Sounds like such a simple storyline. Three friends spend the summer at the house by the beach owned by one of their families. Marlow's parents owned several properties. Her father had been a successful attorney and then politician. They lived a luxurious life. Their housekeeper Rosemary had been with them for decades along with her two sons. But now with her father's death and her mother's MS things are rocky.
The plan is to sell the other properties since the island home was their intended full-time home now. Along with friends Aida and Claire, Marlow was looking forward to rest, relaxation and time to decide where her future was going. Burned out by the stress of being a divorce attorney and coupled with the pandemic Marlow was thinking the island might be where she lands.
But coming home is sometimes very difficult. Lots of history with Rosemary’s oldest son Walker. Walker treats Marlow as if she were invisible, but that was furthest from the truth. It was a defense mechanism from when they were younger and Marlow made it clear that she and Walker had nothing in common. Rich girl poor boy scenario.
Brenda Novak sets the stage for lots of possible conflicts here; small island, not too many out-of-the-way places where you don’t meet up with folk. And of course, that means Walker who is trying to keep a wide path between him and Marlow is up against some pretty tough odds.
Marlow and Walker are the lead characters but much of the story is driven by an interesting group of supporting players. At the end of the book, Brenda Novak asks us which was our favorite character, a difficult thought-provoking question. After reading SUMMER ON THE ISLAND I bet you will have to admit to having several, for very different reasons. Family dynamics also play a huge role.
But what Brenda Novak has planned is a look at lives crumbling right before our eyes when long-held truths are uncovered as impossible lies. When trust has been irreparably broken. Hearts are bruised, relationships are damaged and friendships are questioned. There are many levels of intrigue in SUMMER ON THE ISLAND which on face value is a lovely summer story with hints of romance. What Brenda Novak delivers is a remarkable novel about people who successfully managed to project the ideal image. Once those images are tarnished, can they ever return to their original luster? People are very resilient. SUMMER ON THE ISLAND is masterfully directed by the genius of Brenda Novak.
A summer of healing, friendship, love…and a secret that could change everything.
After the death of her US senator father, Marlow Madsen travels to the small island off the coast of Florida where she spent summers growing up to help her mother settle the family estate. For Marlow, the trip is a chance to reconnect after too long apart. It’s also the perfect escape to help her feel grounded again—one she’s happy to share with friends Aida and Claire, who are hoping to hit reset on their lives, too.
A leisurely beachfront summer promises the trio of women the opportunity to take deep healing breaths and explore new paths. But when her father’s will reveals an earth-shattering secret that tarnishes his impeccable reputation and everything she thought she knew about her family, Marlow finds herself questioning her entire childhood—and aspects of her future. Fortunately, her friends, and the most unlikely love interest she could imagine, prove that happiness can be found no matter what—as long as the right people are by your side.
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