This was a book I could not put down. I enjoyed it immensely. It’s starts off with a tragically and really dives into anti-semitism and a family relying on one another. The author did an amazing job depicting the scenario as well character interactions.

I received a free ARC of Florence Adler Swims Forever from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

So the first chapter of Florence Adler has an unexpected surprise. At first I was a little put off by Beanland allowing readers (I mean me!) to meet a very likable character and then have a shocking tragedy occur. Set in Atlantic City in 1934, the rise of Nazism and the Great Depression seem almost impossible while enjoying the shore.

Florence is a young swimmer with the dream of swimming the English Channel. Her older sister, Fannie, is hospitalized with an at-risk pregnancy. Their parents, Esther and Joseph, are hardworking and traditional and their world is about to collapse. Fannie's husband, Isaac, is a jerk but their seven-year-old daughter, is a gem. Beanland, however, does not allow her characters to wallow in the face of tragedy; rather, they just keep on moving, one step after another, because they see no other choice.

Despite the sad beginning, this is a book about finding peace and joy.

A shocking tragedy becomes a heartbreaking secret for a Jewish family in Atlantic City in the 1930's. This book takes on family issues, anti semitism, Nazi Germany rising and the strong will of family members to take care of loved ones.

Loved the characters and the descriptions of AC.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, quick read! Thanks to Goodreads and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.

I read this book while on vacation in Hawaii sitting in a lounge chair watching the surf roll in front of me. So appropriate as this book is set in the early 1930's when swimming the English Channel was a new and exciting endeavor for women. Florence Adler shared in this aspiration. Had trained for a long time at the beach in Atlantic City. And her family supported her. But this book more importantly tells the story about how far people will go to protect those they love at any cost. I was completely engrossed in this book despite the fact that I was sitting in front of a rolling surf in Hawaii. In some ways, the sounds of the waves accompanied the story and became a melodious backdrop for it. I personally didn't like all the characters. The author didn't expect me to. But I was nonetheless invested in every single one. I cared about what happened to each of them. There's a dual storyline here too creating a conflict with a couple of characters. They have to choose courses of action in a hurry that will forever affect those around them. There was some predictability in the story, but there were many surprises as well. It was based on a true story in the author's family as she explains in her notes afterward. I would not be surprised to see a sequel in the future because I'm still invested a week and a half later as I sit here writing this review in my chair at home. I want to know what happens next. I would recommend this story to anyone and will be first in line for other books by this author. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This book is currently scheduled to publish in July 2020.

DNF at 45%. The book started so strongly but there were too many points of view which didn't help to form strong bonds between the reader and the characters. I found myself not really invested in the outcome as it didn't feel cohesive enough.

What an amazing story! I have always been fascinated with the Jewish religion/culture and learning some things about how they deal with death is very interesting. So many lovely and believable characters. I think most people can relate to some of them and see others in their lives who are similar, especially the son-in-law who is such a creep. This really took family secrets to the extreme with Florence’s death. Reading the authors notes at the end and how she used so much of her own family history made this so special!

Oh boy. This book was very hard to finish. I LOVED the idea behind it and the storyline but it was slow going and in some ways infuriating.

Things I loved:
- each chapter was from a different character's perspective (ranging from a 7-year-old girl to a woman in her 60s)
- the setting - Atlantic City in the 1930s
- the author was super thorough in her descriptions of Jewish culture. I loved this so much.
- (NOT a spoiler since it's in the description) the entire book revolved around the death of a character (in the first chapter) and how the others reacted. I thought this was an interesting idea but I found the deceased character unlikeable
- I love that this was based on the authors family

Things I didn't love:
- Issac. HATED him
- There were a lot of loose ends and I felt like some of the story was disjointed and incomplete. Almost like trying to combine 3-4 books into one
- Slow read and didn't really feel like there was a plot
- I skipped 30 pages on accident (kindle mess up) and I didn't even notice. Feel like that isn't good.

I do think there is a wonderful set up for a 2nd novel. As a debut novel, I think the author did a great job in many areas.

After a tragic event that kicks off the book, this turns out to be a sweet, well-written family saga. I really enjoyed this one and I'm glad I persevered after the upsetting event.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

A beach read about the beach with a bit of history thrown in. A bit of suspense, simple story, easy to read

I really liked this book. I would give it 5 stars! It was fast paced and engaging. The characters are well defined and the story draws you into the time period.
Poor Florence drowns and the family has much to deal with. Secrets are kept with good intentions but things are not what they seem. Florence’s father brings a girl into their home and her background raises eyebrows. Issac is Florence’s brother in law with a shady side and her sister is in the hospital with a risky pregnancy. The story reveals bits and pieces but it is not predictable. I like the fact that the story is based on a true story.

I enjoyed reading Florence Adler Swims Forever. It was set in the early 1930's, and some of the story was nonfiction and happened in real life. The characters had great development, especially Anna and Stuart, and there were a few plots that I was surprised about (in a good way!). I was lucky enough to read and review this book prior to its publication this summer, July 2020.

This was a great thought provoking read. Loosely based on true events the story follows a family after the drowning of one of their daughters. Filled with complex family issues and whether it’s right to hide the truth. Will recommend.

Five stars

This book took me by surprise in the very best way. I requested the arc because I thought the cover was charming and was intrigued by the setting; there's nothing like a beachy-looking read to warm one's soul in early December.

From the start, I was interested, but I later found myself captivated. The narrative begins with a completely (for me) unexpected bang, and then the plot unfolds with subtle and understated complexity that I ended up loving. I found the characters - even one I truly loathed - arresting. Their secrets, their motivations, their fears...I was so wrapped up in all of their outcomes and so curious to know how some of these secrets, especially, would be revealed and then received.

One added bonus is the way this work ends. I couldn't wait to get certain answers, and I also dreaded how they might be presented. Having finished the novel, I feel extremely satisfied with what I got to see and what will live in my imagination forever. Also, the author's note completely blew my mind.

I cannot wait to read more from this author. It's not often that a narrative creeps up on me like this, and I am excited to experience the feeling again sometime. If there's a pledging system for the Florence Adler Lives Forever Society, I'll do whatever it takes.

Having grown up Jewish and on the New Jersey shire, this book was of special interest to me. I loved reading the references to the beaches I frequented for most of my life and the connection with Jewish culture made the story that much more touching for me. Although it wouldn’t have made sense for the story, I wanted to know Florence more. She is referred to and remembered by the other characters, but she still never became more than one dimensional for me. And, I think that was my problem with most of the characters… We met them all superficially, but even with all I may have had in common with them, there was just something missing. I enjoyed the book, the story moved quickly, and I wasn’t dissatisfied with the ending (something I’ve found happening more and more frequently lately). As a fan of historical fiction, I’d recommend the book. As a former (and forever) Jersey Girl, and a once aspiring swimmer, I’d recommend the book. As an educator, I don’t honestly see it fitting into any curriculum I’ve ever taught (middle and high school English).

The Adler family is facing a series of crises in Atlantic City in 1934. Joseph and Esther don’t want to tell their daughter, Fannie, that her sister Florence drowned since Fannie is experiencing a high risk pregnancy. Joseph has sponsored Anna to save her from Hitler’s Germany, without telling Esther the whole story. Their granddaughter, Gussie, is an innocent bystander in all of this family drama. Well written and engrossing, I recommend this book, which is based loosely on the author’s family. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

What a sweet story! I was a bit aghast when the tragic event happens at the very beginning! Now what? Where is it going to go? We have secrets, a risky pregnancy, coping with grief, new romances *breathe*. So much happened I was kept enthralled. Set in 1934 Atlantic City the settings were spot on. The writing made you feel as if you were there breathing the ocean air along with the Adler family. Just an old fashioned enjoyable story.

The characters in this book are so rich they really drew me in. Although there may have been some predictable parts, the story really illustrated how far a parent will go to protect their child.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing house for providing a review copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Set in Atlantic City, in 1934, this gorgeous book captured my heart from page one.

Florence has a plan to spend her summer training to swim the English Channel. A gifted swimmer, she is focused and determined to reach her goal.

When the family faces an unexpected tragedy though, they make a decision to protect their daughter (Fannie) from knowing the truth about what had happened.

The secrecy comes from a good place though because Fannie’s in the hospital to help her stay calm and quiet for the risky birth of their child. With numerous complications, the last thing that they want to do is to put Fannie into early labor.

The thing is, this secret is too big to keep, especially for Fannie’s young daughter.

This book is so beautifully written that I was shocked that this was Beanland’s debut.

I hung on every word of this story and think it would be amazing for a book club discussion.

My only regret is to tell you that this one won’t hit the shelves until July, but can assure you that this is the perfect historical fiction escape for summer.

I loved this book. It surprises right away then hooks you with her ability to draw her characters so clearly. There was some part of me that felt the ends were tied a little too neatly and maybe everything won’t really work out as planned. Inquiring minds want to know. By the end I felt so involved with this family I need to know more and would love a sequel.

Ratings..they are of course subjective but I also wonder if my ratings are consistent. As I write reviews tonight I seem to be stuck on a rating of 3. Once again this is a good story - for me a 3 means read it when you get to it; its worth reading just not at the top of your pile. It helps that this saga is based on a true story; otherwise I would be ranting that the plot, that someone would try to keep this secret and would be able to actually keep the secret, isn't believable. I didn't love the characters in the book. I found I wasn't rooting for anyone.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.