Nancy Thayer’s The Island House is a Great Way To Kick Off Your Summer Reading
The smell of the ocean. The sand under your feet. The boats in the harbor, raising their sails in the wind. These are the images of summer—the things that give us something to look forward to in the cold of winter. They are also the scenes that Nancy Thayer describes perfectly in her new novel, The Island House. A book you’ll want to curl up with on a hammock with the sun shining on your face and the warmth of summer around you.
The Island House
Hardcover $27.00
The Island House
By Nancy Thayer
Hardcover $27.00
When Jenny, a 29-year-old professor, heads to her best friend Robin’s home in Nantucket for the ninth summer in a row, she’s unsure what will be waiting for her. Will Robin’s brother James acknowledge the kiss that happened the summer before? Will she consider the marriage proposal from her long-time best friend back home? And will Robin’s family ever acknowledge all the secrets swirling around each of them as they share a summer home together?
Thayer takes us into the world of a well-off family whose members love each other deeply and would do anything to help each other, but at what cost?
In just the first few pages, you find yourself swept into the complicated lives of the Vickerey family and the “summer friends” who live with them each year from June to August. Although I was worried I wouldn’t be invested in each of the characters, due to the fact that there are truly four stories converging into one, I was quickly reassured by the time and detail Thayer takes to delve into each of their journeys. Each character’s struggles and successes weave into those of the other characters, giving the book an engaging ensemble feel.
As precise and enjoyable as her writing is, I’m sure you want to know about the romance. I mean, this is Nancy Thayer and romance is her specialty, right? Don’t fret, she nails it again. She builds up the sexual tension between characters and leaves you turning the pages in hopes that a kiss (or hopefully more!) is waiting for you. And you won’t be disappointed. As an added bonus, there were plot twists and mysterious moments that added an unexpected flair to the story, beyond the romance.
Additionally, something important to note, I loved that Thayer didn’t shy away from having a character who is bi-polar and battling depression. Early on, we learn about Robin’s brother Henry’s struggles, and how they have affected the entire family. Her honest and true depiction of his episodes brought a welcome element of realism and humanity to the story that I greatly appreciated. Although the setting might seem luxurious, the issues and characters were relatable and very human.
So pull out that hammock and get ready for a trip to Nantucket. It’ll be one you won’t regret.
The Island House is on shelves now.
When Jenny, a 29-year-old professor, heads to her best friend Robin’s home in Nantucket for the ninth summer in a row, she’s unsure what will be waiting for her. Will Robin’s brother James acknowledge the kiss that happened the summer before? Will she consider the marriage proposal from her long-time best friend back home? And will Robin’s family ever acknowledge all the secrets swirling around each of them as they share a summer home together?
Thayer takes us into the world of a well-off family whose members love each other deeply and would do anything to help each other, but at what cost?
In just the first few pages, you find yourself swept into the complicated lives of the Vickerey family and the “summer friends” who live with them each year from June to August. Although I was worried I wouldn’t be invested in each of the characters, due to the fact that there are truly four stories converging into one, I was quickly reassured by the time and detail Thayer takes to delve into each of their journeys. Each character’s struggles and successes weave into those of the other characters, giving the book an engaging ensemble feel.
As precise and enjoyable as her writing is, I’m sure you want to know about the romance. I mean, this is Nancy Thayer and romance is her specialty, right? Don’t fret, she nails it again. She builds up the sexual tension between characters and leaves you turning the pages in hopes that a kiss (or hopefully more!) is waiting for you. And you won’t be disappointed. As an added bonus, there were plot twists and mysterious moments that added an unexpected flair to the story, beyond the romance.
Additionally, something important to note, I loved that Thayer didn’t shy away from having a character who is bi-polar and battling depression. Early on, we learn about Robin’s brother Henry’s struggles, and how they have affected the entire family. Her honest and true depiction of his episodes brought a welcome element of realism and humanity to the story that I greatly appreciated. Although the setting might seem luxurious, the issues and characters were relatable and very human.
So pull out that hammock and get ready for a trip to Nantucket. It’ll be one you won’t regret.
The Island House is on shelves now.