Description

 Summer Darlings

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author of Summer of `69

“This perfect summer read blends it all: intrigue, romance, a gilded atmosphere, and gorgeous writing.”-ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

“Taking place in the sun-kissed summer of the 1960s on Martha’s Vineyard, this first novel transports readers to a time of extravagant beauty and hidden secrets. Through the eyes of a young nanny, a college student named Heddy Winsome, we are invited into the lives of a wealthy family, where privilege and darkness intertwine.”

Leaving behind her modest Irish Brooklyn neighborhood, Heddy finds herself in opulence and allure. However, as she falls in love with the enchanting couple she works for and cares for their mischievous children, Heddy’s dreams of a bright future are suddenly shattered when her scholarship is unexpectedly rescinded. This incident threatens her entire destiny and forces her to confront the sinister side of wealth and privilege.

Heddy is determined to navigate the elite social circles that surround her employers, to help secure her place in high society. Along the way, she becomes entranced by a charismatic surfer, a stark contrast to the couple she serves. As her heart yearns for love, she begins to question whether the seemingly perfect man for her is the laid-back surfer or the diligent and intellectual college boy. However, the idyllic facade of the island quickly begins to crumble as Heddy discovers that the people she encounters during this summer of indulgence are far from being picture-perfect. From socialites to starlets and housekeepers, no one is immune to the hidden complexities and secrets that lie beneath their polished exteriors. Heddy comes to realize that money and status can bring privilege, but true happiness remains elusive.

Join in the lavish setting of Martha’s Vineyard during the midcentury era, as Brooke Lea Foster’s debut novel, Summer Darlings, weaves a tale that promises to keep readers on their toes. The sights and sounds of this bygone era come alive as Heddy navigates through a world reminiscent of Tigers in Red Weather and The Summer Wives. With meticulous attention to detail, Foster paints a vivid picture of the island’s grandeur and its dark undercurrents. Summer Darlings invites readers to explore a rarefied world where beauty, wealth, and privilege collide with the realities of human nature. It serves as a reminder that while prestige and material possessions may grant access to exclusive circles, they do not guarantee fulfillment or true happiness.

Review

“A fresh new voice in historical fiction! Brooke Lea Foster spins a delicious tale of a young girl from Brooklyn who spends a summer rubbing elbows with the rich and famous on Martha’s Vineyard. Filled with 1960s nostalgia and a host of deftly drawn characters, this is a novel that gives us an intimate look at the world of privilege, proving once again that money does not buy happiness.” – Renée Rosen, bestselling author of Park Avenue Summer

“The enchanting beaches, dazzling parties, and elusive social circles of Brooke Lea Foster’s 1962 Martha’s Vineyard carry secrets and twists that keep us breathless and guessing until the very last page. As working-class Heddy pierces through the façade of this privileged world, she comes to question everything she believes about money, marriage, and the need to improve her lot in life. A delicious read filled with an acute sense of place and unexpected discoveries about class, status, and ambition.” – Marjan Kamali, author of The Stationery Shop

“Set in the summer of 1962, Brooke Lea Foster’s Summer Darlings has all the ingredients of a delightfully fizzy beach cocktail: A spunky, working-class Wellesley student determined to make her mark, the deceptively “perfect” wealthy couple that employs her as a nanny on Martha’s Vineyard, two alluring and very different suitors, and a bombshell movie star with a heart of gold. If you like your summer escapism with a nostalgic splash of Mad Men-era glamour, you’ll love this surprisingly twisty debut.” – Karen Dukess, author of The Last Book Party

“A delicious romp through mid-century Martha’s Vineyard replete with movie stars, sun-drenched beaches, domestic discord, and fancy outings to the club, Foster’s evocative debut is like a delightful picnic basket packed with everything readers want in a summer read. As Heddy spends her summer caring for the children of a wealthy couple and navigating her romantic interests and financial issues, she discovers truths we all need to learn on our path toward adulthood. Summer Darlings is about the human desire to strive toward something more, the reality that things aren’t always what they seem, and the strength a woman will find within herself when she listens to her inner voice.” – Susie Orman Schnall, author of We Came Here to Shine and The Subway Girls

“This luminous novel set on Martha’s Vineyard feels like the summer you first fell in love, first had your heart broken. Brooke Lea Foster has created an unforgettable character in Heddy, a girl full of yearning and idealism, deep intelligence, grace, and contradictions. This compelling, unputdownable novel sparkles with wit and insight, captures the Vineyard’s beauty, delves into class distinctions and family secrets, and, most of all, reveals Heddie with truth and tenderness.” – Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author of Last Day

“Rendered in evocative historical detail, Summer Darlings is a compelling debut, a taut portrait of money and social status, and a young woman navigating her place in the world. Foster offers a glittering glimpse into the private lives of New England’s elite families while exposing the dark underbelly of privilege. I couldn’t stop turning the pages until I had reached the breathless, satisfying conclusion.” – Meredith Jaeger, author of Boardwalk Summer and The Dressmaker’s Dowry

About The Author

(Brooke Lea Foster)

Brooke Lea Foster, a highly acclaimed journalist, has been recognized for her exceptional work in various prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post Magazine, The Atlantic, The Boston Globe Magazine, and People, to name just a few. With an impressive background as an alumna of The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, Foster has not only established herself as a prominent writer but has also authored three nonfiction books. In addition to her nonfiction works, she has also ventured into the world of fiction, Gaining readers with her novels Summer Darlings, On Gin Lane, and All the Summers In Between.

Foster’s writing prowess has garnered her numerous accolades and a loyal readership. Her articles, known for their insightful analysis and engaging storytelling, have graced the pages of esteemed publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post Magazine. Foster’s ability to delve deep into a wide range of topics, from social issues to human interest stories, has made her a sought-after journalist in the industry.

As an alumna of The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, Foster has honed her craft and developed a unique writing style that resonates with readers. Her nonfiction books have received critical acclaim, showcasing her expertise in exploring real-life narratives with depth and sensitivity. With her novels, Foster has demonstrated her versatility as a writer, seamlessly transitioning from nonfiction to fiction and making a name for herself with compelling storytelling and vivid characters.

Brooke Lea Foster’s impressive career as an award-winning journalist and author is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. With her articles featured in renowned publications and her books receiving widespread acclaim, Foster continues to remain In the race with her insightful writing and clever storytelling. Whether through her nonfiction works or her novels, Foster’s ability to engage and inspire readers is a testament to her skill as a writer.