The Island Wife

Rating:
Summary: A sterling nineteenth century Scottish romance
Review:

Their father seems to be in a constant drunken state. Their younger sister Aileen seems to have physically and mentally stopped maturing five years ago when she turned ten. Their two brothers are always looking for a quick rich scam. Only their mother serves as a positive role model. Yet life on the island of Mull off the coast of Scotland in 1878 was pleasant enough for sisters, Biddy and Innis.

However, everything abruptly changes when a newcomer, shepherd Michael Tarrant, arrives. Both sisters want him for themselves and a sibling rivalry breaks out between them. However, Biddy, being prettier than Innis, catches Michael's immediate attention, but its is Innis, the deeper of the duo, who falls in love with the Incomer. With the rivalry turning acrimonious, it would seem that none of the participants in this skewed triangle will find lasting happiness.

THE ISLAND WIFE is a well-written historical romance by one of the sub-genre's top writers, Jessica Sterling. The novel is charming due to several intriguing sub-plots that add depth while neatly tying into the main story line. The three prime characters and the support cast add much local flavor to an already superb tale. The esteemed Ms. Sterling has created a pure gold experience for the historical romance audience.

Harriet Klausner