Martha’s Vineyard, Island of Dreams by Susan Branch is a charming, original memoir relaying the author’s story of running away from California after her marriage collapses. Arriving on Martha’s Vineyard, she hastily purchases a tiny run down cottage. Her story of how she examines her life and moves forward is filled with naïveté, innocence, introspection and hard work, but, most remarkably, strength and the power of forgiveness. There are no villains in this story as she comes to realize that her marriage ending may have been the best thing that ever happened to her. As she slowly moves from feeling completely heartbroken to becoming a published author and artist, her simple and authentic story overflows with impressions, original watercolors, quotes, recipes and old photographs. I could write more about this feel good memoir but think that the reader needs to experience this lovely book for them self.
This one is a keeper! Read it, buy it, give it to a friend. Final note: When I first picked this book, I was unaware that it was the second part of a trilogy that I was reading. If you wish to experience Branch’s story from the beginning, read The Fairy Tale Girl first.
