I’m not sure how I heard about this series of books by Riordan set in Wisconsin’s Door County, but on a whim I decided to try the first one. I think I was remembering the time, many years ago, when I went with my parents to Door County and crossed on the ferry to Washington Island. I remember it being a magical place, with winding roads through a beautiful forest, rocky beaches and lovely old fashioned homes. Riordan made it all come back again with her descriptions of the beautiful natural landscape and life in a small place where everyone knows everyone’s business.

Fiona, a free lance writer, came to Door County to visit her friend Elisabeth who runs a small art gallery in the town of Ephraim. But she stayed because she loved the natural rhythms of a small town, the intimacy of being known, and the quiet in which to work. She even began playing a “what if” game with herself, looking at the local real estate ads and wondering what it would be like to buy a house and actually live in Door County. It was all a game, until she found a ad for an old house on Washington Island. Across the water from Ephraim and only accessible by ferry, Washington Island was even more remote, but it was also north of the tension line, where things moved more slowly, the seasons still held sway and things seemed more human.

After going to look at the house, which managed to maintain its good bones and exquisite carpentry features, eve if it needed significant repairs, Fiona bought it and moved in. And her adventures began. First there were the leaks in the roof, the need to remove various critters who had taken up residency in the walls and attic of the house, the dog who almost bit her and her neighbor who took an instant and almost pathological dislike to her. And of course there is the goat…but I don’t want to give to much away!

This was such a wonderful character driven book. There is no mystery, no suspense, just a gentle, quiet story about a woman and her house, her friends, and neighbors and  life on a remote island with all its wonder and vicissitudes. It reminded me of Kent Haruf’s Plainsong series, although Riordan has a lighter touch and a stealthy sense of humor. Be prepared to be entranced while you get to know Fiona, Elisabeth, Roger the Coffee shop owner, and of course, Robert, the talking goat!

Brenda’s Rating: **** (4 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Marian, Lauren and Keith

Book Study worthy? Yes

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