A review by aprilyang1
Summer Island by Shelley Noble

emotional funny inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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 ❤️.
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