What do you think?
Rate this book
By the Sea #1
Tess
In the tradition of Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey, BY THE SEA is a four-book series that sweeps from the Gilded Age through the Gatsby Era's Roaring Twenties and then on to the Great Depression, culminating nearly a century later in Newport, Rhode Island, wealthy and alluring "City by the Sea." Set against a backdrop of mansions, the glorious America's Cup Yacht Races, and new money, the series traces the passions and adventures of three families from three different classes.
Book One: TESS. From the wild decadence of late nineteenth-century Newport comes the tale of Tess Moran, a beautiful Irish housemaid in one of the grand summer "cottages," who makes a dark bargain with a man of commanding wealth -- and falls in love in the bargain. (AUTHOR'S NOTE: this book now includes a new last chapter to Tess's story. If you bought the initial version with 16 chapters, you can find the new Chapter 17 on my website at antoinettestockenberg.com )
Book One: TESS. From the wild decadence of late nineteenth-century Newport comes the tale of Tess Moran, a beautiful Irish housemaid in one of the grand summer "cottages," who makes a dark bargain with a man of commanding wealth -- and falls in love in the bargain. (AUTHOR'S NOTE: this book now includes a new last chapter to Tess's story. If you bought the initial version with 16 chapters, you can find the new Chapter 17 on my website at antoinettestockenberg.com )
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2013
269 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 19, 2014
The first book in a four-book series about the Newport circus of wealth, prejudice and social castes. It is the story of Tess, the Irish laundry maid, who had to take care of her father, sister and brother and ends up doing it in an unusual way - for her.
It can be a good read for someone interested in historical romance, for it turned out to be nothing else but a steamy romance gone scandalous, for which another three books promise to tell the entire story over a period of a hundred years.
The book has been altered to include an additional chapter (18) in the electronic version, which makes me wonder how abrupt the original ending was. It can perhaps work as a free-standing book if you are okay with a sudden ending with no clues to the sudden death of a tale.
Well-written and based loosely on similar stories such as Down Town Abbey, with this story being the American version. Apart from the sailing history, the tale of the yacht races, and the Newport lives of the arrogantly nouveau riche, the book did not have me shiver or shake with excitement. It felt like been there, done that, got the t-shirt, sort of.
If you have enjoyed Judith Krantz books, you will feel right at home with this one. Combine it with the Upstairs-Downstairs rhetoric of Downtown Abbey and you have something going for you.
I was disappointed in the turn of events in which the most beautiful laundry maid just dazzled her lover and all men sane and searching on the planet, and then chose the route of sex and scandal to solve her family situation. For a more serious book another solution would have turned the tale into something rare and special, but it did not happen.
If I knew that it was a steamy romance kind of book, I would not have read it. It should be reflected in the blurb. There's parts of it hanging lose, devoid of depth, but again, it depends on the reader how it is enjoyed.
A light read. I won't pursue the other books in the series though. This book was too predictable and probably passé. But an okay read if you do not appreciate more serious approaches in novels.
It can be a good read for someone interested in historical romance, for it turned out to be nothing else but a steamy romance gone scandalous, for which another three books promise to tell the entire story over a period of a hundred years.
The book has been altered to include an additional chapter (18) in the electronic version, which makes me wonder how abrupt the original ending was. It can perhaps work as a free-standing book if you are okay with a sudden ending with no clues to the sudden death of a tale.
Well-written and based loosely on similar stories such as Down Town Abbey, with this story being the American version. Apart from the sailing history, the tale of the yacht races, and the Newport lives of the arrogantly nouveau riche, the book did not have me shiver or shake with excitement. It felt like been there, done that, got the t-shirt, sort of.
If you have enjoyed Judith Krantz books, you will feel right at home with this one. Combine it with the Upstairs-Downstairs rhetoric of Downtown Abbey and you have something going for you.
I was disappointed in the turn of events in which the most beautiful laundry maid just dazzled her lover and all men sane and searching on the planet, and then chose the route of sex and scandal to solve her family situation. For a more serious book another solution would have turned the tale into something rare and special, but it did not happen.
If I knew that it was a steamy romance kind of book, I would not have read it. It should be reflected in the blurb. There's parts of it hanging lose, devoid of depth, but again, it depends on the reader how it is enjoyed.
A light read. I won't pursue the other books in the series though. This book was too predictable and probably passé. But an okay read if you do not appreciate more serious approaches in novels.
June 27, 2018
I love historical sagas and I was really excited about this one, but about halfway through the book it took a turn I wasn't expecting and basically derailed for me [from the Servants' Ball onwards, if you end up reading it]. It ended abruptly and without any real resolution, and the next book has nothing to do with this character. So while I enjoyed the first part, overall I found it disappointing.
January 5, 2015
This sort of felt like a Franken-Romance book, a bunch of odds and ends cut from other stories and pieces together.
Our heroine, our poor beautiful heroine, with the strictest of morals, who reads Anna Karenina, and keeps her family, consisting of a sick sister, a dreamer for a Father and a small brother. Is found languishing away in the laundry room, when she catches the eye of a man, a fine figure of man who may or may not be une homosexuel. He invites her to a party, an ill fated event where she runs into an older Jewish gentleman, a rich one, who is oh, so fatherly till she get's in his yacht, and things take a scandalous turn of events, when he propositions her, and she begins a slightly torrid love affair,embracing the life of a mistress.
Then the chap in the beginning finds them, and with a cry of "No, you are ruining her goddesslike beauty," or something about virtue (which is debatable at this point) a gun is produced, a struggle ensues, it fires, and our heroine is maimed. Sacre' Bleu! Oh the scandal, the depravity. Our rich debauched Jewish gentlemen, is besmirched, neigh, irretrievably! He takes his life with the self-same gun! No! But, yes! Only after altering his will to provide bountifully for the now heavily pregnant 19 year old.
Who promptly buys a cottage in a care facility to help her sister with her tuberculosis and raise her son.
Left to be continued. Or not, depending on the sort of reader you are.
Our heroine, our poor beautiful heroine, with the strictest of morals, who reads Anna Karenina, and keeps her family, consisting of a sick sister, a dreamer for a Father and a small brother. Is found languishing away in the laundry room, when she catches the eye of a man, a fine figure of man who may or may not be une homosexuel. He invites her to a party, an ill fated event where she runs into an older Jewish gentleman, a rich one, who is oh, so fatherly till she get's in his yacht, and things take a scandalous turn of events, when he propositions her, and she begins a slightly torrid love affair,embracing the life of a mistress.
Then the chap in the beginning finds them, and with a cry of "No, you are ruining her goddesslike beauty," or something about virtue (which is debatable at this point) a gun is produced, a struggle ensues, it fires, and our heroine is maimed. Sacre' Bleu! Oh the scandal, the depravity. Our rich debauched Jewish gentlemen, is besmirched, neigh, irretrievably! He takes his life with the self-same gun! No! But, yes! Only after altering his will to provide bountifully for the now heavily pregnant 19 year old.
Who promptly buys a cottage in a care facility to help her sister with her tuberculosis and raise her son.
Left to be continued. Or not, depending on the sort of reader you are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2018
I was disappointed in this book. I thought it was going to be a feel good romance which it turned out not to be in the slightest. It actually wasn't a bad book, but it just didn't do it for me. If it wasn't a romance, which it wasn't, it didn't feel like it had enough info to be a historical fiction or good enough writing to be literary fiction so it just doesn't quite work!
March 28, 2020
Tess is the kind of strong women that many admire. Able to face adversity with resilience and willing to make the best of every situation. All the while, not losing touch of the people who are most important in her life.
July 6, 2017
This was a free download and being historical fiction I thought I'd like it. I did enjoy it, but it's definitely more romance/chick lit than I typically read. If your tastes run a bit more highbrow, you can probably skip this one. But if you're looking for a quick, easy beach read, this should do the trick.
July 17, 2017
Strange
The writing of this book is all right but the ending was so very disappointing. The story moved along with great detail and suddenly was over, leaving out a long period of time. I would rather that Book Two would be a continuation of this, finishing the story of Tess. I left disappointed.
The writing of this book is all right but the ending was so very disappointing. The story moved along with great detail and suddenly was over, leaving out a long period of time. I would rather that Book Two would be a continuation of this, finishing the story of Tess. I left disappointed.
November 6, 2017
I enjoyed this book and will read more of Antoninette Stockenberg.
August 30, 2022
Steamy hot book set in RI. I don’t usally get into romance books but I read this one due to the setting and historical time. I loved how the story tied into places and houses I had seen and been in while in Newport.
March 2, 2024
I didn’t enough story to care about any of these characters which doesn’t make for a good book for me.
August 19, 2024
I enjoyed it, Turned out as expected.
nice to see Tess come out ok after the shooting. So happy Maggie got better. May get .ext book. Would like too see Tess grow up.
nice to see Tess come out ok after the shooting. So happy Maggie got better. May get .ext book. Would like too see Tess grow up.
February 4, 2016
Free from amazon.
"n the tradition of Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey, BY THE SEA is a four-book series that sweeps from the Gilded Age through the Gatsby Era's Roaring Twenties and then on to the Great Depression, culminating nearly a century later in Newport, Rhode Island, wealthy and alluring "City by the Sea." Set against a backdrop of mansions, the glorious America's Cup Yacht Races, and new money, the series traces the passions and adventures of three families from three different classes. "
In this first book we get to meet Tess and her family and how they are adjusting to life in America since they have recently emigrated from England.
Tess, her brothers and sisters and her father are the "help" but more like indentured servants for lack of a better term. They work hard to just keep a roof over their head, doing menial and often patronizing work for the rich upper crust.
I enjoyed the historical fiction part of the book that described that lifestyle and the goings on of the servants.
What I didn't understand is when the story took a left turn at the "servants ball" chapter and then turned into a heaty romance story. If I had known this book was supposed to be romance, I would never have began it to begin with.
What surprised me more than anything was how Tess originally was innocent yet mature while working in the household, and a bit naive with one of the guests but still stuck to her virtues.
After the servant's ball, Tess's character does an about face and becomes something I never expected and pretty much abandons her family.
After the servant's ball, it seemed the book just skipped around and left big chunks of time out.
I was beginning to wonder if the electronic version leaves pages out that might be in the book.
"n the tradition of Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey, BY THE SEA is a four-book series that sweeps from the Gilded Age through the Gatsby Era's Roaring Twenties and then on to the Great Depression, culminating nearly a century later in Newport, Rhode Island, wealthy and alluring "City by the Sea." Set against a backdrop of mansions, the glorious America's Cup Yacht Races, and new money, the series traces the passions and adventures of three families from three different classes. "
In this first book we get to meet Tess and her family and how they are adjusting to life in America since they have recently emigrated from England.
Tess, her brothers and sisters and her father are the "help" but more like indentured servants for lack of a better term. They work hard to just keep a roof over their head, doing menial and often patronizing work for the rich upper crust.
I enjoyed the historical fiction part of the book that described that lifestyle and the goings on of the servants.
What I didn't understand is when the story took a left turn at the "servants ball" chapter and then turned into a heaty romance story. If I had known this book was supposed to be romance, I would never have began it to begin with.
What surprised me more than anything was how Tess originally was innocent yet mature while working in the household, and a bit naive with one of the guests but still stuck to her virtues.
After the servant's ball, Tess's character does an about face and becomes something I never expected and pretty much abandons her family.
After the servant's ball, it seemed the book just skipped around and left big chunks of time out.
I was beginning to wonder if the electronic version leaves pages out that might be in the book.
January 13, 2015
Synopsis: "In the tradition of Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey, BY THE SEA is a four-book series that sweeps from the Gilded Age through the Gatsby Era's Roaring Twenties and then on to the Great Depression, culminating nearly a century later in Newport, Rhode Island, wealthy and alluring "City by the Sea." Set against a backdrop of mansions, the glorious America's Cup Yacht Races, and new money, the series traces the passions and adventures of three families from three different classes.
Book One: TESS. From the wild decadence of late nineteenth-century Newport comes the tale of Tess Moran, a beautiful Irish housemaid in one of the grand summer "cottages," who makes a dark bargain with a man of commanding wealth -- and falls in love in the bargain."
My Review: I really enjoyed the local setting and the details that I have seen for myself, it really helped with the imagery. I enjoyed Tess as a character but she really didn't fit in the era, I guess that was the point of the story, pushing out of the societal boundaries. I feel like things got a little rushed towards the end of the Cup races, I would have like to have read more about Aaron and his actions, he seemed like a very interesting character with some dynamic emotions and life. I did feel like there were a few toss away characters, which I am not a fan of, I prefer if there is a character introduced that they actually hold some standing in the story. I must say though that I am intrigued and may have to read more in this series.
Book One: TESS. From the wild decadence of late nineteenth-century Newport comes the tale of Tess Moran, a beautiful Irish housemaid in one of the grand summer "cottages," who makes a dark bargain with a man of commanding wealth -- and falls in love in the bargain."
My Review: I really enjoyed the local setting and the details that I have seen for myself, it really helped with the imagery. I enjoyed Tess as a character but she really didn't fit in the era, I guess that was the point of the story, pushing out of the societal boundaries. I feel like things got a little rushed towards the end of the Cup races, I would have like to have read more about Aaron and his actions, he seemed like a very interesting character with some dynamic emotions and life. I did feel like there were a few toss away characters, which I am not a fan of, I prefer if there is a character introduced that they actually hold some standing in the story. I must say though that I am intrigued and may have to read more in this series.
January 7, 2016
Book One of a four part series was terrific and I'm hooked so I have to read Books Two-Four. Book One is only 179 pages, but tells a detailed story. Tess is a recent immigrant with her family to Newport, Rhode Island - the summer home of the Vanderbilts and the Astors. The book is set in the 1890s and Tess is a laundry maid with a sick older sister, Maggie, a not-so-responsible father and a carefree brother. She is the bread-winner and caretaker of her sister, whom she has to do extra work to cover for. She is mistreated, poor and young and at the beck and call of her idle rich homeowner/boss Cornelia and her father. The rich ladies of Newport attend parties and are on the hunt to land a titled man to bring prestige to their new money. On a fateful night, lured by a handsome man, Tess' life takes a turn that changes everything.
This book is fast paced and well-written with a little sex thrown in. I have been inspired to read more about the historical mansions and people introduced in the book and I would love to travel to Newport, which seems beautiful. Many have criticized the character Tess' choices, but I think she did right by her sister and wayward brother and father. I am eager to see how her descendants fare in Books Two-Four.
This book is fast paced and well-written with a little sex thrown in. I have been inspired to read more about the historical mansions and people introduced in the book and I would love to travel to Newport, which seems beautiful. Many have criticized the character Tess' choices, but I think she did right by her sister and wayward brother and father. I am eager to see how her descendants fare in Books Two-Four.
August 17, 2015
Not exactly what I was expecting. The story was interesting and I appreciate Tess as a character. It bothered me a bit that a key point in the story was a man essentially buying a young woman's 'innocence'. I am also still trying to figure out why 'romance' is synonymous with 'physicality' or 'sexuality'. Some of the greatest romantic novels in history have not relied on physical intensity or sexual interactions. And those that did feature them typically merely eluded to them rather than describing them in detail. I could have done with the details of Tess's sexual tryst, however, the story was well written and otherwise intriguing and I would not be completely opposed to continuing the series.
January 6, 2014
This is a period piece set in Newport at the height of turn of the 20th century financial arrogance. Following the experiences of an eighteen year old Irish girl who has arrived with her family in search of the unlimited future that America was reputed to offer to anyone with the courage to show up, the reader gets a picture of separation, frustration and competition. And does the young lady find love, marriage, wealth, success or bitter disappointment? I won't tell you. But I will strongly recommend that you read this well written story and find out for yourself. It is far beyond the few hours of reading time required.
February 9, 2014
By The Sea is the story of Tess, a young Irish immigrant girl who is transported to the wealthy and opulent life of Newport in the 1890s in the lowest possible station, that of a laundry maid. Antoinette Stockenberg seems to have a thing for seaside towns. A Charmed Place was all about three friends spending summer in a small seaside village. By the Sea has a historical theme built around the prominent society of the time, the New York Four Hundred -the Astors and the Vanderbilts.
This is the first book in what appears to be a long series. Read about Tess here and get ready for the next ones.
This is the first book in what appears to be a long series. Read about Tess here and get ready for the next ones.
November 26, 2013
Another book that has a great story, but ends abruptly leaving the reader thinking it's just the end of a chapter.
Tess and her family are Irish immigrants and all but the mother work as servants at the same estate in Newport, RI. Tess's sister is a laundry maid and is sickly from working in the damp area, the mother died as they were crossing the Atlantic and the father and brother both work there too. There's several job changes at the whim of the aristocrats who think they own them. Tess hungers for wealth and freedom from the uncaring family she works for and in the end she gains both.
Tess and her family are Irish immigrants and all but the mother work as servants at the same estate in Newport, RI. Tess's sister is a laundry maid and is sickly from working in the damp area, the mother died as they were crossing the Atlantic and the father and brother both work there too. There's several job changes at the whim of the aristocrats who think they own them. Tess hungers for wealth and freedom from the uncaring family she works for and in the end she gains both.
December 18, 2013
Surprisingly, I enjoyed much of this book. Skimming reviews and knowing that most of my Amazon freebies have been beyond crap lately, I didn't have high expectations. As such, I was pleasantly surprised. The first 40% of this novel was fairly well-written and it was the plot was interesting. Even character development was fluid and fit with the story. Around the time of the "servant's ball", it falter, but managed to pick right back up. I was sad when it ended and wish that the others in this series were continuations of the same characters' stories. Not a bad quick read!
December 30, 2013
Interesting and well written for the first half of the book, while the story just drops off at the end. I'm guessing this is because it's a freebie on Amazon and they want you to buy the next book. It's not even really a cliffhanger, just more of a "what?"
Like some of the other period books being written lately, this book also plays with ideas of class and sex as a transaction to move one beyond class lines.
Like some of the other period books being written lately, this book also plays with ideas of class and sex as a transaction to move one beyond class lines.
February 9, 2015
Note to author: when you write a four-book series it's best to make each book one that will stand alone. This one felt unfinished, and seemed to end on a cliffhanger. The last chapter (chapter 17) did not really fill out the story enough.
Until the last couple of chapters, I was really enjoying this look into a different world. If this had been marketed as Part I of a long family saga I might feel differently, but it was marketed as Book One, and really did not come across as a whole book.
Until the last couple of chapters, I was really enjoying this look into a different world. If this had been marketed as Part I of a long family saga I might feel differently, but it was marketed as Book One, and really did not come across as a whole book.
April 23, 2015
Not as expected, so great!
This was a book that had an unexpected twist, and to me that's what makes a book good, when it's not predictable or dull. I love this author too, never seems stuck in a rut, never writing about the same thing. The writing is well thought out and researched, and flows well. This author's books would be great for book clubs because they leave the reader with deep moral questions.
This was a book that had an unexpected twist, and to me that's what makes a book good, when it's not predictable or dull. I love this author too, never seems stuck in a rut, never writing about the same thing. The writing is well thought out and researched, and flows well. This author's books would be great for book clubs because they leave the reader with deep moral questions.
April 14, 2016
Entertaining Read!
This was a fast read that held my attention from start to finish. The story of Tess Moran and her family has many ups and downs along the way - from laundry maid and beyond. It's not the most intricate storyline, but it provides a pleasant pastime as you move through the book. The conclusion does not really seem like the end of the story and, indeed, it is not. This first book in the series leaves you anxious to continue on to book two.
This was a fast read that held my attention from start to finish. The story of Tess Moran and her family has many ups and downs along the way - from laundry maid and beyond. It's not the most intricate storyline, but it provides a pleasant pastime as you move through the book. The conclusion does not really seem like the end of the story and, indeed, it is not. This first book in the series leaves you anxious to continue on to book two.
November 29, 2013
I wanted to give it 4 or 5 stars but it just ended. It gives the impression that the story continues in the next book but from reviews I've read this is not the case. Great start to a book but the author should continue it to a better conclusion then just stopping when the reader is expecting more.
December 29, 2013
It was free and it was a light, quick read. Like others have said, 1/2 to 3/4ths of the book was really enjoyable and felt like an old book such as Rebecca or Tess of the d'Ubervilles, but then it all just wrapped up quickly with all the drama told "x y z happened, oh so sad" and not shown which is too bad.
July 11, 2014
loved the story - or what there was of it, love the author...but this book was too short! I found myself wanting more. Like another reviewer, Tess reminds me of Emma Harte (A Woman of Substance) but unlike that series, this story seems to end with this book. I am almost halfway into the next book in the series and there has only been a casual mention of Tess. I was hoping for more.
January 20, 2015
This book kept my interest to the end. I, like others, thought it ended abruptly. I wanted more from Aaron and Tess. Unlike others, I liked the turn mid book after the ill fated ball. In time I will revisit this series and hope to learn more about Tess and her family. Well written, but not quite as historical as I had hoped.
August 1, 2016
An interesting look at early Newport 'society' and how too much money too easily gained can thoroughly corrupt. How sad that money gives such power, and that so few use it for noble pursuits rather than decadent & frivolous ones. The class inequities were heartbreaking, but the heroine's means of escape and her subsequent desire for revenge keeps me from wanting to continue the series.
September 8, 2013
This was a fun book. It was cool to read about historic Newport and other local areas. It was definitely chick-lit, but I knew that going in. The local connections and history made it worthwhile. There are 2 more oops in this series, and I ill probably read those also.
December 29, 2013
I liked this book. It had some unexpectedly dark moments but overall I enjoyed it. It was a pretty quick read; I started yesterday and finished today. I'll definitely pick up book two. I'm curious to see how the Moran story continues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews