Gincy, Danielle and Clare are determined not to spend their summer in the city of Boston.  Why? All are twenty-nine and have resolved to spend the last months of their “youth” having fun.  Fun means renting a summer home at Oak Bluffs, however, they all are a bit late showing up for a meeting, which matches up potential housemates. So, three total strangers make the best of a bad situation and become roommates for the summer.

Originating from a very small town in New Hampshire, Gincy was eager to leave her family behind to start a career in Boston.  As the senior editor with a Boston public television station, Gincy has spent most of her income on rent and student loans. Not one for accumulating or keeping friends, she is a bit apprehensive about her new roommates; she decides none of them have anything in common.  Nevertheless, she signed the lease and realizes she is stuck with them.

Danielle is, according to Gincy’s view, a bit of a “princess.” Raised by wealthy New York parents, Danielle was taught that she is attractive, smart and worthy of happiness, love and social success. However, her desire for independence has not quite fulfilled all of her life’s goals. She wants to spend this summer finding a husband, but will she find one worthy of her?

Clare is the most reserved member of the trio. She is currently engaged to Winchester Carrington III, a lawyer who is on the fast track to becoming a partner in his firm. However, after a relationship of ten years, Clare is finding herself more alone and undecided about her upcoming marriage. Her parents, who basically ignored her existence until her relationship with Win began, are ecstatic about the wedding. Clare is starting to realize she lost more than her own identity somewhere between college and her relationship with Win. Will she be able to find herself again?

Friendship, the search for love and the pursuit of identity are all characteristics that make this novel an obligatory read for fans of chick lit. Imperfect characters served to create an absorbing storyline; at one point the reader is not sure the trio will even survive the activities of daily living. This novel reminded me of my college years and it will strike a chord with those who have ever been required to endure similar roommate situations with the sometimes-unexpected result of friendship.  Looking for a perfect summer read? Ms. Chamberlin has written it!