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Lost in the Summer of '69
Three generations of women, an unforgettable summer of music, and the epic cross-country road trip they'll never forget.
Summer, 1969: Eleanor Bell doesn't have anything to lose. According to the doctors, she might not remember how to sing or play guitar soon, so why not head west now? Why not join the music festivals sweeping the country and lose herself in the music again, in a swan song of her own?
Except she forgets, maybe on purpose, to tell anyone where she's going. When her daughter, Leanne, discovers her mother missing, she enlists the help of her own daughter, Nora, to help her find Eleanor. The last thing Nora wants to do before starting as one of Yale's first female undergrads is hit the road. But then Nora hears something strange on the radio—her grandmother's voice, singing. Nora and Leanne hop in their Chevy for a cross-country road trip, always one step behind Eleanor, who has been dubbed the Dame of Rock n' Roll by none other than Johnny Carson.
Full of nostalgia and awash with the warmth of summer, Lost in the Summer of '69 is an epic celebration of savoring the encore-no matter what the next act may bring.
Summer, 1969: Eleanor Bell doesn't have anything to lose. According to the doctors, she might not remember how to sing or play guitar soon, so why not head west now? Why not join the music festivals sweeping the country and lose herself in the music again, in a swan song of her own?
Except she forgets, maybe on purpose, to tell anyone where she's going. When her daughter, Leanne, discovers her mother missing, she enlists the help of her own daughter, Nora, to help her find Eleanor. The last thing Nora wants to do before starting as one of Yale's first female undergrads is hit the road. But then Nora hears something strange on the radio—her grandmother's voice, singing. Nora and Leanne hop in their Chevy for a cross-country road trip, always one step behind Eleanor, who has been dubbed the Dame of Rock n' Roll by none other than Johnny Carson.
Full of nostalgia and awash with the warmth of summer, Lost in the Summer of '69 is an epic celebration of savoring the encore-no matter what the next act may bring.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2026
About the author
Eliza Knight
143 books2,079 followersEliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Escape into history for courageous heroines, irresistible heroes and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists, Inc., the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast. Eliza also writes contemporary women's fiction as Michelle Brandon.
While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.
CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN out now! LOST IN THE SUMMER OF '69 out June 9, 2026!
For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com
If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com or her history podcast: https://historybooksandwinepodcast.bu...
To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction
While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.
CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN out now! LOST IN THE SUMMER OF '69 out June 9, 2026!
For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com
If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com or her history podcast: https://historybooksandwinepodcast.bu...
To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 748 reviews
May 27, 2026
3.75 A light, fun, and easy summer read/listen! The story follows three generations of women—a grandmother, mother, and daughter—who are each on their own unique journey to "find" their true, authentic selves. As we are led through a whirlwind music festival tour in the summer of 1969, each family member encounters freeing experiences that allow them to explore their identity, let go of societal expectations, and embrace the freedom to change. It is a lovely celebration of the joy of music and the deep bond shared between these women.
*ALC (thank you, Sourcebooks Audio | Sourcebooks Landmark/NetGalley)
*ALC (thank you, Sourcebooks Audio | Sourcebooks Landmark/NetGalley)
July 7, 2026
(4.25 stars)
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read and listen to a review copy of Lost In The Summer Of ’69! For me, this was a very nostalgic read and a very enjoyable one, having been the same age as the youngest of the three main female characters in this story.
The summer of 1969 was awash with music, and with change. This book follows three generations of women: Eleanor, 69, facing the beginnings of dementia; her daughter, Leanne, in her 40s, the quintessential housewife; and granddaughter Nora, 18, heading to college in the fall. Eleanor had been a musician/songwriter in her youth, apparently ahead of her time, but gave it up to raise a family in the more traditional way. But she never lost her connection with music. Now facing a bleak future, on the spur of the moment she decides to head out from New York to a music festival in California, to try to get on stage and play her music for an audience one more time, before her ability to do things like that disappears. When Leanne realizes the situation. she convinces Nora to come along with her, on a road trip to try to find Eleanor. Their road trip is transformative for both Leanne and Nora, as they chase “Eleanor sightings” across the country.
I loved all three of these women! Although I would have been the Nora in this story, I fell in love with Eleanor. I loved her gumption, cheered for her, and felt for her when she would get confused. Leanne also came alive over the course of the summer, breaking away from the “tradwife” role that had been the expectation for women of that era (my mother’s generation).
I mainly listened to the audiobook version, beautifully narrated by Helen Laser, on a long flight. It made the hours pass in a lovely way.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read and listen to a review copy of Lost In The Summer Of ’69! For me, this was a very nostalgic read and a very enjoyable one, having been the same age as the youngest of the three main female characters in this story.
The summer of 1969 was awash with music, and with change. This book follows three generations of women: Eleanor, 69, facing the beginnings of dementia; her daughter, Leanne, in her 40s, the quintessential housewife; and granddaughter Nora, 18, heading to college in the fall. Eleanor had been a musician/songwriter in her youth, apparently ahead of her time, but gave it up to raise a family in the more traditional way. But she never lost her connection with music. Now facing a bleak future, on the spur of the moment she decides to head out from New York to a music festival in California, to try to get on stage and play her music for an audience one more time, before her ability to do things like that disappears. When Leanne realizes the situation. she convinces Nora to come along with her, on a road trip to try to find Eleanor. Their road trip is transformative for both Leanne and Nora, as they chase “Eleanor sightings” across the country.
I loved all three of these women! Although I would have been the Nora in this story, I fell in love with Eleanor. I loved her gumption, cheered for her, and felt for her when she would get confused. Leanne also came alive over the course of the summer, breaking away from the “tradwife” role that had been the expectation for women of that era (my mother’s generation).
I mainly listened to the audiobook version, beautifully narrated by Helen Laser, on a long flight. It made the hours pass in a lovely way.
August 4, 2026
Lost in the Summer of ‘69 by Eliza Knight will tug at your heartstrings.
Grandmother,Eleanor, has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a finding she hasn’t shared with her family.
Eleanor has dreams to fulfill -before she forgets!
Oh,what a summer for Eleanor,her daughter Leanne,and her granddaughter,Nora!
🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
I recommend this book!
🌺 Read what you love! 🌺
Grandmother,Eleanor, has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a finding she hasn’t shared with her family.
Eleanor has dreams to fulfill -before she forgets!
Oh,what a summer for Eleanor,her daughter Leanne,and her granddaughter,Nora!
🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
I recommend this book!
🌺 Read what you love! 🌺
August 9, 2026
Oh my heart! This is unexpected in the best possible way!
I loved this story!!!!!!
1969. Three women, each facing a crossroads in their lives. Grandmother Eleanor Bell has just been diagnosed with dementia. Her daughter Leanne is facing an empty nest and being left with a husband who is there physically, but has disappeared from their marriage. Nora is on the brink of being in the first female class admitted to Yale. She has a secret dream that she wants to follow, but knows her parents would disregard it.
On the day that Eleanor turns 69, she receives her diagnosis, she begins to look back on her life. She was once a music phenomenon, but gave it up to marry and be a mother. As she is looking back and worrying about what lies in her future, she spies an invitation to a music festival in California. She misses the girl she was years and years ago, and decides she is going to live by her rules. She packs her hairless dog, her suitcase, and her guitar and heads to the airport.
Leann is the proper suburban 1960's wife- controlled, organized, supportive. As she is making the birthday dinner for her mother, Eleanor, she realizes that she is fearful of losing her daughter when she leaves for college. They really don't talk anymore. And her husband is pretty much nonexistent in the marriage.
Nora is looking forward to spending her last summer with her friends. She is excited about Yale, but also a little fearful of leaving home. Although she is going to study business, she wants to really focus on her minor- English. Her dream is to become a writer someday. However, her father frowns on this plan, and her mother does not mention it, so Nora feels she has to keep her dream hidden.
Then she discovers that her mother has vanished.
When Eleanor does not show up for her birthday, Leanne becomes worried. She goes to Eleanor's house and finds that her dog, suitcase and guitar are missing. She also discovers a flier for a music festival that is happening in California. When she returns home and tells Nora what she found, she discovers that Nora heard her grandmother's voice on the radio. Worrying about Eleanor's safety, the two decide to ditch their summer plans and take a road trip to find her.
What follows is a beautiful, sometimes bittersweet roadtrip chasing Eleanor. Each woman not only examines her life, dreams and questions/hopes for the future, but they all see the inner woman in each other. Nora realizing that her mother once had a lifetime dream to write. She also sees another side to her mother, a side that loves and explores and yearns for more. Eleanor decides it's ok to follow her dreams as she faces the unknown. And Leann sees that Eleanor is still the adventurous, talented, loving woman she remembered from childhood.
There were moments I laughed, and moments I cried. The author did a great job of writing about the subject of dementia- from the person experiencing it point of view, but also the affect, worries and conversations from the other people affected by it. Although lighthearted at times, there was a lot of depth to the story. Hug your loved one, and cherish every single moment. Also- don't be afraid to let your hair down!!
Thank you to Tina and her phenomenal review. Because of this review I immediately wanted to read this lovely story!
I loved this story!!!!!!
1969. Three women, each facing a crossroads in their lives. Grandmother Eleanor Bell has just been diagnosed with dementia. Her daughter Leanne is facing an empty nest and being left with a husband who is there physically, but has disappeared from their marriage. Nora is on the brink of being in the first female class admitted to Yale. She has a secret dream that she wants to follow, but knows her parents would disregard it.
On the day that Eleanor turns 69, she receives her diagnosis, she begins to look back on her life. She was once a music phenomenon, but gave it up to marry and be a mother. As she is looking back and worrying about what lies in her future, she spies an invitation to a music festival in California. She misses the girl she was years and years ago, and decides she is going to live by her rules. She packs her hairless dog, her suitcase, and her guitar and heads to the airport.
Leann is the proper suburban 1960's wife- controlled, organized, supportive. As she is making the birthday dinner for her mother, Eleanor, she realizes that she is fearful of losing her daughter when she leaves for college. They really don't talk anymore. And her husband is pretty much nonexistent in the marriage.
Nora is looking forward to spending her last summer with her friends. She is excited about Yale, but also a little fearful of leaving home. Although she is going to study business, she wants to really focus on her minor- English. Her dream is to become a writer someday. However, her father frowns on this plan, and her mother does not mention it, so Nora feels she has to keep her dream hidden.
Then she discovers that her mother has vanished.
When Eleanor does not show up for her birthday, Leanne becomes worried. She goes to Eleanor's house and finds that her dog, suitcase and guitar are missing. She also discovers a flier for a music festival that is happening in California. When she returns home and tells Nora what she found, she discovers that Nora heard her grandmother's voice on the radio. Worrying about Eleanor's safety, the two decide to ditch their summer plans and take a road trip to find her.
What follows is a beautiful, sometimes bittersweet roadtrip chasing Eleanor. Each woman not only examines her life, dreams and questions/hopes for the future, but they all see the inner woman in each other. Nora realizing that her mother once had a lifetime dream to write. She also sees another side to her mother, a side that loves and explores and yearns for more. Eleanor decides it's ok to follow her dreams as she faces the unknown. And Leann sees that Eleanor is still the adventurous, talented, loving woman she remembered from childhood.
There were moments I laughed, and moments I cried. The author did a great job of writing about the subject of dementia- from the person experiencing it point of view, but also the affect, worries and conversations from the other people affected by it. Although lighthearted at times, there was a lot of depth to the story. Hug your loved one, and cherish every single moment. Also- don't be afraid to let your hair down!!
Thank you to Tina and her phenomenal review. Because of this review I immediately wanted to read this lovely story!
October 1, 2026
Oh, when I look back now
That summer seemed to last forever
And if I had the choice
Yeah, I'd always wanna be there
Those were the best days of my life ~ Bryan Adams (The Summer of 69)
Am I the only one who is haunted by Bryan Adams every time you see this book?
Add in a good road trip, some hip music festivals, and you have an entertaining read.
There is a bittersweet undercurrent, though. The cover is a bit misleading in that respect.
Here are some things I loved:
🎸The music! That is a summer when it would have been so exciting to experience. This book mentions Jimmy Hendrix, Ike & TIna Turner, the Rolling Stones, Janie Joplin, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Elvis, and more. . . There is something for everyone. So many of these artists are still on playlists today.
😎I do love a good road trip! While Eleanor is traversing the country in a hippie van, daughter Leanne and granddaughter Nora are in a Lincoln Continental Converible. Epic destinations including Newport (California), Las Vegas, Seattle, Atlanta, and Woodstock. One thing Eliza Knight really excelled at was giving us a strong sense of place.
🫶The relationships! These three women were not seeing each other anymore. They all needed a reset to view each other with new eyes and open up their hearts. Eleanor's impulsive decision to fly to Newport set the trip in motion. Leanne and Nora were following her back and forth across the country giving them time to read books together and experience new things (like wearing bell bottom jeans - Leanne).
🎧Two very good friends -- the terrific Tina (on Goodreads) and my dear library friend Roxy (IRL) -- both recommended this book to me over the summer. How could I resist? I decided to pair the audio narration by Helen Laser with a digital copy from Edelweiss+. It was a delightful read.
So, why not give it all the stars? One reason was the thought of a woman with a dementia diagnosis going off on a trip by herself without telling family in advance. That really bothered me as a daughter with an aging mother myself. Also the fact that I was just reading The Vanishing Family: Love, Fate, and the Quest to End Dementia made that piece so much more real. Finally, the pacing was a bit off. The road trip part was quite exciting, but then they got back and I found the last few chapters to be a bit boring with too much telling and not as much showing.
That summer seemed to last forever
And if I had the choice
Yeah, I'd always wanna be there
Those were the best days of my life ~ Bryan Adams (The Summer of 69)
Am I the only one who is haunted by Bryan Adams every time you see this book?
Add in a good road trip, some hip music festivals, and you have an entertaining read.
There is a bittersweet undercurrent, though. The cover is a bit misleading in that respect.
Here are some things I loved:
🎸The music! That is a summer when it would have been so exciting to experience. This book mentions Jimmy Hendrix, Ike & TIna Turner, the Rolling Stones, Janie Joplin, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Elvis, and more. . . There is something for everyone. So many of these artists are still on playlists today.
😎I do love a good road trip! While Eleanor is traversing the country in a hippie van, daughter Leanne and granddaughter Nora are in a Lincoln Continental Converible. Epic destinations including Newport (California), Las Vegas, Seattle, Atlanta, and Woodstock. One thing Eliza Knight really excelled at was giving us a strong sense of place.
🫶The relationships! These three women were not seeing each other anymore. They all needed a reset to view each other with new eyes and open up their hearts. Eleanor's impulsive decision to fly to Newport set the trip in motion. Leanne and Nora were following her back and forth across the country giving them time to read books together and experience new things (like wearing bell bottom jeans - Leanne).
🎧Two very good friends -- the terrific Tina (on Goodreads) and my dear library friend Roxy (IRL) -- both recommended this book to me over the summer. How could I resist? I decided to pair the audio narration by Helen Laser with a digital copy from Edelweiss+. It was a delightful read.
So, why not give it all the stars? One reason was the thought of a woman with a dementia diagnosis going off on a trip by herself without telling family in advance. That really bothered me as a daughter with an aging mother myself. Also the fact that I was just reading The Vanishing Family: Love, Fate, and the Quest to End Dementia made that piece so much more real. Finally, the pacing was a bit off. The road trip part was quite exciting, but then they got back and I found the last few chapters to be a bit boring with too much telling and not as much showing.
June 12, 2026
Lost in the Summer of ’69 is a heartfelt, nostalgia‑drenched story that follows three generations of women on a journey none of them expected. When 69‑year‑old Eleanor takes off to relive the music festivals of her youth, spurred by an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she unintentionally sends her daughter Leanne and granddaughter Nora on a cross‑country chase that becomes just as transformative for them as it is for her.
What really stood out to me is Eleanor herself. It’s rare to see an older woman at the center of a novel like this, and I loved it! Watching a character closer to my own age reclaim joy, take risks, and step back into the spotlight felt refreshing and empowering.
With its blend of family tension, emotional healing, and the vibrant pulse of the late ’60s music scene, this book becomes a warm reminder that reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date. A tender, uplifting read about courage, connection, and choosing to live fully, no matter your age!!
What really stood out to me is Eleanor herself. It’s rare to see an older woman at the center of a novel like this, and I loved it! Watching a character closer to my own age reclaim joy, take risks, and step back into the spotlight felt refreshing and empowering.
With its blend of family tension, emotional healing, and the vibrant pulse of the late ’60s music scene, this book becomes a warm reminder that reinvention doesn’t have an expiration date. A tender, uplifting read about courage, connection, and choosing to live fully, no matter your age!!
May 24, 2026
I don’t know why but this really didn’t do it for me. It was cheesy and predictable maybe? Too long and repetitive? Not sure.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc
Thank you NetGalley for the arc
August 9, 2026
Have you ever looked at your mom and suddenly realized there was a whole person there besides “Mom”? Lost in the Summer of ’69 by Eliza Knight made me think about that very thing. In this book, three generations of women are trying to figure out who they are and what they really want from life. I think a lot of women will see a little bit of themselves in at least one of them.
My Thoughts on Lost in the Summer of ’69:
Relationships and Connections:
If you are a woman, you will probably relate to at least one of the characters in this book. You might see yourself as the daughter who is headed off to college and/or finding your first love; you could be the mother who seems stuck in her role as a mother, wife, and caregiver for her own mother; or you might be the grandmother who is struggling with aging and the onset of dementia. Heck, you might relate to all three.
The relationships in this book are well done. They are what kept driving the story. The car trip with Leanne and Nora reminded me so much of a car trip that I took with my mom when I was in college. I got to see my mom in a completely different way on that trip. I saw her carefree side instead of just her mom-and-wife side, and it changed our relationship for the better. I felt like that same thing happened with Leanne and Nora, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship change.
Historical Fiction:
It is obvious that Knight put a lot of research into her book. If you were lucky enough to be alive (and at least a teenager) during the ’60s, you will relate to a lot of the concepts in this story. I loved the mentions of pay phones (and how hard it could be to reach someone when you wanted), the concerts and all of the bands that are mentioned, and even the books that they read on their car trip. The nostalgia was my favorite part of this book, even if I didn’t get to experience all of that in the summer of ’69.
The Pacing:
Where the book lost me a little was the middle. Once they started going from music festival to musical festival, I found myself wanting to move on with the story. It started to feel repetitive. I loved the beginning and the end of the book, though. The ending wraps up the story well, and that is important to me as a reader.
My Rating:
I gave this book three out of five stars. It is a cute, light story that is perfect for a summer read. I wouldn’t recommend it as a book club pick because I don’t think there is as much to discuss as with other books. It was just an okay read for me and was a nice way to pass the time. I did enjoy reliving some moments with my own mom and grandma in my mind.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Eliza Knight for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
My Thoughts on Lost in the Summer of ’69:
Relationships and Connections:
If you are a woman, you will probably relate to at least one of the characters in this book. You might see yourself as the daughter who is headed off to college and/or finding your first love; you could be the mother who seems stuck in her role as a mother, wife, and caregiver for her own mother; or you might be the grandmother who is struggling with aging and the onset of dementia. Heck, you might relate to all three.
The relationships in this book are well done. They are what kept driving the story. The car trip with Leanne and Nora reminded me so much of a car trip that I took with my mom when I was in college. I got to see my mom in a completely different way on that trip. I saw her carefree side instead of just her mom-and-wife side, and it changed our relationship for the better. I felt like that same thing happened with Leanne and Nora, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship change.
Historical Fiction:
It is obvious that Knight put a lot of research into her book. If you were lucky enough to be alive (and at least a teenager) during the ’60s, you will relate to a lot of the concepts in this story. I loved the mentions of pay phones (and how hard it could be to reach someone when you wanted), the concerts and all of the bands that are mentioned, and even the books that they read on their car trip. The nostalgia was my favorite part of this book, even if I didn’t get to experience all of that in the summer of ’69.
The Pacing:
Where the book lost me a little was the middle. Once they started going from music festival to musical festival, I found myself wanting to move on with the story. It started to feel repetitive. I loved the beginning and the end of the book, though. The ending wraps up the story well, and that is important to me as a reader.
My Rating:
I gave this book three out of five stars. It is a cute, light story that is perfect for a summer read. I wouldn’t recommend it as a book club pick because I don’t think there is as much to discuss as with other books. It was just an okay read for me and was a nice way to pass the time. I did enjoy reliving some moments with my own mom and grandma in my mind.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Eliza Knight for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
July 1, 2026
"Three generations of women, an unforgettable summer of music, and the epic cross-country road trip they'll never forget."
It's 1969 and Eleanor Bell receives an Alzheimers diagnosis the day before her sixty-ninth birthday. Without telling anyone, she grabs her guitar and leaves for a summer of music festivals. When her daughter Leanne checks in, she figures out what has happened and grabs her daughter Nora, who will be one of the first women to attend Yale in the fall.
What follows is three generations of women discovering who they are and finding joy. There is romance, healing and plenty of music. There may also be a hippy party bus that is reminiscent of the mystery machine from Scooby Doo. Highly recommend adding this to your TBR.
The audiobook performance by Helen Laser (10 hours 7 minutes) is fantastic. It brought all the characters adventures to life and elevated the reading experience.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Audio, UpLit Reads and Eliza Knight for the gifted advance reader's copy, advance listening copy and finished copy. All opinions are my own. 🎧📚
It's 1969 and Eleanor Bell receives an Alzheimers diagnosis the day before her sixty-ninth birthday. Without telling anyone, she grabs her guitar and leaves for a summer of music festivals. When her daughter Leanne checks in, she figures out what has happened and grabs her daughter Nora, who will be one of the first women to attend Yale in the fall.
What follows is three generations of women discovering who they are and finding joy. There is romance, healing and plenty of music. There may also be a hippy party bus that is reminiscent of the mystery machine from Scooby Doo. Highly recommend adding this to your TBR.
The audiobook performance by Helen Laser (10 hours 7 minutes) is fantastic. It brought all the characters adventures to life and elevated the reading experience.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Audio, UpLit Reads and Eliza Knight for the gifted advance reader's copy, advance listening copy and finished copy. All opinions are my own. 🎧📚
September 19, 2026
Story 4.5 stars. Narration 5 stars
This was one of those books that I doubt I’ll forget anytime soon. It takes place the summer I was getting ready for my senior year in high school so I remember a lot about that time. It was the summer of Woodstock and I wanted to go so bad, but it was too far away. So yes. This book took me back to that summer.
This was the story of three generations of a family from New York. The grandmother has just been diagnosed with dementia and her family doesn’t know. She used to be a good musician when she was young and gave it up when she married. She decides she’s going to follow the music so she flies to California for a rock festival-telling no one. Her daughter and granddaughter take off after her after finding a letter with the diagnosis on it and other clues. It ended up being quite the journey for all of them. All three grow and change for the better. They meet people along the way. The grandmother is always one step ahead of them as they go all over the country to rock concerts. Because she’s singing again and is traveling with a famous rocker who welcomes her-and yes Woodstock is featured. A lot happens. There’s even a romance of sorts for one of them, but that was secondary to the daughter and granddaughter’s changes. I was there rooting for all of them throughout. I had a problem with how one of the problems the mother has is so easily and out of the blue fixed. Only reason this wasn’t 5 stars for me.
Don’t let the cover fool you, it’s not a contemporary romance and probably belongs in woman’s lit. I ended up so glad I found and read it. Highly recommended!
Narration was excellent.
This was one of those books that I doubt I’ll forget anytime soon. It takes place the summer I was getting ready for my senior year in high school so I remember a lot about that time. It was the summer of Woodstock and I wanted to go so bad, but it was too far away. So yes. This book took me back to that summer.
This was the story of three generations of a family from New York. The grandmother has just been diagnosed with dementia and her family doesn’t know. She used to be a good musician when she was young and gave it up when she married. She decides she’s going to follow the music so she flies to California for a rock festival-telling no one. Her daughter and granddaughter take off after her after finding a letter with the diagnosis on it and other clues. It ended up being quite the journey for all of them. All three grow and change for the better. They meet people along the way. The grandmother is always one step ahead of them as they go all over the country to rock concerts. Because she’s singing again and is traveling with a famous rocker who welcomes her-and yes Woodstock is featured. A lot happens. There’s even a romance of sorts for one of them, but that was secondary to the daughter and granddaughter’s changes. I was there rooting for all of them throughout. I had a problem with how one of the problems the mother has is so easily and out of the blue fixed. Only reason this wasn’t 5 stars for me.
Don’t let the cover fool you, it’s not a contemporary romance and probably belongs in woman’s lit. I ended up so glad I found and read it. Highly recommended!
Narration was excellent.
June 10, 2026
Lost in the Summer of ‘69 by Eliza Knight
Historical fiction.
The summer of ‘69 is about to change the lives of many.
Eleanor Bell has received a diagnosis of early Alzheimer’s for her 69th birthday. She knew it was coming. She’s been doing her best to hide her symptoms from her daughter. Realizing it may be her last independent summer, she finds her guitar and travels to a California music festival. Choices back when she was 18 included marriage and not much else. Eleanor is determined to get on the stage at the festival and sing her heart out. Live her dream as long as she can. Or at least until the end of the summer.
Leanne Miler can’t believe her mother took off like that. Leanna and her daughter Nora decide to track down Eleanor and plan their own road trip, following the news of the Dame of Rock n’ Roll. Nora will start at Yale in the fall. One of the first female undergraduate student programs. Eleanor is feeling detached from her long time, hard working husband. The trip may give her some perspective. Nora is planning classes to have a career but she really wants to be an author.
The three woman are at a pivotal point in their lives. Will this trip break them apart or bring them closer?
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Helen Laser. The performance is wonderfully emotional and engaging. Each of the three women is easily identified throughout the story by their attitudes, emotions and specific voice. This road trip isn’t just a lost person pickup, but a pathway to a new beginning. As Leanna and Nora reconnect, they also learn about each other.
The audiobook brings the characters and their lives to life.
Emotional recovery and connection. I loved the mother and daughter reading iconic books of the times together during their driving quest. And the drop ins of some of the big names in music at the time. Lots of humor as the rain, mud and lack of enough food and parking has an impact even as Eleanor has a few forgetful moments.
So much has changed since ‘69 from technology to rights. Yet family dynamics will always be the source of pain and confusion and love.
Nostalgic and heartfelt.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Audio
Historical fiction.
The summer of ‘69 is about to change the lives of many.
Eleanor Bell has received a diagnosis of early Alzheimer’s for her 69th birthday. She knew it was coming. She’s been doing her best to hide her symptoms from her daughter. Realizing it may be her last independent summer, she finds her guitar and travels to a California music festival. Choices back when she was 18 included marriage and not much else. Eleanor is determined to get on the stage at the festival and sing her heart out. Live her dream as long as she can. Or at least until the end of the summer.
Leanne Miler can’t believe her mother took off like that. Leanna and her daughter Nora decide to track down Eleanor and plan their own road trip, following the news of the Dame of Rock n’ Roll. Nora will start at Yale in the fall. One of the first female undergraduate student programs. Eleanor is feeling detached from her long time, hard working husband. The trip may give her some perspective. Nora is planning classes to have a career but she really wants to be an author.
The three woman are at a pivotal point in their lives. Will this trip break them apart or bring them closer?
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Helen Laser. The performance is wonderfully emotional and engaging. Each of the three women is easily identified throughout the story by their attitudes, emotions and specific voice. This road trip isn’t just a lost person pickup, but a pathway to a new beginning. As Leanna and Nora reconnect, they also learn about each other.
The audiobook brings the characters and their lives to life.
Emotional recovery and connection. I loved the mother and daughter reading iconic books of the times together during their driving quest. And the drop ins of some of the big names in music at the time. Lots of humor as the rain, mud and lack of enough food and parking has an impact even as Eleanor has a few forgetful moments.
So much has changed since ‘69 from technology to rights. Yet family dynamics will always be the source of pain and confusion and love.
Nostalgic and heartfelt.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Audio
August 8, 2026
Three generations of women (Eleanor, Leanne, and Nora) and the memorable summer of peace and love. This book reminded me of those great women-centric films, like Steel Magnolias, The Joy Luck Club, Fried Green Tomatoes, How to Make an American Quilt, and Where the Heart Is.
I want my mother to read it, and then it will come back to live permanently on my bookshelves because I will be reading it again. I loved all three protagonists as they navigated the different aspects of their journey. Also, as a lover of music from this era, what a joy to travel to all those music festivals with the characters.
Enjoyable from beginning to end.
Goodreads review published 06/08/26
I want my mother to read it, and then it will come back to live permanently on my bookshelves because I will be reading it again. I loved all three protagonists as they navigated the different aspects of their journey. Also, as a lover of music from this era, what a joy to travel to all those music festivals with the characters.
Enjoyable from beginning to end.
Goodreads review published 06/08/26
July 19, 2026
Ever wonder how many times someone can let out a breath they didn’t know they were holding in one book? SIX. Six times. By the 4th I was annoyed, by the 5th I was supremely irritated and by the 6th I was done.
June 26, 2026
This was a fun and light read, but not a book I expect to remember long after finishing it. It worked well as something enjoyable in the moment, an easy story to pick up and move through without much effort. I especially appreciated the multigenerational aspect and the way family dynamics were woven into the narrative. Those elements gave the book a nice emotional grounding and made the story feel more meaningful than a simple light read. The ending was also satisfying in its own way. It tied things together in a gentle, fitting manner and left me with a positive impression overall.
That said, I don’t think the book was particularly impactful or convincing for me personally. It’s pleasant, readable, and well-intentioned, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
That said, I don’t think the book was particularly impactful or convincing for me personally. It’s pleasant, readable, and well-intentioned, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
September 15, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up! I really enjoyed this book. It is a multigenerational story about a grandmother who has been diagnosed with dementia, her daughter, and her granddaughter’s story. When she is diagnosed, she decides she isn’t done living the part of her life that she pushed aside to have her family. When her daughter finds her missing and the note from the dr, her and her daughter take off to drive cross country in search of her mom. This book is about that summer. It was so touching and nostalgic. The way the author brought the effects of dementia in and out was really well done. She really did her research. Ultimately, it is about the search for oneself and tearing off the handcuffs that society has placed on them as women. It really makes you think about your own internal clock and life. Definitely recommend! A fun read!
July 6, 2026
3.5 stars. I always love seeing an older protagonist shatter ceilings and refuse to conform to the standards of aging.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I found myself wishing the author had done more to bridge how these three women—each feeling like they belonged to a completely different era—ultimately converged. I could have easily accepted a magical realism element if it had been built into the plot, but as a realistic fiction story, that disconnect was a hurdle I just couldn't get past.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I found myself wishing the author had done more to bridge how these three women—each feeling like they belonged to a completely different era—ultimately converged. I could have easily accepted a magical realism element if it had been built into the plot, but as a realistic fiction story, that disconnect was a hurdle I just couldn't get past.
Did Not Finish
May 27, 2026I wanted to like this because the premise sounded right up my alley: women across generations, music festivals in the summer of ‘69, family secrets, nostalgia, road trips. Instead, this felt like historical fiction written through a very modern fantasy lens where realism completely disappeared.
First, the structure was a mess. The book starts oddly and jumps around so quickly that it was hard to settle into the story. On top of that, every woman in the family seemed to have some variation of the same name. Eleanor, Nora, Leanne, Ann…after awhile everyone blurred together.
But honestly, the biggest issue was that none of this felt believable for 1969. I could suspend disbelief a little, but this book wanted me to suspend ALL of it.
A 69 year old woman with early dementia casually hopping on planes alone with a dog, wandering across the country chasing music festivals, and somehow being treated like this legendary wartime music darling just felt absurdly self-important. Then there’s a scene where she pulls out a guitar on a plane and leads passengers in a singalong like we’re in a Disney movie. Flying in 1969 was an EVENT. People dressed up to fly. Nobody was turning commercial flights into acoustic open mic night.
The mother/daughter cross-country road trip also felt completely unrealistic for the time period. I’m supposed to believe a husband just had his secretary make hotel reservations and happily sent his wife and daughter driving across America alone? In 1969? My dad would panic if I did that NOW and he’s in his late 60's, and I'm in my 40's.
Even some of the cultural references felt off. The book seemed to apply modern attitudes and hindsight to the late 60s in ways that constantly pulled me out of the story (*cough* Tina Turner*cough*).
At some point I realized I wasn’t reading an emotional historical fiction novel. I was reading about an increasingly delusional woman with a massively inflated ego while everyone around her acted like she was some folk legend.
This just wasn’t for me at all.
First, the structure was a mess. The book starts oddly and jumps around so quickly that it was hard to settle into the story. On top of that, every woman in the family seemed to have some variation of the same name. Eleanor, Nora, Leanne, Ann…after awhile everyone blurred together.
But honestly, the biggest issue was that none of this felt believable for 1969. I could suspend disbelief a little, but this book wanted me to suspend ALL of it.
A 69 year old woman with early dementia casually hopping on planes alone with a dog, wandering across the country chasing music festivals, and somehow being treated like this legendary wartime music darling just felt absurdly self-important. Then there’s a scene where she pulls out a guitar on a plane and leads passengers in a singalong like we’re in a Disney movie. Flying in 1969 was an EVENT. People dressed up to fly. Nobody was turning commercial flights into acoustic open mic night.
The mother/daughter cross-country road trip also felt completely unrealistic for the time period. I’m supposed to believe a husband just had his secretary make hotel reservations and happily sent his wife and daughter driving across America alone? In 1969? My dad would panic if I did that NOW and he’s in his late 60's, and I'm in my 40's.
Even some of the cultural references felt off. The book seemed to apply modern attitudes and hindsight to the late 60s in ways that constantly pulled me out of the story (*cough* Tina Turner*cough*).
At some point I realized I wasn’t reading an emotional historical fiction novel. I was reading about an increasingly delusional woman with a massively inflated ego while everyone around her acted like she was some folk legend.
This just wasn’t for me at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2026
As a big fan of Daisy Jones & The Six, I find myself gravitating towards books surrounding music such as this one. The second aspect of this book that really drew me in was that the story revolves around 3 generations of women. I love a powerful story about women, especially those within the same family. I feel like this book achieved what I was hoping for successfully.
A fun read, and definitely one that would be a perfect summer book. The author did a great job of vividly painting the setting and time period this was meant to be in.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy!
A fun read, and definitely one that would be a perfect summer book. The author did a great job of vividly painting the setting and time period this was meant to be in.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy!
August 14, 2026
Sorry, but this was a flop for me - if you are going to write a book about the summer of 1969, please get your facts straight!
Leanne: “When was the last time they’d kissed like they meant it? Probably sometime around the CARTER administration. Or was it NIXON? She couldn’t remember.”
Jimmy Carter didn’t take office until 1977! Nixon had just started his presidency in 1969! At least an EDITOR should have picked that up!
Nora has a polaroid camera that shoots out a photo that almost flies away, describing the type of Polaroid that didn't come out until the mid-1970's!
It was a fun story, but too much - driving from New York to California, then to Vegas and Denver, then to Atlanta, then to Seattle, then to Woodstock, NY? Come on!
Leanne: “When was the last time they’d kissed like they meant it? Probably sometime around the CARTER administration. Or was it NIXON? She couldn’t remember.”
Jimmy Carter didn’t take office until 1977! Nixon had just started his presidency in 1969! At least an EDITOR should have picked that up!
Nora has a polaroid camera that shoots out a photo that almost flies away, describing the type of Polaroid that didn't come out until the mid-1970's!
It was a fun story, but too much - driving from New York to California, then to Vegas and Denver, then to Atlanta, then to Seattle, then to Woodstock, NY? Come on!
September 4, 2026
I hated it. At first I thought it just wasn’t great bc it was cheesy. But barely anything happens and it just rambles on repetitively for way too many pages. Why does every sentence have to be this great epiphany or big statement.
And you could really feel that it was written with a contemporary view. Like the characters were contemporary people pretending they’re characters from the 60s
It was just bad and didn’t feel accurate
And you could really feel that it was written with a contemporary view. Like the characters were contemporary people pretending they’re characters from the 60s
It was just bad and didn’t feel accurate
September 8, 2026
The experience of reading this book is similar to a three-hour meeting that could have been an email.
July 1, 2026
I read this on Hoopla.
I probably made a mistake reading this book at the same time I was reading another book set in the 60s (Meet the Newmans). Both dealt with female empowerment and basically, how lousy women had it at that time.
This novel chronicles the travels of three generations of women as they experience the music festivals of the Summer of 1969. The eldest, Eleanor, is living out her dreams of youth, performing at the festivals. Her daughter and granddaughter follow her around, and spend two months going back and forth across the US as a result. The traveling was the best part, and I think it would make a good movie.
I felt like this book could have used more editing. There was a lot of repetition in the description of how each of the characters was feeling. Some of the writing was filled with cliches (e.g. two characters let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding - ugh). It was just too coincidental that people kept bumping into one another at these huge music festivals. Lastly, the male characters just seemed too good to be true.
Okay, so maybe a Hallmark movie?
I probably made a mistake reading this book at the same time I was reading another book set in the 60s (Meet the Newmans). Both dealt with female empowerment and basically, how lousy women had it at that time.
This novel chronicles the travels of three generations of women as they experience the music festivals of the Summer of 1969. The eldest, Eleanor, is living out her dreams of youth, performing at the festivals. Her daughter and granddaughter follow her around, and spend two months going back and forth across the US as a result. The traveling was the best part, and I think it would make a good movie.
I felt like this book could have used more editing. There was a lot of repetition in the description of how each of the characters was feeling. Some of the writing was filled with cliches (e.g. two characters let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding - ugh). It was just too coincidental that people kept bumping into one another at these huge music festivals. Lastly, the male characters just seemed too good to be true.
Okay, so maybe a Hallmark movie?
November 6, 2025
I absolutely loved Lost in the Summer of '69 from start to finish. It might be my favorite of Eliza Knight’s historical fiction titles so far adventuring across the country along with the bands of ‘69. It reminded me of stories of my mom and my grandma shared during that time period. This would be a wonderful book club read!
July 10, 2026
This was a cute summer read, chasing festivals and the music of 1969. A book about second chances and mother- daughter relationships.
June 14, 2026
If you are looking for a story that will transport you back to the late 60's then this is a story you will most definitely want to get your hands on. Not only is this book an exciting adventure but is also deals with the sensitive and heartbreaking topic of Alzheimer's and dementia. However, despite the seriousness of this diagnosis the main character wants to make the best of her situation even though her actions end up worrying her daughter and her granddaughter. I really have to say that I was very hooked from this book from beginning to end. You really have to admire the character Eleanor for trying to make the best of her situation even though it ended up worrying those around her. If you ever wanted to be transported back to the excitement of the late 60's then this is a story you should consider reading.
July 14, 2026
1969 - It's Eleanor's 69th birthday and she has recently learned that she is in the early stages of dementia. She had been a musician when she was young and longs for what she gave up to marry and raise a family so spontaneously leaves the suburbs of New York with her small dog to travel to California for a music festival without letting her daughter know.
Eleanor's daughter, Leanne, is worried when she realizes her mother is missing and convinces her own teenage daughter, Nora, who has recently graduated high school and is set to be one of the first female undergrads at Yale to go on a road trip with her to find Eleanor. Over the course of the summer, the two women drive across the country in their Lincoln Continental always two steps behind Eleanor as she travels from festival to festival until finally making their way back to New York for Woodstock mid-August.
Lost in the Summer of '69 is historical fiction about three generations of women, an unforgettable summer of music and an epic cross-country road trip. It's a sweet story about mother/daughter/grandmother relationships, second chances and following dreams set during a fascinating time period.
I enjoyed reading about the music festival scene in 1969 culminating with the historic Woodstock festival and Eleanor's diagnosis of dementia gives the plot a sense of poignancy. I'm a stickler for details, however, particularly when it comes to historical facts and there were lines in the book that bothered me. I read an ARC though so hopefully they were corrected in the final version as the anachronisms took me completely out of the story. For example, a woman in 1969 saying she hadn't really kissed her husband since sometime around the Carter or perhaps the Nixon administrations and the same woman who would have been born in 1924 saying she now realized that her mother had given up tour buses for carpool.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing a digital ARC of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Eleanor's daughter, Leanne, is worried when she realizes her mother is missing and convinces her own teenage daughter, Nora, who has recently graduated high school and is set to be one of the first female undergrads at Yale to go on a road trip with her to find Eleanor. Over the course of the summer, the two women drive across the country in their Lincoln Continental always two steps behind Eleanor as she travels from festival to festival until finally making their way back to New York for Woodstock mid-August.
Lost in the Summer of '69 is historical fiction about three generations of women, an unforgettable summer of music and an epic cross-country road trip. It's a sweet story about mother/daughter/grandmother relationships, second chances and following dreams set during a fascinating time period.
I enjoyed reading about the music festival scene in 1969 culminating with the historic Woodstock festival and Eleanor's diagnosis of dementia gives the plot a sense of poignancy. I'm a stickler for details, however, particularly when it comes to historical facts and there were lines in the book that bothered me. I read an ARC though so hopefully they were corrected in the final version as the anachronisms took me completely out of the story. For example, a woman in 1969 saying she hadn't really kissed her husband since sometime around the Carter or perhaps the Nixon administrations and the same woman who would have been born in 1924 saying she now realized that her mother had given up tour buses for carpool.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing a digital ARC of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2026
Was hard for me to keep the three protagonists straight and their relationship to those women from the very beginning of the book because all of their names are TOO similar. Good reminder that our mom’s are also just women trying to figure life out and to chase your dreams so you don’t live with regret.
June 18, 2026
This book was such an enjoyable read from beginning to end. At first, I had a little trouble keeping track of all the names before the story really got going, but once I settled into the book, it became much easier to remember everyone and their roles in the story.
One of the things I loved most was following three different generations experiencing a shared journey while also having their own individual growth, challenges, emotions, and adventures. Each woman had her own story to tell, which made the book feel rich and layered.
Eleanor's story was especially moving. Despite facing a difficult diagnosis, she continued to express herself and pursue a dream that had been pushed aside because of life's responsibilities. Music was clearly a huge part of who she was, bringing joy not only to herself but also to those lucky enough to hear her perform. I admired her determination to stand up for what she wanted and make the most of her time, even knowing that the future might not be as bright as she hoped.
I became very attached to Leanne because, in many ways, I saw myself in her. At the beginning, she was organized, routine-oriented, and comfortable staying within the boundaries she had created for herself. It was inspiring to watch her truly discover herself and take control of her life, gaining new perspectives not only on her own choices but also on her mother's life and the future she wanted for her daughter.
Nora was incredibly empathetic and selfless from the very beginning. She noticed her mother's worries, cared deeply for her grandmother, and was willing to put aside her own summer plans, even though it was an important summer before starting at Yale. I especially enjoyed seeing her reconnect with her mother after years of tension and distance. I think this experience came into her life at exactly the right time, helping her realize that she didn't have to follow the path society expected of her. That said, with her personality and determination, I believe she would have eventually found her own way regardless.
Overall, I found this story funny, emotional, and incredibly inspiring. It felt like a dream of an adventure, set against a nostalgic late-1960s and early-1970s backdrop that made the journey even more memorable.
One of the things I loved most was following three different generations experiencing a shared journey while also having their own individual growth, challenges, emotions, and adventures. Each woman had her own story to tell, which made the book feel rich and layered.
Eleanor's story was especially moving. Despite facing a difficult diagnosis, she continued to express herself and pursue a dream that had been pushed aside because of life's responsibilities. Music was clearly a huge part of who she was, bringing joy not only to herself but also to those lucky enough to hear her perform. I admired her determination to stand up for what she wanted and make the most of her time, even knowing that the future might not be as bright as she hoped.
I became very attached to Leanne because, in many ways, I saw myself in her. At the beginning, she was organized, routine-oriented, and comfortable staying within the boundaries she had created for herself. It was inspiring to watch her truly discover herself and take control of her life, gaining new perspectives not only on her own choices but also on her mother's life and the future she wanted for her daughter.
Nora was incredibly empathetic and selfless from the very beginning. She noticed her mother's worries, cared deeply for her grandmother, and was willing to put aside her own summer plans, even though it was an important summer before starting at Yale. I especially enjoyed seeing her reconnect with her mother after years of tension and distance. I think this experience came into her life at exactly the right time, helping her realize that she didn't have to follow the path society expected of her. That said, with her personality and determination, I believe she would have eventually found her own way regardless.
Overall, I found this story funny, emotional, and incredibly inspiring. It felt like a dream of an adventure, set against a nostalgic late-1960s and early-1970s backdrop that made the journey even more memorable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2026
Really disappointing. The overly sentimental tell-not-show writing was repetitive and so crowded with similes it was distracting. Other than the grandmother running off, there was no conflict at all, and any hint of conflict resolved itself before a confrontation could take place. What could have been a cute story about women reconnecting during a summer of music became unforgivably boring.
Did Not Finish
July 14, 2026DNF at part 4. Initially I was very excited about this book, reading big chunks of it in one setting. But then the themes and the action started getting repetitive. We moved from one music festival to the next, and each time Eleanor is concerned about her memories, Leanne is questioning her life choices, and Nora is stressing about whether or not she has the courage to follow her own path. I lost interest, and then found that I hadn’t picked up the book in almost a week! Time to start something else.
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