I'm sure there are tons of subliminal messages to be found in this novel but, to be honest, I was simply entertained by the author's talent with words. I'll think about and try to figure out all that underlying stuff later. Much later! On the bike path there's some beautiful old homes. The original Bethesda-By-The Sea, originally was on the bike path. Now it is a home that belongs to the woman behind Kemble Interiors. We included her in the book. Her house is magic. I mean it's probably one of most iconic landmarks to me. Below, Aerin Lauder talks to Vogue about her Palm Beach—the one she enjoyed as a child at her family's Neoclassical home on Ocean Avenue (and where Douglas Fairbanks made a memorable appearance), to the one she enjoys with her family today. (Plus, why she’s still looking for a turquoise bathtub.) Early in the 1900s, one-time oil baron Henry Morrison Flagler took interest in the Southern coast of Florida and began developing an exclusive resort community. Establishing a railroad that would allow easier access to the area, he went on to build two hotels—his hope was that America’s first families would come to populate the area. This modest community would later evolve into an iconic American destination, hosting British royalty, American movie stars, and becoming the home-away-from-home to some of the country’s leading families. As the century continued, Palm Beach established itself as a luxury hideaway synonymous with old-world glamour and new-world sophistication. Opinions get up close and personally challenged as things change as Rebecca sees a whole different side to the mega wealthy.

Usually for me, the only books that fall under that category are juicy thrillers, but there was something about Palm Beach that hooked me and wouldn’t let me go! As Home and Away fans we had to visit Palm Beach on our recent trip to Sydney and so glad we did. Not only was Palm Beach great but the other towns we passed through on the way felt a million miles away from the city. Whether you want to walk the island, enjoy a leisurely brunch, paddle board with your dog, shop until you drop, wander through art galleries, relax with a massage, or dine under the stars, this book is for you.The main character, Rebecca, is strangely used as a mouthpiece for typically liberal talking points. As a left-leaning person who actually vibes with the points Rebecca makes about wealth inequality, I still feel like her character is more of an irritating caricature than she is a genuine vessel for the arguments she makes. I will echo many other reviewers’ experiences that the book did compel me to keep reading. However, I really did not enjoy this book and found it extremely annoying at times. I did not find the events of the book believable, really disliked the main character (who I believe we are supposed to sympathize with), and am confused as to what we are supposed to take away from this story. She loved entertaining. She was the one that always taught me the importance of chocolates and sweets on the table, not even just for dessert. The flowers and the table were always perfection—she always was known for doing incredible menu cards and place cards . I have been to Palm Beach many times and loved how the author portrayed the setting. I love how the author decided to make this more of a reported novel. There are so many facts and figures included in the story. There is also a lot in the book about income inequality disparity—the gaps between the wealthy and the not-so-wealthy—and the class differences. If the surf is too rough, there is always the calmer waters of Pitwater on the western side of the peninsular to have a dip.

I received an ARC of this book, and I wasn't at all sure that it was my kind of book (not to mention, I wasn’t a fan of the cover! lol), but once I started it, I couldn't put it down until I finished the entire thing! Okay I already reviewed this book but I can't stop THINKING about it. Like. What was the point? What was it trying to say? Why was it written? Pizza Alfresco is great—right on Worth Avenue, it’s an adorable pizza and salad place and you eat in a Mizner garden. Sant Ambroeus is a wonderful new addition to the area. Sprinkles Ice Cream is an institution to me. It has the best homemade ice cream and, of course, sprinkles. Then there’s the Breakers hotel, which has been there for so many years. It has something for everyone—golf, tennis, croquet, and games for children. Plus, there’s hamburgers, seafood bar. And they just redid their spa, it's incredible.

in my opinion there is certainly not enough development of our characters as there could have been, which is a major point of regret - like what is Paul's deal? the Stone daughter? the main plotline ties up sooo neatly but that means there's very little regard for anything else that was brought up.