What do you think?
Rate this book
On Gin Lane
After her fiancé whisks her off to the glistening shores of Southampton in June of 1957, one young socialite begins to realize that her glamorous summer is giving her everything—except what she really wants—in this new novel from the author of Summer Darlings, “one terrific summer read” (Elin Hilderbrand, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
Everleigh “Lee” Farrows thinks she finally has life all figured out: a handsome fiancé named Roland, a trust in her name, and a house in Bronxville waiting for her to fill it with three adorable children. That is, until Roland brings her out to the Hamptons for a summer that will change everything.
Most women could only dream of the engagement present Roland unexpectedly bestows on Lee—a beachside hotel on the prized Gin Lane—but Lee’s delight is clouded by unpleasant memories of another hotel, the Plaza, where she grew up in the shadow of her mother’s mental illness. Shaking off flashbacks, Lee resolves to dive into an unforgettable summer with poolside Bellinis, daily tennis matches, luncheons with her Manhattan circle, and her beloved camera in tow. But when tragedy strikes on the hotel’s opening weekend, the cracks in Lee’s picture-perfect future slowly begin to reveal themselves, and Lee must look deep within herself to determine if the life she’s always wanted will ever truly be enough.
From the regal inns to the farmland, the well-heeled New Yorkers to the Bohemian artists, the East End of Long Island is a hodge-podge of the changing American landscape in the late 1950s—and the perfect place for Lee to discover who she really is.
Everleigh “Lee” Farrows thinks she finally has life all figured out: a handsome fiancé named Roland, a trust in her name, and a house in Bronxville waiting for her to fill it with three adorable children. That is, until Roland brings her out to the Hamptons for a summer that will change everything.
Most women could only dream of the engagement present Roland unexpectedly bestows on Lee—a beachside hotel on the prized Gin Lane—but Lee’s delight is clouded by unpleasant memories of another hotel, the Plaza, where she grew up in the shadow of her mother’s mental illness. Shaking off flashbacks, Lee resolves to dive into an unforgettable summer with poolside Bellinis, daily tennis matches, luncheons with her Manhattan circle, and her beloved camera in tow. But when tragedy strikes on the hotel’s opening weekend, the cracks in Lee’s picture-perfect future slowly begin to reveal themselves, and Lee must look deep within herself to determine if the life she’s always wanted will ever truly be enough.
From the regal inns to the farmland, the well-heeled New Yorkers to the Bohemian artists, the East End of Long Island is a hodge-podge of the changing American landscape in the late 1950s—and the perfect place for Lee to discover who she really is.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 31, 2022
548 people are currently reading
14017 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
October 31, 2022
On Gin Lane by Brooke Lee Foster is a 2022 Gallery Books publication.
Everleigh’s fiancé, Roland, surprises her with a hotel he built for her in the Hampton’s. Though she didn’t ask for this, Everleigh, embraces the role, but then a fire breaks out, putting Roland in a financial bind, and both of them under suspicion, as detectives believe arson might be to blame.
Under the strain, Everleigh’s relationship with Roland, begins to fray, and she begins to second guess her decision to marry him. Meanwhile, Everleigh’s love of photography gives her an opportunity to work doing something that she loves. Yet her family, and Roland, are determined to force her to quit…
As she digs her heels in, Everleigh is becoming more and more certain she’s made a mistake with Roland, but can’t seem to find a way out of her engagement…
Although Everleigh is naïve, and comes from a wealthy family, she spends her summer in the Hamptons growing up and becoming wise. She still must fight with herself about social standings and appearances, duty, and how her decisions will affect her family, but she comes into her own, in her own good time.
There is a mystery, an investigation, and loads of questions about that fire, but for a long time the mystery runs in the background as Everleigh struggles with her failing romance, her desire to break free from the strictures of her life, as she falls under the spell of both her new photography mentor, Starling Meade, and Curtis, a doctor she keeps bumping into.
Once the revelations start pouring out, though, the surprises are stunning, and not nearly as predictable as I expected them to be...
This was a book I had intended to read over the summer-but I crammed too many ‘Beach’ reads onto my summer list, and, sadly, ran out time before I had a chance to read all of them. Usually, I packed all seasonal books away until the next year- but the premise for this one sounded so good, I had to have just one last summer fling before I pack away the summer books for good this year.
I loved the setting, the location, and the quiet way the novel unfolded, the character growth and the pioneers who paved the way for women to have more options in life and step out from behind the shadows of their fathers and husbands to gain more independence and control over their own destinies.
Starling might have been the trailblazer in this story, but though it seemed unlikely, Everleigh also became a trailblazer in her own right, as well.
Overall, I have to say I enjoyed my last beach flirtation, and think this was a lovely swan song for the summer of 2022…
4 stars
Everleigh’s fiancé, Roland, surprises her with a hotel he built for her in the Hampton’s. Though she didn’t ask for this, Everleigh, embraces the role, but then a fire breaks out, putting Roland in a financial bind, and both of them under suspicion, as detectives believe arson might be to blame.
Under the strain, Everleigh’s relationship with Roland, begins to fray, and she begins to second guess her decision to marry him. Meanwhile, Everleigh’s love of photography gives her an opportunity to work doing something that she loves. Yet her family, and Roland, are determined to force her to quit…
As she digs her heels in, Everleigh is becoming more and more certain she’s made a mistake with Roland, but can’t seem to find a way out of her engagement…
Although Everleigh is naïve, and comes from a wealthy family, she spends her summer in the Hamptons growing up and becoming wise. She still must fight with herself about social standings and appearances, duty, and how her decisions will affect her family, but she comes into her own, in her own good time.
There is a mystery, an investigation, and loads of questions about that fire, but for a long time the mystery runs in the background as Everleigh struggles with her failing romance, her desire to break free from the strictures of her life, as she falls under the spell of both her new photography mentor, Starling Meade, and Curtis, a doctor she keeps bumping into.
Once the revelations start pouring out, though, the surprises are stunning, and not nearly as predictable as I expected them to be...
This was a book I had intended to read over the summer-but I crammed too many ‘Beach’ reads onto my summer list, and, sadly, ran out time before I had a chance to read all of them. Usually, I packed all seasonal books away until the next year- but the premise for this one sounded so good, I had to have just one last summer fling before I pack away the summer books for good this year.
I loved the setting, the location, and the quiet way the novel unfolded, the character growth and the pioneers who paved the way for women to have more options in life and step out from behind the shadows of their fathers and husbands to gain more independence and control over their own destinies.
Starling might have been the trailblazer in this story, but though it seemed unlikely, Everleigh also became a trailblazer in her own right, as well.
Overall, I have to say I enjoyed my last beach flirtation, and think this was a lovely swan song for the summer of 2022…
4 stars
April 22, 2022
Everleigh Farrow grew up in the Plaza hotel in Manhattan and she was raised by her nanny as her mother suffers from a mental illness. After one broken engagement it would make her mother very happy if twenty three year old Lee found the perfect man, settled down and started a family.
Lee meets Roland Whittaker, he’s handsome, charming and after a whirlwind courtship they become engaged. Lee has a trust fund in her name, the couple have set a date for the wedding and their house in Bronxville is being renovated.
Roland picks Lee up to take her for a drive, she has no idea he’s planning a big surprise and she will be spending the summer with him at The Hamptons. When they arrive, Roland’s gift to his bride to be is a brand new hotel he has built on Gin Lane and Lee pretends she’s excited. The last place she wants to live in is a hotel, she spent her whole childhood in one and it brings back unhappy memories.
Lee doesn’t want to disappoint Roland, her summer will be spent drinking cocktails by the pool, mixing with the in crowd from Manhattan and enduring the endless boring social engagements. The opening of the hotel is a complete disaster, it leaves Lee questioning what went wrong and was she in any way to blame?
While Roland sorts out the aftermath of the fire, Lee tries to make the best of the situation, Roland is always busy and preoccupied and at times he seems like a different man to the person she fell in love with. Lee has an interest in photography, in town she meets Starling Meade a famous photographer and the owner of Juniper Gallery. Lee discovers what makes her happy, she feels comfortable with Starling’s arty friends and she starts to question what she wants out of life and is it marrying Roland?
It’s a fascinating story set in 1950’s America, for the first time in her life Lee has freedom, doing what she wants, taking and developing photo's. Lee knows how much her mother is looking forward to the wedding, she doesn't want her to have a relapse and she’s having serious doubts about marrying Roland. Lee is concerned about his character, she’s never met any of his family, he dodges questions and she wonders if he’s being honest with her?
I received a copy of On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster from Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed reading every single page, it’s about Lee listening to her inner voice, doing what's right for her, a coming for age story and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
Lee meets Roland Whittaker, he’s handsome, charming and after a whirlwind courtship they become engaged. Lee has a trust fund in her name, the couple have set a date for the wedding and their house in Bronxville is being renovated.
Roland picks Lee up to take her for a drive, she has no idea he’s planning a big surprise and she will be spending the summer with him at The Hamptons. When they arrive, Roland’s gift to his bride to be is a brand new hotel he has built on Gin Lane and Lee pretends she’s excited. The last place she wants to live in is a hotel, she spent her whole childhood in one and it brings back unhappy memories.
Lee doesn’t want to disappoint Roland, her summer will be spent drinking cocktails by the pool, mixing with the in crowd from Manhattan and enduring the endless boring social engagements. The opening of the hotel is a complete disaster, it leaves Lee questioning what went wrong and was she in any way to blame?
While Roland sorts out the aftermath of the fire, Lee tries to make the best of the situation, Roland is always busy and preoccupied and at times he seems like a different man to the person she fell in love with. Lee has an interest in photography, in town she meets Starling Meade a famous photographer and the owner of Juniper Gallery. Lee discovers what makes her happy, she feels comfortable with Starling’s arty friends and she starts to question what she wants out of life and is it marrying Roland?
It’s a fascinating story set in 1950’s America, for the first time in her life Lee has freedom, doing what she wants, taking and developing photo's. Lee knows how much her mother is looking forward to the wedding, she doesn't want her to have a relapse and she’s having serious doubts about marrying Roland. Lee is concerned about his character, she’s never met any of his family, he dodges questions and she wonders if he’s being honest with her?
I received a copy of On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster from Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed reading every single page, it’s about Lee listening to her inner voice, doing what's right for her, a coming for age story and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
June 12, 2022
Read if you like:
✵ Novels set in the 1950s
✵ Reading about the Hamptons
✵ Historical fiction with an air of mystery
✵ Stories about finding oneself
3.5★ rounded up for Goodreads
Summary: Young New York socialite Everleigh “Lee” Farrows feels she is on the verge of having it all, a fiancé soon to be her husband, a secure financial future, and a lavish summer spent in South Hampton among the elite. But after a tragedy all but destroys what she had envisioned, Lee becomes more determined than ever to find her own place in the world.
Thoughts: I have very mixed feelings on this one. There are some aspects of it that I absolutely loved and wanted more of, and others I found myself struggling with.
Having grown up spending every summer weekend on Hampton Bays with many visits into Southampton, I loved reading about the social scene of the affluent in that time period. The author does a phenomenal job at recreating this glitzy and glamorous world.
And generally I really enjoy reading stories set in the late 1950s/early 1960s when women are just beginning to challenge the role they’ve been given in the male dominated culture and the women’s movement is at it’s precipice.
I loved seeing Lee push against the expectations of her world, and fully realize what it is she wanted for herself and her future. And her friendship with Curtis, and his unyielding support became a true bright spot in the book, along with Starling, who shone in her own right.
My criticism comes with having to read half of the book to start feeling invested in these characters. From about a quarter of the way in until two-thirds in, the book both dragged for me and also felt very repetitive with some aspects unnecessarily explained multiple times.
I think for some, this book will be a favorite, and if you like historical fiction of this time frame, especially focusing on the socialites of New York, I would definitely recommend it. But for others, they may dislike the slow build and repetitiveness enough to put it down and not continue. I have fallen right in the middle, and I am okay with that.
Thank you to Gallery Books and Simon & Schuster for the physical ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
✵ Novels set in the 1950s
✵ Reading about the Hamptons
✵ Historical fiction with an air of mystery
✵ Stories about finding oneself
3.5★ rounded up for Goodreads
Summary: Young New York socialite Everleigh “Lee” Farrows feels she is on the verge of having it all, a fiancé soon to be her husband, a secure financial future, and a lavish summer spent in South Hampton among the elite. But after a tragedy all but destroys what she had envisioned, Lee becomes more determined than ever to find her own place in the world.
Thoughts: I have very mixed feelings on this one. There are some aspects of it that I absolutely loved and wanted more of, and others I found myself struggling with.
Having grown up spending every summer weekend on Hampton Bays with many visits into Southampton, I loved reading about the social scene of the affluent in that time period. The author does a phenomenal job at recreating this glitzy and glamorous world.
And generally I really enjoy reading stories set in the late 1950s/early 1960s when women are just beginning to challenge the role they’ve been given in the male dominated culture and the women’s movement is at it’s precipice.
I loved seeing Lee push against the expectations of her world, and fully realize what it is she wanted for herself and her future. And her friendship with Curtis, and his unyielding support became a true bright spot in the book, along with Starling, who shone in her own right.
My criticism comes with having to read half of the book to start feeling invested in these characters. From about a quarter of the way in until two-thirds in, the book both dragged for me and also felt very repetitive with some aspects unnecessarily explained multiple times.
I think for some, this book will be a favorite, and if you like historical fiction of this time frame, especially focusing on the socialites of New York, I would definitely recommend it. But for others, they may dislike the slow build and repetitiveness enough to put it down and not continue. I have fallen right in the middle, and I am okay with that.
Thank you to Gallery Books and Simon & Schuster for the physical ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 27, 2021
ON GIN LANE first seduces with everything readers want in a sun-drenched tale: glamorous and colorful characters, evocative settings, and enough secrets to topple a town. But as our heroine battles a suspicious fire, fiancé and social circle, author Foster slyly starts adding all the heady thrills of a modern-day REBECCA to the intoxicating mix. An un-put-downable, irresistible summer read.
July 13, 2022
A privileged young socialite in the 1950’s makes an effort to conform to the expectations of her stoic father and mentally ill mother but when her seemingly perfect fiancé whisks her away to the Hamptons for the summer she discovers that there is more to life than charity luncheons and tennis games. I recognize that the author was trying to draw a character who felt constrained by her circumstances, but I found Everleigh (Lee) to be so petulant, immature and foolish that she was mostly unlikable. Lee veers from the path of societal constructs, indulges her creative side and realizes her life can be whatever she wants it to be. This should have been a good story. But it wasn’t. Aside from the development of the story of Lee and Starling, the plot lines and dialog were juvenile and silly. For instance, the resolution of the “who done it” was ridiculous (you find out that a sociopath burned down a hotel filled with guests in an attempt to kill you out of jealousy because she’s pregnant with your lying scumbag of an ex-fiancé’s child but you don’t stop her from leaving town or call the police?). I couldn’t wait for this to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2021
On Gin Lane begins as a languid, sensual glimpse into the lives of women in the late 1950’s until a shocking event – and the ensuing investigation – ratchets up the tension. The book is at once a page-turner that kept me reading into the night, and a reminder of the importance of carving out a place for ourselves whether it is by creating art or finding where we belong. This book gave me a lot to think about. It is amazing to think about how restricted women's lives were. I especially loved the opening scenes of this book.
May 28, 2022
Travel back to 1957, a time period when the definition of a successful woman was based on her marrying right and having children. Socialite Everleigh “Lee” Farrows is twenty-three years old. While born into a life of wealth, she grew up having to endure periods of separation from her mother, who suffers from mental illness, and was essentially raised by a nanny in New York City’s The Plaza Hotel. Having had one broken engagement, time was running out to find a suitable husband. She seemed to have found the right one in Roland Whittaker, also from a wealthy family. As the couple is preparing for their wedding, Roland surprises Lee with his new venture: The Everleigh Beach Club Hotel. He has built a luxury hotel on family land in Southampton, New York. Initially horrified by the prospect of having to once-again spend an extended period of time living in a hotel, Lee pretends to be excited. But what truly excites Lee is her love of photography. When the hotel is destroyed by fire, will this tragedy give Lee the chance to reevaluate her life? Exposure to a colony of Bohemian artists in East Hampton, including a noted female photographer, shows her new possibilities as officials investigate the suspicious fire.
Having enjoyed author Brooke Lea Foster’s debut Summer Darlings, set in Martha’s Vineyard, I was happy to return to the past in her new book On Gin Lane. She has captured the time period and the world of the wealthy and privileged. I enjoyed the character of Lee, a creative young woman yearning to escape the country club life she was brought up in, while everyone she knows, and loves is telling her to stay on course. This is just the type of beach read I enjoy.
Many thanks to Gallery Books and Simon & Schuster for providing an advance copy of this appealing book about self-discovery.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Having enjoyed author Brooke Lea Foster’s debut Summer Darlings, set in Martha’s Vineyard, I was happy to return to the past in her new book On Gin Lane. She has captured the time period and the world of the wealthy and privileged. I enjoyed the character of Lee, a creative young woman yearning to escape the country club life she was brought up in, while everyone she knows, and loves is telling her to stay on course. This is just the type of beach read I enjoy.
Many thanks to Gallery Books and Simon & Schuster for providing an advance copy of this appealing book about self-discovery.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
March 31, 2022
ON GIN LANE
by Brooke Lea Foster
Gallery Books
Pub Date: May 31
On Gin Lane grabbed me from page one, as socialite Lee is taken by her fiancé Roland to glamorous Southampton in the summer of 1957.
Lee has everything she could want: Her handsome intended, a trust fund in her name, his gift to her of a beachfront hotel on tony Gin Lane, and a home in Bronxville waiting for them to fill it with children.
But when the unexpected happens during the hotel's opening, Lee's facade begins to crack, with flashbacks to another time in another hotel: The Plaza, where she grew up amid her mother's mental illness.
What will become of Lee's dreams now?
This must-read historical novel offers captivating characters, an engaging and well-written storyline, a sensitive look at how mental illness was seen during the judgmental Fifties, and a young woman's brave coming of age. Highly recommended!
Thanks to the author, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#OnGinLane #BrookeLeaFoster #GalleryBooks #NetGalley #Southampton1957 #socialitecomesofage #mentalillness #historicalfictionnovel #womensfiction #bookstagramcommunity
by Brooke Lea Foster
Gallery Books
Pub Date: May 31
On Gin Lane grabbed me from page one, as socialite Lee is taken by her fiancé Roland to glamorous Southampton in the summer of 1957.
Lee has everything she could want: Her handsome intended, a trust fund in her name, his gift to her of a beachfront hotel on tony Gin Lane, and a home in Bronxville waiting for them to fill it with children.
But when the unexpected happens during the hotel's opening, Lee's facade begins to crack, with flashbacks to another time in another hotel: The Plaza, where she grew up amid her mother's mental illness.
What will become of Lee's dreams now?
This must-read historical novel offers captivating characters, an engaging and well-written storyline, a sensitive look at how mental illness was seen during the judgmental Fifties, and a young woman's brave coming of age. Highly recommended!
Thanks to the author, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
#OnGinLane #BrookeLeaFoster #GalleryBooks #NetGalley #Southampton1957 #socialitecomesofage #mentalillness #historicalfictionnovel #womensfiction #bookstagramcommunity
May 31, 2022
3.5 Stars
I'm not quite sure how I would describe this book - as women's fiction? A coming-of-age novel? A mystery? Or all of the above? This book has a bit of it all, about the only thing lacking is a murder! As I was reading, I kept forgetting that this book was set in 1957. I was getting so frustrated with Lee's, well, shall we say, naivete. How she allowed everyone to walk all over her. Then it would dawn on me that it was '57, and they were upper-class, which would pull me back into the story.
It is difficult for me to gush about this book since all of the characters (at least all the main ones and most of the secondary and tertiary ones, too) were quite unlikeable and unrelatable.
There is plenty of mystery for those looking for such and just a dab of horror.
I might have liked this book better had it been about 100 pages shorter or the writing a bit more concise; less introspection/inner angst.
A worthy book for those who like seeing the wealthier (but non-famous people) side of the mid-last century, with a hint of the upcoming hippy era thrown in for good measure.
*ARC supplied by the publisher Simon & Schuster, the author, and ATTL/Edelweiss.
I'm not quite sure how I would describe this book - as women's fiction? A coming-of-age novel? A mystery? Or all of the above? This book has a bit of it all, about the only thing lacking is a murder! As I was reading, I kept forgetting that this book was set in 1957. I was getting so frustrated with Lee's, well, shall we say, naivete. How she allowed everyone to walk all over her. Then it would dawn on me that it was '57, and they were upper-class, which would pull me back into the story.
It is difficult for me to gush about this book since all of the characters (at least all the main ones and most of the secondary and tertiary ones, too) were quite unlikeable and unrelatable.
There is plenty of mystery for those looking for such and just a dab of horror.
I might have liked this book better had it been about 100 pages shorter or the writing a bit more concise; less introspection/inner angst.
A worthy book for those who like seeing the wealthier (but non-famous people) side of the mid-last century, with a hint of the upcoming hippy era thrown in for good measure.
*ARC supplied by the publisher Simon & Schuster, the author, and ATTL/Edelweiss.
March 17, 2022
Everleigh is on track to the life she is expected to have. College educated and beautiful, Lee grew up in the Plaza, her wealthy parents’ happiness shattered by her mother’s mental illness. She finds her bliss as an amateur photographer. She has already gone through one fiancé’ when she meets the man who, she hopes, is a perfect match for her, a man who will please her parents. He is handsome and charming, the son of a Detroit automaker family.
Lee accepts Roland’s proposal, allowing him sexual access, and is planning their wedding when he announces he has turned the Long Island family vacation home he inherited into a hotel. It’s not Lee’s dream life, but she rallies from her disappointment to support him. The night after the hotel’s grand opening party, the rich and famous in attendance, the hotel burns down.
Over the summer of 1957, Lee struggles with the heavy burden of female acquiescence to a man’s control. The country club life bores her. Lee becomes a galley assistant to a female photographer from the artist colony, hoping to hone her skill with the camera. Roland is occupied with rebuilding the hotel, using Lee’s trust fund money and taking on partners.
The police investigates the fire, sure it is arson. Could the fire have been set by one of their friends, an old enemy, a hotel staff member, or one of Roland’s past flames? As Lee reassesses her friendships and her husband’s new associates, she discovers that Roland is not the man she thought he was. Still determined to go through with her marriage, even as Roland begins to spiral away from her, she also must contend with the attraction that is emerging between her and the local doctor–who also races cars.
On Gin Lane is a great summer read, well written, with interesting characters, a compelling plot line with a mystery and a twist, and a happy resolution. The development of Lee’s independence will resonate with contemporary readers. But what I enjoyed most of all was Lee’s development as an artist.
Art isn’t something you do. It’s something you are.
from On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster
Lee longs for a life with meaning. Her best friend is content to marry and have children and spend summers at the beach. Lee has been drawn to photography all her life. When she learns that the legendary female photographer Starling Meade is at the local artist colony, she turns up at her door to meet her. Starling has the life that Lee secretly wants to have.
To be an artist, a woman must be willing to give up everything. Starling lost her husband and daughter to pursue her art. When Lee takes a job with Starling at her gallery, preparing for Starling’s show, she meets with rejection from Roland, and apparently her parents. “Creation could feel like an obsession,” Lee thinks, and she knows she will be forced to chose between Roland and her art.
Readers of historical fiction and women’s fiction will enjoy this novel. The historic New York setting, city and in Montauk, is exotic and exciting. And, readers with an interest in women in the arts will appreciate this story.
I received an ARC from Book Club Favorites at Simon & Schuster. My review is fair and unbiased.
Lee accepts Roland’s proposal, allowing him sexual access, and is planning their wedding when he announces he has turned the Long Island family vacation home he inherited into a hotel. It’s not Lee’s dream life, but she rallies from her disappointment to support him. The night after the hotel’s grand opening party, the rich and famous in attendance, the hotel burns down.
Over the summer of 1957, Lee struggles with the heavy burden of female acquiescence to a man’s control. The country club life bores her. Lee becomes a galley assistant to a female photographer from the artist colony, hoping to hone her skill with the camera. Roland is occupied with rebuilding the hotel, using Lee’s trust fund money and taking on partners.
The police investigates the fire, sure it is arson. Could the fire have been set by one of their friends, an old enemy, a hotel staff member, or one of Roland’s past flames? As Lee reassesses her friendships and her husband’s new associates, she discovers that Roland is not the man she thought he was. Still determined to go through with her marriage, even as Roland begins to spiral away from her, she also must contend with the attraction that is emerging between her and the local doctor–who also races cars.
On Gin Lane is a great summer read, well written, with interesting characters, a compelling plot line with a mystery and a twist, and a happy resolution. The development of Lee’s independence will resonate with contemporary readers. But what I enjoyed most of all was Lee’s development as an artist.
Art isn’t something you do. It’s something you are.
from On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster
Lee longs for a life with meaning. Her best friend is content to marry and have children and spend summers at the beach. Lee has been drawn to photography all her life. When she learns that the legendary female photographer Starling Meade is at the local artist colony, she turns up at her door to meet her. Starling has the life that Lee secretly wants to have.
To be an artist, a woman must be willing to give up everything. Starling lost her husband and daughter to pursue her art. When Lee takes a job with Starling at her gallery, preparing for Starling’s show, she meets with rejection from Roland, and apparently her parents. “Creation could feel like an obsession,” Lee thinks, and she knows she will be forced to chose between Roland and her art.
Readers of historical fiction and women’s fiction will enjoy this novel. The historic New York setting, city and in Montauk, is exotic and exciting. And, readers with an interest in women in the arts will appreciate this story.
I received an ARC from Book Club Favorites at Simon & Schuster. My review is fair and unbiased.
April 3, 2022
This review is for an advance readers copy. I hope the many anachronisms and copy editing errors are resolved before publication. I got one page into the prologue and already had an issue with the lead character’s name. I’m sorry, but no society mother would name their child “Everleigh” in the 1930s. Moving past that, in the first few chapters the author mentioned every trend, brand name, and/or celebrity name she could think of, possibly in an attempt to set the story in the time she chose. Once the plot picked up about halfway through, the author obviously felt more at ease and the story flowed much more smoothly. I just wish she and/or her editors had taken more care at the outset to make the lead and her circumstances more believable. All of the elements are there to create an interesting romance with a nice element of suspense, but it doesn’t quite land.
June 28, 2022
DNF at 70 percent. Reads like one of my short stories I wrote in high school. Predictable, un-likeable characters in my opinion. I was looking forward to this book, so I purchased it instead of waiting for a library copy. So disappointing.
May 31, 2022
What a solid historical beach read! I really enjoyed it. What I like about Foster's novels is the fact that she includes a mystery. I adored the Hamptons setting, the time period, and the mystery kept me flipping the pages. I was also rooting for Everleigh to find her place and gain the courage and the confidence to live the live she wants, not the life her parents want for her, etc. If you like historical beach reads, this one shouldn't be missed! Full review to come.
February 24, 2023
I’m glad I won this book on Goodreads. I really did not enjoy this author’s first book, Summer Darlings. This book was so much better. I now look forward to reading her next book. This one takes place in the Hamptons in 1956. Everleigh is a young woman struggling with society’s expectations when they start diverging from her wishes. There is also a mystery aspect to the book. Overall a very good read.
May 24, 2022
If you love a good historical fiction novel, this is the one you will want to pick up as a perfect summer read!
Set in the 1950’s, we follow Everleigh “Lee” Farrows, a New York socialite who is taken by her fiancé, Roland, to glamorous Southampton and into a hotel that he had built for her. On opening weekend of the hotel tragedy strikes and Lee’s summer will never be the same.
I appreciate how this book offers a glimpse into the high society lifestyle of the 1950’s. Women in Lee’s position are given very little freedom to make choices and are expected to support their husbands without question. What we find with Everleigh though is a journey of self-discovery and what it means to follow her passions despite what society expects. I found the characters developed and engaging and there was a mystery element woven into the story that made it all the more entertaining.
Set in the 1950’s, we follow Everleigh “Lee” Farrows, a New York socialite who is taken by her fiancé, Roland, to glamorous Southampton and into a hotel that he had built for her. On opening weekend of the hotel tragedy strikes and Lee’s summer will never be the same.
I appreciate how this book offers a glimpse into the high society lifestyle of the 1950’s. Women in Lee’s position are given very little freedom to make choices and are expected to support their husbands without question. What we find with Everleigh though is a journey of self-discovery and what it means to follow her passions despite what society expects. I found the characters developed and engaging and there was a mystery element woven into the story that made it all the more entertaining.
May 31, 2022
Have you ever dreamed of being so rich that you could live off your trust fund and be perfectly content the rest of your life? Your biggest worries are which gown should I wear tonight, which country club should I be seen at, are my friends of the right caliber. On Gin Lane will transport you back in time to 1957. When the Hamptons were just being discovered by the rich and famous. The descriptions and the details will leave you flipping through photographs in your mind. All the glitz, glamour, booze, and money you could possibly dream of. All within your fingertips. Is it just the endless amounts of money that makes you happy? Or does the money trap you within these richly decorated homes?
Everleigh grew up in The Plaza Hotel. It was her playground, the staff looked out for her, helped her with her homework, contacted her parents when she stepped out of line. She is expected to meet the right man, a man of wealth, and continue along this path. The one fear that grips Everleigh is her mother has great bouts of depression. It is always in the back of her mind that she too could end up like her mother. At the age of 23, Everleigh has finally found the man for her. After her last finance left her, declaring her mind unfit. Roland is a man of integrity, and his family has loads of money. On a weekend getaway to the Hamptons he surprises her with a hotel that he has built and named after her. Everleigh has flashbacks growing up at The Plaza. Does she want this life? The first weekend the hotel is open, tragedy strikes. Leaving the hotel in ash and Roland and Everleigh living in a small cottage. She needs to decide if the life she is living is the one she genuinely wants.
This book is fantastic! I loved being swept up in the life of a socialite. Let's be honest, who doesn't dream of having endless amounts of money, living right on the ocean, having few cares in the world. It sounds like my dream life. Until you start to gently pull back the layers and find that it is not all fun and games. Thank you to Brooke Lea Foster, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for sharing this fascinating book with me. I am off to add Summer Darlings to my Wishlist!!
Everleigh grew up in The Plaza Hotel. It was her playground, the staff looked out for her, helped her with her homework, contacted her parents when she stepped out of line. She is expected to meet the right man, a man of wealth, and continue along this path. The one fear that grips Everleigh is her mother has great bouts of depression. It is always in the back of her mind that she too could end up like her mother. At the age of 23, Everleigh has finally found the man for her. After her last finance left her, declaring her mind unfit. Roland is a man of integrity, and his family has loads of money. On a weekend getaway to the Hamptons he surprises her with a hotel that he has built and named after her. Everleigh has flashbacks growing up at The Plaza. Does she want this life? The first weekend the hotel is open, tragedy strikes. Leaving the hotel in ash and Roland and Everleigh living in a small cottage. She needs to decide if the life she is living is the one she genuinely wants.
This book is fantastic! I loved being swept up in the life of a socialite. Let's be honest, who doesn't dream of having endless amounts of money, living right on the ocean, having few cares in the world. It sounds like my dream life. Until you start to gently pull back the layers and find that it is not all fun and games. Thank you to Brooke Lea Foster, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for sharing this fascinating book with me. I am off to add Summer Darlings to my Wishlist!!
September 30, 2022
ON GIN LANE
Brook Lea Foster
Foster's ON GIN LANE has almost everything you would want in a book. It has a beautiful setting and smart characters that are well drawn and fleshed out. The book was character-driven, and set in the classic 1950s with beautifully describe fashion and graham head scarfs.
Lee Farrows is from NYC but spends her summer in the Hamptons with her almost-husband, Roland Whitaker. It was only supposed to be a weekend but after Roland's new hotel burns down, it turns into the summer. It also turns out that Roland is now broke and needs money, borrowing it from Lee.
But Lee isn't as happy as she thought she would be, she wants more from her life than what is expected at the time. She wants to be a photographer and as the summer expands out in front of her and she tires of snobby women who are one way to your face and another when your back is turned.
But it isn't just the women, Roland is drinking and cozied up to another woman, but it seems that it might be all her fault, just ask him.
Everleigh “Lee” Farrows thinks she finally has life all figured out: a handsome fiancé named Roland, a trust in her name, and a house in Bronxville waiting for her to fill it with three adorable children. That is until Roland brings her out to the Hamptons for a summer that will change everything.
While this isn't a YA book, it is nonetheless a coming-of-age story about the place of women in society, Lee exemplifies that change. It holds all of the great things about the 50s and also the worse. One of Lee's fears is based on her mother's mental illness and how Roland controls her by threatening to tell her parents that she is not well. But she takes control of her life and makes the decisions that will change her life forever.
3.6 rounded up to 4 Stars
Happy Reading!
Brook Lea Foster
Foster's ON GIN LANE has almost everything you would want in a book. It has a beautiful setting and smart characters that are well drawn and fleshed out. The book was character-driven, and set in the classic 1950s with beautifully describe fashion and graham head scarfs.
Lee Farrows is from NYC but spends her summer in the Hamptons with her almost-husband, Roland Whitaker. It was only supposed to be a weekend but after Roland's new hotel burns down, it turns into the summer. It also turns out that Roland is now broke and needs money, borrowing it from Lee.
But Lee isn't as happy as she thought she would be, she wants more from her life than what is expected at the time. She wants to be a photographer and as the summer expands out in front of her and she tires of snobby women who are one way to your face and another when your back is turned.
But it isn't just the women, Roland is drinking and cozied up to another woman, but it seems that it might be all her fault, just ask him.
Everleigh “Lee” Farrows thinks she finally has life all figured out: a handsome fiancé named Roland, a trust in her name, and a house in Bronxville waiting for her to fill it with three adorable children. That is until Roland brings her out to the Hamptons for a summer that will change everything.
While this isn't a YA book, it is nonetheless a coming-of-age story about the place of women in society, Lee exemplifies that change. It holds all of the great things about the 50s and also the worse. One of Lee's fears is based on her mother's mental illness and how Roland controls her by threatening to tell her parents that she is not well. But she takes control of her life and makes the decisions that will change her life forever.
3.6 rounded up to 4 Stars
Happy Reading!
July 16, 2024
This book is a perfect summer read!! The reader is whisked away to late 1950s in the Hamptons!!
Lee comes from a privileged family that lives in The Plaza Hotel. Unfortunately for her, her mother struggles with mental issues and she is brought up by a nanny. Lee has dreams for her life but they are not the same dreams as her parents.
Lee mets Roland and he sweeps her off her feet!! The are engaged quickly and they are off for a day trip to the Hamptons but Roland has a big surprise for her when they get there…he has bought a hotel for them on Gin Lane. Lee pretends to be excited but deep down she is not happy at all!!
A big party on the first night with an appearance by Marilyn Monroe ends with a big fire that will shape the book!! Who started the fire and why??? Is Lee going to be happy here?
Jump right into this book and you will have to read it in one sitting!! Can’t wait for the next book by Brooke Lea Foster!!!
Lee comes from a privileged family that lives in The Plaza Hotel. Unfortunately for her, her mother struggles with mental issues and she is brought up by a nanny. Lee has dreams for her life but they are not the same dreams as her parents.
Lee mets Roland and he sweeps her off her feet!! The are engaged quickly and they are off for a day trip to the Hamptons but Roland has a big surprise for her when they get there…he has bought a hotel for them on Gin Lane. Lee pretends to be excited but deep down she is not happy at all!!
A big party on the first night with an appearance by Marilyn Monroe ends with a big fire that will shape the book!! Who started the fire and why??? Is Lee going to be happy here?
Jump right into this book and you will have to read it in one sitting!! Can’t wait for the next book by Brooke Lea Foster!!!
June 18, 2022
An effervescent, nostalgic look at The Hamptons in the '50's. Centers mainly on solving the mystery around a fire. And of a young woman trying to find her way in life.
Not too heavy handed in the tired "I want to be more and feel held back by men" vein, so that is good.
A couple of fun celebrity character cameos.
It bothers me that there that the cover art shows a blonde, when our main character Everleigh (love that name!) is a brunette.
Overall, a good summer read, with happy endings for most.
Not too heavy handed in the tired "I want to be more and feel held back by men" vein, so that is good.
A couple of fun celebrity character cameos.
It bothers me that there that the cover art shows a blonde, when our main character Everleigh (love that name!) is a brunette.
Overall, a good summer read, with happy endings for most.
September 10, 2023
Well. Really a 3.5. It’s annoying when you know very early exactly what the main character should do. Ha. Took too long to get there. But it got a 4 instead of a 3 because of a twist I didn’t predict. If I liked gin I would have drank gin throughout. Ha.
May 26, 2022
Set over the course of summer 1957, this is very much a tale of a woman who finds she's more than she-and others- thought. Lee's fiance dumped her in a shaming way but she's found love again with Roland, a dashing entrepeneur. She's shocked, however, when they go away to Southampton for a weekend and he presents her with a hotel he's built and named for her! And then, the hotel burns down. Who set the fire? Was it Alice, the woman who has a grudge against Roland for something he did with or to her sister? Or Stevie, Roland's partner? Or Roland himself? The two of them hunker down in the caretaker's house and Lee, who has never done anything for herself, finds she's cooking and cleaning while periodically going to the club and to luncheons-but she's not happy. And then she discovers an artist colony and introduces herself to Starling, a photographer, who gives her a job helping set up an exhibit. Lee's photography becomes more important even as things spin out with Roland, who she's funding from her trust fund. I almost gave up on this early on because Lee was just too something for me but kept reading and was glad that I did. Foster spins out her story with a growing sense of doom (although honestly I don't understand why Lee didn't pack up and go early on or why others in the area weren't more scandalized-given the time period- by the fact that they were living together before their wedding). Lee's lucky to have a friend in Whitney and in Starling, both of whom provide more support than they realize. Thanks to Edelweisss for the ARC. It's a good read.
August 23, 2023
Even though I received On Gin Lane as a present from the lovely @diveintoagoodbook last December, it was a book I clearly needed to save for summer.
Full of sand dunes, beach parties, and biking through small towns, this one had all the summer vibes. After reading quite a few books set in California, it was a nice change of pace to read one set along the Atlantic Ocean.
Though there is a tragedy, a mystery, and a bit of romance, this is mostly a story about self-discovery. I loved Everleigh's journey to become independent. She doesn't want what's expected of her, to stay at home and organize luncheons for the other society ladies. Even though nobody else in her life supports her decisions, she's unafraid to forge her own path. If she was a real person, she'd be my 1950s role model.
Without getting too spoilery, there are some characters that just seem a little too awful the whole time. And Everleigh's suspicion about so many people did get to be a bit much. Still, this was a great novel to get swept away in as summer wanes to a close. Pick it up if you need a some sunshine and strong women in your reading life!
Full of sand dunes, beach parties, and biking through small towns, this one had all the summer vibes. After reading quite a few books set in California, it was a nice change of pace to read one set along the Atlantic Ocean.
Though there is a tragedy, a mystery, and a bit of romance, this is mostly a story about self-discovery. I loved Everleigh's journey to become independent. She doesn't want what's expected of her, to stay at home and organize luncheons for the other society ladies. Even though nobody else in her life supports her decisions, she's unafraid to forge her own path. If she was a real person, she'd be my 1950s role model.
Without getting too spoilery, there are some characters that just seem a little too awful the whole time. And Everleigh's suspicion about so many people did get to be a bit much. Still, this was a great novel to get swept away in as summer wanes to a close. Pick it up if you need a some sunshine and strong women in your reading life!
June 1, 2022
I really enjoyed Brooke Lea Foster's first book, SUMMER DARLINGS, and I was excited to read her newest novel set in the 1950s Hamptons (one of my dream destinations). A few things up front: this cover is stunning and quintessential summer in my opinion; I love the dialogue in this book; any Marilyn Monroe appearance is appreciated.
This book is the perfect historical fiction to put in your beach bag and head to the sandy shores of the ocean, salty air through your hair as you move from the beach to dinner on a patio, champagne flute in hand. This story wasn't exactly what I expected, which actually made for a pleasant reading experience because I was surprised. It has a bit more of a mystery element than I anticipated and I enjoyed Everleigh's character development. It felt like an elevated Agatha Christie novel in terms of the plot but told through a modern lens.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story and would recommend the novel to historical fiction readers looking for the perfect summer read.
This book is the perfect historical fiction to put in your beach bag and head to the sandy shores of the ocean, salty air through your hair as you move from the beach to dinner on a patio, champagne flute in hand. This story wasn't exactly what I expected, which actually made for a pleasant reading experience because I was surprised. It has a bit more of a mystery element than I anticipated and I enjoyed Everleigh's character development. It felt like an elevated Agatha Christie novel in terms of the plot but told through a modern lens.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story and would recommend the novel to historical fiction readers looking for the perfect summer read.
October 4, 2022
On gin lane was a good book. I really enjoyed the characters . The book told the story of how a woman who meets this man and is about to marry him discovered he has a secret life.
August 31, 2022
It started off strong but about halfway through, the plotting and pacing felt off, and I wasn’t very satisfied with the conclusion.
July 7, 2022
I’m only giving this book 2 stars instead of 1 because I appreciated how the friendship between Everleigh and Starling developed. Otherwise, this book is a complete PASS for me. The Whodunnit aspect wasn’t resolved with any interesting twists. The fact that a trust fund baby struggled to find her path isn’t a compelling theme. And the only redeeming moment in the completely predictable breakup was her funny decision to not throw the ring at him so she could sell it instead.
May 3, 2022
Thank you so much to @gallerybooks @simonschuster #BookClubFavorites for this copy to read and review. All opinions are my own. On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster, publishes 6/7/22
Set in 1957 on the shores of Southampton during the summer we are taken on a ride watching the glamourous life of socialites and the rich as they enjoy their riches, often times in excess on all accounts. We follow young Everleigh Farrows as she has landed a second chance at being a fiance to Roland who is supposed to be her path to the lifestyle she was groomed for. A mother, an obedient wife, a woman who tends to every need of her husband, in a social circle of wealth, among the other wives who summer here in lush beachfront mansions, exclusive country clubs and parties that have an excess of everything from dresses, to food, to alcohol, to keeping up appearances. For the first time "Lee" is in a place where she tries to figure out what she really wants and who she is. A tragedy unfolds that starts the chain of events that are slowly brought up in the chapters as to who her husband to be really is, who his strange friend is, what secrets lie beneath the rubble. Lee tries to uncover truths that end up changing the course of her life. Is she bound by duty to her family, to fiance, to society, because of her wealth? What if that money is no longer there? What shall she do? Lee finds courage to go after what her biggest question is, who is she and what will she do to have the life she truly desires? Her time in an artist colony, discovering her love of photography, brings her closer to these answers, and many surprises about what it means to be a daughter, a woman in the late 50's that doesn't quite fit societal norms, courage to say no and start living life on her own terms. I enjoyed the lush descriptions of the mansions, parties, the wealthy social circles, and the setting in the Hamptons. What I struggled with was the slow moving story line and the very dislikeable characters. No amount of money can help you if you are not a decent and honest person, and the plot line of this book definitely brought home this point. Overall an ok read for those wanting to escape to the Hamptons during this glamourous era.
Set in 1957 on the shores of Southampton during the summer we are taken on a ride watching the glamourous life of socialites and the rich as they enjoy their riches, often times in excess on all accounts. We follow young Everleigh Farrows as she has landed a second chance at being a fiance to Roland who is supposed to be her path to the lifestyle she was groomed for. A mother, an obedient wife, a woman who tends to every need of her husband, in a social circle of wealth, among the other wives who summer here in lush beachfront mansions, exclusive country clubs and parties that have an excess of everything from dresses, to food, to alcohol, to keeping up appearances. For the first time "Lee" is in a place where she tries to figure out what she really wants and who she is. A tragedy unfolds that starts the chain of events that are slowly brought up in the chapters as to who her husband to be really is, who his strange friend is, what secrets lie beneath the rubble. Lee tries to uncover truths that end up changing the course of her life. Is she bound by duty to her family, to fiance, to society, because of her wealth? What if that money is no longer there? What shall she do? Lee finds courage to go after what her biggest question is, who is she and what will she do to have the life she truly desires? Her time in an artist colony, discovering her love of photography, brings her closer to these answers, and many surprises about what it means to be a daughter, a woman in the late 50's that doesn't quite fit societal norms, courage to say no and start living life on her own terms. I enjoyed the lush descriptions of the mansions, parties, the wealthy social circles, and the setting in the Hamptons. What I struggled with was the slow moving story line and the very dislikeable characters. No amount of money can help you if you are not a decent and honest person, and the plot line of this book definitely brought home this point. Overall an ok read for those wanting to escape to the Hamptons during this glamourous era.
June 17, 2022
On Gin Lane was an interesting book. Set in the fifties in the glamorous circles of the rich, it takes place one summer in Southampton. The area was on the cusp of transitioning from 'old money' families who had spent their summers there, to outsiders coming in to develop. The main story revolves around debutante Everleigh, and fiance Roland. Though there is romance, there are a lot of questions concerning a woman's role as wife , friend and daughter. Everleigh herself is on the cusp of trying to decide what she truly wants out of life, and if she can break out of the expectations of family and friends, to figure out what will bring her happiness. With a mystery involved, I got so it was hard to put down. I will be reading her prev book, Summer Darlings, and definitely recommend this one!
March 8, 2022
Who is looking forward to beach days?
I was craving a fun summer read and decided to read On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster. This book is being released May 31st. I was lucky enough to read it early through @netgalley !
On Gin Lane is a historical fiction set in the summer of 1957. Lee is whisked away to the South Hampton for the summer by her new fiancé. They are set to get married in October and her fiancé, Roland, surprises her with the fact that he opened a hotel in honor of her for them to live in during the summers. Lee doesn’t exactly love this idea after growing up in the Plaza. What should be a summer of glitz and glamour turns upside down when a tragic event occurs and sets her summer down a different life changing path.
❤️Review❤️
This is a summer novel that is a character driven story. There is a small mystery woven through the story, but it ultimately isn’t the big picture of the story. The plot is really only moved through character development. There were two side characters that Lee forms relationships with that really allowed her to become who she was meant to be. I really enjoyed reading those interactions. The author does a nice job of really making you feel like you are in the Hamptons in the 1950. There are a lot of references to famous people of the time period. This is truly the story of a woman really figuring out who she is and what she wants over the span of the summer.
4 Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Bookstagram #NewBookReleases #MayBooks #Books #2022Books #SummerBooks #Reading #NetGalley #BookReviews #BigBooks #ReadingToEscape
I was craving a fun summer read and decided to read On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster. This book is being released May 31st. I was lucky enough to read it early through @netgalley !
On Gin Lane is a historical fiction set in the summer of 1957. Lee is whisked away to the South Hampton for the summer by her new fiancé. They are set to get married in October and her fiancé, Roland, surprises her with the fact that he opened a hotel in honor of her for them to live in during the summers. Lee doesn’t exactly love this idea after growing up in the Plaza. What should be a summer of glitz and glamour turns upside down when a tragic event occurs and sets her summer down a different life changing path.
❤️Review❤️
This is a summer novel that is a character driven story. There is a small mystery woven through the story, but it ultimately isn’t the big picture of the story. The plot is really only moved through character development. There were two side characters that Lee forms relationships with that really allowed her to become who she was meant to be. I really enjoyed reading those interactions. The author does a nice job of really making you feel like you are in the Hamptons in the 1950. There are a lot of references to famous people of the time period. This is truly the story of a woman really figuring out who she is and what she wants over the span of the summer.
4 Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#Bookstagram #NewBookReleases #MayBooks #Books #2022Books #SummerBooks #Reading #NetGalley #BookReviews #BigBooks #ReadingToEscape
April 17, 2023
On Gin Lane
By: Brooke Lea Foster
Narrator: Jennifer Aquino
Everleigh Farrow grew up in Manhattan in the Plaza hotel. Her mother suffered mental illness so she was raised by a nanny. At twenty three her mother is ready for Everleigh (Lee) to settle down.
She meets Roland Whittaker who is handsome and charming. They become engaged after a short courtship. Lee has a home in Bronxille which is being renovated, thanks for a trust fund.
One day out of the blue, Roland takes her on a drive and he has planned a big surprise in The Hampton's. He surprises her with a gift on a brand new hotel built on Gin Lane. Lee is trying to hold in her true feelings, because she grew up in a hotel and really wants a home.
As she keeps her feelings close to her heart, she continue to put on a brave front with Roland and the crowd from Manhattan. As the hotel opens there is a fire. Is this arson? Roland becomes distant and soon she meets Starling Meade. He is a famous photographer and Lee has always been interested in photography. Could this be a new beginning and can she truly find happiness?
Loved this story set in the 50’s as Lee discovers herself and have the happiness she desires. The narrator did a fabulous job of making this novel come to life.
#onginlane, #brookleafoster, #simonschusteraudio, #bookreview, #stamperlady50, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram
By: Brooke Lea Foster
Narrator: Jennifer Aquino
Everleigh Farrow grew up in Manhattan in the Plaza hotel. Her mother suffered mental illness so she was raised by a nanny. At twenty three her mother is ready for Everleigh (Lee) to settle down.
She meets Roland Whittaker who is handsome and charming. They become engaged after a short courtship. Lee has a home in Bronxille which is being renovated, thanks for a trust fund.
One day out of the blue, Roland takes her on a drive and he has planned a big surprise in The Hampton's. He surprises her with a gift on a brand new hotel built on Gin Lane. Lee is trying to hold in her true feelings, because she grew up in a hotel and really wants a home.
As she keeps her feelings close to her heart, she continue to put on a brave front with Roland and the crowd from Manhattan. As the hotel opens there is a fire. Is this arson? Roland becomes distant and soon she meets Starling Meade. He is a famous photographer and Lee has always been interested in photography. Could this be a new beginning and can she truly find happiness?
Loved this story set in the 50’s as Lee discovers herself and have the happiness she desires. The narrator did a fabulous job of making this novel come to life.
#onginlane, #brookleafoster, #simonschusteraudio, #bookreview, #stamperlady50, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram
Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews