The Lost Summers of Newport by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White

 

What type of books do you like to read on vacation?

The Lost Summers of Newport was the perfect vacation read for me.  It had an engaging plot with great characters that kept me enthralled.  Even my 11-year-old daughter kept asking me for updates on what was happening in my book. 

This novel is set at a mansion in Newport in three time periods:  1899, 1957, and 2019.  A mystery runs through all of the timelines.  Each timeline was a strong story and there were great cross connections.  I loved it!

In 2019, Andrea “Andie” Figuero is working on the reality show, Mansion Makeovers.  The show has traveled to Newport, Rhode Island, to focus on the lavish mansions that were built in the area during the gilded age.  The filming of the show does not go as planned with her boss constantly missing and not all of the family on board with the show.  When Andie starts digging into the house’s history, she discovers that there are many secrets that may be unearthed.

In 1957, Lucky Sprague grew up in Italy, but returned with her grandmother to Sprague Hall during World War II.  She married her handsome cousin Stu, but he has a wandering eye.  Will Lucky be able to find happiness?

In 1899, Ellen has escaped her past to teach music to young heiress, Maybelle Sprague at Sprague Hall.  Her brother wants Maybelle to catch a prince with her song.  As Ellen tries to keep the household together, she helps Maybelle to prepare for her big debut.  Will Maybelle marry her prince?  Will anyone find out about Ellen’s past?

I loved all three stories equally and really enjoyed the mysteries.  I love old homes and live in a National Historic Registry Home myself.  It was the home of a Wisconsin lumber baron and is pretty cool, but reading the size of the Newport Homes, my home pales in comparison.  I enjoyed the Mansion Makeovers show too, although I was on the side of Andie having a historical makeover of the home and not just a glitzy update.

This book is also perfect for fans of the great TV show, The Gilded Age, or of any of Edith Wharton’s novels.

Favorite Quote:

“That was the trouble with this family, wasn’t it?  Like Sprague Hall itself, you never knew what kind of rot lay behind the façade.”

Review Copy from William Morrow Books.  Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.