Set in Seattle in a houseboat community, Sarah Jio’s Morning Glory focuses on Ada Santorini, a recent transplant from New York City who is trying to find peace after losing her husband and young daughter in a tragic accident.
Shortly after arriving on Boat Street, Ada learns that her new residence has a mysterious past. In the 1950s the houseboat belonged to Penny Wentworth and her renowned artist husband, Dexter. While popular with many of her neighbors on Boat Street, Penny is privately lonely as Dexter spends many nights away from home under the guise of working on his art. Believing that he is romancing other women, Penny finds herself attracted to a fellow houseboat dweller named Collin. Their romance builds until a fateful evening when Penny disappears never to be seen again.
Ada finds a trunk of Penny’s belongings in the houseboat and is intrigued with her disappearance. Enlisting the help of longtime Boat Street residents and the handsome divorced photographer neighbor, Ada is determined to find out what became of Penny Wentworth.
Whether spending time on the beach, heading out on a road trip, or simply curled up on the couch during what seems to be never-ending rain, summer is the time when we’re all looking for a great book. Sarah Jio’s Morning Glory is a great choice for all of these situations. An engaging plot with a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, and a lot of interesting characters makes for a solid vacation read. I found myself finishing this book in two days and quickly passing it on to others. And don’t worry if this book isn’t available, Jio has plenty more and they’re all available in paperback or as an e-book. Perfect to throw in a bag and go! You can place a hold on Jio’s books in the Deerfield Public Library catalog right now!
