The timing is perfect!

Memorial Day is in the rearview mirror and the Beach Season is officially open. As you start compiling the list of must-read books for leisurely coastline enjoyment, put “The Summer Cottage” at the top. The third novel by Mystic writer Susan Kietzman, “The Summer Cottage” is a poignant family drama set on the Long Island shore.

Helen Street, the youngest of four siblings, is the sole caregiver for her terminally ill mother. Though Helen’s brothers and sisters have scattered over the years, she must gather them one last time at the cottage for a 4th of July weekend during which decades-old bonds can be rekindled — or relationships permanently shattered.

Kietzman, whose nuanced and engrossing depictions of the family dynamic is gaining her the sort of reputation enjoyed by Luanne Rice, Barbara Delinski and Elin Hildebrand, celebrates the release of “The Summer Cottage” with two events this week.

Today, Kietzman will sign copies at Bank Square Books in Mystic — refreshments will be served — and on Saturday she’ll be part of the Local Authors’ Festival at Groton Library.

— Rick Koster

Susan Kietzman, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Bank Square Books, 53 W. Main St., Mystic; free; (860) 536-3795.

Local Authors’ Festival, 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Groton Public Library, 52 Newtown Road, Groton; free; (860) 441-6750.