THE SUMMER OF US

Author: Holly Chamberlin ISBN: 0758201451 5/2004 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: Kensington

Gincy Gannon isn't exactly an easy fit with the upper crust Vineyard scene. Raised poor and precocious in Nowheresville, New Hampshire, she escaped to Boston after high school. Now a career at PBS fills her days, while her freewheeling sex life keeps her otherwise stimulated. Commitment is definitely not her thing. So why, when Gincy's supposed to be reeling in lifeguards, is she getting hooked on a single dad? Life is good for Danielle Leers. She's got a close-knit family, a killer wardrobe, and a job that keeps her in manicures and massages. As far as Danielle's concerned, pampering is a right, not a privilege. Besides, now that she's set her sights on settling down, her good grooming will attract great husband material. Which should mean a well-heeled Jewish professional. Not a townie who fishes for a living . . . Blueblood Clare Wellman doesn't worry about keeping up appearances -- her boyfriend, Winchester Carrington, III, is in charge of that. Actually, he's in charge of pretty much everything . . . and never lets Clare forget it. Some time on her own is just what Clare needs to get to know herself again. Then Win proposes. An engagement ring shouldn't feel like an albatross -- and this summer may be Clare's last chance to see what could be -- before what is ties her down for good...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Three Women of complete different backgrounds and personalities rent a cottage together at Oak Bluff in Martha’s Vineyard for the summer.

Virginia Marie Gannon (Gincy) is a Senior Editor of a monthly publication to subscribers of a public television station in Boston. She is a rough talking, independent sort of woman, not interested in commitment to any man. Until she meets Rick Luongo, the new Director of Daytime Programing.

Danielle Leers is a senior administrative assistant at a large construction firm. She has an entire binder of her dream man’s requirements. She is into fashion and appearance, and from a moneyed background, and is in search of a husband. She is looking for a rich man, preferring a Jewish professional. Not a man who fishes for a living. Chris Childs drives a pick up and lives a life on the island.

Clare Wellman is under the thumb of her boyfriend, Winchester Carrington III. He makes all the decisions for her, and renting the cottage with the other two girls gives her just enough independence to find herself.

SUMMER OF US by Holly Chamberlin is a fast paced novel that grabs you from the first. Ms. Chamberlin writes very believable characters that will keep the reader turning the next page to see how their relationships work out. Three opposites that, after living together, become fast friends. Ms. Chamberlin is an excellent writer and I look forward to reading her next one. I recommend this author highly.

Mariah LeGrand