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Five Island Cove #9
The Glass Dolphin
Welcome back to the warm embrace of Five Island Cove, where old bonds are tested, new alliances are formed, and a historic treasure threatens to unravel the peace these friends have fought so hard to establish.
After an eventful summer that shook up the relationships of the women in Five Island Cove, Madeline Lancaster is starting to feel a sense of normalcy in the midst of the chaos. Her son is married, and she’s finally settled as the manager of the newest, more popular, and completely upscale restaurant on Diamond Island—The Glass Dolphin. Oh, and she gets engaged.
Meanwhile, Alice and Robin find the quietness of their empty nests deafening and embark on projects of their own. AJ is navigating motherhood with her energetic toddler, while Eloise is juggling her thriving inn and her expanding family, and both Laurel and Jean settle into full-time Mom Mode. Kelli joyfully endures her unexpected pregnancy, and Kristen’s blossoming romance takes an unexpected turn while Julia’s simply takes off.
Holiday life in the cove is perfect…until an act of vandalism at The Glass Dolphin triggers a chain of events no one could have predicted.
As the case unfolds, it becomes evident that there’s more at play than opposition to the tourism expansion in Five Island Cove, which sends ripples through the tight-knit group of friends. With the revelation threatening to fracture their trust, the women must band together and confront the truth of their pasts, all while fighting for their future.
With fresh challenges and ever-deepening bonds, these incredible women remind each other, and themselves, of the enduring power of friendship, love, and the resilience of the human spirit. As the truth unravels, the limits of their courage and the strength of their sisterhood will be tested in ways they never imagined.
Discover what lies ahead for the dynamic women of Five Island Cove in THE GLASS DOLPHIN — a tale of love, betrayal, and the healing power of friendship.
Get ready for the next installment in the Five Island Cove romantic women's fiction series from USA Today bestselling and Kindle Unlimited All-Star Author Jessie Newton!
After an eventful summer that shook up the relationships of the women in Five Island Cove, Madeline Lancaster is starting to feel a sense of normalcy in the midst of the chaos. Her son is married, and she’s finally settled as the manager of the newest, more popular, and completely upscale restaurant on Diamond Island—The Glass Dolphin. Oh, and she gets engaged.
Meanwhile, Alice and Robin find the quietness of their empty nests deafening and embark on projects of their own. AJ is navigating motherhood with her energetic toddler, while Eloise is juggling her thriving inn and her expanding family, and both Laurel and Jean settle into full-time Mom Mode. Kelli joyfully endures her unexpected pregnancy, and Kristen’s blossoming romance takes an unexpected turn while Julia’s simply takes off.
Holiday life in the cove is perfect…until an act of vandalism at The Glass Dolphin triggers a chain of events no one could have predicted.
As the case unfolds, it becomes evident that there’s more at play than opposition to the tourism expansion in Five Island Cove, which sends ripples through the tight-knit group of friends. With the revelation threatening to fracture their trust, the women must band together and confront the truth of their pasts, all while fighting for their future.
With fresh challenges and ever-deepening bonds, these incredible women remind each other, and themselves, of the enduring power of friendship, love, and the resilience of the human spirit. As the truth unravels, the limits of their courage and the strength of their sisterhood will be tested in ways they never imagined.
Discover what lies ahead for the dynamic women of Five Island Cove in THE GLASS DOLPHIN — a tale of love, betrayal, and the healing power of friendship.
Get ready for the next installment in the Five Island Cove romantic women's fiction series from USA Today bestselling and Kindle Unlimited All-Star Author Jessie Newton!
- GenresRomance
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
256 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 29, 2024
Non-Spoiler Review:
The book was fine. It followed the various characters on something slightly more twist heavy than the previous book. I felt like with the ever expanding cast, that I wasn't getting enough from any one character and a lot of plot points and time were skipped over. The book starts around November-ish and it ends in April, yet time isn't very often stated and you miss very big changes in their lives. For instance, the progression of two major life events. The characters that used be considered main cast seem to have been forgotten for the newer characters and whether or not this was intentional, it felt like Kelli and Eloise and AJ were forced into the backseat to make room for Julia and Maddy. Overall, the plot was better than the previous book and actually provided some drama, but it still left some to be desired in intrigue and character development.
Plot:
The plot mainly circles around Kristen, Julia, and Maddy in three different storylines that start with what seems to be conflict that happened PRIOR to the book with Julia and a cop named Liam Coldwater over the fact that apparently Liam had previously not informed Julia of his son? And she got upset about that? But within about 4 chapters it is resolved and they go on to date for the majority of the book with us getting the occasional date perspective of Julia. Then it moves on to the Glass Dolphin being vandalized due to heated tension with locals who believe that the town should not expand commercially and see the Glass Dolphin as a representative of what is ruining their small town. After it is vandalized, it is discovered that there is some sort of "time capsule" that is found to be underneath the restaurant containing various items within a barrel labeled "1950." They are put on display in the Town Hall for all of the town to see, just requiring tickets that are free of charge. The group (everyone save Robin and Tessa) go together to look at the time capsule in which it is revealed to be the belonging's of Kristen's Grandmother. Part of these is a newspaper clipping of an article that insinuates the lighthouse was sold by Kristen's grandmother to a third party (the Fisher's Coalition)l. This causes tension to rise and Kristen to ignore the group as she figures out how to prove that the Lighthouse is hers. This continues to run in the background as we return to wedding troubles with Maddy and her continued trouble with past trauma coming back post the buckets-through-the-windows. This is then shortly interrupted by Kristen getting jealous of Theo and his neighbor and promptly breaking up with him, Eloise and Aaron trying for babies again and finally ending up pregnant, which is then followed by Kelli going into (slightly) early labor triggered by stress from a man coming into the yoga studio and yelling at her. When everyone comes to meet the baby girl, AJ starts a fight with the members of the group insisting that they choose a side in the commercial expansion argument and then promptly storming out. Eloise then leaves and is followed by the rest of the members, leaving Kelli and the baby in the dust. It is then revealed that Eloise lost the baby that she (in the reader's mind) had just found out she had, but spoiler alert months had passed without much acknowledgement. This fight stops everyone from talking for about three weeks in which Alice gets a part in a play and helps Kristen keep the lighthouse. Then Julia plans some sort of yacht party with everyone (with Robin) and everyone just spontaneously makes up after all members involved resolve the matter with zero conflict and zero conversation using a "New Truth." Then the book ends with Maddy's wedding in which (of course) every single woman in the group is a bridesmaid despite her just having met them all.
Overall:
I felt like it left a lot of questions in my mind as to what is happening to the series. There isn't enough focus on one person for the book to feel complete. It jumps around for plot convenience but then leaves out parts of dialogue and life that make it seem real. It seems like there are only two states in the more recent books: Over-dramatization of small conflicts (i.e. AJ and the expansion argument, Kristen not being sure her family owns the lighthouse, etc.) or completely normal life events that make me want to skip the chapter. Of course, we're nine books into the series, so I understand that it might seem like we're running out of ideas that really added tension like the tsunami or AJ's mother literally dropping down from a helicopter. But even in recent events where there was opportunity for an interesting side plot, it is immediately shut down by the need for a mellow plot. At least this book was more interesting than the last one. I hope the 10th book doesn't disappoint.
The book was fine. It followed the various characters on something slightly more twist heavy than the previous book. I felt like with the ever expanding cast, that I wasn't getting enough from any one character and a lot of plot points and time were skipped over. The book starts around November-ish and it ends in April, yet time isn't very often stated and you miss very big changes in their lives. For instance, the progression of two major life events. The characters that used be considered main cast seem to have been forgotten for the newer characters and whether or not this was intentional, it felt like Kelli and Eloise and AJ were forced into the backseat to make room for Julia and Maddy. Overall, the plot was better than the previous book and actually provided some drama, but it still left some to be desired in intrigue and character development.
Plot:
The plot mainly circles around Kristen, Julia, and Maddy in three different storylines that start with what seems to be conflict that happened PRIOR to the book with Julia and a cop named Liam Coldwater over the fact that apparently Liam had previously not informed Julia of his son? And she got upset about that? But within about 4 chapters it is resolved and they go on to date for the majority of the book with us getting the occasional date perspective of Julia. Then it moves on to the Glass Dolphin being vandalized due to heated tension with locals who believe that the town should not expand commercially and see the Glass Dolphin as a representative of what is ruining their small town. After it is vandalized, it is discovered that there is some sort of "time capsule" that is found to be underneath the restaurant containing various items within a barrel labeled "1950." They are put on display in the Town Hall for all of the town to see, just requiring tickets that are free of charge. The group (everyone save Robin and Tessa) go together to look at the time capsule in which it is revealed to be the belonging's of Kristen's Grandmother. Part of these is a newspaper clipping of an article that insinuates the lighthouse was sold by Kristen's grandmother to a third party (the Fisher's Coalition)l. This causes tension to rise and Kristen to ignore the group as she figures out how to prove that the Lighthouse is hers. This continues to run in the background as we return to wedding troubles with Maddy and her continued trouble with past trauma coming back post the buckets-through-the-windows. This is then shortly interrupted by Kristen getting jealous of Theo and his neighbor and promptly breaking up with him, Eloise and Aaron trying for babies again and finally ending up pregnant, which is then followed by Kelli going into (slightly) early labor triggered by stress from a man coming into the yoga studio and yelling at her. When everyone comes to meet the baby girl, AJ starts a fight with the members of the group insisting that they choose a side in the commercial expansion argument and then promptly storming out. Eloise then leaves and is followed by the rest of the members, leaving Kelli and the baby in the dust. It is then revealed that Eloise lost the baby that she (in the reader's mind) had just found out she had, but spoiler alert months had passed without much acknowledgement. This fight stops everyone from talking for about three weeks in which Alice gets a part in a play and helps Kristen keep the lighthouse. Then Julia plans some sort of yacht party with everyone (with Robin) and everyone just spontaneously makes up after all members involved resolve the matter with zero conflict and zero conversation using a "New Truth." Then the book ends with Maddy's wedding in which (of course) every single woman in the group is a bridesmaid despite her just having met them all.
Overall:
I felt like it left a lot of questions in my mind as to what is happening to the series. There isn't enough focus on one person for the book to feel complete. It jumps around for plot convenience but then leaves out parts of dialogue and life that make it seem real. It seems like there are only two states in the more recent books: Over-dramatization of small conflicts (i.e. AJ and the expansion argument, Kristen not being sure her family owns the lighthouse, etc.) or completely normal life events that make me want to skip the chapter. Of course, we're nine books into the series, so I understand that it might seem like we're running out of ideas that really added tension like the tsunami or AJ's mother literally dropping down from a helicopter. But even in recent events where there was opportunity for an interesting side plot, it is immediately shut down by the need for a mellow plot. At least this book was more interesting than the last one. I hope the 10th book doesn't disappoint.
July 19, 2023
I love this series so much and this book is such a great addition to the Five Island Cove Series. It is fun to see how the group of women grow but continue to support each other. In this story Eloise goes through something so heartbreaking and you feel her pain. There are beautiful times with weddings, the addition of a new baby and more. And disagreements that could pull them apart, but they are stronger than that and work together to form strong bonds. This is Woman’s fiction at its best, Jessie Newton has such a way of making you feel like you are in the story, the depth of emotions makes me laugh, cry and feel warm all over.
July 15, 2023
Women’s fiction at it’s best. Jessie Newton is a master at creating characters with depth and heartwarming connections to one another. The ladies in this series share such deep bonds with one another that it draws you in and makes you want to be one of them. You will root for them, cry with them and celebrate with them. A well-crafted story of the power of friendship to overcome differing views without sacrificing relationship. I received this book as an ARC reader, and this is my voluntary review.
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August 2, 2023This is the story of twelve women of varying ages and stages of life and their ability to get on, support each other and make life better. We look at each woman individually and as a whole.
This is book 9 in the series and I think it would have been better if I had read the previous eight! It took me a while to understand who went with whom and what their circumstances were.
A good, emotional in parts, read from Jessie
This is book 9 in the series and I think it would have been better if I had read the previous eight! It took me a while to understand who went with whom and what their circumstances were.
A good, emotional in parts, read from Jessie
August 24, 2023
Five Island Cove, a wonderful small holiday town that from all the descriptions, you just want to be able to visit. This is a fantastic addition to the series as we get to catch up with some old friends and see how they are doing and along the way make a few new ones aswell. There’s lots happening in this latest addition and it really tests the bonds of family and friendship. This made me laugh, it also made me cry but I absolutely loved every minute of it!
July 20, 2023
This series is absolutely wonderful. The story is a standalone, but you might wonder some things if you haven’t read the previous books. This group of women is multi generational, but their relationship is heartfelt and continues to grow. I simply love Five Island Cove and want to live there and be a part of this group.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
August 1, 2023
An excellent women's fiction about 40 something ladies renewing teenage friendships. Celebrating weddings, babies, new relationships. Handling grief and disagreements. Putting friendships ahead of disagreements, forgiving each other and supporting each other.
You will enjoy this story of friendships renewed as if you are part of the group.
You will enjoy this story of friendships renewed as if you are part of the group.
Read
August 2, 2023This book has it all and ALL the feels to go with it, Babies, weddings, suspense, all of it. The beautiful friendships are wonderful and you can just drink it all in. If you have read the other books, you will love this, I think you can read it alone and appreciate it as well, It is clean and well written, This is a wonderful book.
September 9, 2023
Confusing!
I have read every book in this series. So far they have all been good, but this one had me confused during much of it. The author keeps adding new characters to the circle of friends to the point I can't keep up with the new ones and how they became part of the friends group. Not sure I will continue the series.
I have read every book in this series. So far they have all been good, but this one had me confused during much of it. The author keeps adding new characters to the circle of friends to the point I can't keep up with the new ones and how they became part of the friends group. Not sure I will continue the series.
January 30, 2024
I love Jessie Newtons books. They are about friendship among women. They have ups and downs and lots of twists and surprises but always support each other in the end. Love, friendship, late life babies, sun, sand, boats and drama, these books have it all. I suggest you read the whole series, starting with the prequel.
June 6, 2024
Whatever you do, don't start the series with this book! I made that mistake and though I could mostly keep up with the story, it helps a lot to read this series in order. There are a lot of characters that you become familiar with in the other books. There is a good bit of conflict but love and respect overcomes the tension caused by the conflict.
September 10, 2024
Beautiful book!
This series has touched my heart in so many ways. I've laughed and cried with the beautiful women in these books and now I want to be a part of their group or have a group of friends like theirs in my life! Jessie Newton writes her stories so elegantly and heart touching through good times and bad. Please keep writing the stories in this series!
This series has touched my heart in so many ways. I've laughed and cried with the beautiful women in these books and now I want to be a part of their group or have a group of friends like theirs in my life! Jessie Newton writes her stories so elegantly and heart touching through good times and bad. Please keep writing the stories in this series!
July 15, 2023
This is a charming story.. Full of heart and emotion..
August 28, 2023
Another great story to add to this series of friends & challenges. Great characters & its fun seeing how their lives & friends have evolved.
December 17, 2023
The saga continues
Good story as another got married but there fight was epic. But true friendship will always prevail! I sometimes wish I still had some of those old friendships
Good story as another got married but there fight was epic. But true friendship will always prevail! I sometimes wish I still had some of those old friendships
May 28, 2025
The ninth book in the five island cove series with engaging characters and a caring local community. I have been enjoying this series and it's a nice easy read when you just want to relax
June 7, 2025
Gute Story, schlechte Übersetzung
November 2, 2025
This should have been an easy read. Instead, I spent much of the time confused as to who the characters were and how they fit into the story.
August 9, 2024
loved all the emotions that are experienced among the friends. Made me cry at times and smile at other times
July 25, 2023
I love the friendships these ladies have as a group and individually. Happiness, sadness, a wedding, a baby, loss in many ways as well as a new mystery to solve are just a few of the emotions as well as life that these women experience. The author does a great job of making me feel what they feel as well as think I am there right there with them and a part of their group. I love this series and can't wait for the next book. One of series that you don't want to end.
August 14, 2024
I read this book as an ARC reader. Thank you Jessie Newton for a great story.
This is about a group of friends who have a difference of opinions. They forget it’s ok to agree to disagree until they have no choice but to talk to each other. Their friendship is worth more to them than a disagreement.
This is about a group of friends who have a difference of opinions. They forget it’s ok to agree to disagree until they have no choice but to talk to each other. Their friendship is worth more to them than a disagreement.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews