Wellesley student Heddy Winsome becomes the nanny for the Williams family and spends the Summer of ‘62 on Martha’s Vineyard. Unlike her college friends, Heddy desperately needs the money. In order to keep the job, and potentially land herself a respectable suitor, she must navigate the world of her wealthy employers and the chasm between her social class and theirs. Heddy witnesses the contrast between the Williams’ public and private lives, and learns the secrets of the people who inhabit the insular community. Is she using others, or being used? Will she come out on the other end unscathed?

While reading this novel, I felt like I parachuted into Heddy’s life at the precise moment she lands at Martha’s Vineyard, surrounded by the people, the sights, the smells, the sensations of life on the island. The vivid descriptions, well-developed characters, and pointed dialog keep the plot moving. The summer of 1962 goes by in the blink of an eye. A satisfying read.

I am reading a lot due to the threat of the coronvirus. This seemed to be a light beachy read that would let me escape. I enjoyed reading about the time period and location, sixties, Kennedy's etc. I think that this will probably catch on in the summer as people want to have a beach read.

Get ready for this May release; I couldn’t put it down! You’ll definitely want this one by the pool. Just remember to reapply sunscreen because you’re going to get sucked into the drama of Martha’s Vineyard and could end up getting burned like Heddy.