Name: Totally Addicted to Reading's review of Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak
Item: Summer on the Island
Rating: 4
Author: Totally Addicted to Reading

Brenda Novak

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

Genesis (@whisperingchapters)

Totally Addicted to Reading

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.

In her latest novel, 🎧︎Summer on the Island, Novak delivers a story full of drama, secrets, heartbreak and served with a side of romance, making it the perfect summer read. Amy McFadden’s narration pulled me in and soon the setting, characters and events captivated me. 

Marlow Madsen is reeling from the loss of her father, US senator Tiller Madsen. Weary of the challenges that came with her job as a divorce lawyer, she shuts down her practice and returned to her roots, a small island off the coast of Florida. She shares this moment with her two friends Claire and Aida, whom also had their share of life altering experiences. Marlow plans to spend more time with her ailing mother and settle her father’s affairs. But then, she finds love and discovered a secret that could damage her late father’s reputation.

I have yet to pick up a book written by Novak, which I did not enjoy. Summer on the Island was no different. I enjoyed every aspect of the story from start to finish. The story featured well-developed characters, whose flaws and foibles made them authentic. Most were likeable, even though their actions may have been less than desirable. 

Secrets, friendships, family drama and romance drove the story. It wasn’t difficult figuring out the secret regarding Marlow’s father. However, I waited with breath to see the reactions to the revelation of this secret. All the affected parties reacted as expected.

When Marlow returned to the island, she was not looking for love, nor did she expect to find it. But find it, she did with the last person she expected. Their romance was angsty and passionate. The angst arose because of unrequited love by Marlow’s love interest. The damaging effects of loving someone for so long and having the love rejected was clear from his actions towards Marlow. One could not fault him for his behaviour. Love won in the end.

Marlow’s friends, Aida, and Claire brought their own share of drama to the story. Although not a unique situation, the dynamics of Claire and Aida’s friendship amazed me. All I can say is Aida is a better person than me in this regard. 

The story moved at a steady pace and kept me engaged, although it took a long time for the big secret to come to light. Summer on the Island will warm your heart with its story of forgiveness, healing, family, friendship and love. 

My experience with Amy McFadden as a narrator has always been good, and this time was no different. She captured the essence of all the characters. Her pleasing tone aided in enhancing the story. She delivered a solid performance, allowing me to slip into the story.

This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading


Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak

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Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak

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Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak