The Island Between Us

by Sage Parker

The thing about being a second wife is you spend years pretending it doesn’t bother you...

Until the first one walks through the front door of the beach house your dead husband just left you.


* FROM AMAZON #1 BEST-SELLING AUTHOR * comes an original, small-town beach series—filled with secrets, second chances, and the strange magic of starting over beside the last person you'd ever expect.


Margaret Turner didn’t know Henry owned a house on Captiva Island.

She didn’t know he left it to her.

And she definitely didn’t know he also left it to his elegant, perfect, excruciatingly composed first wife who never missed a chance to make Margaret feel like second-best.

Now they’re co-owners of a gorgeous beachfront paradise they can’t sell without each other’s permission. And if they try? Every penny goes to Sharon, Henry’s sister—the only person they both equally despise

Forced to coexist in paradise, Margaret and Katherine attempt the a truce. But the house isn’t as empty as they thought it would be. There are signs someone’s been living there. Medical supplies in the basement. And a too-handsome detective who keeps dropping by with more questions than answers….

As secrets surface and family drama rolls in with the tide, these two women start to uncover the one thing Henry never gave the whole truth. and maybe the only thing messier than sharing a dead husband… is realizing you might actually like his other wife.


This is Book 3 of 3 in the Captiva Island series... Scroll up to pre-order now!

Genres: Fiction

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret and Katherine solve the mystery of who is causing all the chaos. The characters take you through all the drama and answers. It is a great series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary starting over, clean and wholesome, later-in-life women's fiction, Christian inspirational, small-town, friends-to-lovers widow fiction romance, is page-turing with exceptional world-buiding in Captiva Island where the sunrises and sunsets are magnificent and majestically painted in vibrant hues that are painted across the skies, and characters that are resilient, heartbroken/devastated, trying to cope with the loss of a dead husband, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the island between us, secrets surface, family drama rolls in with the tide, two women, Margaret and Katherine, forced to co-exist in paradise, these two women start to uncover the one thing Henry, each of their ex-husband, never gave them, the truth, deception, emotional depth/heartfelt emotions that will leave readers in need of Puffs/Kleenex to wipe the tear away that are threatening to spill down their cheeks, these women are co-owners of a gorgeous beachfront paradise that they can't sell without each other's permission because Henry gave it to each of them, mystery/intrigue, a touch of humor as Margaret and Katherin uncover the truth Henry never gave them, complexities relationships, the pain of love/loss, unexpected twists/turns, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the island between us and a friends-to-lovers second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly mysterious, intriguing, emotional, and unforgettable.


The thing about being a second wife is you spend years pretending it doesn’t bother you...

Until the first one walks through the front door of the beach house, your dead husband just left you.

Margaret Turner didn’t know Henry owned a house on Captiva Island.

She didn’t know he left it to her.

And she definitely didn’t know he also left it to Katherine: his elegant, perfect, excruciatingly composed first wife who never missed a chance to make Margaret feel like second-best.

Now that they’re co-owners of a gorgeous beachfront paradise, they can’t sell without each other’s permission. And if they try? Every penny goes to Sharon, Henry’s sister—the only person they both equally despise

Forced to coexist in paradise, Margaret and Katherine attempt the impossible: a truce. But the house isn’t as empty as they thought it would be. There are signs someone’s been living there. Medical supplies in the basement. And a too-handsome detective who keeps dropping by with more questions than answers….

As secrets surface and family drama rolls in with the tide, these two women start to uncover the one thing Henry never gave them: the whole truth. and maybe the only thing messier than sharing a dead husband… is realizing you might actually like his other wife.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, the mystery of all the mishaps is revealed. Who would have thought that Henry's sister, Sharon would have been behind all this mess and why. The answers both Margaret and Katherine were looking for are finally answered and now they can leave in peace. Watching the relationship between Margaret and Katherine go from animosity to true and real friendship was amazing. Henry's passing although sad, brought something magical to both his ex and widow. Peter and Gerald were amazing partners for both Margaret and Katherine. Jason coming around and finally accepting Margaret into the family was also special. I am so happy that all of the misunderstandings were finally settled and that Jason and Cassie made up. Overall, this was one of Sage's best cozy mysteries, but I say that about all of her books because they are that great!!! I look forward to seeing what she has in store next.

P.S. I loved how this Cozy Mystery had only three books. It made it quicker to read!

[June Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Sage Parker’s best series yet in my opinion. The mysteries continued and character building is phenomenal. I had multiple ideas about what would happen next and was wrong more often than not. Who would ever expect the widow and the ex wife to become best friends after detesting each other for decades? The trip from start to finish is quite a ride plus the romantic relationships that these two women develop with two wonderful men creates even more interesting experiences and situations. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shuvai · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌴 The Island between us: Book 3 brings heartfelt closure to Margaret and Katherine’s journey as amateur sleuths unravel the final mystery that bound them together. With secrets revealed, pain confronted, and friendships deepened, this moving finale celebrates healing, companionship, and the kind of laughter that lifts you after a fall. A satisfying end to a beautifully layered series—best read in order for full emotional impact. Women’s fiction fans will find wisdom, warmth, and a well-earned happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the women have found out a lot about Henry and realize that they were really in love with one man but who handled things differently with each of them. With the help of their new significant others they have solved the mystery of the house on Captiva Island. What I love most is the two woman who both were hurt with this man have learned that they are not all that different and are hoping that their lives can be intertwined in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the mysteries have finally been solved and guess who was right in the middle of it all. Happy to see that Margaret and Katherine finally got the answers to their many questions, became good friends and each of them made another new, good friend and companion and will now enjoy a happily ever after on Captiva Island.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series, but I love how it ended. Margaret lost her husband Henry. She then learned that he bought a house on Captiva Island, and it was in her name as well as his ex-wife's name. A lot happened, including learning how Henry's sister Sharon was involved in his death. I loved how Margaret and Katherine worked together and became friends. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Booksprout, and this is my honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One click is all it takes and you will find yourself dreaming of a beach get away. Sage has done a marvelous job writing not only this book but this entire series that is page turning.
I found the cover of this book as well as the storyline to let your mind escape the daily stresses you might have.
Thank you Sage for not only writing a 5 star romance book but series as well. You have a talent at hooking the reading starting with the cover.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Island Between Us book three kept me guessing from start to finish.
Margaret and Katherine have finally got the questions answered to everything they need to know. I was so happy to see how their relationship evolved and be the friends they should have been all along.
I must say that author Sage Parker has become one of my favorite authors to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's a great irony that selfish and misleading efforts on multiple parts ultimately offer several parties opportunities to heal their hearts, relationships, and bring about new and changed opportunities for family, friendships and Home.

twists and turns galore raise bumps and bruises, and new beginnings.

intense and transforming, with a bit of steam, and lits if tears and talking and support and affection.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 and the last book in the Captiva Island series. The MCs turn into amateur sleuths to solve the mystery of the house. The answers bring more pain to the two friends but also closure. They are able to move on with the life that they now share in the house on the island. I recommend this book to all women's fiction readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy was intriguing, gripping and exciting as we have followed the widow and the ex-wife on this extraordinary journey. There’s been mystery, suspense, secrets and drama as we have seen their friendship grow and develop despite their differences and troubles. In this final book everything is bought together and mysteries are solved with a few surprises along the way and gives you an ending that leaves you with a happy heart!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am happy with the ending of this book. Both Katherine and Margaret have a happily ever after in spite of the problems they find themselves involved in. Their mutual sister in law is reality in deep trouble. You'll have to read it for yourself to find out what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series must be read in order. Thanks Sage for not making me practice patience for answers any longer.
Answers were given to questions I hadn't even expected...
Life lessons:
The more bridges you burn the harder it is to get help
Good friends will laugh when one falls and then help each other up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Island Between Us: Book 3” by Sage Parker

-Secrets unravel at last on Captiva Island, tying every loose thread. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Margaret and Katherine transform from rivals to trusted friends. Love, loss, and shocking revelations give way to peace and renewal.

A heartfelt, satisfying finale that closes the series beautifully.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Island Between Us, Book 3, concludes Margaret and Katherine's story with the women becoming best friends and having new romances. All the questions about the house were answered. A twist occurs about Henry's death. This has been an excellent series which I highly enjoyed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the ending to this series. We have all the answers and it was very intriguing to read just how heavily involved Sharon truly was. Margaret and Katherine affirmed their friendship and both have a bright future with their respective men. Can’t wait for the next series from Ms Parker.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets revealed!

An unexpected ending to this series as the secrets that brought Margaret and Katherine together are revealed. I recommend this series and this author.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret and Katherine are going to figure out who is breaking in their house and who is in the van across the street from their house. They don’t want to wait for the police! Will they figure it out? Will something happen to them? I received a free book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two strong character women thrown together because of the connection with a dead husband. There are some complications that they need to work through and some unexpected secrets unveiled. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing! This series was wonderfully written, clever, creative and very entertaining. Twists and turns on every page. Loved how everything turned out and the ending was fantastic. You don't want to miss this amazing beach house saga!.

[Carol Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mature tale of friends and family

I hope this series continues because I loved it and found it to be completely relatable. I hope many more books show up in a similar genre that is so comfortable in this stage of life.

[Linda Vermillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice ending to the series

I always like happy endings with everything tied up in a bow. These women of a certain age books give hope that life goes on even if you are divorced or widowed. Both women learned that life is better with friends. And forgiveness is a virtue.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good series this was!

I really enjoyed this book, almost wish there was several more to the series! Loved the way it turned out though we didn't find out if they caught the head guy!

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret and Katherine finally solve the mystery and each get their happily ever after while becoming good friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Sage Parker; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the third book in the Captiva Island Series; the story continues from the previous book and needs to be read in order.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still loving Margaret. the mystery of this house is so intriguing. I cannot wait to continue reading more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charline Romine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret and Katherine

This three book series has a humdinger of a plot! Margaret, Henry’s widow and Katherine, Henry’s ex-wife and mother of their son, Russell, find themselves in the middle of a drug case involvement. Good reading!

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret and Katherine finally catch Sharon (ALMOST). But Sharon comes back to the Beach House to confess EVERYTHING!.

WHAT A STORY, AND WHAT AN ENDING.