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Summer on the Island
"Welcome spring with the newest treat from Brenda Novak. This is the book her fans, old and new, have been waiting for. A big, tantalizing read!"—Susan Elizabeth Phillips, New York Times bestselling author
A summer of healing, friendship, love…and a secret that could change everything.
After the death of her US senator father, Marlow Madsen travels to the small island off the coast of Florida where she spent summers growing up to help her mother settle the family estate. For Marlow, the trip is a chance to reconnect after too long apart. It’s also the perfect escape to help her feel grounded again—one she’s happy to share with friends Aida and Claire, who are hoping to hit reset on their lives, too.
A leisurely beachfront summer promises the trio of women the opportunity to take deep healing breaths and explore new paths. But when her father’s will reveals an earth-shattering secret that tarnishes his impeccable reputation and everything she thought she knew about her family, Marlow finds herself questioning her entire childhood—and aspects of her future. Fortunately, her friends, and the most unlikely love interest she could imagine, prove that happiness can be found no matter what—as long as the right people are by your side.
Don’t miss New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak’s latest novel, The Seaside Library!
Other charming reads from Brenda
The Bookstore on the Beach One Perfect Summer
A summer of healing, friendship, love…and a secret that could change everything.
After the death of her US senator father, Marlow Madsen travels to the small island off the coast of Florida where she spent summers growing up to help her mother settle the family estate. For Marlow, the trip is a chance to reconnect after too long apart. It’s also the perfect escape to help her feel grounded again—one she’s happy to share with friends Aida and Claire, who are hoping to hit reset on their lives, too.
A leisurely beachfront summer promises the trio of women the opportunity to take deep healing breaths and explore new paths. But when her father’s will reveals an earth-shattering secret that tarnishes his impeccable reputation and everything she thought she knew about her family, Marlow finds herself questioning her entire childhood—and aspects of her future. Fortunately, her friends, and the most unlikely love interest she could imagine, prove that happiness can be found no matter what—as long as the right people are by your side.
Don’t miss New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak’s latest novel, The Seaside Library!
Other charming reads from Brenda
The Bookstore on the Beach One Perfect Summer
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2022
654 people are currently reading
10661 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
238 books6,989 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 695 reviews
April 23, 2022
Definitely one of my favorites this year! I needed a break away from the winter cabin feel and experience the ocean breeze and sunlight on my face with this one. Excellent, Brenda! Don't miss this one if you are a fan of genuine women's fiction. I loved the believable characters and their experience of real life events.
Marlow needs to get away from her job as a divorce attorney and the stigma it carries. Her sweet friends: Aida has recently divorced; Claire has unfortunately lost her home and studio to wildfires. When Marlow loses her dad, a U.S. Senator, the three of them travel to a small island off the coast of Florida to help her mother settle the family estate.
This trip would signify a healing and refreshing beachfront summer for them. What they did not figure in was a shocking revelation of Marlow's dad which may tarnish his character. With so many questions and a mystery to solve, She finds time for an eventful yet unexpected relationship. A love story at its best with the additive of family drama at the beach house Seaclusion. 🌺 Finding out forgiveness is a necessity if love proceeds.
Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
Marlow needs to get away from her job as a divorce attorney and the stigma it carries. Her sweet friends: Aida has recently divorced; Claire has unfortunately lost her home and studio to wildfires. When Marlow loses her dad, a U.S. Senator, the three of them travel to a small island off the coast of Florida to help her mother settle the family estate.
This trip would signify a healing and refreshing beachfront summer for them. What they did not figure in was a shocking revelation of Marlow's dad which may tarnish his character. With so many questions and a mystery to solve, She finds time for an eventful yet unexpected relationship. A love story at its best with the additive of family drama at the beach house Seaclusion. 🌺 Finding out forgiveness is a necessity if love proceeds.
Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
April 13, 2022
Marlow Madsen is a divorce attorney at a crossroads in her life following the death of her father, a US senator, and the close of a particularly contentious divorce case. She returns to Teach Island, Florida where her family spent their summers and her mother is currently staying. She brings along her friends Aida Trehar and Claire Fernandez as both of them were recovering from their own recent traumatic events. What was meant to be a relaxing summer turns out to be anything but when Marlow’s father’s will is revealed and someone from Claire’s past resurfaces.
One of the things I can always count on in a Novak book is exceptional storytelling. The characters are always well defined and realistic, even when I wish they’d behave differently. I definitely found that here in all the main characters. Each woman had some baggage and all were accomplished, intelligent and personable but didn’t always make the best choices for themselves. Marlow reconnects with Walker Cantwell, now the Island police chief but who had a major crush on her in high school and she rebuffed. As his mother Rosemary is Marlow’s invalid mother’s caretaker, they can’t avoid each other. I liked the tension between these two as they navigated relating to each other as adults while trying to overcome hurts from their teenage past. Both could have handled things better at times but it felt authentic to how most would behave in real life.
In addition to the explosion created by revelations in the will, the connection between Aida and Claire was also a surprise. I won’t spoil things by revealing the exact details but there were times I just wanted to throttle Claire. Again, she made decisions born of the heart instead of common sense, which mirrors human nature. There was a lot of drama here but it wasn’t over the top and felt like what most families experience. I listened to the story and the narrator paced it perfectly, providing easily distinguishable voices for each character. This was hard to put down as I was completely invested in the characters and where the journey would lead. It was a little messy, which feels like normal family dynamics, and a wonderful listening experience. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
One of the things I can always count on in a Novak book is exceptional storytelling. The characters are always well defined and realistic, even when I wish they’d behave differently. I definitely found that here in all the main characters. Each woman had some baggage and all were accomplished, intelligent and personable but didn’t always make the best choices for themselves. Marlow reconnects with Walker Cantwell, now the Island police chief but who had a major crush on her in high school and she rebuffed. As his mother Rosemary is Marlow’s invalid mother’s caretaker, they can’t avoid each other. I liked the tension between these two as they navigated relating to each other as adults while trying to overcome hurts from their teenage past. Both could have handled things better at times but it felt authentic to how most would behave in real life.
In addition to the explosion created by revelations in the will, the connection between Aida and Claire was also a surprise. I won’t spoil things by revealing the exact details but there were times I just wanted to throttle Claire. Again, she made decisions born of the heart instead of common sense, which mirrors human nature. There was a lot of drama here but it wasn’t over the top and felt like what most families experience. I listened to the story and the narrator paced it perfectly, providing easily distinguishable voices for each character. This was hard to put down as I was completely invested in the characters and where the journey would lead. It was a little messy, which feels like normal family dynamics, and a wonderful listening experience. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
May 13, 2022
First off… I went in expecting a cute little beach 🏝 read… don’t get me wrong.. you can definitely read this at the beach! It was so much more!! The character development was fantastic and get ready for this… there was a huge twist… 🤭😳…Be still my twisted thriller heart. ❤️
So much to love here.. the island 🏝 setting… going back home.. which is always a win in my book! Second chances? Enemies to lovers? Maybe?🤔 I love all of that! Then throw in a HUGE secret 🤫 that I NEVER saw coming!! Yess please!
When Marlow goes back home to help her mother after her father passes away.. she gets way more than she bargained for.
I don’t know 🤷♀️ what I was expecting but whatever it was… this delivered and then some!! Five sunshine filled stars! ⭐️Drama… relationships… friendships…grief… this book had it all. I can’t wait to read more by @authorbrendanovak !! ❤️
Thank you to the publisher for my gorgeous gifted copy!
So much to love here.. the island 🏝 setting… going back home.. which is always a win in my book! Second chances? Enemies to lovers? Maybe?🤔 I love all of that! Then throw in a HUGE secret 🤫 that I NEVER saw coming!! Yess please!
When Marlow goes back home to help her mother after her father passes away.. she gets way more than she bargained for.
I don’t know 🤷♀️ what I was expecting but whatever it was… this delivered and then some!! Five sunshine filled stars! ⭐️Drama… relationships… friendships…grief… this book had it all. I can’t wait to read more by @authorbrendanovak !! ❤️
Thank you to the publisher for my gorgeous gifted copy!
April 11, 2022
Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak is a standalone women’s fiction title. The book is part contemporary romance with some family drama in the mix with old secrets coming to the surface. The story in Summer on the Island is one that is told by changing the point of view between several of the characters.
Just as Marlow Madsen is at a point in her life that she needs a break from her job as a divorce lawyer Marlow’s father has passed away leaving her needing to travel back home to Florida. Marlow’s friends area also going through rough times so she invites Aida and Claire to come along for the summer as they all need the getaway and they can help Marlow sort out her father’s things. As Marlow is reconnecting with those from her past on the small island Aida and Claire do the best to heal from their break ups and all three women look for a path forward after their summer.
I became a fan of Brenda Novak years ago and while I have only broke the surface of her extensive catalog I haven’t found a story of hers that I haven’t liked yet and thankfully that streak continued after reading Summer on the Island. This is a novel with a lot going on that’s hard to summarize in a short paragraph. Each of the characters though really did stand out on their own so it wasn’t hard to follow along while learning about them all. There’s friendship, family and a lot of character growth which you would expect and all of it wrapped up in an island setting made for a lovely read and of course I will return to this author as often as I can.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Just as Marlow Madsen is at a point in her life that she needs a break from her job as a divorce lawyer Marlow’s father has passed away leaving her needing to travel back home to Florida. Marlow’s friends area also going through rough times so she invites Aida and Claire to come along for the summer as they all need the getaway and they can help Marlow sort out her father’s things. As Marlow is reconnecting with those from her past on the small island Aida and Claire do the best to heal from their break ups and all three women look for a path forward after their summer.
I became a fan of Brenda Novak years ago and while I have only broke the surface of her extensive catalog I haven’t found a story of hers that I haven’t liked yet and thankfully that streak continued after reading Summer on the Island. This is a novel with a lot going on that’s hard to summarize in a short paragraph. Each of the characters though really did stand out on their own so it wasn’t hard to follow along while learning about them all. There’s friendship, family and a lot of character growth which you would expect and all of it wrapped up in an island setting made for a lovely read and of course I will return to this author as often as I can.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 8, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
SUMMER ON THE ISLAND by Brenda Novak is women’s fiction and romance combined in a family drama quick read set on an island off the Florida Coast. This is a standalone story.
The characters are realistic and while I did not always agree with their decisions, they are believable because of the diversity of people. The plot had some surprises, that should have surprised, but did not. It was easy to anticipate. Several plot points were overly repeated while at other times, I felt some could have used more time. I did enjoy the setting of this story and the descriptions of the island.
This was an O.K. read for me. Usually, I enjoy this author’s books, but this one emotionally missed the mark for me.
SUMMER ON THE ISLAND by Brenda Novak is women’s fiction and romance combined in a family drama quick read set on an island off the Florida Coast. This is a standalone story.
The characters are realistic and while I did not always agree with their decisions, they are believable because of the diversity of people. The plot had some surprises, that should have surprised, but did not. It was easy to anticipate. Several plot points were overly repeated while at other times, I felt some could have used more time. I did enjoy the setting of this story and the descriptions of the island.
This was an O.K. read for me. Usually, I enjoy this author’s books, but this one emotionally missed the mark for me.
April 3, 2022
SUMMER ON THE ISLAND finds Marlow needing to get away from her career as a divorce attorney and all the weight it carries. Her amazing friends are Aida, who has recently divorced and Claire, who recently lost her home and yoga studio to the California wildfires. When Marlow loses her dad, a U.S. Senator, the three of them travel to a small island off the coast of Florida called Teach, to help her mother settle the family estate. While she is there, she learns a huge secret involving her dad and to say she is devastated is a huge understatement.
Marlow quickly learns while there, that her past is about to come back and haunt her big time, in a big way! That beautiful and super hot man is Walker Cantwell, the gorgeous son of Seaclusion’s housekeeper, Rosemary. Seems Rosemary has quite a secret as well. Hold on to your seats my reading friends, this is a wild and crazy ride. SUMMER ON THE ISLAND had me flipping the pages like crazy! I had to know what was going to happen to these two. Like the many other novels that I have read by Brenda Novak, SUMMER ON THE ISLAND has family drama, secrets, just the right amount of mystery, romance, and a beautiful summer setting which makes it a perfect beach read or for any time of the year.
I read SUMMER ON THE ISLAND in only a few sittings. It was just that fun and interesting. Yes, Marlow and Walker both have trust issues and neither one of them is looking for a relationship. Their story is an engaging one but also heart wrenching. It’s exactly why I love Brenda Novak and why she has always been an auto buy author for me. She really pulls her readers in from the very first pages and never lets me go. The mystery that comes along with this wonderful story really hooked me and I found myself praying for a good outcome for Marlow. The twists and turns really kept me emotionally invested from beginning to end and I am so excited to read what ever this woman writes!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins and MIRA through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
Marlow quickly learns while there, that her past is about to come back and haunt her big time, in a big way! That beautiful and super hot man is Walker Cantwell, the gorgeous son of Seaclusion’s housekeeper, Rosemary. Seems Rosemary has quite a secret as well. Hold on to your seats my reading friends, this is a wild and crazy ride. SUMMER ON THE ISLAND had me flipping the pages like crazy! I had to know what was going to happen to these two. Like the many other novels that I have read by Brenda Novak, SUMMER ON THE ISLAND has family drama, secrets, just the right amount of mystery, romance, and a beautiful summer setting which makes it a perfect beach read or for any time of the year.
I read SUMMER ON THE ISLAND in only a few sittings. It was just that fun and interesting. Yes, Marlow and Walker both have trust issues and neither one of them is looking for a relationship. Their story is an engaging one but also heart wrenching. It’s exactly why I love Brenda Novak and why she has always been an auto buy author for me. She really pulls her readers in from the very first pages and never lets me go. The mystery that comes along with this wonderful story really hooked me and I found myself praying for a good outcome for Marlow. The twists and turns really kept me emotionally invested from beginning to end and I am so excited to read what ever this woman writes!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins and MIRA through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
March 13, 2022
While Brenda Novak is a great writer, this specific book didn’t work well for me.
I found the characters unlikable and often annoying. I absolutely did not understand why each of them fawned over people who treated them like crap. Yes, I know people do this in real life, but every character? I needed balance.
The romance, such as it was, felt more like B-rated porn.
The plot was predictable, with the big reveal at the end being obvious early on.
I can see the appeal for a lot of readers, but I wasn’t one of them.
*I received an eARC from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
I found the characters unlikable and often annoying. I absolutely did not understand why each of them fawned over people who treated them like crap. Yes, I know people do this in real life, but every character? I needed balance.
The romance, such as it was, felt more like B-rated porn.
The plot was predictable, with the big reveal at the end being obvious early on.
I can see the appeal for a lot of readers, but I wasn’t one of them.
*I received an eARC from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
April 7, 2022
Marlow is back on Teach, an island off the coast of Miami, after her father’s death to help her mother pack up his stuff. She’s also there for a much-needed break with her two friends Aida and Claire. After closing down her law practice, Marlow is mulling over what she’d like to do next, so she’s there indefinitely. Seclusion has always been her favorite of the family’s houses and now her mother is condensing and planning on living on Teach full-time. But part of the past is regret over how she treated Walker, the housekeeper’s son. He had a wild crush on her and being young, immature, and selfish she wasn’t very nice about it, something she deeply regrets.
Walker, now the Chief of Police for Teach, plans on keeping his distance from Marlow. He has no plans of repeating the past by fawning over her now. However, it seems life has other plans.
Walker and Marlow’s romance was a long time coming with him pining over her while they were teenagers. Unrequited love is one of my favorite tropes, so it was a pleasure to see Marlow, while trying to make amends, fall hard for Walker. They started off with a little bit angry, passionate encounters that lit up the pages! Of course, they couldn’t stay angry with each other for long.
There’s also the fallout after Marlow finds out her father wasn’t the saint she thought, a blow to her mother as well. And then there’s Aida and Claire, her two friends that joined her for the Summer. Aida met Claire when Claire found out she was seeing a married man, Aida’s husband. I had to scratch my head over that storyline. Not sure I could be friends with my husband’s ex-mistress, even if she didn’t know she was seeing a married man! There’s some kerfuffle with that situation as things are not as resolved as they think.
Summer on the Island was part women’s fiction, part romance (my favorite part, of course!) with a little bit of danger mixed in the end, and I enjoyed every bit of it!
A copy was kindly provided by Mira Books in exchange for an honest review.
Walker, now the Chief of Police for Teach, plans on keeping his distance from Marlow. He has no plans of repeating the past by fawning over her now. However, it seems life has other plans.
Walker and Marlow’s romance was a long time coming with him pining over her while they were teenagers. Unrequited love is one of my favorite tropes, so it was a pleasure to see Marlow, while trying to make amends, fall hard for Walker. They started off with a little bit angry, passionate encounters that lit up the pages! Of course, they couldn’t stay angry with each other for long.
There’s also the fallout after Marlow finds out her father wasn’t the saint she thought, a blow to her mother as well. And then there’s Aida and Claire, her two friends that joined her for the Summer. Aida met Claire when Claire found out she was seeing a married man, Aida’s husband. I had to scratch my head over that storyline. Not sure I could be friends with my husband’s ex-mistress, even if she didn’t know she was seeing a married man! There’s some kerfuffle with that situation as things are not as resolved as they think.
Summer on the Island was part women’s fiction, part romance (my favorite part, of course!) with a little bit of danger mixed in the end, and I enjoyed every bit of it!
A copy was kindly provided by Mira Books in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2022
This is the perfect summer book to read, the cover sets the scene for beachy, relaxing, fresh air by the water! Having lost her father, Marlow Madden heads home to help her mom settle the family estate. Home is on a small island and she invites two of her GF who needs some TLC and basically girl time! Secrets are revealed and Marlow is grateful to have the support from her girlfriends! Thank you to Uplit Reads and the author for a gifted copy.
February 7, 2022
After an endless, dreary winter, I've been struggling with connecting with reading and much in general. This book finally broke that feeling however. Marlow is tired of being a divorce attorney. The endless broken marriages and unhappy families have almost jaded her to the idea of marriage and family as a whole. She closes her practice for the summer and heads to the island if Teach to spend time with her mother. The recent death of her father has left her floundering, and she wanted to be there for her. She also brings her friends Aida and Claire along. They have their own drama and with the added shocking revelations from close friends and family members make this read so absolutely perfect! The addition of Walker adds the touch of a beautiful love story.
While it sounds like this is a hard to read story full of characters, its entirely the opposite. While there are a few characters, they all bring an important addition and make the book what it was. Part love story. Part family drama with a touch of a decades long mystery make this book absolute perfection. Set in the summer in a beautiful South Florida setting, this book broke through the winter blues . Its a perfect story in a beautiful setting with an amazing cast of characters. Honestly, this is Brenda's absolute best work yet. I can't recommend this read enough!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Thank you to NetGalley, Brenda Novak, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
While it sounds like this is a hard to read story full of characters, its entirely the opposite. While there are a few characters, they all bring an important addition and make the book what it was. Part love story. Part family drama with a touch of a decades long mystery make this book absolute perfection. Set in the summer in a beautiful South Florida setting, this book broke through the winter blues . Its a perfect story in a beautiful setting with an amazing cast of characters. Honestly, this is Brenda's absolute best work yet. I can't recommend this read enough!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Thank you to NetGalley, Brenda Novak, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 10, 2022
Four and a half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak is a beach read full of drama, family secrets, and heartache, all set in a gorgeous location on an island off the coast of Florida.
Marlow Madsen (Marley) travels to the small island of Teach, situated off the coast of Florida, to help her mother settle her father’s affairs after his recent death. She closes up her law practice and brings her best friends, Aida and Claire who have plenty of drama in their lives too.
Marley finds out there are secrets from her Senator father that will leave a stain on his reputation, and change her perception of him. She also runs into Walker, and his younger brother Reese. Both Walker and Reese also have their own issues with their father and bring plenty of drama to the story.
Summer on the Island is a heartwarming story about family secrets and friendships and a bit of romance. I loved Marley’s relationship with her friends and her mother. All the characters in this book seem to have secrets and need something in their lives. The book was fast-paced and I was rushing through so I could find out what happens in the end. All this is set on a beautiful island off the coast of Florida, in a beautiful summer home.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an emotional beach read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak is a beach read full of drama, family secrets, and heartache, all set in a gorgeous location on an island off the coast of Florida.
Marlow Madsen (Marley) travels to the small island of Teach, situated off the coast of Florida, to help her mother settle her father’s affairs after his recent death. She closes up her law practice and brings her best friends, Aida and Claire who have plenty of drama in their lives too.
Marley finds out there are secrets from her Senator father that will leave a stain on his reputation, and change her perception of him. She also runs into Walker, and his younger brother Reese. Both Walker and Reese also have their own issues with their father and bring plenty of drama to the story.
Summer on the Island is a heartwarming story about family secrets and friendships and a bit of romance. I loved Marley’s relationship with her friends and her mother. All the characters in this book seem to have secrets and need something in their lives. The book was fast-paced and I was rushing through so I could find out what happens in the end. All this is set on a beautiful island off the coast of Florida, in a beautiful summer home.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an emotional beach read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 31, 2022
I have read many of Novak's books and this is by far the best one I have read. I felt all the feels and I loved the ending so much. I recommend this one a fun, fast read. Such a sweet romance.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
April 14, 2022
Marlow recently lost her father. She travels home with two of her friends who have also had their lives turned upside down with the goal of recharging and resetting.
Unfortunately, there is more than Marlow bargained for as her father's will is devastating, turning her life completely upside down.
A wonderful story about unlikely friendships, the connections that bring people together and the ties that bind them and destroy them.
Brenda Novak has written over 60 books, yet somehow this is my first of hers. I have missed out on so much. She is an incredible author who has a magical way of developing characters.
I would be remiss of I didn't mention how touching the dedication was, dedicated to someone who is obviously one of her biggest supporters.
Unfortunately, there is more than Marlow bargained for as her father's will is devastating, turning her life completely upside down.
A wonderful story about unlikely friendships, the connections that bring people together and the ties that bind them and destroy them.
Brenda Novak has written over 60 books, yet somehow this is my first of hers. I have missed out on so much. She is an incredible author who has a magical way of developing characters.
I would be remiss of I didn't mention how touching the dedication was, dedicated to someone who is obviously one of her biggest supporters.
January 23, 2022
As usual Brenda has written a wonderful book. I couldn’t put it down once I started it. Loved the storyline.
February 28, 2022
Romance, a little mystery, family drama and a theme of forgiveness and moving forward…this book has everything that lovers of contemporary women’s fiction could want. Marlow returns home to Teach Island for the summer, bringing her friends Claire and Aida with her. Marlow wants to get away from being a divorce lawyer and all of the bad karma that comes from listening to people whose lives have imploded. Aida is recently divorced and Claire lost her yoga studio and her home to the wildfires. Enough drama yet? This is just the introduction! The story is a little complicated and extremely engaging. There are a few twists and plenty of romance, some of it steamier than I like, but I just skimmed over those parts without really losing anything from the central story. I really enjoyed the beach setting and the family beach house named Seaclusion. Perfect! I’m a big fan of believable characters who put their vulnerability out there and aren’t afraid to try to pursue the gold at the end of the rainbow. This book had characters that were easy to love, easy to hate and even a few that I’m still not sure whether I really could ever be friends with them or not. But Marlow became my bestie as I read this book and cheered her own through the devastating personal loss and her finding someone she could trust with her future. The plot was well-paced, with enough action in each chapter to keep me reading long into the night. Since I am a big fan of mysteries, I especially liked that there was something hidden about Marlow’s past that was revealed slowly and at just the right time in the book. Fans of romance and tropical settings will enjoy this book and want to read more about some of the characters. I know I would love to read more about each of the characters and how they are faring in their new lives.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Additional Disclosure: I won an online contest by participating in Brenda Novak’s book challenge, so this book is actually dedicated to me. This fact did not in any way influence my opinions about the book, but it certainly made me eager to get my hands on a copy!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Additional Disclosure: I won an online contest by participating in Brenda Novak’s book challenge, so this book is actually dedicated to me. This fact did not in any way influence my opinions about the book, but it certainly made me eager to get my hands on a copy!
April 24, 2022
This book got me out of a slump buuuuuut I ended up right back in it after a plateau in the story. 😩😬 Teach Island was a wonderful setting and I loved it so much. The characters on the other hand were messy. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers trope but there were a lot of unnecessary plot points. The plot points were what ultimately had me rolling my eyes or wishing it was shorter. Speaking of shorter, perhaps this could have been 75 pages shorter.
Go into this one knowing that it’s a very messy women’s fiction novel and, while it will provide an escape, you’ll likely be irritated at the stupidity of at least one character. *Cough*claire*Cough*
TW: Infidelity
Go into this one knowing that it’s a very messy women’s fiction novel and, while it will provide an escape, you’ll likely be irritated at the stupidity of at least one character. *Cough*claire*Cough*
TW: Infidelity
June 13, 2022
SUMMER ON THE ISLAND
By Brenda Novak
Brenda Novak writes the best women’s fiction and this one was fantastic with an incredible surprise twist!
There is nothing leisurely about Summer On The Island – this book packs a punch and oh so addictive. The characters are incredibly well written and with complex family dynamics.
This is definitely a great read, and don’t forget to pack this book along with you for vacation, or beach read.
By Brenda Novak
Brenda Novak writes the best women’s fiction and this one was fantastic with an incredible surprise twist!
There is nothing leisurely about Summer On The Island – this book packs a punch and oh so addictive. The characters are incredibly well written and with complex family dynamics.
This is definitely a great read, and don’t forget to pack this book along with you for vacation, or beach read.
April 4, 2022
I enjoyed this one! It is the perfect beach read for the summer! I liked all the different POV but it was a little hard to keep track when they all switched since the storylines were similar.
It was a bit slow too but I did enjoy the story. There was a good mix of drama and romance to keep me interested and want to find out what happened!
I loved Walker too. He was such a good guy and perfect for Marlow even if she didn’t realize it.
Overall It wasn’t my favorite but It definitely made me want to go on vacation to a beach house!
It was a bit slow too but I did enjoy the story. There was a good mix of drama and romance to keep me interested and want to find out what happened!
I loved Walker too. He was such a good guy and perfect for Marlow even if she didn’t realize it.
Overall It wasn’t my favorite but It definitely made me want to go on vacation to a beach house!
April 9, 2022
Marlow Madsen just might find closure after the death of her father, a US Senator. Due to the pandemic the family did not have a proper funeral, and now that Marlow is headed to the small island on the coast of Florida to assist her mother, who is suffering with MS, Marlow is about to face some very serious changes after learning some difficult truths.
Marlow doesn't travel to Florida alone. She is accompanied by her two friends Aida and Claire. Aida and Claire actually met under very odd circumstances - Aida had an affair with Claire's husband. Claire is now divorced, and Aida had ended the affair, and the two women have become good friends. While Marlow is struggling with the loss of her father, and her mother's ailing health, Aida and Claire face their own drama. More than that, the family's housekeeper Rosemarie plays a role in something that will have very long-reaching affects on the family.
Friends, family, forgiveness and healing are the keynotes of this remarkable book by Brenda Novak. With strong characters that are easy to sympethize with, this proved to be another enjoyable read, and would make the perfect beach book.
Many thanks to Mira Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Marlow doesn't travel to Florida alone. She is accompanied by her two friends Aida and Claire. Aida and Claire actually met under very odd circumstances - Aida had an affair with Claire's husband. Claire is now divorced, and Aida had ended the affair, and the two women have become good friends. While Marlow is struggling with the loss of her father, and her mother's ailing health, Aida and Claire face their own drama. More than that, the family's housekeeper Rosemarie plays a role in something that will have very long-reaching affects on the family.
Friends, family, forgiveness and healing are the keynotes of this remarkable book by Brenda Novak. With strong characters that are easy to sympethize with, this proved to be another enjoyable read, and would make the perfect beach book.
Many thanks to Mira Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 8, 2022
4.5/5
Ok y’all add this to your beach bags because it is an ideal summer read! For me a perfect beach read is a book that is multifaceted with some depth and a lot going on and that’s this one to a tee. You have family drama, female friendships, sexy romances and an idyllic setting which is basically all I want and more. There was a great balance between light and dark with moments of humor and also heavier and more emotional drama. There is also plenty of secrets and betrayals which just really added to my overall engagement and enjoyment making this such a well rounded read for me. Per usual I think this could appeal to a variety of readers since there is a little something for everyone, so grab this if you like mysteries, romance, women’s fiction or beach reads, it was really good!
Ok y’all add this to your beach bags because it is an ideal summer read! For me a perfect beach read is a book that is multifaceted with some depth and a lot going on and that’s this one to a tee. You have family drama, female friendships, sexy romances and an idyllic setting which is basically all I want and more. There was a great balance between light and dark with moments of humor and also heavier and more emotional drama. There is also plenty of secrets and betrayals which just really added to my overall engagement and enjoyment making this such a well rounded read for me. Per usual I think this could appeal to a variety of readers since there is a little something for everyone, so grab this if you like mysteries, romance, women’s fiction or beach reads, it was really good!
April 6, 2022
Summer on the Island is set just after the pandemic. Travel is once again possible and people are returning to work. Marlow has recently lost her father, a US Senator, and she wants to go spend time with her mother on Teach Island off the coast of Florida. She is tired of being a divorce attorney, seeing the worst side of people, the broken marriages ad unhappy families. She closes her practice in LA and invites two friends, Aida and Claire to spend the summer with her on Teach. Aida and Claire are dealing with their own issues and agree to go to reboot their lives. Once on the island we meet Rosemary and her two grown sons, Walker and Reese. Rosemary has worked for the Madsen family since before Marlow was born and she grew up with Walker, who loved her for years. He just wants to get through the summer and get Marlow out of his system. When Marlow meets with the family lawyer about her father's will, secrets are revealed that will change many lives.
I loved this book and once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know what was going to happen between Walker and Marlow. I was surprised to see how Aida and Claire knew each other and still became friends, a very interesting character development there. There are not a lot of characters in this story, but each one played an important role in the story. The story has a mystery to it and well as some other issues that add to the storyline making it multi-dimensional. There are a few twists and plenty of romance, some of it steamier than I like (you can skim those parts and not lose anything from the main plots). I loved the beach setting and the family beach house named Seaclusion. Who wouldn't want to spend three months in a three bedroom guesthouse, where the housekeeper/cook/companion from the main house cooks most of your delicious meals? The characters that were realistic and relatable and I love the ones I should have and disliked some of the others. I really loved Marlow and wanted her to find what she was looking for. The story was well-paced, with enough action in each chapter to keep me engaged. If you enjoy stories of romance, new beginnings, family drama, and secrets with a touch of mystery I recommend this book. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I loved this book and once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know what was going to happen between Walker and Marlow. I was surprised to see how Aida and Claire knew each other and still became friends, a very interesting character development there. There are not a lot of characters in this story, but each one played an important role in the story. The story has a mystery to it and well as some other issues that add to the storyline making it multi-dimensional. There are a few twists and plenty of romance, some of it steamier than I like (you can skim those parts and not lose anything from the main plots). I loved the beach setting and the family beach house named Seaclusion. Who wouldn't want to spend three months in a three bedroom guesthouse, where the housekeeper/cook/companion from the main house cooks most of your delicious meals? The characters that were realistic and relatable and I love the ones I should have and disliked some of the others. I really loved Marlow and wanted her to find what she was looking for. The story was well-paced, with enough action in each chapter to keep me engaged. If you enjoy stories of romance, new beginnings, family drama, and secrets with a touch of mystery I recommend this book. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
March 1, 2022
Sea breezes, sunny skies and sandy beaches await three women escaping for the summer. Marlowe is going to be with her ailing mother after the death of her father. Aida is escaping a horrible divorce. Clair is looking for answers to what she wants. The best friends find the peace but within it are troubles, doubts and romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 4, 2022
After a year of heartache and grief for all three, Marlow invites friends Aida and Claire to her family's summer house on Teach Island, off the coast of Florida. Summer on the Island is a story of family, friendship, forgiveness, and love in its various forms. While I found the ending to feel a bit rushed, that's likely because I didn't really want the story to end... I hope we hear more about the Island and its inhabitants again soon! Another favorite read from one of my favorite authors.
January 5, 2022
Marlow's father has just died and she's tired of all the nastiness she encounters as a divorce attorney. So, she sells her house and brings her two friends along with her to spend the summer with her mother at their family beach house. But she can't escape the past when she encounters the boy who had a crush on her in high school that she turned down time and again. She's got some decisions to make and hopefully this summer will give her the clarity she's seeking.
This...was not good. It was a mess. I didn't like any of the characters. Many if them were terrible and made terrible decisions. The ex husband was a gaslighter, but terrible at it. Claire was an idiot. Marlow was so meh and her reasons for being a jerk to the boy from her youth were non-existent. Her mother was barely present as a character and when she was, she was hard to tolerate. I almost gave up on this one several times, but I was JUST interested enough to keep going. But I didn't enjoy it and doubt I'll read more Novak. I like one of her other more recent books, but this one was as just terrible.
This...was not good. It was a mess. I didn't like any of the characters. Many if them were terrible and made terrible decisions. The ex husband was a gaslighter, but terrible at it. Claire was an idiot. Marlow was so meh and her reasons for being a jerk to the boy from her youth were non-existent. Her mother was barely present as a character and when she was, she was hard to tolerate. I almost gave up on this one several times, but I was JUST interested enough to keep going. But I didn't enjoy it and doubt I'll read more Novak. I like one of her other more recent books, but this one was as just terrible.
April 2, 2022
I was pulled into the tropical vacation vibes of Teach Island from page 1 and did not want the fun to end! I read Summer on the Island poolside, while on spring break, and it was the perfect addition to my beach bag.
I enjoyed the relationship between Marlow, Aida, and Claire. Three women, brought together by the most unlikely of circumstances, taking the summer to rebuild their lives. But secrets are lurking below the surface that threaten to tear them apart. It was nice to see them work together against a common foe.
The second chance romance between Marlow and Walker was my favorite part of the book. Just as it looks like they will get together, an earth-shattering secret is brought to light. Through no fault of their own, their happiness is now in doubt.
I do admit to figuring out the big secret but enjoyed the suspense until the big reveal. The emotions felt by all the characters was very real and raw.
Thank you to Net Galley, Up Lit Reads, Harper Collins Publishers/Harlequin Trade Publishing for an eArc of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the relationship between Marlow, Aida, and Claire. Three women, brought together by the most unlikely of circumstances, taking the summer to rebuild their lives. But secrets are lurking below the surface that threaten to tear them apart. It was nice to see them work together against a common foe.
The second chance romance between Marlow and Walker was my favorite part of the book. Just as it looks like they will get together, an earth-shattering secret is brought to light. Through no fault of their own, their happiness is now in doubt.
I do admit to figuring out the big secret but enjoyed the suspense until the big reveal. The emotions felt by all the characters was very real and raw.
Thank you to Net Galley, Up Lit Reads, Harper Collins Publishers/Harlequin Trade Publishing for an eArc of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 3, 2022
4.5
Another Brenda Novak spring release Win!
I love seeing spins on beloved tropes like found family. Family secrets. A guy finally getting the chance. Two unlikely friends. This book has a lot going on and had me hooked the entire time!
Another Brenda Novak spring release Win!
I love seeing spins on beloved tropes like found family. Family secrets. A guy finally getting the chance. Two unlikely friends. This book has a lot going on and had me hooked the entire time!
March 12, 2022
3.5 stars Another enjoyable beach read from Brenda Novak!
After the death of her U.S. Senator father, Marlowe travels to her family's vacation home on a small island off the coast of Florida to help her mother settle her father's estate. 34 year-old Marlowe sold her condo and closed her law practice in LA because she isn't sure what she wants to do going forward but hopes three months on the island will help her gain some clarity. She's accompanied by two friends from LA - Aida who has just come through a difficult divorce and Claire who lost her yoga studio because of the Covid pandemic and her home in the California wildfires. The island seems like the ideal place for the three of them to enjoy a leisurely summer and a fresh start.
Like the other novels that I have read by Novak, Summer on the Island has drama, romance, a bit of a mystery and a beautiful setting - all which add up to my perfect beach read. In this case, the mystery is a long-buried family secret which was very predictable but that didn't detract from the read at all. An enjoyable story of families, friendship, starting over, and the power of forgiveness and an easy read when you need to escape with a good book.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC.
After the death of her U.S. Senator father, Marlowe travels to her family's vacation home on a small island off the coast of Florida to help her mother settle her father's estate. 34 year-old Marlowe sold her condo and closed her law practice in LA because she isn't sure what she wants to do going forward but hopes three months on the island will help her gain some clarity. She's accompanied by two friends from LA - Aida who has just come through a difficult divorce and Claire who lost her yoga studio because of the Covid pandemic and her home in the California wildfires. The island seems like the ideal place for the three of them to enjoy a leisurely summer and a fresh start.
Like the other novels that I have read by Novak, Summer on the Island has drama, romance, a bit of a mystery and a beautiful setting - all which add up to my perfect beach read. In this case, the mystery is a long-buried family secret which was very predictable but that didn't detract from the read at all. An enjoyable story of families, friendship, starting over, and the power of forgiveness and an easy read when you need to escape with a good book.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC.
February 25, 2022
Marlow Madsen has finally done it. She’s sold her condo, closed up her law practice and she’s heading to Seaculsion, a seaside cottage on Teach Island off the coast of Florida, for the summer with her two unlikely friends, Claire Fernandez and Aida Trahan. The three women in their mid-thirties have all had another tough year as a result of Covid and the Malibu fires so they are escaping for three months by the sea in hopes that they can “forget the world they left behind and gain a healthier perspective.” Marlow has realized how tenuous human existence is and believes there’s more to life than professional success.
She arrives hoping to offer some support to her ailing mother after grieving the death of her father, but Marlow soon discovers that when the past comes knocking, she can’t ignore it again. Her past? That’d be Walker Cantwell, the hunky son of Seaclusion’s housekeeper. He saved her once, will he be there to save her again? Maybe escaping one’s past isn’t such a good plan when it involves the only guy you’ve ever loved….
What the three girls discover is that the secrets of the past won’t stay buried and they work together to deal with them before moving forward. You’ll have to read to find out what secrets are revealed on this summer retreat! They’re juicy!
Novak explores the bonds that unite friends and family, the restorative power of forgiveness and the blessing of second chances.
Be forewarned if you ever consider hitting the reset button. Sometimes going back to the way it was isn’t a good thing at all; other times it’s the perfect opportunity to start afresh.
A powerhouse author, Brenda Novak doesn’t keep readers waiting for her next book. I don’t know how she keeps pumping out 5-star winners multiple times a year! I believe her success is that she builds a whole community of authentic characters, places them in a quaint setting, adds realistic challenges, a budding romance or two, and ties it all together in a well-written narrative. Summer on the Island is no exception.
I was gifted this advanced copy by Brenda Novak, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
She arrives hoping to offer some support to her ailing mother after grieving the death of her father, but Marlow soon discovers that when the past comes knocking, she can’t ignore it again. Her past? That’d be Walker Cantwell, the hunky son of Seaclusion’s housekeeper. He saved her once, will he be there to save her again? Maybe escaping one’s past isn’t such a good plan when it involves the only guy you’ve ever loved….
What the three girls discover is that the secrets of the past won’t stay buried and they work together to deal with them before moving forward. You’ll have to read to find out what secrets are revealed on this summer retreat! They’re juicy!
Novak explores the bonds that unite friends and family, the restorative power of forgiveness and the blessing of second chances.
Be forewarned if you ever consider hitting the reset button. Sometimes going back to the way it was isn’t a good thing at all; other times it’s the perfect opportunity to start afresh.
A powerhouse author, Brenda Novak doesn’t keep readers waiting for her next book. I don’t know how she keeps pumping out 5-star winners multiple times a year! I believe her success is that she builds a whole community of authentic characters, places them in a quaint setting, adds realistic challenges, a budding romance or two, and ties it all together in a well-written narrative. Summer on the Island is no exception.
I was gifted this advanced copy by Brenda Novak, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 13, 2022
Good beach read.
February 28, 2022
Fabulous book! I was rooting for Marlow and Walker. A very strange friendship between Aida and Claire. A book worth reading as all this Author’s books are. Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.
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