A Weekend on Allyson Island : A Novel

They've come for a birthday celebration . . . but they'll leave celebrating themselves. Moira Allyson is going all out for her 50th birthday. The planning part is easy--in her big, beautiful mansion set on Savannah's waterfront, perfect parties practically plan themselves. She'll serve the region's finest cuisine, offer delicious drinks, book the best entertainment, and set up luxurious spa treatments for a small group of the most important women in her life--from childhood best friends to the woman who cleans her house. She may be focused on her friends, but Moira's focus has a purpose--distracting herself from the lonely reality of her life as a widow and empty nester. Her twentysomething sons don't really come back to visit anymore, and her husband, the love of her life, is gone forever. Moira may appear to have it all on the outside, but there's way too much room in her home . . . and way too many memories. She's spared no expense for this weekend, and everything's perfect--until it's not. Each woman who arrives at the party comes with her own birthday well wishes--and her own secret sorrow, which she's determined not to unwrap. But weekends spent with friends have a way of bringing things that have been kept hidden to the surface. Late into the evening, when the stars come out and everyone gets comfortable, one friend opens her heart . . . and then others join in. Allyson Island is like summer camp for 50-year-olds--and, just like at summer camp, it's a place where friendships are strengthened, deep emotions are shared, and hope and healing happen.