That Summer

May 15, 2014
A New Yorker inherits a house in England where she discovers the tragic romance of a 19th-century ancestor caught up with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.Though born in London, Julia has little memory of her childhood there. After her mother's death in a car accident, she and her father moved to New York, where he came to prominence as a surgeon and she grew into a driven stock analyst. She's been adrift since she was laid off, though, so the notification about inheriting a house from her great-aunt offers the break she needs. The house in Herne Hill jogs long-buried childhood memories: Her mother was raised there, and they visited her great-aunt often. On her first day back she's surprised by a cousin, Natalie, who suspiciously offers to help. Nat then invites Nick, an antiques dealer, to get the house sorted out. Amid the bric-a-brac there are some notable paintings-a portrait of a stunning young woman hangs in the conservatory and a scene of Tristan and Isolde has been wrapped in linen and hidden in a closet. The chapters alternate between the story of Julia and Nick researching the paintings (and the windfall they may bring) and the life of the young woman in the portrait, Imogen Grantham, who finds herself unhappily married in 1849. She had thought she and her husband, Arthur, would share their love of antiquities, but after their marriage, Arthur treats her like a doll. It's only when the Pre-Raphaelites come to study Arthur's collection that Imogen realizes what she's been missing. Arthur asks one of the painters, Gavin Thorne, for a portrait of Imogen, and soon artist and model have begun an affair that will have deadly consequences. Meanwhile, Julia and Nick begin a summer romance that may cure their historic skittishness.Willig's novel has superior predecessors-Byatt's Possession, Ackroyd's Chatterton-but she brings an easy, contemporary charm to her characters, ensuring the perfect beach read.

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Starred review from May 1, 2014

In Cornwall, 1839, youthful Imogene Hadley is wooed by Arthur Grantham, who appreciates her bright, curious mind. In New York City, 2009, Julia Conley inherits the Grantham estate after her Aunt Regina's passing. Arriving in London, Julia discovers a hidden painting of doomed lovers but featuring the proper lady from the full-length portrait in the drawing room. Soon secrets from the distant and recent past come alive, leaving no one untouched. There is something for every reader in Willig's latest stand-alone (after The Ashford Affair). Looking for a mystery? Found. Looking for a family drama? Found in two different centuries. And romance seals the deal! But the romantic pairings aren't predictable, offering relationships that are forbidden, meant-to-be, sickly obsessive, and tentatively beginning. VERDICT A well-rounded group of characters, clearly connected ties between alternating time periods, and a jaw-dropping conclusion make for one engaging story. Fans will appreciate the author's nod to her "Pink Carnation" series, but this title can be read alone. A winning suggestion for any age, this satisfying novel could also be a strong book discussion selection. [See Prepub Alert, 11/18/13; library marketing.]--Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., OH

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2014
When Julia inherits her great-aunt's house in Herne Hill, outside London, it's a good time for her to take a break from New York, where she has no work or romantic ties. Returning to England, however, brings up suppressed memories of her dead mother and childhood, and while sorting through the home's myriad belongings, Julia uncovers a mysterious painting that not only played a significant role in her family's story but also in art history. We learn that Julia's ancestor, Imogen, came to Herne Hill as a young bride in 1849 and became trapped in a passionless, childless marriage. When her husband hires a young artist to paint her portrait, he and Julia have an ill-fated affair. Popular novelist Willig (The Passion of the Purple Plumeria, 2013) weaves together Julia's and Imogen's stories and further enriches the tale with details about the Pre-Raphaelite movement, gleaned from Julia's involvement with Nicholas, an enigmatic antiques dealer. Willig's latest is a smart blend of historical romance and contemporary self-discovery story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)