Courtney Hendricks, from Emporia, Kansas, dreams of becoming a professor of Literature and attending a college in the East. When she is accepted at Smith College in Massachusetts, her roomate is Robin Vickery, who becomes her BFF. During spring break, Robin invites Courtney to her home on Nantucket island where she is convinced Courtney will find a well paying job and be able to spend her summer with Robin and her family. It is love at first sight for Courtney. She loves the Island, the big house on the cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Vickery family and last but not least, James Vickery, Robin's handsome brother. In Kansas, Courtney rides her horse, has a long time friendship with Monty Blackhorse, a wealthy American/Indian who owns a huge cattle ranch. Driving her to the airport as she leaves for her summer on Nantucket, Monty tells Courtney he has always been in love with her and asks her to marry him. She does love Monty but only as a brother. She will have to think carefully how to break that news to him and not break his heart.

Aboard the ferry heading to the island, Courtney is returning for the celebration of Mrs. Vickery's 60th birthday celebrartion. Perhaps this will be her last summer visit, and she plans to make several serious decisions. First, she must ask James about his feelings toward her. Is he serious about her and do they have a future together? And what or who is keeping Robin forever on the island? Time to share that secret with her BFF.

The Vickery family is headed by reknowned surgeon Dr. Alastair Vickery, aka Dr. V. He is brilliant, but quiet and distracted. As a father, he has never tossed a baseball with his kids, but prefers to retreat to his office to study the latest scientific news and think about writing his memoirs. Earth Mother, Susannah, loves her sun-swept paradise and is happiest when their home is filled with friends of her children. She calls them her "summer children." Oldest son, Henry, is following in his dad's footsteps and is a surgeon, but suffers from Bipolar disorder. James is the bad boy turned very successful. Robin is happiest following in her mother's path but has a secret she keeps to herself. Iris is the youngest who loves everyone!

Nancy Thayer knows how to tell a spellbinding story. This one introduces characters who are real and touch your heart. The Vickery family faces obstacles that make them stronger and closer. I especially love the way Dr. V. and Susannah cling together quietly in frightening crisis. The folklore about the real whales is an added attraction that I found interesting. As always, Ms. Thayer "reels" me in on page one and keeps me "hooked" until the finale, which I loved. THE ISLAND HOUSE is a keeper and one I recommend to all who love a cozy, delicious, romantic tale about the meaning of family, true love and forever, set in a magical setting, Nantucket Island. I loved it and you will too!