After her fiancé whisks her off to the glistening shores of Southampton in June of 1957, one young socialite begins to realize that her glamorous summer is giving her everything—except what she really wants—in this new novel from the author of Summer Darlings, “one terrific summer read” (Elin Hilderbrand, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
Everleigh “Lee” Farrows thinks she finally has life all figured out: a handsome fiancé named Roland, a trust in her name, and a house in Bronxville waiting for her to fill it with three adorable children. That is, until Roland brings her out to the Hamptons for a summer that will change everything.
Most women could only dream of the engagement present Roland unexpectedly bestows on Lee—a beachside hotel on the prized Gin Lane—but Lee’s delight is clouded by unpleasant memories of another hotel, the Plaza, where she grew up in the shadow of her mother’s mental illness. Shaking off flashbacks, Lee resolves to dive into an unforgettable summer with poolside Bellinis, daily tennis matches, luncheons with her Manhattan circle, and her beloved camera in tow. But when tragedy strikes on the hotel’s opening weekend, the cracks in Lee’s picture-perfect future slowly begin to reveal themselves, and Lee must look deep within herself to determine if the life she’s always wanted will ever truly be enough.
From the regal inns to the farmland, the well-heeled New Yorkers to the Bohemian artists, the East End of Long Island is a hodge-podge of the changing American landscape in the late 1950s—and the perfect place for Lee to discover who she really is.
On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a fantastic book! Grab a peach bellini and prepare to be transported into the 50s American landscape. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to dive into a story that follows a young couple with themes of old money, charm, a picturesque setting of striped beach umbrellas, manicured lawns, lunch plans, breezing along in a 50s roadster with the top down, ocean mist, beach front property, and the sun warm at your back.
Thank you to Book Club Favorites at Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review.
Expected publication: June 7, 2022.
The Story
I dove into it exclusively thinking it was strictly a love story. I was pleasantly surprised as it turned into shrouds of secret sharing and mystery.
Examines a socialite lifestyle, complex relationships, and complex emotions in light of trust, bonding, obligation, old money, charm, friendship, love, and artful expression. Lots to talk about among dear readers and book club.
The Writing
I loved the prose foretelling and emphasizing with simple gestures before certain scenes.
The pacing was relaxed and casual, paired well with the established social outlook and setting.
The Setting
I loved the setting and era so much. Complete with Southampton culture, from the gorgeous beaches to the village shops.
Characters
The characters were built up individually and collectively amongst the shared relationships. I liked the pondering of situations they found themselves in, reaction, adaptation, and progression. Really liked the relevant pop culture meet and greets at the social events and characterization, whether celebrity or fictional ones depicted in the book. Made it fun to explore. I wasn’t overly attached to any one character but overall each for a nice, complete story.
I will definitely look forward to more.
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