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North Bay Road
After receiving a crumbling Mediterranean mansion, Liz Galin uncovers clues that will solve a century-old murder…and reveal a forbidden love story that mirrors a modern one.
Everyone fantasizes about receiving a gift from a stranger.
Liz Galin, an out-of-work fashion stylist, lives in a walk up studio apartment in Alphabet City in Manhattan. She has put her life on hold during COVID-19 to care for her mother going through chemo, and cannot see her boyfriend Cary as he is an emergency room doctor during the height of the pandemic. One Monday morning, she receives a cryptic letter from a Miami lawyer indicating that she should call his office. When she does, she and her mother Linda find out she has been bequeathed an asset in a will. She is shocked to find she’s been left a storied, crumbling Mediterranean mansion on Miami’s famed North Bay Road by a reclusive socialite who has recently passed. She has no idea who Elsa Sloan-Barrett was or why she left her multimillion-dollar home to her.
Liz’s journey uncovers clues that will solve a century-old murder mystery and a forbidden love story that will ultimately change her life. It will also uncover a new love triangle with a famous, reclusive celebrity neighbor that will test her own relationship and values and in many ways, mirroring the love story she uncovers. In the end, the mansion won’t be the only gift she receives….
Everyone fantasizes about receiving a gift from a stranger.
Liz Galin, an out-of-work fashion stylist, lives in a walk up studio apartment in Alphabet City in Manhattan. She has put her life on hold during COVID-19 to care for her mother going through chemo, and cannot see her boyfriend Cary as he is an emergency room doctor during the height of the pandemic. One Monday morning, she receives a cryptic letter from a Miami lawyer indicating that she should call his office. When she does, she and her mother Linda find out she has been bequeathed an asset in a will. She is shocked to find she’s been left a storied, crumbling Mediterranean mansion on Miami’s famed North Bay Road by a reclusive socialite who has recently passed. She has no idea who Elsa Sloan-Barrett was or why she left her multimillion-dollar home to her.
Liz’s journey uncovers clues that will solve a century-old murder mystery and a forbidden love story that will ultimately change her life. It will also uncover a new love triangle with a famous, reclusive celebrity neighbor that will test her own relationship and values and in many ways, mirroring the love story she uncovers. In the end, the mansion won’t be the only gift she receives….
- GenresFiction
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2023
17 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Richard Kirshenbaum
16 books41 followersRICHARD KIRSHENBAUM is CEO of NSG/SWAT, a high-profile boutique branding agency. He has lectured at Harvard Business School, appeared on 20/20, was named to Crain’s New York Business’s “40 under 40” list, and has been inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame. He is the author of Under the Radar, Closing the Deal, Madboy, and Isn’t That Rich? and the New York Observer's "Isn't That Rich?" column. He lives in New York City with his wife and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 12, 2023
It was the blurb that had lured me to North Bay Road by Richard Kirshenbaum, as I am always attracted to mansions or inheritance left to an unknown male or female trope. The whole idea of untangling the past to find out why has something so uniquely mysterious about it and if there are some villainous disgruntled family members around, voila nirvana.
Though the villainous family members are absent in this story, North Bay Road did keep me engaged in most parts. Liz Galin, our heroine inherits a mansion out of the blue in Miami. Having no clue about the mysterious relative who left her the million dollar villa, she travels to Miami on a whim, accepts the conditions of the will, and stays put. Accompanied by her friend, she sets out on her journey to unearth the past of Elsa that led to this gift horse and changes the course of her life having to deal with some major upheavals along the way.
Richard Kirshenbaum writes the history of the era in exhaustive detail oftentimes making me feel a little too much when it could have been trimmed down and probably the reason why the pacing felt a tad too slow, There is a murder mystery in the story which again failed to keep me hooked to the edge of the seat. To be honest, it could also be because I was not in a good frame of mind going into this story which may have affected my reading experience.
Alternating between the past of Elsa’s life and the present of Liz’s, the author explores women and their predicaments, the racial prejudices that even if not overtly suggested are still the core reason for many a decision, including the snobbery of the rich and their indulgences. I would have loved a tighter edit to this dual timeline story to make it more gripping but again it could be just ME!
A tad disappointed.
Many thanks to Net Galley, Permuted Press, and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
Though the villainous family members are absent in this story, North Bay Road did keep me engaged in most parts. Liz Galin, our heroine inherits a mansion out of the blue in Miami. Having no clue about the mysterious relative who left her the million dollar villa, she travels to Miami on a whim, accepts the conditions of the will, and stays put. Accompanied by her friend, she sets out on her journey to unearth the past of Elsa that led to this gift horse and changes the course of her life having to deal with some major upheavals along the way.
Richard Kirshenbaum writes the history of the era in exhaustive detail oftentimes making me feel a little too much when it could have been trimmed down and probably the reason why the pacing felt a tad too slow, There is a murder mystery in the story which again failed to keep me hooked to the edge of the seat. To be honest, it could also be because I was not in a good frame of mind going into this story which may have affected my reading experience.
Alternating between the past of Elsa’s life and the present of Liz’s, the author explores women and their predicaments, the racial prejudices that even if not overtly suggested are still the core reason for many a decision, including the snobbery of the rich and their indulgences. I would have loved a tighter edit to this dual timeline story to make it more gripping but again it could be just ME!
A tad disappointed.
Many thanks to Net Galley, Permuted Press, and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.
This review is published in my blog Rain'n'Books, ##Goodreads, ##Amazon India, ##Book Bub, ##Medium.com, ##Facebook, ##Twitter.
May 30, 2023
Liz is shocked to discover she's been left a villa in an exclusive area of Miami. She's never heard of the woman who left it to her, and can't understand why this woman would do such a thing.
When she arrives in Miami, she is given Elsa's diary, she slowly uncovers the connection they have to each other, and why she was left the estate. And will she find true love as well? Will it be with Cary, her doctor boyfriend who doesn't want to leave New York, or is her true love waiting for her in Miami?
This was a nice read, there were multiple storylines that were tied together well, and with a nice resolution. I enjoyed this story, thank you Netgalley and Permuted Press, Post Hill Press for the ARC!
When she arrives in Miami, she is given Elsa's diary, she slowly uncovers the connection they have to each other, and why she was left the estate. And will she find true love as well? Will it be with Cary, her doctor boyfriend who doesn't want to leave New York, or is her true love waiting for her in Miami?
This was a nice read, there were multiple storylines that were tied together well, and with a nice resolution. I enjoyed this story, thank you Netgalley and Permuted Press, Post Hill Press for the ARC!
February 6, 2023
I loved this book. It was pretty intriguing and entertaining. Although, it was a little slow in the beginning, but despite so much worth it to reach that ending!!
May 16, 2024
This is a fun read! I loved reading about the extravagance of the Villa and Miami life on North Bay Road. The characters were all likable and there were a few heartwarming moments that had me close to tearing up. A little spicy, a little frivolous, and a happy ending. Would recommend! The audiobook was also great.
September 4, 2023
Plot's good but writing (and punctuation) meh
April 13, 2023
Unfortunately, this became a DNF for me at 20%. The mystery surrounding the unexpected inheritance had me intrigued, but the dialogue was bothering me and I just couldn’t get into the style of writing.
Thank you to the author & publisher for the Netgalley ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author & publisher for the Netgalley ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2023
Loved this story!!! It unfolded totally different than what I was thinking and just loved how it all played out. Liz is the main character currently living in New York a city during peak Covid times. Her boyfriend, Cary, is emergency room doctor and her mom is currently going through chemotherapy. She receives a letter from a lawyer in Miami to call him. She and her mother learn that Liz has been left an estate property located on North Bay Road in Miami. There are small stipulations in play with the house like she can’t sell if for 5 years and comes with money to upkeep the property. As Liz moves down to Florida and begins to read the diary that Elsa left her to try to reveal clues as to who and why she would leave this mansion to her. Some parts of story in middle seemed a slow but the storylines are beautifully written and story unfolds perfectly! I really loved the storyline of Elsa’s diary entries and learning about her life growing up. Many thanks to Permuted Press, Post Hill Press and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 1, 2023
I loved this book! Started it on a Thursday evening and couldn't put it down; finished it on a rainy Saturday morning. I suspect that anyone who lived through New York City's COVID insanity will feel the same. The contrast between that and the "COVID never happened" Florida attitude is striking and compelling. I would highly recommend it; it is a great read.
Can't wait for the limited series "NBR" (one can only hope.) Kudos to Mr. Kirshenbaum.
Can't wait for the limited series "NBR" (one can only hope.) Kudos to Mr. Kirshenbaum.
April 16, 2023
This story is engaging and interesting, but really needs editing that I hope will happen before actual release. There are run-on sentences, some very poor writing, and too many comma errors that a beginning proofreader would immediately catch, and they are so numerous they threw me out of the story at times. Frustrating.
The premise is intriguing, and wouldn't we all like to be left a nice home by a stranger in a wealthy neighborhood? But the author tries too hard to make the characters edgy and relevant to "today." It feels like behind the story are the real characters desperately wanting to shed themselves of the paper thin trappings of too-cool details. Brand names (Banza, Poland Spring, etc.) pepper the text, really unnecessary and distracting. A rich, out of shape performer treats all of his employees like the family he wishes he had, gifting them "new, gold Rolexes and and Cartier Love bracelets after Christmas Day." And of course the female protagonist's best friend is her gay makeup artist, and she had an affair with an Italian married man. Just like all the cool kids, right?
Ooph.
These sorts of complaints aside, there were enough tiny crumbs of something deeper dropped here and there to keep.me reading. There's a deeper mystery behind an old lady's bequest that changes Liz's life forever, in every way imaginable. Secondary chsracters become more layered and nuanced. Placemaking is descriptive without being overly so, bringing the reader into the center of the action as the best novels do.
Historical details may not be as well researched as they should be. Overall, a decent read that could definitely use good editing for all reasons mentioned, and to also get rid of unnecessary repetitive phrases, especially in conversations. Two and a half stars rounded up to three.
Thanks to NetGalley and Permuted Press/Post Hill Press for the digital ARC.
The premise is intriguing, and wouldn't we all like to be left a nice home by a stranger in a wealthy neighborhood? But the author tries too hard to make the characters edgy and relevant to "today." It feels like behind the story are the real characters desperately wanting to shed themselves of the paper thin trappings of too-cool details. Brand names (Banza, Poland Spring, etc.) pepper the text, really unnecessary and distracting. A rich, out of shape performer treats all of his employees like the family he wishes he had, gifting them "new, gold Rolexes and and Cartier Love bracelets after Christmas Day." And of course the female protagonist's best friend is her gay makeup artist, and she had an affair with an Italian married man. Just like all the cool kids, right?
Ooph.
These sorts of complaints aside, there were enough tiny crumbs of something deeper dropped here and there to keep.me reading. There's a deeper mystery behind an old lady's bequest that changes Liz's life forever, in every way imaginable. Secondary chsracters become more layered and nuanced. Placemaking is descriptive without being overly so, bringing the reader into the center of the action as the best novels do.
Historical details may not be as well researched as they should be. Overall, a decent read that could definitely use good editing for all reasons mentioned, and to also get rid of unnecessary repetitive phrases, especially in conversations. Two and a half stars rounded up to three.
Thanks to NetGalley and Permuted Press/Post Hill Press for the digital ARC.
April 25, 2023
A really interesting story -- it's set during Covid, which I'm still finding weird reading about after living it just a few years ago.
Liz has a lot going on during Covid, except a job - she's a fashion stylist and that isn't in much demand with the world shut down. Her mother is going through chemo and her boyfriend is an ER doctor that isn't around much. She finds out she's inherited a mansion in Miami and throws caution to the wind to go down and find out what's going on. Her crazy neighbor is famous and drives her a little crazy, until he doesn't. She has the diary of the house's owner to find out why it was left to her. Its a fun read, lots of interesting characters and the storyline is fun.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a digital temporary ARC in return for my review.
Liz has a lot going on during Covid, except a job - she's a fashion stylist and that isn't in much demand with the world shut down. Her mother is going through chemo and her boyfriend is an ER doctor that isn't around much. She finds out she's inherited a mansion in Miami and throws caution to the wind to go down and find out what's going on. Her crazy neighbor is famous and drives her a little crazy, until he doesn't. She has the diary of the house's owner to find out why it was left to her. Its a fun read, lots of interesting characters and the storyline is fun.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a digital temporary ARC in return for my review.
April 25, 2023
A really interesting story -- it's set during Covid, which I'm still finding weird reading about after living it just a few years ago.
Liz has a lot going on during Covid, except a job - she's a fashion stylist and that isn't in much demand with the world shut down. Her mother is going through chemo and her boyfriend is an ER doctor that isn't around much. She finds out she's inherited a mansion in Miami and throws caution to the wind to go down and find out what's going on. Her crazy neighbor is famous and drives her a little crazy, until he doesn't. She has the diary of the house's owner to find out why it was left to her. Its a fun read, lots of interesting characters and the storyline is fun.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a digital temporary ARC in return for my review.
Liz has a lot going on during Covid, except a job - she's a fashion stylist and that isn't in much demand with the world shut down. Her mother is going through chemo and her boyfriend is an ER doctor that isn't around much. She finds out she's inherited a mansion in Miami and throws caution to the wind to go down and find out what's going on. Her crazy neighbor is famous and drives her a little crazy, until he doesn't. She has the diary of the house's owner to find out why it was left to her. Its a fun read, lots of interesting characters and the storyline is fun.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a digital temporary ARC in return for my review.
April 7, 2023
this was a wonderful story. Lots of surprises throughout the whole book.
Liz started out as a stylist in NY but due to covid, all work was shut down. She kept getting calls from a lawyer in Miami and thought it was a scan. Her mother finally talked her into calling him and the rest is history. She found out she had inherited an very old house (mansion) on North Bay Road, which was a very ritzy part of Miami, Fl She agreed to fly down to see him and the place and was astounded. She was given a diary and slowly the story came out why she inherited that place. The descriptions of everything was so vivid, I could picture all of it.
It's a work of immense beauty and if you read it, you too will love it
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a rev
Liz started out as a stylist in NY but due to covid, all work was shut down. She kept getting calls from a lawyer in Miami and thought it was a scan. Her mother finally talked her into calling him and the rest is history. She found out she had inherited an very old house (mansion) on North Bay Road, which was a very ritzy part of Miami, Fl She agreed to fly down to see him and the place and was astounded. She was given a diary and slowly the story came out why she inherited that place. The descriptions of everything was so vivid, I could picture all of it.
It's a work of immense beauty and if you read it, you too will love it
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a rev
April 7, 2023
this was a wonderful story. Lots of surprises throughout the whole book.
Liz started out as a stylist in NY but due to covid, all work was shut down. She kept getting calls from a lawyer in Miami and thought it was a scan. Her mother finally talked her into calling him and the rest is history. She found out she had inherited an very old house (mansion) on North Bay Road, which was a very ritzy part of Miami, Fl She agreed to fly down to see him and the place and was astounded. She was given a diary and slowly the story came out why she inherited that place. The descriptions of everything was so vivid, I could picture all of it.
It's a work of immense beauty and if you read it, you too will love it
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
Liz started out as a stylist in NY but due to covid, all work was shut down. She kept getting calls from a lawyer in Miami and thought it was a scan. Her mother finally talked her into calling him and the rest is history. She found out she had inherited an very old house (mansion) on North Bay Road, which was a very ritzy part of Miami, Fl She agreed to fly down to see him and the place and was astounded. She was given a diary and slowly the story came out why she inherited that place. The descriptions of everything was so vivid, I could picture all of it.
It's a work of immense beauty and if you read it, you too will love it
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
April 27, 2023
Heritance a villa make Liz life change, discovery family secret and love stories throughout the ages, seperate from the love one, find the true love, peacful for her mother. This is a roller coaster journey for Liz.
"I hope our dear Liz enjoys it and finds that everlasting, eternal love."
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
#NorthBayRoad #RichardKrishenbaum #PermutedPress #PostHillPress #NetGalley #ARC
"I hope our dear Liz enjoys it and finds that everlasting, eternal love."
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
#NorthBayRoad #RichardKrishenbaum #PermutedPress #PostHillPress #NetGalley #ARC
July 7, 2023
Thoroughly engaging!
I really enjoyed this book. The only reason I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5, was because of the numerous grammatical errors. I contemplated this before writing it. Is it the authors responsibility? I feel like in today's modern world.. There's no reason for this. In all fairness, what I read was the e-book. so I'm unsure if this is the case in hardcover. Perhaps R.K. will see this and triple check his next one BEFORE it gets published.
I really enjoyed this book. The only reason I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5, was because of the numerous grammatical errors. I contemplated this before writing it. Is it the authors responsibility? I feel like in today's modern world.. There's no reason for this. In all fairness, what I read was the e-book. so I'm unsure if this is the case in hardcover. Perhaps R.K. will see this and triple check his next one BEFORE it gets published.
February 5, 2023
I enjoyed this book overall. It was more of a slow burn. There is multiple storylines across different time periods that all come together in a beautiful way. It is a tale of love, family and a beautiful Miami estate with a dash of mystery. I enjoyed multiple point of views and the authors use of imagery to bring the reader into the setting. Good read overall!
Thanks to Post Hill Press and Net Galley for an advanced release copy in a trade for a fair and honest review.
Thanks to Post Hill Press and Net Galley for an advanced release copy in a trade for a fair and honest review.
May 16, 2023
A good read about a Florida mansion left to the Liz who has never heard of her benefactor.
There’s a good mystery and lots of secrets that swirl from beginning to end and it’s an easy way to while away a few hours, immersed in a story about change, family, risk, and benefits.
Thanks to Post Hill Press and NetGalley for the early copy.
There’s a good mystery and lots of secrets that swirl from beginning to end and it’s an easy way to while away a few hours, immersed in a story about change, family, risk, and benefits.
Thanks to Post Hill Press and NetGalley for the early copy.
August 3, 2023
Thank you to this wonderful author for North Bay Road! It’s truly the ultimate summer read! Fast paced and intriguing, I love a good mystery with romance and well written characters …Kirshenbaum delivers. An added bonus, he also gives his readers an extra gift - revealing the fascinating history of Miami! I couldn’t put it down! Part II?
March 23, 2023
This book was recommended to me by a friend and I was lucky to get a copy from NetGalley. I am so happy I did, because this book was very entertaining. But I also found the different time periods difficult and slow to follow. But worth it.
May 26, 2023
I enjoyed this fun read but I could have done without the constant covid reminders, masks, and vaccinations and social distancing.
June 21, 2023
The history woven in was the best part to this predictable glossy magazine style story.
October 10, 2023
Loved loved loved this book
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews