Off Season

Martha's Vineyard #5

by Jean Stone

Jean Stone is a gifted writer of romantic tales that capture the unique feel of New England while introducing characters who live in readers' hearts forever. Her latest novel is her most moving work to date, the story of a woman who gave up everything she had for the man she loved -- but must now find the strength to stand by him during his darkest hour....

Once Jill McPhearson had a life any woman would a successful career as a television anchorwoman and a handsome fiance. But she gave up everything to start anew in her childhood home of Martha's Vineyard.

For Jill, carving out a new, lower-profile career on the island is a struggle. But falling in love -- and then marrying -- local carpenter Ben Niles feels natural and seamless. It feels right. Steady, rugged Ben...the man who makes Jill feel she has it all -- or at least all she really needs.

But when Ben is accused of a shocking crime, Jill's world turns upside down -- and everything she thought she knew is called into question. The small-town island life Jill loves is suddenly unbearable, as Ben and Jill try to hide their terrible secret from everyone they love. And now Jill must ask how do you recapture a life that may never have existed in the first place?

Genres: Romance

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 2, 2001

Reviews

[Carol Brill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jill is a former TV Magazine personality who gives up her career for a second marriage to the nearly perfect, Jeff, a contractor on Martha's Vineyard. Perfect, until a local 10 year old girl Jeff has befriended makes an accusation that turns life upside down. Throw in a vindictive grandfather, gold-digging absentee mother, and a flirtation with returning to her former job, hosting with her former fiancée and you get the picture. This easy beach read started stronger for me than it finished. About midway through, the characters started feeling too one-dimensional, making the same poor decisions again and again.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Soooooo slow

[Virginia Markhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me nervous. It is about a 10yr old girl who accuses her neighbor of touching her inappropriately. Very scary to see what happens to him and his entire family. Really made me stop and think about how manipulative a child can be. Always thought that children do not lie. HA. Any school teacher will probably recognize the situation as volitile.

[ANNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. As a writer/reader, I've become pickier about my reading since I've completed a graduate writing program. Stone kept me wondering what would happen next. She surprised me and I like it! She's now on my favorites list. Can't wait to pick up another of her books.

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second novel I've read by Stone and I have been consistantly impressed. Always a lot of twists and turns. Excellent beach book.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good read