Summer Longing by Jamie Brenner
Summary
Ruth Cooperman arrives in beautiful beachside Provincetown for her retirement, renting the perfect waterfront cottage while she searches for her forever home. After years of hard work and making peace with life's disappointments, Ruth is looking forward to a carefree summer of solitude. But when she finds a baby girl abandoned on her doorstep, Ruth turns to her new neighbors for help and is drawn into the drama of the close-knit community.
The appearance of the mystery baby has an emotional ripple effect through the women in town, including Amelia Cabral, the matriarch who lost her own child decades earlier; Elise Douglas, owner of the tea shop who gave up her dream of becoming a mother; and teenage local Jaci Barros who feels trapped by her parents' expectations. Ruth, caring for a baby for the first time in thirty years, finally reaches out to her own estranged daughter, Olivia, summoning her to Provincetown in hopes of a reconciliation.
As summer unfolds and friends and family care for the infant, alliances are made, relationships are tested, and secrets are uncovered. But the unconditional love for a child in need just might bring Ruth and the women of Provincetown exactly what they have been longing for themselves.
Book Setting: Provincetown, MA
Connie’s Bakery: Fern and Elise brought mixed-berry pie to Rachel and Luke’s party
Spindler's Restaurant: Fern and Olivia stop for lunch
Cafe Heaven: Olivia and Ruth stop for breakfast even though the line is out the door
Napi’s Restaurant: Elise and Fern spent Valentine’s Day and had an argument over continuing to try for a baby
The Canteen: Olivia and her father Ben got lunch and discuss how Elise and Fern got a baby
Long Point Light Station: Ben and Ruth sail to on a charter boat
Pilgrim Monument: The last thing Ruth sees when she and Ben are on the ferry leaving Provincetown
Ciro and Sal’s: Where Olivia, Ben and Ruth get dinner the night before Olivia leaves
The A-House: Where Ruth and Clifford went out after getting lunch at Napi’s
The Red Inn: Where Olivia and Ruth get dinner the first night Olivia is in town
Herring Cove: Where Ruth’s mosaic class takes place
Reviews
“Brenner’s novel about a retiree’s second act in Provincetown is a delightful escape wherever you are.”
— People Magazine
“Fans of Elin Hilderbrand, beaches, summer, and family are sure to enjoy this perfect-for-your-vacation read.”
— Booklist
“Summer Longing is Jamie Brenner at her best: an emotionally honest story about motherhood, friendship, and belonging.”
— Popsugar