Ade-Lou is trying to re-build it into a Bed and Breakfast. Along the way, nothing i ...more

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May 08, 2019 Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019

This was an on time book. I unexpectedly lost my daughter a year ago and this took me on the getaway that I needed this week. I would love to really have a B&B like the Summer Cottage to go to and spend the year. So many lessons to learn. I felt like I was living in the cottage and the book ended way to fast for me. I wanted it to go on forever.
I am forever a fan of Shipman (Rouse). This is a must read book for all my bookworms. Don't let this summer pass by you without diving into this book ...more

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Apr 30, 2019 Bkwmlee rated it liked it

Shelves: fiction, netgalley-books

3.5 stars

Viola Shipman is actually the pen name for male author Wade Rouse, who writes under his grandmother’s name as a way to honor not just her, but also all of the elders in his family. In addition to the pen name, all his novels are inspired by both of his grandmothers’ heirlooms as well as the lessons they taught him and the lives they led. At its core, his books are all “feel-good” stories that pay homage to family. In his latest novel The Summer Cottage , Shipman finds inspiration in hi 3.5 stars

Viola Shipman is actually the pen name for male author Wade Rouse, who writes under his grandmother’s name as a way to honor not just her, but also all of the elders in his family. In addition to the pen name, all his novels are inspired by both of his grandmothers’ heirlooms as well as the lessons they taught him and the lives they led. At its core, his books are all “feel-good” stories that pay homage to family. In his latest novel The Summer Cottage , Shipman finds inspiration in his grandparents’ log cabin in Missouri where he spent countless summers, a place where there was “nothing but an outhouse, fishing poles, inner tubes, books and each other.” Despite the cabin’s simplicity, it was a “magical” place where the only rule his grandparents had was “to be happy.” Though the log cabin was eventually sold after his grandparents’ deaths, Shipman later came across a cottage in Michigan that reminded him of that cabin and immediately fell in love with it, which prompted his decision to quit his job and move to Michigan, eventually settling there and becoming a writer.

In the book, Shipman expands upon this through the character of Adie Lou Kruger, a 40-something divorced mother whose affection for her parents’ summer cottage – dubbed the Creaky Cottage – draws her back to the happy place of her childhood where she eventually decides to start over and rebuild her life. Armed with plans to convert the dilapidated old cottage into a bed-and-breakfast, Adie Lou encounters one obstacle after another, but through it all, she rediscovers the joy and strength that the freedom of pursuing her dreams brings.

This is the third of Shipman’s books that I’ve read and while I found the story heartfelt and charming, I will admit that I didn’t love this one as much as I did his previous novel The Recipe Box . Perhaps it was because that book had checked all the right boxes for me, from its endearing characters and heartwarming story to its engaging narrative revolving around food and the bonds of family, I had felt a connection to the story almost right off the bat. With this book, I never really connected much with the characters and to be honest, the story felt like it moved a tad bit too slowly at times. I also felt there wasn’t as much emotional depth to the story that his previous novel had and that I’ve come to expect from his works. With that said though, I did love the descriptions of the cottage and its surrounding scenery, which Shipman did a great job of bringing alive for me, almost as though the cottage itself was a character in the story. This is one of the things I actually enjoy most about Shipman’s novels – his way of storytelling that is able to bring the inanimate object at the center of the story to life.

Overall, I would say that I liked this book, but didn’t love it. Out of Shipman’s 3 books that I’ve read, The Recipe Box is so far still my favorite. I have yet to read his first novel, The Charm Bracelet , but hope to do so at some point, preferably before his next novel comes out. This is an author I will definitely continue to read, as I appreciate the fact that with his books, I always know what to expect -- a light-hearted, feel-good story that is at times a bit too saccharine and maybe even too simplistic, but a comforting read that celebrates family, love, hope, friendship, and, most important of all, happy memories! With the world we live in currently, sometimes we need books like this to escape into and to remind us (even if only for a brief moment), the important things in life and that it’s possible to find joy even in the small moments.

Received ARC from Harlequin / Graydon House Books via NetGalley
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Apr 28, 2019 Jeanne Adamek rated it it was amazing

Sometimes a book comes out to a time when the reader is able to appreciate it and what it says. This is one of those books for me. I would have never appreciated and loved reading this story in my 20s, 30s or even parts of my 40s. At those times I needed exciting--something totally different to the life I was living (which was good, just not exciting). A sort of mind vacation.

The Summer Cottage took this reader in a slower paced (this is NOT meant negative) showing of letting one dream and act o ...more

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May 09, 2019 Holly B rated it really liked it

Shelves: enjoyed-the-characters, enjoyed-the-humor, enjoyed-the-setting, read-in-2019

Enjoyed the cottage to B & B plot line and all the humor and smiles that went with it. Review up soon!

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Apr 16, 2019 Lisa Leone-campbell rated it it was amazing

The Hope Chest was my first introduction into the wonderful world of author Viola Shipman. The Summer Cottage, the latest is even more lovely and inspiring.

Adie Lou Kruger spent her summers as a child at her grandparent's summer home called Creaky Cottage, and then as a married adult with a child and husband at the same cottage when her parents took it over. There were very simple rules which had to be followed while at the cottage such as "Leave your troubles at the door" and my personal favori ...more

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Apr 29, 2019 Sherri Thacker rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star-books-that-i-loved, light-hearted-reads-i-loved

Viola Shipman’s latest release is out! I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of his books!! First, let’s just say how awesome the cover is! It screams ... summer, relaxation, beauty!!! This is a quick read and I enjoyed it very much. I would love to stay a week or a weekend at The Summer Cottage. Another 5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ book by this fabulous author!! ...more

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Apr 16, 2019 Lisa Leone-campbell marked it as to-read · review of another edition

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Oct 21, 2018 Donna Hines rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, netgalley

A woman's life is on the brink of disaster facing divorce after quitting her job now embarks on a new journey -converting the inherited lakeside home into a bed and breakfast hot spot.
This entire story brings me back to the famous verse," I once was lost but now I'm found."
It has the emotionally appeal and that summer good feeling that just grips you tight and refuses to let you go.
It was a light and refreshing read that develops at the perfect pace under the best circumstances and settings.
I do ...more

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Oct 31, 2018 Anne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

At first, this seemed like just another chick lit novel- romantic, light and frothy, with easy characters and a simple story line. I'm happy to say that it turned out to be MUCH more than that! The main character, Adie Lou, is renovating her family's very old summer cottage on Lake Michigan, and it turns out to be a bigger project than anyone anticipated. Adie Lou is at a real transition point in her life and as the cottage is renovated and renewed, so is Adie Lou. There is much in this beautifu ...more

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Oct 29, 2018 Julie Barrett rated it it was amazing

The Summer Cottage by Viola Shipman
Love the idea of this book and was very close to doing something similiar when my mother passed away and left her estate to the children. I was 1 of the 5 but others wanted to sell the houses and land.
Adie Lou always wanted it to become a quilt retreat where others would go and spend time on the quiet island and learn how to quilt and be taught how to do so-you could live in the houses and be fed. Just sold last house a week ago.
Starts out with a woman who's go ...more

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May 02, 2019 Jennie rated it liked it

This book just was not for me. It was very uninteresting and very predictable. Adie Lou decides instead of selling the family's beach house that she will turn it into a bed and breakfast. She gets enough money from her divorce to do renovations and turns the cottage into a beautiful place. There are some interesting characters in the book, some historical references, and a lovely dog, Sonny. Not much else to add about this book.

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Feb 11, 2019 Janet rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019ng, kindle

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher, as I do not regurgitate the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it.

From the bestselling author of The Charm Bracelet and The Recipe Box comes the perfect summer escape about the restorative power of family tradition, small-town community and the feel of sand between your toes.

Adie Lou Kruger’s ex never understood her affection for what her parents called th I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher, as I do not regurgitate the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it.

From the bestselling author of The Charm Bracelet and The Recipe Box comes the perfect summer escape about the restorative power of family tradition, small-town community and the feel of sand between your toes.

Adie Lou Kruger’s ex never understood her affection for what her parents called their Creaky Cottage, the charming, ramshackle summer home—complete with its own set of rules for relaxing—that she’s inherited on Lake Michigan. But despite the fact she’s facing a broken marriage and empty nest, and middle age is looming in the distance, memories of happy childhoods on the beach give her reason for hope. She’s determined not to let her husband’s affair with a grad student reduce her to a cliché, or to waste one more minute in a career she doesn’t love, so it becomes clear what Adie Lou must do: rebuild her life and restore her cottage shingle by shingle, on her terms.

But converting the beloved, weather-beaten structure into a bed-and-breakfast isn’t quite the efficient home-reno experience she’s seen on TV. Pushback from Saugatuck’s contentious preservation society, costly surprises and demanding guests were not part of the plan. But as the cottage comes back to life, Adie Lou does, too, finding support in unexpected places and a new love story on the horizon. One cottage rule at a time, Adie Lou reclaims her own strength, history and joy by rediscovering the magic in every sunset and sandcastle.

I absolutely adored "The Recipe Box" so was delighted to see this book available to request: it did not disappoint. It also gave me some serious jonesing for a trip Cape May - off-season ONLY! - so now that is going to happen in April. Shipman is a master of her craft: she takes the most minute detail and makes it interesting to all and this is coming for someone who is NOT sentimental or in love of family traditions of any kind. This is just a lovely read: there is no way to explain it beyond that word: totally readable, totally enjoyable and totally a "best beach read" of Summer 2019!!

As always, I try to find a reason to not rate with stars as I love emojis (outside of Instagram and Twitter) so let's give it 🏖️🏖️🏖️🏖️🏖️ ...more

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Dec 26, 2018 Jody rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

The Summer Cottage is about love, family, regrets, and new beginnings. Adie Lou leaves Chicago behind along with her arrogant ex-husband who left her for a younger woman, to flip her family's old cottage into a Bed & Breakfast. Little does Adie Lou know how much it's going to take mentally and physically to make her families creaky cottage into her dream come true. I hope as you read The Summer Cottage it takes you right there with Adie Lou, as it did for me. A wonderful feel good story for ...more

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Dec 31, 2018 BookGypsy rated it really liked it

Shelves: net-galley

From the author of The Charm Bracelet, one of my favorite books. Adie Lou has had enough. She is determined to turn her families run down cottage into a bed and breakfast. She won't let her middle age or her husbands affair with a much younger girl get in the way of things. As the the cottage comes back to life so does Adie Lou. Fantastic story of reinvention, mind, body and spirit.
I was given a copy by the publisher for my honest review.
Dawnny Ruby-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte Blog

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Apr 14, 2019 Reading Mama rated it really liked it

If you were transported to the setting of your current read, where would you end up? Are there any fictional worlds you wish you could go to?🌺
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I read The Summer Cottage over the weekend, and I absolutely loved it! The synopsis is in the comments, and I've included my review below!🌺
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The Summer Cottage was my first Viola Shipman novel, but it won't be my last! At first, I thought this was going to be a light, fluffy read. At times, it was, but there was much more to this story. This is a story ...more

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May 05, 2019 Kristin rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-first-reads, read-fiction

I won this book on a Goodreads first reads giveaway.

While I thought this was a cute book, I'm sorry to say I don't really think it was my cup of tea.

I realize this was supposed to be a feel good story and it is...but at the same time every is just way too perfect.

While I thought a lot of the characters were interesting...the problem was everyone is practically perfect in every way. What few flaws people have are quickly explained away with a sob story or excuse. Everyone is always cheerful and s ...more

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Apr 07, 2019 Kathy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4.5 stars.

The Summer Cottage by Viola Shipman is a marvelous novel of self-discovery, healing and new beginnings.

Following her divorce, Adeleine "Adie Lou" Kruger unexpectedly decides to return to her family's beloved summer cottage in Saugatuck, MI. With big plans to renovate "Creaky Cottage" in order to turn it into a B&B, the contractor's exorbitant estimate gives her pause. However, Adie Lou knows she is making the right decision and despite the Historical Society's interference, const 4.5 stars.

The Summer Cottage by Viola Shipman is a marvelous novel of self-discovery, healing and new beginnings.

Following her divorce, Adeleine "Adie Lou" Kruger unexpectedly decides to return to her family's beloved summer cottage in Saugatuck, MI. With big plans to renovate "Creaky Cottage" in order to turn it into a B&B, the contractor's exorbitant estimate gives her pause. However, Adie Lou knows she is making the right decision and despite the Historical Society's interference, construction is soon under way. With her nineteen year old son Evan's encouragement, Adie Lou is soon making surprising discoveries as they begin a social media campaign to garner interest in the upcoming opening. She also reconnects with old friend, Scott "Scooter" Stevens whose interest in her goes deeper than friendship. Is Adie Lou ready to open her heart the possibility of love? Dare she dream her new business endeavor will exceed her wildest expectations?

Adie Lou's marriage to Nate has been on the rocks for quite some time when they file for divorce. Upon reflection, she realizes that she gave up everything for her soon to be ex, including her identity. At first planning to sell Creaky Cottage, Adie Lou knows she cannot get rid of the place that means so much to her. She also plans to honor her heritage by incorporating the traditions she and Evan hold so dear. While the cottage is under renovation, so is Adie Lou. She is discovering hidden strengths that help her find the self-confidence she needs to succeed in both business and her personal lives.

The Summer Cottage is a heartfelt novel that is poignant yet uplifting. Adie Lou is an endearing character whose love of family and its traditions shines brightly throughout the story. The storyline is engaging with an underlying theme that empowers and celebrates women. The romantic element is very understated and takes a backseat to Adie Lou's metamorphosis as she sheds her unhappy past and fully embraces her future. Saugatuck serves as a perfect backdrop for this heartwarming story and Viola Shipman brings Creaky Cottage, the town and its inhabitants vibrantly to life. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this wonderfully charming novel. ...more

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May 13, 2019 Brenda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019

The very best books are those into which you can completely disappear as the world around you fades away and your existence is entirely within the pages of the book! And when something finally pulls you out of the magical rabbit hole into which you have fallen down, its like a rude awakening to find yourself back in your own reality and not in the lovely place you've been visiting. And you can't wait to go back. (This is why people read books in one sitting!)
Viola Shipmans The Summer Cottage is ...more

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Apr 02, 2019 Debi Lantzer rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

Author, Viola Shipman is very familiar to me. In March of 2016, I had the opportunity to read The Charm Bracelet. Next, I read The Hope Chest in July of 2017. Finally, I read The Recipe Box in March of 2018. When I saw The Summer Cottage available to read and review on NetGalley, you can bet I requested it, and fortunate for me, I was approved.

This week I am home recovering from a hospitalization involving a subarachnoid hemorrhage. What that means to me regarding books I've read, is that I ...more

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Oct 26, 2018 Sue rated it it was amazing

Shelves: michigan-books

This will be the perfect book to read as Summer 2019 begins. It's about starting over despite adverse circumstances and its about love and family. The setting is beautiful Saugatuck Michigan, one of the resort towns along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.

Adie Lou is facing middle age with her only son in college when her husband decided to leave her for a much younger woman. She decides to leave Chicago and move back to the small lakeshore cabin that her parents owned in Michigan and turn i ...more

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Oct 29, 2018 Diane rated it it was amazing

The Summer Cottage by author Viola Shipman is another tender story about family, love, regrets, and starting over. I loved this story as it seems I love all the previous books such as The Bracelet and the Recipe Box. This story is set in Michigan on the shores of Saugatuck. Adie Lou remembers wonderful summer vacations being at Creaky Cottage with her grandparents and later her parents. After she marries the man she thought was her dream, has a wonderful son who is now college age, she begins to ...more

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Mar 01, 2019 Gail rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I received an ARC from Net Galley. The Summer Cottage continues Viola Shipman's style of bringing the reader into her family. If you have ever vacationed in the same town for generations, or purchased a lake home, you know the memories that are built on traditions. In the Summer Cottage the "Rules" become guiding lights for guests as well as the owner's and her family. Attention to details bring you into the cottage and town. I can picture each room, including the rock wall in "Go Rock Hunting" ...more

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Feb 28, 2019 Chasidy Kaye Jones rated it liked it · review of another edition

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange of a review.
I thought this book was good but not really great. It didnt leave me feeling hopeful about life and love that I get after most books like this. I dont know why I didn't get into this book as much as others the author has written. There was nothing really wrong with the book. I cant really explain it. Maybe just me.

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Apr 27, 2019 Heidi rated it it was amazing

Four and a half stars: An inspirational feel good read about a woman who finds a new beginning in her family history.

Adie Lou is feeling lost. Her marriage is ending, her parents passed on, her son is in college, and she is trapped in a job she doesn’t love. Her soon to be ex husband is pressuring her to sell her family’s beach cottage on Lake Michigan. Creaky Cottage is the place where Adie Lou always remembered being happy. She throws caution to the wind and decides to restart her life. Adie Four and a half stars: An inspirational feel good read about a woman who finds a new beginning in her family history.

Adie Lou is feeling lost. Her marriage is ending, her parents passed on, her son is in college, and she is trapped in a job she doesn’t love. Her soon to be ex husband is pressuring her to sell her family’s beach cottage on Lake Michigan. Creaky Cottage is the place where Adie Lou always remembered being happy. She throws caution to the wind and decides to restart her life. Adie moves to Saugatuck, Michigan in the middle of winter in order to begin the lengthy and expensive task of restoring the cottage and turning it into an inn. Along the way, Adie encounters plenty of obstacles, history, old friends and a new beginning. Will she realize her dream?
What I Liked:
*After reading The Recipe Box last year, I was eager to read more from this author. The Summer Cottage didn’t disappoint. I found this to be a charming pick me up read with a wonderful setting, fantastic characters and plenty of hope and motivation. If you are needing a lovely book for summer reading, or for anytime you need a happy read, this is one to grab.
*The highlight for me with this one was the outstanding setting of Saugatuck, Michigan. I adored the small town setting on the shore of Lake Michigan. The author did such a tremendous job with the town, I was ready to pack my backs and head to Michigan. The Creaky Cottage was especially wonderful with all of its history. It was a joy to read about it’s transformation.
*This is a chick lit read, but I found it to be so much more than your average chick lit read. I appreciated that this book was about family roots, history and also new beginnings. It was brimming with hope and courage. I loved watching Adie Lou not only transform the cottage but also herself. This was in some ways a tremendous motivational novel.
*Adie Lou is a character that many middle aged woman will be able to relate to. Adie spent most of her adult life seeing to other’s needs, so much so that she lost sight of herself and what made her happy. When she returns to her roots, she starts her transformative journey. I loved Adie Lou. I liked her optimism, her spunk and her determination.
8There is a touch of romance in this one. I appreciated that the romance was not the main focus of the story. Instead it is a light side plot. The romance is easy and genuine as it is born from a long time friendship. It fit perfectly with the story.
*I liked the way the chapters were all modeled after the rules of the cottage, it added a touch of whimsy to the story.
*I appreciated that a couple of the characters did a turn about a surprised me. I especially enjoyed Adie’s stand with the town’s dragon lady, and I loved how it turned out. I also liked the way Adie’s ex husband changed.
*The ending was lovely. I loved that it ended on a high note. I also enjoyed reading the author’s note at the end of the story. Definitely read it!
And The Not So Much:
*Adie discovers a time capsule in the cottage during the restorations. In the capsule is a letter from a young woman in the 19th century. I was excited at first regarding this story line, but then I was disappointed. I was expecting to learn so much more about Sadie, but there is only a tiny snippet about what happened to her. I wish that more of her story was uncovered. To me, this part of the story felt underdeveloped and unfinished.
*I know this is chick lit, but I have to be honest there were a few times in the book where I felt like it got a little cheesy.

The Summer Cottage is a light, feel good read that will transport you to the shores of Lake Michigan. I loved that this was a story about renovation not only of the cottage but also of the main character. There is plenty to love in this one. It was fluffy and left me smiling. This is the perfect book for summer reading!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

...more

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Apr 21, 2019 Debbie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Summer Cottage
Viola Shipman

There are very few men authors who can speak to my feminine soul but Wade Rouse aka Viola Shipman is one of them, maybe when he sits down to write a story using his grandmother’s name as his pseudonym a bit of her soul touches him or maybe he’s just one of those men who really get women but whatever it is it works and his latest novel, The Summer Cottage proves it. It’s a tale about love, loss, turning lemons into lemonade and starting over, where the main protagon The Summer Cottage
Viola Shipman

There are very few men authors who can speak to my feminine soul but Wade Rouse aka Viola Shipman is one of them, maybe when he sits down to write a story using his grandmother’s name as his pseudonym a bit of her soul touches him or maybe he’s just one of those men who really get women but whatever it is it works and his latest novel, The Summer Cottage proves it. It’s a tale about love, loss, turning lemons into lemonade and starting over, where the main protagonist Adie Lou finally comes of age in middle age taking a huge leap of faith. The narrative has a laid back-times gone by feel featuring emotional as well as laugh out loud passages with well developed characters and vivid colorful settings that will bring back memories to all of us who waited for the song of the * “peepers” the first harbinger of Spring and who spent some or all of our summers barefoot, swimsuit clad and full of sand in our own version of Creaky Cottage and the rest of us who wish we had. Fans of Sarah Morgan, Kristin Hannah and Sally Hepworth will eat this read right up.
When Adie Lou Clarke’s cheating husband asked for a divorce she decided it was time to totally chuck her old life including her ad exec job (which she hated) and make a new start by turning her family’s rundown generational Lake Michigan summer cottage into a B&B. And although most people think she’s nuts and she’s constantly fighting remodel nightmares and red tape from the town’s historical committee she’s also gotten some much needed support from family, friends and neighbors. So if she doesn’t run out of money, patience and sanity first she just might be an innkeeper by her Memorial Day goal.

Memorable Quotes:
* “My dad, like so many Michiganders, calls a certain frog that lives in these parts “peepers” for their distinctive call–a single, high-pitched peep…”
“We all doubt ourselves, which ultimately paralyzes us from becoming who we want to be.”
Emotion is strength, not a weakness. It’s ultimately what makes women better survivors than men.” ...more

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Apr 30, 2019 Linda A. rated it really liked it

Reclaiming Your Truth

This is a beautiful story of a woman who lost her true identity through her marriage, job, and perceived societal expectations. The descriptions of the Lake Michigan bluffs, shoreline, beaches, etc., are breathtaking. My biggest reservation is that the main character was raised by parents who encouraged her individuality. How and why she turned from those life experiences and lessons and loses herself is problematic for me.

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May 06, 2019 Leah rated it it was amazing

This was wonderful. The setting was beautiful. It takes place in a small Michigan town on Lake Michigan. The house and its renovations were interesting. I enjoyed the flashbacks to previous summers spent there. I like the traditions of the house, too. The rules were delightful. The relationships were interesting, too. I liked learning about the history of the town and the house and the people. The romance was my favorite part, though. It's a second chance, former friends to lovers romance.

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Mar 23, 2019 Linda Smatzny rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

This is the story of Adie Lou Kruger and her starting over after divorce. She wants to save her family's summer cottage on the shores of Lake Michigan and in the process saves herself. It is an enjoyable read that makes you feel good. The book was a quick easy read.

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About Viola Shipman

Viola Shipman

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Welcome! I am honored to be able to write novels for readers like you that are inspired by my grandmothers’ heirlooms, lives and lessons. The stories I write are meant to serve as a universal tribute to family as well as all of our elders, whose stories and sacrifices helped shape us and make us the people we are today.

I couldn’t be prouder of my new novel, The Summer Cottage, which publishes Tues Welcome! I am honored to be able to write novels for readers like you that are inspired by my grandmothers’ heirlooms, lives and lessons. The stories I write are meant to serve as a universal tribute to family as well as all of our elders, whose stories and sacrifices helped shape us and make us the people we are today.

I couldn’t be prouder of my new novel, The Summer Cottage, which publishes Tuesday, April 23. Like my previous novels,The Summer Cottageis inspired by family. In this case, the novel is inspired by childhood summers spent with my grandparents at their log cabin on the water in the Ozarks. (Read an excerpt here!)

Growing up in the Ozarks in the 1960s and ‘70s, my parents would drop me off after school ended on Memorial Day, and I would stay with my grandparents – my parents visiting on weekends – until school started again after Labor Day. That old log cabin didn’t have a TV, microwave, telephone or indoor bathroom. We bathed in the ice-cold creek, and most of the meals we caught ourselves: Bass right out of the water and fried in my grandma’s cornmeal batter.

So why did I opt out of summers with friends to stay with my grandparents? Because while that cabin may have been short on luxuries it was long on memories. And because during our summers together my grandparents’ only rule was that we all have fun. Together.

My grandma – a hardworking seamstress – and my grandfather – a former vacuum salesman – used to say that the only things we needed were innertubes, fishing poles, books, and each other.

The cabin had a stone fireplace that smelled of smoke, and a tiny upstairs contained 10 cots to hold all the visiting grandchildren and relatives. But the best thing about that cabin on the water is that I got to know my grandparents not only as my grandparents but as real people. My grandma and I read to each other every day – from the Bible or a dime store paperback – and she encouraged me to write. I could always feel the love my grampa had for my grandma reverberate in every log, chink and mossy steppingstone in that cabin. My grandparents taught me that even the tiniest of cottages could feel like mansions if they were only filled with love.

Those summers on the water and that cabin so influenced me that I moved from the city as an adult and bought a knotty pine cottage in the Lake Michigan resort town of Saugatuck (where The Summer Cottageis set!). That’s where I now write novels and recreate the summers of my childhood with family and friends. There are special places all of us return in order to reunite with family and escape from the real world, and The Summer Cottage celebrates those places and memories.

I may have a TV at my cottage, but I don’t use it in the summer. I have books, innertubes, fishing poles, a screened porch and the water. And every summer day I celebrate the lessons my grandparents taught me: That the best gifts in life are truly the simplest and that all we really need is each other to be happy.

This is a novel that is meant to be shared among generations, just like a summer cottage. I truly hope you love The Summer Cottage, and that you not only read it on the beach or in your favorite hammock on the porch but also that it brings back wonderful memories and helps start new ones.

I truly believe that the journey of the main character, Adie Lou, to finding happiness will resonate deeply with you, especially considering that as we age we too often realize we have lost our childhood joy and that playing by adult rules is not always the best path to happiness. That's why each chapter of the novel is centered around a beloved "Cottage Rule" of my family and my friends, such as: "Leave Your Troubles at the Door!", "Soak Up the Sun!", "Wake Up Smiling!", "Go Rock Hunting!", "Ice Cream Is Required!" and "Go Jump in the Lake!", simple rules that center us, remind us of what's most important and remind us to be a kid again.

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