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The Lost Summers of Newport
13 hours, 15 minutes
From the 'New York Times' best-selling team of Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White - a novel of money and secrets set among the famous summer mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, spanning over a century from the Gilded Age to the present day.
2019: Andie Figuero has just landed her dream job as a producer of Mansion Makeover, a popular reality show about restoring America’s most lavish historic houses. Andie has high hopes for her latest project: the once glorious but gently crumbling Sprague Hall in Newport, Rhode Island, summer resort of America’s gilded class—famous for the lavish “summer cottages” of Vanderbilts and Belmonts. But Andie runs into trouble: the reclusive heiress who still lives in the mansion, Lucia “Lucky” Sprague, will only allow the show to go forward on two conditions: One, nobody speaks to her. Two, nobody touches the mansion’s ruined boathouse.
1899: Ellen Daniels has been hired to give singing lessons to Miss Maybelle Sprague, a naive young Colorado mining heiress whose stepbrother John has poured their new money into buying a place among Newport’s elite. John is determined to see Maybelle married off to a fortune-hunting Italian prince, and Ellen is supposed to polish up the girl for her launch into society. But the deceptively demure Ellen has her own checkered past, and she’s hiding in plain sight at Sprague Hall.
1958: Lucia “Lucky” Sprague has always felt like an outsider at Sprague Hall. When she and her grandmother—the American-born Princess di Conti—fled Mussolini’s Italy, it seemed natural to go back to the imposing Newport house Nana owned but hadn’t seen since her marriage in 1899. Over the years, Lucky's lost her Italian accent and found a place for herself among the yachting set by marrying Stuyvesant Sprague, the alcoholic scion of her Sprague stepfamily. But one fateful night in the mansion’s old boathouse will uncover a devastating truth...and change everything she thought she knew about her past.
As the cameras roll on Mansion Makeover, the house begins to yield up the dark secrets the Spragues thought would stay hidden forever….
From the 'New York Times' best-selling team of Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White - a novel of money and secrets set among the famous summer mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, spanning over a century from the Gilded Age to the present day.
2019: Andie Figuero has just landed her dream job as a producer of Mansion Makeover, a popular reality show about restoring America’s most lavish historic houses. Andie has high hopes for her latest project: the once glorious but gently crumbling Sprague Hall in Newport, Rhode Island, summer resort of America’s gilded class—famous for the lavish “summer cottages” of Vanderbilts and Belmonts. But Andie runs into trouble: the reclusive heiress who still lives in the mansion, Lucia “Lucky” Sprague, will only allow the show to go forward on two conditions: One, nobody speaks to her. Two, nobody touches the mansion’s ruined boathouse.
1899: Ellen Daniels has been hired to give singing lessons to Miss Maybelle Sprague, a naive young Colorado mining heiress whose stepbrother John has poured their new money into buying a place among Newport’s elite. John is determined to see Maybelle married off to a fortune-hunting Italian prince, and Ellen is supposed to polish up the girl for her launch into society. But the deceptively demure Ellen has her own checkered past, and she’s hiding in plain sight at Sprague Hall.
1958: Lucia “Lucky” Sprague has always felt like an outsider at Sprague Hall. When she and her grandmother—the American-born Princess di Conti—fled Mussolini’s Italy, it seemed natural to go back to the imposing Newport house Nana owned but hadn’t seen since her marriage in 1899. Over the years, Lucky's lost her Italian accent and found a place for herself among the yachting set by marrying Stuyvesant Sprague, the alcoholic scion of her Sprague stepfamily. But one fateful night in the mansion’s old boathouse will uncover a devastating truth...and change everything she thought she knew about her past.
As the cameras roll on Mansion Makeover, the house begins to yield up the dark secrets the Spragues thought would stay hidden forever….
352 pages, Audiobook
First published May 17, 2022
2272 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,227 reviews
June 30, 2022
I was looking for something light and fluffy to read instead I got silly and ridiculous. This was going to be three stars but the ending was so unbelievable that 2 stars it is. Maybe three authors writing a book together isn't a great idea.
September 9, 2022
The Lost Summers of Newport is a story of family secrets at a coastal mansion in Newport, RI. In 2019, Andie is working as a TV host for Mansion Makeover, with Sprague Hall in Newport as the latest project. Andie’s ideas for the show are focused on history and home restoration but higher ups at the network continue pushing for a more gossipy approach.
In 1899, Ellen is hired as a music teacher to prepare heiress Maybelle Sprague for marriage to an Italian prince. Maybelle is kind but needs polishing and Ellen will do whatever it takes, as she needs to keep this job.
In 1959, Lucky is married to Stu Sprague, an alcoholic, high society philanderer. She also loathes her father in law but doesn’t rock the boat much, in order to best care for her daughter and other important people in her life, until one night at the Sprague Hall boathouse changes everything.
The Lost Summers of Newport alternates between these three timelines, ultimately weaving them together. I really enjoyed the story and could picture the setting especially well thanks to my own trip to Newport earlier this summer.
In 1899, Ellen is hired as a music teacher to prepare heiress Maybelle Sprague for marriage to an Italian prince. Maybelle is kind but needs polishing and Ellen will do whatever it takes, as she needs to keep this job.
In 1959, Lucky is married to Stu Sprague, an alcoholic, high society philanderer. She also loathes her father in law but doesn’t rock the boat much, in order to best care for her daughter and other important people in her life, until one night at the Sprague Hall boathouse changes everything.
The Lost Summers of Newport alternates between these three timelines, ultimately weaving them together. I really enjoyed the story and could picture the setting especially well thanks to my own trip to Newport earlier this summer.
September 23, 2022
The Lost Summers of Newport by Beatriz Williams is a novel of secrets from a family in Rhode Island. This took place within 3 timelines 1899, 1957, and 1987. This book weaved through these timelines telling the story of a dysfunctional family which involves sex, murder and whodunits. I really enjoyed this novel. At first I wasn’t sure. About a third of the way through it all started coming together and making sense.
May 28, 2022
I’m sorry to say I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would because all three authors are excellent in their own right and I did enjoy a previous book by the three W’s.
Three timelines (1899 / 1957 / 2019) each offering up unappealing, silly women and horrible drunken men and ridiculous predictable plots.
There were so many characters I couldn’t keep them straight and having finished the book I’m not sure I could tell you who is who – but the thing is – I don’t care.
Somewhere along the way Jacky Kennedy is mentioned attending a party in the 1957 section sticking out like a sore thumb making a ridiculous plot more ridiculous.
This book was a dud and a waste of time.
Alyssa Maxwell writes a Gilded Newport cozy mystery series featuring the stately Newport homes all of which I have enjoyed much more than I did this book.
Three timelines (1899 / 1957 / 2019) each offering up unappealing, silly women and horrible drunken men and ridiculous predictable plots.
There were so many characters I couldn’t keep them straight and having finished the book I’m not sure I could tell you who is who – but the thing is – I don’t care.
Somewhere along the way Jacky Kennedy is mentioned attending a party in the 1957 section sticking out like a sore thumb making a ridiculous plot more ridiculous.
This book was a dud and a waste of time.
Alyssa Maxwell writes a Gilded Newport cozy mystery series featuring the stately Newport homes all of which I have enjoyed much more than I did this book.
May 23, 2022
3 Ivy League Graduates walk into a bar…..
I hope this doesn’t start a trend. Three extremely well educated moms get together over Prosecco and try to write “historical” fiction. Is it a reflection of the wine, the Ivy League education, great connections, or all 3? It only took 1 person to write a Danielle Steel novel. I was hoping for much more Newport history and intrigue. Instead we are presented with impossible scenarios with crazy transparent rationalizations and absurd outcomes. Makes me want to get out the Pinot Grigio and a pen to see what happens!
I hope this doesn’t start a trend. Three extremely well educated moms get together over Prosecco and try to write “historical” fiction. Is it a reflection of the wine, the Ivy League education, great connections, or all 3? It only took 1 person to write a Danielle Steel novel. I was hoping for much more Newport history and intrigue. Instead we are presented with impossible scenarios with crazy transparent rationalizations and absurd outcomes. Makes me want to get out the Pinot Grigio and a pen to see what happens!
May 21, 2022
This triple timeline story recounting the melodrama in various generations of a Newport family has it all--grand houses, balls & parties at the club, jaded scions of society wreaking havoc, strong women holding their families together behind the scenes, struggles between the privileged classes & the serving folks, secret & forbidden romances, suspense, mystery & ghosts, innocent girls caught up in the plots of scheming relatives & even a cynical prince who loses his heart to an unlikely love interest. I was easily caught up in the lives of these characters & enjoyed hours of listening pleasure!
May 26, 2022
Well, I’m afraid I fall into the minority of readers who find this book very disappointing. I wanted to love it … I really did. I love the concept of three strong women writers collaborating to create one novel. To my mind, however, the execution totally failed.
I found the three timeline scheme incredibly confusing, for starters. Nowhere in those three timelines could I find a character I connected with. I can’t figure out why Ellen would work for free, why Lucky would stay married to a vacuous playboy, or how Andie produces a makeover program despite never doing any work. None of these women can, apparently, survive without a white knight riding in on his charger.
How, oh how, does no one smell decomposition in the boathouse?
I just can’t!
I found the three timeline scheme incredibly confusing, for starters. Nowhere in those three timelines could I find a character I connected with. I can’t figure out why Ellen would work for free, why Lucky would stay married to a vacuous playboy, or how Andie produces a makeover program despite never doing any work. None of these women can, apparently, survive without a white knight riding in on his charger.
How, oh how, does no one smell decomposition in the boathouse?
I just can’t!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2022
This review may contain some spoilers to its preposterous plot. Perhaps having three authors allows the content to have an abundance of stupid mistakes, but that's not an excuse for this reputable publisher. However, the editor didn’t do her job either.
This romance thriller covers three time periods and three female protagonists. Maybe they needed a fourth contributor as there’s a generation omitted and never mentioned in the plot! Somebody provide a family tree with the missing generation!
And that missing generation might allow this dumb story to make some sense. The present day characters (ex. Luke) refer to their great, great grandmother as “great grandmother” which is incorrect. This is an error that any copy editor should have corrected.
The motivation and cover up of deaths makes no sense, nor does the explanation of estate finances and inheritances. Just too many ridiculous sloppy contrivances that should have been rewritten by professional writers and editors. A disappointment and embarrassment of these authors.
June 26, 2022
Three women, three timelines, one house, family secrets that were to be hidden forever, and individual secrets.
We meet Andie in 2019 who is doing a makeover show in only three permitted rooms at the Sprague Mansion.
We meet Lucky in 1958 who still lives in the Sprague mansion.
We meet Ellen the music teacher in 1899 who is to make a singer out of poor Maybelle so she can be married off to an Italian Prince.
Andie is in need of money and can't lose this job.
Lucky whose real name is Lucia and who came from Italy never fit in with the wealthy folks, but stays just to be comfortable.
Ellen worries she will be fired if someone finds out about her past.
The book seamlessly moves from time frame to time frame as we find out about all three women and learn of their secrets, their woes, and connections.
Fans of the three W's will not be disappointed as they weave another marvelous tale with the house being the center of the story and a house that sounds amazing.
Loved the characters and the story line.
THE LOST SUMMERS OF NEWPORT is an enjoyable summer read for the fans of these authors. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.
We meet Andie in 2019 who is doing a makeover show in only three permitted rooms at the Sprague Mansion.
We meet Lucky in 1958 who still lives in the Sprague mansion.
We meet Ellen the music teacher in 1899 who is to make a singer out of poor Maybelle so she can be married off to an Italian Prince.
Andie is in need of money and can't lose this job.
Lucky whose real name is Lucia and who came from Italy never fit in with the wealthy folks, but stays just to be comfortable.
Ellen worries she will be fired if someone finds out about her past.
The book seamlessly moves from time frame to time frame as we find out about all three women and learn of their secrets, their woes, and connections.
Fans of the three W's will not be disappointed as they weave another marvelous tale with the house being the center of the story and a house that sounds amazing.
Loved the characters and the story line.
THE LOST SUMMERS OF NEWPORT is an enjoyable summer read for the fans of these authors. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.
February 27, 2022
The 3Ws are my FAVORITE! Individually I absolutely love Beatriz Williams, Karen White and Lauren Willig and there co-written books are just as wonderful!
This is the perfect summer book -- a historical fiction set in Newport in a Gilded Age mansions where we get romance and intrigue from the 3 time periods of 1899, 1958 and 2019.
2019: Andie has her dream job on Mansion Makeover, about restoring lavish American homes. When they are working on Sprague Hall in Newport, Andie finds this project a little more challenging than the past ones, especially with the conditions the family has about the work.
1958: Lucky's part of Newport society, though she feels like she doesn't always fit in. She grew up in Italy with her grandmother, but when Mussolini rose to power they moved back to the cottage in Newport that her grandmother left in 1899. She's on the committee for the Tiffany Ball to help with the preservation of the Newport cottages.
1899: Ellen has been hired to give singing lessons to Maybelle Sprague, a heiress whose brother purchased Sprague Hall. An Italian prince is coming and Maybelle's brother wants to see her married off to him, but at what cost?
I loved the preservation aspect of this book (and had to laugh a few times at mentions to the 3Ws other book characters that would randomly pop up). This was a book I couldn't put down. I was drawn into the Newport scene among the 3 time periods and the secrets hiding in each one. I loved how the 3 storylines all came together at the end!
If you're a fan of multi-narrator/timeline historical fiction you'll love this one!
This is the perfect summer book -- a historical fiction set in Newport in a Gilded Age mansions where we get romance and intrigue from the 3 time periods of 1899, 1958 and 2019.
2019: Andie has her dream job on Mansion Makeover, about restoring lavish American homes. When they are working on Sprague Hall in Newport, Andie finds this project a little more challenging than the past ones, especially with the conditions the family has about the work.
1958: Lucky's part of Newport society, though she feels like she doesn't always fit in. She grew up in Italy with her grandmother, but when Mussolini rose to power they moved back to the cottage in Newport that her grandmother left in 1899. She's on the committee for the Tiffany Ball to help with the preservation of the Newport cottages.
1899: Ellen has been hired to give singing lessons to Maybelle Sprague, a heiress whose brother purchased Sprague Hall. An Italian prince is coming and Maybelle's brother wants to see her married off to him, but at what cost?
I loved the preservation aspect of this book (and had to laugh a few times at mentions to the 3Ws other book characters that would randomly pop up). This was a book I couldn't put down. I was drawn into the Newport scene among the 3 time periods and the secrets hiding in each one. I loved how the 3 storylines all came together at the end!
If you're a fan of multi-narrator/timeline historical fiction you'll love this one!
July 30, 2022
I enjoyed it just fine, but it was by no means a "not to be missed." It's written in a three part timeline, by three different authors. The twists and love stories are laid out early and easy to spot. Naturally, the storyline the farthest back is the most compelling of the three, which is usually the case, the current one the least compelling. So of course I assume Beatriz Williams wrote the oldest storyline. It felt like her writing too.
Are you looking for a synopsis? I normally don't give them.
Crumbling old mansion in Newport has secrets. Houses are in need of repair, and there are various damsels in distress, and some rogue awful men looking for the money to keep their titles and style of living elevated. There are some also genuine loving heroes. There are women trying to do the right thing in complicated circumstances. There are loyalties and family lines. There is subterfuge, there are illicit affairs, there are balls, expensive jewelry, high art, and always, there is love.
Are you looking for a synopsis? I normally don't give them.
Crumbling old mansion in Newport has secrets. Houses are in need of repair, and there are various damsels in distress, and some rogue awful men looking for the money to keep their titles and style of living elevated. There are some also genuine loving heroes. There are women trying to do the right thing in complicated circumstances. There are loyalties and family lines. There is subterfuge, there are illicit affairs, there are balls, expensive jewelry, high art, and always, there is love.
July 23, 2022
The “Three W’s” have collaborated again on another good read. This novel is based around a mansion in Newport and tells the stories of three women who are involved (at various times in history) with the home – whether by ownership or otherwise. There are three interwoven story lines – one for each woman (1899, 1957 and 2019). The women are well drawn and typical of the characters created by the three authors. (If you haven’t read the “Three W’s”, each author writes one of the characters and they mesh the stories together well). This is not heavy literature, but it is a really good, fun read and includes entertaining characters and a little bit of mystery.
June 19, 2022
I've been obsessed with the Vanderbilts and the summer houses of Newport for years, so I was excited to see this in the library catalogue. Sadly, I got sick of it at about a third of the way through, I couldn't manage to continue. It seemed to have little point. Walked away.
December 6, 2022
3.5 Stars
What better time to read a Summer book but in December!
I've had this book since July but I never got around to reading it. I don't know why because once I picked this book up I sped right through it.
The Lost Summers of Newport is really 3 books in 1, with the same house serving as the centerpiece of each. The first story is about Ellen who in 1899 is hired to teach music to young heiress, but Ellen hides a secret that could be deadly if discovered. Story 2 is about Lucky a society wife in 1957 who's husband is a whore and who's father in law has a secret that could send upend everything Lucky thought she knew about her family. Story 3 is about Andie who in 2019 is the host of a home renovation show who's latest project is an iconic Newport house.
As is usually the case with books that have multiple pov's I enjoyed some more than others. Lucky's story was my favorite, followed by Ellen's and I didn't really feel like Andie's story was necessary. I have to admit I skimmed Andie's pov because I just didn't care about it at all.
This book is perfect for people who love stories about rich people being messy, which you all should know by now I love! Had this book been about only Ellen and Lucky, I would have loved it. I did think it was rather long. This book could have easily lost 50 - 80 pages and been just as great.
What better time to read a Summer book but in December!
I've had this book since July but I never got around to reading it. I don't know why because once I picked this book up I sped right through it.
The Lost Summers of Newport is really 3 books in 1, with the same house serving as the centerpiece of each. The first story is about Ellen who in 1899 is hired to teach music to young heiress, but Ellen hides a secret that could be deadly if discovered. Story 2 is about Lucky a society wife in 1957 who's husband is a whore and who's father in law has a secret that could send upend everything Lucky thought she knew about her family. Story 3 is about Andie who in 2019 is the host of a home renovation show who's latest project is an iconic Newport house.
As is usually the case with books that have multiple pov's I enjoyed some more than others. Lucky's story was my favorite, followed by Ellen's and I didn't really feel like Andie's story was necessary. I have to admit I skimmed Andie's pov because I just didn't care about it at all.
This book is perfect for people who love stories about rich people being messy, which you all should know by now I love! Had this book been about only Ellen and Lucky, I would have loved it. I did think it was rather long. This book could have easily lost 50 - 80 pages and been just as great.
April 10, 2022
One of the best books I’ve read in 2022. A transporting novel told from three very distinct voices.
Andie: a young historian who loves to explore old homes and the stories of those who live there. Andie is raising a young boy, taking care of her father and trying to find her place. When she is hired to work on the Sprague home she may find more than what she signed up for!
Ellen: a young music teacher who is hired to care for a heiress as she tried to escape a sordid past. What she finds is a desire to follow her heart.
Lucky: a strong young mother who is navigating marriage and her desires.
These three woman are bonded by stories and a home. The secrets, desires, snd loves that make them.
Team W - three talented authors solo come together to write this novel. Part of the fun is to try and figure out which author write which character. The setting, the characters, the story as a whole . I adore this story and it will stay with me forever.
Releases in may. Thanks to the authors, the publisher, netgalley and edelweiss for the early read
Andie: a young historian who loves to explore old homes and the stories of those who live there. Andie is raising a young boy, taking care of her father and trying to find her place. When she is hired to work on the Sprague home she may find more than what she signed up for!
Ellen: a young music teacher who is hired to care for a heiress as she tried to escape a sordid past. What she finds is a desire to follow her heart.
Lucky: a strong young mother who is navigating marriage and her desires.
These three woman are bonded by stories and a home. The secrets, desires, snd loves that make them.
Team W - three talented authors solo come together to write this novel. Part of the fun is to try and figure out which author write which character. The setting, the characters, the story as a whole . I adore this story and it will stay with me forever.
Releases in may. Thanks to the authors, the publisher, netgalley and edelweiss for the early read
October 18, 2022
To everyone who read this book and loved it, great. I just couldn't get into it. I really really tried to like it but no matter how many times I said " it'll get better" it never did. It's disappointing because I heard so many good things about it but it all fell flat for me. Sometimes three writers equal two to many. One author would have been plenty. Too many great books to read,so on to the next one!!
June 3, 2022
This book needs three separate reviews.
1899 timeline- 3 stars. However I HATED the voice the audiobook used for Maybell.
1960’s timeline- 4 stars. Loved it.
2019 timeline- 1 star. The only good part about it was that it wrapped up the other two. The romance was stupid and really cheesy and predictable. But it was too hallmark movie for me.
1899 timeline- 3 stars. However I HATED the voice the audiobook used for Maybell.
1960’s timeline- 4 stars. Loved it.
2019 timeline- 1 star. The only good part about it was that it wrapped up the other two. The romance was stupid and really cheesy and predictable. But it was too hallmark movie for me.
May 11, 2024
Newport is one of my favorite vacation spots and the Gilded Age mansions have always enthralled me, so this novel was perfect fit for a light read. Told from alternating POV’s and spanning several generations I thought the story flowed pretty seamlessly. As usual with ‘chic-lit’ the story did garner a few eye-rolls, but, overall, I enjoyed it. This novel would be a good choice if you’re looking for a cozy beach/vacation read. 3.5 stars.
Available on Hoopla. Listened at 1.45 speed.
Available on Hoopla. Listened at 1.45 speed.
July 13, 2024
Who wouldn’t want to summer in Newport, Rhode Island. I have visited this place numerous times. I love walking on the cliff walk and peeking at the beautiful “summer cottages” also known as mansions along the water.
This book has three different timelines 2019, 1899,and 1957.
It starts in 2019 as Andie is filming a show about the crumbling Sprague Hall.
1899 Is the backstory of Sprague Hall where we meet Maybelle Sprague, whose brother is trying to marry her off to an Italian Prince.
1957 Lucky and her grandmother Princess di Conti flee Mussuloni’s Italy and return to Sprague Hall.
This book is beautifully written, the three timelines were intricately woven together. I loved reading about characters from their previous books.
This book has everything, family drama, mystery and romance.
I have read several other books by these three authors and loved them all.
Enjoyable summer read
This book has three different timelines 2019, 1899,and 1957.
It starts in 2019 as Andie is filming a show about the crumbling Sprague Hall.
1899 Is the backstory of Sprague Hall where we meet Maybelle Sprague, whose brother is trying to marry her off to an Italian Prince.
1957 Lucky and her grandmother Princess di Conti flee Mussuloni’s Italy and return to Sprague Hall.
This book is beautifully written, the three timelines were intricately woven together. I loved reading about characters from their previous books.
This book has everything, family drama, mystery and romance.
I have read several other books by these three authors and loved them all.
Enjoyable summer read
June 5, 2022
A picturesque Newport summer, three generations of strong women, and the historic manor that holds the best kept secrets. THE LOST SUMMERS OF NEWPORT is the latest historical fiction release by writing trio Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White.
The story is told in three timelines that span from the Gilded Age to present day. The infamous Newport, Rhode Island mansion looms large over the story as it witnesses defining moments over the course of a century. I felt equally invested in each storyline and found it interesting to consider how the three authors worked together to seamlessly weave the timelines together.
Although this is a longer read, I enjoyed getting lost in the pages. Readers who enjoy layered mysteries, the extravagance of the gilded age, and coastal summer setting will want to toss this in their beach bag!
RATING: 4/5
The story is told in three timelines that span from the Gilded Age to present day. The infamous Newport, Rhode Island mansion looms large over the story as it witnesses defining moments over the course of a century. I felt equally invested in each storyline and found it interesting to consider how the three authors worked together to seamlessly weave the timelines together.
Although this is a longer read, I enjoyed getting lost in the pages. Readers who enjoy layered mysteries, the extravagance of the gilded age, and coastal summer setting will want to toss this in their beach bag!
RATING: 4/5
June 22, 2022
I have always been fascinated by the old mansions and “old money” that Newport has in its history, so I was excited to pick up this book by these three authors since I have enjoyed their collabs before. Told in three different timelines by three different women, it tells the story of one family and the secrets that go back centuries. I enjoyed this story and liked all three narrators in the audiobook, but I found myself always wishing for more. It was very “basic” to me, no real depth. They had such an interesting premise and I enjoyed it enough to always want to continue listening, but this just honestly kind of fell flat for me.
September 7, 2024
*4+ stars for the audio version*
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction novel set in lavish and beautiful Newport, Rhode Island. Told from the perspectives of three different women in three different generations, this multi-narrated story is a little bit of everything: there’s family drama, romance, history, and mystery. As host of the reality show “Makeover Mansion”, Andie begins a new project on Sprague Hall, which is in desperate need of repair. But as one might guess, Andie ultimately stumbles into more than just the restoration of an historic home. Alternating between Ellen (1899), Lucky (1957), and Andie (2019), the story flows easily back and forth, ultimately connecting their stories in very interesting ways.
The audiobook is an excellent listen, and I highly recommend going this route. With three different narrators, the characters really come to life with their own unique voices.
Yes, there is some predictability to the story, but I didn’t mind at all. It was still engaging and entertaining and kept me hooked the entire novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction novel set in lavish and beautiful Newport, Rhode Island. Told from the perspectives of three different women in three different generations, this multi-narrated story is a little bit of everything: there’s family drama, romance, history, and mystery. As host of the reality show “Makeover Mansion”, Andie begins a new project on Sprague Hall, which is in desperate need of repair. But as one might guess, Andie ultimately stumbles into more than just the restoration of an historic home. Alternating between Ellen (1899), Lucky (1957), and Andie (2019), the story flows easily back and forth, ultimately connecting their stories in very interesting ways.
The audiobook is an excellent listen, and I highly recommend going this route. With three different narrators, the characters really come to life with their own unique voices.
Yes, there is some predictability to the story, but I didn’t mind at all. It was still engaging and entertaining and kept me hooked the entire novel.
September 14, 2022
I absolutely love each author individually, but when their writing is combined into one beautiful story, it becomes one of my most anticipated reads.
Another great book, this time featuring the summer mansions of Newport, Rhode Island and the families that spend their time there over generations. Filled with romance, a little mystery, and even a ghost!
I especially loved the nod to Karen White’s House on Tradd Street series (one of my favorites!) and beloved character Melanie Trenholm (who happens to see ghosts).
Another great book, this time featuring the summer mansions of Newport, Rhode Island and the families that spend their time there over generations. Filled with romance, a little mystery, and even a ghost!
I especially loved the nod to Karen White’s House on Tradd Street series (one of my favorites!) and beloved character Melanie Trenholm (who happens to see ghosts).
March 9, 2022
This was a book that I just could not get into, no matter how hard I tried. I did not relate to the characters or the story or anything. I wanted this one to end quickly, but it felt like it dragged on. I think that we have an audience for this book in the library, but I am not that audience.
July 25, 2022
I can’t believe I read this crap. What absolute nonsense. So so stupid. And it was on a recommended list!
July 13, 2023
I received this book as a part of a Goodreads giveaway and let me just say - my apologies for sleeping on this book. I thought the historical element wouldn’t appeal to me but I truly love stories that follow family lineage. There’s the right balance between romance and mystery and angst and scheming. Couldn’t give it a 5 star because I just hated the 2019 main character, Andie. But I did love how everything tied up together in the end, all 3 timelines converging into a present-day outcome. 4/5
July 21, 2022
In present day, Andie hosts a TV show called Makeover Mansions that feature prominent homes as they undergo renovations. Andie isn't just a TV personality though, she is an architectural historian, so her interest is piqued when she covers Sprague Hall, a former beautiful Newport mansion. Not only does her boss want her to include gossip about the families within the episode, she also has to deal with the demands of the Sprague family, such as no asking questions of the matriarch, Lucky, and no working after a particular time. Flash back to 1899 at Sprague Hall and we meet Ellen Daniels, a music teacher, hired to help Maybelle Sprague attract potential suitors, specifically an Italian prince. Maybelle's stepbrother doesn't really care about Maybelle, he just wants her married off. Then jump to 1957 at Sprague Hall and we meet a much younger Lucky who is married to a less than stellar man, while her heart belongs to her friend from childhood. As we encounter the Sprague family throughout the years, secrets slowly float to the surface and even a murder mystery. The Lost Summers of Newport by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White have everything that fans of Team W have come to expect: romance, a beautiful setting, historical details, and a plot that will keep readers flipping the pages.
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
August 19, 2023
Such a disappointment for 3 authors who I genuinely enjoy. I meant to read this book last summer but put it off and now I am just feeling like I seriously wasted my time and should have entirely put this one off. 😉
The Lost Summers of Newport (which makes zero sense as the title btw) is told in 3 timelines and I am wildly guessing that Lauren Willig wrote Ellen, Beatriz Williams, Lucky and Karen White wrote Andie.
Lucky’s story was the most well developed and interesting and fits Beatriz Williams style, who also happens to be my favorite of the three authors so I am a little curious to know if I am right.
Lucky’s okay story aside, the entire premise of this book is just so outlandish, it was very difficult to be engaged further than the continual eye rolling.
Andie’s story was absolutely ridiculous, the connection between her and Luke was awkward and stilted and when they just all of a sudden were passionately in love with absolutely no development, I wanted to gag.
In fact, Andie’s story line could have just been omitted altogether.
2 stars for finishing and not hurling the book against a wall…it wasn’t that level of bad.
Happy summer reading!
PS. Lauren Willig’s recent Summer Country was an absolute winner. Check that one out instead.
The Lost Summers of Newport (which makes zero sense as the title btw) is told in 3 timelines and I am wildly guessing that Lauren Willig wrote Ellen, Beatriz Williams, Lucky and Karen White wrote Andie.
Lucky’s story was the most well developed and interesting and fits Beatriz Williams style, who also happens to be my favorite of the three authors so I am a little curious to know if I am right.
Lucky’s okay story aside, the entire premise of this book is just so outlandish, it was very difficult to be engaged further than the continual eye rolling.
Andie’s story was absolutely ridiculous, the connection between her and Luke was awkward and stilted and when they just all of a sudden were passionately in love with absolutely no development, I wanted to gag.
In fact, Andie’s story line could have just been omitted altogether.
2 stars for finishing and not hurling the book against a wall…it wasn’t that level of bad.
Happy summer reading!
PS. Lauren Willig’s recent Summer Country was an absolute winner. Check that one out instead.
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July 31, 2025DNF
Mood/Seasonal Reading: summer
Just one too many perspectives and characters for my brain to keep track of. I acknowledge this could be a great book I just can’t bring myself to care enough to keep track of everyone as o often find I dislike dual timeline stories, let alone 3 separate ones.
I am intrigued enough by the story to track down a summary of it however so that’s something at least.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: summer
Just one too many perspectives and characters for my brain to keep track of. I acknowledge this could be a great book I just can’t bring myself to care enough to keep track of everyone as o often find I dislike dual timeline stories, let alone 3 separate ones.
I am intrigued enough by the story to track down a summary of it however so that’s something at least.
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