Island Girls

A Novel

By: Nancy Thayer

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

New York Times best-selling author Nancy Thayer returns to her beloved Nantucket in a highly emotional, wholly entertaining tale of three sisters forced to confront the past over one event-filled summer on the island.

Charming ladies’ man Rory Randall dies with one last trick up his sleeve: His will includes a calculating clause mandating a summer-long reunion for his daughters, all from different marriages - that is, if they hope to inherit his posh Nantucket house. Relations among the three sisters are sour thanks to long-festering jealousies, resentments, and misunderstandings. Arden, a successful television host in Boston, hasn’t been back to the island since her teenage years, when accusations of serious misbehavior led to her banishment. College professor Meg hopes to use her summer to finish a literary biography and avoid an amorous colleague. And secretive Jenny, an IT specialist, faces troubling questions about her identity while longing for her sisters’ acceptance.

To their surprise, the three young women find their newfound sisterhood easier to trust than the men who show up to complicate their lives. And if that weren’t problematic enough, their mothers descend on the island. When yet another visitor drops by the house with shocking news, the past comes screaming back with a vengeance. Having all the women from his life under his seaside roof - and overseeing the subsequent drama of that perfect storm - Rory Randall might just be enjoying a hearty laugh from above.

Nancy Thayer’s novel insightfully illustrates how the push and pull of family altercations make us whole. It’s how the Randall sisters come to forgive, and learn to open their hearts to love.

©2013 Nancy Thayer (P)2013 Random House

Critic reviews

"Nancy Thayer is one of my favorite writers, and Island Girls is one of her best. The Randall sisters are like your own family members or your best friends: funny, smart and emotional, infuriating and good-hearted. Here is a book to be savored and passed on to the good women in your life." ( New York Times best-selling author Susan Wiggs)

Truly enjoyed this read! Great summer read!!

What made the experience of listening to Island Girls the most enjoyable?

I love the setting of Nantucket and I loved this storyline!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Island Girls?

Several..one Jenny with her father. The sisters being together.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Arden and Meg wanted to buy a house with Jenny. Jenny's father going to see Jenny!s Mother definitely could make a sequel to this book.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Exciting and emotional.

Any additional comments?

I love Nancy Thayer's books because the storyline is meaty and always a beautiful setting!!

Entertaining

This book was easy reading. It did not captivate me like most of Thayer's works. It was decent though. Thanks

relaxed

loved the narration, story was loving and enchanting. makes you wish you could actually visit Nantucket, to that specific location.

Great read!

I loved this book! I had never read a book by this author before but saw it in a Mini-Library box and decided to take it! Such a good, fast read! I didn’t see the ending coming, great twist!

Very good

Also very good narrator.
The only thing is, for me your stories usually have too many people. Almost always, even by the end I haven’t kept them all straight!
Like in this one, why not 2 sisters rather than 3? That would cut down a lot as so many enter in with each sister. Thanks!

Summer read

This is a good beach read, where everything works out perfectly. It is one of those impossible, too good to be true stories; it definitely works if you need a feel good book.

A Light Nantucket Beach Read

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Possibly. I have read all Nancy’s books and the front cover of Island Girls, of course was a huge draw; however, her last few books do not live up to her earlier works (I was a huge fan). Her writing style has changed somewhat as does not have the jazz it once did as appears a little flat. It was a good light read; however would have liked to seen a little more depth or emotion from the characters. Overall was still a fun read beach read, and I enjoyed the audio --as the narrator was excellent.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I liked it.

What about Cassandra Campbell’s performance did you like?

Excellent

Was Island Girls worth the listening time?

Yes, as always been a fan of Nancy Thayer; however, see my comments above.

Any additional comments?

Would like for Nancy to go back to her original writing style as the last few books have not lived up to her earlier works.

Light beach read

Typical summer fluff. Not too bad, but the narrator's voice was so annoying! I still finished it, but she took a lot away for me.

Touching and moving

I really enjoy the books by Nancy Thayer. I am hoping this one has a sequel. Her story lines are very enjoyable and help you daydream about experiencing Nantucket.

Fun summer read.

Fun summer read with a few surprising twists since we're staying at home this summer.