***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
"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.
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.
About Brenda Novak
t 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!
[…] CravingsTuesday: Book Review: Business Not As UsualWednesday: Can’t Wait WednesdayThursday: Book Review: Summer On the Island by Brenda NovakFriday: Book Review: The Wedding Crasher by Mia SosaSaturday: Stacking the ShelvesSunday: The Sunday […]
This sounds wonderful. I’ve found I either really love or really don’t like books by Novak and this sounds like it will land firmly in the love category.
The setting is awesome – the beach is always a favorite of mine – but I don’t know if I’d want such an emotional story for a beach read. I usually dive into some kind of fantasy or horror book – I’m just weird that way, lol. Nice review, Wendy!
Love this review! Plenty of information to make up my mind that I want to pick this one up. I’ve read 2 or 3 titles in 2 of her series so far by her and they are enjoyable reads.
[…] CravingsTuesday: Book Review: Business Not As UsualWednesday: Can’t Wait WednesdayThursday: Book Review: Summer On the Island by Brenda NovakFriday: Book Review: The Wedding Crasher by Mia SosaSaturday: Stacking the ShelvesSunday: The Sunday […]
I love that the beachy, summertime reads are already starting to appear. Good review, Wendy!
I’m happy to see the beach reads too!
This seems like a great summer read.
Thank you, Lydia. It is perfect for the beach!
This sounds wonderful. I’ve found I either really love or really don’t like books by Novak and this sounds like it will land firmly in the love category.
I thought it was one of her better books. Hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
This one is on my list.
I hope you enjoy it!
Terrific review Wendy! I love stories about relationships and family secrets! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jodie!
The setting is awesome – the beach is always a favorite of mine – but I don’t know if I’d want such an emotional story for a beach read. I usually dive into some kind of fantasy or horror book – I’m just weird that way, lol. Nice review, Wendy!
We all have our own ways to escape!
hihi havent come here since long lmao, hyd wendyyy
Hello! Long time no see. I hope you’re well and happy.
ye tyty just school and stuff yk lol
Great review! I wonder if the same story could have been told without the added ingredients that led to your much appreciated warning.
I don’t know? I’m sure it could.
I also enjoyed this book, very much. I like your warning at the beginning, great idea, Wendy.
Thank you, Carla! I added that warning my mistake. But, I should use it more often.
Sounds like an intriguing book. I’ll have to put this on my TBR.
Thank you, Jenni. I hope you enjoy it!
We’re review twins today! I loved this one as well, and I agree it’s the perfect beach/summer read. I loved the romance! 🙂
I just commented on your review too! It was a lovely summer book.
I love the setting and the fact that this story has a strong family plot line. Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa!
I’m so getting in the mood for some beach reads! Now if only summer would hurry up and come so I could maybe actually go to a beach and read. 😀
I agree, Lark! When is beach season finally going to get here!
Great review, it sounds like a lovely read 💕
Thank you, Jenny!
Glad to see you enjoyed this one. It is next on my reading list.
I hope you enjoy it too!
Love this review! Plenty of information to make up my mind that I want to pick this one up. I’ve read 2 or 3 titles in 2 of her series so far by her and they are enjoyable reads.
Thank you, Mia!
Lovely review Wendy! I really enjoyed this one too!🤗📚💜
It was so good! So glad we both enjoyed it.
Sounds like there’s enough going on to make an interesting storyline.
Thank you, Cathy!