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The Island Club
"The Island Club is a Carrie Soto is Back meets Big Little Lies delight that will exceed all reader expectations!" —Lynda Loigman
"A story of the power of friendship, the defiance of societal expectations, and the finding of one's true self." — Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author
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 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.
"A beautifully written nuanced story that explores the power of female friendship." —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author
"The perfect summer read . . . for anyone who loves a smart, juicy escape!" —Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author
"No beach bag will be complete without this." —Steven Rowley
"A story of the power of friendship, the defiance of societal expectations, and the finding of one's true self." — Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author
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 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.
"A beautifully written nuanced story that explores the power of female friendship." —Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author
"The perfect summer read . . . for anyone who loves a smart, juicy escape!" —Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author
"No beach bag will be complete without this." —Steven Rowley
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2026
294 people are currently reading
20546 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Harrison
5 books584 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 417 reviews
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
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 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.
May 1, 2026
Review to follow shortly
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.
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 🎾
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
November 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. 5/5!!!!!
I absolutely loved The Island Club; historical fiction is always a favorite, but this one will definitely leave a lasting impression on me. This was my first Nicola Harrison novel and it was engaging and atmospheric from the start.
All three women, Milly, Sylvia, and Adele, were beautifully written and had their own unique stories of triumphs, and turbulations, to tell. As women living in the late 1950’s, their challenges are vastly different, yet strangely the same to the ones we face today. The characters are multi-layered; I appreciated how introspective each of the women were in terms of how to step into, and navigate, a man’s world.
Overall, The Island Club is a captivating story about getting what you deserve out of life. The power of female friendships, and loves lost and found were palpable themes throughout the entire book. I loved the truly shocking twists (my jaw literally dropped… I won’t give it away here :)), and the end was truly satisfying and full circle.
Read for: class + privilege, female friendship, secrets + betrayal, love x desire, identity, reinvention, empowerment, what you want & deserve in life
I absolutely loved The Island Club; historical fiction is always a favorite, but this one will definitely leave a lasting impression on me. This was my first Nicola Harrison novel and it was engaging and atmospheric from the start.
All three women, Milly, Sylvia, and Adele, were beautifully written and had their own unique stories of triumphs, and turbulations, to tell. As women living in the late 1950’s, their challenges are vastly different, yet strangely the same to the ones we face today. The characters are multi-layered; I appreciated how introspective each of the women were in terms of how to step into, and navigate, a man’s world.
Overall, The Island Club is a captivating story about getting what you deserve out of life. The power of female friendships, and loves lost and found were palpable themes throughout the entire book. I loved the truly shocking twists (my jaw literally dropped… I won’t give it away here :)), and the end was truly satisfying and full circle.
Read for: class + privilege, female friendship, secrets + betrayal, love x desire, identity, reinvention, empowerment, what you want & deserve in life
May 4, 2026
The Island Club, set in the 1950's, follows 3 women who are each harboring a heavy secret. Sylvia is a socialite, and owner of The Island Club, Millie is a newcomer to the island who is trying to fit in and Adelle is a recluse, who doesn't want to interact with anyone any more than she has to. As unlikely as it seems, tennis brings these 3 women together and helps them forge a friendship that does a great deal for all of their souls.
I really enjoyed the setting in this one! Balboa island seems like an exclusive club itself and living there, although a bit difficult at times, sounds like somewhere I'd like to be. Harrison caputures the essence of the 50's really well, focusing on the standard of what women were "expected to be" at that time and the hardships that put on them. I loved that all 3 of the women broke out of the sterotype and found a way to make their lives better and more fulfilling, with the help of bravery and each other.
I really enjoyed the setting in this one! Balboa island seems like an exclusive club itself and living there, although a bit difficult at times, sounds like somewhere I'd like to be. Harrison caputures the essence of the 50's really well, focusing on the standard of what women were "expected to be" at that time and the hardships that put on them. I loved that all 3 of the women broke out of the sterotype and found a way to make their lives better and more fulfilling, with the help of bravery and each other.
May 7, 2026
3.5 stars - An easy summer read with a great historical setting of Balboa Island, California, in the 1950s. The story, at its core, is about female friendships and finding your way. There's a subplot focusing on tennis, too, as well as challenging society's expectations for women in the 50s. Full review to come.
April 1, 2026
3.5⭐️ Set on an island in Southern Cal — basically made for summer reading! A mix of historical fiction + women’s lit. If you love Kristin Hannah or Carrie Soto is Back by TJR, add this to your list!
Also, absolutely obsessed with this cover!!
Available 4/28
Also, absolutely obsessed with this cover!!
Available 4/28
Want to Read
April 25, 2026I'm really excited for this one! The testimonials are all from favorite writers. I'm trying Hotel Laguna on audio soon. This one, I will read!
April 27, 2026
I picked up this book because I grew up and live around the area this book takes place. I loved hearing some of the history of the island. It was an OK read.
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.
August 19, 2025
I loved this book so much as I grew up close to Newport Beach and remember going to Balboa Island for frozen yogurt every summer. In this novel, we see the island in all its glory as movie stars buy beachfront property and several wealthy couples join The Island Club which features the famed ferris wheel and tennis courts. But there are secrets and lies among the wealthy as they vie for attention and try to "outdo" the others. And of course this often leads to tragic consequences that come to light after years of silence.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
July 31, 2025
“The Island Club” by Nicola Harrison is an entertaining novel that takes place in the 1950s on Balboa Island just off the California coast. The story revolves around three women whose picture perfect lives begin to unravel unexpectedly. They are each hiding secrets and facing a devastating crisis, but a game of tennis brings them together in a courageous and surprising way.
Even though the story takes place in the 50s the pressures women faced at that time still feels very current. This is a story about survival, independence, and friendship and should be on everyone’s summer reading list.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Matins Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Want to Read
June 10, 2025Just won this book through the goodreads giveaway page- thanks for picking me!
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!
September 18, 2025
3.5/5⭐️
Set on Balboa Island, California in the 1950s, this novel traces the lives of three women as they face unraveling marriages, hidden pasts, and uncertain futures. Through unexpected friendship and the game of tennis, their stories intersect in surprising ways.
This is a character-driven story with a drifting narrative, and at first I wasn’t sure where it was headed or how it would unfold. It took me a while to feel connected to the story and the characters, but once I did, I was hooked.
The character development is great, I grew to feel as though I truly knew these women, and it felt like a glimpse into life on Balboa Island in the 1950s. The novel touches on drama, friendship, misogyny, marital struggles, and motherhood.
The storyline itself wasn’t especially compelling, but it was enough to keep me interested because I was intrigued by each woman’s journey and how their stories came together in friendship and in the shared experience of womanhood and supporting one another.
A light, easy read that would be a perfect beach read or palette cleanser.
Set on Balboa Island, California in the 1950s, this novel traces the lives of three women as they face unraveling marriages, hidden pasts, and uncertain futures. Through unexpected friendship and the game of tennis, their stories intersect in surprising ways.
This is a character-driven story with a drifting narrative, and at first I wasn’t sure where it was headed or how it would unfold. It took me a while to feel connected to the story and the characters, but once I did, I was hooked.
The character development is great, I grew to feel as though I truly knew these women, and it felt like a glimpse into life on Balboa Island in the 1950s. The novel touches on drama, friendship, misogyny, marital struggles, and motherhood.
The storyline itself wasn’t especially compelling, but it was enough to keep me interested because I was intrigued by each woman’s journey and how their stories came together in friendship and in the shared experience of womanhood and supporting one another.
A light, easy read that would be a perfect beach read or palette cleanser.
May 5, 2026
Put your tennis gear on and enter the poshest social club in the 1950's, The Island Club. The story will not disappoint and the characters lovingly damaged. With a feel of "back in day" the story revolves around three women whose lives begin to fall apart in very different ways. One, in her marriage, one in her wealth status and the last an embarrassing secret she has kept for decades which is about to be exposed. And the gossip...oh my goodness!
The Island Club is the place to be and be seen on Balboa Island in California. It's all about the status. Anyone who is anyone is a member. There is pool life, dinner life and even tennis life played mostly by men. But of course, everyone wants to know everyone's business! People go there to play tennis, swim, eat and learn all the chatter!
So, when Milly Kinkaid began to feel her marriage slipping away, she decided the family needed to move away from Hollywood where her husband worked and where all the beautiful women there seduced them. She honestly thought Balboa Island would fix all their problems. But unfortunately, her husband Lloyd still was staying in Hollywood, and she was now in Balboa Island alone with their two young children. So, she decides on her own, something very unlike any woman of the time, to sign the family up as members of The Island Club. She also decides to take tennis lessons. Lloyd is not happy.
Sylvia Johnson and her husband Walter own the fancy, enviable Island Club. The Club does well and with their investments they have more money than they know what to do with. They are the envy of all the members as well as residence on Balboa Island. Until something happens which not only puts their lifestyle into jeopardy, but also their life savings. As their lives begin to fall apart Sylvia knows she must step up and figure out what in the world to do before they lose the Club.
Resident of Balboa Island, Adele Lambert just wants to be left alone. Her past a humiliation she has never recovered from she moved to Balboa to disappear. She rarely goes out, only to her small job, or to her garden and she will sometimes hit a tennis ball in her backyard at the dilapidated unoccupied house next to hers. Suddenly Adele finds herself in a new position but with that position comes the possibility of her past and present merging. And then her worst nightmare comes true.
Three women from different walks of life with very different problems begin to become friends. With that friendship a bond is formed. With that friendship each are given strength and courage they never in their wildest dreams thought they would ever have. They also work together to help each other and become a power to reckon with.
Enter The Island Club at your own risk and you will discover an amazing story, not only of a particular lifestyle, but deep dark secrets with many twists and turns and three women you will begin to root for as they try and make better lives for themselves and their families, they love dearly.
Thank you #NetGalley #St.Martin'sPress #NicolaHarrison #TheIslandClub for the advanced copy.
The Island Club is the place to be and be seen on Balboa Island in California. It's all about the status. Anyone who is anyone is a member. There is pool life, dinner life and even tennis life played mostly by men. But of course, everyone wants to know everyone's business! People go there to play tennis, swim, eat and learn all the chatter!
So, when Milly Kinkaid began to feel her marriage slipping away, she decided the family needed to move away from Hollywood where her husband worked and where all the beautiful women there seduced them. She honestly thought Balboa Island would fix all their problems. But unfortunately, her husband Lloyd still was staying in Hollywood, and she was now in Balboa Island alone with their two young children. So, she decides on her own, something very unlike any woman of the time, to sign the family up as members of The Island Club. She also decides to take tennis lessons. Lloyd is not happy.
Sylvia Johnson and her husband Walter own the fancy, enviable Island Club. The Club does well and with their investments they have more money than they know what to do with. They are the envy of all the members as well as residence on Balboa Island. Until something happens which not only puts their lifestyle into jeopardy, but also their life savings. As their lives begin to fall apart Sylvia knows she must step up and figure out what in the world to do before they lose the Club.
Resident of Balboa Island, Adele Lambert just wants to be left alone. Her past a humiliation she has never recovered from she moved to Balboa to disappear. She rarely goes out, only to her small job, or to her garden and she will sometimes hit a tennis ball in her backyard at the dilapidated unoccupied house next to hers. Suddenly Adele finds herself in a new position but with that position comes the possibility of her past and present merging. And then her worst nightmare comes true.
Three women from different walks of life with very different problems begin to become friends. With that friendship a bond is formed. With that friendship each are given strength and courage they never in their wildest dreams thought they would ever have. They also work together to help each other and become a power to reckon with.
Enter The Island Club at your own risk and you will discover an amazing story, not only of a particular lifestyle, but deep dark secrets with many twists and turns and three women you will begin to root for as they try and make better lives for themselves and their families, they love dearly.
Thank you #NetGalley #St.Martin'sPress #NicolaHarrison #TheIslandClub for the advanced copy.
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