The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Do you have a favorite book that takes place on an island or in a small town?

“The Invisible Husband of Frick Island” by Colleen Oakley

What if your husband was gone but you pretended he was still around?

That’s exactly what grieving widow Piper Parrish is doing. The Frick Island townspeople know Tom died in a crab-boat accident but they go along with her — even waving, asking him questions, and saying hi.

When newspaper reporter Anders Caldwell is assigned to cover the annual Frick Island Cake Walk, he boards the ferry with little enthusiasm. But he soon discovers there’s more to this eccentric little town than its fundraiser. The real story of the invisible husband had the potential to grab national attention for his podcast, “The Adventures of Clark Kent.”

Anders returns to do covert research and begins to learn why the islanders are so protective of Piper. But as he starts to fall in love with her and island life, how will he tell the truth about the story he’s really chasing?

Oakley captures quirky, small-town life with warmth and charm. Readers will enjoy the unique facts throughout the book about bugs, cake, and boats, as the mystery unfolds.

For more favorite books set on an island or in a small town, explore: “Beach Read,” by Emily Henry; “Big Girl, Small Town,” by Michelle Gallen; “Everything I Never Told You,” by Celeste Ng; “The Islanders,” by Meg Mitchell Moore; “What’s Mine and Yours,” by Naima Coster; and “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry,” by Gabrielle Zevin.

Check out more new books at Deschutes Public Library or email [email protected]