The Island Club - a story of female solidarity set in the late 1950s.

It's 1956 and life on California's Balboa Island is about to become very complicated. Milly Kinkaid, along with her two young children and her TV executive husband, are newcomers to the island. His frequent overnight stays in Hollywood have put a strain on their marriage. Sylvia Johnson, the head of Balboa Island's social activities, and her husband own The Island Club, which is centered around tennis, but his poor financial management has put their future in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Adele Lambert, a former tennis champion whose career ended in disgrace, has been living a reclusive life and must keep her past and true identity hidden. After Milly joins The Island Club and decides to take up tennis, she persuades Adele, who is in need of employment, to coach her. Soon, many of the women members are eager to take lessons from Adele, whose passion for the game is rekindled. As the Johnson's financial woes escalate and Milly's marriage appears doomed, Adele fears her past will be discovered. Amid these challenges, unexpected friendships develop, and the three very different women work to help and support one another.

Fortunately, author Nicola Harrison has a passion for tennis, which she made the centerpiece of The Island Club, uniting Milly, Sylvia, and Adele, all compelling characters. Harrison skillfully captures the period, highlighting the struggles that women faced in establishing their own identity and worth outside the home. Her books consistently resonate, and with my love of tennis, Harrison's latest novel is a solid winner.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the advance.

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Historical Fiction.

Publication Date: April 28, 2026.

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