The peculiar gift of July A novel

In her mid-forties and single, Anita never expected to become the primary caretaker for a 14-year-old, the adopted child of a cousin she hadn't seen in decades. Arriving on the remote Pacific Northwest island of Ebey's End, July quickly and surprisingly becomes an integral part of the community, though she seems to know things about people they never would have volunteered. While searching for biological relatives and hoping to find a place where she belongs, July is in for some surprises of her own. Strong descriptions of the people, places, and history of Ebey's End are shared as friendly observations, often with a touch of levity, quickly creating a feeling that the reader is part of this insular island community. Small-town relationships are thoughtfully explored with the understanding that it can be difficult for families and individuals to challenge expectations or assumptions while also knowing there are secrets with big consequences if they're exposed. Each page is more charming than the last, and readers will face the dilemma of consuming this book as quickly as possible or limiting pages to slowly savor. Fans of Adrienne Young or Sarah Addison Allen are sure to love this story.