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Far From Unremarkable: A Wren Island Novel
A monumental regret. A fluttering chance for redemption.
Seventy-year-old Wallace Bernard moves to a remote island in the Pacific Northwest, ideal digs for a man accustomed to being invisible. Drawn by magnetic neighbors into troubleshooting a stalled-out romance, an aimless youngster’s prospects, and an unworldly woman’s sway toward independence, he becomes a trusted member of his new community—unaware he is inextricably linked to one neighbor’s enduring grief. When fresh loss dissolves his loner facade, magnanimous friends offer attentive support. But can Wallace find peace in being far from unremarkable?
Restorative Wren Island is the setting for this heartwarming story about embracing community, pursuing friendship, and cherishing loved ones.
Includes Discussion Guide.
This standalone novel can also be read as Book 2 in the Make It Home series.
Seventy-year-old Wallace Bernard moves to a remote island in the Pacific Northwest, ideal digs for a man accustomed to being invisible. Drawn by magnetic neighbors into troubleshooting a stalled-out romance, an aimless youngster’s prospects, and an unworldly woman’s sway toward independence, he becomes a trusted member of his new community—unaware he is inextricably linked to one neighbor’s enduring grief. When fresh loss dissolves his loner facade, magnanimous friends offer attentive support. But can Wallace find peace in being far from unremarkable?
Restorative Wren Island is the setting for this heartwarming story about embracing community, pursuing friendship, and cherishing loved ones.
Includes Discussion Guide.
This standalone novel can also be read as Book 2 in the Make It Home series.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2026
About the author
Laura Joy Lloyd
2 books7 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 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 11, 2026
Laura Joy Lloyd’s contemporary novel, Far From Unremarkable, is the second book in her Make It Home series. It is set in the Pacific Northwest on the lovely Wren Island, in a small community of interesting characters. From quirky aunts, to put together Allison, and now Wallace is around. While the book can be stand-alone, it continues to build on the strong bonds we became familiar with in the first book in the series, but now a few additional characters have entered the picture. From aging and maybe crotchety Wallace, and his daughters, to the younger Frank, with a paradoxical background. Laura gently broaches subjects like grief, aging, disability, and love in a natural and kind way, along with many giggles shared with the characters we have become so fond of. With Wallace around, and a few others, the community broadens in a delightful way. Laura has created a refreshing story in a setting that feels like home.
I appreciate Laura’s easy-going writing style that can walk us through funny moments and difficult subjects but does not leave one feeling abandoned. This story demonstrates the strength of community and how healing can come when we draw together. I find myself laughing frequently at her quirky characters and their way of looking at the world, and root for each one while contemplating my own journey as the characters find themselves navigating theirs. Her writing allows us to follow the characters through life events that are often close to home and offer comfort with the knowledge we are not alone.
I highly recommend Far From Unremarkable. It is an enjoyable read. I finished the book feeling like I had gone on a vacation and visited with friends, old and new. I’m looking forward to the next book in the Make It Home series as I’m ready to continue “visiting with my friends” on Wren Island.
I appreciate Laura’s easy-going writing style that can walk us through funny moments and difficult subjects but does not leave one feeling abandoned. This story demonstrates the strength of community and how healing can come when we draw together. I find myself laughing frequently at her quirky characters and their way of looking at the world, and root for each one while contemplating my own journey as the characters find themselves navigating theirs. Her writing allows us to follow the characters through life events that are often close to home and offer comfort with the knowledge we are not alone.
I highly recommend Far From Unremarkable. It is an enjoyable read. I finished the book feeling like I had gone on a vacation and visited with friends, old and new. I’m looking forward to the next book in the Make It Home series as I’m ready to continue “visiting with my friends” on Wren Island.
May 25, 2026
There's something fitting about reading the final third of a book set on a Pacific Northwest island while you're on the water — even if my particular ferry was crossing the Atlantic, not the Pacific. Sometimes a book just meets you where you are.
Far From Unremarkable is Laura Joy Lloyd's second Wren Island novel, and I'd recommend starting with the first (Interesting Enough) if you haven't already, though this one can stand on its own. The Wren Island series is the kind of fiction that's harder to write than it looks — warm without being saccharine, character-driven without being slow, and honest about grief without camping out in it.
What surprised me most here is that the main characters are men. That's not something you see often in this corner of Christian fiction, and Lloyd handles it with confidence. The grief in this book is the real kind — the kind that doesn't resolve neatly or on schedule — and she doesn't rush past it to get to the redemption. She earns the hope.
And then there's the goat scene. I actually laughed out loud, which is not something I usually do when reading. Lloyd has a gift for humor that sneaks up on you, and that moment is proof.
If you're looking for something that will restore your faith in people a little — and in good storytelling — Wren Island is worth the trip.
Far From Unremarkable is Laura Joy Lloyd's second Wren Island novel, and I'd recommend starting with the first (Interesting Enough) if you haven't already, though this one can stand on its own. The Wren Island series is the kind of fiction that's harder to write than it looks — warm without being saccharine, character-driven without being slow, and honest about grief without camping out in it.
What surprised me most here is that the main characters are men. That's not something you see often in this corner of Christian fiction, and Lloyd handles it with confidence. The grief in this book is the real kind — the kind that doesn't resolve neatly or on schedule — and she doesn't rush past it to get to the redemption. She earns the hope.
And then there's the goat scene. I actually laughed out loud, which is not something I usually do when reading. Lloyd has a gift for humor that sneaks up on you, and that moment is proof.
If you're looking for something that will restore your faith in people a little — and in good storytelling — Wren Island is worth the trip.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a tender story that continues with the sweet community on the island of Wren.
In this story, I enjoyed reconnecting with many of the characters from this author’s first book. It was like reading a journal or hearing what was happening with friends, but we get to add new friends to the mix.
It was also a story that stirred many emotions in my heart. I felt deep sadness for the losses many of the characters were dealing with. I also felt an overwhelming joy in the tender, sweet relationships being formed, and I experienced moments of tension when there was a bit of suspense and drama.
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 characters and their interesting backgrounds. The author showed how each one desired to find their place and value. She also wove throughout this tale moments of God’s tender care and love for each one.
I highly recommend you pick up this book. It will warm your heart.
The author provided me with this book, but this did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
In this story, I enjoyed reconnecting with many of the characters from this author’s first book. It was like reading a journal or hearing what was happening with friends, but we get to add new friends to the mix.
It was also a story that stirred many emotions in my heart. I felt deep sadness for the losses many of the characters were dealing with. I also felt an overwhelming joy in the tender, sweet relationships being formed, and I experienced moments of tension when there was a bit of suspense and drama.
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 characters and their interesting backgrounds. The author showed how each one desired to find their place and value. She also wove throughout this tale moments of God’s tender care and love for each one.
I highly recommend you pick up this book. It will warm your heart.
The author provided me with this book, but this did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
May 18, 2026
Laura Joy Lloyd’s first Wren Island novel, Interesting Enough, won my heart with its quirky, engaging characters and its beautiful Pacific Northwest setting.
Now 70 year old Wallace Bernard is back, secretive past and all, as the star of Far From Unremarkable. He’s joined by the “Henhouse” residents, philanthropic Allison Theodore and her three eccentric aunts, storekeeper Virgil Tagaloa and an assortment of other unique characters, villainous and otherwise, each with an intriguing story of their own.
This remarkable new author drew me so thoroughly inside the heads of the Wren Island residents that if I met any one of them walking down the street, I’d immediately recognize an old friend.
Tiny Wren Island is touched by grief in this story, but kindness, love, and humor entwine to enlarge the souls of characters and readers alike.
Now 70 year old Wallace Bernard is back, secretive past and all, as the star of Far From Unremarkable. He’s joined by the “Henhouse” residents, philanthropic Allison Theodore and her three eccentric aunts, storekeeper Virgil Tagaloa and an assortment of other unique characters, villainous and otherwise, each with an intriguing story of their own.
This remarkable new author drew me so thoroughly inside the heads of the Wren Island residents that if I met any one of them walking down the street, I’d immediately recognize an old friend.
Tiny Wren Island is touched by grief in this story, but kindness, love, and humor entwine to enlarge the souls of characters and readers alike.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved coming home again to Wren Island. We're back with Allison and her aunts Macy and Amelia, just as delightful and quirky as ever, and their familiar cast of neighbors. But now there's a new inhabitant, Wallace, jack of all trades in need of a safe harbor. There is lots of humor and some romance, but also a deeply affecting portrait of grief both fresh and decades old. As always, it's fully infused with hope. Read it with a cup of Kona coffee and a box of tissues. (Irish red ale optional.)
*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
*I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of Far From Unremarkable and loved being back in the Wren Island world. It's a touching exploration of grief and a sweet story that integrates new and familiar characters who feel like family. I was cheering for them all! Even if you haven't read the first Wren Island book, you can jump right in with this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read Laura Joy Lloyd's first novel, "Interesting Enough," and fell in love with her characters, and this new novel, "Far From Unremarkable," goes even further. Her characters work their way into the reader's heart and become like family. Her writing is definitely remarkable! I loved this book!
May 9, 2026
I love this book, and I love Wren Island! I'm so happy to be back here again! Fun characters, beautiful friendships, laugh out loud moments, and a delightful, refreshing plot. Reading this book is like sinking into my favorite cozy armchair.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews