Summer on the Island
Book Summary
For fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak's newest standalone novel about friendship, family and the ties that bind and challenge us follows three friends as they escape to a coastal Florida town for the summer.
Marlo Madsen has just been through a global pandemic that turned her life—and the lives of almost everyone she knows—upside down. Her beloved father has died from COVID. Helping her mother, who has MS, handle his estate means returning to the small coastal Florida town where she was raised.
Having just left her job as a divorce attorney—which paid well but showed her too much of the worst in people—she’s invited two friends to join her for a seaside summer. The two friends are also facing huge life changes after the worsening California wildfires took everything from them and need to decompress and recuperate. And travel has long been forbidden, so they are beyond appreciative for the ability to escape.
Unfortunately, a restful summer doesn’t seem
to be in the cards, especially when Marlo learns about a special provision in
her father’s will that reveals he has a love child with Rosemarie, the
housekeeper who’s worked for the family for years. Rosemarie’s son was around
while Marlo was growing up, but she never suspected a thing. Nobody did. And
once the news is revealed, the fallout will cause waves big enough to topple
two families and a whole community.
About the Author
Brenda Novak, a New York Times and USA TODAY
bestselling author, has penned over sixty novels. She is a five-time nominee
for the RITA Award and has won the National Reader's Choice, the Bookseller's
Best, the Bookbuyer's Best, and many other awards. She also runs Brenda Novak
for the Cure, a charity to raise money for diabetes research (her youngest son
has this disease). To date, she’s raised $2.5 million. For more about Brenda,
please visit www.brendanovak.com.
Author Links
Twitter: @Brenda_Novak
Facebook: @BrendaNovakAuthor
Instagram: @authorbrendanovak
Goodreads: Goodreads
My Thoughts
Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak has Marlow Madsen along with two of her friends spending
the summer on Teach Island at her family summer home, Seaclusion. Aria is recently divorced and is looking for
a fresh start. She found out her husband
had been cheating on her. Claire lost
her home to California forest fires and her yoga studio to the pandemic. She has also broken up with her boyfriend who
happened to be Aria’s ex-husband. Marlow
lost her father a month ago. She has
been feeling overwhelmed by the negativity of her family law practice due to
the number of contentious divorces. Marlow
has yet to tell her mother, but she has sold her condo in Los Angeles and
closed her law practice. Eileen, Marlow’s
mother, has multiple sclerosis which has taken a sharp decline since the death
of her husband. She has been relying on
her housekeeper, Rosemary for extra assistance.
While on the island, Marlow learns a devastating secret about her
father. Marlow will need the support of
her friends as well as that of her new love interest to get through this challenging
time. Summer on the Island takes us to
the tropical Teach Island off the coast of Florida. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of this
tropical locale. I thought the book contained good writing with steady
pacing. The characters were realistic
and relatable. Summer on the Island
is an emotional story. It contains some
scary and heart wrenching situations. There
is family drama, romance, a touch of mystery, and secrets. Families and friendships will be tested. I want to let you know that the story does
contain foul language and intimate situations.
You need to tuck Summer on the Island in your beach bag as it is a great
book to read at the beach or while lounging by the pool. Summer on the Island is an emotional story
about female friendships, surprising secrets, a second chance romance, a family
calamity, a scary storm, fresh start at the sea, helpful healing, and offering
forgiveness.
Excerpt
Teach Island looked exactly the same as Marlow Madsen
remembered it. Since the entire world had been disrupted by the pandemic, the
comfort and familiarity of this place nearly brought tears to her eyes. Part of
that was how strongly she associated it with her father. John “Tiller” Madsen,
who’d gotten his nickname because of his love for sailing, had died a month
ago. But the island had long been his escape from the rat race of Washington,
DC, where he’d served as a United States senator for thirty years.
“I can’t believe I’m back. Finally,” Marlow said
as she rolled down the passenger window to let in some fresh air.
Part of the archipelago of forty-five hundred islands off
the coast of Florida, Teach was only seven square miles. Marlow loved its
homey, small-town atmosphere. She also loved its white sand beaches and its
motley collection of bars, restaurants, bait-and-tackle stores and gift shops,
most of which, at least in the older section where they were now, had kitschy
decor. Because the island was named after Edward Teach, or Blackbeard, one of
the most famous pirates to operate in this part of the world in the early
eighteenth century, there was pirate stuff all over. A black
skull-and-crossbones flag hung on a pole in front of the most popular bar,
which was made to look like a colonial-era tavern and was named Queen Anne’s
Revenge after Blackbeard’s ship.
In addition to the Blackbeard memorabilia, there was the
regular sea-themed stuff—large anchors or ship’s wheels stuck in the ground
here and there, fishing nets draped from the eaves of stores and cafés, and
lobsters, crabs and other ocean creatures painted on wooden or corrugated metal
sides. Her parents had a house in Georgia, a true Southern mansion, as well as
their condo in Virginia for when her father had to be in Washington. But this
was where they’d always spent the summers.
Now that Tiller was gone, her mother was talking about
selling the other residences and moving here permanently. Marlow hated the
sense of loss that inspired the forever change, but since Seaclusion—her father’s
name for the beach house—had always been her favorite of their homes, she was
also relieved that her mother planned to keep it. This was the
property she hoped to inherit one day; she couldn’t imagine it ever being out
of the family. And after what so many people had experienced with the fires in
California, where she’d been living since she graduated college, and all the
hurricanes in recent years that had plagued Florida, she had reason to be
grateful the house was still standing.
“Sounds like you’ve missed the place.” Reese Cantwell, who’d
been sent to pick up her and her two friends, had grown even taller since
Marlow had seen him last. His hands and feet no longer looked disproportionate
to the rest of his body. She remembered that his older brother, Walker, had
also reminded her of a pup who hadn’t quite grown into his large paws and
wondered what Walker was doing these days.
“It’s a welcome sight for all three of us,” Aida Trahan
piped up from the back. “Three months by the sea should change everything.”
Claire Fernandez was also in the back seat, both of them
buried beneath the luggage that wouldn’t fit in the trunk. They’d met at LAX
and flown into Miami together. “Here’s hoping,” she said. “Even if it doesn’t,
I’m looking forward to putting my toes in the water and my butt in the sand.”
“You’ll get plenty of opportunities for that here,” Reese
said.
Claire needed the peace and tranquility and a chance to
heal. She’d lost her home in the fires that’d ravaged Malibu last August. To
say nothing of the other dramas that’d plagued her this past year.
Marlow looked over at their driver. Apparently, since her
father’s death, Reese had been helping out around the estate, in addition to
teaching tennis at the club. His mother, Rosemary, had been their housekeeper
since well before he was born—since before Marlow was even born. Marlow was
grateful for the many years of service and loyalty Rosemary had given the
family, especially now that Tiller had died. It was wonderful to have someone
she trusted watch out for her mother. Eileen had multiple sclerosis, which
sometimes made it difficult for her to get around.
“Looks as casual as I was hoping it would be.” Claire also
lowered her window as Reese brought them to the far side of the island and
closer to the house. Situated on the water, Seaclusion had its own private
beach, as well as a three-bedroom guesthouse and a smaller apartment over the
garage where Rosemary had lived before moving into the main house after Tiller
died so she could be available if Eileen needed anything during the night.
“There are some upscale shops and restaurants where we’re
going, if you’re in the mood for spending money,” Marlow told them.
“When have I not been in the mood to shop?” Aida joked.
“You don’t have access to Dutton’s money anymore,” Claire
pointed out. “You need to be careful.”
Claire had lost almost everything. She had reason to be
cautious. Aida wasn’t in the best situation, either, and yet she shrugged off
the concern. “I’ll be okay. I didn’t walk away empty-handed, thanks to my amazing divorce
attorney.”
Marlow always felt uncomfortable when Dutton came up, and
sometimes couldn’t believe it wasn’t more uncomfortable for them.
The way Claire and Aida had met was remarkable, to say the least. It was even
more remarkable that they’d managed to become friends. But Marlow twisted
around and smiled as though she didn’t feel the sudden tension so she could
acknowledge Aida’s compliment. Although Marlow was only thirty-four, she’d been
a practicing attorney for ten years. She’d jumped ahead two grades when she was
seven, which had enabled her to finish high school early and start college at
sixteen. A knack for difficult negotiations had led her to a law degree and
from there she’d gone into family law, something that had worked out well for
her. Her practice had grown so fast she’d considered hiring another attorney to
help with the caseload.
She probably would’ve done that, if not for the pandemic,
which had shut down every aspect of her life except work, making her realize that
becoming one of the best divorce attorneys in Los Angeles wasn’t everything it
was cracked up to be. No matter how much money she made, she didn’t enjoy
dealing with people who were so deeply upset, and the richer, more famous the
client, the more acrimonious the divorce. She hoped she’d never have to wade
through another one. If a marriage worked, it could be wonderful. Her parents
had proved that. But after what she’d witnessed with other people since passing
the bar, she was beginning to believe Tiller and Eileen were the exception.
“All I did was make Dutton play fair,” Marlow said. “But at
least you have some money you can use to get by while you decide what to do
from here.”
“I liked being a trophy wife,” Aida grumbled. “I’m not sure
I’m cut out for anything else.”
Like so many in LA, she’d been an aspiring actress at one
time, but her career had never taken off. After she’d married Dutton, she’d
spent more time at the tennis club, where she and Marlow had met, than trying
out for any auditions.
“Don’t say that,” Marlow told her. “You can do a lot more
than look pretty.”
Claire remained conspicuously quiet. She’d been subdued
since they left, so subdued that Marlow was beginning to wonder if something
was wrong.
“We’ll see.” Aida shrugged off the compliment as readily as
she had the warning. “But before I have to make the really hard decisions, I
deserve a break. So where’s the expensive part of the island again?”
Reese chuckled. “We’re almost there.”
“We’ll be able to play tennis, too,” Marlow told her. “The
club’s only a mile from the house. And Reese is our resident pro.”
“No way! You play tennis?” Aida’s voice revealed her
enthusiasm.
“Every day,” he replied.
“Can he beat you?” Aida asked Marlow.
“He was just a kid the last time we played, and he could
take me about half the time even then. I doubt he’ll have any problem now.”
“I can see why you talked us out of renting a car,” Claire
said, finally entering the conversation. “Considering the size of this place…”
“Like I told you before,” Marlow said, “most people walk or
ride a bike.”
“You only need a car if you’re going off island,” Reese
chimed in. He was driving them in Eileen’s Tesla.
Marlow was anxious to ask how her mother was doing but
decided to hold off. If she questioned him while her friends were in the car,
she’d probably get the standard “Fine.” But she wasn’t looking for a
perfunctory answer. She wanted the truth. What he’d seen and heard recently. He
was the one who’d been here. Marlow hadn’t been able to visit, not even when
her father died. Thanks to the pandemic, they hadn’t been able to give him the
funeral he deserved, either.
Reese glanced into the rearview mirror. “Are the three of
you staying all summer?”
Marlow suspected he was hoping Aida, in particular, would be
on the island for a while. Although Aida was thirty-six, fourteen years older
than he was, she was a delicate blonde with big blue eyes. The way she dressed
and accessorized, she turned heads, especially male heads, wherever she went.
“We are,” Aida said, and the subtle hint of flirtation in
her voice told Marlow that she’d picked up on Reese’s interest.
“We have some big decisions to make in the coming months,”
Marlow said, hoping to give Reese a hint that this wasn’t the opportunity he
might think it was. Aida was on the rebound. She needed to put her life back
together, not risk her heart on a summer fling.
“What kind of decisions?” he asked, naturally curious.
Claire answered for her. “Like what we’re going to do from
here on. We’re all starting over.”
Reese’s eyebrows shot up as he looked at Marlow.
“Meaning…what? You won’t be returning to LA?”
“I’m not sure,” she said. “I sold my condo and closed my
practice before I left, just in case.”
His jaw dropped. “Really? But your mom said you’re one of
the most highly sought-after attorneys in Los Angeles.”
No doubt her mother talked about her all the time. She’d
heard a few things about Reese’s family, too, including the fact that he hadn’t
finished school because he’d let partying come between him and a degree. But
Marlow didn’t know Reese that well. She’d spent more time with his much older
brother, Walker, when they were growing up. “It’s not that it wasn’t working
out. It was. I’m just…done with divorce.”
He turned down the rap music he’d had playing since they got
in. “Have you told your mother?”
“Not yet. I was afraid she’d try to talk me out of it. I
know it’s sort of crazy to walk away from what I had going. Not many lawyers
would do that. But after being quarantined for so long, working with people who
almost always behaved their worst, I’m finished suffering through other
people’s emotional turmoil.”
“Can’t say as I blame you,” Aida agreed. “I feel so bad
about how Dutton treated you.”
Aida’s ex hadn’t just called Marlow names. He’d gotten her
cell phone number from Aida, claiming he wanted to negotiate directly, and then
proceeded to threaten her on more than one occasion. “We can all be glad
Dutton’s out of our lives.”
“Amen,” Aida said, but again Claire said nothing.
They reached the gap in the shrubbery that signaled the
beginning of her parents’ drive, and Reese turned into Seaclusion.
“Look at this!” Aida exclaimed. “It’s a whole compound.”
Reese parked in the detached four-car garage. “Welcome
home,” he said with a grin.
Marlow had her carry-on with her, but when she went to the
trunk to get the rest of her luggage, Reese insisted he’d bring it in.
She thanked him, put her bag down and, eager to see her
mother, hurried to the house.
Rosemary was waiting on the stoop, where her mother would
normally be. “It’s good to see you, Marlow.”
“Thanks, Rosemary. It’s good to see you, too. Is Mom okay?”
At fifty-five, Rosemary was five years younger than Eileen
and tall and thin, like her two sons. They’d gotten their good looks from
her—didn’t resemble their father at all, who wasn’t around anymore. Marlow
could recall him showing up at the Atlanta house drunk and bellowing for
Rosemary to “get her ass home.” It wasn’t any surprise to Marlow that the
relationship hadn’t lasted. He’d abandoned the family when Reese was four or
five.
“She’s fine. A little tired.” Although Rosemary smiled, she
seemed anxious and uptight herself. Was it because of Eileen? Was she worse off
than Marlow had been told?
“Is it anything to be concerned about?” Marlow pressed.
“No. She was so excited to see you that she couldn’t sleep
last night. That’s all. She’s in her room resting if you want to go in.”
Anxious to reassure herself that nothing more serious was
going on, Marlow introduced Aida and Claire to Rosemary, and while Rosemary led
them to the guesthouse, where Reese was taking the luggage, Marlow went inside.
“Mom?” she called as she moved through the living room.
“In here!” her mother called back.
Marlow’s stomach knotted as she reached the master bedroom
and swung the door open wider. It was a beautiful day outside, not a cloud in
the sky, yet the shades were drawn, making it dark and cool.
As soon as she reached the bed, she bent to kiss her
mother’s paper-thin cheek. “I’m so glad to see you again.”
Eileen’s hands clutched her wrists. “Let me look at you.
It’s been too long.”
“Who could’ve guessed a pandemic would come between us? That
wasn’t something I even considered when I went so far from home.”
Once her eyes adjusted to the light, Marlow could see that
the room hadn’t changed. Her father’s watch glimmered on the dresser, his
slippers waited under the side chair and his clothes hung neatly in the closet
as though he might walk through the door at any moment. Her mother hadn’t done
anything with his personal property. That meant Marlow would have to deal with
it, but she was actually grateful Eileen had waited. Touching his belongings
was their only remaining connection to him, their only chance to say goodbye,
and now they could do that together.
“Are you hungry?” her mother asked. “Rosemary made tea for
you and your friends.”
Marlow sat on the edge of the bed. Eileen had thick dark
hair and bottle green eyes—both of which Marlow had inherited—and looked good
despite being so ill. But she was pale today and had lost significant weight.
“That sounds wonderful,” Marlow said.
“I thought your friends might enjoy it. And I know how much
you like clotted cream. When we were in London with your father several years
ago, that was all you wanted to eat.”
The twinkle in Eileen’s eyes made Marlow feel slightly
encouraged, until her mother winced as she adjusted her position. Eileen had to
be feeling terrible, or she’d be up and around and asking to meet Aida and
Claire.
“Are you having another attack?” Marlow asked. Her mother’s
disease came in waves, or what they called “attacks.” Sometimes she grew worse
for no clear reason—she didn’t do or eat anything different—and then she
improved just as mysteriously. Although the steady decrease in her
functionality attested to the fact that each attack took a little more from
her…
“I must be. But don’t worry about me. It’s…more of the same.
How was your flight?”
The lump that swelled in Marlow’s throat made it difficult
to swallow. She’d already lost her beloved father. Was she going to lose her
mother this year, too? The probability of Eileen’s dying had hung over their
heads ever since she was diagnosed twenty-six years ago, so it’d come as a
total shock that Tiller had died first. He’d never been sick a day in his
life—until he got shingles. Then he’d spent five weeks in bed and simply didn’t
wake up one morning. According to the autopsy, a blood clot had formed and
traveled to his lungs.
“The flight was crowded and miserable,” she answered. “But
aren’t all flights that way?”
“You should’ve come first class.”
Marlow thought about her decision to sell her place and
close her practice but decided not to mention it until later. Eileen’s father
had been a steel baron; she’d married into money, as well. She’d never known
what it was like to struggle. Marlow hadn’t, either, but she was out in the
world and much more cognizant of the difficulties faced by those who didn’t
have quite as much. “I didn’t want to ask Aida and Claire to spend the extra
money. You know what happened to Claire.”
“Yes. The poor thing. I’m so glad she had insurance to cover
the rebuild. The fires in California have been awful. I’ve seen
them on the news.” Eileen lifted her head to look toward the door. “Where are
your friends?”
“Rosemary’s helping them get settled in the guesthouse.”
“I can’t wait to meet them.”
“They’re grateful to you for letting them come home with me.
Are you ready to read Summer on the Island? Summer on the Island is available from Amazon*, Brenda Novak Store, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Indigo, Indie Bound, and Walmart. You can find Brenda Novak's other novels here. Thank you for stopping by today. Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Ghosts, Lore, and a House by the Shore by Nellie H. Steele. I hope that you have a tranquil day. Take care of yourself and Happy Reading!
Kris
The
Avid Reader
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