I love those books that you hate to put down; those that keep you up late at night because you just have to try to finish it. Well that’s exactly the kind of read Little Island by Katharine Britton was for me. I loved it! This is the second book of hers that I’ve read having read Her Sister’s Shadow a few years ago and loving it as well. I had hoped that this book would be as good for me and I wasn’t disappointed in the least. Little Island is a story of love, family, deeply buried secrets, and above all hope.
When she passed Grace’s mother wanted a memorial that celebrated her life so this weekend the family will gather to do just that at their inn on Little Island, Maine. However with Grace and her husband Gar along with their grown children Joy and the twins Roger and Tamar, a get together is usually anything but smooth. Why you ask? Well twenty years ago a tragedy occurred that the family has never been able to get past. It changed their lives then and has continued to do so in their adult lives. Can this weekend change anything for them?
Joy, the eldest of the kids has always felt that she was the third wheel with the twins Roger and Tamar being so close. Now with her son Rex heading off to college Joy is at a crossroads and not knowing what she wants from her life or her marriage. Not to mention that secret that has been eating away at her for years. As for Roger well he has a drinking problem that he can’t seem to shake and Tamar spends more time on her career than her family. Needless to say she doesn’t have a clue who her own young twin girls are and she’s hoping this weekend will rectify that. As for Grace and Gar time has taken its toll and Grace is reeling from the loss of her mother. She seems to have lost the joy she used to find in the simplest things and she wants to find it again. For this family this get together will finally be the reunion that will not only heal their family, but their very souls.
What an excellent novel! Katharine Britton has a way of weaving a story that so fully draws you into her character’s lives and their stories. I could feel the pain that this family was feeling, has felt, and hopes to move on from in all of their relationships. Joy was an easy character to like. Her son has grown up and moved on and she isn’t sure she has a life without him. Roger seems to be a good guy despite his drinking problem but Tamar is the one that you love to hate in the story and you hope that she will see the error of her ways. Ultimately I loved this family and the time I spent with them. I highly recommend Little Island for those that like stories centering around a family drama as well as those who enjoy books taking place on the Maine coast which sounded extra heavenly to me and I still wish I was there with them…
Katharine’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads
Buy at: Amazon, Amazon Canada, B&N. and IndieBound
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher. No compensation was received and all opinions are my own.
It is a special book when you miss the characters once you finish the book. This sounds like a wonderful read!
I hope you enjoy it!
I agree Sandy and even more so when you’re still thinking about the story days later. It was a comfort read for me and I wish I was still reading it.
Ooooooo love the cover on this!
Sounds like a book that I would like!
I love the cover too!
Katharine thanks so much for popping in on the blog!
Yes Wendy I think you’d like this one. I love the cover as well.
I’m drawn to books with family secrets! This sounds terrific!
Kathy I think you’d really like this one.
Kathy, I hope you like it. (I wrote a guest post for your blog with my last book, Her Sister’s Shadow!)
I noticed the memoriam for your little dog, Buddy, on your blog site. I dedicated Little Island to my beloved “buddy,” Maggie. She died in June, 2012. Miss her every day. That’s her with me in my author photo.
Katharine I’m so sorry about your Maggie. I feel your pain. My guy has been gone three years now and it still seems like yesterday especially at this time of year.
They do sound memorable
They were Linda. The bad thing abiut such a good book is your next one never lives up to it. Lol.
Books that you hate to finish are the best… I haven’t read this author, but it sure sounds like I should!
A book that keeps you reading and you can’t put down? They’re the best! I like the cover and synopsis of this one.
Thanks! I love the cover, too! And the book. (-;
I agree Laura. I love books that hold me from beginning to end like this one did. I hope you read it and enjoy it!
Wow Dar, you’ve sold me on this. Everything about Little Island sounds great!
Hope you enjoy it!
Naida, it was a really good read. She’s an awesome author.
This one sounds truly special. Thanks for putting it on my radar.