The Island -Elin Hilderbrand

• Hardcover: 624 pages
• Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books
• Release Date: July 6, 2010
• ISBN-10: 0316085138

Book Summary: Birdie Cousins has thrown herself into the details of her daughter Chess's lavish wedding, from the floating dance floor in her Connecticut back yard to the color of the cocktail napkins. Like any mother of a bride-to-be, she is weathering the storms of excitement and chaos, tears and joy. But Birdie, a woman who prides herself on preparing for every possibility, could never have predicted the late-night phone call from Chess, abruptly announcing that she's cancelled her engagement. It's only the first hint of what will be a summer of upheavals and revelations. Before the dust has even begun to settle, far worse news arrives, sending Chess into a tailspin of despair. Reluctantly taking a break from the first new romance she's embarked on since the recent end of her 30-year marriage, Birdie circles the wagons and enlists the help of her younger daughter Tate and her own sister India. Soon all four are headed for beautiful, rustic Tuckernuck Island, off the coast of Nantucket, where their family has summered for generations. No phones, no television, no grocery store - a place without distractions where they can escape their troubles.But throw sisters, daughters, ex-lovers, and long-kept secrets onto a remote island, and what might sound like a peaceful getaway becomes much more. Before summer has ended, dramatic truths are uncovered, old loves are rekindled, and new loves make themselves known.


My Thoughts: As with all the Elin Hilderbrand books that I have read... this one was AWESOME!!! It's the perfect summer read because of the setting. I MUST visit Nantucket someday. Hilderbrand does an amazing job of making you love the island as much as I assume she does! I want to say this is a book beach read but there is more there than your typical BR. It is an easy read with some high drama moments. Through out this book I caught myself injecting my sister's and my relationship into that of Tate and Chess and also Birdie and India's interactions. The relationship of sisters in one of complication and Elin does a great job in this book showcasing that. She shows how much family can hurt you but also how much their love and presence can heal the worst of heartbreaks. I LOVED the ending!!! I'm a sucker for things working out (maybe not exactly the way you thought they would but for the betterment of all involved).  I would recommend everyone put this on their summer reading list. 



Happy Reading, Sugars

                              Jaime