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astadz's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.25
meggerzls's review against another edition
2.0
I was hoping to enjoy this book more than I did as it has some great anchors: summer, the Hamptons, romance, mystery. It sadly felt very flat and was all over the place. Poorly-defined characters and a lack of commitment to a particular plot line made it a bit of a drudge after the first eighty or so pages. It read as if the author couldn’t commit to a storyline and also danced around important issues that could have contributed more to the plot and character development (autonomy, mental health, gendered roles in society, etc.). I’m giving it two stars for the relationship between Lee and Starling, as it was the only one with any particular substance to it. Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
bornatthewrongtime's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lmplovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
A beach read with a rating of 4 stars means it is more - language, philosophical thoughts, well-developed characters, and an underlying mystery too. Good for book groups that might be looking for a lighter read but not pure fluff.
melissariggs's review against another edition
3.0
An unexpected snow day gave me time to curl up on the couch and read. A picture of what it was like to have a trust fund and a summer in the Hamptons-although as the book moved along it became clear that while the thought sounds amazing, the reality of it was pretty bleak. I'd love to read a sequel of how Lee's life evolves and would also be interested in a prequel about her mother!
"Everleigh “Lee” Farrows thinks she finally has life all figured out: a handsome fiancé named Roland, a trust in her name, and a house in Bronxville waiting for her to fill it with three adorable children. That is, until Roland brings her out to the Hamptons for a summer that will change everything.
Most women could only dream of the engagement present Roland unexpectedly bestows on Lee—a beachside hotel on the prized Gin Lane—but Lee’s delight is clouded by unpleasant memories of another hotel, the Plaza, where she grew up in the shadow of her mother’s mental illness. Shaking off flashbacks, Lee resolves to dive into an unforgettable summer with poolside Bellinis, daily tennis matches, luncheons with her Manhattan circle, and her beloved camera in tow. But when tragedy strikes on the hotel’s opening weekend, the cracks in Lee’s picture-perfect future slowly begin to reveal themselves, and Lee must look deep within herself to determine if the life she’s always wanted will ever truly be enough. From the regal inns to the farmland, the well-heeled New Yorkers to the Bohemian artists, the East End of Long Island is a hodge-podge of the changing American landscape in the late 1950s—and the perfect place for Lee to discover who she really is."
"Everleigh “Lee” Farrows thinks she finally has life all figured out: a handsome fiancé named Roland, a trust in her name, and a house in Bronxville waiting for her to fill it with three adorable children. That is, until Roland brings her out to the Hamptons for a summer that will change everything.
Most women could only dream of the engagement present Roland unexpectedly bestows on Lee—a beachside hotel on the prized Gin Lane—but Lee’s delight is clouded by unpleasant memories of another hotel, the Plaza, where she grew up in the shadow of her mother’s mental illness. Shaking off flashbacks, Lee resolves to dive into an unforgettable summer with poolside Bellinis, daily tennis matches, luncheons with her Manhattan circle, and her beloved camera in tow. But when tragedy strikes on the hotel’s opening weekend, the cracks in Lee’s picture-perfect future slowly begin to reveal themselves, and Lee must look deep within herself to determine if the life she’s always wanted will ever truly be enough. From the regal inns to the farmland, the well-heeled New Yorkers to the Bohemian artists, the East End of Long Island is a hodge-podge of the changing American landscape in the late 1950s—and the perfect place for Lee to discover who she really is."
libraryladykati's review against another edition
3.0
It started off strong but about halfway through, the plotting and pacing felt off, and I wasn’t very satisfied with the conclusion.
jenc424's review against another edition
3.0
On Gin Lane is an okay summer read. For readers that like the slow-burn approach, this one will be a winner. For me, the book didn’t really start until half way through. I found myself bored during the first half of reading. I did find the second half much more lively and engaging.
Everleigh (Lee) comes from a well-to-do family in New York. After a failed engagement, Lee finds herself again engaged to a new suitor - Roland. Roland whisks Lee away to Southampton where his newly built hotel will have its grand opening and Lee will sip Bellinis on the beach with her best friend Whitney. An unfortunate fire at the hotel, a spontaneous job as an assistant photographer and an alluring doctor spirals Whitney’s world in a new exciting direction.
This book has mystery, romance and a touch of the woman’s movement.
Everleigh (Lee) comes from a well-to-do family in New York. After a failed engagement, Lee finds herself again engaged to a new suitor - Roland. Roland whisks Lee away to Southampton where his newly built hotel will have its grand opening and Lee will sip Bellinis on the beach with her best friend Whitney. An unfortunate fire at the hotel, a spontaneous job as an assistant photographer and an alluring doctor spirals Whitney’s world in a new exciting direction.
This book has mystery, romance and a touch of the woman’s movement.
efirer's review against another edition
4.0
The setting is Southampton, Long Island in the 1950’s, and the story outlines the social changes happening as women begin to want more for themselves. Everleigh is from a wealthy family, and at 23, is feared to be an old maid. When she meets Roland, and quickly gets engaged, she does not foresee how their relationship will sour, as she learns the truth about him. At the same time, she is rediscovering her love for photography and meets a famous photographer who becomes her mentor. I recommend this piece of historical fiction and thank NetGalley for the ARC.
melissamcreader's review against another edition
3.0
This book was very pleasant. It was a story of a young woman finding her own way at a time when that wasn't nearly as easy or acceptable as it is now. Add in a touch of mystery and a little romance and it was fun and, well, just a nice read.
readsdreamsplans's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. The ending knocked a half star off for me (there were so many options that would have made the ending so much more believable and stronger). I did love the setting of 1950's Hamptons and the mystery aspect of the story. I loved the development of Everleigh and her relationship with her mentor (drawing a blank on her name at the moment).