The Promenade

Weary from burden and broken by loss, Luke Tomlin wanders the famed Cape May promenade, an asphalt walkway that replaced the city's boardwalk generations ago. What begins as a leisurely stroll turns into a journey of self-discovery when Luke meets a chorus of people from varied backgrounds, each with a story to tell.

An old injury forces him to take frequent breaks on different benches lining the promenade, allowing for conversations that leave a profound impact. Hearing their stories triggers deep-routed memories, many Luke would rather forget. He begins to question narratives that have dominated his life and ultimately finds himself confronting the specters of his past.

Cape May’s pristine beachfront has been a mecca for people seeking rest and rejuvenation since the 1700s. Walking along the promenade in “America’s Oldest Seashore Resort,” Luke’s heart softens and his soul opens to healing and a peace he had long since thought was beyond his grasp.

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The Promenade is the latest offering from Ben Miller, bestselling author of The First Resort, In the Land of Exit Zero, and Dear Billie. Cape May is a favorite subject, both its history and Miller's own experiences over the past 45 years, which he drew heavily upon for this book. He's written hundreds of columns for various magazines and newspapers, appeared on the Travel Channel and elsewhere promoting tourism in Cape May, and served as Guest Curator of the Carroll Gallery for Cape May MAC (Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities) with four critically acclaimed exhibits and a fifth one on the way next year.