Lost in the Summer of '69: A Novel

Three generations of women, an unforgettable summer of music, and the epic cross-country road trip they'll never forget.

Summer, 1969. Eleanor Bell doesn't have anything to lose. According to her doctors, she might not remember how to sing or play guitar soon, so why not head west now? Why not join the music festivals sweeping the country and lose herself in the music again in a swan song of her own?

Except Eleanor forgets, maybe on purpose, to tell anyone where she's going. When her daughter, Leanne, discovers her mother missing, she enlists the help of her own daughter, Nora, to help her find Eleanor. The last thing Nora wants to do before starting as one of Yale's first female undergrads is hit the road. But then Nora hears her grandmother on the radio - singing. Nora and Leanne hop in their Lincoln Continental for a cross-country road trip, always one step behind Eleanor, who has been dubbed the Dame of Rock n' Roll by none other than Johnny Carson.

Full of nostalgia and awash with the warmth of summer, Lost in the Summer of '69 is an epic celebration of savoring the encore-no matter what the next act may bring.

Eliza Knight is an award-winning and USA Today and international bestselling author of historical women’s fiction. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles. As an avid history buff, she’s written dozens of novels including The Mayfair Bookshop, Starring Adele Astaire, Ribbons of Scarlet, A Day of Fire, and Can’t We Be Friends, which have been translated into multiple languages. She is the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and host of the History, Books and Wine podcast. Knight lives in Maryland and Florida with her husband, three daughters, two dogs, and a turtle.

"Lost in the Summer of ’69 quickly whisked me away with its heartwarming nostalgia and familial charm. Propelled by an adventure-packed road trip and the ever-hypnotic lure of music, Knight’s delightful multi-generational tale presents an exploration of relationships, identity, and second chances―at any age. An endearing read to be savored, then shared with family." ― Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday and The Girls of Good Fortune

"An epic road trip linking three generations of women, Eliza Knight’s Lost in the Summer of ’69 is an ode to music, family, and the importance of chasing your dreams. Readers will love this atmospheric and poignant novel!" ― Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of An Infinite Love Story

"Buckle up. Eliza Knight delivers a delightful ride where memories and melody meet possibility. Lost in the Summer of ’69 follows three generations on a road trip through first love, second chances, and endless discovery. A heartfelt story that reminds us it’s never too late to find yourself and rediscover the ones you love most." ― Meagan Church, New York Times bestselling author of The Mad Wife

"Lost in the Summer of '69 tells the inspiring, nostalgic, multi-generational tale of three women who discover the power within themselves, and learn that coming of age can happen at any age. Eliza Knight's 60's era novel celebrates music, female resilience, and the strength of mother-daughter bonds, taking readers on a journey they won't soon forget." ― Marie Bostwick, New York Times bestselling author of The Book Club for Troublesome Women

"The best road trip you'll take this summer, I was happily Lost in the Summer of '69 with three generations of women who captured my heart on every page. Journeying through music festivals during the pivotal summer of free love, the story follows a rocker grandma, her 1960s housewife daughter and the free spirited granddaughter discover who they're meant to be, rather than who they think they ought to be.. For anyone who loves to escape on a beach with a great book." ― Brooke Lea Foster, bestselling author of Our Last Vineyard Summer

"Lost in the Summer of ‘69 is the multigenerational, bucket list, road trip, summer concert novel I never wanted to put down." ― Lynda Cohen Loigman, USA Today bestselling author of The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern

"Playful, poignant, and surprisingly powerful, Lost in the Summer of ’69 is the perfect road-trip novel, a heady blend of sun-drenched nostalgia and the summer sweetness of a melting popsicle. Told in Knight’s warm, intimate voice, this story of love and transformation – and a bit of rebellion - will appeal to fans of Daisy Jones and the Six." ― Donna Jones Alward, bestselling author of When the World Fell Silent

"An emotional, uplifting story … You'll smell the patchouli and warm beer, and feel the mud squelch between your toes, as you read this nostalgic, sensory, and joyful novel." ― Gill Paul, USA Today bestselling author of Scandalous Women

"Knight is a pro at the historical fiction game, weaving nostalgia and true events into her characters’ stories with ease and humor. A charming, playful read, perfect for book clubs and those who enjoyed Lisa Patton’s Kissing the Sky. "―Booklist