I have been a fan of Sally Gunning's since "The Widow's War," and was thrilled to learn that she had written a new historical novel. Set on Martha's Vineyard in 1898, this book features another strong and sympathetic Gunning heroine: Ida Pease, a one-time painter turned sheep farmer's wife. The compelling story touches on many of the author's familiar themes - society's and family's expectations, women's rights and the search for freedom and identity - against multiple historical backdrops: the Boston art scene; life on a sheep farm; shipwrecks and salvage; the fight for women's suffrage. Additionally, there is more than one love story. There's a lot going on here (perhaps a little too much?) but once I settled in, I found this book fascinating and extremely readable. I understand that the author is also a mystery writer, but I hope she keeps the historical fiction coming! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing the ARC of this title with me.

I loved this book. Once again, Gunning looks at a specific time and place - 1898 Martha's Vineyard-and chronicles the life of a woman trapped in a loveless marriage and constrained by society's mores. Ida Russell, once a promising Boston painter, now is married and basically works the sheep farm herself. Her husband's death forces and allows Ida to face her past decisions and determine her future.

Historical fiction set on Martha's Vineyard, long before it became the summer resort we know it as now. A young woman artist marries after she loses all her family, and finds out her husband isn't what he seems. A farm on Martha's Vineyard is very different from the life she was living in Boston, and farm wives don't have time to paint. Lies, betrayal, and secrets keep the storyline interesting.

Reading this lovely book of historical fiction pleased me, not only because it was so well written, but because of the injection of significant material about the suffrage movement.

When Ida learns of her husband’s death in a shipwreck, she is left abandoned and poor. Despite being a talented artist, she is forced to run a sheep farm to survive. The unusual setting for this book is Martha’s Vineyard in the early 20th century.

The characters are well drawn, the plot interesting and the setting clearly defined. I really enjoyed this and recommend it to book groups where women will find a great deal to discuss.

Thank you Netgalley for this lovely novel.