Maura Satchell

A grand Victorian beach house in Long Branch, New Jersey is the setting -- and narrator -- of this novel that takes the reader on an emotional journey through time, weaving a rich and colorful tale of the home's owners. First, there's a prestigious blueblood banking family with a tragic secret, then, the flawed but charming DiStefano family make the grand Victorian their weekend home. They celebrate milestones and make memories in the "Gray Lady." Their stories intertwine with those of some interesting visitors that occasionally rent this Jersey Shore vacation getaway.

In addition to telling the story of the people that dwell inside, the Gray Lady takes the reader on a Jersey Shore journey down memory lane, recalling historical events such as the Vietnam War, the 1960s, the death of Princess Diana, Y2K and September 11th, as experienced by those who inhabit the stately home.

The Gray Lady of Long Branch is a roller coaster ride of ups and downs right to the very last entertaining sentence.