Summer on the Bluffs by Sunny Hostin

I received an advanced copy of this novel from William Morrow/HarperCollins and if this doesn't scream summer, I don't know what does. It's a kick off your shoes, pour a cocktail, sit on your porch swing kind of a book, and perfect for a summer getaway (even if it's in your own backyard).

This novels oozes glamor, money, and lots of name dropping. Centering on New York City and Martha's Vineyard, it is the tale of three women who are goddaughters to Ama & Omar Tanner. Ama and Omar are an African American power couple in every way-both successful in their careers, wealthy, and connected to all the fabulous people. They built a summer home on Martha's Vineyard where they are part of Oak Bluffs society. However, Omar has died, and now Ama is gathering her goddaughters for one last summer, where she will reveal who will be granted sole ownership of Chateau Laveau. But in doing so, Ama may alienate the three women she loves the most. 

Perry, Olivia, and Billie are three very successful African American women, brought together as little girls by Ama and Omar. Each woman has become highly successful in their chosen careers: Perry is an attorney; Olivia is a wall street trader (like Ama), and Billie is a scientist working at Woods Hole. Each are beautiful, talented, and living their best lives. Except of course, there are always issues. Perry is married to her college sweetheart Damon, who is a doctor. She wants a baby, and after two years of trying, is frustrated. It's putting a strain on their marriage. Olivia is single and always feels less than because of her dark skin. Whenever she's out with Perry, the men always gravitate towards Perry's light skinned beauty. It's a source of anger for Olivia that men always pass her by in favor of other black women who have lighter skin. She simply wants to fall in love with a good man. Billie is gay, and afraid to come out to Ama, Perry, and Olivia. She has a girlfriend, and it's serious-and now she's got to be brave and be truthful. 

This was a fast read--it's close to 400 pages, but I definitely got caught up in this world and couldn't put it down. I spent most of the weekend reading it whenever I could, and getting household chores done so I could sit down and focus on the plot. Yes, it's pretty glamorous, and does discuss the issues African American women face in today's world. But it is also about women finding their happiness, coming to terms with their past, and realizing that those we put on pedestals are often only too human. Full of glitz, glamor, fabulous food, and lots of living large, this reminded me a lot of Anita Hughes novels. Total and complete "take me away" reading. I could definitely see this being a Netflix series! 

This is the first in the Oak Bluffs series, with the next book out in 2021. One thing I did learn reading this book: the town of Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard, and the fascinating history behind this African American community. If you're interested, click on this link to read more about it. And yes, darn it, I really want to visit Martha's Vineyard. 

This book will be out in the U.S. on June 16 in hardcover, ebook, and audio. 

Rating: 4/6 for a novel full of beautiful people who seem to have it all, but don't have what they really want. Lots of glitz and glamor, beautiful places, and cultural references to who's who and what's what in East Coast living. I can't wait to read more! 

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Summer on the Bluffs by Sunny Hostin

Before the Fall by Noah Hawley

This book was on my radar, but not on the "I've just got to read it now!" radar.  I put myself on the hold list at the library, but soon realized it would probably be next year before I would reach the top of the list.  That just wouldn't do.  I was contemplating buying the hardcover, when my friend Kirk talked about the book at our monthly book club and offered up his copy to anyone who wanted to read it.  

When the book gods offer up a book you want to read, you take it.  It was immediately bumped up to this month's TBR pile so I wouldn't lose it at home, forget to read it, or have to keep telling Kirk "I'm going to read it soon".  

Before the Fall is a pretty quick read.  Noah Hawley is a very talented writer of tv shows (Fargo, Bones), and that talent shows in the back and forth that happens in the novel.  I'm not giving anything away when I give you the plot of the story:  a very rich couple vacations on Martha's Vineyard in August.  They are heading back to New Jersey on a private plane.  They've invited along another couple, and an artist who's hitching a ride back to New Jersey.  The couple Maggie and David Bateman also have their two kids on board:  nine year old Rachel and four year old JJ.  Also along for the ride is the Bateman's security guard, Gil Baruch.  A simple flight, taking less than an hour.  

Except 16 minutes into the flight, the plane crashes into the ocean.  Only two people survive:  Scott Burroughs, the artist, and little JJ.  

How does the plane crash?  Why?  Was it a mechanical failure, or something more ominous?  There are plenty of possibilities.  The novel moves from Scott's experience after the crash to each person on the plane, and the days leading up to the crash.  One strange bit is that the date of each person's death: August 23, 2015 is the same except for Gil Baruch's:  his is August 26th, 2015.  What the heck does that mean?  

Another kicker:  Scott doesn't remember what happened.  He hit his head, and next thing he knows, he's in the ocean, surrounded by flames.  And then he hears a cry.  It's JJ, floating on a piece of debris.  

It's a pretty good book.  I wouldn't say it's a thriller; more of a mystery.  The novel also looks at the way the 24 hour news treats tragedies; how they treat survivors, and through it all is the sense of how abruptly life can end for some of us without any warning.  What makes this such a big news story is the fact that Bateman was the head of a Fox-like news company (worth millions), and the other couple, Ben and Sarah Kipling, are also millionaires.  And Ben just found out he's going to be indicted for money laundering the next day.  Will they find the plane?  Will the FBI figure out what happened?  And how will Scott move forward, knowing he's got a second chance?

I enjoyed this novel.  It was a complete switch from reading about baking and Vermont.  The ending, oh, it just felt like a punch in the stomach to me.  

Rating:  8/10 for a novel that sucks you into the lives of characters that perish in the first chapter, but haunt you throughout the story.  A good read!

Available in hardcover, e-book, and audio.

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Before the Fall by Noah Hawley