Island of Miracles

Chincoteague Island Trilogy #1

by Amy Schisler

Katherine Middleton leads a charmed life in her million dollar Georgetown Brownstone. The daughter of a world-renown anthropologist, she is happily married and employed by the Smithsonian when her world comes crashing down after the discovery of her husband's secret life. An impulsive decision to hide out on Virginia's Eastern Shore, in order to re-evaluate her own life, leads Kate to earth-shattering revelations about herself, her family, and her future. Chincoteague Island, Virginia, introduces Kate to a world where people can still rely on each other, where hard work pays off, and where one's past does not dictate the future. Island of Miracles is a story about rediscovering oneself, restoring trust, recapturing love, and relying on faith.

Genres: Romance

334 pages, Paperback

First published January 24, 2017

About the author

Amy has been writing novels, children’s books, and devotionals for almost ten years. In her novels, she brings to life characters who jump off the page with their true-to-life personalities and real world problems and concerns. Their lives center around family, friends, and faith. Her stories–though often fraught with peril–champion love, uphold community, and inspire hope. Amy’s writing has been hailed “a verbal masterpiece of art” (author Alexa Jacobs) and “Everything you want in a book” (Amazon).

A former librarian and teacher, she now lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland with her husband, three daughters, and two dogs.

You may follow Amy online at the following places:
http://amyschislerauthor.com
http://facebook.com/amyschislerauthor
https://www.goodreads.com/amyschisler
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-s...
Twitter @AmySchislerAuth
Instagram @AmySchislerAuthor

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice read set mainly on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, where Katherine Middleton travels to "take a break" from her life in Washington, DC. She thinks she will live there alone, with her own thoughts, to reflect on a very destructive relationship which ended in a way she never imagined. But "full-time" islanders, like her next-door neighbor Kayla, showed her that is not how life on this special island is. Kate now connects with others quickly and forges new friendships, becoming a part of something that she never was in Washington. When life circumstances change for her again, she realizes that this island will show her the true meaning of life. Her life then opens to other possibilities, including love and faith.

I was attracted to this book from the beginning, having spent many months living on Ocracoke Island, NC with an island family and learning first-hand how people live "off season". On my way back to Currituck, NC, a friend and I decided to take a drive to Chincoteague because we wanted to see the other wild horses outside of the Outer Banks.

**Thanks to the author and Goodreads giveaway contests for a complimentary copy of this book. My review is voluntary.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great romance - not as light as Whispering Vines - but certainly more suspenseful. A delightfully spun tale that takes our heroine out of the big city to come to terms with her life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Rather than escaping her problems, our heroine comes face-to-face with them as storms, both literal and figurative, rock her world. Of course, there is a handsome man close by to help her. I can already see the Hallmark Channel movie!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I picked up this book impulsively on a kindle sale, and finally got around to reading it, without remembering even the basic premise. It’s the story of a woman who finds out in the first couple pages that the man she thinks is her husband actually has a family on the other side of the country. Her life falls apart and she ends up leaving DC to heal and figure out who she is. It’s supposed to be a 6-month stay, but of course her life quickly intertwines with the locals, and takes a few unexpected (to her, maybe not the reader) turns. I was pleased to see Catholicism presented in a positive, not overly pious or preachy way. (It’s not so prevalent in the story that it would turn away non-Catholics). At times the story was a little melodramatic and predictable, but engaging enough that I really didn’t mind. I read it in two days and really enjoyed it, despite a couple proofreading and continuity errors.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Katherine discovers her husband has been living a double life, she abandons her home and job to take a sabbatical of sorts on Chincoteague Island. She's immediately taken in by the community and finds a job on her first day there. Now calling herself "Kate," she makes friends with her neighbor and is intrigued by the neighbor's brother, who's in the Coast Guard and is clearly interested in her. Then she learns that she's pregnant -- by the man she never wants to see again.
A Catholic novel with an excellent priest character.
Some far-fetched elements (see above re: job), some editing/proofreading errors.

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is Katherine Leahy? Where is she from? What time of year is it? Who is Mark? After he goes to work one day? What happens? When Katherine decides to make a change in her life, what changes? Oh my gosh! I love Aaron and Zach!When things hit the fan, in this book, these men became my heroes! I cannot wait to get my hands on "A Place to Call Home." Kayla's story is next! See how all these people relate to one another!

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational contemporary romance, “Island of Miracles” is the first in the Chincoteague Island Trilogy and a tale of growth, building confidence, and sweet romance.

Read full review in the 2018 Oct issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Dawn Byers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A happily married woman or so she thought until a cellphone is heard ringing and a when she answers a woman is on the other end - who is this woman?
Kate runs away to the ocean to escape and finds love, and trust and more.
A heartwarming story you will enjoy.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

great story - wonderful last two chapters - loved the characters, too - Love the way Amy writes - very very sad that in a 300 page book there were more than 8 proof reading errors......it is somebody's job and this reader dropped the ball!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just returned from a small vacation in Chincoteague/Assateague island and picked up this book also found it was in a trilogy series. Enjoyed the book very much. Just enough romance and suspense to keep you turning the pages

[Quinnlan Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute story! Having visited Chincoteague multiple times, I loved following the character’s story as she explored the island. The Christian theme was very refreshing as most books in today’s world shy away from Christianity.

[Elizabeth A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read. I fell in love with the characters and was so happy knowing that I would get to read more about them in the next two books. I love how Kate is able to find peace in her life through faith, friends and family.

[James Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!

Good clean reading that i dont mind if my
teen reads. The story line was great, easy to follow. Love the family support and island history

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and enchanting!

Fell in love with these characters and the amazing story line that keeps you hooked from the beginning. I couldn't put the book down I loved it so much.

[Cindy Shogan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Romancy/faith soap opera. Entertaining but could have been any island in the US - nothing like Chincoteague.

[Kelly Carper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story that takes place on Chincoteague Island. All of the romantic feels at the end!

[Emily Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Christian romance novels and Chincoteague Island, I enjoyed every minute spent reading this book. It is excellent, and I cannot wait to read the next two books in the trilogy. :)

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In love the setting of the book, we were there this past summer. The storyline was not quite what I expected but I enjoyed it.

[Alexis Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice story from local Chincoteague. Can't wait to read other books in Triology.

[Connie Lundahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy and quick read. Takes place on Chincoleague Island, VA. Story of love and faith

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful!!!