THE VIEW FROM ALAMEDA ISLAND by Robyn Carr is an emotional study of when things go awry. LIfe can be messy at times and of course, there are just moments when we take things for granted. How about when life seems to be mundane and predictable? In THE VIEW FROM ALAMEDA ISLAND, readers witness some very messy lives that definitely are in need of repair. But it is also obvious that it is going to take a lot of guts to take that step towards a new future. 

Lauren Delaney is in the midst of a dilemma. She can longer stay in her marriage that has become abusive on many levels. She is a successful businesswoman with grown daughters and feels like she has already paid her dues. But that begs the questions--should anyone have to pay dues in life? It takes work, dedication, and patience, but those are the prices to pay. Nothing says anything about pain.

Beau is also leaving behind a marriage that started innocently as almost benevolent. Pamela was down on her luck and a single mother, and Beau became a surrogate father to her sons once they began their relationship. But there was always a problem with Pamela's anger issues, and Beau can no longer face them. Beau is the only stable thing in the boys' lives, and he knows divorcing Pamela will make waves. 

Professionally, Beau’s life is filled with beauty. His company designs gardens. Lauren finds such unexpected comfort in Beau’s gardens which represent more than just beauty. They are peaceful and safe. After her turbulent marriage to Brad, Lauren craves that peace, quiet, and safety. But as their divorces are closing in, both Beau and Lauren are discovering that both their exes have an even darker side than they ever expected.

Be prepared to be swept away in another masterpiece by Robyn Carr. In terms of being truthful, there isn’t a time when I’ve walked away from anything written by Robyn Carr without a smile on my face. Her stories are so well constructed and always timely. THE VIEW FROM ALAMEDA ISLAND is a fine example of that. Beau and Lauren are well-crafted characters who are believable and their circumstances will make you angry at times. But Robyn Carr designed THE VIEW FROM ALAMEDA ISLAND with the same love and care as Beau does his gardens.