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Interesting Enough: A Wren Island Novel
Three unexpected aunts. Two last-chance dogs. One aspiring songwriter determined to become more interesting.
After inheriting millions, introverted Allison Theodore purchases an island home in the Pacific Northwest, adopts two dogs, and pursues her most interesting dream—songwriting. Then her eccentric aunts move in, and Allison’s idyllic life becomes too interesting.
While one aunt hustles into managing the household, another tiptoes onto social media, and another flirts with Allison’s crusty neighbor, whose weighty secrets might not be confined to the past. When the inquisitive owner of the island’s grocery market decides to make Allison’s resulting problems his, she defends what she’s always valued most—her self-reliance. But by guarding a treasure she may no longer need, is she missing out on one far more desirable?
A charming island and a pod of endangered whales provide the backdrop for this heartwarming story about second chances, spontaneous family, and steadfast love.
After inheriting millions, introverted Allison Theodore purchases an island home in the Pacific Northwest, adopts two dogs, and pursues her most interesting dream—songwriting. Then her eccentric aunts move in, and Allison’s idyllic life becomes too interesting.
While one aunt hustles into managing the household, another tiptoes onto social media, and another flirts with Allison’s crusty neighbor, whose weighty secrets might not be confined to the past. When the inquisitive owner of the island’s grocery market decides to make Allison’s resulting problems his, she defends what she’s always valued most—her self-reliance. But by guarding a treasure she may no longer need, is she missing out on one far more desirable?
A charming island and a pod of endangered whales provide the backdrop for this heartwarming story about second chances, spontaneous family, and steadfast love.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2025
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Laura Joy Lloyd
1 book6 followersLaura Joy Lloyd writes uplifting contemporary stories set on Pacific Northwest islands. Through an innovative style she calls interactive serialized fiction, Laura invites readers to influence many of her projects in real time as she writes. Laura also enjoys swimming, knitting, keeping company with creatives, and organizing whatever feels messy.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 22, 2025
This book is the first book I’ve read written by Laura Joy Lloyd.
It is a fun story about a fictional island in the Pacific Northwest near the San Juan Islands. My mind knows it’s fictional, but my heart wants it to be real so I can meet these wonderful characters.
I would love to visit this island; it captured my heart, from the unique community of people to the beautiful landscapes. It truly felt like a relaxing place to live, well, except for all the crazy happenings in this story!
Laura Joy Lloyd’s writing style was entertaining. It was easy to read, with all the characters' fun banter. It was cute and quirky, but also thought-provoking. I loved the variety of the many characters and all their interesting backgrounds.
It was a sweet tale about how one person shouldn’t live as an island, separated from others. We all need people in our lives to come alongside us and help us get through all the storms in life that we might encounter.
Laura Joy Lloyd has done an excellent job of blending all the crazy things that hit Allison. As well as Godly truths and lessons, we can all apply to our lives. She shares how we can overcome these obstacles through God’s love and grace.
I highly recommend you pick this book up to read. It will warm your heart.
The publisher gave me this book, but this did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
It is a fun story about a fictional island in the Pacific Northwest near the San Juan Islands. My mind knows it’s fictional, but my heart wants it to be real so I can meet these wonderful characters.
I would love to visit this island; it captured my heart, from the unique community of people to the beautiful landscapes. It truly felt like a relaxing place to live, well, except for all the crazy happenings in this story!
Laura Joy Lloyd’s writing style was entertaining. It was easy to read, with all the characters' fun banter. It was cute and quirky, but also thought-provoking. I loved the variety of the many characters and all their interesting backgrounds.
It was a sweet tale about how one person shouldn’t live as an island, separated from others. We all need people in our lives to come alongside us and help us get through all the storms in life that we might encounter.
Laura Joy Lloyd has done an excellent job of blending all the crazy things that hit Allison. As well as Godly truths and lessons, we can all apply to our lives. She shares how we can overcome these obstacles through God’s love and grace.
I highly recommend you pick this book up to read. It will warm your heart.
The publisher gave me this book, but this did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 8, 2025
From the moment I stepped onto Wren Island with its meddling aunts and quirky characters, I found myself immersed in the kind of story that whispers truth to your weary heart: "You are already enough, beloved." Laura Joy Lloyd has crafted such a delightful story—a reminder that love doesn't require us to be perfect or "interesting enough.” This isn't just a cozy escape (although it is every bit that!)—it's a tender invitation to rest in the truth that we belong, flaws and all.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher and have shared my honest opinion.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) from the publisher and have shared my honest opinion.
August 17, 2025
2.25 Stars
Completed: Aug. 16/25
Series: Make it Home, #1
Format: Kindle e-book - clean fiction
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #21 of 50 — “includes illustrations” — drawn map of Wren Island at he beginning of the book
Book #102 of 2025: This is a new-to-me (independent) author. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this novel. I do love the cover though.
There is a lot of repetition and many characters to keep straight. It is contemporary with some women’s fiction, suspense, and a little romance. The suspense/mystery part didn’t really add anything to this story. It actually detracted.
Three aunts showing up out of the blue was a little odd. She never met them before her mom’s funeral, if I remember correctly. She becomes a multi-millionaire and they all show up with 0 dollars. They blow up Allison’s credit card. She basically does nothing about it until the end. While her generosity was admirable, their purchases of pinball machines, out door popcorn machines, etc. were incredibly disrespectful. It was as though the money could never run out. I completely believe in helping family but they really took advantage. Everything seemed kind of fantastical and over-the-top.
The one aunt has an overnight guest repeatedly. There are many references to a commune on the island. ???
Allison’s reaction to Virgil’s difficult decision to protect his child was distasteful and judgmental. She was not an easy character to like or feel invested in.
The general premise was very promising but I didn’t feel it was carried out. I expected it to be fun and quirky because of the premise. I typically love the small community settings. I do like the title of the book and how a woman can feel that they aren’t “interesting enough.” Second chances are also something I usually enjoy.
Sorry, but this novel just wasn’t for me and I will not be continuing this series.
Completed: Aug. 16/25
Series: Make it Home, #1
Format: Kindle e-book - clean fiction
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #21 of 50 — “includes illustrations” — drawn map of Wren Island at he beginning of the book
Book #102 of 2025: This is a new-to-me (independent) author. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this novel. I do love the cover though.
There is a lot of repetition and many characters to keep straight. It is contemporary with some women’s fiction, suspense, and a little romance. The suspense/mystery part didn’t really add anything to this story. It actually detracted.
Three aunts showing up out of the blue was a little odd. She never met them before her mom’s funeral, if I remember correctly. She becomes a multi-millionaire and they all show up with 0 dollars. They blow up Allison’s credit card. She basically does nothing about it until the end. While her generosity was admirable, their purchases of pinball machines, out door popcorn machines, etc. were incredibly disrespectful. It was as though the money could never run out. I completely believe in helping family but they really took advantage. Everything seemed kind of fantastical and over-the-top.
The one aunt has an overnight guest repeatedly. There are many references to a commune on the island. ???
Allison’s reaction to Virgil’s difficult decision to protect his child was distasteful and judgmental. She was not an easy character to like or feel invested in.
The general premise was very promising but I didn’t feel it was carried out. I expected it to be fun and quirky because of the premise. I typically love the small community settings. I do like the title of the book and how a woman can feel that they aren’t “interesting enough.” Second chances are also something I usually enjoy.
Sorry, but this novel just wasn’t for me and I will not be continuing this series.
Read
June 6, 2025A Debut Novel worth standing in line for!
Wren Island is a fictitious plot of real estate in the midst of Washington State’s San Juan Islands.
It’s also the new home of Allison Theodore, recovering from a failed marriage which has convinced her she’s not interesting enough to be loved.
We first meet her in her yellow boat, the Buttercup, sailing over sleeping volcanoes, intricate kelp forests, and hundreds of species of fish. Inside Allison’s head, her thoughts are so youthful, creative, and honest, I was rocked back on my heels to find that our heroine is 45 years old. By the end of the first chapter, I knew all I needed to know about Allison Theodore, and liked her very much.
Here she is, in a lovely Tudor mansion tucked away on remote Wren Island, living alone with her two rescue dogs and loving it, listening in on a hydrophone to the songs of passing Southern Resident orcas and dreaming of a song-writing career. Until three eccentric aunts whom she barely knows come to live with her.
Bossy Aunt Macy, flamboyant Aunt Shasta, and sensitive Aunt Amelia soon overwhelm her not only with their eccentricities, but also their love. Other characters include crusty neighbor Ralph Wesson, his brash and buff “son” Hack, a wise and caring storekeeper from the South Sea Islands named Virgil Tagaloa, a couple of undercover lady FBI agents, and neighbors from the commune up the hill. There’s also a creep named Lester and a teenager named Mattie whom he keeps under his thumb.
Characters like this were more than enough to keep me interested, but combined with the story’s twists and turns, I found Interesting Enough hard to put down. I’ll come back to Wren Island and the friends I made there, many times.
Wren Island is a fictitious plot of real estate in the midst of Washington State’s San Juan Islands.
It’s also the new home of Allison Theodore, recovering from a failed marriage which has convinced her she’s not interesting enough to be loved.
We first meet her in her yellow boat, the Buttercup, sailing over sleeping volcanoes, intricate kelp forests, and hundreds of species of fish. Inside Allison’s head, her thoughts are so youthful, creative, and honest, I was rocked back on my heels to find that our heroine is 45 years old. By the end of the first chapter, I knew all I needed to know about Allison Theodore, and liked her very much.
Here she is, in a lovely Tudor mansion tucked away on remote Wren Island, living alone with her two rescue dogs and loving it, listening in on a hydrophone to the songs of passing Southern Resident orcas and dreaming of a song-writing career. Until three eccentric aunts whom she barely knows come to live with her.
Bossy Aunt Macy, flamboyant Aunt Shasta, and sensitive Aunt Amelia soon overwhelm her not only with their eccentricities, but also their love. Other characters include crusty neighbor Ralph Wesson, his brash and buff “son” Hack, a wise and caring storekeeper from the South Sea Islands named Virgil Tagaloa, a couple of undercover lady FBI agents, and neighbors from the commune up the hill. There’s also a creep named Lester and a teenager named Mattie whom he keeps under his thumb.
Characters like this were more than enough to keep me interested, but combined with the story’s twists and turns, I found Interesting Enough hard to put down. I’ll come back to Wren Island and the friends I made there, many times.
May 31, 2025
I had the advantage of reading an ARC and enjoyed this story so much. Laura creates an atmosphere on Wren Island that makes you feel connected to the characters and antics of the community. The subtle sense of humor and quirky phrases make it even more endearing. She beautifully develops her character's relationships in such a believable way you feel as if you know them and become friends with them yourself. I couldn't help but fall in love with each character, from the main character, Allison with her big, generous heart, to devoted steadfast Virgil, to Allison's three unique and quirky aunts, and more.
If you are looking for an entertaining but thoughtful read this is a great choice! I found myself laughing, getting teary-eyed, intrigued and curious about what might happen next. It's always a good day when you can "escape" to Wren Island. I highly recommend this novel!
If you are looking for an entertaining but thoughtful read this is a great choice! I found myself laughing, getting teary-eyed, intrigued and curious about what might happen next. It's always a good day when you can "escape" to Wren Island. I highly recommend this novel!
June 1, 2025
Laura Joy Lloyd has created a world in Wren Island that anyone would love to visit for a cozy escape. From stubbornly independent Allison to stalwart (and handsome) Virgil, to three kooky aunts - sweetheart Amelia, self-appointed caretaker Macy, and flighty Shasta - the cast of characters will draw you in and make you want to stay for a muffin, smoothie, or buzzy brownie. My favorite books are the ones that center on relationships and what draws people together and pulls them apart. This book, while a delightful read with short chapters that keep you turning the page, has real emotional depth that makes the characters stick with you long after the last page. So glad to know there's another Wren Island book on the way!
(I received an ARC and this review constitutes my honest thoughts on the book.)
(I received an ARC and this review constitutes my honest thoughts on the book.)
November 14, 2025
Laura Joy asks the kinds of questions in her fiction that most of us are thinking but don't tend to actually say. ALL her characters have me rooting for them in one way or another, and her story lines drip with inner healing and redemption, wrapped in a wry humor that often makes me laugh aloud. "Interesting Enough" contains romance, intrigue, and explorations of complicated family dynamics. Wren Island is a magical place, with whales, lovably quirky inhabitants, and someone or something entertaining or engaging around every sandy curve. It's a great place to call home in the imagination, and I'm excited that Laura will be publishing more books in this series.
June 21, 2025
Interestingly enough, Laura Joy Lloyd strikes gold once more in her novel Interesting Enough, one of her Wren Island series. Lloyd crafts unique and memorable characters with intriguing and unexpected plot twists, and avoids the clichés of many writers. She probes deeply into her characters and their flaws and strengths, and you see them captivatingly navigate the challenges and quirks of life we all experience.
Give this book a read, you’ll thank me for it.
I received an ARC from the publisher and have shared my honest opinion.
Give this book a read, you’ll thank me for it.
I received an ARC from the publisher and have shared my honest opinion.
June 25, 2025
Set on a beautiful island in the Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest, Wren Island has captured my heart. Love, caring and kindness speak from these pages as you are introduced to the people and families on Wren Island.
Tall pine and fir trees, wildlife, whales, rocky pebbled beaches and rich tide pools enrich the lives of Alison Theodore, her three aunties, their neighbors and friends. The community embraces and supports each other as they face intrigue, danger and uncertain times. And, oh yes, there is a touch of romance. ;)
Tall pine and fir trees, wildlife, whales, rocky pebbled beaches and rich tide pools enrich the lives of Alison Theodore, her three aunties, their neighbors and friends. The community embraces and supports each other as they face intrigue, danger and uncertain times. And, oh yes, there is a touch of romance. ;)
June 2, 2025
Reading "Interesting Enough," I've fallen in love with Wren Island. Laura Joy Lloyd creates a most inviting setting in the islands of the Pacific Northwest. Her love for the islands where she lives is clear. The reader is drawn in by her creative assortment of characters, who become friends that stay with you after you've finished the book. Laura Joy Lloyd has become one of my favorite authors and I'm eagerly looking forward to her next books.
May 27, 2025
A lovingly crafted story about the messy joys of family and taking a chance on opening your heart again. Laura Joy Lloyd’s beautifully drawn setting on Wren Island comes alive with carefully observed attention to the natural world. If Wren Island were a real place, I’d be on the next boat there! A gem of a story.
June 23, 2025
Wren Island is so endearing, I felt nostalgic for this enchanting place when I finished reading. The delightfully eccentric aunts and the quirky personalities of the characters brought the charming coastal community to vibrant life. It's a great escape read. It will truly make you wish you lived there.
I received an ARC from the publisher and have shared my honest opinion.
I received an ARC from the publisher and have shared my honest opinion.
July 1, 2025
Entertaining whimsy
I really loved visiting Wren Island and all of my new friends there. That’s the way I felt while reading this book. I love a book that will make me laugh out loud In one minute, sit on the edge of my seat the next and then I need to reach for a Kleenex in the next. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I really loved visiting Wren Island and all of my new friends there. That’s the way I felt while reading this book. I love a book that will make me laugh out loud In one minute, sit on the edge of my seat the next and then I need to reach for a Kleenex in the next. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews