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Up-Island Harbor
With all the seaside charm and small-town heart that have made fans of Debbie Macomber and Elin Hilderbrand fall in love with her Martha’s Vineyard-set novels, Jean Stone transports readers to a picturesque side of the island rarely visited by tourists, as an archeology professor inherits a quaint cottage that will change her life forever…
She’s coming back to the home she didn’t know she had . . .
The quaint, historic fishing village of Menemsha is a side of Martha’s Vineyard that tourists don’t always see. Maddie Clarke’s late mother was born on the Vineyard, and Maddie hazily recalls childhood visits to her Grandma Nancy’s cottage above Menemsha Harbor. Now divorced with a teenage son, Maddie is awaiting news of a tenureship at her Massachusetts college when a letter arrives that could change everything . . .
It turns out Grandma Nancy didn’t die long ago, as Maddie believed. In fact, Nancy just passed away at 89—and left Maddie her gray-shingled cottage. Maddie intends her visit to Martha’s Vineyard to be a brief one, just long enough to settle the estate and sell the cottage. But on arriving in Menemsha, she finds far more than memories . . .
There are other family secrets waiting to be uncovered, and a Native American heritage Maddie knew nothing about. Most surprising of all, there is the glimmer of a very different future—a chance to connect with her people and find herself, and perhaps find love, on this beautiful, celebrated island . . .
She’s coming back to the home she didn’t know she had . . .
The quaint, historic fishing village of Menemsha is a side of Martha’s Vineyard that tourists don’t always see. Maddie Clarke’s late mother was born on the Vineyard, and Maddie hazily recalls childhood visits to her Grandma Nancy’s cottage above Menemsha Harbor. Now divorced with a teenage son, Maddie is awaiting news of a tenureship at her Massachusetts college when a letter arrives that could change everything . . .
It turns out Grandma Nancy didn’t die long ago, as Maddie believed. In fact, Nancy just passed away at 89—and left Maddie her gray-shingled cottage. Maddie intends her visit to Martha’s Vineyard to be a brief one, just long enough to settle the estate and sell the cottage. But on arriving in Menemsha, she finds far more than memories . . .
There are other family secrets waiting to be uncovered, and a Native American heritage Maddie knew nothing about. Most surprising of all, there is the glimmer of a very different future—a chance to connect with her people and find herself, and perhaps find love, on this beautiful, celebrated island . . .
336 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2024
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March 8, 2024
Up Island Harbor is an interesting book with a nice setting and likable characters. Maddie, a college professor, left her home in Green Hills to go to Martha's Vineyard after receiving a letter from an attorney stating that her grandmother has died leaving Maddie her estate, a grandmother she has not seen since her mother's death forty years ago. Her father, also a college professor, told her when she was ten years old that her grandmother had died. Confused, she left without telling him or her college age son know where she was going. Maddie's life is turned upside down as she discovers lies and secrets withheld from her, concerning her whole life, including her grandmother, her mother, and her heritage. Why would her father do that? This multilayered story unravels like layers of an onion as she meets and gets acquainted with locals and discovers things that she didn't know or remember, some of which come back to her. She has lots of decisions to make complicated by mishaps, including an obnoxious ex, and eventually has to include her family. I did not think that Maddie handled things well at times even considering all the shocks dealt her, but she did grow as the book progressed. There are surprises and revelations that complete the book in a satisfactory way and is a nice read with a great setting and island history with a touch of romance and a bit of mystery. I was happy to find out this will be a series.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
September 19, 2025
EXCERPT: Dear Ms. Clarke,
Perhaps by now you have learned that your grandmother, Nancy Clieg, age 89, unfortunately passed away on June 30th. She liked telling people that she lived a good, long, satisfying life, having stayed in the "same danged place" where she'd been "birthed".
Nancy was one of our island's beloved characters, and she will be missed. She hadn't wanted a full-blown funeral, but she did ask to have her ashes scattered off the beach at Menemsha Bight, the curve of blue water where the harbor meets the ocean. She often said that, framed as it was by the small mounds of sand dunes, the tall beach grass, and the long-standing rock jetty - all of which are watched over by the cottages up on the hill and by the reassuring presence of our Coast Guard station - the bight is, without a sailor's doubt, the most beautiful place on earth. . . .
Included with this letter please find a copy of your Grandmother's Last Will and Testament. As you will note, she has left her entire estate- her worldly belongings, her small crafts business, the cottage and two outbuildings, and her property - to you, the only child of her only child. All she asks is for you to scatter her ashes off the beach at Menemsha at sunset. And to remember that sje always loved you very much. . . .
ABOUT 'UP-ISLAND HARBOR': An archeology professor inherits a quaint cottage that will change her life forever…
She’s coming back to the home she didn’t know she had . . .
The quaint, historic fishing village of Menemsha is a side of Martha’s Vineyard that tourists don’t always see. Maddie Clarke’s late mother was born on the Vineyard, and Maddie hazily recalls childhood visits to her Grandma Nancy’s cottage above Menemsha Harbor. Now divorced with a teenage son, Maddie is awaiting news of a tenureship at her Massachusetts college when a letter arrives that could change everything . . .
It turns out Grandma Nancy didn’t die long ago, as Maddie believed. In fact, Nancy just passed away at 89—and left Maddie her gray-shingled cottage. Maddie intends her visit to Martha’s Vineyard to be a brief one, just long enough to settle the estate and sell the cottage. But on arriving in Menemsha, she finds far more than memories . . .
There are other family secrets waiting to be uncovered, and a Native American heritage Maddie knew nothing about. Most surprising of all, there is the glimmer of a very different future—a chance to connect with her people and find herself, and perhaps find love, on this beautiful, celebrated island . . .
MY THOUGHTS: I am glad that I didn't refresh my memory by revisiting the book blurb before I started reading because it gives far too much of the plot away and leaves only a little to be gained by reading the book.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. I love to read about unexpected inheritances and their consequences. And are there ever some unforeseen consequences here! I'm glad I still got to experience the element of surprise at most of the twists, turns and revelations.
I can't say I really related to Maddie as a character. She's a bit 'all over the place' - naive and yet suspicious of everyone's motives in trying to help or befriend her. But maybe she has learned to be like that with living in the city. I also wasn't convinced by her frequently resorting to her 'intuition'. It really didn't tie in with the rest of her personality.
I had never previously heard of the Wampanoag, so I enjoyed learning a little of their history.
I would have liked to have gotten to know more of Nancy's story and wonder how the book would have read if it had been narrated from her perspective rather than Maddie's. I guess I'll never know . . .
It all gets a little messy towards the end which dropped my rating from a solid 4 stars to
⭐⭐⭐.4
#UpIslandHarbor #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: JEAN STONE “How old were you when you decided to become a writer?”
I’m often asked that question, and I always hesitate. It sounds too glib to say “Forever,” even though it’s true. My first small article was published in Jack and Jill magazine when I was nine, so there’s a clue. Around that time, my sister and I started a newspaper we called The Neighborhood News. We wrote about who was going on vacation and whose cat was lost. I tried my hand at writing a few extremely short, short stories. We ran off pages on my uncle’s mimeograph machine, stapled four or five together, and sold them for 2¢ an issue.
I spend my days weaving tales of families, friends, and sometimes foes, who laugh and cry and love and deal with real-life issues—many of which are the types of things my friends and I have had to deal with over time. I love to watch my characters grow beyond their expectations, the way that (though we’ve often kicked and screamed about it) so many of us have learned to do.
My favorite stories are those that take place on Martha’s Vineyard—the magical island that I now call home.
It’s been an interesting journey. And best of all, like life, it continues. Because like all avid readers, I can’t wait to see what happens next. (Source: jeanstone.com - abridged)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Up-Island Harbor by Jean Stone to read for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Perhaps by now you have learned that your grandmother, Nancy Clieg, age 89, unfortunately passed away on June 30th. She liked telling people that she lived a good, long, satisfying life, having stayed in the "same danged place" where she'd been "birthed".
Nancy was one of our island's beloved characters, and she will be missed. She hadn't wanted a full-blown funeral, but she did ask to have her ashes scattered off the beach at Menemsha Bight, the curve of blue water where the harbor meets the ocean. She often said that, framed as it was by the small mounds of sand dunes, the tall beach grass, and the long-standing rock jetty - all of which are watched over by the cottages up on the hill and by the reassuring presence of our Coast Guard station - the bight is, without a sailor's doubt, the most beautiful place on earth. . . .
Included with this letter please find a copy of your Grandmother's Last Will and Testament. As you will note, she has left her entire estate- her worldly belongings, her small crafts business, the cottage and two outbuildings, and her property - to you, the only child of her only child. All she asks is for you to scatter her ashes off the beach at Menemsha at sunset. And to remember that sje always loved you very much. . . .
ABOUT 'UP-ISLAND HARBOR': An archeology professor inherits a quaint cottage that will change her life forever…
She’s coming back to the home she didn’t know she had . . .
The quaint, historic fishing village of Menemsha is a side of Martha’s Vineyard that tourists don’t always see. Maddie Clarke’s late mother was born on the Vineyard, and Maddie hazily recalls childhood visits to her Grandma Nancy’s cottage above Menemsha Harbor. Now divorced with a teenage son, Maddie is awaiting news of a tenureship at her Massachusetts college when a letter arrives that could change everything . . .
It turns out Grandma Nancy didn’t die long ago, as Maddie believed. In fact, Nancy just passed away at 89—and left Maddie her gray-shingled cottage. Maddie intends her visit to Martha’s Vineyard to be a brief one, just long enough to settle the estate and sell the cottage. But on arriving in Menemsha, she finds far more than memories . . .
There are other family secrets waiting to be uncovered, and a Native American heritage Maddie knew nothing about. Most surprising of all, there is the glimmer of a very different future—a chance to connect with her people and find herself, and perhaps find love, on this beautiful, celebrated island . . .
MY THOUGHTS: I am glad that I didn't refresh my memory by revisiting the book blurb before I started reading because it gives far too much of the plot away and leaves only a little to be gained by reading the book.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. I love to read about unexpected inheritances and their consequences. And are there ever some unforeseen consequences here! I'm glad I still got to experience the element of surprise at most of the twists, turns and revelations.
I can't say I really related to Maddie as a character. She's a bit 'all over the place' - naive and yet suspicious of everyone's motives in trying to help or befriend her. But maybe she has learned to be like that with living in the city. I also wasn't convinced by her frequently resorting to her 'intuition'. It really didn't tie in with the rest of her personality.
I had never previously heard of the Wampanoag, so I enjoyed learning a little of their history.
I would have liked to have gotten to know more of Nancy's story and wonder how the book would have read if it had been narrated from her perspective rather than Maddie's. I guess I'll never know . . .
It all gets a little messy towards the end which dropped my rating from a solid 4 stars to
⭐⭐⭐.4
#UpIslandHarbor #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: JEAN STONE “How old were you when you decided to become a writer?”
I’m often asked that question, and I always hesitate. It sounds too glib to say “Forever,” even though it’s true. My first small article was published in Jack and Jill magazine when I was nine, so there’s a clue. Around that time, my sister and I started a newspaper we called The Neighborhood News. We wrote about who was going on vacation and whose cat was lost. I tried my hand at writing a few extremely short, short stories. We ran off pages on my uncle’s mimeograph machine, stapled four or five together, and sold them for 2¢ an issue.
I spend my days weaving tales of families, friends, and sometimes foes, who laugh and cry and love and deal with real-life issues—many of which are the types of things my friends and I have had to deal with over time. I love to watch my characters grow beyond their expectations, the way that (though we’ve often kicked and screamed about it) so many of us have learned to do.
My favorite stories are those that take place on Martha’s Vineyard—the magical island that I now call home.
It’s been an interesting journey. And best of all, like life, it continues. Because like all avid readers, I can’t wait to see what happens next. (Source: jeanstone.com - abridged)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of Up-Island Harbor by Jean Stone to read for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
February 26, 2024
Review coming soon.
April 20, 2024
A heart felt story that happens on Martha's Vineyard; bringing a Grandmother and Granddaughter together after to many years apart.
Family secrets were revealed when Mattie learns that she is part Native American from the tribe that has always been on the island.
I want to thank Kensington Press for the book you sent me.
Family secrets were revealed when Mattie learns that she is part Native American from the tribe that has always been on the island.
I want to thank Kensington Press for the book you sent me.
November 25, 2023
I enjoy novels set on islands in both the Northwest and the Northeast. Up-Island Harbor focuses on Martha’s Vineyard with an emphasis on the island’s Native American heritage, which for me was the redeeming feature of the book.
Madelyn (Maddie) Clarke’s life takes a radical turn when she receives a letter from an attorney representing her maternal grandmother’s estate. Surprisingly, she learns that her grandmother died recently (not years ago as she had been told) and left her a cottage and other property. After traveling to the island with the intention of quickly disposing of the property and returning to her stable life in Western Massachusetts, Maddie uncovers long held secrets, unknown family members and a heritage that require her to rethink her priorities and life path.
I was disappointed in this book for several reasons. It started off very slowly with too many extraneous details and tedious conversations. About 30 percent in, the story picked up the pace with some elements of suspense. However, the plethora of characters were underdeveloped, including the protagonist who was paradoxically naïve and suspicious of people and events. Much of the drama was derived from Maddie’s overactive imagination and her “intuition.” Finally, the conclusion revealed multiple levels of deception that seemed too quickly forgiven and easily resolved.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
Madelyn (Maddie) Clarke’s life takes a radical turn when she receives a letter from an attorney representing her maternal grandmother’s estate. Surprisingly, she learns that her grandmother died recently (not years ago as she had been told) and left her a cottage and other property. After traveling to the island with the intention of quickly disposing of the property and returning to her stable life in Western Massachusetts, Maddie uncovers long held secrets, unknown family members and a heritage that require her to rethink her priorities and life path.
I was disappointed in this book for several reasons. It started off very slowly with too many extraneous details and tedious conversations. About 30 percent in, the story picked up the pace with some elements of suspense. However, the plethora of characters were underdeveloped, including the protagonist who was paradoxically naïve and suspicious of people and events. Much of the drama was derived from Maddie’s overactive imagination and her “intuition.” Finally, the conclusion revealed multiple levels of deception that seemed too quickly forgiven and easily resolved.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
December 15, 2023
I loved this book! Up-Island Harbor is a delightful and complex story of family, secrets, hurts and forgiveness, heritage, and new friendships. I loved the various characters (Maddie, Brandon, Rafe, Rex, and all the new friends Maddie was making), and the bit of mystery added an element of intrigue. I also enjoyed learning a bit about the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and the Wampanoag. Her books always have so much detail and so many layers! Having read Jean Stone’s previous series, Vineyard (not necessary to get the whole story here, but a good series for readers who enjoy this book), I enjoyed reconnecting with a few characters from those books. I’m very excited that this book is the start of a longer story and I look forward to the next book!
January 3, 2024
I found this novel really hard to get into, and I was unable to emotionally connect with the main character. I did enjoy the descriptions of Martha’s Vineyard, and the mystery of who was spying on Maddie and why. The beginning was really slow and cluttered with unnecessary details which made it hard for me to follow.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 25, 2024
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Maddie was surprised to receive a letter regarding her grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her when she was a kid. This book was a quick read.
March 4, 2024
Book Review: Up Island Harbor
Stars: 4 x 5
Author: Jean Stone
Publisher: Kensington
Thanks to @netgalley for the ARC
What a complex book of family, secrets, hurts and wants. It was a delight to read. Madeline Clark’s life is turned upside down when she receives a letter from a lawyer. Her grandma has recently passed away and has left her estate to Madelyne. Maddie travels to the Up Island Harbor on :Martha’s Vineyard to quickly sell the cottage but as Maddie’s settles in for a bit, her memories are returning. Maddie originally thought her grandma had been gone years ago but apparently that did happen. Maddie decides to stay and find out about her family and why she thought her grandma was already dead, As Maddie learns about her family past and present she also starts to learn more about herself and who she really is. I won’t go into detail as I don’t want to spoil anything. I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to more books about Maddie’s adventures on The Vineyard.
.
Stars: 4 x 5
Author: Jean Stone
Publisher: Kensington
Thanks to @netgalley for the ARC
What a complex book of family, secrets, hurts and wants. It was a delight to read. Madeline Clark’s life is turned upside down when she receives a letter from a lawyer. Her grandma has recently passed away and has left her estate to Madelyne. Maddie travels to the Up Island Harbor on :Martha’s Vineyard to quickly sell the cottage but as Maddie’s settles in for a bit, her memories are returning. Maddie originally thought her grandma had been gone years ago but apparently that did happen. Maddie decides to stay and find out about her family and why she thought her grandma was already dead, As Maddie learns about her family past and present she also starts to learn more about herself and who she really is. I won’t go into detail as I don’t want to spoil anything. I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to more books about Maddie’s adventures on The Vineyard.
.
February 6, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.
Maddie Clarke returns to Martha's Vineyard to accept the terms of her Grandmother Nancy's will. Althought Maddie hasn't been there since she was a child the memories she has are very clear. She left without telling anyone and she thinks her Grandmother was killed. In her mind she is accussing everyone.
There were some twists and turns and although I felt the story dragged on, I will be looking out for a sequel.
Maddie Clarke returns to Martha's Vineyard to accept the terms of her Grandmother Nancy's will. Althought Maddie hasn't been there since she was a child the memories she has are very clear. She left without telling anyone and she thinks her Grandmother was killed. In her mind she is accussing everyone.
There were some twists and turns and although I felt the story dragged on, I will be looking out for a sequel.
January 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I was lucky to be able to read an ARC of this book. Thank you Georgian Bay Books and Kensington Books. The plot kept me invested in the characters all the way through. Enjoyed the setting and the twists and turns. Don’t miss out on this one when it’s released on March 26th, 2024.
June 16, 2024
As a disclaimer, I won this in a goodreads giveaway.
Maddie's life has been filled with tragedy. She lost her mother at a young age to a tragic accident, lost her grandmother with no explanation, and her marriage ended in divorce. Now, as an adult, she receives a letter stating that her grandmother has been alive all these years...and has only just passed away. Determined to settle her grandmother's estate and figure out what happened...she uncovers the truth about who she really is.
This one was very hard for me to get into, and I had a hard time maintaining interest. The underlying premise is fascinating. Layers of lies and deception, slowly peeled away to bare the truth. But it all just seemed so unnecessary. Maddie is indigenous...but everyone in her life has hidden the fact and lied about it, as if it were a shameful thing. When she finds out, she freaks out like she had uncovered some heinous act in her past. Her son's reaction of fascination and joy seemed much more appropriate. Maddie over-reacts to everything...suspecting literally everyone of murdering her grandmother...from her ex husband to her grandmother's brother. This overreaction ends up with her in the hospital with a concussion and a broken foot.
There was a lot of extra details added that really slogged down the reading. If it had been kept a little more concise, I think I would have enjoyed it a little bit more. There's also something odd with the love interest. I read through it a couple of times...but either I'm mis-reading his possible relation to Maddie...or it is kind of an odd pairing. Either way, it felt odd to me. She definitely knows how to pick them!
Maddie's life has been filled with tragedy. She lost her mother at a young age to a tragic accident, lost her grandmother with no explanation, and her marriage ended in divorce. Now, as an adult, she receives a letter stating that her grandmother has been alive all these years...and has only just passed away. Determined to settle her grandmother's estate and figure out what happened...she uncovers the truth about who she really is.
This one was very hard for me to get into, and I had a hard time maintaining interest. The underlying premise is fascinating. Layers of lies and deception, slowly peeled away to bare the truth. But it all just seemed so unnecessary. Maddie is indigenous...but everyone in her life has hidden the fact and lied about it, as if it were a shameful thing. When she finds out, she freaks out like she had uncovered some heinous act in her past. Her son's reaction of fascination and joy seemed much more appropriate. Maddie over-reacts to everything...suspecting literally everyone of murdering her grandmother...from her ex husband to her grandmother's brother. This overreaction ends up with her in the hospital with a concussion and a broken foot.
There was a lot of extra details added that really slogged down the reading. If it had been kept a little more concise, I think I would have enjoyed it a little bit more. There's also something odd with the love interest. I read through it a couple of times...but either I'm mis-reading his possible relation to Maddie...or it is kind of an odd pairing. Either way, it felt odd to me. She definitely knows how to pick them!
March 16, 2024
Up-Island Harbor by Jean Stone
Starts with Maddie and she's going to Martha's Vineyard, where her grandmother lived. She lives with her son Rafe and her father in western MA.
When she arrives she meets neighbors who all knew her grandmother and some even knew her mother. Maddie recalls going there as a young girl and never understood why she never returned. Her father told her the grandmother had died. So she is quite taken aback when the letter from the lawyer informs her that Nancy just died Lisa, a neighbor tells her how she found her.
Love the discussion about the three sisters when it comes to planting as I've tried that method in my own garden. It's a New England kind of thing, I think.
Love the interjections about the local Indian tribe and all the shocking things she learns about it all. She becomes concerned when she breaks an ankle falling down a sand dune. then the fire. Love how she goes through the grandmothers items and what she treasures about them all. So many loose ends.
So many scary moments and the story wraps up at the end with so many pieces in the puzzle for you to finish solving the mysteries. Great story.
Received this review copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#UpIslandHarbor #NetGalley.
Starts with Maddie and she's going to Martha's Vineyard, where her grandmother lived. She lives with her son Rafe and her father in western MA.
When she arrives she meets neighbors who all knew her grandmother and some even knew her mother. Maddie recalls going there as a young girl and never understood why she never returned. Her father told her the grandmother had died. So she is quite taken aback when the letter from the lawyer informs her that Nancy just died Lisa, a neighbor tells her how she found her.
Love the discussion about the three sisters when it comes to planting as I've tried that method in my own garden. It's a New England kind of thing, I think.
Love the interjections about the local Indian tribe and all the shocking things she learns about it all. She becomes concerned when she breaks an ankle falling down a sand dune. then the fire. Love how she goes through the grandmothers items and what she treasures about them all. So many loose ends.
So many scary moments and the story wraps up at the end with so many pieces in the puzzle for you to finish solving the mysteries. Great story.
Received this review copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#UpIslandHarbor #NetGalley.
March 19, 2024
Up Island Harbor by Jean Stone is an escape to the idyllic island of Martha’s Vineyard! This is the 1st book in what appears to a series and I am looking forward to the next installment! I liked that the author sprinkled in characters from her previous Vineyard series, allowing readers to check in on how things have progressed. However, rest assured that this novel is stand alone and does not require any prior knowledge to fully understand the storyline and relationships between characters.
Set on Martha’s Vineyard, I loved being transported to the island when I can’t be there myself! I really enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the island - places, scenery, the food, the people. I’d love to know more about how the author researched Wampanoag culture for her work and hope that is included in the notes once the novel is released. The novel takes the reader on a journey through loss, love, and family, with many unexpected turn of events!
Stone’s writing style is similar to that of Nancy Thayer, who writes novels set on the neighboring island of Nantucket. If you are a Nancy Thayer fan, I would encourage you to give Jean Stone and the Vineyard a try!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC!
Set on Martha’s Vineyard, I loved being transported to the island when I can’t be there myself! I really enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the island - places, scenery, the food, the people. I’d love to know more about how the author researched Wampanoag culture for her work and hope that is included in the notes once the novel is released. The novel takes the reader on a journey through loss, love, and family, with many unexpected turn of events!
Stone’s writing style is similar to that of Nancy Thayer, who writes novels set on the neighboring island of Nantucket. If you are a Nancy Thayer fan, I would encourage you to give Jean Stone and the Vineyard a try!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC!
Want to read
March 13, 2024This book was a fun read.
Maddie received a letter from her maternal grandmother's attorney, letting her know that her grandmother had left her an inheritance, so Maddie goes to the island to attend to her grandmother's bequest. When Maddie realizes her grandmother just died, rather than having died decades ago, she doesn't know what to do about the lies her father told her after her mother died.
The story continues on with Maddie learning more about her heritage and meeting people who loved her grandmother. Her attitudes about the island vs. her possible tenure at the college where she teaches become blurry as she continues to wonder who she is. With a father wanting her to do one thing, an ex who is there but not wanted, and her beloved son who seems to be interested in his new heritage, Maggie has some issues to decide.
The ending was powerful, if a bit anticipated, and helped Maddie with her decision making.
I've read other books by Ms. Stone, and have enjoyed them too. They are wonderful for relaxing with the book, taking a day for yourself.
Maddie received a letter from her maternal grandmother's attorney, letting her know that her grandmother had left her an inheritance, so Maddie goes to the island to attend to her grandmother's bequest. When Maddie realizes her grandmother just died, rather than having died decades ago, she doesn't know what to do about the lies her father told her after her mother died.
The story continues on with Maddie learning more about her heritage and meeting people who loved her grandmother. Her attitudes about the island vs. her possible tenure at the college where she teaches become blurry as she continues to wonder who she is. With a father wanting her to do one thing, an ex who is there but not wanted, and her beloved son who seems to be interested in his new heritage, Maggie has some issues to decide.
The ending was powerful, if a bit anticipated, and helped Maddie with her decision making.
I've read other books by Ms. Stone, and have enjoyed them too. They are wonderful for relaxing with the book, taking a day for yourself.
March 30, 2024
College professor Maddie receives a letter. Telling her that the grandmother she thought died many years ago has recently died and she has inherited her home and properties. Obviously upset over the fact that the grandmother she thought had died, has been alive all of these years Maddie heads too Martha's Vineyard to meet with the lawyer handling this case. Maddie learns that she is 1/2 Native American and her intuition tells her she's being watched. But who would be doing that? Neighbors her ex, who? As Maddie continues to learn more about the past and her family history, she has even more questions. As her series of unfortunate mishaps (and somewhat unvelievable) continue
to keep her on the island for an extended period of time, she continues her quest for more answers. This is a story with a lot of twist and turns, some are fascinating, some are a little unbelievable, but in the end it makes a great story About family, about history, about new directions.
to keep her on the island for an extended period of time, she continues her quest for more answers. This is a story with a lot of twist and turns, some are fascinating, some are a little unbelievable, but in the end it makes a great story About family, about history, about new directions.
April 3, 2024
What an enchanting story of family and commitment. Having grown up on The Cape, I felt the author captured the essence of this vacation destination. The small town feel and neighbors respecting and helping each other came through in the pages. Evidenced by Maddie's numerous visits to the ER. The doctors and nurses got to know her. Her lawyer and his family welcomed she and her son and father with open arms. There's a bit of mystery and intrigue, so by with h the beginning of a relationship for Maddie. I'd live to see a follow up story for thus one as I hated to see it end!
Although I received a free ARC ebook from Net Galley and the publisher all thoughts and opinions are the honest truth.
Although I received a free ARC ebook from Net Galley and the publisher all thoughts and opinions are the honest truth.
April 15, 2025
Up-Island Harbor is the story of Maddie who inherits a cottage and land from her grandmother on Martha’s Vineyard. She travels there to meet with her grandmother’s attorney and to settle her estate. In the course of her stay she meets many people who knew her grandmother, including her half-brother. Maddie also discovers that she is a descendant of the Wampanoag tribe, who have lived for thousands of years on the island. The history of the tribe, woven into the novel, was one of the best things about Up-Island Harbor. As the novel progresses, Maddie learns of several other family secrets and has a couple of mishaps that land her in the hospital. There is another novel in the series, but I didn’t care for the main character enough to read it.
March 24, 2024
I've enjoyed Jean Stone's Martha's Vineyard-set books, so I was looking forward to Up-Island Harbor. The family story was interesting, though it went slowly and didn't really grab me. I also didn't love Maddie's character. It picked up more at the end, though it was a bit strange. There is a fair amount of discussion about the Wampanoag tribe and their history/culture/customs, and that was my favorite part of the book. Since first novels in a series can be slow as they introduce characters and backstory, I'll read the next book to see how that one lands for me. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington books for the advance digital copy!
April 4, 2024
The story writing was good and I enjoyed reading it but the twist toward the end of the book was not believable. It’s hard to imagine that being done to get someone’s attention.
There were parts of the book that dragged somewhat. The description of the island was well done. It was easy to picture what the author was describing. Maddie, the main character, was not my kind of person. I found her hard to connect with for many reasons. I wish more had been included about Joe. He was the character I liked the most.
This is book one of at least two books.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this new book.
There were parts of the book that dragged somewhat. The description of the island was well done. It was easy to picture what the author was describing. Maddie, the main character, was not my kind of person. I found her hard to connect with for many reasons. I wish more had been included about Joe. He was the character I liked the most.
This is book one of at least two books.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this new book.
July 8, 2024
I always enjoy Jean Stone's books set in New England. The quaint, historic fishing village of Menemsha is a side of Martha’s Vineyard that tourists don’t always see. Maddie Clarke’s late mother was born on the Vineyard, and Maddie hazily recalls childhood visits to her Grandma Nancy’s cottage above Menemsha Harbor. Maddie is going to visit the cottage and sell it so she can get back to her teaching job hopefully as a tenured professor. She discovers she like living in this small community. It pulls her as nothing ever has. A wonderful story that weaves in some history of the Cape Cod area and the Native Americans who settled there long ago.
August 21, 2025
My actual rating would be 3.5 --- I was between "liked it" and "really liked it". This was an enjoyable read, and friends have classified it as a good beach read. The mix of family drama, mystery, and a touch of romance were the right combination to keep the reader wanting to know the outcome of whether Maddie's memories of her time in the village of Menemsha in Martha's Vineyard will be enough for her to return to that life and leave her teaching career behind. Pulled back to the village after learning of her Grandma Nancy's death, she learns secrets of her grandma's life... which leads to unforeseen twists that complicate her decisions.
November 26, 2023
Up-Island Harbor is the first book I have read by Jean Stone. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of our heroine, Maddie, discovering her true lineage and heritage. She receives a letter stating her grandmother has recently died and Maddie is her sole heir. The problem, Maddie’s father told her she died when Maddie was ten years old. Maddie heads to Martha’s Vineyard, a place she hasn’t been for forty years to see her grandmother’s estate. I loved the history Maddie discovers about her mother’s family. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
April 3, 2024
An amazing, heartwarming and many layered story. The beautiful description of the island pulled me in and the mix of interesting characters kept me glued to the pages. There are secrets, lies, and mystery that Maddie has to unravel and then come to terms with. Truths are revealed and there was wonderful character growth through the book. This was a fun, intriguing and entertaining read with sweet romance. I really enjoyed it.
April 27, 2024
I enjoyed reading Up-Island Harbor. I would describe it as a pleasant, easy read. I liked the characters, it was easy to follow, and fun that it was set in Martha's Vineyard. I also enjoyed getting to know a little more about the Native American heritage on Martha's Vineyard.
I will be looking forward to reading the sequel to this book which is supposed to be on sale in the spring of 2025, "...in which Maddie opens a little bookshop on the harbor...."
I will be looking forward to reading the sequel to this book which is supposed to be on sale in the spring of 2025, "...in which Maddie opens a little bookshop on the harbor...."
May 15, 2024
Mattie receives a letter from an attorney stating that her grandmother who she believed had died years ago had recently passed away and left Mattie her estate. Mattie travels to Martha’s Vineyard to honor her grandmother and in the process family secrets are revealed that she must deal with. A story of family, love, reunification and romance. Many thanks to Goodreads for an opportunity to read this ARC. I enjoyed this novel so much that I just finished another one Jean Stone’s books.
March 2, 2024
When her grandmother passes away she leaves Mattie property on the island worth millions of dollars. I loved the setting of Martha's Vineyard but did not care for the protagonist which made it hard to get into this book. Thanks to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
April 16, 2024
Loved this book. I always enjoy a book that makes you feel like you are part of the setting and you miss it when you are done. I am looking forward to reading more books by Jean Stone. Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are on my bucket list. If I can't visit in person, I will visit through Jean Stone's books.
January 28, 2025
I loved this book overall. Quick summer read about ancestry and family. It was definitely a ‘feel good’ book. My only critique is that Maddie’s mother died when she was 5yo in some chapters and then 10yo in other chapters, like the author/ editor had changed in some places of the book but not all. Other than that it was a fun read!
December 8, 2023
I really liked the characters. I was quite impressed with Maddie’s son Rafe. I loved that he eagerly accepted his heritage. Nancy is funny. I liked that it had some mystery in it. It was a fabulous book.
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