On the Same Page

December 1, 2018

Within hours of her Uncle Hank's accident, Johanna Howes returns to Martha's Vineyard from New York City to care for the man who helped raise her. When she learns how long she'll be away, Johanna reconnects with her previous editor for employment as a freelance writer at one of the local papers. Her first assignment, covering a helicopter pad variance request from wealthy summer resident Orion Smith, seems pretty straightforward: he'll be turned down and everyone will move on. But Johanna is about to learn that nothing about Orion is simple. The emotionally engaging, relatable characters who remain true to their values are refreshing. Focusing on relationships among family, friends, and in romance, Galland (Stepdog) develops drama by revealing past and current personal secrets. The enclosed, tight-knit culture of island living is woven throughout all aspects of the story, appearing through the details of daily life and traditions. VERDICT Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a strong sense of place and a great narrative to get lost in will be first in line for this novel.--Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., OH

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2018
When her uncle Hank, the "vinegary crank" who raised her, has an accident, freelance journalist Joanna leaves New York City for Martha's Vineyard to help him recuperate. To earn some money while Hank recovers, she takes a job reporting on local politics for one of the island's two papers. The zoning board is considering a request from Orion Smith, a seasonal resident, to build a helipad on his property to accommodate his private helicopter, raising the hackles of the year-round islanders, particularly Hank. The job covering the town-politics beat doesn't pay much, so Joanna takes another gig under a different name at the rival paper, putting herself in an ethical quandary. Then there's town enemy" Orion Smith. At first, Joanna's relationship with him consists mostly of banter about property rights and islander vs. summer-resident values, but as the attraction grows, so do the complications. Galland (Stepdog, 2015) imbues latest her novel with a strong sense of place, and it will appeal to readers who like small-town settings that aren't overly sweet or falsely charming.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)