Boardwalk Summer by Meredith Jaeger

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.  5/5

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review.