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Newport
Following in the steps of Beatriz Williams and Amor Towles, this richly atmospheric, spellbinding novel transports readers to the dazzling, glamorous world of Newport during the Roaring Twenties and to a mansion filled with secrets as a debonair lawyer must separate truth from deception.
Spring 1921. The Great War is over, Prohibition is in full swing, the Depression still years away, and Newport, Rhode Island's glittering "summer cottages" are inhabited by the gloriously rich families who built them.
Attorney Adrian De la Noye is no stranger to Newport, having sheltered there during his misspent youth. Though he'd prefer to forget the place, he returns to revise the will of a well-heeled client. Bennett Chapman's offspring have the usual concerns about their father's much-younger fiancee. But when they learn of the old widower's firm belief that his first late wife, who "communicates" via seance, has chosen the beautiful Catherine Walsh for him, they're shocked. And for Adrian, encountering Catherine in the last place he saw her decades ago proves to be a far greater surprise.
Still, De la Noye is here to handle a will, and he fully intends to do so--just as soon as he unearths every last secret, otherworldly or not, about the Chapmans, Catherine Walsh . . . and his own very fraught history.
A skillful alchemy of social satire, dark humor, and finely drawn characters, Newport vividly brings to life the glitzy era of the 1920s.
Spring 1921. The Great War is over, Prohibition is in full swing, the Depression still years away, and Newport, Rhode Island's glittering "summer cottages" are inhabited by the gloriously rich families who built them.
Attorney Adrian De la Noye is no stranger to Newport, having sheltered there during his misspent youth. Though he'd prefer to forget the place, he returns to revise the will of a well-heeled client. Bennett Chapman's offspring have the usual concerns about their father's much-younger fiancee. But when they learn of the old widower's firm belief that his first late wife, who "communicates" via seance, has chosen the beautiful Catherine Walsh for him, they're shocked. And for Adrian, encountering Catherine in the last place he saw her decades ago proves to be a far greater surprise.
Still, De la Noye is here to handle a will, and he fully intends to do so--just as soon as he unearths every last secret, otherworldly or not, about the Chapmans, Catherine Walsh . . . and his own very fraught history.
A skillful alchemy of social satire, dark humor, and finely drawn characters, Newport vividly brings to life the glitzy era of the 1920s.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2015
215 people are currently reading
3597 people want to read
About the author
Jill Morrow
3 books29 followersJILL MORROW has enjoyed a broad spectrum of careers, including practicing law and singing with local bands. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Towson University and a JD from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Jill currently lives outside Baltimore, Maryland, but she has a special place in her heart for Maine, Boston, and Chicago, not always in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
March 23, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! Warning though: read at your own risk (of not getting anything else accomplished). I got nothing done over the weekend as every available minute was spent reading Newport. The characters were so vivid and richly drawn that I felt as if I had been watching a movie.The plot twists kept coming, one after another and dialogue was intelligent and witty. I'd love to know what happens to all of the characters in the following decades (hint, hint). An added bonus was reading the essays in the back of the book.
July 17, 2015
Newport combines several fiction elements that I love: historical detail, a 1920's setting, a compelling mystery, and a love story (or two). This is one of the new releases that I have looked forward to most, and it far exceeded my expectations.
First, there is the setting. Liriodendron, the "summer cottage" in Newport, was spectacular and atmospheric. In my mind's eye, I pictured Rosecliff in Newport, which served as Jay Gatsby's mansion in the 1974 film The Great Gatsby.
Then there are the period details. The 1920's is one of my favorite period settings, and the details were fascinating, right down to the clothes the characters wore.
Then of course, there are the characters. The protagonist is the strong, handsome, and mysterious Adrian de la Noye. When he visits Liriodendron in Newport to help an older client with his plans for a wedding and revised will, he meets the man's younger fiance. Catharine Walsh is a face out of his past.
This is a book with many plot turns and twists. There is an involved story about spiritualism, which was popular in the 1920's. The depictions of the seances were eerie. I stayed up late two nights in a row because I could not put this book down!
There are so many twists in this book that to say more about the plot would be to share spoilers, and I will not do that. I will just say this: if you love well written, atmospheric historical fiction, the 1920's, ghost stories, romantic stories, or just a wonderful read, then Newport is a book you will love. I know I did.
First, there is the setting. Liriodendron, the "summer cottage" in Newport, was spectacular and atmospheric. In my mind's eye, I pictured Rosecliff in Newport, which served as Jay Gatsby's mansion in the 1974 film The Great Gatsby.
Then there are the period details. The 1920's is one of my favorite period settings, and the details were fascinating, right down to the clothes the characters wore.
Then of course, there are the characters. The protagonist is the strong, handsome, and mysterious Adrian de la Noye. When he visits Liriodendron in Newport to help an older client with his plans for a wedding and revised will, he meets the man's younger fiance. Catharine Walsh is a face out of his past.
This is a book with many plot turns and twists. There is an involved story about spiritualism, which was popular in the 1920's. The depictions of the seances were eerie. I stayed up late two nights in a row because I could not put this book down!
There are so many twists in this book that to say more about the plot would be to share spoilers, and I will not do that. I will just say this: if you love well written, atmospheric historical fiction, the 1920's, ghost stories, romantic stories, or just a wonderful read, then Newport is a book you will love. I know I did.
March 10, 2016
1.5/5 Stars
Received this book from a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway
So, this review is going to be a bit less structured than my normal reviews only because I don't know what to say about this book. Its a historical fiction with some paranormal/mystery elements. I was fairly excited to read this book but as I got about 150 pages in, I just kept wondering when it would end. I hate saying that but its the truth. I did not connect with any of the characters and frankly I found most of them to be rather annoying/frustrating. At some points I would feel as if this wasn't historical. That could possibly be the writing style being so modern.... I just got lost in overly worded paragraphs and bland dialog.
I think this book has lots of potential if the plot was focused on a bit more. That was the stronger point of this book was the idea was there I just don't believe it was executed well. Overall, the book was decent but not my cup of tea.
Received this book from a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway
So, this review is going to be a bit less structured than my normal reviews only because I don't know what to say about this book. Its a historical fiction with some paranormal/mystery elements. I was fairly excited to read this book but as I got about 150 pages in, I just kept wondering when it would end. I hate saying that but its the truth. I did not connect with any of the characters and frankly I found most of them to be rather annoying/frustrating. At some points I would feel as if this wasn't historical. That could possibly be the writing style being so modern.... I just got lost in overly worded paragraphs and bland dialog.
I think this book has lots of potential if the plot was focused on a bit more. That was the stronger point of this book was the idea was there I just don't believe it was executed well. Overall, the book was decent but not my cup of tea.
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July 23, 2016Morrow maintains your interest as you, along with protagonists, try to figure out exactly what’s transpiring and if the parties involved are legitimate. You find yourself starting and stopping piecing the bits laid before you as Morrow leaves a trail of clues, it all couples together nicely in the end.
The narrative possesses a supernatural element which leaves the characters themselves questioning plausibility as some vehemently defend the supernatural. A element of mystery remains with the plot until the end. The alternating of a backstory between two characters provides a nice buildup as you try to dissect their connection present day.
Catherine was somewhat aloof but somehow you grasp her emotional composition. She carries herself in such an ambiguous manner you contemplate her innocence or unsavory involvement. As the story unfolds Catherine never ceases to be a somewhat intricate puzzle. A keeper of secrets, you understand her motives more clearly as her skeletons are slowly exposed. Adrian wears a poker face, his patience allows him to observe, preserving his share of secrets and connections without revealing too much. He plays it smart and to his advantage.
Multiple story lines add interest and keep you guessing. Curiosity piques as you try and connect the dots between the very differing story lines as well as the players involved. More mystery and romance, less historical fiction.
http://ravenhairedgirl.com
The narrative possesses a supernatural element which leaves the characters themselves questioning plausibility as some vehemently defend the supernatural. A element of mystery remains with the plot until the end. The alternating of a backstory between two characters provides a nice buildup as you try to dissect their connection present day.
Catherine was somewhat aloof but somehow you grasp her emotional composition. She carries herself in such an ambiguous manner you contemplate her innocence or unsavory involvement. As the story unfolds Catherine never ceases to be a somewhat intricate puzzle. A keeper of secrets, you understand her motives more clearly as her skeletons are slowly exposed. Adrian wears a poker face, his patience allows him to observe, preserving his share of secrets and connections without revealing too much. He plays it smart and to his advantage.
Multiple story lines add interest and keep you guessing. Curiosity piques as you try and connect the dots between the very differing story lines as well as the players involved. More mystery and romance, less historical fiction.
http://ravenhairedgirl.com
July 11, 2015
Tiffany's Review:
Loved, loved, loved this book!!! Could not put it down once I got started. I knew after the author revealed pieces of Adrian and Catharine's past that somehow the Chapman's played a role...I just never imaged exactly how big that role was!!!! I need more of Catharine! I desperately need her to find love and happiness in life! If you are a fan of old love stories and how the wealthy lived in the early 1900's this is the book for you! I give Newport 5 stars!
Loved, loved, loved this book!!! Could not put it down once I got started. I knew after the author revealed pieces of Adrian and Catharine's past that somehow the Chapman's played a role...I just never imaged exactly how big that role was!!!! I need more of Catharine! I desperately need her to find love and happiness in life! If you are a fan of old love stories and how the wealthy lived in the early 1900's this is the book for you! I give Newport 5 stars!
January 4, 2021
Quite the ride. Dealing with two time frames, many lives (often for the same people) and secrets galore. I’d have to call this a mystery, as so much is left hinged until the end...and oh, what a revealing end it is.
The ghost of Elizabeth, deceased wife of Bennet, has a mission to right wrongs and make amends. Talking through the host of Amy, who is pivotal in this labyrinth, she mostly succeeds.
It’s set in the late 1800’s to 1900’s, in wealth and servitude to, along with the obnoxious entitlement assumed in such, it relates the disparity of both sides.
And it’s a love story, on many literal levels. A page turner the more deeply you read into it and a big bravo to the ending, albeit slightly saddened in scattered ways.
Looking forward to reading more from Mz Morrow.
The ghost of Elizabeth, deceased wife of Bennet, has a mission to right wrongs and make amends. Talking through the host of Amy, who is pivotal in this labyrinth, she mostly succeeds.
It’s set in the late 1800’s to 1900’s, in wealth and servitude to, along with the obnoxious entitlement assumed in such, it relates the disparity of both sides.
And it’s a love story, on many literal levels. A page turner the more deeply you read into it and a big bravo to the ending, albeit slightly saddened in scattered ways.
Looking forward to reading more from Mz Morrow.
July 21, 2015
I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would. At first I thought the author had just taken every summer read cliche in the book (pardon the pun), thrown them into a paper bag, tossed them around, and written them down in the order in which they fell out. But I was wrong about that. The pleasing pattern in which she arranged everything made for an excellent summer read. Wish I could have been at the beach to read it. Oh, and I know where the author got the name "Liriodendron". My daughter lives in Bel Air, after all. ;)
July 19, 2015
I thought this book would be more about the history and evoke the aura of the 1920's era. but, sadly no. It was about séances and the past coming back to haunt the flawed characters.
I don't know anyone I can recommend this book to.
I don't know anyone I can recommend this book to.
April 6, 2015
Disclaimer: I received this for free through a Goodreads' giveaway.
I wish I could give half stars, because I don't think this quite deserves just two stars, but it's certainly not a three in my book.
This is just okay. Yes, it was entertaining, but it was overly dramatic for my tastes, and many of the characters were not likable. The story line was okay, but it was never developed fully, and while the ending does explain many of the questions throughout, there were still others left unanswered. I also liked some of the characters at times, but there were more moments where I found them to be annoying or immature.
I wanted to like this a lot more, but it's just not the style of novel I like. In general, historical fiction is a genre I either love or hate, because I feel like they're authentic or fall closer into the chick lit-romance areas. This one is full of chick lit and romance elements. If those are genres you enjoy, then this is probably a great choice for you, but it just isn't for me.
This lacked depth, so would probably be a great airplane or vacation read, but if you're looking for something that will leave a lasting impression, then I would pass it by.
I wish I could give half stars, because I don't think this quite deserves just two stars, but it's certainly not a three in my book.
This is just okay. Yes, it was entertaining, but it was overly dramatic for my tastes, and many of the characters were not likable. The story line was okay, but it was never developed fully, and while the ending does explain many of the questions throughout, there were still others left unanswered. I also liked some of the characters at times, but there were more moments where I found them to be annoying or immature.
I wanted to like this a lot more, but it's just not the style of novel I like. In general, historical fiction is a genre I either love or hate, because I feel like they're authentic or fall closer into the chick lit-romance areas. This one is full of chick lit and romance elements. If those are genres you enjoy, then this is probably a great choice for you, but it just isn't for me.
This lacked depth, so would probably be a great airplane or vacation read, but if you're looking for something that will leave a lasting impression, then I would pass it by.
July 10, 2015
Here is what I knew about this book going into it: It was set in the 1920's and deals with the rich in Providence, RI. That's it. I'm not sure why I didn't know more--after all, I had the book with the synopsis on the back in my hand--but I didn't. I honestly can't say if that impacted my enjoyment of this book or not, but I think it is something I should disclose because one thing that I enjoyed about this book is that I never really felt like I knew what was going on.
Okay, I know that sounds like a negative, but it really works here. Of all the characters in this book, there are 2 that the instinctively know they can trust, and one of them is a very peripheral character. I don't know if I would say that the characters are unreliable, but more than Morrow is very careful about what information she gives out and when. I never knew if I was dealing with the supernatural or an elaborate hoax. Not only does this add a new dimension to the characters, but it keeps the reader pulled in from beginning to end.
I was describing this book to my mother and her response was that it sounded very stressful. While I can see how she'd get that from my description, the truth is that this book is not stressful at all. I'm not sure if I can adequately describe my experience with this book, but here's my best attempt: Sometimes, I read a book and think that it would make a great movie. With this book, I felt like it would make a great stage play. It is a very contained story in that the cast of characters is limited and, with the exception of a series of flashbacks, the action takes place in one location.
For me, this was a great summer read--the plot was fast and evenly paced. The characters, while sometimes a bit cliche, were entertaining. And, when it was done, I felt like my time had been well-spent while not personally feeling spent. This is the first novel by Jill Morrow that I've read and I'll be watching for more from her in the future!
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I received no other compensation for this post.
Okay, I know that sounds like a negative, but it really works here. Of all the characters in this book, there are 2 that the instinctively know they can trust, and one of them is a very peripheral character. I don't know if I would say that the characters are unreliable, but more than Morrow is very careful about what information she gives out and when. I never knew if I was dealing with the supernatural or an elaborate hoax. Not only does this add a new dimension to the characters, but it keeps the reader pulled in from beginning to end.
I was describing this book to my mother and her response was that it sounded very stressful. While I can see how she'd get that from my description, the truth is that this book is not stressful at all. I'm not sure if I can adequately describe my experience with this book, but here's my best attempt: Sometimes, I read a book and think that it would make a great movie. With this book, I felt like it would make a great stage play. It is a very contained story in that the cast of characters is limited and, with the exception of a series of flashbacks, the action takes place in one location.
For me, this was a great summer read--the plot was fast and evenly paced. The characters, while sometimes a bit cliche, were entertaining. And, when it was done, I felt like my time had been well-spent while not personally feeling spent. This is the first novel by Jill Morrow that I've read and I'll be watching for more from her in the future!
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I received no other compensation for this post.
August 4, 2015
Ridiculously predictable. I had the entire plot and conclusion figured out within the first 50 pages. I only finished it because 1-I prefer to finish what I begin and 2-I hoped I was wrong and there was a major plot twist further into the book. Sadly this was not the case. I also had hoped for immersion into the culture of the 1920s but was let down there as well. Major letdown.
February 16, 2017
Low-key: I have recently become a binge watcher of period piece mystery shows. Quiet little shows that combine a historical setting with taunt intrigue, romance, great costumes, loads of red herrings, and shady characters who are all guilty of something. ‘Newport’ is the type of story I could totally see Miss Phryne Fisher or William Murdoch trying to decipher on their respective shows…well, minus a golden handgun and Victorian-styled CSI gear.
Newport is set at the beginning of the Roaring 20s and it follows attorney Adrian de la Noye and his associate, Jim Reid who are called upon to revise a new will for their most affluent client, Bennett Chapman. Chapman is about to get married to a much younger woman, a Miss Catherine Walsh, and he intends to have Catherine become the sole beneficiary to his fortune. When the two arrive to the remote Liriodendron estate in upstate Rhode Island, they discover that Chapman is only revising the will at the behest of his wife, who has been dead for several years, and comes to Chapman through the psychic abilities of Catherine’s niece Amy. To top, the deceased Mrs. Chapman is one pushy specter as she wants her husband to not waste any time in marrying Catherine, in fact she’s insisting that it’d be done within the next few days.
Of course Chapman’s elder children, Chloe and Nicholas, are side-eyeing the hell out of this impromptu marriage as they both believe Catherine and Amy are charlatans, exploiters who are taking their aging father for a ride to rob him blind later on. As they attend séances and come in contact with strange occurrences, Adrian and Jim find themselves questioning their beliefs, pondering if there are such things as ghosts or if they too also are being snagged into a web of crafty manipulation.
I proceed with caution reviewing Newport because unlike my other wordy reviews, any further explanations will kill the mysterious air and the character development that Jill Morrow carefully plots out. Lots of twists and turns this story pleasingly takes as the pasts of each of the characters are uncovered and fitted into the present, all coming back to haunt. Focus does draw towards the entwined pasts of Adrian and Catherine. At the beginning you get a sense of what transpired between them, but upon further inspection, their relationship is still not as simple as one thinks. Morrow does a great job here making you understand and feel for two characters who have put walls up about their lives. Dangerously two-dimensional they could’ve been, but the bricks come down around them with ease as the story progresses.
As a fan of paranormal/gothic mysteries this taps well into the historical context of the early 1900’s obsessions with spiritualism, and its creepy, but politely so.
Newport is a little predictable at times and some suspension of truth is warranted especially when the late Mrs. Chapman gets more and more demanding, but it did have its empirical moments especially with how Morrow lyrically weaves this story. A slight whiff of satirizing the self-absorbed ‘new money’ glitterati is present, winking a bit into Gatsby territory. Flashbacks flutter in and out with ease as the prose just lifts off the page and waltzes. So fluid the text is as it pulls you into the time era. As the 1920s is one of my favorite periods I was pleased with how Morrow really places you into the whir of the era to where you’re clinking a martini glass of prohibited booze with the characters and even doubting your own sense of belief as the mystery unfolds.
Ominously glamorous and absorbing, Newport is a gem of a mystery and one that I recommend if you like to play detective while enjoying a quiet, easy read.
Newport is set at the beginning of the Roaring 20s and it follows attorney Adrian de la Noye and his associate, Jim Reid who are called upon to revise a new will for their most affluent client, Bennett Chapman. Chapman is about to get married to a much younger woman, a Miss Catherine Walsh, and he intends to have Catherine become the sole beneficiary to his fortune. When the two arrive to the remote Liriodendron estate in upstate Rhode Island, they discover that Chapman is only revising the will at the behest of his wife, who has been dead for several years, and comes to Chapman through the psychic abilities of Catherine’s niece Amy. To top, the deceased Mrs. Chapman is one pushy specter as she wants her husband to not waste any time in marrying Catherine, in fact she’s insisting that it’d be done within the next few days.
Of course Chapman’s elder children, Chloe and Nicholas, are side-eyeing the hell out of this impromptu marriage as they both believe Catherine and Amy are charlatans, exploiters who are taking their aging father for a ride to rob him blind later on. As they attend séances and come in contact with strange occurrences, Adrian and Jim find themselves questioning their beliefs, pondering if there are such things as ghosts or if they too also are being snagged into a web of crafty manipulation.
I proceed with caution reviewing Newport because unlike my other wordy reviews, any further explanations will kill the mysterious air and the character development that Jill Morrow carefully plots out. Lots of twists and turns this story pleasingly takes as the pasts of each of the characters are uncovered and fitted into the present, all coming back to haunt. Focus does draw towards the entwined pasts of Adrian and Catherine. At the beginning you get a sense of what transpired between them, but upon further inspection, their relationship is still not as simple as one thinks. Morrow does a great job here making you understand and feel for two characters who have put walls up about their lives. Dangerously two-dimensional they could’ve been, but the bricks come down around them with ease as the story progresses.
As a fan of paranormal/gothic mysteries this taps well into the historical context of the early 1900’s obsessions with spiritualism, and its creepy, but politely so.
Newport is a little predictable at times and some suspension of truth is warranted especially when the late Mrs. Chapman gets more and more demanding, but it did have its empirical moments especially with how Morrow lyrically weaves this story. A slight whiff of satirizing the self-absorbed ‘new money’ glitterati is present, winking a bit into Gatsby territory. Flashbacks flutter in and out with ease as the prose just lifts off the page and waltzes. So fluid the text is as it pulls you into the time era. As the 1920s is one of my favorite periods I was pleased with how Morrow really places you into the whir of the era to where you’re clinking a martini glass of prohibited booze with the characters and even doubting your own sense of belief as the mystery unfolds.
Ominously glamorous and absorbing, Newport is a gem of a mystery and one that I recommend if you like to play detective while enjoying a quiet, easy read.
June 6, 2016
I’m always looking for a chance to be swept back to fascinating eras of time and when I first read the premise for Newport I knew I found my next read. Aside from the decadent allure of the 1920’s, I had the possibility of the appearance of ghosts, séances, ugly secrets and shattering lies of Newport’s privileged to look forward to encountering. Those aspects alone have so much promise and could create such a spellbinding story that anyone would absolutely love; well not this time, hopefully next time though. Unfortunately, Newport seems to be one of those stories with all the right elements that you are either going to think is marvelous in every way or just shake your head in disappointment and want to forget about. I try not to use the word dull to describe books (even when I didn’t enjoy them) but I’m sorry this one was so dull in every facet and turn of the story. Not one of the characters was likeable or memorable and any type of excitement or action was entirely absent until the final 10% and then the novel went into a beyond ridiculous conclusion of events.
Thinking back one last time, what really left me sad about this whole novel was the replacement of the much anticipated Gothic tones and thorny mysteries with lackluster romances that carried no believable spark in the passages and held the pace of the book back even more. Details of the alternating eras were curiously scarce as well and I never received that zephyr of atmosphere that I look forward to feeling when I am immersed in any historical fiction novel. I’m sure Newport will find its admirers and that’s great but for this reader the hunt for history and entertainment starts anew and I will be moving on to my next title. I just hope I can report back later with a much more encouraging reading experience.
* I would like to thank William Morrow Paperbacks and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read Newport: A Novel
Thinking back one last time, what really left me sad about this whole novel was the replacement of the much anticipated Gothic tones and thorny mysteries with lackluster romances that carried no believable spark in the passages and held the pace of the book back even more. Details of the alternating eras were curiously scarce as well and I never received that zephyr of atmosphere that I look forward to feeling when I am immersed in any historical fiction novel. I’m sure Newport will find its admirers and that’s great but for this reader the hunt for history and entertainment starts anew and I will be moving on to my next title. I just hope I can report back later with a much more encouraging reading experience.
* I would like to thank William Morrow Paperbacks and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read Newport: A Novel
July 14, 2015
Newport was a very pleasant surprise. I never know if I'm going to like period stories like this one. But, as I started the book, I found myself drawn into the story. I even read it straight through in pretty much one sitting. That was a late night! Having grown up near Newport, RI and having visited the mansions and Cliff Walk, I could easily picture the setting of this tale.
Basically, Adrian and Jim have traveled to Newport from Boston to re-write the will of a client who is set to marry someone several decades his junior. The kids are protesting because Bennett claims he has been directed by his late wife to marry Catharine. He has heard from her through a medium and believes he must follow her direction.
This was a good solid mystery with a sweet romance in the mix. There is a reason that Bennett is being directed to marry Catharine. Through flashbacks and subsequent seances, those reasons slowly unfold. I liked the twists and surprises, especially the reveal in the end. I don't want to talk plot points too much because I think it would ruin the whole story. Throughout the entire book, I found myself constantly questioning whether or not Amy was really channeling Mrs. Chapman or if she was a con artist. I definitely changed my mind a dozen times and I'm sure you will as well.
I see a bright future for this author and look forward to see what she comes up with next!
Basically, Adrian and Jim have traveled to Newport from Boston to re-write the will of a client who is set to marry someone several decades his junior. The kids are protesting because Bennett claims he has been directed by his late wife to marry Catharine. He has heard from her through a medium and believes he must follow her direction.
This was a good solid mystery with a sweet romance in the mix. There is a reason that Bennett is being directed to marry Catharine. Through flashbacks and subsequent seances, those reasons slowly unfold. I liked the twists and surprises, especially the reveal in the end. I don't want to talk plot points too much because I think it would ruin the whole story. Throughout the entire book, I found myself constantly questioning whether or not Amy was really channeling Mrs. Chapman or if she was a con artist. I definitely changed my mind a dozen times and I'm sure you will as well.
I see a bright future for this author and look forward to see what she comes up with next!
April 6, 2015
This was a great book set in the opulence of the 1920s, focusing on the storylines of several intersecting lives which began overlapping in the late 1800s. The book flashes between both eras as it weaves the journeys of some very different people who are drawn together by an otherworldly force. I loved how the different eras are captured, and how much can change in the span of just a couple decades... and how little. Looking back at these periods of American history, I was drawn in by how difficult the lives were of those who weren't born into wealth, how excessive the lives were of those who were, and startled by how similar it all was to class and gender divisiveness today. The author isn't trying to make any kind of socioeconomic points with all this, I don't think, but rather uses some of the most real and timeless elements of our culture that translate seamlessly from the characters of 100 years ago to readers today.
February 27, 2016
Newport - Morrow
3 stars
This was perfect beach reading.( I even tried reading it at the beach, but I have to face it. I can take the dog, or I can take the book. I took the dog, and this became my ‘after the beach trip’ book.) It’s an English country house mystery shifted to a 1920’s upper class Rhode Island estate. There’s a bit of historical stage setting, but it’s not terribly important to the story. There’s something psychic going on, the possibility of fraud, the secrets of an old love story and the beginnings of a new one.The new romance is pleasant and limited to kisses, the old love story was a bit hotter, but nothing I would prevent a young teen from reading. It’s a fairly predictable mystery with a bit of an interesting plot twist. Beach reading, not memorable, but the pages turned easily and I enjoyed it.
3 stars
This was perfect beach reading.( I even tried reading it at the beach, but I have to face it. I can take the dog, or I can take the book. I took the dog, and this became my ‘after the beach trip’ book.) It’s an English country house mystery shifted to a 1920’s upper class Rhode Island estate. There’s a bit of historical stage setting, but it’s not terribly important to the story. There’s something psychic going on, the possibility of fraud, the secrets of an old love story and the beginnings of a new one.The new romance is pleasant and limited to kisses, the old love story was a bit hotter, but nothing I would prevent a young teen from reading. It’s a fairly predictable mystery with a bit of an interesting plot twist. Beach reading, not memorable, but the pages turned easily and I enjoyed it.
November 28, 2021
The reveals in this book were not surprising at all - it was largely easy to see where the author was going. The story started out well, with what seem like enjoyable characters and setting, but it gradually became frustrating. Are Catherine and her niece gold-digging frauds? The “suspense” is largely created by people putting off conversations and the incredibly annoying Nick yelling at people until they decide to leave the room in a huff. Not exactly edge of your seat stuff, and I think Morrow thought she was being more suspenseful and mysterious than she really was with her writing. The story has potential to be exciting, but its execution was obvious and a bit bland instead. Some people may find this novel transporting, but I mostly just wanted the characters to stop dithering and just get on with things.
October 11, 2015
I would never have picked this book up on my own without the help of my book club, and I am so happy they did. This novel was enticing, keeping in line with social morals of the time, but not killing the reader in too much historical detail. The plot moved quickly, and dropping mystery in little bits. It was juicy without feeling like I was watching a soap opera.
July 7, 2015
I read about 20% of this book and although it was just ok, I decided to put it on the DNF b/c I didn't find it compelling enough. The setting of the Roaring Twenties is fascinating as well as fun, but I didn't care enough about the characters.
January 23, 2015
Very character driven mystery. You will either love them or hate them but you will think about this book for a while after you finish it.
March 2, 2015
I loved this book. The writing was poetic at times; the character development was very good. I very much look forward to reading more from this author.
May 4, 2015
Excellent. So much to love. Well developed characters, great plot, mystery.
Have a new favorite author to add to my list.
Have a new favorite author to add to my list.
January 14, 2016
Not at all what I was expecting. 1921 when spiritualism is all the rage. In a summer "cottage" in Newport a family comes to some harsh realizations. Very funny parts. Some delightful characters.
December 23, 2015
3.75 stars! Dear Goodreads, Y U ONLY LET ME RATE WHOLE STARS. Anyway.
Hokay, here is a quick little summary of this novel to start the review off:
Adrian and Jim are called to Newport to draw up a new will for their most affluent client, Bennett Chapman. As a man who is about to get married, he wants to make sure his bride-to-be is the sole beneficiary to his fortune...not his two horrid children. Nicholas and Chloe are, go figure, violently opposed to this idea and plan to disprove their father's sanity by informing Adrian of the actual reason their father is marrying this much younger woman, Catherine: their dead mother told him to. Bennett's first wife, Elizabeth, is being channeled through Catherine's niece (Amy) and has INSISTED on this match and legit no one knows why. Cue hysteria and greed and anger and confusion. The kids are in an uproar, Catherine is just sorta goin with it, Amy is a little pissed/??? that she's the conduit for this forceful ghost woman and Adrian and Jim roll up and immediately have to dive in and decide who's right and who's bonkers. WELCOME TO RHODE ISLAND, READERS. LET'S GET WEIRD.
Having a paranormal element in a novel that is set in 1920's Rhode Island is absurd...and I love it. To me, it introduced the idea that anything can happen in this world because the craziest thing already has. And sure enough, oh boy, the closet door is thrown open and the skeletons just come sashaying out (very Fosse, heavy jazz hands). There are secrets revealed that are devastating, infuriating and yet, hopeful. And while all this is being dredged up over tea or a 289743 course meal, THERE IS STILL A DEAD WOMAN IN THE ROOM WHO IS MOUTHY AND WILL GET HER WAY IN ANY LIFE. Seriously, my ex thought I was needy? PSH.
Unfortunately, what started out as fascinating eventually grew tiresome. There were moments where I felt that it would have benefitted the story to be 25 pages shorter. Because the present story operates within such a bubble with the same characters, setting and conflicts, I found myself growing restless towards the end due to the repetition of dialogue and ideas (y'all are gonna wanna rip out Nick's vocal chords about half way through) and the spirit of Elizabeth Chapman grew more insistent and simultaneously more ridiculous. It turned in to "oh lord what beans are Elizabeth gonna spill this time." I was not a fan of the the fate that befell Bennett Chapman. It felt cheap and this novel does not look good in cheap.
A chunk of the book is written in flashbacks and like flashbacks, this is where many answers were revealed, especially in regards to the entwined past of Adrian and Catherine. I looooove me a good flashback and these kept me actively engaged in the story. Without them, you wouldn't care much about these two people, Catherine especially. I have never written a novel but I can imagine it must be very difficult to write characters that have high defensive walls because they can often come across as one-dimensional and unsympathetic. The supporting storyline from 1898 helped dilute Catherine and Adrian's present rigidity. The story that takes place during the present was so full of animosity and distrust that the flashbacks were a welcome relief. For a few pages at a time, the readers were allowed to leave the Newport mansion and meet a new character, or go ice-skating, or witness real love. The past and present complimented each other like red wine and chocolate; in order to truly enjoy one, you needed the other. OOoooooo brb.
*sips pinot noir* *quietly sobs because there is no chocolate in this house*
I read through this novel as quickly as my life would allow, picking it up whenever there was a spare moment. I wanted to know what happened to these people, I wanted to know who was going to reign over the great Liriodendron. Yes, I had a few issues with the storyline but that does not belittle the fact that Jill Morrow wrote a novel that was full of intrigue and a dark glamour that I couldn't seem to resist. Newport is full of prose that was both easy to read and ample in detail, not to mention chock full of 1920's sass. A couple of passages (among many) that grabbed me:
---"Her expression was as guileless as ever, those big blue eyes belying any concept of deviousness...easily the cutest little thing he'd seen in quite a while. But so were kittens, and they made him break out in hives."
---"This was not to deny that Liriodendron was beautiful. It was, in an old-fashioned, lavendar-and-crepe sort of way. It reminded Jim of afternoon teas in downtown Boston hotels, where powdered matrons sipped sweet weak oolong from paper-thin porcelain cups and stubbornly denied the existence of a chaotic world outside."
I finished Newport at least a week ago and in order to write this review, I went back and reread many sections of it. I found that every time I picked it up, I enjoyed it more. I'm not quite sure what that says about this novel, but that's how it worked on me. I felt like I understood what Morrow was trying to do with the rapid clean up of all the loose ends by the conclusion. If you're looking for something that could almost be classified as a beach read, but with more depth and a lovely New England backdrop, pick up Newport. And plus, I mean, have you seen the cover art? STUNNING. This baby deserves to be shown off.
Oh and also! The author sent me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Cheers!
May 9, 2025
Might be my favorite book of the year ! Evoked the same feelings I had when I first fell in love with historical fiction years ago. I’m in my Gilded Age-Newport mansion era and this book was the cherry on top. Immaculate vibes all around.
I’ll be an Adrian stan until the day I die <3
I’ll be an Adrian stan until the day I die <3
June 10, 2015
Review Posted on Reading Lark 6/9/15: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2015/...
Newport is a beautifully dark historical fiction laced with elements of mystery and the supernatural. I found myself enthralled by the time period and the complicated web that tied the characters together. This is a must read for those interested in the glitz, glamor, and preoccupation with the dearly departed of the 1920's.
The novel has several characters that play crucial roles. Newport opens as Adrian and Jim are making their way via ferry to the coastal town. These two are attorneys who have been summoned to redraft a will for one of their most powerful and wealthy clients, Bennett Chapman. Adrian and Jim soon learn that Bennett's children, Nicholas and Chloe, are livid about the proposed change to the will and their father's engagement to the much younger, Catherine Walsh. To round out the group, Amy Walsh, Catherine's niece has the ability to speak to the dead and Bennett's first wife won't stop sending messages to her family. A quest to prove that Bennett is in his right mind and his deceased wife is guiding his decisions from beyond the grave ensues.
The preoccupation with spiritualism dominated the nocturnal activities of many in the 1920's. After WWI, almost every family in the United States had been touched by loss. It only makes sense that people would cling to the hope brought by mediums that their loved ones were safe and could still communicate with the living. While I understand the need to believe in such activities, I know that many of the seances were merely shams created for monetary gain. To feed off someone's grief and pain seems loathsome to me.
As the various seances play out in Newport, the deceased Mrs. Chapman begins to reveal secrets about the house guests that will alter their lives forever. In the beginning, it was not clear to me if Amy was truly channeling Mrs. Chapman or if she was simply trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes to seal a marriage between her aunt and Bennett. I found this whole competent to be intriguing.
All of the characters in Newport, even the ones I found distasteful, are vivid and well formed. I felt like I was walking the halls of the lavish Newport estate and attending the seances right along side everyone.
I'm also attracted to stories with rich and vibrant settings. Newport delivers this in spades through both the historical details and the location. I have always wanted to see what the seaside escapes of the wealthy were like and I feel that this novel does a fair job of painting that picture. Class issues arise throughout this one as well as gender issues. As much as I often want to go back and experience things in a different era than my own, I am not sure that I could be happy in a time where women were not seen as the stewards of their own lives.
All in all, I highly recommend this one to fans of historical fiction who crave a little bit of the mystical. Jill Morrow kept me guessing as she weaved together the past and present. I would often think I knew how characters were connected only to be surprised by a new twist. I also have a longing to visit Newport after reading this one.
One Last Gripe: I wish that Newport had more of the gothic feel to it.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: The flashbacks
First Sentence: The lighthouse on the shore flashed its beacon in time with each rolling heave of Jim Reid's stomach.
Favorite Character: Amy
Least Favorite Character: Nicholas
Newport is a beautifully dark historical fiction laced with elements of mystery and the supernatural. I found myself enthralled by the time period and the complicated web that tied the characters together. This is a must read for those interested in the glitz, glamor, and preoccupation with the dearly departed of the 1920's.
The novel has several characters that play crucial roles. Newport opens as Adrian and Jim are making their way via ferry to the coastal town. These two are attorneys who have been summoned to redraft a will for one of their most powerful and wealthy clients, Bennett Chapman. Adrian and Jim soon learn that Bennett's children, Nicholas and Chloe, are livid about the proposed change to the will and their father's engagement to the much younger, Catherine Walsh. To round out the group, Amy Walsh, Catherine's niece has the ability to speak to the dead and Bennett's first wife won't stop sending messages to her family. A quest to prove that Bennett is in his right mind and his deceased wife is guiding his decisions from beyond the grave ensues.
The preoccupation with spiritualism dominated the nocturnal activities of many in the 1920's. After WWI, almost every family in the United States had been touched by loss. It only makes sense that people would cling to the hope brought by mediums that their loved ones were safe and could still communicate with the living. While I understand the need to believe in such activities, I know that many of the seances were merely shams created for monetary gain. To feed off someone's grief and pain seems loathsome to me.
As the various seances play out in Newport, the deceased Mrs. Chapman begins to reveal secrets about the house guests that will alter their lives forever. In the beginning, it was not clear to me if Amy was truly channeling Mrs. Chapman or if she was simply trying to pull the wool over everyone's eyes to seal a marriage between her aunt and Bennett. I found this whole competent to be intriguing.
All of the characters in Newport, even the ones I found distasteful, are vivid and well formed. I felt like I was walking the halls of the lavish Newport estate and attending the seances right along side everyone.
I'm also attracted to stories with rich and vibrant settings. Newport delivers this in spades through both the historical details and the location. I have always wanted to see what the seaside escapes of the wealthy were like and I feel that this novel does a fair job of painting that picture. Class issues arise throughout this one as well as gender issues. As much as I often want to go back and experience things in a different era than my own, I am not sure that I could be happy in a time where women were not seen as the stewards of their own lives.
All in all, I highly recommend this one to fans of historical fiction who crave a little bit of the mystical. Jill Morrow kept me guessing as she weaved together the past and present. I would often think I knew how characters were connected only to be surprised by a new twist. I also have a longing to visit Newport after reading this one.
One Last Gripe: I wish that Newport had more of the gothic feel to it.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: The flashbacks
First Sentence: The lighthouse on the shore flashed its beacon in time with each rolling heave of Jim Reid's stomach.
Favorite Character: Amy
Least Favorite Character: Nicholas
November 5, 2018
I love books about the supernatural & the 1920's so when I got this book I thought I hit the jackpot! Unfortunately,I this story found it a rather slow read with plot twists I could see coming a mile away.Set in 1921;handsome,accomplished lawyer Adrian De La Noye/formerly Delano( he changes his name so people won't think Nepotism was is responsible for his success) and his young protege' Jim are asked to update the will of 80 year old Ultra-Rich Patriarch Bennett Chapman,who is engaged to the much younger Christine Walsh. The problems is that Christine's 22 year old niece Amy is a Medium whom the long-deceased first Mrs. Chapman allegedly communicates through. Having visited the two women on a whim while on a business trip in California,it seems that the late Elizabeth Chapman condones his marrying Christine. Convinced that his wife his actually using Amy to express this desire,he has the two woman travel back with him to his Palatial "Cottage" Liriodendron in Newport,Rhode Island;playground of the so-called "Four Hundred",America's then-equivalent of Europe's royalty. It seems that Adrian knows Catherine from years before as the book shows in flashbacks. Meanwhile Jim,while Skeptical of Amy's ability to communicate with the late Mrs. Bennett,becomes smitten with the enchanting Amy,who swears that the woman is really using her as a mouth-piece and other than reading Tarot Cards ,she had never worked as a Medium before. Meanwhile,Bennett's two grown children, Alcoholic Chloe and Compulsive gambler Nicholas have differing opinions, with Chloe believing Amy is for real;especially after she "communicates" with her daughter,who was killed while working as a nurse in Europe in WW1 ,while Nicholas thinks she's a fraud who is being manipulated by her older sister. In the meantime,I got bored with the both the two-dimensional characters and excessive use of exposition. Also,I wanted more detail about the era! For example,couldn't they had a big roaring 20's-style engagement party? Not a bad book but it could've been so much more.
September 10, 2015
This book was so much better than I expected! I'm just sorry that this author hasn't written more. I bought this at Strand earlier this year and was inspired to read it when Steve and I got back from an overnight trip to Newport!
It starts with introducing Jim Reid and Adrian de la Noye on a boat, where they end up meeting the drunk daughter of the client they are en route to meet. It turns out that Bennett has been told by his dead wife (via a medium) to marry a woman his kids' age and this means they would be cut out of the will. It's a great picture of the times, especially how popular seances were at that time. (Even though this book is called Newport, the story could really have happened in any rich town in American in the 1920's... other than mentioning Bellevue and Ledge Road, it didn't really scream Newport to me.)
It starts with introducing Jim Reid and Adrian de la Noye on a boat, where they end up meeting the drunk daughter of the client they are en route to meet. It turns out that Bennett has been told by his dead wife (via a medium) to marry a woman his kids' age and this means they would be cut out of the will. It's a great picture of the times, especially how popular seances were at that time. (Even though this book is called Newport, the story could really have happened in any rich town in American in the 1920's... other than mentioning Bellevue and Ledge Road, it didn't really scream Newport to me.)
July 23, 2015
It’s a common thread – old man decides to marry a young woman and grown children begin to worry over their place in old man’s will. However, this time the story is told with a historical vibe. Attorney Adrian De la Noye is the attorney for Bennett Chapman. After the grown children claim their father has lost his mental capacity to make changes in his will, Adrian must make that determination for himself. The problem? Bennett has been claiming that his late wife, Elizabeth, told him to marry young Catherine Walsh. It seems Catherine’s niece, Amy Walsh, is a medium and they’ve contacted Elizabeth in a séance. In fact, she was not only adamant that he marry Catherine, but that do so very quickly. Jim Reid was Adrian’s associate. He became attracted to Amy. They both begin to sense that Adrian and Catherine already know each other.
When I began reading, the time period was Spring 1921. This information was obtained from the back of the book cover and not from the opening paragraphs of the novel. Chapter nine takes us back to February 1898 where the reader begins to learn Adrian and Catherine’s past. I loved the character of Jim. He was a true gentleman and very kindly. There are a few twists in this story and I enjoyed the interplay between the characters who each seemed to have their own secret. The blurb promises “the dazzling, glamorous world of Newport during the Roaring Twenties.” Although I enjoyed the story, I just need to say I didn’t get a “Roaring Twenties” feel from it. Rating: 4 out of 5.
When I began reading, the time period was Spring 1921. This information was obtained from the back of the book cover and not from the opening paragraphs of the novel. Chapter nine takes us back to February 1898 where the reader begins to learn Adrian and Catherine’s past. I loved the character of Jim. He was a true gentleman and very kindly. There are a few twists in this story and I enjoyed the interplay between the characters who each seemed to have their own secret. The blurb promises “the dazzling, glamorous world of Newport during the Roaring Twenties.” Although I enjoyed the story, I just need to say I didn’t get a “Roaring Twenties” feel from it. Rating: 4 out of 5.
October 24, 2018
It’s not that aging 1920s industrialist Bennett Chapman of Newport is haunted by ghosts, like the Cosmo Topper of Thorne Smith’s Topper novels (which led to the Topper movies and TV series). No, Newport’s Mr. Chapman isn’t haunted at all—he needs a medium to reach his late wife. The intercessor is Amy, the niece of the woman whom Mr. Chapman wants to make his second wife, over the objection of his grown son Nicholas and daughter Chloe, who see their inheritance slipping away when their father calls them home to his Newport, Rhode Island mansion, along with his personal attorney, Adrian de la Noye. Adrian brings his young law associate, Jim. Let the séances begin.
I didn’t have to believe in ghosts to enjoy Topper, nor did I need to believe in the occult to savor Newport. I only needed to let myself be transported to an era when séances were in vogue. (Read about the 1920s occult explosion at steampunkopera.wordpress.com.)
Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of A Hundred Summers, says Newport is “everything you need for literary escape…A delicious plunge into the gilded lives and mansions of another era, Newport sends you swimming through an intricate mystery involving money, tragedy, bittersweet love affairs, and voices from beyond, until you arrive at the whirlwind ending.” I couldn’t agree more.
I didn’t have to believe in ghosts to enjoy Topper, nor did I need to believe in the occult to savor Newport. I only needed to let myself be transported to an era when séances were in vogue. (Read about the 1920s occult explosion at steampunkopera.wordpress.com.)
Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of A Hundred Summers, says Newport is “everything you need for literary escape…A delicious plunge into the gilded lives and mansions of another era, Newport sends you swimming through an intricate mystery involving money, tragedy, bittersweet love affairs, and voices from beyond, until you arrive at the whirlwind ending.” I couldn’t agree more.
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