The Island by Elin Hilderbrand

Birdie Cousins has thrown herself into the details of her daughter Chess’s lavish wedding, from the floating dance floor in her Connecticut back yard to the color of the cocktail napkins. Like any mother of a bride-to-be, she is weathering the storms of excitement and chaos, tears and joy. But Birdie, a woman who prides herself on preparing for every possibility, could never have predicted the late-night phone call from Chess, abruptly announcing that she’s cancelled her engagement.

It’s only the first hint of what will be a summer of upheavals and revelations. Before the dust has even begun to settle, far worse news arrives, sending Chess into a tailspin of despair. Reluctantly taking a break from the first new romance she’s embarked on since the recent end of her 30-year marriage, Birdie circles the wagons and enlists the help of her younger daughter Tate and her own sister India. Soon all four are headed for beautiful, rustic Tuckernuck Island, off the coast of Nantucket, where their family has summered for generations. No phones, no television, no grocery store – a place without distractions where they can escape their troubles.

But throw sisters, daughters, ex-lovers, and long-kept secrets onto a remote island, and what might sound like a peaceful getaway becomes much more. Before summer has ended, dramatic truths are uncovered, old loves are rekindled, and new loves make themselves known.

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I first read an Elin Hilderbrand novel earlier this year and I’m addicted! They are great escape reads that are perfect for reading on a beach or just curled up on the couch! The Island is no exception and it was perfect for a fall couch read!

The Island focuses on 4 women – 2 daughters, their mother and their aunt. Each of them is broken and escape to Tuckernuck Island. The biggest flaw in this novel, was the women weren’t very likable. The daughters, who were in their 30s, acted like teenagers who stomped and stormed around when things didn’t work out. Their mother wasn’t any better since she just let them act that way and sat quietly on the side. Also it didn’t help that everyone was uber rich with tons of free time.

The storylines of the 4 women were intriguing and I was curious to see what would happen with each of them. Most of it was predictable, but I still enjoyed the journey getting to the end.

3 calculators out of a potential 5. I would definitely recommend Elin Hilderbrand, but The Island isn’t her best novel. Still an enjoyable read though!

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