Boardwalk Summer: A Novel

By Meredith Jaeger

In this new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Dowry, two young women two generations apart discover the joy and heartbreak of following their dreams. Aspiring Hollywood actress Violet makes a shocking choice in 1940, and seventy years later, Mari sets out to discover what happened on that long ago summer.

Santa Cruz, Summer 1940: When auburn-haired Violet Harcourt is crowned Miss California on the boardwalk of her hometown, she knows she is one step closer to her cherished dream: a Hollywood screen test. But Violet’s victory comes with a price—discord in her seemingly perfect marriage—and she grapples with how much more she is willing to pay.

Summer 2007: Single mother Marisol Cruz lives with her parents in the charming beach cottage that belonged to her grandfather, Ricardo, once a famed performer on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Drawn to the town’s local history and the quaint gazebo where her grandparents danced beneath the stars, Mari sells raffle tickets at the Beach Boardwalk Centennial Celebration, and meets Jason, a California transplant from Chicago.

When Mari discovers the obituary of Violet Harcourt, a beauty queen who died too young, she and Jason are sent on a journey together that will uncover her grandfather’s lifelong secret—his connection to Violet—a story of tragedy and courage that will forever transform them.

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jun 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9780062748072

Meredith Jaeger

USA Today bestselling author Meredith Jaeger was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, the daughter of a Swiss father and an American mother. While working for a San Francisco start-up, Meredith fulfilled her dream of writing a novel, the result of which was The Dressmaker,s Dowry. Meredith lives in Alameda with her husband, their infant daughter, and their bulldog.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Violet Harcourt

Summer 1940

My heart hammered as I stood on the bandstand, in front of the swelling crowd. Cripes. How many people had gathered on the beach today? Possibly thousands. The sun beat down on my tanned shoulders, warming them. Onions sizzled on the hot dog grill, mingling with the salty air, and a choir of seagulls cawed overhead.

Evie stood to my right, her hand placed on a cocked hip to show off her fire-engine-red nails. She tilted her head, her shiny dark hair swept up in perfect rolls. Winking at the crowd, Evie dared to bare her midriff in a tight two-piece. Mother found the new swimsuit fashion scandalous, but I wished I had Evie’s confidence.

Out of the fifteen women who’d entered the Miss California pageant, three of us stood at the forefront, vying for a shot at the crown. I took a deep breath. Getting a Hollywood screen test was a dream I’d held tightly, knowing it could slip away at any second. This was my opportunity to be discovered.

Ladies and gents, the emcee spoke into the microphone, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for.

I wasn’t going to win. With her luminous pale skin and amber eyes, Evie looked like Olivia de Havilland, and I looked like, well, me. Clearly, her beauty eclipsed mine. But the pin curls in my auburn hair stayed put, and my polka-dot swimsuit with its flared skirt complemented my slight curves. I’d lacquered my lips red as Evie’s nails. Perhaps today would be my turn to shine in the spotlight.

When I’d sung Billie Holiday’s rendition of George Gershwin’s Summertime for the talent portion, my voice had come from deep within my soul. Mother thought my dreams of stardom were a childish phase, admonishing me every time she’d caught me using her hairbrush as a microphone. But my desire to perform had only grown stronger.

If Charles saw me onstage right now, he’d . . .

I pictured my husband’s handsome face contorted with rage, and my stomach squeezed sharply. I tamped down my fear, remembering the lie I’d told the pageant officials. Yet I hadn’t stopped myself from filling out the Miss California contest entry form, my hands shaking as I’d signed my name.

One of the Atlantic City judges for the Miss America pageant was Artie Schmekel, the financial backer for all of Broadway’s biggest musicals. If he watched me sing, play piano or dance, perhaps I’d see my name in lights on a theater marquee—and then on the silver screen. Plenty of gals went to Hollywood after their pageant wins. Would a film director take a gamble on me?

The announcer cleared his throat. Three beautiful ladies stand before me. Let’s give them a round of applause.

My cheeks hurt from holding my smile, and I tried not to squint. Jiminy Cricket, could the sun be any brighter? A sea breeze ruffled the colorful beach umbrellas, cooling my sweaty skin. But it did little to ease my nerves.

And the runner-up for the Miss California bathing beauty contest is . . . The emcee paused. It seemed to stretch for an eternity. Miss Evelyn Hastings of San Francisco, California!

I let out the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Evie’s dark brows knit together, but within seconds she’d put on a winning smile. She waved at the crowd, swishing her hips in her outrageously daring two-piece. Though her eyes held disappointment, she wouldn’t stay down for long. For Evie, life was always coming up roses. She smiled as if to say, This isn’t the last you’ll see of me.

Evie had convinced me to enter the pageant. Two years ago, a new rule had been put into place: contestants had to be single women, never married, never divorced. But to that Evie had declared, "Hogwash! My Frank would be over the moon to see me with a crown on my head. Come on, Vi. What’s a little white lie?"

A petite blonde stood to my right, a contestant from Orange County. I swallowed, pushing the lump of guilt down my throat. She had a wholesome, all-American look about her, and sweet dimples framed her smile. The gal had done a fantastic tap dancing routine, and I figured it was her turn today. I prepared myself to lose as gracefully as Evie had. Perhaps it was for the best. Then neither one of us would get into trouble.

The emcee ran a hand through his oil-slick hair. And the grand prize winner of the 1940 Miss California bathing beauty contest is our very own Miss Violet Sweeting of Santa Cruz, California!

Once the shock of hearing my maiden name wore off, happy tears sprang to my eyes. Were they playing some kind of gas on me? I stepped forward in my peep-toe heels, barely able to contain my surprise. The brass band played In the Mood.

Swinging my hips in time to the music, I waved at the crowd. Fleetingly, my heart went out to the blonde, as the emcee congratulated her on her third-place win. But I was floating.

The crowd roared. I didn’t need Mother, Father or Charles to make decisions for me. How could they possibly understand? Onstage I was electric, burning bright as the marquee lights. Jazz made me feel more alive than Mozart ever had. My music degree from Mills College had pleased Mother, but I was ready to do so much more than play piano in the parlor for houseguests. I belonged in the pictures.

The emcee handed me a bouquet of fresh pink roses. Congratulations, Violet. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Miss California, 1940.

Thank you very much.

I straightened my sash, my ring finger bare where my Tiffany diamond solitaire and matching wedding band should have been.

Good luck, fellas, the emcee said, winking. This bathing beauty sure is a looker! She won’t be single for long.

The crowd laughed, and I forced a smile, but my stomach churned. I touched the strand of pearls around my neck, another lavish gift from my husband. The Cartier necklace caused Evie’s eyes to bulge with envy. I knew without asking it was worth a fortune. Charles came from old money, inheriting a trust fund from a successful shipping business, long sold, and also the Oceano Golf Club, the finest and most prestigious course west of the Mississippi. Like me, Charles had been born and raised in Santa Cruz, but he mingled solely with the area’s elite. Even celebrities traveled here to Monterey Bay for the stunning views along the Oceano’s magnificent green.

Give us a big smile for the camera, the emcee said.

I nodded, trying to shake the uneasy feeling that had settled over me. I focused on the quaint shops dotting the boardwalk and the children holding sticks of cotton candy. Laughter carried on the breeze with the whoosh of the wooden roller coaster. Peaks and valleys; it was normal to have those in a marriage, wasn’t it?

Men played with their tots in the sand, scooping handfuls of it into makeshift castles. Charles would make a good father. He had an easy way with children, delighting them with tricks, like producing a dime from thin air. I’d glowed on every date during our courtship, feeling positively smitten. With his dark hair, long-lashed eyes and dazzling smile, Charles had the charm of Clark Gable.

On our early dates, we’d spent hours necking at the drive-in through double features. At night, I’d often slept in the cardigan I’d worn, to savor his cologne until it faded. We’d enjoyed our weekends at the boardwalk, and Charles had laughed as he’d rammed my bumper car at Auto Scooter, delighting in mischief like a young boy. But not long afterward, he began to question me constantly about my whereabouts. And I hadn’t told him I would be participating in the pageant today.

The photographer crouched before me, his camera in my face. I looked down at his wingtips, overcome by a wave of dizziness.

Miss Sweeting, he said. Big smile. Eyes up here, please.

The shrill whistle of the Suntan Special blared. Passengers poured from the train coaches, men in fedoras and women in wide-brimmed sun hats. Children squealed, set free to release their energy on the beach. In spite of the summer heat, an icy chill ran through me. I saw him there in the crowd.

The notes of In the Mood swelled from the beach band, welcoming the new arrivals. I watched my husband’s broad shoulders as he made his way past the beachgoers, holding his briefcase. His dark hair shone in the sunlight; he stood a head taller than most of those around him. Oh Jesus. Hadn’t he meant to arrive this evening?

Cool fingers squeezed my hand. I whipped around.

Evie smiled. Why’d ya have to steal my chance? I heard the Miss America crown is made of real diamonds. It’s an ugly shame it won’t be on my head.

I tried to laugh.

Evie’s doll-like eyes filled with concern. Good grief, Vi. What’s the matter?

I swallowed, my throat dry. Evie, I don’t think I should have—

Excuse me, Evelyn? The emcee stood between us. Sorry, darling, but we need a picture of Miss Sweeting alone. Then we’ll photograph you gals together.

Evie dropped my hand as he shooed her away.

Okay, he said. On three. One, two . . .

Before the bulb flashed, my gaze settled on Charles. Those warm brown eyes of his had once crinkled at the corners with laughter, but now they were filled with a cruel look I knew all too well. Sweat beaded on my forehead.

What a stupid, stupid thing you’ve done.

This time, Charles’s voice would hold no annoyance. He would remain silent, and his silence frightened me more than anything. The look in my husband’s eyes was one of anger and betrayal. This was my fault. I never should have lied. Why did I crave the attention? I ought to have stayed home. Or clapped politely for the other girls while sitting underneath an umbrella, wearing something modest.

As the crowd cheered for me, I shivered. I no longer looked forward to the floats, the parade, the celebratory dancing or tonight’s fireworks. Charles would feign pride in my pageant win, because what else could he do? We’d have chicken sandwiches for lunch with Evie and Frank, and then stroll together along the pier. But tonight, behind closed doors, I would pay dearly for my careless mistake.

Chapter 2

Marisol Cruz

Summer 2007

Lily, honey. Put on your other shoe. It’s time to go."

I want my purple sneaker.

Mari looked down at her daughter’s feet, one bare, and one clad in a silver-glitter ballet flat. Then she glanced at her watch. Her shift at the Jupiter Café began in exactly fifteen minutes.

Okay, your purple sneakers? Let’s put them on.

"No. One sneaker."

But then you won’t match.

Lily rolled her eyes and flopped on the bed; she was four going on fourteen.

"I want to mismatch."

Too tired to argue, Mari slipped the purple sneaker on her daughter’s left foot and did up the Velcro straps. With her Belle T-shirt, plaid leggings and buns all over her head, Lily resembled a tiny Gwen Stefani, circa 1998.

Are you taking me today? she asked, her green eyes wide.

Mari’s stomach pinched with guilt. Not today. Mommy has to work.

With an exasperated sigh, Lily heaved herself off the bed and slipped her Little Mermaid backpack over her shoulder. "You always have to work. She glanced around the room. Where’s my tiara?"

Mari’s eyes scanned the bedroom in the quaint 1940s beach cottage that had belonged to her grandfather. When he had passed away, her parents had inherited it, and now Mari lived with them. Lily’s small bed with purple floral sheets, hidden beneath her stuffed animals, fit snugly in the corner, while Mari’s modest twin sat beneath the open window, the ocean breeze ruffling the gauzy, white curtains.

Outside, the natural beauty of California’s coastline stretched for miles. The sun through the window warmed Mari’s face, and today would be another perfect seventy-eight degrees. Perched on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz sat beneath the cool shade of the redwood trees, offering the most beautiful views in the world.

Atop a shelf on Mari’s bookcase, Lily’s tiara sparkled in the sunlight.

Found it, Mari said, walking over to reach for the plastic crown.

Lily clapped her hands. Hooray!

A hard lump rose in Mari’s throat as her gaze settled on her history textbooks, which she hadn’t opened in years. She longed to trail her finger down their worn spines, remembering the words of Howard Zinn and W.E.B. Du Bois.

Let’s go, Mari said, placing the tiara atop Lily’s head. Lily beamed as she adjusted it, like the rightful winner of the Miss Universe pageant.

Stepping into the tiled kitchen, Mari found her mother putting together Lily’s lunch box. Oh Ma, I was going to do that.

Paulina shrugged, her thick chestnut hair reaching her shoulders. Even in her late forties, she still turned heads. I wanted to help. Looking down at her granddaughter, Paulina opened her arms. "Buenos dias, sweetie!"

Lily ran to her abuela, tripping over her mismatched shoes.

Raising an eyebrow, Paulina looked at Mari. "Mija, what is she wearing?"

She’s four, Mari mumbled. Look, it’s only shoes.

Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat? Lily belted out, freeing herself from Paulina and twirling around the kitchen. Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete?

Oh great. Paulina shot Mari a look. Is this going to last the whole car ride?

Mari smiled. Sorry.

She snuck a quick glance in the hallway mirror, smoothing her waitress uniform—a short blue dress with square front pockets. The Jupiter Café encouraged its employees to look funky, but this morning Mari had put on tiny gold hoop earrings in defiance of the tacky plastic jewelry rule. Wearing no makeup, she could still pass for a college student—except she felt about a hundred years older.

Come here, Mari said, scooping Lily into a hug and kissing her face until she erupted into giggles.

Mari breathed in the scent of Lily’s apple shampoo, her heart aching when she thought of her little girl entering kindergarten in the fall. How was that possible? She liked having Lily at Green Frog Preschool, where Paulina worked as the director of the bilingual school. Santa Cruz housed a mix of open-minded, eco-friendly families, eager for their children to learn Spanish. Mari loved that about her community.

"I love you, Mom," Lily said, blowing a kiss.

Love you too, Mari replied, watching her daughter scamper out the door.

Grabbing her lukewarm, half-finished mug of coffee off the counter, Mari took a swig, wondering if she should reheat it in the microwave. Instead, she put Lily’s empty cereal bowl in the dishwasher, finished loading the machine, and turned it on. Her stomach growled, but she had no time for breakfast.

In the hallway, Mari paused to look at a framed black-and-white photograph of her abuelo, the famed Ricardo Cruz. Her young grandfather plunged headfirst from a trapeze into the Pacific Ocean. He’d been a Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk performer in the 1940s, a stunt diver who delighted the crowds with his daring act.

Mari swallowed, remembering all the times she’d strolled hand in hand with her abuelo along the wooden slats of the boardwalk. He’d bought her cotton candy and ice cream, taken her for endless rides on the carousel, and let her sit on his shoulders when she’d gotten tired of walking.

He’d told her stories—so many stories—about his adventures as a young man, bringing the sights and sounds of the boardwalk to life. The bands that had played, the people he had known, they danced in Mari’s mind like images from a vintage movie reel.

She blinked back tears and twisted the door handle.

Bye, Abuelo, she whispered. I miss you.

BY THE TIME she reached the Jupiter Café, Mari had broken a sweat, even though the scenic walk from Beach Hill, overlooking the sparkling blue ocean, took less than ten minutes. Tourists on beach cruisers zipped past, their tanned legs pushing bicycle pedals as they made their way toward Pacific Avenue’s shops and restaurants.

Mari slipped in the back entrance of the café, donning her planet-covered apron with one hand and punching her time card with the other. She was already looking forward to picking Lily up from school, so they could collect seashells at Natural Bridges Beach, dip their toes in the water, and admire wildflowers along the footpath.

There you are.

Wanda appeared from around the corner, her gaze like an owl’s behind her rhinestone 1950s cat’s-eye glasses, her bleach-blond hair stuck up in spikes.

Oh! Mari said, putting a hand to her chest. You scared me.

Wanda scrutinized Mari’s face, then looked down at her bare arms and clucked her tongue. "What’s this? I want funky! You’re young, Marisol. You’re a pretty girl. Where’s that Latin flair? Arriba!"

Sorry. Mari shrugged. I guess I didn’t bring it today.

You want my red lipstick? Wanda offered, digging into the pocket of her apron. The alarming crimson shade had worked its way into the wrinkles above Wanda’s mouth, enhancing the yellow tint of her teeth.

No thanks, Mari said, dodging Wanda’s outstretched arm. Looks like table four needs coffee. I’ll bring them some.

Putting on a bright smile, she approached the red vinyl booth in the corner. Two girls sat slumped over, wearing hooded UC Santa Cruz sweatshirts and tight yoga pants, their blond hair tied up in messy buns.

Good morning, Mari said, holding up a steaming pitcher. Coffee?

God yes, one coughed, her voice as hoarse as a chain-smoker’s. Rings of mascara were smeared around her eyes. Give it to me.

Ugh, the other moaned, rubbing her temples. I think I’m still drunk.

Mari poured two cups, smiling sympathetically. It had been years since she’d woken up with a hangover. As a working, single mom, she had enough to worry about without the added pressure of nausea and a headache.

Chewing her lip, Mari remembered the last time she’d been really drunk . . . the summer of her graduation from UC Santa Cruz. She’d aced all her finals, made the dean’s list, and hadn’t seen the harm in throwing back a few (okay, several) tequila shots. That was the night she’d wound up pregnant.

Mari shook her head to clear away the memory. I can bring you both some water too if you like. It’s good to stay hydrated.

Sure, one of the blondes said. Thanks.

Do you know what you’d like to order, or do you need a few more minutes?

Hash browns and eggs, the hoarse girl barked.

And I’ll have the pancakes, the other answered.

Sure thing, Mari said. They’ll be coming right up.

She made her way around the room to other tables, carried steaming plates laden with food from the kitchen, refilled coffee, wiped down countertops and called out orders to the cooks. When she returned with the order of hash browns, eggs and pancakes for the blondes, they were in the midst of a heated argument.

Santa Cruz became a city in 1900, the bossy one said with a flick of her fingernails. A Spanish guy discovered it. He built the missions.

Are you sure? the other blonde asked. Because this test is in an hour.

Setting down their plates, Mari counted to ten in her head. Don’t say anything you’ll regret. Let these two party their education away.

There were just, like, a bunch of Indians here or whatever, blonde number one continued. The Spanish brought them culture.

Actually, Mari said, her words tumbling out as she refilled both mugs of coffee, Santa Cruz became a city in 1866. In 1848, following the Mexican–American War, Mexico ceded the territory of Alta California to the U.S. in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. California was the first portion of the territory to become a state, in 1850.

The college students sat there slack-jawed, staring at Mari like she’d spoken in a foreign language. Her cheeks heating, Mari filled the awkward silence by spouting more facts. What was she doing? She didn’t know how to stop herself.

"And before the arrival of Spanish soldiers and missionaries in the late eighteenth century, Santa Cruz was home to the Awaswas people. They’re Native Americans, not Indians. The misnomer Ohlone is often used to describe the native people of the Santa Cruz area, but really it’s a generalized name for the many diverse tribes who lived in the region. They were also referred to by the Spanish as Costanoan."

The blonde who’d seemed so sure of herself rolled her eyes, while the other pulled her slumped body upright and grabbed Mari’s hand.

Can you take my test for me?

Mari sensed Wanda watching her—or rather, felt the heat of Wanda’s glare.

I wish I could, Mari said, her voice quiet. If only she could rewind time to that night after finals . . .

But then she wouldn’t have Lily, her greatest joy in life. And wasn’t Lily the reason she worked as a waitress? Mari’s flexible schedule allowed her to pick Lily up from preschool and to be there when her daughter needed her.

In the bustling heat of the kitchen, Mari stuck meal orders on tacks and wiped the sweat from her brow. Wanda appeared, strong hands placed on thick hips.

What did I tell you about talking to the customers? Her eyes narrowed behind her pink cat’s-eye glasses, the rhinestones glinting menacingly.

Keep the conversation light. Mari lowered her head. Wanda, I’m sorry.

If you’re not happy here, Wanda said, leaning in so close that Mari could smell stale cigarettes on her breath, just say so. I’ve got other employees who want more shifts. They would be happy to take your mornings.

Oh no, I—

Mari’s cell phone vibrated in her apron pocket, and she resisted the urge to pick it up. But what if it was her mother, and something had happened to Lily at school?

It’s okay, Wanda said. Take fifteen. You’re due for a break.

Stepping outside into the sunlight, Mari took in a deep breath, letting the salty sea air fill her lungs. Pulling her phone from her pocket, she looked at the unfamiliar number flashing on screen. Mari sat down on a bench in the parking lot behind the café and kicked a cigarette butt away with the toe of her sneaker.

Hello?

Is this Marisol Cruz?

The woman’s voice was polished and crisp.

Yes, this is she.

Hello, Marisol. This is Jane Anderson, lead curator at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. I’m responding to your application for the customer service position working at our exhibit during the Beach Boardwalk Centennial Celebration.

Mari sat bolt upright, her heart pounding in her chest. Yes?

"We loved learning that your grandfather, Ricardo Cruz, was one of the famed Beach Boardwalk performers of his time. Of course, we were impressed by your résumé too, especially your graduating with honors in history from UC Santa Cruz. We would be thrilled to have an actual descendant of Ricardo’s teaching tourists about the legacy of the boardwalk. Do you have time for a quick phone interview?"

Yes. Mari swallowed, her mouth dry. Of course.

Wonderful, Jane replied. Just to clarify your job duties, you would be selling raffle tickets and operating our museum booth showcasing the history of the Beach Boardwalk. This would be every Saturday and Sunday from June through August. According to your résumé, you currently work as a waitress . . . can you tell me more about that?

Mari winced at the confusion in Jane’s voice. What was someone who graduated cum laude doing working in food service?

I have a daughter, Mari explained. She’s four. I wait tables at Jupiter Café so that I can spend more time with her. I have a flexible schedule. And it won’t affect my ability to work at the exhibit. I have extensive customer service experience.

Well, Jane said. Fantastic! Can you come by at noon next Saturday? You’ll meet with the boardwalk archivist, Carol, above the Cocoanut Grove Ballroom on Beach Street. She’ll let you know more about getting started.

Absolutely, Mari said, even though Saturdays and Sundays were her best-paying shifts. Thank you so much. She dug her nails into her palm, thinking about her lost tips. But hadn’t she wanted this job—gone out on a limb to apply for it?

"Great. We look forward to seeing you then. Please

Reviews for Boardwalk Summer

[teachlz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

IMG_4252MY REVIEW OF “BOARDWALK SUMMER” BY Meredith Jaeger William Morrow, June 18, 2018I loved everything about “Boardwalk Summer” by Meredith Jaeger. Kudos to Meredith Jaegar for writing such a captivating, intriguing, riveting, mesmerizing, and romantic story. The author is an amazing storyteller and her detailed vivid descriptions of two timelines in history is memorable. There are layers in this story, and like a puzzle, when you put the pieces together, you get a stunning , surprising, and heartwarming conclusion. The genres for this novel are Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance and Suspense and some mystery. There are two timelines, one in 1940 and one in 2007. Both take place in Santa Cruz and other places.In 1940, the dream of the young ladies is to win a beauty contest and be Miss California. Hopefully this will take the winner to Hollywood. Violet Harcourt is crowned the winner, and her friend is runner-up. The problem is Violet has entered the competition as a single lady but really is a married woman. Her husband Charles is very angry that she has done this, and Violet returns the crown, and resigns. No one realizes what Violet’s marriage is like. Violet does get to escape to Hollywood to find that all is not as it seems. Charles is furious finds and takes Violet home. Violet can’t see her friends from the Boardwalk.In the summer of 2007, single Mom Marisol Cruz lives in a charming seaside cottage with her young daughter and parents. They inherited this cottage from Marisol’s grandfather who was a great entertainer on the boardwalk years ago. Marisol works in a diner part-time. Marisol is fascinated by the town’s history and the quaint gazebo where her grandparents had once danced. She sells raffle tickets, and helps during the celebration. The town is informed that the gazebo is going to be taken down, and condos will be built. This angers Marisol and the other residents.While Marisol is going through papers, she discovers that her grandfather was once friends with Violet Harcourt. Marisol looks up the history and discovers the Violet Harcourt had committed suicide as a young woman. She also finds that a key in her grandfather’s belongs. Now she is intrigued.What can this all mean? Will Marisol find a way to stop the town from building the condominium?I appreciate that the author discusses important topics such as spousal abuse, unequal and threatening treatment of all minorities, the importance of family, friends, support, love and hope. There are some Kleenex moments, and I keep thinking about how amazing this story is. I highly recommend this story for readers that enjoy different genres, some suspense, intrigue, and romance. Happy Reading!

[bettytaylor56 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. I did not realize until after I finished the book that its author also wrote “The Dressmaker’s Dowry” which I really enjoyed. The story alternates between Violet Harcourt in the 1940s and Marisol (Mari) Cruz in 2007. Violet Harcourt was a beautiful California girl who dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. Although married at the time to an abusive, controlling husband, she entered a local beauty pageant in her hometown of Santa Cruz and won. This was her ticket to Hollywood. Violet found that the glittering world of Hollywood didn’t meet her expectations. So she made a shocking choice that left people to wonder why this beauty queen died so young.Then in 2007 single mother Mari, while researching the history of Santa Cruz, also her hometown, comes across the story of Violet’s death. She discovers that her grandfather Ricardo Cruz, once a famous Boardwalk performer, had a connection to Violet. So, of course, she had to find out what their connection was.Everyone is keeping secrets – Violet, Mari, Mari’s grandfather. Why? Who were they protecting? And who will be harmed when the secrets are revealed? This story of tragedy and courage kept me captivated. The characters were endearing – well, most of them. While there are moments of heartbreak, there are also moments of joy. Betrayal overcome by the bond of friendship. Cowardice excelled by love. It is a beautiful story that will linger with you like water lapping at your toes as the tide comes in.I received an advance e-galley from Edelweiss and HarperCollins, the opinions are my own.

[jessicadelellis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review as part of a TLC Book Tour.I absolutely loved everything about this book! I was so excited to read this because it takes place in Santa Cruz, California. I just so happen to live in nearby San Jose (which is mentioned in passing a few times in the book) and have been to Santa Cruz and the boardwalk myself. It was really cool reading about a place that I was familiar with. The beach boardwalk was the place for end of the field trips while I was in school. Whenever the Giant Dipper or the carousel was mentioned, I got exited and was like, I’ve been on that! This book has dual storylines: Violet’s story which takes place in 1940 and Mari’s story which takes place in 2007. I found both stories to be very compelling and I liked how they were connected. Usually when it comes to dual storylines, I’ll end up liking one story more than the other, but with this book, I loved them both! I was so happy to see that Mari was Mexican American. It gave the book a realness that was refreshing. There are a lot of Mexican Americans in the Bay Area so it was nice to see that representation. The whole tearing down the gazebo and building condos storyline in Mari’s part was so accurate. That happens so much in the Bay Area especially since the Silicon Valley tech boom. Developers are constantly trying to tear down things that have been here forever in order to build stuff the city doesn’t even need. I could relate to Mari’s opposition to it so much! As for Violet and her storyline, I enjoyed how it portrayed the reality of Hollywood. It showed both the glamour and the grime of it. It especially important now because of the #MeToo movement. Overall if you’re looking for a California beach read, then look no further, this book is for you! And from a local perspective, this was spot on!

[bookchickdi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Meredith Jaeger's novel Boardwalk Summer tells the story of two women in two different time periods. In 1940, Violet Harcourt longs to be in the movies, but her marriage to a violent man thwarts her dreams. In 2007, Marisol Cruz's hopes of a college education in history ended when she became pregnant.No one knows that Violet's husband Charles, a club owner in Santa Cruz, beats her physically and emotionally abuses her. When Violet decides she can no longer take it, she hitches a ride to Hollywood to try her luck at acting.The Hollywood she discovers is not the one where she is discovered in a soda shop. Jaeger shows us the seedier side of Hollywood in the 1940s. Thousands of young women, all vying for stardom, are taken advantage of by men who use them to get what they want, and then abandon them.Marisol is raising her young daughter Lily with the help of her parents. She waitresses at a diner, and when the opportunity arises to work for the local historical society, she is excited. Marisol's grandfather, Ricardo Cruz, grew up working on local farms with his family until he became a trapeze artist and performed at the boardwalk on Santa Cruz.Marisol idolized her grandfather and when she went through his personal papers, she discovered that he was friends with Violet Harcourt, the Miss California winner who left for Hollywood and died mysteriously a few months after her return home.With the help of a young man Marisol met at the diner, she discovers her family's connection to Violet and sets out to find out why Violet died.What I found most interesting about Boardwalk Summer is that the setting is unique. Not a lot of books are set in Santa Cruz, so we get to see a different place. You can almost smell the ocean and taste the cotton candy while reading. Marisol's interest in local history, and her grandfather's career as a trapeze artist, is fresh as well.I also liked the way Jaeger sprinkled real Hollywood figures into the storyline. Famed director Ernst Lubitsch has a cameo in the book, in a key scene involving Violet.The author drops in some hints as to where the story is going, so careful readers will pick up on those and be rewarded for their prowess. There are two big twists at the end- one I found a little too convenient- that the reader may or may not see coming.Some of Jaeger's storylines have relevance today. Marisol's grandfather is originally from Mexico, and she still faced nasty racially-charged comments from people, and the issue of women in Hollywood being sexually harassed back in the 1940s unfortunately still continues today as we see in the #MeToo movement.

[whitreidtan · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

As the days get hotter and you start to pack your beach bag, you'll want to find appropriate reading and what better to read than a book with a beach on the cover, set in Santa Cruz, California and its boardwalk? Meredith Jaeger's newest novel, Boardwalk Summer, is that book and good for women's fiction fans looking for an easy and quick read while parked on the sand with the sun on their faces.When Violet Harcourt is crowned Miss California in 1940, she's certain she's on her way to the Hollywood career she's dreamed of forever. There's just one problem. Violet is married to a wealthy and connected but abusive husband who will never agree to her pursuing her dreams. Of course, just being married disqualifies her from the pageant but she's willing to lie for a chance at being discovered. Until her husband Charles finds out, that is.In 2007, Marisol Cruz is a single mother, living at home with her parents, and waiting tables, having given up her dreams of graduate school after a drunken one night stand at the end of college resulted in a pregnancy. Four year old Lily is the love of Mari's life and while she mourns the loss of the life she thought she'd be leading, she adores her little girl. Mari has always loved history and when she has the chance, in addition to her waitress position, she takes on a part time job with the local museum in the run up to the area's Centennial Celebration. While staffing the museum's booth on the boardwalk, she learns of plans to tear down the old gazebo and replace it with expensive condos. She's outraged and determined to find a way to save the place that her grandparents once danced. In the course of her research, Mari learns more about her grandfather, a Mexican immigrant who was once a stunt diver on the boardwalk and his unexpected friendship with Violet Harcourt.The novel has a dual narrative structure, jumping back and forth between Violet in 1940 and Mari in 2007. As Violet runs away to Hollywood and encounters the soul destroying, seedy underbelly of the movie business, Violet is in a race against time to save the gazebo even as she is captivated by this talented beauty queen who died so young, researching Violet's life in between her research into the history of the gazebo. Violet narrates her own story line in first person while Mari's story is told in third person. This serves to make the abuse Violet suffers at her husband's hands and the terrible situations she finds herself in in Hollywood that much more visceral. Both characters are drawn as strong women, determined to make a life for themselves: Mari as a single mother who, while she might have temporarily lost her way, eventually finds her way back to her love of history and the preservation of the past, and Violet in escaping a controlling husband who might just kill her if she doesn't break away forever. The connection between the two women, through Mari's grandfather, is well done and resists the obvious although there is another enormous coincidence that does stretch credibility later on in the story. There are parts of the story where plot lines are raised and then dropped, such as when Mari thinks she should look into the unexpected charitable donation the late Charles Harcourt made during WWII and his sudden Quakerism. The story behind this is explained in Violet's narration so Mari never goes back to it, despite the fact that it is the reader, rather than her character who discovers the truth about it. Also, Mari's grant project concerning the gazebo is only mentioned very superficially but the idea behind it (its importance to the marginalized Latinx and working class community), had it been elaborated on even slightly, would have added some nice depth to the story. There are hard, discussion worthy topics here, spousal abuse, casual racism, chasing dreams, sexual politics, and single parenthood but they are handled lightly. The book reads quickly and although it isn't hard to guess most of the plot twists, readers will race through the pages to confirm that they are in fact right, to find out the end to Violet's story, and to see how Mari's life is changing. Definitely a book for summer beach blanket reading.

[cas2199 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It's 1940 and Violet Harcourt has entered the Miss California contest. Her ultimate goal is to become an actress in Hollywood. But there's one problem. You have to be single to be Miss California and well, she isn't. She is married to Charles, a good looking and wealthy businessman who seems to be perfect, but underneath the facade is an abusive jerk. Once he finds out that Violet is competing, he is going to make her pay. Fast forward to 2007 and we meet Mari Cruz, a young single mother who works with the local museum in Santa Cruz. Officials want to tear down the town's historic gazebo, but it holds a special place in Mari's heart as it's part of her family's history. When studying her family's history as well as the town's, she comes across information about her grandfather and his connection to a beauty queen, Violet Harcourt. Violet made headlines when she died an untimely death in Santa Cruz. How is her grandfather connected to Violet and what exactly happened to her? Boardwalk Summer by Meredith Jaeger has everything that I enjoy in a historical beach read.When authors have two different storylines that they weave together, I oftentimes find myself drawn to one character over another and that was the case here in Boardwalk Summer. I found Violet's storyline to be way more compelling than Mari's. Who doesn't love an Old Hollywood vibe and that was definitely present in Violet's plot. Once things start to become clear regarding who Charles really is and what kind of husband he is, I was hooked. I wanted Violet to escape his clutches, but I knew it wasn't going to be easy.Mari's storyline just wasn't as compelling, which is why I didn't give Boardwalk Summer a higher rating. It felt a little bit unbalanced. You can't really complete with a budding Hollywood starlet can you? So, Mari was definitely in Violet's shadow. What I did want to know was how Mari's grandfather had a connection with Violet and what exactly happened to her?I did like the coastal setting of Santa Cruz and I appreciated Mari's interest in the town's history as well as her family's history. Santa Cruz seems like the quintessential California coastal town steeped in history and beauty.Jaeger does weave togther the two storylines well and things do come together for the reader. While I didn't appreciate Mari's storyline as much as Violet's, I did like how she tied it all together. I think fans of historical beach reads will appreciate Boardwalk Summer the most.

[written-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A really great story. I didn't want to stop reading.Violet living in Santa Cruz, CA in the 1940's married to a rich abusive man, dreams of Hollywood runs off with the help of her friend a boardwalk performer Ricardo Cruz. Things don't work out for her as planned so her story takes an interesting turn.2007 Marisol Cruz,a single mom lives with her daughter and parents in the cottage once owned by her grandfather, Ricardo Cruz. Mari loves the rich history and heritage of her town, Santa Cruz and works to save the gazebo and boardwalk from being changed by the building of condos. There is history between Mari and the rich boy wanting to build the condos.So many stories of the people living in the 1940's and the ties to the families living in 2007. Secrets discovered and exposed. Past and present making for a really good read!

[susan0316 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful novel with a dual time line of modern day and 1940. I enjoyed both stories and loved the way that the author ended the novel.Marisol is a single mother living with her parents in Santa Cruz. As she is trying to find more about the history of her town for the historical society, she finds a picture of a woman who was trying to become an actress in 1940 but jumped to her death. There is a mystery behind Violet's death and when Marisol finds out that her beloved grandfather was somehow connected, she works to find out the real story about Violet, a Miss California, married to a controlling man who tried to escape her life in Hollywood but ended up as a suicide in Santa Cruz. This is a wonderful beach read. It has a little mystery, a bit of romance and two women who are trying to make life better for themselves and in Marisol's story, trying to make life better for her community. Thanks to librarything for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[morningwalker · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story is set in Santa Cruz and travels back and forth from 1940 to 2007. The two main characters are Violet Harcourt and Marisol Cruz. Violet wanted to be an actress and escapes her abusive and controlling husband and makes it to Hollywood to try to make it in the movies. Her plans fall through and she returns to Santa Cruz only to die soon after from an apparent suicide.Marisol is single, has a 4 year old daughter and lives with her parents in Santa Cruz. She works as a waitress to support her daughter and has a degree in history. She gets a chance to work at a local museum and discovers a picture of Violet from a 1940 beauty contest and this picture starts her on a journey to discover who Violet was and what her relationship was to Marisol's dear deceased abuelo, Ricardo Cruz. Along the way she meets Jason who figures more into the story than just as a new friend.This was pretty predictable chick lit but it had an interesting twist at the end. An easy fast summer read. I guess I was expecting a little more from it but I should learn to judge books by their covers more often.

[devlindusty · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book thoroughly and recommend it to anyone that loves historical fiction!

[silversreviews · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mari, Violet, and Ricardo have a connection.No one knew about the connection until Mari decided to do some research.BOARDWALK SUMMER smoothly goes back and forth from 1940 to 2010. Violet is married, enters a beauty pageant in 1940, wins the pageant, but then relinquishes the win because only unmarried women are allowed to enter. She also gives up the crown because her abusive, controlling husband was furious. Violet then does a few unlikely and out-of-character things.Mari is an unmarried mother in 2010 who works as a waitress even though she has a history degree. Her history degree has her uncovering information about Violet and the history of a gazebo where her grandparents met while dancing. The gazebo is currently slated to be torn down, but Mari just can't let that happen. Her research leads to unpleasant secrets about the connection between Violet and Ricardo as well as many other family secrets.Ricardo is Mari's grandfather who used to perform on the Boardwalk. He and Violet were friends. BOARDWALK SUMMER was a beautiful read for me. The story line and the characters are heartwarming and unique.Mari was precious along with her entire family. Violet was sweet, but naive. You can't help but feel pangs of pity as well as love for both of them.Historical fiction fans, those that enjoy family sagas, and anyone who loves an endearing story about families and their family history will enjoy BOARDWALK SUMMER.Don’t miss reading Ms. Jaeger’s newest gem. Loved it. Tissues needed not for sadness, but for the happiness I felt for the characters. 5/5This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[arielfl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a sweet story that goes back and forth in time between the 1940's to the present day. In the past Violet Harcourt is trying to break free of an abusive husband and make it in Hollywood while in 2007 Marisol Cruz is trying to make it as a single mom as she struggles to preserve town history that has importance to her family. Violet and Marisol have a lot in common as they both struggle to bury secrets from the past. They share a connection that goes beyond Marisol's interest in the beauty queen that left an enduring mystery in town on the night she took her own life

[lorimarie_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thank you to Library Thing for sending me this enjoyable book. I loved the setting of Santa Cruz, California. What a great idea to go back and forth between the 40's and the 2000's. I felt like the characters were well rounded and believable. I especially liked all the history of Santa Cruz. Lots of information about the "boardwalk" that I didn't know before. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in California's rich history. A little love story and mystery thrown in doesn't hurt!

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

*I received this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.*Set partly in 1940 and partly in 2007, this dual timeline novel explores the intertwining stories of Violet Harcourt, a beauty pageant winner, and Mari Cruz, a single mother with a passion for local history. As Mari digs into the scattered documentation she discovers about Violet, past secrets come to light. This book is well written and is easy to read - I found myself quickly turning the pages as I engaged with the characters and rooted for things to work out for them. I didn't expect to like this book, but I'm glad to pleasantly surprised.

[oddandbookish · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review as part of a TLC Book Tour.I absolutely loved everything about this book! I was so excited to read this because it takes place in Santa Cruz, California. I just so happen to live in nearby San Jose (which is mentioned in passing a few times in the book) and have been to Santa Cruz and the boardwalk myself. It was really cool reading about a place that I was familiar with. The beach boardwalk was the place for end of the field trips while I was in school. Whenever the Giant Dipper or the carousel was mentioned, I got exited and was like, I’ve been on that! This book has dual storylines: Violet’s story which takes place in 1940 and Mari’s story which takes place in 2007. I found both stories to be very compelling and I liked how they were connected. Usually when it comes to dual storylines, I’ll end up liking one story more than the other, but with this book, I loved them both! I was so happy to see that Mari was Mexican American. It gave the book a realness that was refreshing. There are a lot of Mexican Americans in the Bay Area so it was nice to see that representation. The whole tearing down the gazebo and building condos storyline in Mari’s part was so accurate. That happens so much in the Bay Area especially since the Silicon Valley tech boom. Developers are constantly trying to tear down things that have been here forever in order to build stuff the city doesn’t even need. I could relate to Mari’s opposition to it so much! As for Violet and her storyline, I enjoyed how it portrayed the reality of Hollywood. It showed both the glamour and the grime of it. It especially important now because of the #MeToo movement. Overall if you’re looking for a California beach read, then look no further, this book is for you! And from a local perspective, this was spot on!