The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams Published by HarperCollins on July 10, 2018
Genres: Fiction, Family Life, General, Historical, Romance, 20th Century
Pages: 384
Format: Audiobook
Length: 11 hours and 47 minutes
Source: Publisher
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In the summer of 1951, Miranda Schuyler arrives on elite, secretive Winthrop Island as a schoolgirl from the margins of high society, still reeling from the loss of her father in the Second World War. When her beautiful mother marries Hugh Fisher, whose summer house on Winthrop overlooks the famous lighthouse, Miranda’s catapulted into a heady new world of pedigrees and cocktails, status and swimming pools. Isobel Fisher, Miranda’s new stepsister—all long legs and world-weary bravado, engaged to a wealthy Island scion—is eager to draw Miranda into the arcane customs of Winthrop society.
But beneath the island’s patrician surface, there are really two clans: the summer families with their steadfast ways and quiet obsessions, and the working class of Portuguese fishermen and domestic workers who earn their living on the water and in the laundries of the summer houses. Uneasy among Isobel’s privileged friends, Miranda finds herself drawn to Joseph Vargas, whose father keeps the lighthouse with his mysterious wife. In summer, Joseph helps his father in the lobster boats, but in the autumn he returns to Brown University, where he’s determined to make something of himself. Since childhood, Joseph’s enjoyed an intense, complex friendship with Isobel Fisher, and as the summer winds to its end, Miranda’s caught in a catastrophe that will shatter Winthrop’s hard-won tranquility and banish Miranda from the island for nearly two decades.
Now, in the landmark summer of 1969, Miranda returns at last, as a renowned Shakespearean actress hiding a terrible heartbreak. On its surface, the Island remains the same—determined to keep the outside world from its shores, fiercely loyal to those who belong. But the formerly powerful Fisher family is a shadow of itself, and Joseph Vargas has recently escaped the prison where he was incarcerated for the murder of Miranda’s stepfather eighteen years earlier. What’s more, Miranda herself is no longer a naïve teenager, and she begins a fierce, inexorable quest for justice for the man she once loved . . . even if it means uncovering every last one of the secrets that bind together the families of Winthrop Island.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I’m a big fan of dual timeline historical fiction stories, so The Summer Wives was one I was looking forward to, especially since I’ve really enjoyed other books by Beatriz Williams! However, this one was a miss for me. While both time periods were captivating and written vividly, where it lacked for me was the characters. The romance was instant and unbelievable and I was missing that emotional connection to any of the characters. That disconnect made the book seem a bit too much of a chore despite a good audio narration. However, having enjoyed other books by her, I’m definitely still a fan of hers in general, sadly this one just missed the mark for me.
Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas Published by HarperCollins on February 21, 2017
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical, Regency, General
Pages: 384
Format: Audiobook
Length: 10 hours and 5 minutes
Source: Library
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New York Times bestselling author LISA KLEYPAS delivers the unforgettable tale of a strong-willed beauty who encounters her match in one of London’s most notorious—yet irresistible—rakes . . .
An eccentric wallflower . . .
Most debutantes dream of finding a husband. Lady Pandora Ravenel has different plans. The ambitious young beauty would much rather stay at home and plot out her new board game business than take part in the London Season. But one night at a glittering society ball, she’s ensnared in a scandal with a wickedly handsome stranger.
A cynical rake . . .
After years of evading marital traps with ease, Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent, has finally been caught by a rebellious girl who couldn’t be less suitable. In fact, she wants nothing to do with him. But Gabriel finds the high-spirited Pandora irresistible. He’ll do whatever it takes to possess her, even if their marriage of convenience turns out to be the devil’s own bargain.
A perilous plot . . .
After succumbing to Gabriel’s skilled and sensuous persuasion, Pandora agrees to become his bride. But soon she discovers that her entrepreneurial endeavors have accidentally involved her in a dangerous conspiracy—and only her husband can keep her safe. As Gabriel protects her from their unknown adversaries, they realize their devil’s bargain may just turn out to be a match made in heaven . . .
Mary Jane Wells has become a favorite narrator and I’d love if she could just narrate all the historical romance, please! The Ravenels is a favorite series and I simply adored Devil In Spring! I have to say, this was one I’ve been just so excited for because I knew I would see two favorite characters from Lisa Kleypas’ other series: The Wallflowers. Fun fact: The Wallflowers series was my gateway drug to historical romance! 😀 I couldn’t wait to see the Evie and Sebastian cameos.
Pandora is such a fun, quirky, one-of-a-kind girl and I already loved her from the previous books and couldn’t have been more eager to see her find love and the misadventures that would follow. She made me laugh out loud numerous times during the book and seeing her and Gabriel meet and get to know each other was such a delight. I think they’re my favorite couple in the Ravenels series thus far! Prepare yourself for banter, swoon and smiles. If you haven’t read Lisa Kleypas, FIX THAT, because her romance is the best!
I need to read a Lisa Kleypas book! I know Nick raves about this particular series and Wildflower series a lot!
Ahh with good reason!! Seriously so good. I managed to binge the whole Wildflowers series in less than a week!