Joyfully Retired

Yesterday I shared with you my thoughts after reading Summer House: A Novel. [If you missed my review, click the book title.] Summer House is Nancy Thayer’s nineteenth novel. Most people of a certain age will know Nancy from her Hot Flash Club series of books. She’s also the author of Moon Shell Beach, Betwee Husbands and Friends, Custody and many more New York Times best-sellers. I’m honored to have the opportunity to know more about Nancy and ask her some questions.

1. I found Summer House a joy to read. I loved all three of the lead female characters. I felt a special affinity for Nona/Anne. My mother is 89 and I saw so many similarities between Nona and my mom. What was your inspiration for her character or was she strictly imaginary?

Thank you! I love Nona so much and she was such a pleasure to write. My own mother is 90, and she is an inspiration for Nona. Also, I know several women in their 90’s who are loving, humorous, and insightful—great role models. And I remember my own grandmothers and how much I loved them and learned from them. Perhaps as we get older we really do get wiser!

2. Charlotte’s organic garden was so real to me, right down to the Brandywine tomatoes. Was all this garden information the result of research or personal knowledge and experience?

I have several friends on the island who have large organic gardens. One friend has a daughter much like Charlotte, who supplies fresh Brandywine tomatoes to local restaurants. We also have two wonderful farms on the island and some of the restaurants offer an appetizer of one sliced tomato, sliced and lightly sprinkled with sea salt. So sweet and juicy on a hot summer day!

3. I thought Summer House was a great celebration of Family (with a capital F). You captured the pluses and the minuses of my large family. I felt like you were trying to make a statement about the value of family life. Am I right?

Yes, you’re right. I’m now a grandmother, and it’s as wonderful as everyone says. Nothing is more delicious than having everyone here for a summer week or Christmas. I love watching my son play with his nephew and niece. I love seeing my own sister holding my daughter’s children. Of course it’s not all sweetness and light! I also remember when I was growing up, how my uncle and aunt’s children seemed to be perfect while my brother and sister and I were always getting into trouble!

4. I think that all good writers are good readers. What good books are you reading this summer? Anything you can recommend?

Absolutely! My daughter, Samantha Wilde, has her first novel out now with Bantam/Dell. This Little Mommy Stayed Home is about a mother with a new baby and a clueless husband. I love it that she’s writing about families!
Plus, I love mysteries. I just finished Charles Finch’s A Beautiful Blue Death and Hakan Nessar’s Woman with Birthmark. I love the mysteries of Deborah Crombie, M.C. Beaton, Elizabeth George, Peter Robinson, Julia Spencer-Fleming. . .yes, I am a mystery addict.

5. Can you tell us what’s next for you and when we might expect to see whatever that might be?

I’m finishing a novel to come out with Ballantine next summer. It’s called Mermaid Summer, and it’s about three grown sisters whose widowed father has fallen in love. There we go, families again!

It’s okay with me. I love your family stories. I for one am glad to know we are going to meet a new family next summer. Thanks so much Nancy, for taking the time to let us know more about you and your new book.

For more about Nancy, her family and her books visit her at Nancy Thayer.com. I’m also going to get my order in for This Little Mommy Stayed Home by Nancy’s daughter, Samantha Wilde.

You can buy Summer House or  This Little Mommy Stayed Home at Amazon.