Life and Love on Mouse Island is a heartwarming tale about Isabel Flynn, a sixty-something New Yorker who inherits a dilapidated house on a remote island off the coast of Maine. Looking to start over after a long career in the city, Isabel arrives on Mouse Island only to be immediately challenged by everything from the rough sea journey to a crumbling front step and, eventually, a three-legged rescue dog. What unfolds is a story of rediscovery, connection, and the often messy but beautiful process of building a new life from the ground up.

Jannette’s writing is clear and inviting, with a warm tone that wraps around you like a knitted scarf on a cold morning. Isabel isn’t some glamorous heroine; she’s real. She’s insecure, unsure of herself, stubborn, messy. And yet, that’s what makes her so relatable. There were moments that made me laugh—especially her battle with an ancient toaster oven—and others that genuinely moved me. Watching Isabel slowly open up, face her fears, and grow into someone more courageous and whole was a journey that felt both authentic and uplifting. I found myself rooting for her the whole way.

But what really hit me hard was the quiet beauty of the relationships. They sneak up on you. A helpful handyman with unexpected depth. A mysterious artist with green eyes and a past. And of course, Sadie, the injured puppy who becomes the heart of the story. These characters aren’t flashy or overly dramatic, they’re gentle, flawed, and kind. And that’s exactly why it works. It feels like real life. Honest, complicated, and occasionally magical.

If you’re someone who’s ever thought about starting over or needed a nudge to believe you could, Life and Love on Mouse Island will speak to you. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy cozy, character-driven fiction with a touch of humor and heart. I’d especially recommend it to fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine or The Shell Seekers. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to make a new beginning, fall in love, or rescue a dog, or maybe even yourself.

Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0F6T924SK