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In this first book from Sandra Steiner's Spring Island Trilogy, we follow the life's journey of fictional character Angie, a young woman who married her high school sweetheart with the hopes of a happily ever after ending. Early on, readers will realize this as a problematic relationship. In husband Alex, Steiner presents a man who drinks, has a temper, and handles conflict by walking out the door. As Angie deals with marriage, motherhood, and founded suspicions that arise as a result of Alex's pattern of revolving door behavior, she soon realizes "... there were no guarantees in life." Here, divorce seems imminent and intuition tells her to be prepared. While not a mystery in the traditional sense, perceptive readers will undoubtedly pick up on the clues placed within the narrative to connect with the revelation of Alex's ultimate betrayal.
Thematically this is a story about love, loss, and newfound hope, More importantly the focus is on self-discovery. A self-help course proves just the ticket for Angie's venture beyond the confines of her situation. Struggles with single parenthood, sudden tragedy, deceptive relationships, and uncovered family secrets understandably leave her cautious about the future. But it is here the author makes creative use of a charming, island setting, that clearly evolves into a character, in and of itself. As a symbolic separation from her past, here Angie finds comfort and solace. It is a place where she will rekindle family ties, open her heart, and start anew.
At less than 150 pages, this is a quick read. Yet even within this smaller framework, Steiner conveys a positive character who recognizes the strengths she's gained from her past. The island undoubtedly represents hope and possibilities. The author is clearly invested in this story. As the back cover bio indicates, with Steiner's own loss of a teenage daughter, perhaps the note is suggestive of a deeper connection to Angie and her own tragic sufferings. Above all, this is an inspiring little book, with great rewards.