Secrets, lies, romance, murder and class tensions all roll into one blockbuster of a story in The Summer Wives.

Summer of 1951, Miranda Schuyler arrives on the elite Winthrop Island, as her mother is betrothed to the prince of the island – Hugh Fisher, who owns a giant estate on the island overlooking the lighthouse. Miranda is suddenly propelled from her middle class upbringing into the world of country clubs and cocktail parties. She also gains a new sister in Isobel Fisher, who is eager to welcome her into the island’s ways.

At the time Miranda knows little about the divides on the island between the wealthy summer families and the working class Portuguese fisherman. Miranda develops a crush on Joseph Vargas, son of the lighthouse keeper, despite its forbidden nature. A scandal takes place that banishes Miranda from the island and Joseph for a decade. Years later, Miranda returns, and the wounds are re-opened.

I could not put this book down! It was told in a now and then narrative, which helped move the story along and keep things interesting. I was eager to find out more about the scandal, the fallout and how everyone ended up as they did. As a lover of historical fiction and a good murder mystery, this book checked all the boxes for me!

Verdict: Read it! (4.5/5 stars)
Length: 384 pages
When: You are in the mood for historical fiction and murder mystery all wrapped into one!
Quote: “The world spread out before me, vast and twinkling with promise.”
Also Read: The Subway Girls by Susan Orman Schnall (B2C review) or Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (if you haven’t read it yet, get on it)!

Buy The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams