The Meryl Streep Movie Club

By Mia March

Escape to the breathtaking coast of Maine and let the unmissable novel from Mia March brighten up your summer. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Veronica Henry and The Jane Austen Book Club.

On the coast of Maine sits The Three Captains Inn, a haven for tourists and locals alike. When Lolly, the owner, summons her nieces home, they assume she’s planning to sell the inn, the place they called home after they lost their parents in a car accident that also claimed the life of Lolly’s husband. Little do they know, the truth is far more unimaginable . . .

Along with Kat, Lolly’s daughter, the women reunite for their first summer together in many years and home truths and long buried secrets begin to emerge. Then movie-lover Lolly invites her family to one of her legendary movie nights – this month’s theme: Meryl Streep – and what was intended to be a few hours’ distraction ends up making them question everything they thought they knew about life, love and one another.

As each woman sees her complicated life reflected through the magic of cinema, will they be able to find their own happily-ever-afters before it’s too late?

‘A treat for movie lovers and fans of meaningful women’s fiction’
Romantic Times
 
'A heartwarming, spirit-lifting read just in time for beach season'
Kirkus Reviews

'A touching story of self-discovery and the strength of family'
Booklist

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
• Release date: Jul 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781471102974

Mia March

Mia March is the author of two novels and lives on the coast of Maine, the setting of her novels, with her teenaged son, sweet shepherd mix (Flash), and her very comical lap cat, Cleo.

Reviews for The Meryl Streep Movie Club

[didihendley · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the plot. I could relate with one character in particular, and appreciated that Ms. March devoted chapters to the varied POVs specifically, so that it was easier to identify which character's story I was following: although sometimes a specific character's dialogue was not identified, which took me out of the story a few times. It was also unfortunate that the men seemed to be "on the shelf" and waited politely for their cues. I enjoyed how she related each main character's story to events occurring within the Meryl Streep movies, although I predicted Ms. Streep might make an appearance on holiday. (You'll have to read to know if I was right!) With so many editors in the acknowledgements, I don't understand how the story was left void so often--as when June was toiling with writing a letter in one scene, and then it wasn't mentioned again until weeks later, and the letter had been magically sent. There were a few instances of this, and I found it a bit irritating. All-in-all, I enjoyed the story and would recommend it, but consider it a light read and suggest readers be willing to forgive minor flaws.

[shelleyraec · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Author Mia March is a self confessed, life long fan of Meryl Streep and her debut novel is in part a tribute to the accomplished actress but even if you are not a fan of her movies you are sure to enjoy this warm hearted story.Sisters Isabel and June return to the Maine bed and breakfast they grew up in after the death of the parents, at the request of their Aunt Lolly who has something important to share with them. For Isabel, who has just discovered her husband’s affair, and single mother June, who is unexpectedly unemployed and homeless, the timing proves provident, though both are reluctant to spend too much time in the company of their aunt and her daughter, Kat, or each other. However Lolly’s shocking announcement, and nights spent watching Meryl Streep movies together, prove to be the catalyst that allows the four women to set aside their differences and share their lives.This is character driven contemporary women’s fiction, with each protagonist, Kat, Isabel and June facing challenges in their personal lives. Kat has agreed to marry her childhood sweetheart but isn’t sure she is doing the right thing, Isabel has discovered her husband is having an affair and June’s son desperately wants to meet the father he never knew. Lolly, who raised all three girls on her own after the death of her husband, sister and brother-in-law in a tragic car accident is coming to terms with her life’s regrets as death approaches. Each woman must work through the pain and uncertainty of the decisions they have made in the past and the options they have for the future. March develops credible characters with believable issues that readers can relate to while exploring the themes of love, heartbreak, grief and regrets.The author’s use of Meryl Streep movies to prompt discussion among her protagonists is a clever idea. Meryl Streep certainly has a comprehensive and impressive filmography, and March chooses those films which complement the themes of this novel. Together the foursome, along with Lolly’s long time housekeeper and random B&B guests, watch The Bridges of Madison County, It’s Complicated, Mamma Mia. Out of Africa and a host of other movies featuring the actress that sparks new insight into the problems they are facing and the decisions they must make. It also encourages them to open up to each other and grow closer with the exchange of secrets, fears and dreams.I really enjoyed The Meryl Streep Movie Club, it is an easy, engaging story with enough substance to ensure it is also a satisfying read. I see a Meryl Streep movie marathon in my near future.

[ethel55_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was immediately hooked by the premise of this book--that movie nights for the current month at Lolly Weller's bed and breakfast are incorporating Meryl Streep movies. I found I had forgotten some titles she has starred in and definitely remembered some old favorites. As Lolly's daughter Kat and her cousins Isabel and June (sisters raised by Lolly at the inn) come home to Boothbay Harbor at Lolly's request, it seems a lot of baggage arrives with them. Although the symbolism was a bit heavy at times, I enjoyed each young woman's discoveries about their lives via Meryl Streep and each other.

[mchwest · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I grabbed this book on the way to the airport thinking of the book I enjoyed, THE JANE AUSTIN BOOK CLUB… not the same author but well done and a great vacation read! So happy I got it and will look for more by Mia March, also have a few Meryl Streep movies to catch up on.

[kerilynned · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really loved the way this book was written. Mia March did an amazing job creating and developing her characters into people that you relate and become attached to. Each of the characters bring something different to the story which also brings a few surprises that you might not have been expecting. I am really interested in reading more from Mia March. If you like well written meaningful novels that touch your heart you will enjoy this book!

[dpappas_25 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a cute book about love, life, family, and Meryl Streep. This is a story about how Meryl Streep movies bring a family of women closer. I loved reading about the different characters and I liked how different their lives were. I wasn't a big fan of reading their discussions of Meryl Streep's movies but I did enjoy how the movies really connected with their lives. I would definitely recommend this book to book clubs. If you are looking for a good pick for your book club that most women can relate to, this book is it.

[darcyo_12 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fans of "The Friday Night Knitting Club" will enjoy "The Meryl Streep Movie Club" by Mia March.When Lolly Weller's husband, sister and brother-in-law are killed in a New Year's Eve car accident, Lolly, a Maine innkeeper, becomes responsible not only for her daughter Kat, but also for her nieces, Isabel and June Nash. Years later, Isabel is married her childhood sweetheart, Edward, with whom she fell in love when he was counseling her about her parents' deaths. June is a single mother and bookstore manager. Kat still lives with her mother at the inn, but longs to travel and loves to create delicious desserts.The family reunites when Lolly calls the girls to join her at the inn for an announcement. Just prior to the reunion, Isabel learns Edward is having an affair and June is shocked that the bookstore she manages will be closing. Isabel, June and Kat are all shaken by Lolly's announcement that she has stage four cancer. Both Isabel and June decide to stay for a while to help their aunt and Kat run the inn. Movie night has been a tradition at the inn and continues, but with a twist, all the movies star Meryl Streep, Lolly's favorite actress.The Meryl Streep movies help the women to reflect on their lives and look to the future. The movies include "The Bridges of Madison County," "The Devil Wears Prada," "Mamma Mia!" "Heartburn," "Defending Your Life," "Kramer vs. Kramer," "Postcards from the Edge," "It's Complicated," "Out of Africa," and "Julie & Julia."Author March dishes up a satisfying read in her debut novel. Just be sure your tissues are handy.