I should really know better. This is a fairly predictable book, a quick read. It's typical - generic women's fiction. 1938 - Beatrice is a housewife who wants more. She seems the damages in her marriage and she sees what she doesn't have. Topics covered also include: the difference between men/women, Jews/gentiles, etc etc etc etc.

Fine for someone who wants a romance that just happens to be in the past

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I enjoyed this historical fiction story about a wealthy woman summering in Montauk. While not raised in wealth, Beatrice marries Harry who is wealthy and she is expected to lead the life of a rich woman, attending parties and benefits, doing charity work and summering at the beach while her husband goes back and forth to the city. Bea wants to help her husband prosper and tries to be the wife he wants, but she befriends the people who live and work in Montauk including the lighthouse keeper who seems to know about her past.

Overall, it is a good summer read that had me interested to see how it would all play out in the end.

Montauk by Nicola Harrison is a wonderful story set in the era between the two world wars. The year is 1938 and Beatrice Bordeaux is convinced by her husband to spend the Summer at Montauk, once a humble fishing village but now on the cusp of becoming the latest playground for the wealthy New York elite. Although she feels somewhat out of her depth ,she is determined to do her best to fit in , sure that it will help her husband's career. She is also aware that her marriage is struggling and is hoping that the change of scenery will help but as she finds herself alone during the week while he is working in the city, she begins to look behind the luxury and privilege to see what life is like for the year round residents of the town. She finds herself drawn to a man who is the opposite of her husband, and must choose between propriety and happiness. Will she sacrifice everything to be with the man she loves?
I really enjoyed this slice of historical fiction. I loved the setting and thought the author did a wonderful job of bringing both time and place to life on the page. Beatrice is a character that is easy to empathise with, struggling to find a place in a world that just wants her to be a decoration, seeking to work when all society sees in her future is motherhood. Watching her character progress and grow was a real pleasure , and I found myself rooting for her as the story unfolds. I also liked the way the author highlighted the societal inequalities, both due to gender and social class, and thought these issues were really well integrated into the story. If I had a complaint, it is that the ending is a little too convenient when it comes to wrapping up the story, but that being said, I really did enjoy this ARC, provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Montauk by Nicola Harrison gives us a look into American society in the early 1900s. In 1938 the wealthy found a place other than Providence to summer. The destination was Montauk, Long Island. Here we encounter the wives of the wealthy who have escaped the city to enjoy the summer. The novel provides insight into the lives the women led and the limitations and expectations placed on them.

This is the story of one summer on Montauk and how the life of one woman was changed. It is the story of realization and a quest of overcoming and becoming; of love and loss, determination and survival. It is about realizing that you have lost yourself and the search to find your happiness. It is the story of finding what you what and the determination to follow that choice, no matter the consequences.

The story follows a young woman who thought she had made the right choices and was determined to make her marriage work until she was confronted with a betrayal she could not ignore. She begins to consider what she needs outside of what her husband expected, broke the rules and lived her life.

When I first heard the title of this book I thought it was the evolution of Montauk from a fishing village into the playground of the rich. It is not about that, although Montauk in 1938 plays a role as the setting for the novel. I realized the historical fiction was in the societal norms of the upper crust of society, their limited expectations of the women and the acceptance of the behavior of men.

I truly enjoyed this novel. It is well written story with many twists to the end. I became invested in the characters and was either charmed or repulsed by their behaviors. I highly recommend Nicola Harrison’s debut novel. It is a must read.

Thank you #Netgalley and #StMartinsPress for approving my request to read this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I love reading details in these books that will make me feel as though I am living in a different era. Generally, the lives of the characters are overshadowed in these books by real life historical events. This novel seemed more about a society marriage, something that could have taken place in almost any time period. While I did find parts of this novel compelling, I would have loved to see more of how the threat of an upcoming war would affect these characters.

What I Liked:
Characters:

Beatrice is not the same as most of the shallow society women summering in Montauk. First, she married into this group. She was raised on a farm in Pennsylvania. Although she has been married five years, she hasn't had a child yet. This makes her an outsider to all the goings on at this beach-side resort. She is able to observe, but is also at a distinct disadvantange of not having all the social connections other have.

At the beginning of the story, Beatrice is a very meek character. She suspect her husband is unfaithful. Rather than acting on this if it's true, she chooses to pretend it isn't happening. Although she makes excuses for her husband, Harry, throughout the book, she does come to appreciate her own worth. I also like that by the books ending, Beatrice couldn't care less about what people think of her.

Romance:

With such a pompous, self-centered husband, is it any wonder that Beatrice will fall in love with someone else? I think this book would make a wonderful movie, given all the sweeping lighthouse scenery.

Plus the man she fall for happens to be the island's lighthouse keeper, a man with a tragic past.

What I Was Mixed About:
Historical Details:

While the story gave many examples of how differently women were treated way back when, there weren't enough specific details at the beginning of the book to establish what era this was. I honestly had to stop reading at one point and look back to find the year the story was set in. It could have been any time from 1928 to 1978.

Later in the story there are several references to President Roosevelt, and the troubles in Europe, but they upcoming war doesn't seem to affect the characters in any way.

What I did notice was all the wonderful details about fashion and food. The author takes great care in describing the many gowns the women wear, and how food was prepared.

What I Didn't Like:

Ending:

As the story was more of a romance novel, I had a feeling the characters weren't all going to get a happy ending. But the climatic scene happens very quickly (literally "out of the blue") and was a bit melodramatic. This also gives the main character, Beatrice, a reason never to have to really face the aftermath of her choices. Even though she has been terribly wronged by some people, she made some mistakes as well, but she never needs to face any consequences.

Back in the 1930s, most of New York's elite vacationed in the Catskills until investors developed a brand new getaway for themselves in a little fishing village on the coast called Montauk. The upper crust society came here for three months every summer to flaunt their money, throw lavish parties, and drink excessively with one another. What does that remind you of? I'll give you a hint, Old Sport. West Egg?

I am a huge F. Scott Fitzgerald fan, so anytime I see new authors writing the same era, I get excited. Nicola Harrison does a great job capturing the time and place in this story. I could imagine being there, smelling the salty air and feeling the warm breeze off the ocean. I really liked Beatrice but her story was heartbreaking. Much like Daisy Buchanan being trapped in a loveless marriage, Beatrice deals with many of the same feelings; she dreams of a different life. She wants for nothing, and yet she is lonely, restless, and unhappy.

When I picked this up I expected it to be a typical historical fiction novel, but I was wrong. This is Nicolas Sparks-type romance! It's one of those touching stories that make you want to stay up all night reading. I don't normally get into mushy love stories but the combination of history and this setting was perfect for me right now. Take me to the beach!

Montauk is an absolutely mesmerizing debut novel with rich, descriptive writing, a unique and charming setting, and intriguing, captivating characters. I was immediately drawn into this elite world of socialites summering on Long Island in the late 1930s. The story is emotional, provocative, thoughtful, and heart-wrenching. It centers around the Montauk Manor resort, inhabited by New York’s elite, tucked alongside a humble fishing village on the rocky shores of the east coast, whose inhabitants service the well-to-do during the vacationing season. One of the summer residents, Beatrice Bordeaux, was hoping to rekindle the fire in her marriage, but finds that her husband has other plans, and is truly someone she no longer recognizes or can abide, try as she might. She encounters some unexpected people, forges new bonds, and rediscovers herself, all the while facing the hypocrisy and elitism of her fellow residents and an ever-increasingly hostile husband. This novel has a bit of everything: political commentary, romance, friendship, feminism, an entrepreneurial-spirit, heroism, hope and heartbreak. It was remarkably moving and is now one of my favorite books. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us because she certainly has a gift for story-telling.

Beatrice and her husband, Harry, are going to spend the summer in Montauk at one of the most luxurious hotels of the time. As it turns out, Harry is too busy in the city to spend much time at the beach. Beatrice is left to find activities and attempt to forge friendships among New York’s rich. But she finds that the local people are interesting and she looks forward to spending time there. She encounters friendships, love, humiliation and more.

Montauk is an absolutely fabulous novel. It takes place in 1938 with all of the glory of being rich – the clothes, the food, the friendships – at that time. Ms. Harrison does not give us a white washed portrait of the 1930s wealthy. The book is interspersed with catty women, affairs, condescending men and pretentious wealth.

Ultimately, along with Beatrice we must face abuse, unwinnable choices, heartbreak, disaster and human kindness. I must admit that I cried at one point. Real tears – ugly crying. (Cannot say more or it would be a spoiler).

You must read this wonderful historical novel. I cannot say enough about it or give it enough stars. Nicola Harrison has joined the likes of Beatrice Williams and Kristin Hannah. I simply cannot wait for her next book.


I received an ARC from St. Martin Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for this ARC.
I actually read this book in two days and loved it.
What a great story and hard to believe it took place in 1938, could have been anytime period.
I love the strength and endurance of the Female main character, she was strong, fearless and determined. It was a great read with a little of everything I like
I was attracted to the story as it takes place at Montauk, Long island, NY
Oh and I'd definitely throw in an extra star if I could for a character in the book named "Doreen"

When this book started it reminded me of the latest season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel as she spends time with her family at their summer “camp”. However, I did find this book to be very drawn out and lacking in the humor that could’ve been thrown in. In all honesty, the characters, for the most part, annoyed me. I kept checking to see how much of the book I had completed.

1938, Montauk, Long Island, New York...Beatrice and her husband Harry, who is thoroughly unlikeable, are spending their summer out of the city and on the beach in Montauk. Well, Beatrice is anyway, Harry spends the week in the city working, and doing what he does when his wife is out of sight, out of mind.

I really liked Beatrice's character and rooted for her throughout the story. I was very surprised and a bit disappointed in the ending; not at all what I expected or hoped for to be honest.

"You can only go so long pretending, acting as if you're someone you're not. Eventually you must return to who you are, who you were born to be. You can stray from it, try on other roles, other personalities, other beliefs, other lives, but eventually it will catch up with you and you have to return to the only person you can be."

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy; all opinions are my own.

I so wanted to love this book. Was born near Montauk and had never read anything about the location and timeframe. I just couldn’t get into it. I didn’t like the characters and it was all very predictable. Didn’t get a feel for the area or the era either. Not badly written just not interesting. Thanks for the opportunity to review

When the lighthouse keeper falls into a hole in his own backyard I almost lost it. Shouldn’t someone whose job it is to warn others be able to avoid a hole in his own yard?

St. Martin's Press is my favorite publisher so I was excited to read this book when I was invited to do so. I love historical fiction and I also love to read about the East Coast elite and how they spend their idle hours. This book did not disappoint.

One of my main takeaways from this book was how glad I am to be living in 2019 and not in 1938, because I would have been one very frustrated and bored housewife. I related to the main character, Beatrice, a lot, as she is also bored and frustrated by her situation as the wife to a rich businessman who would rather spend his time alone in the city while he ships her away for the summer to be a lady of leisure. She manages to find productive ways to spend her time, albeit in secret, learns more about herself in the process, and gains the courage to change her life entirely. She is forced to confront the question of what makes a life worth living- Riches and comfort, or meaning and love? The ending was a bit of a surprise. I would have enjoyed learning a little more about the life Beatrice finds herself living after the events in the book unfold.

I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely be reading this author's next book!

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!**

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Can we really integrate into a social class different from our own? Beatrice was raised a modest, country girl and married a rich, elite man who works all the time. The year is 1938 and everyone is still trying to recover from the depression. Bea is left on her own in Montauk for the summer and her husband wants her to make friends with the other rich wives. You can make friends with just about anyone but are you comfortable with them as friends? Enjoy! 📚

A Romantic 1938 Summer Turns to Tragedy

Beatrice, married to Harry for five years, feels that her marriage has become stale. She’s looking to rekindle some of the closeness that has been missing, and perhaps conceive a child. Her hopes for a summer of togetherness are dashed when Harry informs her that she will be staying at the hotel in Montauk while he commutes to New York during the week.

Beatrice is disappointed but hopes to make the best of it. The problem is that she doesn’t fit with the rich women staying at the hotel for the summer. Their major preoccupations are gossip, planning fund raising events, and enjoying leisure activities like golf and tennis. Beatrice, who comes from a modest background, feels more at home with the people of Montauk and befriends a laundress, Elizabeth, who has four children to care for. She’s also drawn to the working men who seem so much sturdier than Harry and his friends. She is particularly drawn to Thomas, the lighthouse keeper, with disastrous results.

The author does a good job of portraying the period of the 1930s as the country begins to recover from the great depression. The contrast between the society women and the average citizens of Montauk is instructive. The women are vain and silly with little to occupy them while people, like Elizabeth, struggle in the real world of work and family.

Perhaps the best part of the book is the lovely descriptions of Montauk. As Beatrice falls in love with the scenery, we do, too. I was less drawn to the way the story is told. It is all first person. Therefore, we great a clear picture of Beatrice’s thoughts, but I felt there was a lack of dialog, which for me makes the characters interesting.

The is primarily a romance novel although it touches on the manners and mores of the time in which women had a place and were expected to keep to it and bigotry and snobbishness were rampant in the uppers classes. If you enjoy leisurely romance novels, this is a good choice.

I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.

Nicola Harrison, Author of “Montauk” has written an intense, suspenseful, thought-provoking, intriguing, emotional and captivating novel. The Genres for this novel are Domestic Fiction, Fiction, Women’s Fiction with a touch of Suspense thrown in. The timeline for this story is 1938 in Montauk. I love the author’s vivid description of the beach and sandy shore, and the cool beautiful water, and the lighthouse. The author describes the wealthy opulent hotel contrasted with the shacks that local residents live in. There is a contrast between the tourist and resident, and the rich and poor. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. Some of her characters are prejudiced and dysfunctional.

Beatrice Bordeau and her husband are spending their summer in Montauk, hopefully improving their marriage. That is Beatrice’s hope, only to find that her husband will be working mostly in the city and she is spending time with the other wives in Montauk. Beatrice comes from a simpler life and is not comfortable with the wives that flaunt their wealth, clothing, jewelry and mannerisms.

Beatrice feels more comfortable with the domestic help from the hotel and loves to see the fishing village and people. Beatrice is drawn to the beautiful lighthouse and views. Beatrice becomes friends with some of these people.

Things are not what they seem in Beatrice’s husband’s circle of friends. There are betrayals and threats. Some of the women are bullies.

Beatrice finds herself getting more involved with the resident’s and community problems and people. Only, Beatrice doesn’t realize the danger that she is in. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking novel. Be warned there are some Kleenex moments.

I loved this book! It is hard to believe that this Nicola Harrison’s debut book. Her writing was so beautiful that it made you really think you were living in Montauk during the Summer of 1938.

Beatrice Bordeaux was born into the lower/middle class but then marries a wealthy man where she lives the life of luxury in New York City. She is having troubles in her marriage (no spoiler!) and goes to spend the Summer in Montauk. While there, she realizes all of the problems in her marriage and she begins to realize that she actually struggles to fit in with the high society women. She becomes friends with the woman who does the laundry at the Montauk Manor and begins to rethink her life of luxury and desperately wants to trade it in for a life of love and simplicity.

2.5 stars

I was invited by the publisher to read and review this book as part of the blog tour and while I don’t regret accepting the invitation, since the story did appeal to me at the time when I read the summary, I have to admit that this way fell way short of expectations for me. To be honest, when I accepted this one, I actually thought it was historical fiction – since that’s one of my favorite genres, plus I had seen some good reviews for the book, I thought I would really be able to get into this one. It turns out I was wrong, as this one was not historical fiction, but rather historical romance + women’s fiction, with heavier emphasis on the romance part and not that much on the historical. I’m not a fan of romance novels and women’s fiction is usually a hit and miss for me (I’ve read good and not-so-good books in both genres), so reading this book was definitely a struggle for me. It also didn’t help that I didn’t like the main character Beatrice all that much, as I felt she was weak and whiny and I got increasingly annoyed with her as the narrative wore on – unfortunately, the entire story was narrated from her first person point of view, so that made reading this even more frustrating.

Clocking in at 400 pages, this book was WAY.TOO.LONG! The story was super draggy and there really wasn’t much of a plot to speak of to be honest. But what made this a truly tedious read for me was all the “over-describing” of things and events that were not important and at times not even relevant to the story. In other words, there was a lot of what I like to call “fluff” – basically space fillers that did nothing but bog down the story. The biggest sign that this book wasn’t for me though was the fact that, barely a quarter of the way through the book, I had already nodded off 3 times – each time, it took a lot of effort for me to want to pick the book back up and continue with it. I ended up skimming much of the rest of the book and was relieved when I finally got to the end of it. I honestly think that if I hadn’t signed up for the blog tour, I probably would have just abandoned this one altogether.

Overall, I would say this book wasn’t necessarily bad, as the writing was pretty decent and it did flow better than I thought it would, plus the author did a good job when it came to describing the locale (Montauk resort) as well as some of the historical bits – but all of that wasn’t enough to keep me interested in the story unfortunately. Perhaps I just wasn’t the right audience for this book, as I honestly don’t care all that much about wealthy housewives from high-society who spend their time gossiping and being busybodies while their husbands are away on “business” trips doing who-actually-knows-what and who, in their loneliness, end up getting entangled in romantic affairs (yes, that’s pretty much what the book was about). But don’t necessarily take my word for it, as there are quite a few 4 and 5 star reviews for this book, so it obviously has its appeal. If you’re a historical romance fan, I would suggest giving this one a try and see if it works out for you.

Received ARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley.

4.5⭐ Thank you netgalley and St Martin's Press for an advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review. Historical fiction is a new genre for me and this one did not disappoint. I thought it was going to be a mindless beach read, but it was a beautiful love story that sucked me in from the beginning. A story of Bea, who is stick in a loveless and childless marriage. Throughout the summer she learns the meaning of true love and friendship. She tests the boundaries of class and culture. I am so glad I decided to review this book and highly recommend it!

Montauk is an extraordinary tale that had me hooked from the very start.

Stuck in a loveless and childless marriage, Beatrice has hopes for her marriage when her husband, Harry, suggests they spend the summer at newest beach resort, The Montauk Manor. But, it turns out Harry doesn’t plan on staying. He leaves Beatrice there while he goes back to the city to work. Beatrice isn’t comfortable hanging out with the society women at the resort, so she befriends the laundry woman at the resort which leads to meeting Thomas, the lighthouse keeper. Beatrice ends up having an affair with Thomas and as summer is coming to an end, she is left with some life altering decisions that need to be made.

This book took me by surprise. After reading the premise, I thought it was going to be good. But, I had no idea it would be this good. To say I got hooked on the story would be an understatement. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.