Book Review: Summer at Sea by Beth Labonte

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 2973 KB
• Print Length: 239 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00WNR92RU

Four jackets of varying weights, enough socks for the entire Confederate Army, three umbrellas, most of the antacid aisle from the local pharmacy, and six pairs of old people sneakers that all look exactly the same.

Have you ever helped your parents pack for a weeklong cruise?

No? I didn't think so. So shut it. 

So begins vacation for Summer Hartwell - twenty-six years old, living with her anxiety-ridden parents, and unwillingly booked by her brother on a weeklong cruise to Bermuda. Despite the nightmare of being trapped aboard a cruise ship with Mom and Dad, Summer sees a rare opportunity to fulfill The Prophecy – her mother’s declaration that she will live at home until she gets married. With two thousand passengers onboard, at least one of them must be husband material, right? 

The only problem is Graham Blenderman – her brother’s best friend who is joining them for the week, in all of his tall, blonde, extroverted glory. Graham doesn’t believe Summer needs a husband in order to break free from her parents. He thinks she just needs a little bit of nerve. And to Summer’s introverted horror, he’s willing to spend the entire week proving that he’s right. 

About the Author: Beth Labonte

Beth Labonte was born in Salem, Massachusetts and received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  She is currently an administrative assistant by day, a bored, frustrated, aspiring writer, also by day.  By night she complains about going back to work in the morning.

Beth resides outside of Worcester, Massachusetts with her husband, son, and two cats.

My Review: First off I must admit I am terrified of cruise ships.  I have seen one too many movies about cruise ships meeting bad ends for all passengers so I honestly feel I would relate best to Summer's mother at the idea of embarking on this vacation.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I sat on a beach while reading a big portion and was so able to relate to the book it was astonishing.  I LOVED how I would be reading and something so very hilarious happens in the book and I am laughing out loud.  I also have already told a few friends about how fun this read was.  It is a fun summer relaxing light read for someone looking to pass a couple afternoons like me dreaming of vacations far away.  The fun dynamic of Graham and Summer kept me mesmerized at the next fun adventure he would spontaneously book them on.  I really liked the underlying message of "live your life for YOU" and Beth's writing style enabled me to become engrossed in the world easily.  I would give this book a 3.5 out of 5.

Views expressed are those of Two Children and a Migraine and have not been influenced in anyway.  A book was supplied for review purposes only and no compensation was received for this post.