THE ISLAND OF DOVES
KELLY O’CONNOR MCNEES
ISBN 9780425264584
1 April 2014
Berkley Trade
www.penguin.com
Paperback/E-book
$15.00/$7.99
384 Pages
Historical Women’s Fiction
Rating: 4 Cups

Susannah Fraser is the toast of Buffalo, New York, in the early nineteenth century. She has a powerful husband, the best wardrobe and furnishings money can buy, and a life of luxury. She also lives in fear that someone will discover the secret horror behind her marriage to the perfect man. A man who possesses a temper that leaves Susannah quaking in fear.

Magdelaine Fonteneau is a powerful woman in her own right. She has single handedly carried on her fur trade business since her husband’s death, and raised their handsome son to manhood. Still, Magdelaine wants nothing more than to change other women’s lives as she was unable to do for her own dear sisters. The youngest that was murdered by a jealous man, and the oldest that was lost to grief.

When a kindly nun helps Susannah escape her marriage, Magdelaine takes the young woman in. On Mackinac Island, Susannah begins to heal. Yet the more Susannah learns of Magdelaine’s past, the more she realizes the other woman needs help, too. As two women learn to love and trust again, the wounds of the past begin to fade away in the light of new hope.

This shockingly poignant tale will truly hit home with many readers. The scenes of abuse are handled with care, though some readers might find the subject matter difficult. The end has a delightful and satisfying twist. Both Susannah and Magdelaine are women with modern insight in a thoughtfully portrayed historical setting.

Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More