This latest novel by Colleen Oakley is sure to be a fun read this summer as you sit on the beach and imagine what it must be like to step back in time to Frick Island with the whole island playing along to help a grieving widow deal with the death of her husband.
However, things take a twist and a turn as things are not quite what they seem. The story is peppered with intrigue and suspense, as well as romance, as Anders Caldwell tries to unravel the true mystery of Frick Island as epitomized by one Piper Parrish. As the lead male character, Anders does not fit the “tall, dark, and handsome” category. In fact, he may even seem like a wimp to some with his squeamishness over all things creepy-crawly. But with all good stories, Anders comes out of his shell and faces his insecurities in order to become a more confident and courageous person as he peels away at the many layers of protection that Piper and the rest of Frick Island have covered themselves with.
One of the reasons why I picked up this book was because of its connection to Smith Island. Maryland is my home here in America and I’ve had Smith Island on my radar for quite some time now. To be able to read a fictitious take on Smith Island was something I found interesting, and it simply whet my appetite to go visit this year. Accessible only via ferry, this sparsely populated island sees watermen harvest fish, crabs, clams, and anything else the Chesapeake Bay provides. It is famous for its ten-layered cake which is consequently the official dessert of Maryland, and this same cake is featured in Oakley’s book along with the watermen and the rugged life of island residents who are dependent on the providence of nature.
If you are looking for a story that will be hard to put down, the “The Invisible Husband of Frick Island” will be very hard to pass up. I am very fortunate to have received my advanced copy in time to put this review out before it comes out on May 25, 2021. I highly recommend this for an entertaining read.
The Mama Travels 
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