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Summer Island
New York Times bestselling author Shelley Noble pens a heartwarming story of a mother-daughter road trip to the beach and to self-discovery.
When reporter Phoebe Adams loses her job and her fiancé on the same day, it never occurs to her that she'll also have to support her mother, Ruth, through her divorce from Phoebe's father after thirty-five years of marriage. They both need a haven, and Phoebe knows just the place--Summer Island, where Grandma Alice still rules the roost from the big New England beach house Phoebe and Ruth once called home.
But "home" has changed. There's a trendy new look downtown. Large beach houses are replacing the old. The Harken house next door is in disrepair.
Phoebe's plan for a peaceful retreat is quickly hijacked when globe-trotting Great Aunt Vera makes an unannounced pit stop. With Vera around, no one can stay morose for long, not even Lars, the grumpy widower next door, or his son Ty, formerly geeky middle child all grown up into a handsome and enigmatic man. Soon they're all enjoying things they used to do and discovering new ones. Each adventure opens a part of themselves they've neglected for too long and brings them closer together.
But when an accident threatens to destroy the tenuous tie between them, Phoebe realizes how fragile life can be, and that she has some serious choices to make about her own life. It will take the support of her newly awakened family and the magic of Summer Island for Phoebe to embrace the challenge of an unexpected future and to trust her own heart.
When reporter Phoebe Adams loses her job and her fiancé on the same day, it never occurs to her that she'll also have to support her mother, Ruth, through her divorce from Phoebe's father after thirty-five years of marriage. They both need a haven, and Phoebe knows just the place--Summer Island, where Grandma Alice still rules the roost from the big New England beach house Phoebe and Ruth once called home.
But "home" has changed. There's a trendy new look downtown. Large beach houses are replacing the old. The Harken house next door is in disrepair.
Phoebe's plan for a peaceful retreat is quickly hijacked when globe-trotting Great Aunt Vera makes an unannounced pit stop. With Vera around, no one can stay morose for long, not even Lars, the grumpy widower next door, or his son Ty, formerly geeky middle child all grown up into a handsome and enigmatic man. Soon they're all enjoying things they used to do and discovering new ones. Each adventure opens a part of themselves they've neglected for too long and brings them closer together.
But when an accident threatens to destroy the tenuous tie between them, Phoebe realizes how fragile life can be, and that she has some serious choices to make about her own life. It will take the support of her newly awakened family and the magic of Summer Island for Phoebe to embrace the challenge of an unexpected future and to trust her own heart.
416 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2022
164 people are currently reading
14085 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Noble
31 books1,228 followersShelley Noble is a multi published fiction author whose books have been translated into seven languages. She writes women’s fiction as Shelley Noble and is also the author of several amateur sleuth mystery series, written as Shelley Freydont.
A former professional dancer and choreographer, she most recently worked on the films, Mona Lisa Smile and The Game Plan. She also consults on various dance and theatre projects, most recently the world premiere of a full length Tom Sawyer ballet commissioned by Kansas City Ballet.
Shelley is a member of Sisters-in-Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and Liberty States Fiction Writers.
She lives near the New Jersey shore. In her spare time she loves to discover new beaches and indulge her passion for lighthouses and boardwalks with vintage carousels.
A former professional dancer and choreographer, she most recently worked on the films, Mona Lisa Smile and The Game Plan. She also consults on various dance and theatre projects, most recently the world premiere of a full length Tom Sawyer ballet commissioned by Kansas City Ballet.
Shelley is a member of Sisters-in-Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and Liberty States Fiction Writers.
She lives near the New Jersey shore. In her spare time she loves to discover new beaches and indulge her passion for lighthouses and boardwalks with vintage carousels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
March 10, 2022
Author Shelley Noble pens a feel good; yet, emotional women’s fiction novel about mothers and daughters; and fathers and sons trying to reconnect after their lives have gone in all different directions. Phoebe Adams is an investigative reporter who finds out she’s been betrayed by her fiancé and lost her job all in one swoop. When she calls her parents to tell them the bad news, her father has left her mother, Ruth, and is having an affair. Phoebe and Ruth decide to visit Granna (Alice) at her beach house for some planning and thinking time. When they arrive, Ty Hardin is staying next door with his father, Lars, who’s been deeply depressed and uncooperative since his wife passed away. Lars treats Ty horribly and anyone else who tries to get through to him.
The first third of this story was rather slow for me as the characters and their situations were established. I was afraid this plot wouldn’t have the depth of the usual Shelley Noble beach story. I needn’t have worried. The rest of the story deepens into each main character’s life and shows and tells the choices they are making at this major turning point in their journeys. I really enjoyed the main cast. They came across as very human with their pasts and baggage; however, their ambition shined and I was pleased by the happy endings and new beginnings! I highly recommend this novel. 4.5 Stars.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc proved by NetGalley and Avon Publishing. All opinions are my own.
The first third of this story was rather slow for me as the characters and their situations were established. I was afraid this plot wouldn’t have the depth of the usual Shelley Noble beach story. I needn’t have worried. The rest of the story deepens into each main character’s life and shows and tells the choices they are making at this major turning point in their journeys. I really enjoyed the main cast. They came across as very human with their pasts and baggage; however, their ambition shined and I was pleased by the happy endings and new beginnings! I highly recommend this novel. 4.5 Stars.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc proved by NetGalley and Avon Publishing. All opinions are my own.
July 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I was randomly scrolling through Libby for a summer read and found this book! I need to do this more often, just picking up whatever catches my eye without worrying about my TBR list. I mean, it’s how I chose books back in middle and high school and that usually never let me down lol. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The beginning piqued my interest, then it got a bit repetitive, but it eventually settled into a consistent pace and felt like a calming summer movie/show.
The attention to detail in the characters and their careers was something that stood out to me (note I’m not a professional in any of the areas I’m about to mention). For example, Ty’s work in creating potable water, Charley’s veteran support efforts, Ruth and Inez’s bakery, and Phoebe’s journalism all felt authentic and well-developed. Shelley Noble did a fantastic job making each character feel realistic and it did not feel like any of them were there just to help the plot progress. I also appreciated the slow approach to Ty and Phoebe’s romance. They were dealing with a lot and needed personal growth before starting anything. Their romance wasn’t rushed or founded on lust but developed slowly and genuinely.
If there’s one thing that frustrates me, as I’ve mentioned before in other reviews lol, it’s when characters are secretive for low-stakes reasons. Many issues could have been avoided or resolved if they communicated better. But, this did add to the story’s tension, so I can kinda understand it in this case.
Despite the slow start, this turned out to be a really good, simple slice-of-life story. The different storylines intertwined beautifully, emphasizing themes of family bonds, trust, grief, and personal growth. It wasn’t just about Phoebe finding her footing again; it was about everyone. I loved how the narrative expanded to include all the characters: Phoebe, Ty, Ruth, Great Aunt Vera, Grandma Alice, Lars, and even Charley ❤️.
I was randomly scrolling through Libby for a summer read and found this book! I need to do this more often, just picking up whatever catches my eye without worrying about my TBR list. I mean, it’s how I chose books back in middle and high school and that usually never let me down lol. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The beginning piqued my interest, then it got a bit repetitive, but it eventually settled into a consistent pace and felt like a calming summer movie/show.
The attention to detail in the characters and their careers was something that stood out to me (note I’m not a professional in any of the areas I’m about to mention). For example, Ty’s work in creating potable water, Charley’s veteran support efforts, Ruth and Inez’s bakery, and Phoebe’s journalism all felt authentic and well-developed. Shelley Noble did a fantastic job making each character feel realistic and it did not feel like any of them were there just to help the plot progress. I also appreciated the slow approach to Ty and Phoebe’s romance. They were dealing with a lot and needed personal growth before starting anything. Their romance wasn’t rushed or founded on lust but developed slowly and genuinely.
If there’s one thing that frustrates me, as I’ve mentioned before in other reviews lol, it’s when characters are secretive for low-stakes reasons. Many issues could have been avoided or resolved if they communicated better. But, this did add to the story’s tension, so I can kinda understand it in this case.
Despite the slow start, this turned out to be a really good, simple slice-of-life story. The different storylines intertwined beautifully, emphasizing themes of family bonds, trust, grief, and personal growth. It wasn’t just about Phoebe finding her footing again; it was about everyone. I loved how the narrative expanded to include all the characters: Phoebe, Ty, Ruth, Great Aunt Vera, Grandma Alice, Lars, and even Charley ❤️.
June 4, 2022
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.
“I'm closing the Sentinel.”
When Phoebe's fiance Gavin walks into the local newspaper The Sentinel's offices, the newspaper that Phoebe has been working hard to keep afloat ever since Gavin inherited it from his father, Phoebe's mentor, and declares today is the last day because he sold it, her world comes crashing down. Phoebe realizes that her dream of writing local and inspiring stories is becoming lost to her and that her fiancé has been lying to her for two years as he's been looking to sell the paper. Phoebe loses her job, fiancé, a place to live, and any sense of security in one fell swoop. When she calls her mother, Phoebe realizes she's not the only one.
“No, absolutely not. I'm fine. Unless you...”
“No, I'm fine.” it was a lie; neither one of them was fine.
Ruth has been married for over 30 years and made herself into the perfect wife, even going along with her husband's idea to sell their family home and move into a condo. Then one day he comes into the kitchen and announces he is leaving her because he has fallen in love with someone else. All those years of shrinking herself and giving all to her family begin to come crashing down on Ruth. When one of her three daughters calls her and tells her about losing her job and fiancé, Ruth has to come clean that Phoebe's dad left her a week ago. With Phoebe not having a place to live and Ruth not wanting to be around with her cheating husband comes to collect the rest of his things, they decide to escape and spend the weekend at Granna Alice's place, the matriarch of the family.
You couldn't push away grief, wrestle it out of your heart, trample it underfoot, ignore it until it went silently away. You could only live through it.
Ty was nominated by his two brothers to spend the summer with their grieving father after he's fallen into a deep depression over the death of his wife. Ty was always the black sheep of the family, only his mother understood him, and it's a constant battle with the father that never understood him and doesn't seem to want to live life anymore. When the women next door invite him and his father over for dinner, Ty goes even if his father still won't leave the house and he starts to feel an outlet in talking with the grown-up Phoebe that used to annoy him with all her questions when they were younger.
Summer Island is the perfect summer read that will suck you into the lives of these characters. It's mostly lead by Phoebe but all the characters have decisions they must face and choices to make. There wasn't much heartbreak over Phoebe's break-up with her fiancé, there didn't seem to be much love there and I think that's why the sliding through thread of building friendship to romance between Phoebe and Ty works. While there are tough emotional decisions being faced, the overall tone still stays away from sinking into deep angst, which I felt perfectly places this in the beach read category; there's satisfying emotion but you won't feel wrung out after reading.
How would she ever come out whole on the other side?
While Phoebe is deciding what direction her life should take, sticking with her dream of writing local stories or going for a more ambitious approach like editor at a big newspaper, she does some soul searching. This comes about through talking and listening to her mother, grandmother, great-aunt, Ty, and a local man who is fixing up old cars to turn into homes for homeless vets. Phoebe's the connector into all these characters that fill in and fill out the story. Her mother also has a strong showing with dealing with her husband leaving her and discovering that it was the wake-up call she needed in life. Ruth realizes that she let herself become erased over the years as she slowly started to live in service of her husband and children and the “suburban wife” mold. I think Ruth's story will touch a lot of woman, especially when she gets the strength to stand-up for herself and excited, nervously takes the first step to reclaiming herself.
Ty provided some of the heartache and sweetness with the grief he and his father had over the loss of his mother and then the slowly blooming friendship and romance between him and Phoebe. He was a harder character to know because of his stoic personality and propensity to show no emotion on his face but his steadiness and calm was a perfect match for what Phoebe needed. This was definitely contemporary, women's fiction but there was enough friendship and romance between the two (some kisses but firmly door shut) to mollify romance genre readers, too.
Phoebe's unsettled question of should she follow her own personal passion, her mother's fear of where it all went wrong, Ty's hurt of not being understood by his family, and the handful of other characters will pull you in and be a favorite beach read of the summer.
“I'm closing the Sentinel.”
When Phoebe's fiance Gavin walks into the local newspaper The Sentinel's offices, the newspaper that Phoebe has been working hard to keep afloat ever since Gavin inherited it from his father, Phoebe's mentor, and declares today is the last day because he sold it, her world comes crashing down. Phoebe realizes that her dream of writing local and inspiring stories is becoming lost to her and that her fiancé has been lying to her for two years as he's been looking to sell the paper. Phoebe loses her job, fiancé, a place to live, and any sense of security in one fell swoop. When she calls her mother, Phoebe realizes she's not the only one.
“No, absolutely not. I'm fine. Unless you...”
“No, I'm fine.” it was a lie; neither one of them was fine.
Ruth has been married for over 30 years and made herself into the perfect wife, even going along with her husband's idea to sell their family home and move into a condo. Then one day he comes into the kitchen and announces he is leaving her because he has fallen in love with someone else. All those years of shrinking herself and giving all to her family begin to come crashing down on Ruth. When one of her three daughters calls her and tells her about losing her job and fiancé, Ruth has to come clean that Phoebe's dad left her a week ago. With Phoebe not having a place to live and Ruth not wanting to be around with her cheating husband comes to collect the rest of his things, they decide to escape and spend the weekend at Granna Alice's place, the matriarch of the family.
You couldn't push away grief, wrestle it out of your heart, trample it underfoot, ignore it until it went silently away. You could only live through it.
Ty was nominated by his two brothers to spend the summer with their grieving father after he's fallen into a deep depression over the death of his wife. Ty was always the black sheep of the family, only his mother understood him, and it's a constant battle with the father that never understood him and doesn't seem to want to live life anymore. When the women next door invite him and his father over for dinner, Ty goes even if his father still won't leave the house and he starts to feel an outlet in talking with the grown-up Phoebe that used to annoy him with all her questions when they were younger.
Summer Island is the perfect summer read that will suck you into the lives of these characters. It's mostly lead by Phoebe but all the characters have decisions they must face and choices to make. There wasn't much heartbreak over Phoebe's break-up with her fiancé, there didn't seem to be much love there and I think that's why the sliding through thread of building friendship to romance between Phoebe and Ty works. While there are tough emotional decisions being faced, the overall tone still stays away from sinking into deep angst, which I felt perfectly places this in the beach read category; there's satisfying emotion but you won't feel wrung out after reading.
How would she ever come out whole on the other side?
While Phoebe is deciding what direction her life should take, sticking with her dream of writing local stories or going for a more ambitious approach like editor at a big newspaper, she does some soul searching. This comes about through talking and listening to her mother, grandmother, great-aunt, Ty, and a local man who is fixing up old cars to turn into homes for homeless vets. Phoebe's the connector into all these characters that fill in and fill out the story. Her mother also has a strong showing with dealing with her husband leaving her and discovering that it was the wake-up call she needed in life. Ruth realizes that she let herself become erased over the years as she slowly started to live in service of her husband and children and the “suburban wife” mold. I think Ruth's story will touch a lot of woman, especially when she gets the strength to stand-up for herself and excited, nervously takes the first step to reclaiming herself.
Ty provided some of the heartache and sweetness with the grief he and his father had over the loss of his mother and then the slowly blooming friendship and romance between him and Phoebe. He was a harder character to know because of his stoic personality and propensity to show no emotion on his face but his steadiness and calm was a perfect match for what Phoebe needed. This was definitely contemporary, women's fiction but there was enough friendship and romance between the two (some kisses but firmly door shut) to mollify romance genre readers, too.
Phoebe's unsettled question of should she follow her own personal passion, her mother's fear of where it all went wrong, Ty's hurt of not being understood by his family, and the handful of other characters will pull you in and be a favorite beach read of the summer.
April 22, 2022
Review coming soon.
June 22, 2022
Shelly Noble what a great story. I couldn't put it down. This was a sweet novel about three different generations of women coming to grips with lives changes. Divorce, loss of job and fiancé, death all take apart in this fast read novel. After losing her job, her boyfriend, and her home in one fell swoop, reporter Phoebe goes to stay with her mother and grandmother at the beach. There, she reconnects with Ty, son of her grandmother's neighbor. He thinks Phoebe is too nosy. She thinks he has no ambition. The truth is more complicated. As Phoebe and Ty get to know each other better, they find they have more in common than they think. Ty is also dealing with family issues: he lost his mom; his father is suffering from depression; and his brothers don't think running his foundation is a real job. Phoebe and Ty help each other deal with loss, love, and finding a place to belong. A must read. Highly recommend.
June 16, 2022
3.5⭐! I enjoyed this feel good, heartwarming beach read. Took me a bit to get into it, but it ended up being such a great read. This was the first book I read by this author, but now I know I'll have to read from her blacklist.
Phoebe has lost her job, and her fiance, on the same day. Her mother is also getting divorced from her father, who was having an affair. They decide to go to Summer Island, to stay with Phoebe's grandma at her beach house. There, they can seek comfort from being home. When they get there, things are different. Bigger homes, new trendy businesses downtown. Ends up being more than they expect.
An enjoyable, somewhat predictable read, but I think many will love a book like this.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Phoebe has lost her job, and her fiance, on the same day. Her mother is also getting divorced from her father, who was having an affair. They decide to go to Summer Island, to stay with Phoebe's grandma at her beach house. There, they can seek comfort from being home. When they get there, things are different. Bigger homes, new trendy businesses downtown. Ends up being more than they expect.
An enjoyable, somewhat predictable read, but I think many will love a book like this.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
May 13, 2022
TITLE: Summer Island
AUTHOR: Shelley Noble
PUB DATE: 05.03.2022
REVIEW:
In Summer Island, Shelley Noble once again creates a thought-provoking and life-affirming beach read that will stay with you long after the last tan of summer fades.
It’s the season of change for Ruth and daughter Phoebe. When their world seems to be collapsing at every turn, their only chance of hope is to go back to their solace, their New England beach house and to Grandma Alice, in Summer Island. But even that is changing too.
I found the writing engaging and enjoyable, and with every turn, when a new character introduced, it just adds to the juiciness of the plot. This is such a perfect beach read full of great romp that squeezed my heart! Enjoyed this one a lot!
AUTHOR: Shelley Noble
PUB DATE: 05.03.2022
REVIEW:
In Summer Island, Shelley Noble once again creates a thought-provoking and life-affirming beach read that will stay with you long after the last tan of summer fades.
It’s the season of change for Ruth and daughter Phoebe. When their world seems to be collapsing at every turn, their only chance of hope is to go back to their solace, their New England beach house and to Grandma Alice, in Summer Island. But even that is changing too.
I found the writing engaging and enjoyable, and with every turn, when a new character introduced, it just adds to the juiciness of the plot. This is such a perfect beach read full of great romp that squeezed my heart! Enjoyed this one a lot!
May 4, 2022
Summer Island is a very easy, but predictable read. It was a struggle to connect with anyone in this book. The plot feels like it was rushed.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸
February 19, 2022
"Summer Island "by Shelley Noble
Avon
May 3, 2033
10-0063118424
Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Phoebe Adams is a reporter for the "Weekly Sentinel," a small New England newspaper that is petering out, and she is trying desperately to save it. Since she was young, she was mentored by Simeon Cross, the owner of the paper. He was not only her advisor but more like a father to her. But Simeon died and the business reverted to his son, Gavin, to whom Phoebe is now engaged. As Phoebe works hard to salvage the publication, she also is facing the stress of planning her nuptials.
Exhausted and frustrated, Phoebe plugs a human interest story to Gavin as he packs for a symposium. Though she's needed at the office, she is disappointed she isn't going with Gavin, and suddenly she is concerned about his blasé attitude toward her ideas for the business.
Imagine her surprise and that of the other employees when Gavin arrives from his trip shocking them by his announcement:
"Gavin raised his voice. 'I have some bad news.'
"Phoebe's fingers slowed as her mind ricocheted from a hurricane barreling toward the New England coast to the death of someone they all knew and loved.
"'I'm closing the Sentinel.'
"Phoebe's fingers froze on the keyboard. Around the room all motion stopped, six Sentinel employees captured mid-movement—perched on the edge of a desk, gesturing to a colleague, reaching for a file drawer. All caught in time—death-of-a-newspaper time.
"They turned their heads until all eyes zeroed in on Gavin.
"He should have staggered back from the force of their disbelief. But Gavin merely lifted his chin and looked past them to the window.
"He's shutting down the paper. For a nanosecond Phoebe thought he must have lost his mind. Or she had. He couldn't do that. . . .
. . . "'You'll be paid for this week. You have until tonight to clean out your desks. After that, the offices will be closed, and everything will be sold. This hasn't been an easy decision.'
"Not an easy decision? Phoebe hadn't even known he was considering it."
When Phoebe tries to reason with Gavin, he is adamant, admitting he hadn't told her because she'd get upset. More shock sets in as he denigrates her position and skills. Upset isn't the word for how Phoebe feels. Who is this man she's supposed to marry?
Humiliated, hurt, and very angry, Phoebe returns her engagement ring, realizing she doesn't even know him. Her main concern is what happens now? She has given up her apartment, for she was due to move in with Gavin, but now she also wonders if she'll be able to get the deposits she gave to vendors for her wedding—a wedding no longer happening.
Her first thought is to call her mother, and when she does, she receives another shock. Her mother, Ruth, is preparing to divorce her father after 30-plus years of marriage. What else can go wrong? She thought she would live with Ruth temporarily until she found another job, but instead, the two head to the beach to stay with Phoebe's grandma, Alice.
Phoebe and Ruth plan to spend a weekend at the shore, and when they arrive, they find Alice's bohemian sister, Vera, already there in all her glory. Every day she plans some adventure not letting either of them, including Alice, sit around and have a pity party.
As Phoebe searches for answers to how to plan her future, she spies Ty Harken, the next-door neighbor. A few years her senior and one she always considered a geek, he is on this father's roof repairing some shingles. When Phoebe questions why he is there, Alice states Lars, Ty's dad, has been in an awful slump since Ty's mom passed away a year ago. His brothers insisted Ty be with him for the summer to watch over him. The only problem is, Ty and Lars do not get along, so things between them are tense.
Alice's household is in a whirlwind. Phoebe worries about what she will do next, Ruth is depressed, avoiding her husband's constant texts, and Vera is constantly having them going, doing things to take their minds of themselves. Alice seems to be the only calm one.
The days pass, and the weekend stay turns out to be longer. Phoebe is distraught upon hearing Gavin is working at the Boston Globe, no longer dealing with small-town news. Her mind cannot stop whirling, and she devises a feature article about a local resident who restores old vans into residences for homeless vets. Phoebe knows this would make a great human-interest story, and when she receives a call from the Globe about a job as an editor, she suggests this item for the paper. She interviews for the position and is undecided if she would take it if offered. She wants to in be the field and write and not checking others' work.
Meanwhile, Phoebe strikes up a friendship with Ty, discovering he's not the nerd she believed him to be. She becomes fascinated by him, his career, and his need to help his father—realizing he's honorable and totally humble. He develops feelings for her, too. But would a relationship be feasible? She doesn't want someone as a rebound, but the more she is with him, the more impressed she is by his thoughts and actions.
The two families bond, sharing meals and laughs. Phoebe, Ty, Ruth, and Lars discover things about themselves they never realized. Summer Island is more than a beach read, a tale about acceptance and finding one's way, no matter one’s age.
Avon
May 3, 2033
10-0063118424
Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Phoebe Adams is a reporter for the "Weekly Sentinel," a small New England newspaper that is petering out, and she is trying desperately to save it. Since she was young, she was mentored by Simeon Cross, the owner of the paper. He was not only her advisor but more like a father to her. But Simeon died and the business reverted to his son, Gavin, to whom Phoebe is now engaged. As Phoebe works hard to salvage the publication, she also is facing the stress of planning her nuptials.
Exhausted and frustrated, Phoebe plugs a human interest story to Gavin as he packs for a symposium. Though she's needed at the office, she is disappointed she isn't going with Gavin, and suddenly she is concerned about his blasé attitude toward her ideas for the business.
Imagine her surprise and that of the other employees when Gavin arrives from his trip shocking them by his announcement:
"Gavin raised his voice. 'I have some bad news.'
"Phoebe's fingers slowed as her mind ricocheted from a hurricane barreling toward the New England coast to the death of someone they all knew and loved.
"'I'm closing the Sentinel.'
"Phoebe's fingers froze on the keyboard. Around the room all motion stopped, six Sentinel employees captured mid-movement—perched on the edge of a desk, gesturing to a colleague, reaching for a file drawer. All caught in time—death-of-a-newspaper time.
"They turned their heads until all eyes zeroed in on Gavin.
"He should have staggered back from the force of their disbelief. But Gavin merely lifted his chin and looked past them to the window.
"He's shutting down the paper. For a nanosecond Phoebe thought he must have lost his mind. Or she had. He couldn't do that. . . .
. . . "'You'll be paid for this week. You have until tonight to clean out your desks. After that, the offices will be closed, and everything will be sold. This hasn't been an easy decision.'
"Not an easy decision? Phoebe hadn't even known he was considering it."
When Phoebe tries to reason with Gavin, he is adamant, admitting he hadn't told her because she'd get upset. More shock sets in as he denigrates her position and skills. Upset isn't the word for how Phoebe feels. Who is this man she's supposed to marry?
Humiliated, hurt, and very angry, Phoebe returns her engagement ring, realizing she doesn't even know him. Her main concern is what happens now? She has given up her apartment, for she was due to move in with Gavin, but now she also wonders if she'll be able to get the deposits she gave to vendors for her wedding—a wedding no longer happening.
Her first thought is to call her mother, and when she does, she receives another shock. Her mother, Ruth, is preparing to divorce her father after 30-plus years of marriage. What else can go wrong? She thought she would live with Ruth temporarily until she found another job, but instead, the two head to the beach to stay with Phoebe's grandma, Alice.
Phoebe and Ruth plan to spend a weekend at the shore, and when they arrive, they find Alice's bohemian sister, Vera, already there in all her glory. Every day she plans some adventure not letting either of them, including Alice, sit around and have a pity party.
As Phoebe searches for answers to how to plan her future, she spies Ty Harken, the next-door neighbor. A few years her senior and one she always considered a geek, he is on this father's roof repairing some shingles. When Phoebe questions why he is there, Alice states Lars, Ty's dad, has been in an awful slump since Ty's mom passed away a year ago. His brothers insisted Ty be with him for the summer to watch over him. The only problem is, Ty and Lars do not get along, so things between them are tense.
Alice's household is in a whirlwind. Phoebe worries about what she will do next, Ruth is depressed, avoiding her husband's constant texts, and Vera is constantly having them going, doing things to take their minds of themselves. Alice seems to be the only calm one.
The days pass, and the weekend stay turns out to be longer. Phoebe is distraught upon hearing Gavin is working at the Boston Globe, no longer dealing with small-town news. Her mind cannot stop whirling, and she devises a feature article about a local resident who restores old vans into residences for homeless vets. Phoebe knows this would make a great human-interest story, and when she receives a call from the Globe about a job as an editor, she suggests this item for the paper. She interviews for the position and is undecided if she would take it if offered. She wants to in be the field and write and not checking others' work.
Meanwhile, Phoebe strikes up a friendship with Ty, discovering he's not the nerd she believed him to be. She becomes fascinated by him, his career, and his need to help his father—realizing he's honorable and totally humble. He develops feelings for her, too. But would a relationship be feasible? She doesn't want someone as a rebound, but the more she is with him, the more impressed she is by his thoughts and actions.
The two families bond, sharing meals and laughs. Phoebe, Ty, Ruth, and Lars discover things about themselves they never realized. Summer Island is more than a beach read, a tale about acceptance and finding one's way, no matter one’s age.
April 21, 2022
This was a sweet novel about three different generations of women coming to grips with lifes changes. Divorce, loss of job and fiance, death all take apart in this fast read novel.
This was a slower-paced novel than I had hoped for, and there was no romance. As one reviewer has said, this book touched on many subjects as far as the women went, but didn't dig much deeper than the surface. We did get extended looks at a water reclamation project and tiny homes for veterans. While these were interesting subjects, they didn't do much to further the storyline.
As far as a beach read, goes-this may not be the book for you if you are looking forward to romance, sex, or back-stabbing and mystery.
One thing I am wondering about, and the author didn't mention, was that Ty seemed to have some slight, very slight Autism issues. I wonder if he was meant to?
I was satisfied enough with this book to finish it.
*ARC provided for review by the publisher Avon Books, the author, and NetGalley.
This was a slower-paced novel than I had hoped for, and there was no romance. As one reviewer has said, this book touched on many subjects as far as the women went, but didn't dig much deeper than the surface. We did get extended looks at a water reclamation project and tiny homes for veterans. While these were interesting subjects, they didn't do much to further the storyline.
As far as a beach read, goes-this may not be the book for you if you are looking forward to romance, sex, or back-stabbing and mystery.
One thing I am wondering about, and the author didn't mention, was that Ty seemed to have some slight, very slight Autism issues. I wonder if he was meant to?
I was satisfied enough with this book to finish it.
*ARC provided for review by the publisher Avon Books, the author, and NetGalley.
May 31, 2022
Summer Island, by Shelley Noble, is an absolutely delightful, summery, feel-good read and a new favorite of mine. Admittedly, it is a touch repetitive with a few elements, but otherwise it is a charming, enchanting story about three generations of women who spend the summer on the New England coast at their family home.
Each woman has undergone their own personal, life-altering events and are gathering together to regroup. This theme has been done before, but the author writes a novel that is engaging and unique in it’s own right. These characters are distinctive from one another, but all appealing, admirable people.
This story hit all the right spots for me and I adored it. I purchased my own physical copy of the book to keep in my library and look forward to the next release from this author.
Each woman has undergone their own personal, life-altering events and are gathering together to regroup. This theme has been done before, but the author writes a novel that is engaging and unique in it’s own right. These characters are distinctive from one another, but all appealing, admirable people.
This story hit all the right spots for me and I adored it. I purchased my own physical copy of the book to keep in my library and look forward to the next release from this author.
May 19, 2022
3.75 stars!
The cover and description drew my attention to this heartwarming story about a Mother and Daughter road trip to the beach.
I thought the writing was fun, and it made for those perfect summery vibes that I’ve been craving. The pacing started slow for me, but the story picks up, and I thought it was a sweet book!
*many thanks to Avon/William Morrow for the gifted copy for review
The cover and description drew my attention to this heartwarming story about a Mother and Daughter road trip to the beach.
I thought the writing was fun, and it made for those perfect summery vibes that I’ve been craving. The pacing started slow for me, but the story picks up, and I thought it was a sweet book!
*many thanks to Avon/William Morrow for the gifted copy for review
February 6, 2022
This book was super cute! I loved the nostalgia and characters. I found the flow of the book to be very relaxing and enjoyable! (Thank you Netgalley!)
May 29, 2022
Meh, so predictable and slow moving. Not for me
April 20, 2022
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this easy going women’s fiction from Shelley Noble. It fairly quick book and follows three generations of women. Phoebe Adams is a journalist and has been working for the last three years to save the paper she’s worked at since she was a teen. She breaks off her engagement to her fiancé when he shuts down the paper with no notice. He is the son of the her mentor, but he had no interest in keeping the paper after his fathers death. With no place to live she calls her mother Ruth only to learn that her father has left mom. Together they gather themselves up and decide to regroup at grandma Alice’s. Alice’s sister, Great Aunt Vera is also visiting. Everyone but grandma needs to make decisions for their futures. They support each other in kind ways. While together they also interact with a widowed and grumpy Lars and his 37 year old son Ty who is spending the summer with his dad.
I enjoyed the book and the flow of the story but my rating reflects that a lot of things are dealt with superficially. Decisions about divorce, jobs, parental relationships are covered and worked through fairly quickly. Some of it gets repetitive as in how many times Phoebe says she wants to tell stories and write. There is a nice sub plot about a veteran that makes cars into housing for homeless vets. But that plot could disappear and it wouldn’t change the storyline. This book is listed as a romance but I’d call it women’s fiction or contemporary fiction. Yes, there is a romance potential and a couple of shared kisses. But the story timeframe is several weeks and Phoebe has just called off her wedding and is coming out of relationship of at least three years. The book is clean for language and intimacy. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the book and the flow of the story but my rating reflects that a lot of things are dealt with superficially. Decisions about divorce, jobs, parental relationships are covered and worked through fairly quickly. Some of it gets repetitive as in how many times Phoebe says she wants to tell stories and write. There is a nice sub plot about a veteran that makes cars into housing for homeless vets. But that plot could disappear and it wouldn’t change the storyline. This book is listed as a romance but I’d call it women’s fiction or contemporary fiction. Yes, there is a romance potential and a couple of shared kisses. But the story timeframe is several weeks and Phoebe has just called off her wedding and is coming out of relationship of at least three years. The book is clean for language and intimacy. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2023
3.5 a nice easy read. I enjoy multi generational stories. Impressed with the author’s research as learned a lot about water and efforts underway to sanitize and provide safe water. Also, a side story about vans that are being converted to house homeless vets which is true.
April 17, 2022
*3.5/5
summer island is the first book i've ever read from this author, and i really enjoyed it. it is about the mother-daughter relationship between ruth and phoebe, how they are both going through very difficult times for different reasons (ruth's husband left her, and phoebe lost both her job and fiancé on the same day), and how they both want to be there for each other, it is about the siblings dynamic between alice (or granna) and vera, and the rough relationship between newly widowed lars and his son ty. i liked reading about every storyline and every pov, which is something that does not happen to me quite often. the author's writing made it very easy to be fully immersed in every character's story, but i do have to say that i found the ending quite rushed (or maybe it was just me wanting read more about phoebe, ruth, vera, alice, and ty).
arc provided by netgalley and avon and harper voyager in exchange for an honest review.
summer island is the first book i've ever read from this author, and i really enjoyed it. it is about the mother-daughter relationship between ruth and phoebe, how they are both going through very difficult times for different reasons (ruth's husband left her, and phoebe lost both her job and fiancé on the same day), and how they both want to be there for each other, it is about the siblings dynamic between alice (or granna) and vera, and the rough relationship between newly widowed lars and his son ty. i liked reading about every storyline and every pov, which is something that does not happen to me quite often. the author's writing made it very easy to be fully immersed in every character's story, but i do have to say that i found the ending quite rushed (or maybe it was just me wanting read more about phoebe, ruth, vera, alice, and ty).
arc provided by netgalley and avon and harper voyager in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2022
I am so grateful to have received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Avon. I found it easy to imagine the vibe of the family house, as well as the relationships and community between the Adams and the Harkens. I also thought that the plotline about Ty's career was interesting. That being said, this book had weaknesses that I couldn't ignore. The dialogue was stilted, and certain storylines were very underdeveloped, ie. Phoebe's relationship with her father. I loved the New England setting, but I'm not sure it ever mentioned where exactly Summer Island is? I couldn't tell if it was in Maine, or off the Massachusett's coast. Perhaps we were meant to suspend belief and just imagine it as generally New England, but as a Boston native I was thrown off. The overall story had potential, but the execution could have been much tighter. I'm sorry to say I won't be recommending this one.
September 6, 2023
A graceful multi-generational turning point book.
The ease and cadence of this book was akin to every Diane Keaton movie of the 2000s. It was familiar and easy and, while predictable, was still and enjoyable ride. It was an endearing homage to generational family matriarchy, even if that harmony rarely exists in families in the real world.
The setting of a New England beach area (Cape Cod?? Maine?? ) emphasized the cozy feel and wrapped the story in a blanket.
And who doesn’t like the conflict of your world being upended and having to make life choices, especially from varying stages of life?
Lest I be remiss, the generations were also represented in fathers and sons and brothers. But this felt like a tale more focused on the women.
An easy, breezy, summer read.
The ease and cadence of this book was akin to every Diane Keaton movie of the 2000s. It was familiar and easy and, while predictable, was still and enjoyable ride. It was an endearing homage to generational family matriarchy, even if that harmony rarely exists in families in the real world.
The setting of a New England beach area (Cape Cod?? Maine?? ) emphasized the cozy feel and wrapped the story in a blanket.
And who doesn’t like the conflict of your world being upended and having to make life choices, especially from varying stages of life?
Lest I be remiss, the generations were also represented in fathers and sons and brothers. But this felt like a tale more focused on the women.
An easy, breezy, summer read.
April 17, 2022
Life is always better at the beach. I was thrilled to get approved for Summer Island. Mother and daughter, Ruth and Phoebe, are at cross roads in their lives. They do the only logical thing- they head to the beach where the family head will help them sort stuff out, I liked the camaraderie among the women and how they dealt with crusty Lars. Ron was a first class clod. Ty was a developing character who sometimes got lost in the shuffle.
It’s a good beach read.
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the advance read.
It’s a good beach read.
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the advance read.
July 30, 2022
I wasn’t really sure what to expect going into this book. I went into it blind without really reading the synopsis or any reviews. The book ended up being a story about family with a tiny tiny speck of romance thrown in.
Overall, I had a hard time getting into this book. The two MAIN characters (Phoebe and Ty) felt a little dry to me and I had difficulty connecting with them. I also felt like there was zero chemistry between the two. I did however LOVE Alice and Vera (phoebes grandmother and great aunt.) I almost wish the story was told from their POVs. Also, every main character in this book had AWFUL family members who no one seemed to hold accountable for anything! (ex. Phoebes sisters, Ty’s brothers)
For the majority of the book I felt like I had to force myself to keep reading, I was constantly waiting for something to happen. The story finally picks up during the last few chapters. Honestly I might’ve given this 2 stars, but the last chapters saved the book for me and boosted it to 3 stars.
Overall, I had a hard time getting into this book. The two MAIN characters (Phoebe and Ty) felt a little dry to me and I had difficulty connecting with them. I also felt like there was zero chemistry between the two. I did however LOVE Alice and Vera (phoebes grandmother and great aunt.) I almost wish the story was told from their POVs. Also, every main character in this book had AWFUL family members who no one seemed to hold accountable for anything! (ex. Phoebes sisters, Ty’s brothers)
For the majority of the book I felt like I had to force myself to keep reading, I was constantly waiting for something to happen. The story finally picks up during the last few chapters. Honestly I might’ve given this 2 stars, but the last chapters saved the book for me and boosted it to 3 stars.
May 5, 2022
Thank you to Harper Collins - Avon Books and Netgalley for an advanced reading copy of Summer Island. This review contains my own thoughts & opinions.
Summer Island is definitely more women's fiction with only a small amount of romance, but since I love both genres this totally worked for me. Phoebe and her mother, Ruth, both travel to visit Alice (Phoebe's grandma) on the island where they spent many summers growing up after some life-altering circumstances happen to them both. Aunt Vera (Alice's sister) is also there, along with next door neighbors - Lars and his adult son, Ty, who is also visiting for the summer.
During their weeks together, nearly all of the characters experience growth, changes, or becoming who they were meant to be all along. I enjoyed the story and recommend it for fans of Susan Mallery or Brenda Novak.
Summer Island is definitely more women's fiction with only a small amount of romance, but since I love both genres this totally worked for me. Phoebe and her mother, Ruth, both travel to visit Alice (Phoebe's grandma) on the island where they spent many summers growing up after some life-altering circumstances happen to them both. Aunt Vera (Alice's sister) is also there, along with next door neighbors - Lars and his adult son, Ty, who is also visiting for the summer.
During their weeks together, nearly all of the characters experience growth, changes, or becoming who they were meant to be all along. I enjoyed the story and recommend it for fans of Susan Mallery or Brenda Novak.
June 17, 2022
Thank you @avonbooks for a copy of this fun summer read. Phoebe and Ruth both at crossroads in life, goes to visit Ruth's mom to getaway. I enjoyed seeing both of their journey to start new and develop and renew friendships. I also enjoyed seeing the relationship between Lars and Ty and how they dealt with loss of Lars' wife. Overall a fun summer read and wished we saw more of Phoebe and Ty's relationship.
July 21, 2023
In the genre of the summer read, this one entertained me and made me think, so that's why I gave it a four. If I included the lack of editing and the repetitive "just" usage (my pet peeve), I would have to give it 3 or 3.5. I tried hard to turn off my editor brain for a summer read and enjoyed this story. Way less romance than I was expecting, but I appreciated that since there was room to explore other aspects.
May 4, 2023
Phoebe has just lost her job and walked away from her fiancee. She has now where to go, so she returns yo her Granna's to put her life back together. Ty, her neighbor's son is there for the summer. They are each working through things and helping each other. The families keep trying to get them together. Can they become more than friends?
April 7, 2022
Summer Island is what the title evokes - an enjoyable, cozy beach read. It is about three generations of Sutton women navigating love and loss while they stay in the same house on Summer Island. Many of the characters are likeable though we don’t get too deep of a look into any on character in particular. Still, it was nice to read about the supportive relationship between Phoebe, her mother (Ruth), her grandmother (Alice), and great-aunt (Vera) among mother-daughter-granddaughter-great-aunt relationship. There is a romance sub-plot and I thought the two characters worked well together and I liked seeing their relationship grow. Recommended to readers looking for an easy, low-angst women’s fiction book with a dash of romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this ARC.
May 16, 2022
2.5 stars
August 3, 2024
Cute, quick kindle read.
Dealing with a loss of a spouse/mother, and what that can do to a family.
Love the three generations of strong, intelligent women.
Dealing with a loss of a spouse/mother, and what that can do to a family.
Love the three generations of strong, intelligent women.
April 12, 2022
I assumed this was a RomCom, which it is not. This is a cute, breezy summer novel about the women in a family coping with loss, together.
What I liked:
🏝 One of the characters is a local journalist. The importance of grass root level journalism has been highlighted in this book and I really liked it.
🏝 This is a story of community and healing. This doesn’t happen over night. It takes time, and the author has incorporated that into the story really well.
However, I wish we could have explored the island and the budding friendship between characters a little more. The story started out so well, but things got a little repetitive and flat afterwards. I believe there could be more depth to this, but it is what it is. 🤷🏻♀️
All in all, a decent summer read.
What I liked:
🏝 One of the characters is a local journalist. The importance of grass root level journalism has been highlighted in this book and I really liked it.
🏝 This is a story of community and healing. This doesn’t happen over night. It takes time, and the author has incorporated that into the story really well.
However, I wish we could have explored the island and the budding friendship between characters a little more. The story started out so well, but things got a little repetitive and flat afterwards. I believe there could be more depth to this, but it is what it is. 🤷🏻♀️
All in all, a decent summer read.
July 7, 2022
This book was ok…. But honestly it took the ENTIRE book u til the last 4 chapters for anything to really develop. So honestly it was harder to get through.
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