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The Island Club
An unputdownable novel of loves lost and found, shocking secrets―and the power of female friendship.
1956: On idyllic Balboa Island, just off the California coast, life seems peaceful and welcoming. But when the lives of three women begin to unravel in shockingly different ways, an unlikely friendship―and the game of tennis―may be the only thing that can save them.
Milly Kinkaid's plan to fix her crumbling marriage seems to be falling apart before it even begins. She believed that moving her young family from Hollywood to Balboa Island might entice her increasingly distant husband to come home earlier after work. Instead, he's barely coming home at all.
Society matriarch Sylvia Johnson and her husband have been pillars of their community for decades, and have just recently begun a new business venture: The Island Club, a place for members to swim, play tennis and dine in style. But when she learns that he has been risking their financial security and putting their family's future in grave danger, she's not only poised to lose the club, but the entire community she holds dear.
Meanwhile, standoffish loner Adele Lambert's entire world is on the brink of being destroyed if the dark secrets of her past and her hidden identity is revealed. Twenty years ago, she ran from a shameful scandal and left behind the only thing she ever loved. Now, terrified that the anonymity she's spent decades guarding will be exposed, but desperate to stay afloat, she risks everything to return to the game that brought her to her knees all those years before.
Set against the sun-drenched beaches of Balboa Island, with its prim and proper 1950s facade, The Island Club is a story of love, loneliness and the lies we tell ourselves―and what can be gained when the truth is finally revealed.
1956: On idyllic Balboa Island, just off the California coast, life seems peaceful and welcoming. But when the lives of three women begin to unravel in shockingly different ways, an unlikely friendship―and the game of tennis―may be the only thing that can save them.
Milly Kinkaid's plan to fix her crumbling marriage seems to be falling apart before it even begins. She believed that moving her young family from Hollywood to Balboa Island might entice her increasingly distant husband to come home earlier after work. Instead, he's barely coming home at all.
Society matriarch Sylvia Johnson and her husband have been pillars of their community for decades, and have just recently begun a new business venture: The Island Club, a place for members to swim, play tennis and dine in style. But when she learns that he has been risking their financial security and putting their family's future in grave danger, she's not only poised to lose the club, but the entire community she holds dear.
Meanwhile, standoffish loner Adele Lambert's entire world is on the brink of being destroyed if the dark secrets of her past and her hidden identity is revealed. Twenty years ago, she ran from a shameful scandal and left behind the only thing she ever loved. Now, terrified that the anonymity she's spent decades guarding will be exposed, but desperate to stay afloat, she risks everything to return to the game that brought her to her knees all those years before.
Set against the sun-drenched beaches of Balboa Island, with its prim and proper 1950s facade, The Island Club is a story of love, loneliness and the lies we tell ourselves―and what can be gained when the truth is finally revealed.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2026
About the author
Nicola Harrison
4 books630 followersHi, Thanks for stopping by to visit. I'm the author of four works of historical fiction, THE ISLAND CLUB, (April, 2026) HOTEL LAGUNA, MONTAUK and THE SHOW GIRL. I'm originally from Hampshire, England, and moved to California when I was 14. I studied Literature at UCLA and received an MFA in creative writing at Stony Brook University. Soon after college I moved to NYC and worked in magazine publishing. I was the fashion and style staff writer for Forbes and had a weekly column at Lucky Magazine. I spent many summers in Montauk, which inspired my first novel, but after 17 years in the Big Apple I recently moved back to California and have settled in Manhattan Beach with my husband, two sons and a high maintenance chihuahua named Lily. When I'm not writing I love to play tennis, read at the beach and get outside with my boys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 763 reviews
June 1, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
∘°∘♡∘°∘ It's the year 1956 off the California coast on Balboa Island, where three women’s lives change forever. Milly Kinkaid moved her family to the idyllic place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, which is constantly distracting her always-working husband, but her plan to repair her marriage isn't working. Sylvia Johnson and her husband have opened a new place, The Island Club, where members can swim and play tennis to their hearts' content, further cementing their role in the community as they have for decades. But when she finds out that her husband has put their family in grave financial danger, Sylvia scrambles to find a solution to save her family and the club, but their position in the community. And then there's Adele Lambert–the recluse of Balboa Island, whose greater fear is being recognized after a scandal she was a part of twenty years ago. But is she willing to risk her loner lifestyle by allowing two tennis enthusiasts to draw her back to playing the game she loves, but that also ruined her?
━◦○◦━◦○◦━
∘°∘♡∘°∘ Well, this ended up being fun! And not for the reasons I expected. 😅
This was an impulse download. If I see a “Read Now” button under a book that has a pretty cover and an interesting premise, I click it. It’s as simple as that. But I’ve done it way too many times now that I am overwhelmed with arcs that I needed to read a while ago, but have been too lazy to read. And this was one of those arcs. 😬
At first, I was a bit apprehensive about this book because even though I love the ‘50s era, I also really dislike it. The misogyny was disgusting, and I hated the way people cared about their reputations or how people would view them, and tried to save face at the expense of themselves or their loved ones. I mean, yeah, we should at least somewhat care about what people think of us so we don’t look like imbeciles (and the bad kind of dumb–not the funny or quirky kind) in public, but to the extent of centering your whole life around people’s opinions? Nah, I’m good. Thanks, though. But once I started reading, I was invested in the lives of our three protagonists: Milly, Sylvia, and Adele.
Gosh, I wish there were more of a friendship dynamic between them. They were hardly all together in the first half of the book, and we didn’t get a sense of unity and camaraderie until later on in the story. I wanted more. They were so fun together, and it was a real shame that it took so long for them to actually be good friends. I could blame it on the fact that Adele was so closed off and didn’t want any friends, but, even then, she could have tolerated them as they, especially Milly, tried to befriend her. But, oh well. I’m happy with what I got. 😌
I’m not gonna lie, I was close to DNF’ing this because I was kinda bored, but then the tables turned, and I literally stayed up till 4 in the morning to see what was going to happen. Look, what I am about to say is not only kinda a spoiler, but it hurts me because I do not tolerate this at all, and I have had bad experiences with this, but there is cheating in this story…and I was rooting for it.
Okay, look. In my defense, I wasn’t rooting for this particular character to sleep with this person...but I wasn’t mad about it either. Oh gosh, it sounds so bad, and I’m so sorry because I never, ever, ever condone cheating at all, and I wish it hadn’t happened in the story, but I get it. And when everything comes to light, it all makes sense. Heck, I didn’t see it coming, and I bet my face was comical because I was legitimately shocked. I literally made this face. 👇🏼
I’m sure I’m the only one who was caught off guard because I’m not the brightest crayon in the box, but I like to be surprised, so it’s a win for me.
I also enjoyed the parts about tennis. Did I understand a word about it? No, but it was fun, nonetheless. I’ve always admired athletes and enjoy watching sports for the most part, so I didn’t find the tennis aspect of the story to be boring.
Overall, this book was fun, and I’m happy I read it. 🩷
○ Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ○
❗Content Warnings❗
Infidelity, blood, & misogyny.
Swearing: A little, I think.
Spice: Open-door/steamy. (🌶🌶🌶/5)
∘°∘♡∘°∘ It's the year 1956 off the California coast on Balboa Island, where three women’s lives change forever. Milly Kinkaid moved her family to the idyllic place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, which is constantly distracting her always-working husband, but her plan to repair her marriage isn't working. Sylvia Johnson and her husband have opened a new place, The Island Club, where members can swim and play tennis to their hearts' content, further cementing their role in the community as they have for decades. But when she finds out that her husband has put their family in grave financial danger, Sylvia scrambles to find a solution to save her family and the club, but their position in the community. And then there's Adele Lambert–the recluse of Balboa Island, whose greater fear is being recognized after a scandal she was a part of twenty years ago. But is she willing to risk her loner lifestyle by allowing two tennis enthusiasts to draw her back to playing the game she loves, but that also ruined her?
━◦○◦━◦○◦━
∘°∘♡∘°∘ Well, this ended up being fun! And not for the reasons I expected. 😅
This was an impulse download. If I see a “Read Now” button under a book that has a pretty cover and an interesting premise, I click it. It’s as simple as that. But I’ve done it way too many times now that I am overwhelmed with arcs that I needed to read a while ago, but have been too lazy to read. And this was one of those arcs. 😬
At first, I was a bit apprehensive about this book because even though I love the ‘50s era, I also really dislike it. The misogyny was disgusting, and I hated the way people cared about their reputations or how people would view them, and tried to save face at the expense of themselves or their loved ones. I mean, yeah, we should at least somewhat care about what people think of us so we don’t look like imbeciles (and the bad kind of dumb–not the funny or quirky kind) in public, but to the extent of centering your whole life around people’s opinions? Nah, I’m good. Thanks, though. But once I started reading, I was invested in the lives of our three protagonists: Milly, Sylvia, and Adele.
Gosh, I wish there were more of a friendship dynamic between them. They were hardly all together in the first half of the book, and we didn’t get a sense of unity and camaraderie until later on in the story. I wanted more. They were so fun together, and it was a real shame that it took so long for them to actually be good friends. I could blame it on the fact that Adele was so closed off and didn’t want any friends, but, even then, she could have tolerated them as they, especially Milly, tried to befriend her. But, oh well. I’m happy with what I got. 😌
I’m not gonna lie, I was close to DNF’ing this because I was kinda bored, but then the tables turned, and I literally stayed up till 4 in the morning to see what was going to happen. Look, what I am about to say is not only kinda a spoiler, but it hurts me because I do not tolerate this at all, and I have had bad experiences with this, but there is cheating in this story…and I was rooting for it.
Okay, look. In my defense, I wasn’t rooting for this particular character to sleep with this person...but I wasn’t mad about it either. Oh gosh, it sounds so bad, and I’m so sorry because I never, ever, ever condone cheating at all, and I wish it hadn’t happened in the story, but I get it. And when everything comes to light, it all makes sense. Heck, I didn’t see it coming, and I bet my face was comical because I was legitimately shocked. I literally made this face. 👇🏼
I’m sure I’m the only one who was caught off guard because I’m not the brightest crayon in the box, but I like to be surprised, so it’s a win for me.
I also enjoyed the parts about tennis. Did I understand a word about it? No, but it was fun, nonetheless. I’ve always admired athletes and enjoy watching sports for the most part, so I didn’t find the tennis aspect of the story to be boring.
Overall, this book was fun, and I’m happy I read it. 🩷
○ Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ○
❗Content Warnings❗
Infidelity, blood, & misogyny.
Swearing: A little, I think.
Spice: Open-door/steamy. (🌶🌶🌶/5)
June 9, 2026
Balboa island is the perfect summer setting. 1956 and 3 women’s lives have crossed only by proximity on Balboa Island, but the friendship they forge is life changing and affirming. Millie, Sylvia, and Adele are women in crisis with only a thread in common. At a glance it’s impossible to tell what that thread is because they all throw up walls around themselves. This book is a delight to read. Each woman has a story and learning about them and how they work together to resolve their hardships is what makes this special.
It’s a nod to the power of friendship and being vulnerable. The ending left me satisfied and ready to read another book by Nicola Harrison, a new author to me.
It’s a nod to the power of friendship and being vulnerable. The ending left me satisfied and ready to read another book by Nicola Harrison, a new author to me.
May 12, 2026
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
The Island Club by Nicola Harrison
NOW AVALIABLE
Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book, the setting imminently pulled me in, the vibes and plot, I mean messy marriages, three friends and the fact that the genre is women's fiction checks my boxes so I was very eager to read this, however it did fall short in certain places I would've liked to connect emotionally, for example it advertises strong friendships but the friendship didn't deliver the way I expected it to or wanted to, usually books with the friendship element just click with me but with this one it took a good chunk of the read to actually love the friendship group, however in certain parts I enjoyed them so much especially when everything started to unfold. I would definitely recommend to anyone who's looking for a summer read and nostalgic settings
Plot Summary
Set in 1950s Balboa Island, three women facing very different personal struggles find their lives unexpectedly intertwined through friendship and tennis. Milly is trying to save her failing marriage, Sylvia fears losing everything her family has built, and Adele is desperate to keep the secrets of her past buried. As their lives begin to unravel, the women must rely on one another to survive the pressures, scandals, and sacrifices threatening to change their futures forever.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ALC
My Bookstagram
The Island Club by Nicola Harrison
NOW AVALIABLE
Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book, the setting imminently pulled me in, the vibes and plot, I mean messy marriages, three friends and the fact that the genre is women's fiction checks my boxes so I was very eager to read this, however it did fall short in certain places I would've liked to connect emotionally, for example it advertises strong friendships but the friendship didn't deliver the way I expected it to or wanted to, usually books with the friendship element just click with me but with this one it took a good chunk of the read to actually love the friendship group, however in certain parts I enjoyed them so much especially when everything started to unfold. I would definitely recommend to anyone who's looking for a summer read and nostalgic settings
Plot Summary
Set in 1950s Balboa Island, three women facing very different personal struggles find their lives unexpectedly intertwined through friendship and tennis. Milly is trying to save her failing marriage, Sylvia fears losing everything her family has built, and Adele is desperate to keep the secrets of her past buried. As their lives begin to unravel, the women must rely on one another to survive the pressures, scandals, and sacrifices threatening to change their futures forever.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ALC
My Bookstagram
May 2, 2026
I really enjoyed the nostalgic 1950's setting and the way the author explored the lives of three women behind their polished exteriors. Sylvia and Milly's stories stood out the most and felt the most engaging. However, the friendship at the center didnt feel strong, and some plotlines had great potential but weren't fully developed. While the pacing was uneven and a few moments felt rushed or drawn out, it was still an entertaining read full of atmosphere, drama, and complex characters.
December 5, 2025
For fans of Elin Hildenbrand, Mary Kay Andrews, and Nancy Thayer. It’s 1956 historical fiction of three women whose lives intersect on Balboa Island in Southern California, at the tennis courts of The Island Club.
Milly, the young mother of 2, feels abandoned by her husband because he always works in Hollywood so late. She was hoping that he would spend more time with the family when they moved out to Balboa, but it seems to have made things worse. The best way for her to fit in is to join the island club and learn to play tennis.
Sylvia has a lot to live up to as one of the islands, richest families and owners of the island Club. But her husband has a dark secret that she is trying to overcome and keep the family together.
Adele is making some extra money as a tennis coach. Once one of the best tennis players in the world, she is now hiding from it with a changed name.
A female centered novel, this is nostalgic for the time period, while still showing the downsides. The book reminds the reader about wistfully looking back, and makes us remember that the idealized past never existed. The men in the book aren’t monsters, they are just as much victims of the patriarchal system that shackles them into the roles they are supposed to play.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read, spending time in character building and engaging me completely in the setting. It was a great escape and rang true to the mid-twentieth century. I loved the characters, particularly Milly, as time went on we felt more connected to their stories. The character arcs are wholesome while being satisfying, and I found the ending to be quite heartwarming. I wish I had friends like Sylvia, Milly and Adele!
Thanks to St Martin’s Press for the ARC. Book to be published April 2026.
#smpearlyreaders
Milly, the young mother of 2, feels abandoned by her husband because he always works in Hollywood so late. She was hoping that he would spend more time with the family when they moved out to Balboa, but it seems to have made things worse. The best way for her to fit in is to join the island club and learn to play tennis.
Sylvia has a lot to live up to as one of the islands, richest families and owners of the island Club. But her husband has a dark secret that she is trying to overcome and keep the family together.
Adele is making some extra money as a tennis coach. Once one of the best tennis players in the world, she is now hiding from it with a changed name.
A female centered novel, this is nostalgic for the time period, while still showing the downsides. The book reminds the reader about wistfully looking back, and makes us remember that the idealized past never existed. The men in the book aren’t monsters, they are just as much victims of the patriarchal system that shackles them into the roles they are supposed to play.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read, spending time in character building and engaging me completely in the setting. It was a great escape and rang true to the mid-twentieth century. I loved the characters, particularly Milly, as time went on we felt more connected to their stories. The character arcs are wholesome while being satisfying, and I found the ending to be quite heartwarming. I wish I had friends like Sylvia, Milly and Adele!
Thanks to St Martin’s Press for the ARC. Book to be published April 2026.
#smpearlyreaders
May 10, 2026
"An unputdownable novel of loves lost and found, shocking secrets―and the power of female friendship."
When Milly and her family move to Balboa Island, she has high hopes of spending more time with her husband and getting involved in the community.
Her neighbor Sylvia, is a social butterfly and invites there family over for dinner. In 1956, with family values and white picket fences, everything seems as bright as the sun-drenched California beaches where they live. But appearances can be deceiving. Everyone is keeping secrets to keep up appearances.
I loved this story about friendship, marriage, trust and its sustaining and transformative power. The portrayal of tennis is fabulous. I love a summer read set on the West Coast! Highly recommend.
When Milly and her family move to Balboa Island, she has high hopes of spending more time with her husband and getting involved in the community.
Her neighbor Sylvia, is a social butterfly and invites there family over for dinner. In 1956, with family values and white picket fences, everything seems as bright as the sun-drenched California beaches where they live. But appearances can be deceiving. Everyone is keeping secrets to keep up appearances.
I loved this story about friendship, marriage, trust and its sustaining and transformative power. The portrayal of tennis is fabulous. I love a summer read set on the West Coast! Highly recommend.
June 12, 2025
at first I wasn’t sure if I would care about the characters, but they won me over. a poignant story of misogyny in the 1950s that lets you walk alongside women who defy the norms <3
April 30, 2026
This book transported me to one of my favorite time periods, mid 20th century.
It's about women empowerment and full of women supporting women in the very best way. That time period was all about living up to expectations and putting on airs to hide dirty laundry.
I highly recommend this one for anyone who loves girl power with a side of scandal and some tennis 🎾
It's about women empowerment and full of women supporting women in the very best way. That time period was all about living up to expectations and putting on airs to hide dirty laundry.
I highly recommend this one for anyone who loves girl power with a side of scandal and some tennis 🎾
June 6, 2026
Nicola Harrison writes the most accessible historical fiction novels I have ever read. I wait patiently for their summer release, knowing how singable they are. The Island Club is no different. I was endlessly curious about these characters, who was up to what off-page, who was trustworthy and who wasn't, and how things would be resolved.
Even more than the characters, I appreciate Harrison's ability to create the most lush, tropical atmosphere. I always feel like I am right there, back in time, in the same balmy heat as her characters, and that is what I love most. While most think of thrillers or romance as the perfect summer beach read, I think of Harrison's historical fiction and the juicy drama she fills them with. And they are always perfect on audio; the epitome of the easy listen.
Thank you St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies.
Even more than the characters, I appreciate Harrison's ability to create the most lush, tropical atmosphere. I always feel like I am right there, back in time, in the same balmy heat as her characters, and that is what I love most. While most think of thrillers or romance as the perfect summer beach read, I think of Harrison's historical fiction and the juicy drama she fills them with. And they are always perfect on audio; the epitome of the easy listen.
Thank you St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies.
April 28, 2026
Have we been sold a fairytale of flawlessness? Are we unwilling to look for the beauty and meaning in anything less than perfection? Do the three women see that the chaos, confusion, and struggles of Balboa Island life aren’t signs of failure, but signs of life? You’ll have to read to find out!
Two things are a given: (1) life in paradise isn’t any easier than life anywhere else. Just different. (2) Life on the court in the 1950s wasn’t any less stressful than it is today. Just different.
Milly, Sylvia, and Adele are diverse in their personalities and temperaments, but they discover that they share more similarities than just a love of tennis. You’ll love the sisterhood, the bonding moments, and the secrets. You may even shake your head! Perhaps you’ll be left thinking like I did, thankful for reminders that the error isn’t in my life but in my expectations and that I wasn’t built for perfection but for experience.
I love that this was inspired by French tennis champion Suzanne Lenglen. I was reaching out to Google her as soon as the narrative was finished!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Two things are a given: (1) life in paradise isn’t any easier than life anywhere else. Just different. (2) Life on the court in the 1950s wasn’t any less stressful than it is today. Just different.
Milly, Sylvia, and Adele are diverse in their personalities and temperaments, but they discover that they share more similarities than just a love of tennis. You’ll love the sisterhood, the bonding moments, and the secrets. You may even shake your head! Perhaps you’ll be left thinking like I did, thankful for reminders that the error isn’t in my life but in my expectations and that I wasn’t built for perfection but for experience.
I love that this was inspired by French tennis champion Suzanne Lenglen. I was reaching out to Google her as soon as the narrative was finished!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 19, 2025
The Island Club
By: Nicola Harrison
Three women living on the California cost in 1956 bond over tennis. Each one is dealing with secrets. If you can’t tell secrets to your friends and your life is a facade, things can get entangled in a web of lies.
Harrison is a auto-by for me. Her books always have me engaged throughout the entire plot and this one does as well.
The saying the grass is always greener or at least looks that way fits this story.
By: Nicola Harrison
Three women living on the California cost in 1956 bond over tennis. Each one is dealing with secrets. If you can’t tell secrets to your friends and your life is a facade, things can get entangled in a web of lies.
Harrison is a auto-by for me. Her books always have me engaged throughout the entire plot and this one does as well.
The saying the grass is always greener or at least looks that way fits this story.
May 6, 2026
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Ah, this was such a great April/May read. I love books that elevate any characters making hard decisions to free themselves from lies. These three women reminded me of the characters in The Book Club for Troublesome Women. Filled with spectacular writing and three-dimensional characters, this book was just what I needed.
Told from the perspective of three women, The Island Club is set in 1956 on Balboa Island, California.
Milly Kincaid just moved to the island, hoping to fix her crumbling marriage. Her husband works in film and is never home, and when he says he's getting an apartment to be closer to work, Milly begins to question his intentions and loyalty.
Sylvia Johnson and her husband have been pillars of Balboa Island for years. Recently, opening The Island Club for business, they hope to improve their financial stability. Her husband has been risking their financial security for years.
Introvert, Adele Lambert, is hiding something from her past. Twenty years ago, she ran from a scandal and the only thing she's ever loved. And she will risk everything to return to the game that gave her so much life.
Can the newfound friendship of these three women give them the courage to face the truth, love, and loneliness they carry?
Listening to the audiobook to supplement my Kindle edition was such a great experience. Raven Wildewood captured the essence of these three women with authenticity, distinction, and grace. Her delivery was not overdone or indulgent. It was compelling and drew me into the world of the story.
These characters are friendship goals. Unlikely, but loyal. Honest, but protective. When I read books like this, I'm a better person after the final page. I'm more inclined to show grace to my own friends and fight alongside them in the trenches of their lives. I applaud this kind of writing and mode of storytelling. It's beautiful.
Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, Nicola Harrison, and Raven Wildewood for this excellent audio and eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Told from the perspective of three women, The Island Club is set in 1956 on Balboa Island, California.
Milly Kincaid just moved to the island, hoping to fix her crumbling marriage. Her husband works in film and is never home, and when he says he's getting an apartment to be closer to work, Milly begins to question his intentions and loyalty.
Sylvia Johnson and her husband have been pillars of Balboa Island for years. Recently, opening The Island Club for business, they hope to improve their financial stability. Her husband has been risking their financial security for years.
Introvert, Adele Lambert, is hiding something from her past. Twenty years ago, she ran from a scandal and the only thing she's ever loved. And she will risk everything to return to the game that gave her so much life.
Can the newfound friendship of these three women give them the courage to face the truth, love, and loneliness they carry?
Listening to the audiobook to supplement my Kindle edition was such a great experience. Raven Wildewood captured the essence of these three women with authenticity, distinction, and grace. Her delivery was not overdone or indulgent. It was compelling and drew me into the world of the story.
These characters are friendship goals. Unlikely, but loyal. Honest, but protective. When I read books like this, I'm a better person after the final page. I'm more inclined to show grace to my own friends and fight alongside them in the trenches of their lives. I applaud this kind of writing and mode of storytelling. It's beautiful.
Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, Nicola Harrison, and Raven Wildewood for this excellent audio and eARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 9, 2026
Okay I was listening to this while running errands today but this is a really good book! I am pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. I like the setting in 1950’s California & I really liked all of the characters & even their side stories! This was a super quick read & one I would definitely recommend for the summer!
May 8, 2026
I was excited to read this one. I've enjoyed Nicola's books in the past. This was an enjoyable book about the bonds of friendship between three women. Taking place on the sun drenched islands of Balboa Island during the 50’s, the vivid scenery descriptions made it so easy to picture this beautiful place. Milly, Adele, and Silvia characters were all unique and unlike each other, but they all connect over their love of tennis. I love this time period, and it was easy to escape into this story. Such a fantastic book, and if you have loved Elin Hilderbrand books, then I think you'll enjoy this one too. I sure did!
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
April 20, 2026
The Island Club by Nicola Harrison is a historical fiction novel that takes place on Balboa Island, an idyllic island in Southern California, in the 1950’s. The story features three vastly different women, Sylvia, Milly, and Adele, who are each hiding a secret. The women, who are neighbors on the island, eventually form a bond by sharing their hidden struggles. The game of tennis at the club also serves as a catalyst for their friendship.
I’ve been looking forward to reading this book knowing the setting holds personal nostalgia. I grew up nearby and have many fond memories of riding my bike to the island with friends to shop, eat, or ride the ferry to the beach. The story highlights the severe limitations on women during this time, particularly the social constraints and lack of decision-making power. I enjoyed the focus on female friendships and particularly enjoyed Milly’s storyline, as she attempts to make a life for herself and her children, without the help of her husband. Although the ending requires some suspension of disbelief, and I thought the women were a bit too quick to forgive, I appreciated how they were able to take control of their futures despite the complications caused by the men around them. 3.5/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been looking forward to reading this book knowing the setting holds personal nostalgia. I grew up nearby and have many fond memories of riding my bike to the island with friends to shop, eat, or ride the ferry to the beach. The story highlights the severe limitations on women during this time, particularly the social constraints and lack of decision-making power. I enjoyed the focus on female friendships and particularly enjoyed Milly’s storyline, as she attempts to make a life for herself and her children, without the help of her husband. Although the ending requires some suspension of disbelief, and I thought the women were a bit too quick to forgive, I appreciated how they were able to take control of their futures despite the complications caused by the men around them. 3.5/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 4, 2026
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy
This story pulled me right into sunny Balboa Island in the 1950s where everything looks perfect on the surface but so much is happening underneath. The novel follows three very different women whose lives are quietly falling apart. Milly is trying to save her marriage. Sylvia is struggling to hold together the club and the life she built. Adele is hiding secrets from a past she hopes never comes back.
What I loved most was how their friendship slowly forms through their shared struggles and their connection through tennis. Each woman is dealing with loneliness and difficult choices, yet together they begin to find strength and courage they did not know they had.
The setting feels bright and coastal but the story also explores deeper themes about expectations, identity, and the power of honest friendship. I really enjoyed watching these women grow and support each other when everything around them felt uncertain.
If you enjoy stories about complicated friendships, secrets from the past, and strong women finding their way, this is a great book to add to your summer reading list.
This story pulled me right into sunny Balboa Island in the 1950s where everything looks perfect on the surface but so much is happening underneath. The novel follows three very different women whose lives are quietly falling apart. Milly is trying to save her marriage. Sylvia is struggling to hold together the club and the life she built. Adele is hiding secrets from a past she hopes never comes back.
What I loved most was how their friendship slowly forms through their shared struggles and their connection through tennis. Each woman is dealing with loneliness and difficult choices, yet together they begin to find strength and courage they did not know they had.
The setting feels bright and coastal but the story also explores deeper themes about expectations, identity, and the power of honest friendship. I really enjoyed watching these women grow and support each other when everything around them felt uncertain.
If you enjoy stories about complicated friendships, secrets from the past, and strong women finding their way, this is a great book to add to your summer reading list.
May 15, 2026
It's 1956 on Balboa Island, a small island off the California Coast. Three very different women come together over the summer, and their lives are forever changed. First, there's Milly, a young mother who has moved with her family from Hollywood to avoid the hustle and bustle of the workaholic crowd. She hopes that by living here, her husband will want to unwind more, spend more time with his family, and stop working late nights. However, he seems to have gotten worse. Then there's Sylvia, a pillar of the community and the owner of Balboa's exclusive The Island Club. This private club is where residents can swim, play tennis, and dine after paying the hefty fee to get in. All is well and good until Sylvia realizes her husband got them into a financial disaster. Lastly, there's Adele, who keeps to herself. No one really knows her backstory, but she has come to the island to hide from secrets that have plagued her for years. Her great love was tennis, and she finds herself being drawn back to the game, especially as the other women take an interest in it at The Island Club, but she is worried people will find out about her past. Nicola Harrison's The Island Club is an easy summer read with a great historical setting; the tennis subplot keeps readers entertained, and all the mellow drama that ensues on this island kept me flipping the pages. Ultimately, I was rooting for the women to find their way, and I liked how they challenged society's expectations.
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
August 25, 2025
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Publisher: St. Martin’s Publishing Group
Pub. Date: April 28, 2026
Martie's rating: 2 1/2 stars
“The Island Club is set in the 1950s, where three women’s lives are intertwined on glamorous Balboa Island, off Southern California. We meet Milly, Sylvia, and Adele, who are each facing their own personal struggles. Through their shared love of tennis, they develop a strong and unexpected friendship that becomes the heart of the story, highlighting the power of female friendship. “Club” is a sunny, juicy, escapist read. I usually enjoy a beach read; however, this one was too predictable for me. I am not usually a fan of women’s fiction, meaning others may enjoy the novel more than I did.
Publisher: St. Martin’s Publishing Group
Pub. Date: April 28, 2026
Martie's rating: 2 1/2 stars
“The Island Club is set in the 1950s, where three women’s lives are intertwined on glamorous Balboa Island, off Southern California. We meet Milly, Sylvia, and Adele, who are each facing their own personal struggles. Through their shared love of tennis, they develop a strong and unexpected friendship that becomes the heart of the story, highlighting the power of female friendship. “Club” is a sunny, juicy, escapist read. I usually enjoy a beach read; however, this one was too predictable for me. I am not usually a fan of women’s fiction, meaning others may enjoy the novel more than I did.
May 3, 2026
The Island Club by Nicola Harrison is my 2nd book I’ve read by her. I absolutely loved Hotel Laguna back in 2023. Another historical fiction that grabbed me from the first page. It’s 1956, one of my fave eras, and 3 neighbors become friends and yet all have secrets to reveal. Lots and lots of secrets. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
May 16, 2026
4.25 stars. Set in the 1950’s on Balboa Island, California, this was such an engaging and heartfelt tale of unexpected friendships brought together by marriage, money and secrets. It’s the perfect summer feel-good story about how women lift each other up when they need it most. I really enjoyed this one! 🎧
April 22, 2026
This novel completely swept me away from the very first page. Set against the sun-soaked charm of 1950s Balboa Island, The Island Club delivers far more than just a picturesque setting—it’s a deeply layered story about love, loss, secrets, and the quiet strength found in female friendship.
Each of the three women—Milly, Sylvia, and Adele—brings something unique and compelling to the story. Milly’s unraveling marriage feels heartbreakingly real, Sylvia’s struggle to hold her carefully built life together is both tense and emotional, and Adele’s mysterious past adds a gripping layer of intrigue that keeps the pages turning. Their lives intersect in ways that feel natural yet powerful, and watching their unlikely bond form through shared struggles is incredibly moving.
What truly makes this book shine is how it balances drama with heart. The stakes feel high, the secrets are genuinely shocking, and yet at its core, it’s a story about resilience and the healing power of connection. The backdrop of tennis and the Island Club adds a unique and refreshing element that ties everything together beautifully.
This is one of those rare books that’s both unputdownable and meaningful—a story that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for readers who love historical fiction with strong women, emotional depth, and a touch of mystery.
Each of the three women—Milly, Sylvia, and Adele—brings something unique and compelling to the story. Milly’s unraveling marriage feels heartbreakingly real, Sylvia’s struggle to hold her carefully built life together is both tense and emotional, and Adele’s mysterious past adds a gripping layer of intrigue that keeps the pages turning. Their lives intersect in ways that feel natural yet powerful, and watching their unlikely bond form through shared struggles is incredibly moving.
What truly makes this book shine is how it balances drama with heart. The stakes feel high, the secrets are genuinely shocking, and yet at its core, it’s a story about resilience and the healing power of connection. The backdrop of tennis and the Island Club adds a unique and refreshing element that ties everything together beautifully.
This is one of those rare books that’s both unputdownable and meaningful—a story that lingers long after the final page. Perfect for readers who love historical fiction with strong women, emotional depth, and a touch of mystery.
April 28, 2026
I loved this book. I often crave an escape to another era, and this 1950s setting was perfect. It follows three women struggling to keep their polished lives from unraveling. Eventually, they realize that opening up to one another is their only way out.
September 9, 2025
The Island Club was a quick, engaging read and the perfect choice for a summer beach bag. As an East Coast girl who’s spent very little time out West (and none on the California coast), I loved how Harrison transported me right to Balboa Island. Her descriptions painted a portrait of a sunny, polished utopia, while peeling back the layers to reveal the characters’ more complicated realities.
The three central women, each at slightly different stages of life, are all trying to keep up appearances while navigating suburban intrigue and marital struggles. What struck me most was how their tentative bond becomes a safe space, and a place where they can finally tell the truth without fear of judgment.
My only critique, and the reason for the four stars instead of five, is that the friendship between the three women felt a bit rushed. I felt connected to each of them individually, but I wanted more of them together on the page, because when they were, their interactions were heartfelt and compelling.
Overall, The Island Club is a warm, layered story about friendship, appearances, and the lives women lead behind closed doors. I highly recommend it for fans of contemporary fiction, women’s stories, and anyone looking for a quick but thoughtful summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The three central women, each at slightly different stages of life, are all trying to keep up appearances while navigating suburban intrigue and marital struggles. What struck me most was how their tentative bond becomes a safe space, and a place where they can finally tell the truth without fear of judgment.
My only critique, and the reason for the four stars instead of five, is that the friendship between the three women felt a bit rushed. I felt connected to each of them individually, but I wanted more of them together on the page, because when they were, their interactions were heartfelt and compelling.
Overall, The Island Club is a warm, layered story about friendship, appearances, and the lives women lead behind closed doors. I highly recommend it for fans of contemporary fiction, women’s stories, and anyone looking for a quick but thoughtful summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2025
I’ve spent a good amount of time on Balboa Island so I was so excited to read this! I really enjoyed The Island Club and the way Nicola Harrison wove multiple perspectives and narrators throughout the story. Each voice added depth and nuance, making the book feel immersive. Each character had a distinct storyline and challenge they were going through.
Set in the 1950s, the time period itself was fascinating and portrayed well—I loved getting a glimpse into that era and the unique social dynamics that came with it. The novel also explores a strong “keeping up with the Joneses” theme, highlighting the pressures of status and appearances, adding an extra layer.
Overall, The Island Club was an engaging, enjoyable read that kept me interested from start to finish.
Set in the 1950s, the time period itself was fascinating and portrayed well—I loved getting a glimpse into that era and the unique social dynamics that came with it. The novel also explores a strong “keeping up with the Joneses” theme, highlighting the pressures of status and appearances, adding an extra layer.
Overall, The Island Club was an engaging, enjoyable read that kept me interested from start to finish.
July 24, 2025
Tennis and sun on Balboa Island in California.
More later.
More later.
May 12, 2026
This was such an enjoyable historical fiction read with a beach read feel. I mostly listened to the audiobook and would absolutely recommend it for audiobook lovers or anyone wanting to give audiobooks a try because it was very easy to follow.
Set on Balboa Island in the 1950s, the story follows three women whose lives become tangled through secrets, marriage struggles, friendship, and the glamorous new Island Club. The coastal California setting, tennis club drama, and layered relationships made this such a fun summer read.
Nothing about this felt especially groundbreaking, but honestly sometimes you just want a book that completely pulls you in and keeps you entertained, and this did exactly that. Definitely one to toss in your beach bag this summer.
Thank you Net Galley + St Martin Press. All opinions are my own.
:
Set on Balboa Island in the 1950s, the story follows three women whose lives become tangled through secrets, marriage struggles, friendship, and the glamorous new Island Club. The coastal California setting, tennis club drama, and layered relationships made this such a fun summer read.
Nothing about this felt especially groundbreaking, but honestly sometimes you just want a book that completely pulls you in and keeps you entertained, and this did exactly that. Definitely one to toss in your beach bag this summer.
Thank you Net Galley + St Martin Press. All opinions are my own.
:
May 12, 2026
2.5⭐️ kind of a fun idea but felt boring at times and the “friendships” didn’t feel that strong, everything was just kind of surface level so I was just bored, may be better if you’re in the mood for light hearted
September 16, 2025
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Nicola Harrison (via NetGalley) for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was an inspirational novel about female empowerment and friendship. Each character faced challenges that led them to lean into their friendships with one another. The author developed the characters throughout the novel, and I found myself rooting for each of them to succeed. Milly and Sylvia showed up for Adele even when she had given up on herself. I found myself wanting to be in their friend group! I also enjoyed seeing the women break out of their traditional gender roles of the 1950s housewife.
One point of critique is the relationship between Wes and Milly. The relationship was not explored to its full potential. I would have enjoyed an epilogue that wrapped up their relationship instead of the one sentence at the end of the novel informing the reader that they were still seeing each other.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Bonus points for the beautiful cover!
This was an inspirational novel about female empowerment and friendship. Each character faced challenges that led them to lean into their friendships with one another. The author developed the characters throughout the novel, and I found myself rooting for each of them to succeed. Milly and Sylvia showed up for Adele even when she had given up on herself. I found myself wanting to be in their friend group! I also enjoyed seeing the women break out of their traditional gender roles of the 1950s housewife.
One point of critique is the relationship between Wes and Milly. The relationship was not explored to its full potential. I would have enjoyed an epilogue that wrapped up their relationship instead of the one sentence at the end of the novel informing the reader that they were still seeing each other.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Bonus points for the beautiful cover!
Want to Read
June 10, 2025Just won this book through the goodreads giveaway page- thanks for picking me!
April 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
This had everything I should’ve loved—1950s coastal setting, tennis clubs, messy marriages, and three women all quietly unraveling behind perfect facades—but it never fully came together for me.
What I liked:
• The atmosphere was so strong—polished, performative 1950s life with cracks just under the surface
• The three POVs kept it moving and gave different angles on the same world
• Sylvia and Milly’s storylines were the standout and honestly the most compelling to follow
• I liked seeing each woman start to come into themselves, even within the limits of that time period
• Short chapters made it a quick, easy read
What didn’t work:
• The central friendship felt underdeveloped—it’s framed as important, but the emotional connection never fully lands
• There are multiple strong storylines, but they feel loosely connected instead of building toward something cohesive
• Some threads had real potential but weren’t followed through in a satisfying way
• One major reveal in Milly’s storyline felt abrupt in the moment—even if you can trace the logic afterward
• The pacing was uneven—certain scenes (like a drawn-out tennis sequence) lingered too long, while more impactful moments moved too quickly
I enjoyed the reading experience and the setting pulled me in, but I kept waiting for it to fully click—and it never quite did. If you’re here for vibes, complicated women, and mid-century drama, it’s worth picking up, but don’t expect a tightly woven or deeply immersive story.
This had everything I should’ve loved—1950s coastal setting, tennis clubs, messy marriages, and three women all quietly unraveling behind perfect facades—but it never fully came together for me.
What I liked:
• The atmosphere was so strong—polished, performative 1950s life with cracks just under the surface
• The three POVs kept it moving and gave different angles on the same world
• Sylvia and Milly’s storylines were the standout and honestly the most compelling to follow
• I liked seeing each woman start to come into themselves, even within the limits of that time period
• Short chapters made it a quick, easy read
What didn’t work:
• The central friendship felt underdeveloped—it’s framed as important, but the emotional connection never fully lands
• There are multiple strong storylines, but they feel loosely connected instead of building toward something cohesive
• Some threads had real potential but weren’t followed through in a satisfying way
• One major reveal in Milly’s storyline felt abrupt in the moment—even if you can trace the logic afterward
• The pacing was uneven—certain scenes (like a drawn-out tennis sequence) lingered too long, while more impactful moments moved too quickly
I enjoyed the reading experience and the setting pulled me in, but I kept waiting for it to fully click—and it never quite did. If you’re here for vibes, complicated women, and mid-century drama, it’s worth picking up, but don’t expect a tightly woven or deeply immersive story.
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