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Island Summer #1
Local Girls
There are two kinds of people on the island -- those who leave at summer's end...and those who are left behind.
Kendra and Mona are best friends, local girls who spend their summers catering to rich tourists and the rest of the year chafing against small-town life. Then Mona's mom marries one of the island's rich summer visitors, and Mona joins the world of the Boston elite, leaving Kendra and Martha's Vineyard behind. When Mona returns the following summer, everything is different. Now Mona spends her days sunbathing with her private-school friends, while Kendra works at The Willow Inn -- a job she and Mona once hoped to do together.
Unlike his sister, Mona's twin brother Henry hasn't changed. He's spending his summer the way he always has: with long, quiet hours fishing. Early mornings before work become special for Kendra as she starts sharing them with Henry, hoping he can help her figure Mona out. Then Kendra hatches a plan to prove she's Mona's one true friend. She'll uncover the identity of the twins' birth father, a question that has always obsessed Mona. And so she sets out to unravel the seventeen-year-old mystery of the summer boy who charmed Mona's mother. But are some secrets better off staying buried?
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2008
7 people are currently reading
1913 people want to read
About the author
Jenny O'Connell
9 books254 followersPublished chick-lit under the name Jennifer O'Connell.
I haven't been called Jenny in years (thankfully), but I thought it was fitting to publish my teen book under the name that still makes me think of high school.
My high school days may be long behind me, but I have a lot in common with Vanessa, the main character in PLAN B. Like Vanessa, I also went to a small private school. I was also mildly obsessed with college from fifth grade on, thanks to a book I read in which one of the characters went to Dartmouth. But unlike Vanessa, my brother wasn't a TV star. And he didn't drive me crazy. I actually still like him. As for creating a How To guide for guys, like Emily does in THE BOOK OF LUKE, I can't say that I know enough to write an entire guide, but I did have a blast writing the tips at the beginning of each chapter. And I wish a guide like this did exist when I was in high school (and college and even after that!).
Last summer I was on Martha's Vineyard doing research for my upcoming Martha's Vineyard Novel series (tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). I hope this books capture what I love so much about the island
Although she's written about a reality dating show, a prescient pastry chef, and a woman who inspired an 80's rock hit, Jennifer has not spent hours dissecting The Bachelor, she can barely follow the directions on the back of a Betty Crocker box, and she can only dream of a long-haired, guitar-thrashing rocker even giving her a second glance.
I haven't been called Jenny in years (thankfully), but I thought it was fitting to publish my teen book under the name that still makes me think of high school.
My high school days may be long behind me, but I have a lot in common with Vanessa, the main character in PLAN B. Like Vanessa, I also went to a small private school. I was also mildly obsessed with college from fifth grade on, thanks to a book I read in which one of the characters went to Dartmouth. But unlike Vanessa, my brother wasn't a TV star. And he didn't drive me crazy. I actually still like him. As for creating a How To guide for guys, like Emily does in THE BOOK OF LUKE, I can't say that I know enough to write an entire guide, but I did have a blast writing the tips at the beginning of each chapter. And I wish a guide like this did exist when I was in high school (and college and even after that!).
Last summer I was on Martha's Vineyard doing research for my upcoming Martha's Vineyard Novel series (tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). I hope this books capture what I love so much about the island
Although she's written about a reality dating show, a prescient pastry chef, and a woman who inspired an 80's rock hit, Jennifer has not spent hours dissecting The Bachelor, she can barely follow the directions on the back of a Betty Crocker box, and she can only dream of a long-haired, guitar-thrashing rocker even giving her a second glance.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 2, 2019
Jenny O'Connell wrote a nice sweet book that deals with how things can change so quickly as teens. When Mona and her brother Henry moves off the island, the best friendship that Mona had with Kendra seems to have changed. One school year and so much has changed. Mona went from being an island girl like Kendra, to being quite wealthy when her mom married.
I found this book to be somewhat of a coming of age book. We learn how we all change, even when we may think it is really just the other person. Then when you think that things are supposed to turn out one way, you realize that sometimes when something seems to be going all wrong, it is actually the way it was supposed to be all along.
Now we also cannot get through a summer teen beach book without some romance. So lets just say that when Mona seems to be moving farther away from Kendra, her twin brother Henry is very quick to take her place.
I found this book to be somewhat of a coming of age book. We learn how we all change, even when we may think it is really just the other person. Then when you think that things are supposed to turn out one way, you realize that sometimes when something seems to be going all wrong, it is actually the way it was supposed to be all along.
Now we also cannot get through a summer teen beach book without some romance. So lets just say that when Mona seems to be moving farther away from Kendra, her twin brother Henry is very quick to take her place.
December 4, 2018
I’m a sucker for chick-lits, and this book definitely fit the bill. It was very entertaining and I found myself invested in the story. However, there were some little things that didn’t make a whole lot of sense. But overall the message of the book, that change can be good, hit home. And it was about finding your own path. A quick, entertaining read.
September 1, 2025
a fluffy summer book, this one was enjoyable, but i probs wouldn’t reco it to any1 bcus it’s js not worth their time. the story is pretty simple: the mc’s bestfriend moves away and then comes back for the summer. they have a hard time getting along, and then the mc starts dating the estranged bestfriend’s twin. after a fight with the bestfriend, they make up, and it ends with a happy ending. it’s all a bit boring.
November 24, 2012
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
Mona and Kendra have been local island girls and best friends for years. But all that changes as Mona boards the ferry to the mainland at the end of the summer going into their junior year. Mona's mom has just married one of the richest summer island men, Malcolm. And with that new marriage comes Mona's move to the mainland (Boston) and her start at a private school. So Kendra is left alone for the year without her best friend or Mona's twin brother, Henry.
The story starts out with Kendra awaiting Mona's return to the island for the summer with her family. Though this time Mona will be living in Malcolm's house, one of the largest on the island. Kendra doesn't anticipate that things will be different now that Mona is one of the "summer people." But not long after Mona's arrival, Kendra notices that their conversation isn't as easy as it used to be. And Kendra had arranged a surprise for Mona, getting them both summer jobs at the new bed and breakfast, The Willow. But Mona doesn't have to work this summer. In fact, she doesn't have to do anything at all. The line between the summer people and the local people seems even wider this year for Kendra.
On the first day of work for Kendra, minus Mona, the chef in the kitchen requires extra ingredients, so Kendra is sent to the local store. While browsing the baking aisle, Kendra encounters Mona's brother, Henry. Surprised to see him up so early, the two of them start chatting. Soon, a routine develops. Shelby, the Willow chef, is constantly forgetting vital ingredients and, on a daily basis, Kendra goes to the local store, only to find Henry waiting for her. Henry gets up at 4am every day to go fishing. After accepting the invitation to go fishing with Henry on her day off, soon the two because inseparable.
Mona's Boston friends are also on the island and Kendra finds herself wanting Mona to choose between her and them. She feels Mona's changed far too much in the past year, and she doesn't recognize her anymore. Mona's friends all find Henry attractive, yet it's Kendra that has his attention. Kendra doesn't want Henry to tell Mona about the two of them, for fear that Mona will think Kendra is only using Henry. At Malcom's birthday party, everything blows up and Kendra runs off, leaving both Mona and Henry behind.
As the summer unfolds, Kendra comes to realize that maybe Mona isn't the only one that has changed. Everyone around Kendra seems to have moved on with their lives and left Kendra behind. Kendra has to realize that things do change and that life does go on, even if you don't want it to.
LOCAL GIRLS is a great summer read for anyone. It definitely made me wish that I was able to abandon everything for an entire summer and be one of the summer people on the island!
Mona and Kendra have been local island girls and best friends for years. But all that changes as Mona boards the ferry to the mainland at the end of the summer going into their junior year. Mona's mom has just married one of the richest summer island men, Malcolm. And with that new marriage comes Mona's move to the mainland (Boston) and her start at a private school. So Kendra is left alone for the year without her best friend or Mona's twin brother, Henry.
The story starts out with Kendra awaiting Mona's return to the island for the summer with her family. Though this time Mona will be living in Malcolm's house, one of the largest on the island. Kendra doesn't anticipate that things will be different now that Mona is one of the "summer people." But not long after Mona's arrival, Kendra notices that their conversation isn't as easy as it used to be. And Kendra had arranged a surprise for Mona, getting them both summer jobs at the new bed and breakfast, The Willow. But Mona doesn't have to work this summer. In fact, she doesn't have to do anything at all. The line between the summer people and the local people seems even wider this year for Kendra.
On the first day of work for Kendra, minus Mona, the chef in the kitchen requires extra ingredients, so Kendra is sent to the local store. While browsing the baking aisle, Kendra encounters Mona's brother, Henry. Surprised to see him up so early, the two of them start chatting. Soon, a routine develops. Shelby, the Willow chef, is constantly forgetting vital ingredients and, on a daily basis, Kendra goes to the local store, only to find Henry waiting for her. Henry gets up at 4am every day to go fishing. After accepting the invitation to go fishing with Henry on her day off, soon the two because inseparable.
Mona's Boston friends are also on the island and Kendra finds herself wanting Mona to choose between her and them. She feels Mona's changed far too much in the past year, and she doesn't recognize her anymore. Mona's friends all find Henry attractive, yet it's Kendra that has his attention. Kendra doesn't want Henry to tell Mona about the two of them, for fear that Mona will think Kendra is only using Henry. At Malcom's birthday party, everything blows up and Kendra runs off, leaving both Mona and Henry behind.
As the summer unfolds, Kendra comes to realize that maybe Mona isn't the only one that has changed. Everyone around Kendra seems to have moved on with their lives and left Kendra behind. Kendra has to realize that things do change and that life does go on, even if you don't want it to.
LOCAL GIRLS is a great summer read for anyone. It definitely made me wish that I was able to abandon everything for an entire summer and be one of the summer people on the island!
August 20, 2008
Kendra and Mona are best friends, local girls who spend their summers catering to rich tourists and the rest of the year chafing against small-town life. Then Mona's mom marries one of the island's rich summer visitors, and Mona joins the world of the Boston elite, leaving Kendra and Martha's Vineyard behind. When Mona returns the following summer, everything is different. Now Mona spends her days sunbathing with her private-school friends, while Kendra works at The Willow Inn -- a job she and Mona once hoped to do together.
Unlike his sister, Mona's twin brother Henry hasn't changed. He's spending his summer the way he always has: with long, quiet hours fishing. Early mornings before work become special for Kendra as she starts sharing them with Henry, hoping he can help her figure Mona out. Then Kendra hatches a plan to prove she's Mona's one true friend. She'll uncover the identity of the twins' birth father, a question that has always obsessed Mona. And so she sets out to unravel the seventeen-year-old mystery of the summer boy who charmed Mona's mother. But are some secrets better off staying buried?
Review:
Based on that description of the book, you would think that it's mostly about Kendra doing some detective work to find Mona's father, right? That's what I thought anyway. But that's not what happened at all. That's the minor subplot that appears only every other 10 or 20 pages. Even then there wasn't the detective work I was expecting, just Kendra looking through the archives of the local newspaper and some old articles stored at some rich people place. And then when this subplot's conflict was resolved, it had one of the worst resolution I can think of. Once I saw its outcome, I was sitting on my bed going "Are you kidding me? That's how it was fixed? That was so cheap. Like that would ever happen."
It was a romance more than anything else. And the romance part was fairly predictable and cheesy and cliche. I won't say who Kendra got together with, but you can guess from the description. I did like how she wasn't obsessed with her boyfriend though. She never went "I must have my boyfriend or I will absolutely die."
Character wise, I was happy with how they grew up and learned about each other. Even though Mona and Kendra were best friends before and knew each other extremely well, I felt as if they learned even more about each other once Mona came back to the island. And Kendra befriended the cook at the Willow Inn, Shelby, and it was nice to see her be able to gain a new friend even though she was determined to become friends with Mona again.
I think I would only recommend this to someone if they wanted a summer romancey type book. If you don't, this wouldn't be the first thing I'd tell you to read. Or the second. Or third.
Unlike his sister, Mona's twin brother Henry hasn't changed. He's spending his summer the way he always has: with long, quiet hours fishing. Early mornings before work become special for Kendra as she starts sharing them with Henry, hoping he can help her figure Mona out. Then Kendra hatches a plan to prove she's Mona's one true friend. She'll uncover the identity of the twins' birth father, a question that has always obsessed Mona. And so she sets out to unravel the seventeen-year-old mystery of the summer boy who charmed Mona's mother. But are some secrets better off staying buried?
Review:
Based on that description of the book, you would think that it's mostly about Kendra doing some detective work to find Mona's father, right? That's what I thought anyway. But that's not what happened at all. That's the minor subplot that appears only every other 10 or 20 pages. Even then there wasn't the detective work I was expecting, just Kendra looking through the archives of the local newspaper and some old articles stored at some rich people place. And then when this subplot's conflict was resolved, it had one of the worst resolution I can think of. Once I saw its outcome, I was sitting on my bed going "Are you kidding me? That's how it was fixed? That was so cheap. Like that would ever happen."
It was a romance more than anything else. And the romance part was fairly predictable and cheesy and cliche. I won't say who Kendra got together with, but you can guess from the description. I did like how she wasn't obsessed with her boyfriend though. She never went "I must have my boyfriend or I will absolutely die."
Character wise, I was happy with how they grew up and learned about each other. Even though Mona and Kendra were best friends before and knew each other extremely well, I felt as if they learned even more about each other once Mona came back to the island. And Kendra befriended the cook at the Willow Inn, Shelby, and it was nice to see her be able to gain a new friend even though she was determined to become friends with Mona again.
I think I would only recommend this to someone if they wanted a summer romancey type book. If you don't, this wouldn't be the first thing I'd tell you to read. Or the second. Or third.
Read
December 8, 2010BLURB: Meet Kendra and Mona, two inseparable best friends. Life is good for them, until Mona ends up having to move away. Mona’s mother, Izzy, has married a rich business man from Boston, who visited the island over the summer. So Mona joins the high-class world in Boston. Mona promises Kendra that next summer, she will come back as herself, and it will seem as if nothing ever happened.
Next summer comes, Mona comes back, and everything is totally different. All Mona does now is hang out with her private-school friends while Kendra is working at the Willow Inn--a place where Mona and Kendra dreamed to work at together. And then there’s Henry, Mona’s twin brother. Henry hasn’t changed at all. Kendra decides to get closer to Henry. She thinks it’s the only way to “figure” Mona out. And Kendra has the most brilliant beyond brilliant idea. To prove that she is Mona’s one and only true friend, Kendra will solve the mystery of the twins’ birth father. A question that has always been a lingering one for Mona. But is it worth it? Is her friendship with Mona what needs to be saved? Do these secrets need to be revealed?
REVIEW: What I liked about Local Girls is that it was “page-turner”. You just had to keep on reading. The way the author detailed each part made you feel as if you were there. I liked how there is a big twist near the ending, which makes the story even better! I especially loved the part where Kendra realizes that Mona isn’t the one who completely changed, that it was Kendra who didn’t expect Mona to change and be a little different. Things I didn’t like about the story were that I felt like there were some unnecessary details, some things wouldn’t have made a difference if they were or weren’t in the story.
My favorite character was Kendra because I loved the way she didn’t want to give up on her and Mona’s friendship. She was a true friend to Mona even though Mona never noticed that. My least favorite characters were Mona’s Boston elite friends. They were being nice to Kendra, but I just had that feeling they were only doing that because they felt sorry for her.
Kendra and Henry have known each other since they were little and have been great friends, and they get to know each other more and soon become more than friends! The mystery is the main thriller that keeps you reading this book. Should Kendra really find Mona and Henry’s birth father and will it fix everything, bringing it back to normal?
Next summer comes, Mona comes back, and everything is totally different. All Mona does now is hang out with her private-school friends while Kendra is working at the Willow Inn--a place where Mona and Kendra dreamed to work at together. And then there’s Henry, Mona’s twin brother. Henry hasn’t changed at all. Kendra decides to get closer to Henry. She thinks it’s the only way to “figure” Mona out. And Kendra has the most brilliant beyond brilliant idea. To prove that she is Mona’s one and only true friend, Kendra will solve the mystery of the twins’ birth father. A question that has always been a lingering one for Mona. But is it worth it? Is her friendship with Mona what needs to be saved? Do these secrets need to be revealed?
REVIEW: What I liked about Local Girls is that it was “page-turner”. You just had to keep on reading. The way the author detailed each part made you feel as if you were there. I liked how there is a big twist near the ending, which makes the story even better! I especially loved the part where Kendra realizes that Mona isn’t the one who completely changed, that it was Kendra who didn’t expect Mona to change and be a little different. Things I didn’t like about the story were that I felt like there were some unnecessary details, some things wouldn’t have made a difference if they were or weren’t in the story.
My favorite character was Kendra because I loved the way she didn’t want to give up on her and Mona’s friendship. She was a true friend to Mona even though Mona never noticed that. My least favorite characters were Mona’s Boston elite friends. They were being nice to Kendra, but I just had that feeling they were only doing that because they felt sorry for her.
Kendra and Henry have known each other since they were little and have been great friends, and they get to know each other more and soon become more than friends! The mystery is the main thriller that keeps you reading this book. Should Kendra really find Mona and Henry’s birth father and will it fix everything, bringing it back to normal?
August 16, 2008
Jenny O'Connell has to be one of the best YA authors out there. There is so much I love about her writing! I love how she takes simple stories (in this case, Kendra's best friend Mona moved away from the island they grew up on and has returned for a summer there but things between them have changed) and turns them into something completely amazing. She has such a great way with words and uses simple, understated descriptions to convey actions, emotions, and thoughts. I also love how her endings are not completely 100% perfect; there is still things that are left unsaid and that the reader must infer or imagine.
Kendra is very aware of the difference between the people on Martha's Vineyard for the summer - there are those who live there year-round, like she does, and then there are those who only summer there. With Mona's mom having married a man who summers there, Mona moved to Boston and is back to spend her first summer on the island as a non-resident. Kendra constantly picks up on the differences between her friend then and now, and Mona has plenty of other friends from Boston there to spend time with. Meanwhile, Kendra starts getting to really know Mona's twin brother as someone other than "Mona's brother" and realizes that he is an interesting person to spend time with. There are a number of scenes where Kendra and Henry (Mona's brother) simply go fishing in the morning, when it's quiet and the beaches are empty, and the scenes really do just fly off the page. The author makes me feel like I am there.
The author really goes deep with some of the scenes and actions instead of just simplifying problems or making fights one sided. All the characters, no matter how small, are given small quirks or traits that make them unique and very recognizable. Kendra comes to really insightful realizations throughout the book, but it's not done in a way that beats you over the head with the knowledge; instead, it's done quietly and smoothly.
Definitely a good book and a solid way to begin this new "Island Summer" series. After I finished this, I didn't know how the second book could possibly top it.
Kendra is very aware of the difference between the people on Martha's Vineyard for the summer - there are those who live there year-round, like she does, and then there are those who only summer there. With Mona's mom having married a man who summers there, Mona moved to Boston and is back to spend her first summer on the island as a non-resident. Kendra constantly picks up on the differences between her friend then and now, and Mona has plenty of other friends from Boston there to spend time with. Meanwhile, Kendra starts getting to really know Mona's twin brother as someone other than "Mona's brother" and realizes that he is an interesting person to spend time with. There are a number of scenes where Kendra and Henry (Mona's brother) simply go fishing in the morning, when it's quiet and the beaches are empty, and the scenes really do just fly off the page. The author makes me feel like I am there.
The author really goes deep with some of the scenes and actions instead of just simplifying problems or making fights one sided. All the characters, no matter how small, are given small quirks or traits that make them unique and very recognizable. Kendra comes to really insightful realizations throughout the book, but it's not done in a way that beats you over the head with the knowledge; instead, it's done quietly and smoothly.
Definitely a good book and a solid way to begin this new "Island Summer" series. After I finished this, I didn't know how the second book could possibly top it.
January 1, 2011
“Local Girls” is a story about two best friends named Kendra and Mona who live in Martha’s Vineyard. When Mona’s mother marries a wealthy man in Boston, their family moves there and Mona is suddenly more privileged than before. Kendra is a little saddened by this but puts those feelings aside when she hears about Mona coming to visit and highly anticipates her return. Although, she can hardly recognize Mona because she is a completely changed person who clearly has become very accustomed to her new life, along with new high class friends. Inadvertently, Mona puts her friends in front of Kendra even though she tries to include her in their conversations and etc. Kendra realizes this right away and does everything she can to try to return things back to normal without hurting Mona in the process.
Jenny o’Connell uses conspicuous detail to convey what Kendra and Mona’s friendship was like before she moved away, which was extremely close-knit and had lasted since they were much younger. As well as how much Mona and her family had changed. I thought this was a very relatable and interesting book because of the fact that almost everyone has experienced drifting apart from their friends, and this was a great reflection of that.
Jenny o’Connell uses conspicuous detail to convey what Kendra and Mona’s friendship was like before she moved away, which was extremely close-knit and had lasted since they were much younger. As well as how much Mona and her family had changed. I thought this was a very relatable and interesting book because of the fact that almost everyone has experienced drifting apart from their friends, and this was a great reflection of that.
July 9, 2014
I get that characters have faults but I didn't really enjoy this book all that much. I thought Henry was precious amd I actually liked Mona more than Kendra. I thought Kendra was kind of snotty to Mona's friends and didn't give Mona a chance to show that she's still her best friend. I also hated how cruel Kendra was to Henry in regards to their relationship, it really irked me when she practically threw a fit because Henry's truck was in the shop and he had to take Malcolm's car. Obviously his parents have flashy cars and obviously Henry has an old truck so taking the truck to the shop is kind of a given. Oh and finding the dad thing wasn't even a huge thing, it was a cheap shot on making this not an actual Romans when it is.
February 2, 2014
A fluffy summer book. Nothing new here. This book was enjoyable but I probably wouldn't recommend it to any of my friends because it just isn't worth their time. This book is pretty simple, the main characters best friend moves away then comes back for the summer. They have a hard time getting along. Then the main character starts dating estranged best friends brother. The main character has a fight with the best friend then they make up and it ends in a happy ending. Boring...
October 27, 2009
This was a really good portrayal about the major changes in two teenage girls lives. I think this author really understands what it's like to be local in a tourist area and the rift it shows in lifestyle.
December 6, 2010
wow when i started this book i thought that it was going to be about rich girls who don't know what to do with there life. but i i really about a girl who finds who her frinds are and who she really is. this book talks about love life and understanding!!!!!
July 9, 2013
I liked "The Book of Luke" by Jenny O'Connell, but I didn't like this one so much. This book was really wordy... But I loved the relationship developed between Kendra and Henry, and the bond between Kendra and Mona.
April 8, 2014
Good read for all ages.
Good read for all ages.
I loved this book and Jenny O'Connell so writes books with such good means behind the plot. Also I believe her books could be read by Christian kids as well as all teens out there.
Good read for all ages.
I loved this book and Jenny O'Connell so writes books with such good means behind the plot. Also I believe her books could be read by Christian kids as well as all teens out there.
July 28, 2008
Here is my review:
http://ifyoubelieveclap.wordpress.com...
http://ifyoubelieveclap.wordpress.com...
August 1, 2008
http://librarygrl.wordpress.com/2008/...
I think the covers are a bit misleading, more depth to these 2 books (also Rich Boys) than the covers suggest.
I think the covers are a bit misleading, more depth to these 2 books (also Rich Boys) than the covers suggest.
Read
July 28, 2011I really liked this book. i loved the story of Kendra and Henry, they were really cute together. and i guess i loved to see the characters evolve in the end. great book. :)
November 22, 2011
Love this book so much! I recommend the Mona in my life to read it.
February 23, 2015
This book is so good. It shows how not everyone is the same as they are were the year before. Looking forward to reading the squel.
November 6, 2015
Definitely a beach read, but we'll written and a cute story
January 1, 2015
An enjoyable and easy read.
With characters you actually grow to care about.
With characters you actually grow to care about.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews