The Island Between Us

by Sage Parker

The thing about being a second wife is you spend years pretending it doesn’t bother you...

Until the first one walks through the front door of the beach house your dead husband just left you.


* FROM AMAZON #1 BEST-SELLING AUTHOR * comes an original, small-town beach series—filled with secrets, second chances, and the strange magic of starting over beside the last person you'd ever expect.


Margaret Turner didn’t know Henry owned a house on Captiva Island.

She didn’t know he left it to her.

And she definitely didn’t know he also left it to his elegant, perfect, excruciatingly composed first wife who never missed a chance to make Margaret feel like second-best.

Now they’re co-owners of a gorgeous beachfront paradise they can’t sell without each other’s permission. And if they try? Every penny goes to Sharon, Henry’s sister—the only person they both equally despise

Forced to coexist in paradise, Margaret and Katherine attempt the a truce. But the house isn’t as empty as they thought it would be. There are signs someone’s been living there. Medical supplies in the basement. And a too-handsome detective who keeps dropping by with more questions than answers….

As secrets surface and family drama rolls in with the tide, these two women start to uncover the one thing Henry never gave the whole truth. and maybe the only thing messier than sharing a dead husband… is realizing you might actually like his other wife.


This is Book 2 of 3 in the Captiva Island series... Scroll up to pre-order now!

Genres: Fiction

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing about being a second wife is you spend years pretending it doesn’t bother you...

Until the first one walks through the front door of the beach house, your dead husband just left you.

Margaret Turner didn’t know Henry owned a house on Captiva Island.

She didn’t know he left it to her.

And she definitely didn’t know he also left it to Katherine: his elegant, perfect, excruciatingly composed first wife who never missed a chance to make Margaret feel like second-best.

Now that they’re co-owners of a gorgeous beachfront paradise, they can’t sell without each other’s permission. And if they try? Every penny goes to Sharon, Henry’s sister—the only person they both equally despise

Forced to coexist in paradise, Margaret and Katherine attempt the impossible: a truce. But the house isn’t as empty as they thought it would be. There are signs that someone has been living there. Medical supplies in the basement. And a too-handsome detective who keeps dropping by with more questions than answers….

As secrets surface and family drama rolls in with the tide, these two women start to uncover the one thing Henry never gave them: the whole truth. and maybe the only thing messier than sharing a dead husband… is realizing you might actually like his other wife.

This contemporary starting over, clean and wholesome, later-in-life women's fiction, Christian inspirational, small-town, friends-to-lovers widow fiction romance, is page-turing with exceptional world-buiding in Captiva Island where the sunrises and sunsets are magnificent and majestically painted in vibrant hues that are painted across the skies, and characters that are resilient, heartbroken/devastated, trying to cope with the loss of a dead husband, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with the island between us, secrets surface, family drama rolls in with the tide, two women, Margaret and Katherine, forced to co-exist in paradise, these two women start to uncover the one thing Henry, each of their ex-husband, never gave them, the truth, deception, emotional depth/heartfelt emotions that will leave readers in need of Puffs/Kleenex to wipe the tear away that are threatening to spill down their cheeks, these women are co-owners of a gorgeous beachfront paradise that they can't sell without each other's permission because Henry gave it to each of them, mystery/intrigue, a touch of humor as Margaret and Katherin uncover the truth Henry never gave them, complexities relationships, the pain of love/loss, unexpected twists/turns, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with the island between us and a friends-to-lovers second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly mysterious, intriguing, emotional, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret and Katherine are walking on egg shells living in the house and not sure what is going on. The house they inherited when Henry died has brought them so much grief. Both women have met someone but either of them isn't sure if they can trust them. There have been strange things going on like a car watching the house and taking off fast when Katherine spots it. She even goes out to approach whoever is driving it and it takes off before she gets the license number or sees who is driving it. Not too long after, Peter arrives at the house and tells the women that they have to leave and without not enough warning and trying to find out from Peter what is going on the cops and swat team arrive and they have to get out of the house fast. They sit in the rental car and wait until Peter comes out of the house and tells them that they will be questioned at the cop station and most likely it will be all night. The last thing that Peter says to them is do they think that their husband/ ex husband Henry if he could be involved in the smuggling of drugs to the house that they inherited in the will.... what a story I can't wait to see how it ends...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so we know that Katherine and Margaret were never close but now that they are living together in the house that Henry bought and left to both of them they are learning different things about each other as well as some mysteries that are happening in the house.
They also are both interested in men who live on the island and are developing relationships but finding that they are learning that men don't tell the whole story and that maybe they can't trust those except for each other.
Katherine and Henry's son and his family come to stay and visit for awhile and so the woman have to share a bedroom. This also helps them have time to talk and to find out that maybe what they thought about each other wasn't totally the truth.
Then something really weird happens in the house and the daughter-in-law leaves for home not sure anymore if she knows her husband at all. The son and husband is devastated and follows his family home.
As the time goes on the woman find out more and more about each other and now Henry's sister Sharon may be in the picture causing all the problems.
Book 3 is next and I can't wait to see how this story unfolds and comes to an end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh WOW what a story this is turning out to be! It’s at the point I don’t think Margaret or Katherine should trust anyone. There is always something going on so there is no dull moments. There is so much excitement & is a little bit on the scary side! Just when you think you have everything figured out, there comes another surprise & you suspect someone else. There are too many people trying to keep secrets. I don’t think anyone trust anyone except Katherine & Margaret trusting each other. I think they have come to rely on each other, because they can’t trust anyone else at this point or believe anyone. What did the police find & who does it belong to?

I received this book for free & I’m giving my honest review of this storyline. It has been intriguing right from the start. Sage has done a super job on this series from the very beginning. I like that she has made the books longer & had less book. Looking forward to the next & final book. I hope it has a great ending.

[June Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Sage Parker has done it again. She is the most entertaining author I have read in quite awhile. How intriguing for the ex wife and the current wife to inherit a gorgeous beach retreat on an island following Henry Turner’s death. Neither of them had any clue the place even existed. But, oh the twists and turns! Has someone been living here? Is someone even coming in and out with them staying here? How creepy and why? Both women have met a couple of interesting men whom they are not sure about and why do some of them feel like they should tell each other lies? Lots of questions and very few answers. Even more questions when the Island police raid their beautiful beach house wearing full workout gear! Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book - final installment I think, though I wish it could go on a while longer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has just raised more questions instead of giving us answers. There are lots of strange occurances on Captiva Island and the majority are happening in Margaret and Katherine’s home. The mystery of the lipstick on Russell’s shirt is the most intriguing especially as it appears as though someone has broken into the house. Why have the police raided the house and why do the women need to get their stories straight? Peter and Gerald are also on my radar as they appear to be asking way too many questions and not really giving the ladies much insight into their lives. Only time will tell how everything ties together but I really need the next book.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Barb Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This story gets more interesting every day. Margaret and Katherine think that someone is spying on them. Maybe even breaking into the house. Gerald and Katherine go on a date where he says she is more beautiful without makeup, and she is offended. They struggle for a bit but come to a good place. Margaret is happy that Peter is willing to help keep them safe, until he hears that she hasn't been truthful to him. Fast forward, the police raid the house and crazy things are in the works. I can't wait to see what happens next. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Booksprout, and this is my honest review.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Katherine and Margaret. Since landing on Captive Island, their lives have been turned upside down. The mysterious intruder and all the weird noises in their house are creepy and not knowing who to trust makes everything worse. I feel bad for Russell and pray for his sake that the truth of who set him up is revealed. This mystery had so much going on and keeps the reader anxious page by page. I patiently await to see what the next and final book will reveal. This is definitely one of Sage's best mysteries yet!.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading the most wonderful book ever in a trilogy series that needs to be made into a TV mini series. It has heartfelt moments as well as and moments that make you smile. I don’t know how Sage does it but Holy Smokes she has a god given talent at writing some amazing beach themed books that you can’t wait to start reading. I totally recommend you start with book 1 because book 2 leaves you wondering what happens next. Man, I can’t wait to get my hands on book 3 to see how everything comes together and ends.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Island Between Us: Book 2” by Sage Parker

-Margaret and Katherine’s uneasy inheritance plunges them deeper into danger and suspicion. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Strange intruders, hidden secrets, and a shocking police raid raise more questions than answers. Everyone around them seems suspicious, leaving the women to rely only on each other.

A tense, twist-filled mystery that keeps readers eagerly awaiting the final installment.

[Shuvai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage Parker delivers another captivating installment in this twisty, emotionally layered series. Margaret and Katherine—once rivals, now reluctant allies—inherit a mysterious beach cottage that seems to have a life of its own. With strange visitors, suspicious police raids, and secrets tied to their late husband, the tension never lets up. As they learn to trust each other, the mystery deepens, and the stakes rise. I’m hooked and counting down to the final book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Island Between Us, Book 2, has multiple twists and unexpected happenings with Margaret and Katherine becoming closer. Russel and Cassie's marriage is in jeopardy as he has possibly been set up. Katherine begins dating a new man in her life, Gerald, and Margret finally tells Peter the truth. Something strange is happening as a car is sitting parked across the street possibly observing them. Their inherited house has strange sounds which are unexplained as well as it is raided by police in tactical gear. There is a jaw dropping cliffhanger.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not want to put this book down. I am on pins and needles to get to the next book. Things in Maggie and Katherine's lives are heating up and getting really interesting. This book brings up a lot of questions and I am hoping to get the answers in the next book. I highly recommend this book to all women's fiction readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - fantastic book!

This is the second book in a fantastic series.  I am loving this series as Margaret and Katherine get beyond the old tensions between them and work together to solve a mystery.  Intrigue, mystery and challenges arise that seem insurmountable.  I can't wait to read the last book in this series.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Island Between Us is book 2 in the Captiva Island series by Sage Parker.
The story is centered on Margaret and Katherine. They inherited a home together from a man they had both been married too.
There are so many amazing twists and turns in this book that as a reader it is so much to untangle. I am so anxious for book three to come out to maybe find out a few answers to things that are happening.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two strong female characters that are thrown together in an impossible situation. They uncover many secrets that need to be unraveled and as they work through everything to come to a satisfactory conclusion. Like the setting and the background of the story. Interesting when two strong characters come together but don't want to. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something is wrong. The house that the Ladies were left is wrapped up in a cold case. Strange things have been happening. The ladies don't know what is going on. But one thing is clear. They need to find out fast.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now they have someone in their house and someone in van across from their house. Kathrine runs into a Gerald that she met on a cruise and he lives her now. Margaret And Peter get into an argument and can they trust him? Now the Swat team is in their house and find something. And the story continues.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine and Margaret continue to try to find out what is going on with the house. Hearing noises, a car parked across with someone watching the house.
What is going on?
And, The 2 Ex's are becoming friends!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret and Katherine are being extra cautious. They don't know who to trust. People watching the house and leaving quickly when spotted. Police swarm the house and the women are questioned. What will happen next in Captiva.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PW · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY, Some New Directions

This book has really taken a sharp turn toward unresolved questions. I love the addition of new characters and how they impact the plot. The best fleet is that women over sixty have found men their age who are love interests. More to unpack in the next book!!

This Booksprout ARC is a very good read enjoy!!

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must be read in order. Enemies to friends, mysterious detective, A vacation love interest from the past, makeup causes chaos, mutual strong feelings about sister in law, guilty or framed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, an island setting, and a storyline that makes this book impossible to put down! I have so many questions... A brilliant mix of characters. I'm hooked on this series and can't wait to see how this story continues to unfold. I highly recommend!.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

With their truce somewhat holding Margaret and Katherine are trying to figure out what Henry was involved in and using the house for. Now they have way more questions than answers. Can't wait for the ending. Received a free copy.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Sage Parker; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Captiva Island Series; the story continues from the previous book and needs to be read in order.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

family histories and tangled relationships past and present might have painful and lethal intersections and clashes.

new trusts and old are put to the test.

I love the intense intrigue, drama, suspense and action.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret and Catherine grow closer. They find that someone is watching them. They don’t know who they can trust so they begin to trust each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two and the drama continues as Margaret and Katherine try to coexist and attempt a truce. Of course things are now coming to light, secrets that Henry kept from both of them and the author throws more mystery, suspense and twists and turns to keep us spinning and guessing what’s coming next!

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving Margaret and Katherine. I cannot believe they have found some mysterious things in this cottage and are thinking about working together to figure everything out. This was a great second part.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline!

This was a excellent story! Just enough mystery and romance to give you a perfect story! Can't help but wonder what the next book will reveal!