Content levels
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
Years ago, Nora Bridge walked out on her marriage and left her daughters behind. Now she is a famous talk show host. Her daughter Ruby is a struggling comedienne. The two haven’t spoken in more than a decade. Then a scandal from Nora’s past is exposed, and Ruby is offered a fortune to write a tell-all about her mother. Reluctantly, she returns to the family house on Summer Island, a home filled with frayed memories of joy and heartache. Confronting a past that includes a never-forgotten love, a sick best friend, and a mother who has harbored terrible family secrets, Ruby finally begins to understand the complex ties that bind a mother and daughter—and the healing that comes with forgiveness.
Tags
Is Summer Island appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This emotionally complex story explores abandonment, family estrangement, and reconciliation between a mother and daughter. Deals with mature themes of past mistakes and forgiveness, with a subplot involving terminal illness.
What to know going in
This book has no graphic violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include grief, abandonment, and chronic illness (see the full list above).
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Teens interested in complex family relationships and emotional healing journeys will connect with this story of reconciliation.