August Book Buzz
By: Jill Gunderson
Title: A Hundred Summers
By: Beatriz Williams
Hi Neighbors!
As we head into the final homestretch of summer, I wanted to introduce you to a book that I read years ago and still sticks with me today! Beatriz Williams is one of my all-time favorite authors and this month’s pick, "A Hundred Summers," was the very first book I had ever read of hers (and not my last!). It’s the book that hooked me to historical fiction and then I, of course, went on to read every other one of her books. They are also often part of a series that surrounds a family of sisters that will totally hook you into their family drama, secrets, and love life, but I digress…let’s get into it!
This story goes back and forth between two timelines, (which I love) slowly building to the truth of the situation that we are introduced to at the beginning. It’s 1931, and Seaview, Rhode Island was the place all the New York socialites summered, and also where Lily and Nick fell in love. They were the ‘it’ couple and their love was one for the ages! We then jump to 1938 where Lily’s (former) best friend, Budgie, is now married to Nick. You read the right! Married! So, what happened? She seemingly stole Nick from right under Lily’s nose (a definite end to a friendship I must say), but honestly, what’s the truth about the situation?
Years later, Lily reluctantly goes back with her sister, Kiki, and as they are all reunited at the oceanfront hotel, they are forced to confront what happened all those years ago, but not before Budgie sucks Lily right back into the socialite scene as though nothing had ever happened between them.
The mystery continues as we read on, because what ever happened to the end of Lily and Nick? And what about Lily and Budgie’s best-friendship that seemed to go up in smoke then, but not now? And why was Lily forced to go back and help take care of her sister? An actual hurricane propels the emotional hurricane between Lily and Nick that we all saw coming (and needed to happen) and it’s dramatically climactic in the best possible way!
Did I hook you yet? That was a total nutshell version of the story and I fear sharing more because the plot is seriously too deliciously good and I refuse to give anything away!
This book is a summer comfort read that’s like an old black and white movie that you’ll want to go back to time and time again. It’s sappy, dramatic, and gives all the feels of a nostalgic love that was lost, and may need to be found again. That on top of the 1930’s East Coast summer vibes that I wish I could time travel to and experience it all PLUS the New York socialite’s scene? I couldn’t get enough!
So, friends, grab your glass of wine or bubbly over ice, sit by a pool, or on your beach chair with your toes in the sand, reapply that sunscreen and dive in! I know this one that you’re going to
devour!
Happy Reading, neighbors!
Jill xoxo
@ThatShelfLove @JillGundersonAuthor