SUMMER RENTAL (Mary Kay Andrews)

Three lifelong friends, Ellis, Dorie, and Julia, rent a house on the outer banks of North Carolina for the month of August from the mysterious Mr. Culpepper, and a landlord who communicates solely through email.  In truth, "Mr. Culpepper" is Ty Bazemore, who is desperately trying to hang on to his family home (foreclosure is scheduled for September) and deal with the breakup of his marriage.  He also lives over the garage on the property.  Ellis, Dorie, and Julia have problems of their own (in addition to the dilapitated state of their rental home).  Ellis has been fired from her job, Dorie has been betrayed by her husband, and Julia is a successful model dealing with aging and avoiding commitment to her longtime love.  Add to the mix Maryn, a mysterious stranger on the run from her abusive, well-connected husband, who rents a room from the trio.  All five people are at a crossroads, looking at changes, good and bad, in their lives.  Sometimes a month by the sea is the best prescription!