One of our members read a favorable review of Mary Kay Andrews latest novel, “The Weekenders.” So, we picked it for our August meeting.  A good time for a fun read.

The protagonist, Riley Nolan Griggs, is expecting her husband to meet her and their daughter on the ferry to their Belle Isle, North Carolina vacation home.  He never shows up.  Furious, Riley calls and texts him throughout the ferry ride.  No answer.  Then, to make matters worst, she bumps into Nate, the guy who so unceremoniously dumped her years ago.  

When they get to Belle Island, Riley’s husband isn’t there.  This was the weekend they were supposed to tell their 12-year-old daughter, Maggy, that they were getting a divorce.  Riley doesn’t want to tell their daughter by herself and face her wrath.  Maggy is such a daddy’s girl, Riley knows she will blame her for everything.

When Riley and Maggy arrive at their island home a notice of foreclosure has been posted on the door and the locks are changed. So, begins the downward spiral of misfortunes that befall Riley and her family. 

There’s a whodunit component to the novel and, of course, romance.  Most of us enjoyed the book.  If you’re looking for the depth of a Pat Conroy novel, this isn’t for you. But it’s a perfect book to take on vacation, or if you want something lighter to read.

It’s a little light on book club discussion, but we talked about finances and each spouse’s responsibility to know what’s in their joint bank accounts, plus a few other domestic issues.

Rating: 6.5