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Anne of a Different Island
A woman learns to be the heroine of her own life in this heartfelt novel inspired by Anne of Green Gables by New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra.
She believed life could follow a plotline—until the story she was living unraveled.
Anne Gallagher has always lived by the book. Anne of Green Gables, that is. Growing up on Mackinac Island, she saw herself as her the same impulsive charm, the same fiery imagination, even the same red hair (dyed, but still). She followed in Anne Shirley’s fictional footsteps, chasing dreams of teaching and writing, and falling for her very own storybook hero.
But when a string of real-life plot twists—a failing romance, a fight with the administration, and the sudden death of her beloved father—pulls her back to the island she once couldn’t wait to leave, Anne is forced to face a truth no story ever prepared her for. Sometimes, life doesn’t follow a script.
Back in the house she grew up in, Anne must confront her past and the people she left behind, including Joe Miller, the boy who once called her “The Pest.” It’s time to figure out what she wants and rewrite her story to create her own happy ending. Not the book version. The real one.
She believed life could follow a plotline—until the story she was living unraveled.
Anne Gallagher has always lived by the book. Anne of Green Gables, that is. Growing up on Mackinac Island, she saw herself as her the same impulsive charm, the same fiery imagination, even the same red hair (dyed, but still). She followed in Anne Shirley’s fictional footsteps, chasing dreams of teaching and writing, and falling for her very own storybook hero.
But when a string of real-life plot twists—a failing romance, a fight with the administration, and the sudden death of her beloved father—pulls her back to the island she once couldn’t wait to leave, Anne is forced to face a truth no story ever prepared her for. Sometimes, life doesn’t follow a script.
Back in the house she grew up in, Anne must confront her past and the people she left behind, including Joe Miller, the boy who once called her “The Pest.” It’s time to figure out what she wants and rewrite her story to create her own happy ending. Not the book version. The real one.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2026
58 people are currently reading
13468 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Kantra
48 books1,023 followersNew York Times bestselling author
Virginia Kantra
is the author of thirty books of women's fiction, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense.
Kindred spirits and Anne of Green Gables fans, look for Anne of a Different Island , coming January 20, 2026.
Her latest release, The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale , a contemporary reimagining inspired by Dorothy's adventures in Oz, follows Kansas graduate student Dee Gale as she flees personal heartbreak and public humiliation to enroll in the writing program at Trinity College Dublin (the Emerald Isle!).
Meg and Jo , a contemporary novel inspired by the classic story Little Women, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist and was a People Magazine pick.
Beth and Amy (May 25, 2021) "continues her delightful 21st-century retelling of Little Women...Kantra’s compulsively readable update will attract a whole new group of readers, as well as satisfy Alcott devotees."—Publishers Weekly
Her stories have earned numerous awards including two Romance Writers of America's RITA (R) Awards, ten RITA nominations, and two National Readers' Choice Awards.
Carolina Dreaming, the fifth book in her Dare Island series , won the 2017 RITA (R) Award for Best Contemporary Romance - Midlength and was named one of BookPage's Top Ten Romance Novels of 2016. Her work includes the popular Children of the Sea series and, in e-book format, The MacNeills stories.
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Kindred spirits and Anne of Green Gables fans, look for Anne of a Different Island , coming January 20, 2026.
Her latest release, The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale , a contemporary reimagining inspired by Dorothy's adventures in Oz, follows Kansas graduate student Dee Gale as she flees personal heartbreak and public humiliation to enroll in the writing program at Trinity College Dublin (the Emerald Isle!).
Meg and Jo , a contemporary novel inspired by the classic story Little Women, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist and was a People Magazine pick.
Beth and Amy (May 25, 2021) "continues her delightful 21st-century retelling of Little Women...Kantra’s compulsively readable update will attract a whole new group of readers, as well as satisfy Alcott devotees."—Publishers Weekly
Her stories have earned numerous awards including two Romance Writers of America's RITA (R) Awards, ten RITA nominations, and two National Readers' Choice Awards.
Carolina Dreaming, the fifth book in her Dare Island series , won the 2017 RITA (R) Award for Best Contemporary Romance - Midlength and was named one of BookPage's Top Ten Romance Novels of 2016. Her work includes the popular Children of the Sea series and, in e-book format, The MacNeills stories.
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I love to connect with readers! Find me on Facebook and Instagram.
And for exclusive content and news of my latest releases,
join my mailing list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
January 22, 2026
✨3 Stars for a heartfelt retelling that almost had me—just not quite all the way✨
Well, let me start by saying I really wanted to love this book. The idea of a modern Anne of Green Gables retelling? Say less! I was fully in—especially with the cozy Mackinac Island setting and a heroine with literary dreams and dyed red hair to match her namesake. There’s so much here that’s earnest, charming, and thoughtful.
Virginia Kantra’s prose is warm, inviting, and often delightfully observant. The book pays loving tribute to L.M. Montgomery’s classic while weaving in relevant modern themes like banned books, loss, and the complexities of family and finding your place in the world. And R.I.P. to my productivity—because yes, I devoured this book in record time, which is always a good sign.
But.
As much as I appreciated the homage and Kantra’s skilled writing, a few things kept me from fully embracing this retelling as a personal favorite. First off: I struggled with the age gap timeline. A 17-year-old girl being visibly flustered and attached to a guy in his twenties may have a touch of realism in certain small-town dynamics—but in a 2025 contemporary novel, it felt uncomfortable. Especially given how the book frames their early interactions. Even if it doesn’t lead to anything until years later, the dynamic left a weird taste in my mouth. It just didn't feel necessary for building romantic tension or depth.
Another oddity: the Harry Potter references. Listen, I was one of those people who lived and breathed those books. I get it. They were a generational phenomenon. But as someone who can no longer separate the magic from the author's transphobic rhetoric, these references hit wrong. Especially in a story that otherwise tries to be progressive and sensitive. A small detail, maybe, but it took me out of the moment.
Still, there's plenty of emotional pull here. I felt for Anne—her grief, her confusion, her constant push and pull between the life she imagined and the one she finds herself living. And Joe? While I didn’t swoon, I did appreciate that he’s flawed, grounded, and far from a cliché romcom hero. The book felt more like women's fiction than straight romance, and I think it worked better that way.
Would I read more from Virginia Kantra? Absolutely. She’s clearly got the heart, skill, and vision to keep evolving. This one just wasn’t a perfect fit for me—but I’ll be volunteering for her next book all the same.
💫 Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this retelling’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. I truly appreciated the chance to read it. 💫
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Well, let me start by saying I really wanted to love this book. The idea of a modern Anne of Green Gables retelling? Say less! I was fully in—especially with the cozy Mackinac Island setting and a heroine with literary dreams and dyed red hair to match her namesake. There’s so much here that’s earnest, charming, and thoughtful.
Virginia Kantra’s prose is warm, inviting, and often delightfully observant. The book pays loving tribute to L.M. Montgomery’s classic while weaving in relevant modern themes like banned books, loss, and the complexities of family and finding your place in the world. And R.I.P. to my productivity—because yes, I devoured this book in record time, which is always a good sign.
But.
As much as I appreciated the homage and Kantra’s skilled writing, a few things kept me from fully embracing this retelling as a personal favorite. First off: I struggled with the age gap timeline. A 17-year-old girl being visibly flustered and attached to a guy in his twenties may have a touch of realism in certain small-town dynamics—but in a 2025 contemporary novel, it felt uncomfortable. Especially given how the book frames their early interactions. Even if it doesn’t lead to anything until years later, the dynamic left a weird taste in my mouth. It just didn't feel necessary for building romantic tension or depth.
Another oddity: the Harry Potter references. Listen, I was one of those people who lived and breathed those books. I get it. They were a generational phenomenon. But as someone who can no longer separate the magic from the author's transphobic rhetoric, these references hit wrong. Especially in a story that otherwise tries to be progressive and sensitive. A small detail, maybe, but it took me out of the moment.
Still, there's plenty of emotional pull here. I felt for Anne—her grief, her confusion, her constant push and pull between the life she imagined and the one she finds herself living. And Joe? While I didn’t swoon, I did appreciate that he’s flawed, grounded, and far from a cliché romcom hero. The book felt more like women's fiction than straight romance, and I think it worked better that way.
Would I read more from Virginia Kantra? Absolutely. She’s clearly got the heart, skill, and vision to keep evolving. This one just wasn’t a perfect fit for me—but I’ll be volunteering for her next book all the same.
💫 Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this retelling’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. I truly appreciated the chance to read it. 💫
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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January 21, 2026
🎉Happy Release!🎉
4.5 stars
A heartwarming and comforting retelling. Exactly what I was hoping for.
I would classify this book more as women’s fiction than romance. There is a romance, but it’s not exactly the main focus. And probably not for die-hard “safety readers.”
Anne has a teaching job that she enjoys and a handsome boyfriend who also happens to be a successful pediatric oncologist — basically a modern-day Gilbert. Except that the boyfriend turns out to be a self-important prick who treats Anne like an accessory, and the job is not that dreamy either.
When Anne’s beloved father dies, she’s devastated, lost, and alone, so she returns to Mackinac, the small island she grew up on.
I really enjoyed that this book was slow-paced and focused on Anne finding her peace and her place in the world, rather than on her romance with Joe. The author’s take on the story felt very modern and resonated with me, even though no words could ever describe my love for the original series and for Gilbert, just to be clear.
The original worked very well for the ten-year-old me. Now that I’m old and jaded, I appreciate that the author made the hero less perfect. Joe is very realistic, and Anne is not his first love (thank goodness for that, he’s six years older and they’ve known each other forever). They’ve both been through a lot, and I loved the way they found each other.
I enjoyed all the AoGG references (it was awesome when she told her perfect-on-paper doctor boyfriend that he was Roy Gardner), but I also appreciated that this was clearly a modern story — pandemic and all.
Highly recommended for AoGG lovers. I will definitely read more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for the arc.
4.5 stars
A heartwarming and comforting retelling. Exactly what I was hoping for.
I would classify this book more as women’s fiction than romance. There is a romance, but it’s not exactly the main focus. And probably not for die-hard “safety readers.”
Anne has a teaching job that she enjoys and a handsome boyfriend who also happens to be a successful pediatric oncologist — basically a modern-day Gilbert. Except that the boyfriend turns out to be a self-important prick who treats Anne like an accessory, and the job is not that dreamy either.
When Anne’s beloved father dies, she’s devastated, lost, and alone, so she returns to Mackinac, the small island she grew up on.
I really enjoyed that this book was slow-paced and focused on Anne finding her peace and her place in the world, rather than on her romance with Joe. The author’s take on the story felt very modern and resonated with me, even though no words could ever describe my love for the original series and for Gilbert, just to be clear.
The original worked very well for the ten-year-old me. Now that I’m old and jaded, I appreciate that the author made the hero less perfect. Joe is very realistic, and Anne is not his first love (thank goodness for that, he’s six years older and they’ve known each other forever). They’ve both been through a lot, and I loved the way they found each other.
I enjoyed all the AoGG references (it was awesome when she told her perfect-on-paper doctor boyfriend that he was Roy Gardner), but I also appreciated that this was clearly a modern story — pandemic and all.
Highly recommended for AoGG lovers. I will definitely read more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you Penguin Random House and Edelweiss for the arc.
Want to read
July 9, 2025Well that looks like a dream come true.. ✨🥹😍
January 31, 2026
Although I have never read Anne of Green Gables, so I didn't have a comparison, I really enjoyed this one.
I loved the Midwest representation, especially the quaint Mackinac Island. Although I've never been there, I felt transported to this amazing island.
There was an amazing cast of characters, and I loved how Anne seemed to make an impact on the lives of those in her circle.
Although a romance, it was more of a character study of Anne, you really got to know her so well. I will definitely miss spending time with her. She was a complex likable FMC.
I also liked the MMC Joe. He was a bit older so when they knew each other years ago, Anne was practically a kid crushing on him, and her advances were rebuffed, which obviously didn't make he feel great. This bad blood started the story out a bit like enemies to lovers and then transitiones to friends to lovers.
This is a feel good story, although it does have the backdrop of grief, set in a quaint locale. I enjoyed every minute and will definitely read more by this author!
I loved the Midwest representation, especially the quaint Mackinac Island. Although I've never been there, I felt transported to this amazing island.
There was an amazing cast of characters, and I loved how Anne seemed to make an impact on the lives of those in her circle.
Although a romance, it was more of a character study of Anne, you really got to know her so well. I will definitely miss spending time with her. She was a complex likable FMC.
I also liked the MMC Joe. He was a bit older so when they knew each other years ago, Anne was practically a kid crushing on him, and her advances were rebuffed, which obviously didn't make he feel great. This bad blood started the story out a bit like enemies to lovers and then transitiones to friends to lovers.
This is a feel good story, although it does have the backdrop of grief, set in a quaint locale. I enjoyed every minute and will definitely read more by this author!
January 12, 2026
Probably my most favorite Anne of Green Gables inspired story ever. True to the books, this is a story about love: for yourself, your home, friends, family and of course with a partner. The author did an incredible job of blending the originals with a modern time and I especially enjoyed the ADHD rep.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After delighting in Virginia Kantra’s take on Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, I was all a-gasp when she released a tribute to Anne of Green Gables and set on the divinest place in Michigan, Mackinac Island.
Anne of Another Island is full of the wonder and precocity of the original Anne, but is firmly settled in a ‘real life’ women’s fiction world where a woman must figure out what she really wants while also learning to look on her past without the ‘Anne of Green Gables’ tinted glasses on. Told with dual timeline as well as dual point of view narration, one gets a wonderful, emotional immersion into Anne Gallagher and her Mackinac Island world.
The death of Anne Gallagher’s dad is the catalyst she needs to really look hard at where she’s at in life -just going through the motions while working in a Chicago High School where she gets no support or fulfillment, dating a pediatric oncologist and having to always come second and always change to fit his world.
She left her island home after high school and never went back so she has memories that are those of a child. Coming home was hard on Anne and she had some tough moments as her notions about her mother, island life, and especially Joe had to really get an upheaval before she could start a new, happier path.
Mackinac Island is like a main character in its own right. Island life is depicted so vividly. The Anne of Green Gables’ tribute is strong though I was appreciative of the author’s ability to balance this with contemporary issues and modern characters. Joe was a divorced specialty carpenter, grieving his friend and former mentor (Anne’s dad) and has the wary, emotional scars to prove it. I loved seeing Anne reunite with her best friend, but also spend that time with her Marilla-like mother who may be a kindred spirit, after all.
Anne of Another Island is classified as Contemporary Romance, but I felt that it fit more of a Women’s Fiction because the central element in the book is Anne accepting herself, dealing with her past and forming reunion relationships in the present that include a romance. Definitely for all the Anne-girls out there, but also for the women’s fic and contemporary romance fans who would enjoy an island girl coming home story.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 1.13.26.
Anne of Another Island is full of the wonder and precocity of the original Anne, but is firmly settled in a ‘real life’ women’s fiction world where a woman must figure out what she really wants while also learning to look on her past without the ‘Anne of Green Gables’ tinted glasses on. Told with dual timeline as well as dual point of view narration, one gets a wonderful, emotional immersion into Anne Gallagher and her Mackinac Island world.
The death of Anne Gallagher’s dad is the catalyst she needs to really look hard at where she’s at in life -just going through the motions while working in a Chicago High School where she gets no support or fulfillment, dating a pediatric oncologist and having to always come second and always change to fit his world.
She left her island home after high school and never went back so she has memories that are those of a child. Coming home was hard on Anne and she had some tough moments as her notions about her mother, island life, and especially Joe had to really get an upheaval before she could start a new, happier path.
Mackinac Island is like a main character in its own right. Island life is depicted so vividly. The Anne of Green Gables’ tribute is strong though I was appreciative of the author’s ability to balance this with contemporary issues and modern characters. Joe was a divorced specialty carpenter, grieving his friend and former mentor (Anne’s dad) and has the wary, emotional scars to prove it. I loved seeing Anne reunite with her best friend, but also spend that time with her Marilla-like mother who may be a kindred spirit, after all.
Anne of Another Island is classified as Contemporary Romance, but I felt that it fit more of a Women’s Fiction because the central element in the book is Anne accepting herself, dealing with her past and forming reunion relationships in the present that include a romance. Definitely for all the Anne-girls out there, but also for the women’s fic and contemporary romance fans who would enjoy an island girl coming home story.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 1.13.26.
July 21, 2025
Anne’s return to the island after her father’s death threw her into a whirlwind of emotions she wasn’t ready for. She’s so genuine—talkative, struggling with her teaching job, and trying to make sense of everything that’s falling apart inside her. That honesty grabbed me from the start.
Her fiancé looks solid on the surface—the dependable type—but I could tell Anne was longing for something deeper. Their relationship isn’t full of loud drama, but there’s this quiet tension that feels heavy in the spaces between them.
Then there’s the man who’s been connected to Anne’s life for years in a way that she can’t brush aside anymore. He’s not just someone new; his presence stirs things up beneath the surface, adding complexity and a kind of steady weight that made the story richer.
The references to Anne Gable’s books scattered through the story were a nice surprise. I hadn’t read her before, but those moments made me curious to explore her work.
Anne’s summer wasn’t simple or smooth—it was tangled with grief, complicated feelings, and uncertainty about the future. The story doesn’t pretend life is straightforward, and that made every moment feel real and honest. I found myself caught up in Anne’s world, feeling every twist and turn alongside her.
Her fiancé looks solid on the surface—the dependable type—but I could tell Anne was longing for something deeper. Their relationship isn’t full of loud drama, but there’s this quiet tension that feels heavy in the spaces between them.
Then there’s the man who’s been connected to Anne’s life for years in a way that she can’t brush aside anymore. He’s not just someone new; his presence stirs things up beneath the surface, adding complexity and a kind of steady weight that made the story richer.
The references to Anne Gable’s books scattered through the story were a nice surprise. I hadn’t read her before, but those moments made me curious to explore her work.
Anne’s summer wasn’t simple or smooth—it was tangled with grief, complicated feelings, and uncertainty about the future. The story doesn’t pretend life is straightforward, and that made every moment feel real and honest. I found myself caught up in Anne’s world, feeling every twist and turn alongside her.
January 25, 2026
A solid five stars for me. Virginia Kantra really captured the spirit of Anne of Green Gables. I began with cautious hope that this would not be a bad copy cat or try to replicate the classic, and it certainly did not. The tension of Anne and Gilbert’s relationship and building romance is captured perfectly. The spirit of the OG Anne is captured beautifully in this modern Anne. I really loved everything about this book.
January 4, 2026
this was so incredibly mid. our main character was pretty insufferable the entire book, and the author just couldn’t pull off the ‘anne of green gables’ vibe to make it work. disappointing, this was such a highly anticipated read for me!
pre-read review: the canadiana this is giving!!! foaming at the mouth for this one omg
UPDATE: ARC SECURED! WE HAVE SECURED THE BAG
pre-read review: the canadiana this is giving!!! foaming at the mouth for this one omg
UPDATE: ARC SECURED! WE HAVE SECURED THE BAG
January 13, 2026
This is the story of Anne (with an E) who grew up on Mackinac Island. Now she is an English teacher in Chicago but seems to be at a crossroads in her life. While she wanted to be like the famous Anne of Green Gables, she always felt she wasn’t “enough”. A young woman lacking self-confidence, always questioning herself about how she appeared to other people.
I’m not sure if the intent of the author was to retell Anne of Green Gables in a different era and setting, or if she was trying to write a romance novel. As a
retelling, the story fell flat, though there were a few similarities. As a romance, it was too cheesy for me.
I didn’t hate it, it was a quick read and entertaining most times. Sometimes it got a little too silly. And, a few times I was just frustrated with the main characters. They kept getting their own way. In general, I kept getting distracted as I was reading it so it didn’t totally hold my attention.
There is a good lesson in the book: sometimes the thing you’ve spent time looking for is right in front of you.
If I were to recommend it, I’d say it would be fine to read on the beach or an airplane……where there’s always something going on around you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Reader's Copy.
I’m not sure if the intent of the author was to retell Anne of Green Gables in a different era and setting, or if she was trying to write a romance novel. As a
retelling, the story fell flat, though there were a few similarities. As a romance, it was too cheesy for me.
I didn’t hate it, it was a quick read and entertaining most times. Sometimes it got a little too silly. And, a few times I was just frustrated with the main characters. They kept getting their own way. In general, I kept getting distracted as I was reading it so it didn’t totally hold my attention.
There is a good lesson in the book: sometimes the thing you’ve spent time looking for is right in front of you.
If I were to recommend it, I’d say it would be fine to read on the beach or an airplane……where there’s always something going on around you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Reader's Copy.
November 22, 2025
Book Report: Anne of a Different Island by Virginia Kantra
Anne Gallagher always believed life could follow a plot line…preferably one straight out of her beloved Anne of Green Gables. But after a breakup…trouble at work and the sudden loss of her father…she’s pulled back to Mackinac Island the place she once dreamed of leaving behind. There…she’s faced with old memories…old friendships (hi, Joe Miller 👀) and the realization that real life rarely sticks to the script. Anne has to figure out who she is now and what kind of happy ending she wants to write for herself.
This was such a fun and heartfelt read 💕 I’ve loved Virginia’s novels Meg & Jo and Beth & Amy…so I was pleasantly surprised to see her take on our girl Anne. And in the most serendipitous twist…I had just watched a documentary about Mackinac Island…an island I hadn’t even heard of before…only to end up picking up this inspired novel set right there. Talk about perfect timing ✨
I loved the literary nods to the beloved classic…the cozy island atmosphere and the thoughtful conversations around grief and learning to live the life you have…not just the one you imagined. There was something that felt slightly off for me… though I can’t quite put my finger on it 🤷♀️📖 But Kantra’s storytelling is clever and warm and I’ll absolutely be circling back to her backlist… The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale…you’re next! 🌪️💫
Thank you Berkley for the free ecopy!
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
Anne Gallagher always believed life could follow a plot line…preferably one straight out of her beloved Anne of Green Gables. But after a breakup…trouble at work and the sudden loss of her father…she’s pulled back to Mackinac Island the place she once dreamed of leaving behind. There…she’s faced with old memories…old friendships (hi, Joe Miller 👀) and the realization that real life rarely sticks to the script. Anne has to figure out who she is now and what kind of happy ending she wants to write for herself.
This was such a fun and heartfelt read 💕 I’ve loved Virginia’s novels Meg & Jo and Beth & Amy…so I was pleasantly surprised to see her take on our girl Anne. And in the most serendipitous twist…I had just watched a documentary about Mackinac Island…an island I hadn’t even heard of before…only to end up picking up this inspired novel set right there. Talk about perfect timing ✨
I loved the literary nods to the beloved classic…the cozy island atmosphere and the thoughtful conversations around grief and learning to live the life you have…not just the one you imagined. There was something that felt slightly off for me… though I can’t quite put my finger on it 🤷♀️📖 But Kantra’s storytelling is clever and warm and I’ll absolutely be circling back to her backlist… The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale…you’re next! 🌪️💫
Thank you Berkley for the free ecopy!
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
November 5, 2025
Anne of a Different Island is Virginia Kantra’s tribute to Anne of Green Gables. Not a retelling, but more a modern day, older Anne who loves the literary Anne and is trying to find her way after the death of her beloved father.
People aren’t making it easy on her. Her boyfriend likes her best when she’s less than herself and when it’s convenient for him, and her mother is prickly and not good at expressing herself. Her mentor won’t stand up for her at the prestigious academy where Anne teaches, and her childhood nemesis Joe is giving her all kinds of conflicting feelings.
So much like her namesake, Anne begins to dive in to figuring out what she wants and what she doesn’t. She definitely doesn’t want a school telling her what books she can share with her students, or a boyfriend who doesn’t accept her for who she is and wants to make decisions for her. But she does want to rebuild the relationships she has with the people she left behind on Mackinac Island, and form new ones.
I can see the fingerprints of L.M. Montgomery all over the characters in this book. And Kantra adds a unique touch but integrating the possibility that her Anne has ADHD, a diagnosis that may not have been surprising for Anne Shirley.
But there’s something about the way that Montgomery writes that captures the charm and irrepressibility of her Anne that is incredibly difficult to replicate and Kantra doesn’t quite pull it off in my opinion. Very few authors seem to have this capability, and while her Anne is an enjoyable character, I don’t connect with her on the same level.
I also didn’t feel the same connection to the secondary characters. Maddie is very much like Marilla, and Joe and Daanis are clearly intended to be stand-ins for Gilbert and Diana, but again, I’m missing those just right touches that make me connect with the characters.
There are moments in the book where Anne stands up for herself and what she wants (or doesn’t want) and they hint at moments that could be powerful, and Kantra moves it along too quickly, almost diminishing how challenging a choice she’s making. Maybe she’s trying to convey that it ends up not being that hard of a choice for Anne to make, but it feels like the book loses something by moving on too fast.
The book is fine if you have no context to what it pays homage to, but you lose something by not being familiar with the original, creating the subsequent challenge that the tribute can’t live up to the original.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
People aren’t making it easy on her. Her boyfriend likes her best when she’s less than herself and when it’s convenient for him, and her mother is prickly and not good at expressing herself. Her mentor won’t stand up for her at the prestigious academy where Anne teaches, and her childhood nemesis Joe is giving her all kinds of conflicting feelings.
So much like her namesake, Anne begins to dive in to figuring out what she wants and what she doesn’t. She definitely doesn’t want a school telling her what books she can share with her students, or a boyfriend who doesn’t accept her for who she is and wants to make decisions for her. But she does want to rebuild the relationships she has with the people she left behind on Mackinac Island, and form new ones.
I can see the fingerprints of L.M. Montgomery all over the characters in this book. And Kantra adds a unique touch but integrating the possibility that her Anne has ADHD, a diagnosis that may not have been surprising for Anne Shirley.
But there’s something about the way that Montgomery writes that captures the charm and irrepressibility of her Anne that is incredibly difficult to replicate and Kantra doesn’t quite pull it off in my opinion. Very few authors seem to have this capability, and while her Anne is an enjoyable character, I don’t connect with her on the same level.
I also didn’t feel the same connection to the secondary characters. Maddie is very much like Marilla, and Joe and Daanis are clearly intended to be stand-ins for Gilbert and Diana, but again, I’m missing those just right touches that make me connect with the characters.
There are moments in the book where Anne stands up for herself and what she wants (or doesn’t want) and they hint at moments that could be powerful, and Kantra moves it along too quickly, almost diminishing how challenging a choice she’s making. Maybe she’s trying to convey that it ends up not being that hard of a choice for Anne to make, but it feels like the book loses something by moving on too fast.
The book is fine if you have no context to what it pays homage to, but you lose something by not being familiar with the original, creating the subsequent challenge that the tribute can’t live up to the original.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 29, 2026
◇ Thoughts ◇
4.75 stars. Contemporary Romance.
If you're a fan of Anne of Green Gables in any way, this is a must read!
The story of Green Gables ran, deliberately, through every inch if this story, making it automatically feel like a beloved story you already know and love. This book felt like a warm hug from an old friend who just got a small makeover.
I loved Anne (this Anne) and her loud, messy ways. I loved watching her try to figure things out, while relating everything back to her precious books.
I loved the setting of Mackinac Island - I visited there once years ago and have really fond memories, so "being there" again was really fun!
Joe's pining was on point, and I loved seeing him work through his dreams and heartbreaks too.
Did the ending come together very neatly with a nice bow? Sure. But sometimes you just want that perfectly happy ending, and this book delivered.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkeley, and Virginia Kantra for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4.75 stars. Contemporary Romance.
If you're a fan of Anne of Green Gables in any way, this is a must read!
The story of Green Gables ran, deliberately, through every inch if this story, making it automatically feel like a beloved story you already know and love. This book felt like a warm hug from an old friend who just got a small makeover.
I loved Anne (this Anne) and her loud, messy ways. I loved watching her try to figure things out, while relating everything back to her precious books.
I loved the setting of Mackinac Island - I visited there once years ago and have really fond memories, so "being there" again was really fun!
Joe's pining was on point, and I loved seeing him work through his dreams and heartbreaks too.
Did the ending come together very neatly with a nice bow? Sure. But sometimes you just want that perfectly happy ending, and this book delivered.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkeley, and Virginia Kantra for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 26, 2026
"It's not wrong to believe in happy endings". My soul needed this one. Absolutely loved.
January 24, 2026
This hit home in so many ways! For all my teacher friends, this is a must read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 rounded up. o my heart this was just so sweet. very grief heavy at the beginning. I loved the setting of Mackinac island. this one is definitely for the book girlies.
will-not-finish
October 8, 2025DNF at 12%. Why is a 19 year old man asking a 12 year old girl spying on him and his GF if she was trying to learn something. Excuse me?? I am ASTONISHED. This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026 and I was so excited tu get an advanced readers copy. But no.
February 3, 2026
When I was a kid, I read way too many books for my parents to keep up with, so in between library visits, when I would finally get some new books to read, I contented myself with re-reading my favorites. The Anne of Green Gables series was one of those favorites, and I read and re-read all eight novels, plus the Chronicles of Avonlea books as well. Avonlea was my happy place, my escape from my reality, the home of my heart.
I really like what Virginia Kantra has done with this book. It’s not a re-telling at all, but there are familiar characters. Instead, Anne in this book is her own person (though she does color her hair red) with her own career and her own life. And now the island in question, instead of Prince Edward Island, is Mackinac Island in Michigan (a place dear to my heart, though I’ve never been there, because my parents honeymooned there). While I myself am not ADHD, I appreciated the representation, and how especially women and girls with ADHD aren’t diagnosed as early as boys because it presents totally differently. I think it’s important to have that kind of representation.
I found myself absolutely captivated by this story, and for me, Joe was such a lovely MMC. I loved how aspects of Anne and Joe’s “situationship” ended up in various romance novel tropes. Kantra’s writing and pacing were wonderful, and I found myself lost in the story.
The one thing that didn’t set well with me, and something that I feel wasn’t necessary at all, was the age difference between Anne and Joe. The interaction they have on Anne’s prom night, where she kisses him because she’s got a crush on him, felt so very icky to me because Anne is only 17 and Joe is 24. I am glad he rebuffed her, but he does admit in his POV chapters that he couldn’t help but notice his boss’s kid as she grew into young womanhood. I feel like Kantra could have made Joe maybe 19 at the time, which feels a bit less icky.
I really like what Virginia Kantra has done with this book. It’s not a re-telling at all, but there are familiar characters. Instead, Anne in this book is her own person (though she does color her hair red) with her own career and her own life. And now the island in question, instead of Prince Edward Island, is Mackinac Island in Michigan (a place dear to my heart, though I’ve never been there, because my parents honeymooned there). While I myself am not ADHD, I appreciated the representation, and how especially women and girls with ADHD aren’t diagnosed as early as boys because it presents totally differently. I think it’s important to have that kind of representation.
I found myself absolutely captivated by this story, and for me, Joe was such a lovely MMC. I loved how aspects of Anne and Joe’s “situationship” ended up in various romance novel tropes. Kantra’s writing and pacing were wonderful, and I found myself lost in the story.
The one thing that didn’t set well with me, and something that I feel wasn’t necessary at all, was the age difference between Anne and Joe. The interaction they have on Anne’s prom night, where she kisses him because she’s got a crush on him, felt so very icky to me because Anne is only 17 and Joe is 24. I am glad he rebuffed her, but he does admit in his POV chapters that he couldn’t help but notice his boss’s kid as she grew into young womanhood. I feel like Kantra could have made Joe maybe 19 at the time, which feels a bit less icky.
February 2, 2026
Anne Gallagher has moved back, unexpectedly, to her childhood home of Mackinac Island. Her father passed suddenly and she is now staying at her family home, in her childhood bedroom. She's debating what to do about her type A doctor boyfriend in Chicago, her teaching career, her writing dreams ... and her childhood nemesis/crush, Joe Miller. She lives her life inspired by Anne Shirley of Anne Of Green Gables. Will this inspiration help her to find her way?
I wanted to read this book because it sounded so cozy. I found the Mackinac Island setting and the link to Anne of Green Gables intriguing.
This is such a lovely read! I really liked the author's writing style, with lines like:
"There were three kinds of people on Mackinac. The tourists and day-trippers who swarmed the island for six months every year, buying fudge and souvenirs, renting bikes and taking selfies. The wealthy part-timers with their private airplanes and Victorian-style summer homes overlooking the water. And the locals who waited on them, who cleaned their houses and hotel rooms, who carried their bags and watched their kids, who worked for the stables or the park service. Oh, and the fourth kind. My kind. The ones who went away." (eBook location 133).
I loved the characters of Anne and Joe, their connection and tentative coming together. And I enjoyed Anne's way of finding kindred spirits everywhere she went, with a fresh outlook on life ... and lots of enthusiasm.
I really loved Anne of a Different Island, and am sure it will be on my top 10 list for this year. I cannot recommend it highly enough for other readers, especially for anyone looking for a cozy, comfort read, and fans of Anne of Green Gables.
August 24, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC of this one; all thoughts are my own!
📖 Book Review 📖 Losing a parent unlocks a level of cognitive discomfort that lasts for an amount of time that I have still not come to learn myself. It’s been almost a year and a half since my mom died and I still find myself slipping and thinking, “I should call my Mom and ask her.” It’s been a good while since people actually paid me as a therapist so now I just dispense advice for free but there is no right way to grieve. Take your time and take care of yourself. I found that books were an integral part of my healing; and sometimes an old fictional friend is the best companion on this winding path.
With the name Anne, it’s no wonder that Anne Gallagher feels a strong connection to Anne Shirley. She even lives on a Mackinac Island, quite possibly a destination as romanticized as Prince Edward Island. And when her father unexpectedly dies, the loss catapults Anne into a journey of self-reflection. Virginia Kantra brings a fresh spin on a classic favorite that is cathartically beautiful.
📖 Book Review 📖 Losing a parent unlocks a level of cognitive discomfort that lasts for an amount of time that I have still not come to learn myself. It’s been almost a year and a half since my mom died and I still find myself slipping and thinking, “I should call my Mom and ask her.” It’s been a good while since people actually paid me as a therapist so now I just dispense advice for free but there is no right way to grieve. Take your time and take care of yourself. I found that books were an integral part of my healing; and sometimes an old fictional friend is the best companion on this winding path.
With the name Anne, it’s no wonder that Anne Gallagher feels a strong connection to Anne Shirley. She even lives on a Mackinac Island, quite possibly a destination as romanticized as Prince Edward Island. And when her father unexpectedly dies, the loss catapults Anne into a journey of self-reflection. Virginia Kantra brings a fresh spin on a classic favorite that is cathartically beautiful.
December 10, 2025
This was a heartfelt retelling of Anne of Green Gables (one of my favorite classics) and while the beginning of the book was a bit chaotic, it really grew on me.
I know a lot of people still don’t like reading about COVID and this does bring it up a lot. It’s set in 2022 (if I’m counting correctly) and Anne has had to adjust to life as a teacher after the height of the pandemic. She doesn’t know if she’s fully living life to her full potential, especially after the passing of her father.
This story is of growth and of allowing yourself to go on a different path than you had thought for yourself. While there is romance with Joe, I loved that it was a full focus on it and more of both of them finding their way in their lives again. They are sweet together though and though spiciness might be implied, it was closed door.
The writing was very descriptive and really put me on the island of Mackinac and I loved it. It really felt like I could envision it. Enjoyed this and curious to read another book by this author.
Overall a great read! Thank you NetGalley, Berkley and Virginia Kantra for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
I know a lot of people still don’t like reading about COVID and this does bring it up a lot. It’s set in 2022 (if I’m counting correctly) and Anne has had to adjust to life as a teacher after the height of the pandemic. She doesn’t know if she’s fully living life to her full potential, especially after the passing of her father.
This story is of growth and of allowing yourself to go on a different path than you had thought for yourself. While there is romance with Joe, I loved that it was a full focus on it and more of both of them finding their way in their lives again. They are sweet together though and though spiciness might be implied, it was closed door.
The writing was very descriptive and really put me on the island of Mackinac and I loved it. It really felt like I could envision it. Enjoyed this and curious to read another book by this author.
Overall a great read! Thank you NetGalley, Berkley and Virginia Kantra for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Read
January 5, 2026This was a lovely twist on the OG Anne of Green Gables story. I really felt seen in the fact that this was more of a mid 20s coming of age than a romance. Perhaps the most interesting part was Anne's relationship with her mother Maddie, who appears to be the Marilla character. The take on the character wasn't too similar to the original story, but definitely one focused in a more modern way, that still captures a slightly tense dynamic. I really adored how the tension was resolved in this story.
Overall, the what I got out of this book was a great way to kick of 2026 - "don't try to fold yourself in too small for others, you belong where you are loved and appreciated, not everything is going to turn out the way you think it will."
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Romance for the Advanced Reader Copy!
Overall, the what I got out of this book was a great way to kick of 2026 - "don't try to fold yourself in too small for others, you belong where you are loved and appreciated, not everything is going to turn out the way you think it will."
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Romance for the Advanced Reader Copy!
dnf
February 1, 2026DNF @ 13%. I wasn’t getting on with the writing style for this one, but the biggest reasons I ended up setting it down are 1) I already sensed not being keen on the romance (there’s a scene flashback from their younger years that I didn’t love) and 2) I just didn’t feel very strongly about the main character. I’m pretty confident I would have felt either fine or perhaps grown to like it a little bit more by the end, but it just didn’t feel like a book I wanted to spend time reading.
July 14, 2025
I love Anne of Green Gables. I want to go to Mackinac Island. I hate 7 year age gaps where the man is so emotionally stunted
July 15, 2025
A cute story but nothing remarkable, I prefer her Little Women updates/retellings, but fans of Anne Shirley &/ or romance fans will enjoy it.
Want to read
July 22, 2025This looks adorable!!!
January 27, 2026
Review to follow.
January 28, 2026
4.5/5⭐️. Couldn’t agree more with another review I saw that categorized this book as a women’s fictions (with a hint of romance) instead of just a romance, as it is so much more than that. It was beautiful following Anne in her growth of knowing who she is and what she’s wants in her present life and future. The added bonus of its relations to Anne of Green Gables and how much those novels meant to
our Anne
was just the cherry on top.
August 29, 2025
I was able to read Anne of a Different island thanks to NetGalley. Anne grew up on Mackinac Island. Her father has a restoration business, her mom a fudge shop. Anne cannot wait to leave and be an author. A few years later Anne works as a teacher in Chicago. With one phone call she needs to return to Mackinac Island. Joe is her dad’s business partner. He is divorced and used to call Anne a pest. With Anne back, he starts to see her in a different way. This was a great feel good book. I also love the setting of Mackinac Island. In my state of Michigan.
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