Tartelin Brown answers an ad for a personal assistant for Marianne Stourbridge, an eccentric old woman whose only companions for years had been butterflies and memories. Marianne's family once owned the island she lives on, but it had been commandeered by the British government in World War II. Some of Marianne's painful memories involve family secrets, and she can only get past them if she can share them with Tartelin.

The novel has a slow and steady pace as we begin. Scarred and bounced around between foster families, Tartelin at first was concerned about the isolation on the island. Others on the island have their own quirks, and Marianne is something of an enigma at the start. Descriptions are lulling so that I really feel like I'm on a somewhat private island with few people and animals with strange bodily conformations. Marianne eventually reveals aspects of her past to Tartelin, just as we see snippets of her past in that story thread. At the end, we learn of Marianne's biggest secret, and understand exactly why she had to return to the island, and why she wanted to track mutations. It's a sad story, and Tartelin truly does understand it without judgment.

I can easily see this as a book club book. This is a hauntingly beautiful story, full of nuanced emotions. Sometimes disconnecting from electricity and screens can lead to discoveries about the self and the place you have in the world.

I loved the descriptions of the island and the butterflies. The women on this island were made from sturdy stock. I loved learning all the secrets that the women on this island had accumulated throughout their lives. I did find it hard to understand what was really happening at times and I really did not like the ending all that well. It seemed to leave me hanging a bit as to what the island was really like. I enjoyed most of the story and I really liked the characters. I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

From my blog: Always With a Book:

Historical fiction has really become one of my go-to genres this year and I just cannot read enough books in this genre. I keep finding new authors to read and I never seem to tire of the topics they write about. This is the first time I’ve read anything by Polly Crosby but it certainly will not be the last.

I seem to never tire of WWII books because there are just so many different avenues and points of view to explore and that is so evident in this book. While I wouldn’t say that the war is the main focus of the book, it does come up and I loved how it is worked in. But what really drew me to this book was the idea of going to work on a remote island for an eccentric elderly woman. I just loved that idea and of course, this leads to the heart of the story and what a story it turns out to be.

The dual narrative that we get here really kept my attention as we move back and forth in time from the present to the past when Marianne was young. I was so captivated by both points of view that I would often get frustrated when it was time to switch to the other time period…that’s always a good sign in my opinion! The sense of mystery and intrigue is done so well and I just needed the answers sooner rather than later. My mind was working overtime trying to figure things out.

This has everything I love in my historical fiction novels – it’s well-written, vividly drawn and I learned a bit, too. I definitely recommend this one!

I liked The Book of Hidden Wonders and was fascinated by this one.
It’s not the type of book I would recommend if you wanted an action packed and fast paced story because it’s very slow burning and you cannot stop reading because you are enthralled by the descriptions and the mysteries in the life of the two women.
It’s a haunting, atmospheric, and ethereal novel told in a dual timeline. Marianne and Tartelin, two women with some mysteries in the past, on a semi desert island that is full of surprises and possible mysteries.
When I read the first book I was fascinated by the richness of the details, the eery atmosphere and the sense of isolation. The author is a good storyteller and the story kept me reading and discovering new aspects of the women story and of the island
The style of writing is poetic, the characters are well developed and the descriptions of the natural world talks about a lot of research.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the Park Row and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

First, let's talk covers - is this not a beautiful cover? But don't let it fool you. The cover suggests something light and whimsical (at least that's what came to my mind when I first saw it), but the story is neither of those. It's emotional and has a darkness about it. The writing is a bit flowery heading toward purple prose, and I'll admit I was a little concerned about that, but the more I read, the more compelled I was to keep reading, so the prose fits this story perfectly. Then, there's the setting. If the story didn't pull me in, that wonderful setting would. Polly Crosby painted a picture with her words, and I could see this island and the changes it went through over the years. Finally, we have the characters, who were so interesting to me. These women are nothing alike on the surface, but the friendship that builds between them is so much deeper than employer/employee. I think this is a book that will appeal to many because it's so much more than just historical fiction or mystery. I know it's a story I won't soon forget.

3.75 / 5

Polly Crosby has written such a haunting and eerie story through the lens of the natural world.

Twenty-year-old Tartelin takes a position to assist Miss Stourbridge, a stern old woman living on a remote island. Miss Stourbridge’s family had lived on Dohhalund Island for generations until the military requisitioned it during WWII. Now Miss Stourbridge captures and dissects butterflies and moths on the island, but as Tartelin aids her, she wonders what Miss Stourbridge is hoping to find among the wings and scales of these creatures.

The story is unhurried, and there is not a strong central plot. As the narrative jumps between Tartelin in the present day and Miss Stourbridge in her youth, we slowly learn of these women’s lives, their grief, and the deep secrets of the island. I loved the atmospheric prose; it’s as if the island was a character all on its own.

Thank you to @parkrowbooks and @harpercollins for a spot on tour and a gifted digital copy.

This is a beautifully written historical fiction novel. THE WOMEN OF PEARL ISLAND is my introduction to Polly Crosby and I'll be keeping an eye out for her other book next time I'm at the bookstore. The descriptions of the island alone are so mesmerizing and she sets the scene perfectly. The atmosphere is created and you feel like you're there collecting the butterflies with Marianne and Tartelin. The unlikely pair creates such a close bond throughout the story and I enjoyed watching that flourish as more secrets were revealed about Marianne's past on the island. Both women are well-developed and have their own complexities as the story progresses and I think Crosby did a good job making it so the reader could connect to them. This was a quick read and definitely one I recommend having on your TBR if you're a fan of historical fiction with a hint of mystery.

Marianne has finally returned to her beloved Pearl Island after years of being away. Her family had been forced off the island during WWII due to nuclear testing. Marianne is determined to find out about her obsession, her butterflies. How have they survived and changed?

Marianne hires a young girl, Tartelin, to help her. Marianne is very old and cannot explore the island like she wishes. So, Tartelin will be her eyes and ears. Needless to say, both of these ladies are hiding a lot in their past and as they get to know each other, these secrets come out!

There is such beauty in this story. I felt like I was right there on the island experiencing everything Tartelin experienced. It is so well written and extraordinary! I fell completely in love with this island and the unique characters. The only issue I have is there is almost no plot. Well, maybe I should say, it is slow moving. There is a bit of mystery surrounding Marianne and Tartelin. It is just a minor part of the story. But, there is just something about the way this novel is written, the plot really didn’t matter much. The island, Marianne and Tartelin is all that is needed.

Need a beautiful escape…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I’ve never read one of Polly Crosby’s books before THE WOMEN OF PEARL ISLAND, but I know for sure, this won’t be my last one! She hooked me from the very first page and never let me go! Polly sure knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat while reading and I love when an author does that to me. THE WOMEN OF PEARL ISLAND is the story of two women who couldn’t be more different from each other. Marianne is a recluse, in a wheel chair, and is very set in her ways. Tartelin is hired to hunt for butterflies for her research. If you are in a reading slump, THE WOMEN OF PEARL ISLAND will pull you right out! It is not a cute, love filled kind of book! It’s crazy and messed up and that is exactly why I loved it! My emotions were all over the place and I’m sure yours will be too.

The twists and turns just keep coming. So much so, that you won’t be able to put THE WOMEN OF PEARL ISLAND until the very end. My emotions were on one heck of a roller coaster ride while reading and as soon as I was finished, I immediately checked on Goodreads for more of her books! THE WOMEN OF PEARL ISLAND is a book which tugs at your heart and soul in the most comforting way. It’s one to experience wholeheartedly and then to save it to read later many more times. THE WOMEN OF PEARL ISLAND takes place on a tiny island called Dohhalund. It has belonged to Marianne Stoubridge’s family for hundreds of years. There is also an abandoned military base at the end of the island and Dogger Bank House, Marianne’s residence on the other end. The island is now pretty much deserted. I look forward to reading Ms. Crosby’s previous books that I haven’t gotten to yet as well as her future ones.

Overall, THE WOMEN OF PEARL ISLAND is a book I can say nothing but fantastic things about. There is so much heart in Polly’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart, very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. There is so much going on in this story, but Polly does a wonderful job of weaving all the pieces together. All of the characters will have you feeling sad and then smiling on the same page. Once you finish devouring this story, you are going to want to tell everyone you know about this awesome book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Park Row through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

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.

An atmospheric, almost Gothic, tale of a small island off the coast of Scotland. Set in two time frames- the 1920s and 2019- it's the story primarily of Marianne, who has returned after many years away and Tartelin, who has taken the job as her assistant. Marianne's family owned the island; her father had a going herring fishing concern which then expanded into silk after he brings Nan from France to train Marianne in dealing with the silk worms. She left the island in the 1950s but has come back to study mutations- especially in the butterflies she has Tartelin collect. Tartelin for her part is not coping well with the grief from her mother's death but something about the island brings her to life. It's a slow burn. My quibble is with how its wrapped up; I found some of it confusing. It is, however, an interesting read where the tension amps up and the secrets are finally revealed. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC

I really tired. I kept reading successive chapters, but the story never did grab me. I couldn’t interest myself in the plot nor the characters. This book was a miss for me.

This book is a mysterious magical page-turner. It keeps you hooked by the premise and is very well-written and the characters are great.

“The darkness that stretches away from me is not threatening. It buffers me from the rest of the world. There exists on this island only the gentle tug and pull of my needs, of Miss Stourbridge’s needs. The rest of the world is kept at bay, as if lost to a fog. I’ve never had the luxury to focus so fully on myself before, away from the intrusion of everyday life – phones, social media, news, all of them gone.”

Having just lost her mother to cancer, grieving Tartelin Brown eagerly responds to an ad for a personal assistant needed for a lepidopterist on Dohhalund, a tiny island off the East Anglian coast. When she arrives, she discovers that Marianne Stourbridge is an eccentric, elderly lady who has failed to reveal necessary information - there’s no electricity and the island appears deserted! While hunting butterflies for Marianne’s research, Tartelin discovers that the island is much like her employer – hiding dark and terrible secrets. Why had the army requisitioned the island during WW2?

Crosby’s vivid immersive style and atmosphere is spectacular! It’s so eerie and hypnotic, but even more than that, she writes to include readers on the island as observers. You’ll love this somewhat dark, dual timeline stuffed with family secrets and enough mystery and intrigue to keep you flipping pages. The characters are well-crafted; enigmatic and secretive, yet not wholly likeable. So wonderfully researched, you’ll appreciate learning about butterflies and silkworms. Watch out for the concept of metamorphosis as each of these women deal with pain and loss prior to their ‘rebirthing’ experience and emerge as ‘new creatures’.

Crosby’s compelling narrative will keep you spellbound before taking you for a spin with her climactic twists and turns.

Publishes December 7, 2021.

I was gifted this advance copy by Polly Crosby, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This book is a dual-timeline novel which simultaneously tells the story of Tartelin, arriving on the island in 2018, as the island is reopening after 60 years of abandonment, and the key events of 1927 and 1928 when a young Marianne (who is Tartelin's elderly employer in the present) is changed forever. Both storylines were very interesting as Tartelin attempts to understand what is understand the mysteries of the strange island - and Marianne tries to reconcile what she believes happened there.

This is what I would classify more as a drama, rather than a mystery, it's more about the relationships between the women of the island (hence the title) than it is about the mystery of the island, though the central mystery is pretty fascinating. It's also a book about how far you can push and prod yourself before you lose part of yourself in something.

I don't want to give too much away, but there's a lot to focus on in the book about obsession, loss, love, etc. It goes pretty deep. I really enjoyed getting to ruminate on these topics. This is a great book for anyone who would like a good book with a little mystery and a lot of heart.

This was my first book to read by this author but I hope to read more soon! The characters and the story stay with you long after you finish it. Good, fast read. Highly recommend!!

Book: The Women of Pearl Island
Author: Polly Crosby
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher, Park Row, for sending me an ARC.

So, this is another classic example of how a book had just enough to keep me going-even when I really thought about putting it down. In this one, we follow two women who have been brought together by chance. Tartelin has answered an ad for a personal assistant on a very secluded island. She thinks that this will be the chance to start over and give her time to grieve after her mother’s passing. When she arrives, she quickly learns that there is more to the island and to her employer, Marianne, than what meets the eye. This island has been untouched by time-that was until the army arrived in the late 1950s and started doing test. After this, everything has changed or, at least, according to Marianne. From here, the story starts. Then, we through a little hint about their maybe being mermaids existing on the island. I would say that it was this sense of the unknown that kept me going.

We switch back and forth between Tartelin’s point of view and Marianne. The story also flips back and forth between time periods. In each time period, we are given just enough information that makes us want to keep reading. We are given just enough clues that make you want to see the book through to the end. I think that this was a great move on Polly’s part. At least, it worked with keeping me reading and wanting to know what was going to happen. It was just these little things that gave me hope for the book. I had to keep going…I had to find out what was going to happen next.

With all of that being said, I could only give this one a three star rating. While I did see the book clear through to the end, there was just something about it that made me really think about putting it down. I think a lot of it has to do with this disconnect that I had with the main characters. I really didn’t care for them. I felt like they were supposed to pull at my heart, but they didn’t. We were supposed to feel their strength, pain, and joys, but, yet, I felt none of that. I also didn’t care for the romance that developed either. Everything about the characters felt so unrelatable and I don’t know. I just had a really hard time building any kind of attachment to them. I think that what I was most attached to with this book was the plot and that little bit of clues that made me keep going.

The writing was beautiful and very detailed. It felt like you were actually on the island with the characters and going throughout the day with them. Still, like with the characters, I sensed a little bit of disconnect. There were parts and details that I just didn’t care about and found myself skimming. There were also parts that I found myself fully invested and engaged in.

I just felt like that throughout this whole book there was just enough to keep me going, but also missing just enough that I really did almost put this one down.

This book comes out on December 7, 2021.

4.5 stars / This review will be posted on goodreads.com today.

Tartelin’s mother has recently passed, and she needs a reset. When an ad for a job on a remote island appears, Tartelin thinks it is the perfect opportunity for her to start over. Get away. But when she shows up on the island, she’s not quite sure what to make of her employer or the island.

Marianne grew up on the island. For many years it was held by the military, even though Marianne’s family technically owned the land. Many things have happened on this island, and Marianne has no need to share those things with her new assistant, Tartelin. However, changes have happened, and Marianne needs Tartelin to help her understand and assess what really happened on one fateful day many years ago.

Beautifully written novel with very unexpected turns. Both women have demons to conquer and Crosby does a lovely job of showing how the island might heal them. The story of the island is so fascinating and creative. While slow moving, this novel is very enjoyable. One that I could see myself reading again.

The Women of Pearl Island by Polly Crosby was a slow paced novel, but was so full of vivid description that I didn't mind the leisurely pace at all.

Set on a small British island that is home to many butteflies, Marianne is housebound and living out her days to solve a mystery of the island that she lived upon many years ago. Tartelin is a young woman mourning her own losses who takes a job caring for the elderly woman. She is asked to act as Marianne's eyes and ears to investigate the mysterious happenings.

I found the descriptions of the sea, beaches, butterflies and other terrain to be a beautiful way of telling the story. While thin on plot, the characters and setting carry this novel.

I will recommend this to readers who appreciate a book with warm relationships and beautiful descriptions.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was a descriptive book. The scene with the room full of butterflies was magical. I could just picture that room. I thought parts of this book were really good but other parts dragged. It was really kinda sad too. I actually think the last few chapters were the best.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy