Sarah Stonich has written a family story, a relationships story, a 'women's' story in "These Granite Islands," some would say of loyalties, desires and emotional renewal, but handled with intelligence and restraint that elevate it beyond a romantic tale.

Drifting off to death, the elderly Isobel recalls one summer in 1936 when a newcomer to her small town in Minnesota changes life forever, offering a glimpse of love's possibilities as well as its dangers. Massaging the space between past and present so that memory's most tender spots are poked, Isobel now sees Cathryn's friendship as a two-edged sword, slicing through her emotional guard, but also releasing self-destructive urges for them both.

Others are doomed to play out Isobel's greatest fears as well as her desires in a plot full of ironies, while a teasing mystery regarding various deaths ensures a suspenseful narrative drama.

A well written debut novel.

I wondered when a really great novel would surface this summer. This book makes me believe that publishers still care about quality of writing. This is a marvelous debut novel but at the same time could stand toe to toe with more seasoned writer's work. Ms. Stonich is a breath of fresh air and a much needed voice at a time when quality work is at an all time low. I look forward to seeing more of her work. Her characters are believable and the story is sentimental and yet full of life. Ms. Stonich where have you been?

I picked up this book on impulse, because I like the title and cover shot, and never could put it down after that. This a true gift of a book to anyone who has experienced the decline in health and hospital stay of someone close, particulary an aged parent. It puts their life in perspective and teaches a beautiful lesson. The style Sarah Stonich employees (going back and forth between memories and present moment) held my attention fully. It's a beautiful story about different types of love and how different moments in life are interpreted from a perspective unique to the age of the viewer, and how that perspective changes. It's a very spiritual book. Great summer reading!