The Guest House

April 15, 2013
Three generations of women navigate love, loyalty and class issues in a Cape Cod resort town. In 1966, hometown girl Edie is an unwelcome member of a building crew working on a guesthouse for the Moss family, owners of the biggest summer cottage in Harrisport. When she catches the eye of Tucker Moss, her life takes a different turn, creating a romantic dilemma for Edie, who ultimately winds up with her colleague Hank Wright in a long-lasting, happy marriage. As a teen, Edie's daughter Lexi falls in love with Tucker's son, Hudson, who dumps her unceremoniously when his parents offer him an ultimatum and he's unwilling to stand up to them. Now, years later, Lexi's back, a professional photographer, and Hudson's brother Cooper, a successful writer, wants her to photograph the estate in support of an application for historical designation. As the two spend time together, it's clear there's something that might be worth exploring between them. Meanwhile, Edie is hired to coordinate renovations on the guesthouse. Hank and Tucker are both gone, so there's no reason not to take the job, and rekindling a friendship with Jim Masterson, Tucker's best friend, is an unexpected bonus. Unfortunately, Edie's son Owen is resistant to either his mother or his sister being on the property. He'd like nothing more than to be done with wealthy summer visitors, one of whom stole his wife and is making life with his teenage daughter more complicated. But the Moss estate guards mysteries and memories that will resurface, offering answers, surprises and new beginnings. Marks' third novel is a textured story about the interwoven relationships of two families on Cape Cod in three different time periods. With its smoothly written, languid style, the book explores young love, social strata and releasing the bonds of the past. A satisfying read that evokes the leisurely warmth of long summer days and true connection.

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