Our Place on the Island

Three generations of Campbell women share food, drink, and secrets during a summer by the sea. They meet at the cottage where two generations grew up and where Cora spent her early married life. The family’s annual gathering is disrupted when Cora, now a septuagenarian, announces her decision to remarry. Though Cora’s daughter Hedy struggles to reconcile her mother’s engagement with her grief for her recently deceased father, she must also support her own daughter Mickey through a crisis she’s hidden from everyone. Star chef Mickey’s culinary talents haven’t translated into business success, so despite its acclaim, her restaurant, Piquant, is at risk of closing. For Mickey, visiting her grandmother’s kitchen, where she learned her love of cooking, feels bittersweet. Montgomery (A Summer To Remember) courts fans of Elin Hilderbrand with this heartfelt beach read, a good choice for book groups. Unfortunately, audiobook listeners gain little, as Sara Hannan narrates in an unvaried and unobtrusive tone. She adds just enough vocal distinction to tell family members apart and tell the Vineyard locals from the seasonal residents, making for a solid, if unremarkable listen.