The Island of Doves

by Kelly O'Connor McNees

Susannah Fraser lives in one of Buffalo’s finest mansions, but her monstrous husband makes the home a terrible prison. When a local nun offers to help her escape, Susannah boards a steamship headed for Mackinac Island and a chance at freedom. Magdelaine Fonteneau has seen her share of tragedy—a husband murdered before her eyes, two sisters lost—and she sees offering Susannah refuge in her island home as atonement for her many regrets. This act of kindness changes Susannah in ways she never could have imagined as she finds solace in the company of others who carry their own secrets and scars. Only together can they untangle their pasts—and find a future bright with the promise of new life…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, 19th Century, Adult Fiction, Romance, Christian Romance

369 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

Kelly O’Connor McNees’s award-winning novels transport readers to pivotal moments in history as seen through the eyes of the resilient, fascinating women who lived through them. Whether it’s a “moving and intimate glimpse” (Publisher’s Weekly) of Eleanor Roosevelt’s love affair with Lorena Hickock in Undiscovered Country, or the tough decisions of Clara, a mail-order bride broker, in In Need of a Good Wife, or Louisa May Alcott’s excruciating choice between love and her writing career in The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott, readers are immersed in riveting stories often overlooked in American history.

O’Connor McNees’s forthcoming novel, The Myth of Surrender (March 2021, Pegasus), is the story of an unlikely friendship forged between two young women navigating the secrecy and shame of unwed pregnancy at a home for wayward girls, at the height of the Mad Men age.

In addition to her five novels, Kelly’s writing has appeared in The Millions, The Washington Post, The Toast, and in Rust Belt Chicago: An Anthology. She has also written for The Boxcar Children series. Kelly is represented by Kate McKean of the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency. Born and raised in Michigan, she lives in Chicago with her family.

Reviews

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original review found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...

I received a copy of this ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

This was a haunting story of two women who are trying to cope with the cards dealt to them. One trying to find a new life and one who did not know she was in need of healing and how when brought together they teach each other how to heal.

Susannah's journey was particularly interesting as you see how she learns to grow and find independence through each page and to put her past behind her. As the reader you are cheering for her to succeed. While not as obvious, Magdelaine's journey is similar however she is learning how to accept love and learn that it will not break her.

If you like a story about strong women and learning to forgive the past then this is a good read to pick up. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best fiction book I’ve read in awhile. I was completely captivated by the first chapter which never happens! The story held my attention from start to finish, a total page turner - the author painted a picture of the scenery and characters perfectly and the story was just wonderful. I wish there was a sequel, I came to love the characters so much.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read historic novels but I am so glad I picked up this one. Set in the 1820's, you get a unique history of Mackinac Island. You also get a view of spousal abuse where there were no laws to protect the victims and the husband's word was not questioned. Suzanne is abused and thinks he will eventually kill her when a nun and a priest give her the opportunity to escape Buffalo, New York and hide. She starts a new life on this remote frontier where the fur traders, loggers and trading boats help the natives survive. A great story of women courage and fortitude. A history lesson on women's rights.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susannah has no one except her abusive husband to care for her. She is rescued by a nun and a priest and sets sail for Mackinac Island. Once there she is taken in by Magdelaine Fonteneau a woman who has suffered great tragedy in her life. Their friendship brings healing to them both and changes both women in unexpected ways. The setting of the story and the description of the island and it's people make for a fascinating read that I hope you will enjoy as well.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick easy read. It moved along pretty good and kept my interest. Personally the best part of the book was the setting of Mackinac Island in Michigan. Being from MI I've spent plenty of time there and found the descriptions of the island very accurate. It's not changed a great deal from when this book was set in the mid 1800's. Still today there are no motorized vehicles allowed on the island for most of the year. There is a fire truck, ambulance, and a police car and in the winter residents may use snowmobiles. The descriptions of avoiding horse poop and the conditions of the roads are still valid today. I suggest anyone to visit the island if the chance arises. In the meantime read this book to get an interesting perspective on a place so unchanged with time.

I have to say this too---

The imagery and style of the book cover is beautiful. I'm certainly not the type of person to judge a book by its cover but I felt this one demanded mention. There was something about the colors and water and sand that made me think I'd actually love to see this cover as a painting. I'm not a big artsy fartsy person so for me to say this I must really think the picture was great.

[Susan Beuerlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

McNees transports readers to early 19th-century America, a time of immense change for men and women. Susannah Fraser is the wife of a wealthy Buffalo, New York, businessman, but her home is a prison as Edward becomes increasingly abusive. With the help of a mysterious nun, Susannah undertakes a journey fraught with danger to Mackinac Island, a wilderness outpost that is home to a thriving fur trade.

The power of The Island of Doves lies not just in its snapshots of time and place, but in the characters of Susannah and her new protector, Magdelaine Fonteneau—both women of depth and courage who overcome tragedy and open their hearts to the future.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

received in the mail this morning. it sounds like it will be a goodread. will update on this book later. this was really a good book. it was also a autographed copy. I won this book on goodreads.com giveaway

[Ellen Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be thought-provoking and beautifully written. McNees is a wonderful writer with an appreciation for historical detail that I really enjoy.

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stoary was good, but I thought it slugged on too much.

[Michelle]

The Island of Doves suffers heavily from predictability. While one should never trivialize spousal abuse or a woman’s flight from an abusive husband, it appears as if all such stories follow certain patterns. The wife fakes her own death and flees, with or without the help of others. The husband cannot believe his wife would leave him until one simple mistake confirms his suspicions. Just when the wife begins to feel herself safe, there is one final confrontation between husband and wife except this time, the wife shows her new-found strength to defeat her husband’s hold. Thus begins her happily ever after. It is not a bad story, but it is a cliched one. Unfortunately, Ms. O’Connor McNees follows this same story pattern without much deviation, creating an enjoyable story that has absolutely no surprises.

The strengths of The Island of Doves lies not in its story, for reasons previously stated, but rather in its characters and even more in its descriptions. Both Susannah and Magdelaine are extremely strong characters. Magdelaine has the fortitude to thrive in the rough world of fur trading, creating a fortune in spite of her status as a widowed single mother. She fully supports women’s rights when women did not have any and uses all of her power and influence to helping young girls become self-sufficient. Susannah too is highly educated. Her fascination with plant life serves her well, as it showcases a scientific mind that is capable of recognizing the dangers of staying with her husband. She may appear frail and weak, but she really does have a backbone of steel when pushed. They are both admirable women, not just for the time period, but for women in general.

The descriptions within The Island of Doves are absolutely exquisite. Mackinac Island is renowned for its beauty, and Ms. O’Connor McNees brings it to life with an attention to detail that rivals a naturalist’s pen. One can hear the water lapping on Magdelaine’s canoe and feel the breeze as it ruffles the leaves of the maple trees. Her skill does not just reside in natural descriptions. Susannah’s domestic life is just as well-defined, from the feel of the various fabrics Susannah wears to the scents of the docks to her nervous tension as she seeks to anticipate her husband’s desires. In a novel where the plot itself is ordinary, the creation of the background is pure delight.

There is nothing overtly wrong with The Island of Doves. The story is entertaining and heartfelt. Susannah and Magdelaine are impressive characters, each simultaneously strong and yet fragile for various reasons. The descriptions of Susannah’s life in Buffalo and especially on Mackinac Island are vibrant and exquisite in detail. Yet, it is missing that spark that would make the story truly memorable. The Island of Doves is ultimately a disappointing read, especially because one recognizes Ms. O’Connor McNees’ writing ability and wishes the story would follow suit.

[Janette Mcmahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful historical fiction dealing spousal abuse. McNees uses beautiful descriptions of Upper Michigan in the early 1800s as the setting for Island of the Doves, perfect for the harsh reality of some women's lives. Would recommend to historical fiction readers as well as those of women's fiction. Arc copy review.

[Lori Spielman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful novel by Kelly O'Connor McNees. Well-defined characters, interesting setting, gripping plot, and a fascinating glimpse of American life in the early 1800's.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice light read. Fun because it is set on Mackinaw Island.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down! Growing up in Michigan, like the author, I loved to visit Mackinac Island. This story takes place in the 1830's. It's a story about a Odawa Indian woman who lives on the island, provides shelter and a new identity for abused women. A rich woman from Buffalo escapes her abusive husband and travels on a ship all the way to the island with the help of many people. Her new name is "Miss Dove." Will her husband try to find her or believe she is dead? It's a great story of new life, hope, intrigue, suspense, all in a historically accurate setting.

[Miriel68 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book with pleasure. It flows, it's engaging, the writing is smooth, the historical background suggestively evoked. That said, it is fairly predictable and lacks real tension in the second half. Once the protagonist manages to escape from her abusive husband (it comes as no surprise - therefore no spoiler - that they will meet again at the end of the novel) nothing really happens, she just settles happily with her new friends, which are all nice and gentle souls. I didn't mind so much, because the psychological portrayals of the two protagonists were very convincing, and Magdelaine, especially, interesting figure.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Magdelaine thought about how there were so many things in this life that humans could not accept, but how the earth accepted everything, every husk of a beetle, every spent blossom, ever dead man and woman, with complete indifference." I LOVED this book. There was so much to it, so many emotions. Beautifully written, it touched me deeply. Knowing betrayal and brutally firsthand I could relate with the character. Loving the beauty of the western great lakes and how it feels to plant seeds and the earth and watch them grow. It was wonderful to find a happy ending.

[Ethel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susannah is living in Buffalo and is married to Edward Fraser a wealthy man. However he is very abusive both physically and mentally; it is her desire to escape from her abusive husband. With the help of a sympathetic nun, she finds herself on Mackinac living with Madeline Fonteneau - a fur trader. Madeline offers sanctuary to those she calls Doves. Because of the tragedies she faced in her own life, she wants to help those who need it. With help along the way, Susannah finds her way to Mackinac Island, where she hopes to start a new life.

[Judith Teggelaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susannah flees from her home because of an abusive husband. With the help of a kind nun, she finds refuge on Mackinac Island at the home of Magdelaine who has helped other women in the same situation. The two become good friends and help each other with their pasts. Will this be a permanent home for Susannah and will she in time learn to love again?

This was an exceptionally good story and you will like the main characters.

[Chris Rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellence in character development

I really enjoyed the different characters in this book. Each one had its own unique little treat that was brought to life by the authors words. I liked how she described people I liked how things were put together the story made a great deal of sense and yet it told very serious tail. I’m not a Literary critic I have a breeder who likes to read for Fran this was fun and educational

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming novel with layers that takes place in 1835 mostly on Mackinac Island. Susannah, the main character, is an amateur botanist trapped in an abusive marriage. The novel explores the role of women during this period, both native and white, and weaves a family tragedy into the plot. Exemplary characters rely upon one another to forge a comfortable life. Satisying.

Thank you to the St. James Episcopal Book Club for the recommendation.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this quiet, beautifully written novel. I really appreciate the author's writing. With many novels I find myself thinking they could have used a copy editor, but with this one it felt like she crafts her sentences. The plot is a tad predictable, but it touches on some deeper topics about love, life, and loss that I thought was well done and told a lovely story overall.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story by this author! Having just gotten back from a third trip to Mackinac, I especially enjoyed reading about the early days on the island. I liked the characters, the plot and the ending.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book. Interesting read all the way through. Not a dramatic page turner that will keep you up all night, but captivating enough that I looked forward to picking the book up when I had a few minutes to read. My first book by this author. I will read others.

[Marissa Rapone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Kelly O'Connor McNees! It would have been even more compelling if she had gone into more detail and history on the island and on fur traders, but otherwise a great redeeming story.

[Lisa Feustel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book! A little wanting in the way the author ended her book though

[Margaret Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was too predictable and was a little disappointing. Just ok. More like 2.5

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice easy read despite the serious topic of abuse. Trigger would be domestic violence. Author has talent and I hope she will keep improving. The ending wasn't as satisfying as I would like.

[Shelly Zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Kathy Roling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book with its description of Mackinac Island in the 1800's. This was a well written book about abuse, fear, greed, family and faith. Would be a good choice for book club discussion.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I could not stop reading it.