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Madeline Island #3
Full Moon over Madeline Island
A dreamy full moon hangs over Madeline Island, yet things are anything but quiet on what the locals call, The Rock. Get ready for Eve and Ruby’s wildest ride yet! With the help of friends and family, no matter what (or who) is thrown into their path—they always manage to find their way back to—the dock. Eve’s sewing crew is churning out aprons, filling orders from all over the place as fast as lightning. When Eve’s estranged father suddenly dies, it throws her into an emotional storm she can’t escape. Then a box of family history lands on her lap and she finds the mother she’d never known—and some suspicions are confirmed that nearly blow Ruby’s knickers off! A sudden squall rips through the island, the phone rings and Eve’s world takes a nose dive as tragic news about her daughter pulls her heart in a way she’d never imagined. Through renewed determination and an RN with a major potty mouth, Eve and Ruby open Toad Hollow, a safe-house for pregnant teenagers desperate for a second chance. Inspired by a sudden flood of email into Ruby’s Aprons inbox, a live radio interview with Eve & Ruby unleashes a deluge of call-in revelations—and loss. After the tractor’s front-loader has a hilarious malfunction, the Ducky Derby’s mad dash down Pikes Creek, a handsome ghost’s mysterious message and a kick-ass concert, Eve discovers a truth that begins to set her free… No woman is an island.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2012
2 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Jay Gilbertson
3 books54 followersJay is a native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Stout, he majored in Hotel & Restaurant Management. Like many folks from cold climates he wanted to live in the tropics and moved to Key Largo, Florida where he worked as Assistant Controller for the Sheraton resort. He returned north in 1993, eventually opening Jay Gilbertson Salon in Minneapolis. He now lives on 80 beautiful, organic acres in Northwest Wisconsin where he grows much of his own food, recycles and enjoys life. He and his partner are also introducing the first pumpkin seed oil to be produced in the US, check it out at http://www.hayriver.net
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 11, 2013
“Full Moon Over Madeline Island”, by Goodreads author Jay Gilbertson, is a fun read!
This is the third of what many of his fans hope is a nice long series of Madeline Island books. The first two are “Moon Over Madeline Island” and “Back to Madeline Island”. Our terrific MORE library system has all of the books and you can also get your own copy directly from the author or from the usual sources. Especially at this time of year, when it's cold and snowy and icy in our neighborhoods it's just wonderful to be transported to beautiful Madeline Island. By the way, if you just dropped in from Mongolia or Los Angeles or... Madeline Island is real. You can go there and you should. In the summer! I will not promise that you'll run into Eve or Ruby. Or Lilly, Sam, Johnny, Howard, or even Rocky – they're all pretty elusive until you open the cover of this book. Then they leap into life and you'll be swept away with them.
And these characters do move along quickly. I would be exhausted living at their pace, I tell ya. First there's the apron making – the business that supports Eve, Ruby, Lilly and Sam. It's a whirlwind of colorful fabric, whirring machines and sassy talk. So I'd be kinda tired after a day of industrial sewing with these girls. But it must be the great air off Lake Superior that gives these ladies extra energy, because they barely slow down! Eve and Ruby are running the Ducky Derby, which is being held to provide some much-need funds for Toad Hollow – the safe-house for pregnant teenagers who need a second chance. This shelter was opened by Eve & Ruby and is near and dear to Eve, as you know... Well! You would know if you've read either or both of those previous books, my dears. I'll just say that rain and a malfunctioning tractor, driven by a to-tall-y inexperienced Ruby, make for a more exciting event than Eve had in mind!
But before we get to the Derby, Helen and Ryan reappear. Helen is Eve's daughter who'd been given up at birth, found again and was recently married to Ryan in a ceremony held on Madeline Island. There's a lot more to that story, too. Family relationships are a tangled web for this group of islanders. I was turning back to re-read more than once! I hasten to add that this is likely due to the speed at which I read the book, not the lack of clarity in the writing. The central focus of the book is the opening of Toad Hollow and what it means to the clients. Publicity for the safe-house results in national attention and the Ruby's Aprons in-box overflows with stories, questions and requests for help. Maybe Toad Hollow and its punk RN manager, Alice Anne/Ali will show up in future books? We can hope; she's a great character. As are Johnny and Howard, neighbors of Eve and Ruby. They provide most of the much-needed comfort and heavy lifting needed by our intrepid band, many times in the form of homemade pizza and some nice wine. All enjoyed with a view of that gorgeous Lake Superior.
There are a lot of cameo appearances in the book. If you're “local” you'll recognize the Larry Meiller show, Hay River Pumpkin Seed Oil, Louie's Finer Meats, Starr's Sister Salon and lots of Eau Claire locations, Vanceburg, Bessie Smith (ok, not local!), KAXE, Salad Girl dressings, and ducks. Not the “quack-quack” kind; the “vroom-vroom” kind – the amphibious truck used in WWII by our troops and now used on Madeline Island and dozens of other places. There's a ghost too, as if there weren't quite enough going on! Lots of yummy food is consumed – these people need the energy! You'll want to dig into re-creating some of those dishes. More recipes soon Jay?
Trust me. You'll have fun reading this book and, if you're like me, you'll want to go back and re-read the first two books in the series and you'll want to vacation in that cottage! As I mentioned earlier, all of the books are available in the MORE library system and the usual retail outlets.
This is the third of what many of his fans hope is a nice long series of Madeline Island books. The first two are “Moon Over Madeline Island” and “Back to Madeline Island”. Our terrific MORE library system has all of the books and you can also get your own copy directly from the author or from the usual sources. Especially at this time of year, when it's cold and snowy and icy in our neighborhoods it's just wonderful to be transported to beautiful Madeline Island. By the way, if you just dropped in from Mongolia or Los Angeles or... Madeline Island is real. You can go there and you should. In the summer! I will not promise that you'll run into Eve or Ruby. Or Lilly, Sam, Johnny, Howard, or even Rocky – they're all pretty elusive until you open the cover of this book. Then they leap into life and you'll be swept away with them.
And these characters do move along quickly. I would be exhausted living at their pace, I tell ya. First there's the apron making – the business that supports Eve, Ruby, Lilly and Sam. It's a whirlwind of colorful fabric, whirring machines and sassy talk. So I'd be kinda tired after a day of industrial sewing with these girls. But it must be the great air off Lake Superior that gives these ladies extra energy, because they barely slow down! Eve and Ruby are running the Ducky Derby, which is being held to provide some much-need funds for Toad Hollow – the safe-house for pregnant teenagers who need a second chance. This shelter was opened by Eve & Ruby and is near and dear to Eve, as you know... Well! You would know if you've read either or both of those previous books, my dears. I'll just say that rain and a malfunctioning tractor, driven by a to-tall-y inexperienced Ruby, make for a more exciting event than Eve had in mind!
But before we get to the Derby, Helen and Ryan reappear. Helen is Eve's daughter who'd been given up at birth, found again and was recently married to Ryan in a ceremony held on Madeline Island. There's a lot more to that story, too. Family relationships are a tangled web for this group of islanders. I was turning back to re-read more than once! I hasten to add that this is likely due to the speed at which I read the book, not the lack of clarity in the writing. The central focus of the book is the opening of Toad Hollow and what it means to the clients. Publicity for the safe-house results in national attention and the Ruby's Aprons in-box overflows with stories, questions and requests for help. Maybe Toad Hollow and its punk RN manager, Alice Anne/Ali will show up in future books? We can hope; she's a great character. As are Johnny and Howard, neighbors of Eve and Ruby. They provide most of the much-needed comfort and heavy lifting needed by our intrepid band, many times in the form of homemade pizza and some nice wine. All enjoyed with a view of that gorgeous Lake Superior.
There are a lot of cameo appearances in the book. If you're “local” you'll recognize the Larry Meiller show, Hay River Pumpkin Seed Oil, Louie's Finer Meats, Starr's Sister Salon and lots of Eau Claire locations, Vanceburg, Bessie Smith (ok, not local!), KAXE, Salad Girl dressings, and ducks. Not the “quack-quack” kind; the “vroom-vroom” kind – the amphibious truck used in WWII by our troops and now used on Madeline Island and dozens of other places. There's a ghost too, as if there weren't quite enough going on! Lots of yummy food is consumed – these people need the energy! You'll want to dig into re-creating some of those dishes. More recipes soon Jay?
Trust me. You'll have fun reading this book and, if you're like me, you'll want to go back and re-read the first two books in the series and you'll want to vacation in that cottage! As I mentioned earlier, all of the books are available in the MORE library system and the usual retail outlets.
February 5, 2013
I feel a bit like a traitor giving such a low rating to one of my favorite series about Eve & Ruby. The two previous books kept me laughing and entertained...even moments of sentimentality over events in these 'older ladies' lives, much of which I identified with. This book just didn't quite get off the ground for me but, in its defense, I enjoyed the conclusions of some mysteries and the absolutely sweet and precious relationship that Eve and Ruby share with each other and their wildly wonderful and eccentric friends. That is the best part of all Jay's books and he captures all his characters in vivid, believable ways...making you feel you truly know these people. But...please continue to write about this incredible duo and the magic and beautiful life they live on that awesome Madeline Island...there is much more to be told I am sure!
March 26, 2013
Knowing Jay, I can actually hear his voice as I read this book. Am looking forward to the conversation we'll have at our April Book Club meeting with Jay as guest. It's always kind of fun to recognize places, people, etc. in books that have regional authors. I felt a kind of homey feel with this book.
December 20, 2023
Another enjoyable read, and a continuation of the story of Eve and Ruby. Loved to be still in their world on Madeline Island - and having them even more involved in the area of Bayfield and the Island. It was a little sad to know this is the last one yet in this series -but have enjoyed the comfortable, cozy cottage they had on the island and their wonderful friends.
May 16, 2021
I enjoyed book #3 but it wasn't quite as good as the first two. It seemed to jump around and was just bits & pieces. This wasn't as developed as the other books.
January 27, 2013
The two main characters, Ruby and Eve are women that I would love to have for friends and neighbors. Sam, Lilly, Howard, and Johnny become such an integral part of Ruby and Eve's lives.They are the friends that become family. I love the description of their cottage, barn and especially their boathouse and Speak Easy bar. If you haven't been to Bayfield and Madeline Island it is definitely worth the trip. Lots of local places are mentioned from Wild Rice Restaurant to the fabulous bookstore, filled with regional authors and titles. Spending evenings on the dock with pillows and blankets stargazing, sipping wine and talking is part of what makes Madeline Island so desirable. I recommend reading the books in order. Full Moon Over Madeline Island is the Third in this series. (I received my copy from Jay to review.) Each chapter has so much happening from the start up of Toad Hollow to the Duck Derby, and everything in between. Grab the book, a glass of wine, sit by the fire and enjoy! You can order autographed copies directly from Jay@jaygilbertson.com .
April 21, 2013
Once again we check in with Eve and Rocky, Ruby and Helen and all the rest of the Madeline Island crew.
Just want to say to our author, "I am so glad your editor saved this book from the fire! I was crushed when I thought it had been lost! (Cute how you worked the previous books and your pumpkin oil in too!)
The apron business is flourishing,Toad Hollow maternity home is moving forward and everyone is up to their old tricks! Eve ends up in the drink, they become famous on the radio and the "Duck" just keeps rolling and floating along.
I always enjoy a visit to Madeline to check in on all my friends, and you will feel the same way about these characters once you know them. Another Duck race in on the horizon with of course, hilarious results.
OK Jay, I'm ready and waiting for the next book!!
Just want to say to our author, "I am so glad your editor saved this book from the fire! I was crushed when I thought it had been lost! (Cute how you worked the previous books and your pumpkin oil in too!)
The apron business is flourishing,Toad Hollow maternity home is moving forward and everyone is up to their old tricks! Eve ends up in the drink, they become famous on the radio and the "Duck" just keeps rolling and floating along.
I always enjoy a visit to Madeline to check in on all my friends, and you will feel the same way about these characters once you know them. Another Duck race in on the horizon with of course, hilarious results.
OK Jay, I'm ready and waiting for the next book!!
July 12, 2013
Another enjoyable adventure in the Madeline Island series. As usual Jay Gilbertson brings to life the quirky Eve and Ruby and their colorful friends. Since we have a place in Bayfield it's fun to hear him talk about the familiar places in and about the area. While this is a fun read the author also skillfully brings in some very deep issues such as teen pregnancy and adoption. I'll be ready to read the next adventure of this great group of friends and all around good folk!
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August 27, 2013-1 stars
I bought this audio book and within seconds I wanted to poke out my eardrums. The narrator was painful to listen to and strange story didn't help. I tried to stick with it for awhile and get into the story but the narrator made it impossible to concentrate and focus on the story. I had to stop listening and return it.
I bought this audio book and within seconds I wanted to poke out my eardrums. The narrator was painful to listen to and strange story didn't help. I tried to stick with it for awhile and get into the story but the narrator made it impossible to concentrate and focus on the story. I had to stop listening and return it.
Read
June 3, 2013I would love to live with Eve and Ruby! Click here for my full review.
June 19, 2013
Great fun book about wacky Wisconsin women.
March 3, 2020
This is my favorite "go to Happy book". I really hope Jay writes more of these, I've read all of them many times!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews