Monday Give Away: THE SUMMER COUNTRY!
So there’s this book you may have heard me mention that happens to be set in colonial Barbados…. Guess what? I now have ARCs! And they look absolutely lovely.
For today’s Monday Give Away, I give you… an advance copy of The Summer Country!
Here’s the official description:
The New York Times bestselling historical novelist delivers her biggest, boldest, and most ambitious novel yet—a sweeping, dramatic Victorian epic of lost love, lies, jealousy, and rebellion set in colonial Barbados.
1854. From Bristol to Barbados. . . .
Emily Dawson has always been the poor cousin in a prosperous merchant clan—merely a vicar’s daughter, and a reform-minded vicar’s daughter, at that. Everyone knows that the family’s lucrative shipping business will go to her cousin, Adam, one day. But when her grandfather dies, Emily receives an unexpected inheiritance: Peverills, a sugar plantation in Barbados—a plantation her grandfather never told anyone he owned.
When Emily accompanies her cousin and his new wife to Barbados, she finds Peverills a burnt-out shell, reduced to ruins in 1816, when a rising of enslaved people sent the island up in flames. Rumors swirl around the derelict plantation; people whisper of ghosts.
Why would her practical-minded grandfather leave her a property in ruins? Why are the neighboring plantation owners, the Davenants, so eager to acquire Peverills—so eager that they invite Emily and her cousins to stay with them indefinitely? Emily finds herself bewitched by the beauty of the island even as she’s drawn into the personalities and politics of forty years before: a tangled history of clandestine love, heartbreaking betrayal, and a bold bid for freedom.
When family secrets begin to unravel and the harsh truth of history becomes more and more plain, Emily must challenge everything she thought she knew about her family, their legacy . . . and herself.
This book began nearly a decade ago on a plantation tour when I heard a story that’s haunted me ever since. Or, really, I could say it began long before that, when I first read The Thorn Birds, and M.M. Kaye’s Trade Wind, and all those other historical epics that weighted down bookstore shelves in the 80s: vast, sweeping books that took you to the farthest reaches of the globe and never shied away from tackling problematic moments in history. Also, cholera epidemics. Every good epic needed a good cholera epidemic.
Whichever way you date it, The Summer Country is a book that’s been a very, very long time in the making, and I cannot tell you how excited I am to finally get to share it with you!
For a chance to win an ARC of The Summer Country, here’s your question: if you could read a book set anyplace in the world in any time period, what would you choose?
The winner will be announced on Wednesday.
The Summer Country
Scotland..in the regency period.
Sweden 1900’s
1900 Morocco
Russia. 1800’s
WW 1 and 2 Europe!
Gilded age Newport
England in the Elizabethan period.
Italy 1940
Thanks🌲
Paris 1920’s
Anywhere in the South. I love the old homes and history especially the ghost stories!
USA 1920’s love that time period
Barbados 1816
Hmm, I may just happen to know a book set there in that year…. : )
Ireland and Scotland, any time period, interest me. Love Italy too. 1800s maybe
Italy present day
It’s a toss-up between the Roaring Twenties in the US…and the same time period in Paris.
Roaring 20s
Chicago 1893 (Doesn’t even have to include the Wold’s Columbian Exposition, just that time period.)
Prince Edward Island, Ca 1940
Singapore 1950s
New York 1920s
Denmark World War 2
Tudor England or 1920s New York
Paris 1940
Italy. Present day
China 1800
Renaissance Italy…around 1500. I find the art and the politics fascinating.
Scotland, early 1800’s.
Oh that’s a tough question, there are sooo many interesting periods!!! I guess I’d say… Paris during the German occupation (good thing that there are litteraly dozens of those… ^^).
(I so can’t wait for this book!!! I’m sure it’s gonna be perfect, as always! ♥)
I love the time period of Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell England
1700s Scotland. To me it’s just such an interesting time and I love reading anything set then.
I cannot wait for The Summer Country!
England 18th century is my favorite ❤️
This looks so good
I love New York in the 1920’s
1850s England
United States, in the deep South, late 1800’s.
Chicago, during the Gilded Age, would have been a very interesting place to live.
The history of the Driehaus Museum in Chicago fascinates me!
Scotland is my go to at anytime but since reading A Gentleman in Moscow, I think I am going to go with Russia during the revolution.
Love old historical novels in the 18th century English period
Colonial America, 1700s
Midwest US 1890s.
19th Century London
Thanks to Rosamunde Pilcher, I’m a complete sucker for books set in Cornwall (and I’ve never been). I have the impression it’s completely overrun by tourists now, so my time period would be pre-1950s, I guess.
Ireland in 1700’s
Italy early 1900s!
1940’s England
Love reading books set in the British Isles during the Downton Abbey period (1900-1920’s).
I’m still hung up on England in the Roaring 20s
Amsterdam in the early 1970’s sitting at a Café on the canals.
I just listened to the podcast Unobscured this morning about the Salem witch trials because I wanted to learn more about them. My ancestor, Elizabeth Titcomb Morse, was the first woman tried for witchcraft. She wasn’t killed, but her family had a tough time staying in Massachusetts after that. They moved to Maine, were driven out by Metacom’s War, and came to South Carolina. They shipwrecked on the way right where I live now, and then made their way to the Santee area of coastal SC. I would LOVE to read about one of those places during the late 17th century. Long story, but it explains why.
https://books.google.com/books?id=-l9djvCETvwC&pg=PA248&lpg=PA248&dq=Elizabeth+Titcomb+Morse&source=bl&ots=IZ4naUWLKQ&sig=g7f7PPo7qz-BFKhc8mbP5VvMEKQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiupd3EvpffAhVnhOAKHSRxCYUQ6AEwC3oECAEQAQ#v=onepage&q=Elizabeth%20Titcomb%20Morse&f=false
I was intrigued by your ancestor’s story, so I googled her name. There’s a google books with some free reading on her trial. Check out the link. It’s pretty amazing, and it’s clear your ancestor’s husband loved her dearly.
I’d love to read a book that takes place during the time period when immigrants were coming over through Ellis island with multiple generations. My grandfather was off the boat italian and the idea of putting everything on the line and migrating sounds so brave.
Hilltop fortress in Europe during the Renaissance
Early 1900s England.
Congrats, Jillian! You’re the winner of the ARC of THE SUMMER COUNTRY!
I love books set in the low country of the Carolinas for any time period. Thanks for the chance!
The South, 1800’s, I love a great Civil War read. This new book of yours looks fantastic!! I would love to win this!!
London in the Swinging Sixties!
I would love to read a book set it 19th century Australia… I don’t come across many books with that setting!
I would day the early 1900s in my home state of Hawaii. Between all those who were coming from Asia in search of a better life and the struggle for power between the monarchy and the mainland elite, it was such a fascinating time.
New York Adirondacks
Regency England
Etruria, pre-Roman Italy
Maybe something loosely based on Gertrude Bell?
England during the time of Sherlock Holmes. I enjoy Laurie R. King’s books about Sherlock and his fictional wife Mary Russell.
America- in the time leading up to the revolution
London 1940
The South in the 1920s to 1950s
Or…..
Italy, early 19O0s
Or…..
New York, 1920s-50s
To many for me to narrow down, lol.
I love to read all time periods….. with its rich historical roots.
New York in the 30’s after the Depression!
question: if you could read a book set anyplace in the world in any time period, what would you choose?
Rockies, post civil war. England 1800s. Europe Roaring 20s. It’s so hard to choose! I read such a variety! Mmm… Can I throw a wrench in there and say Mid 1800s Steampunk, throw some fantasy elements in there with my European ridiculousness?
I would like to read about New York (state not city) or New England in any time. It seems like most of the New York based books I’ve read have been only about the city, but there’s so much more to the state!
1700’s through 1800’s in southern CA. My dad is a direct descendant of the Palomares family in Pomona and there was a book written in 1939 about the family as one of the original landowners. My dad is one of the last entered into the family tree as he was born in 1938 as the book was actually being written. Windows of an Old Adobe is the name of the book.
Paris during the French Revolution
I think Ireland in 1930 ‘s . Since I am Irish ,I have heard so many stories.
I’d love to read more about Hawaii in the 5-10 years after Pearl Harbor.
I was going to say Gilded Age Chicago, but I realize I haven’t seen many books set in Switzerland… Perhaps Jazz Age? Or Argentina following World War 2? Lots of possible espionage/mystery plots?
Ireland 1916
Prince Edward Island early 1900s
Antebellum South
I was going to say Gilded Age Chicago, but I realize I haven’t seen many books set in Switzerland… Perhaps Jazz Age? Or Argentina following World War 2? Lots of possible espionage/mystery plots?
Paris – 1920’s
Cornwall England. Agatha Christie and Daphne DuMaier times but would have to be very careful walking around 😮
Late 1800s to early 1900s, mostly US, but will read about anyplace. Historical Fiction is my fav.
I would love to read something set in Croatia or Eastern European in the late 1800’s. My great-grandparents came from there through Ellis Island. I’m going over in May. I’m so curious about stories from families that left their homelands to start over. I’m also really excited to read a new Lauren Willig book, as always!
I’ll read pretty much any time period set in England. But I also love stories that take place in a country during a time when they were colonized by the English. It makes for such interesting political and social dynamics.
Ireland, 1800s
Any where in the world during WWll.
Colonial America. Thank you for the chance to win.
1920s anywhere
Oh man, how to pick just one! American Revolution in the colonies/early Republic is my absolute favorite.
USA 1920’s
I’m a sucker for ancient Egypt
France during WW11, about the resistance, these people, men and woman, were so brave!
1920s New York City
I love books set in the 1920s in America. Thanks for the chance to win.
Southern United States in the late 1800’s
New Zealand during the late 19th century or early 20th.
Hmmm…so many options. I would love to live somewhere in Europe at the turn of the century….pre-war obviously.
USA, 1920’s period. 🙂
I’d love a book about immigrants who came through Ellis Island in the early 1900s and settled in NYC
Paris in the 1940’s….during the war or just after
New England / NYC
Anytime
England WWII or America 1930s…
I love books set in the south. I would change it up and say the 70’s 🤣
Charleston/Lowcountry, any time period.
The early 1900 in the age of flappers and prohibition. My Grandparents were growing up in that era and it has always fascinated me.
late 1800s New Orleans
Post WW1 England. That was a heartbreaking time for all.
Japan, right after the borders opened to the west.
Any time period. I’ve read so many stories set in so many times and places, and I’ve enjoyed them all! I’m looking forward the Barbados in the 19th century.
I never tire of WWII books or 1920’s New York.
Paris 1920s!
England in the 1920’s
Lisbon WWII era
I’m currently obsessed with Reign and Mary, Queen of Scots so mid-1500s please. 🙂
I love Scotland. Any time period would do as long as it’s Scotland. I think it’s a magical place.
I love American history. Especially the Colonies in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.
Scotland or wherever your next book is set. So far, I have loved all of them!
New York City in the gilded age! Love this era!
Anywhere in Western Europe after WW2 ended and the Cold War started.
Provence 1950
Either Italy when the Coliseum is first starting to be built or anywhere in Europe 1940’s.
Paris anytime period!
Jamaica 1800’s
Paris during WWII showing the bravery of the people to protect their loved ones and the children’s bravery, I am just speechless. I love historical fiction.
Paris 1920s. (or colonial Barbados!)
I absolutely love historical fiction so I would want WW II set in England and Paris!
Usually France or Great Britain in the 1940’s!
I like books set before the 1960’s.
Australia 1950s
Austria in the late 1800s
New England during the American Revolution <3 (any suggestions?)
The American old west
Southern colonies of the US 1854 to early 1900’s
US and/or Germany during WWII.
Pride and prejudice England.
England. Edwardian era.
Bratislava, Slovakia along the Danube!
America, early 1800’s. Thanks for the chance!
London, mid 1600’s based on the start of live theater – it’s creation and a behind the scenes look of the people that built it up and their families and relationships.
1854 to 1900 the Southern United States
Late 1800’s in England.
A castle. 1700-1800s
1920s, New England
Scotland during and after WWII
Sweden in the 1900’s, but dad’s family was from Sweden. Thanks for this generous chance.
Right now in Rome – or for historical fiction 1020’s in Paris!
I love the 1700 – late 1800’s. It boggles my mind to consider how life has changed since that time period which wasn’t really that long ago. Your new book is a beauty. Thank you for the opportunity. Christmas blessings to you and yours. 🔰 👓🔰
Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹
Paris, Fin de Siecle
Renaissance Italy, perhaps…..but I’m always a sucker for a WWII novel!
Pre- Soviet Finland would be great!
Manhattan in the late 1800s
Manhattan in the 1920s
New York City. Any period really but 1950s might be fun. Recent enough past that I could relate.
Highlands, Scotland 1700s
Sweeping family saga in London from WWII to the 1990s.
Chicago set during the great Chicago fire
I love stories set in the 20’s-50’s era. Place I would choose is Ireland.
I love historical fiction – specifically anything from 1700s-1950s. I am a sucker for WWII novels, but have recently been pulled in by WWI books! And I REALLY like books that jump between times – current-day and sometime in the past. That said, if I could choose ANY time period, I’d say… (Such a hard decision – I’ve honestly been trying to decide for 10 minutes – ha!!) … probably early 1900s Europe. There was SO MUCH going on!
The Harry Potter universe, of course!
Really, Tudor and Regency England.
North America, Colonial Era.
During the Regency time period, I’ve a sucker for it. As for where? ANYWHERE! The more places I see during this time period the more I love it. But maybe Australia? That seems like something new…
Late 1800- early 1900 Australia.
England, 1880’s
England 1500’s or America 1880’s.
Paris in the 1940’s.
1920’s Paris
Poland – late 1700’s and early 1800’s.
Where were the Friday winners listed?
Ireland, Scotland, or England at any time!
Beautiful cover!
Victorian era England
Feudal Japan!
Scotland or Germany. The castles are so interesting!
WWII London, before, during & after the Blitz into end of war and austerity
New York City 1920’s or 1940’s!
WWII London, before, during and after the Blitz into austerity
Egypt during the reign of Cleopatra.
Paris. 1956
1960s, New England
I love WWII period, but lately I’ve been obsessed with the 1960’s NYC.
England 1880s. Particularly the second half of the century, a time of emergent feminism – when women were feeling the strain of social convention and were starting to become more independent (but still dressed so feminine! I loved the fashion!!)
I love WWII, but lately I am obsessed with 1960’s NYC
Paris in the 1800’s.
Charleston SC in the 1800’s before the Civil War.
London, England -west end 1950’s
Gilded Age, New York City and Rhode Island. That era is timeless!
Paris in the 1920s
Pioneer times!
Oregon trail 1800s
Egypt, 1900-1920. And if Amelia Peabody Emerson could be a real person, that would be great too. (And Ramses Emerson too.)
The countryside of England during the late 1800s & early 1900s.
That box of books looks fabulous!
The Caribbean in the 1800s
Difficult question! Maybe Iceland, around the 9th century, as the Vikings found and then settled there. A historical/fantasy blend would be great – especially if the Huldufolk made an appearance 🙂
19th century Romania or Transylvania
Ireland 1800s
British Isles, 1700 -1945
Scotland 1800’s
I love 1880’s – 1920’s time period! So much was going on in the world with technology, fashion, music, etc. I love England and Ireland.
Russia around the time of the Romanovs, or during WWII.
I LOVE to read books set In France. My love affair w the country started when I read Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence 20 years ago and has been going strong ever since. WWII has got to be my favorite time period. I’ve read lots of books set during that time and in France and really love it.
The southern United States – perhaps New Orleans – in the 1920’s.
Singapore 1950s
Ancient Egypt or anywhere in Medieval Europe
Adelaide, Australia in 1850. It would be just after settlement.
Victorian England is my favorite!
Ireland 1880
England early 1900’s
Romania, 1790 – 1830
I’m at the point where I’d like to read something set anywhere other than Regency England. I’d especially love a good colonial Virginia book or Peter the Great’s Russia. Very different times and places, but both of them intrigue me.
And I’d love to read this book!
Russia during Tsar Nicholas II’s rule for it would be intriguing to see the beginning of WWI, downfall of Imperial Family and the intricacies between Queen Victoria’s reigning brood.
I would love to be in United States when President Lincoln was in White House for he truly was a great President and a good human being.
Ever since I read Crazy Rich Asians I’ve been fascinated with South East Asia. So it would be amazing to see how Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia became the modern, beautiful countries they are today.
London in the 60’s
England 1900s.
Scotland 1700s Jacobite Rising
I would choose the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
1800s England with intrigue and murders including Scotland Yard. Any historical fiction in SC.
I love books that jump between time periods.. Europe and the US during the 40’s, and present day .. I’d love to have known what my grandparents lived through!
Ireland~ WW1 thru 1945 ☘️
London, Victorian period
Italy during the Renaissance
renaissance england
Williamsburg during the American revolution.
America 1400s
Here in the United States in the 1940’s.
1800 Italy, such a romantic time