Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: The Women of Pearl Island

Author: Polly Crosby

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 3/5

Recommended For...: historical fiction, mystery

Publication Date: December 7, 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

Recommended Age: 17+ (Animals Hurt, Animal Violence, Grief, Death, Romance)

Explanation of CWs: The book starts with a butterfly getting its wing repaired and it’s in pain. The book focuses a lot on grief and death. There is also some romance.

Publisher: Park Row

Pages: 352

Synopsis: Set on a secluded island off the British coast, The Women of Pearl Island is a moving and evocative story of family secrets, natural wonders and a mystery spanning decades.

When Tartelin answers an ad for a personal assistant, she doesn't know what to expect from her new employer, Marianne, an eccentric elderly woman. Marianne lives on a remote island that her family has owned for generations, and for decades her only companions have been butterflies and tightly held memories of her family.

But there are some memories Marianne would rather forget, such as when the island was commandeered by the British government during WWII. Now, if Marianne can trust Tartelin with her family's story, she might finally be able to face the long-buried secrets of her past that have kept her isolated for far too long.

Review: So I was intrigued with this book because of the butterflies, but I should really read the synopses better lol. I did like the story for the most part and I felt like the characters were well developed. The plot of the story kept me intrigued in finding out the ending and I also feel like the writing fits the book well.

However, I did not like the book a lot. The way the story was told was confusing for me and I was couldn’t connect to the characters. The writing is kind of flowery and I normally don’t like that. The world building was kind of everywhere as well and it was just not a book for me.

Verdict: Not for me, but maybe for you.