Review: Spring Fever

Summary:  The New York Times bestselling author of Summer Rental delivers her delicious new escapist novel about small towns, old flames, and deep secrets

Annajane Hudgens truly believes she is over her ex-husband, Mason Bayless.  They’ve been divorced for four years, she’s engaged to a new, terrific guy, and she’s ready to leave the small town where she and Mason had so much history.  She is so over Mason that she has absolutely no problem attending his wedding to the beautiful, intelligent, delightful Celia.  But when fate intervenes and the wedding is called to a halt as the bride is literally walking down the aisle, Annajane begins to realize that maybe she’s been given a second chance.  Maybe everything happens for a reason.  And maybe, just maybe, she wants Mason back.  But there are secrets afoot in this small southern town.  On the peaceful surface of Hideaway Lake, Annajane discovers that the past is never really gone.  Even if there are people determined to keep Annajane from getting what she wants, happiness might be hers for the taking, and the life she once had with Mason in this sleepy lake town might be in her future. -- St. Martin's Press

It wouldn't seem like summer to me without reading a book by Mary Kay Andrews. Her books are always so much fun and this year's release was no different. SPRING FEVER is just pure escapism and very entertaining. Unfortunately, I read it before our pool opened because this book is a perfect addition to your beach bag!

SPRING FEVER tells the story of Annajane a woman who is ready for a fresh start. She is finally over her ex-husband Mason (or so she thinks!), she has a great new fiance, she has a new job, and she is moving to Atlanta. Before she leaves town, she has a few things to do... namely attend Mason's wedding. When the wedding is unexpectedly called off, Annajane realizes that she's far from over Mason and she wonders if it's too late for a second chance at love.

As you can tell from the adorable cover (and the book's description), SPRING FEVER is a light story that's pretty darn entertaining. It's a cute story about lost love and second chances so there is a fair share of sweet romance. However, there are also some side stories about friendship, revenge, and shady business dealings. I'm not going to lie -- there are elements of SPRING FEVER that are predictable and the book does have a happy ending. But don't let those things deter you from reading this very fun novel. I mean, isn't that what you expect when you pick up a book like SPRING FEVER?

I am a big fan of Ms. Andrews and I just love her ability to tell stories. SPRING FEVER doesn't disappoint and it certainly features her talent. Her writing is so natural (especially the dialogue) and the plot does have a few surprising twists. And don't even get me started on just how funny this book was. The scene where Annajane and Mason get caught "making out" is hilarious!

However, it's the characters that really captured my heart. I loved Annajane, Mason, and Annajane's best friend Pokey (who just happens to be Mason's spunky sister.) Heck, I even loved hating Celia, Mason's new love interest and resident "bad girl." I appreciated the dynamics between these characters and their interactions were certainly good for a few laughs. I especially enjoyed how Annajane and Pokey conspired to get back at Celia for some of her more "questionable" actions.

But the likability of the characters even extended past the main ones for me. I also enjoyed some of the secondary characters too like Mason's secretary and the gay couple who renovated the town's hotel. While their roles in SPRING FEVER weren't major, they did contribute to the overall storyline and definitely entertained me as well. In fact, I would love for the hotel owners to make a future appearance in one of Ms. Andrews' future novels.

SPRING FEVER would make a fun pick for your summer book club meeting. I don't know about your club, but mine is always trying to find some lighter reads for the summer. I wasn't able to find a discussion guide for SPRING FEVER but I'm sure there will be one in the near future -- Ms. Andrews has guides posted for most of her novels. Even without formal questions, I'm sure your group could find things to discuss in this book. Some of the topics you might want to explore include second chances, love, marriage, adultery, secrets, loyalty, new beginnings, honesty, betrayal, friendship, and family dynamics.

If you really want to make it an extra-special meeting, you could prepare some fun Southern recipes similar to the ones mentioned in the novel. You might even want to make a few of your own "Quixie" recipes like the muffins or ribs. Make sure you check out Ms. Andrews' website because she has some great recipes posted there.

Overall, I liked SPRING FEVER a great deal and I think it's a perfect escape read! Fans of Ms. Andrews and chick/mom lit are sure to love it!

Thanks to Tandem Literary for sending a copy of this novel.

Update: Discussion Guide