Saturday, December 6, 2008
Summer by the Sea

Another recommendation from my Aunt Bobbie, I rather quickly was able to tackle "Summer By The Sea" by Susan Wiggs. I say quickly not only because it is an easy read, but because it's a good book, I really enjoyed it and didn't want put it down.

There is something unique about this book, every few chapters it begins with a quote and a recipe. The main character in the book own's a restaurant which she named after her mother. They are an Italian family and so naturally the food was good and the recipes were definitely share worthy.

Rosa and Alexander met as children. After Rosa's Mom passed away she went to work with her father. Her father was a gardener for some of the more affluent people in their neighborhood and all Rosa had to do was stay out of trouble. Of course all young kids get into mischief and after a few bee stings she was invited into the Montgomery house by the maid. While the maid took a phone call she wandered around and stumbled upon a pale little boy; Alexander.

Alexander was never allowed to do anything fun because he had severe asthma, but Rosa said they could walk down to the beach. Over the summer they did little things together like take walks, fly kites, play chess, etc. The Montgomery's were only a summer family in the neighborhood, but each summer Alexander and Rosa were the best of friends.

As the two get older the drama ensues. Mrs. Montgomery doesn't approve of Rosa, she is just the gardeners daughter after all. Alexander goes away to boarding school. He comes back one summer to sweep Rosa off her feet but after a tragic hit-and-run where her father almost lost his life, Alex leaves without so much as a goodbye.

It's not until Alexander's mom takes her own life that he comes back to the house by the sea and decides to stay and win back Rosa's heart.

That will have to be where my summary ends. You know I want you to read the book on your own if this piqued your interest. So get reading, Summer By The Sea!

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