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Compass Key #1
The Island
Second chances do exist.
Five former sorority sisters, all in their 50's, undertake the adventure of a lifetime when a mysterious invite reunites them at an exclusive resort set on a private island.
Olivia was the quiet one. Her divorce from her alcoholic husband freed her in many ways but caused a rift with her daughter that seems impossible to heal.
Amanda was the perfect one. Widowed and desperately broke but hiding it, she needs a new start more than anyone can imagine.
Leigh Ann was the cheerleader. Her ongoing divorce is completely amicable, or so she’d like everyone to believe. The truth isn’t quite as rosy.
Grace was the party girl. And she still is, much to the dismay of her husband, who’s struggling to keep their restaurant afloat. Grace hopes her time away will give them both the space she thinks they need.
Katie was the brains. Now she’s incredibly successful but hiding secrets that could change her life if they were to get out.
When their beloved house mother invites them on an all-expenses-paid vacation, then drops a huge surprise on them, the five friends face a major decision. Can they overcome their pasts in order to take advantage of the amazing future being offered?
Take the journey to Compass Key with them and find out.
Five former sorority sisters, all in their 50's, undertake the adventure of a lifetime when a mysterious invite reunites them at an exclusive resort set on a private island.
Olivia was the quiet one. Her divorce from her alcoholic husband freed her in many ways but caused a rift with her daughter that seems impossible to heal.
Amanda was the perfect one. Widowed and desperately broke but hiding it, she needs a new start more than anyone can imagine.
Leigh Ann was the cheerleader. Her ongoing divorce is completely amicable, or so she’d like everyone to believe. The truth isn’t quite as rosy.
Grace was the party girl. And she still is, much to the dismay of her husband, who’s struggling to keep their restaurant afloat. Grace hopes her time away will give them both the space she thinks they need.
Katie was the brains. Now she’s incredibly successful but hiding secrets that could change her life if they were to get out.
When their beloved house mother invites them on an all-expenses-paid vacation, then drops a huge surprise on them, the five friends face a major decision. Can they overcome their pasts in order to take advantage of the amazing future being offered?
Take the journey to Compass Key with them and find out.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2022
About the author
Maggie Miller
26 books278 followersTime off is time best spent at the beach, don't you agree?
The beach is my happy place. The sound of the waves are my favorite background music. And the sand between my toes is the best massage I can think of.
When I'm not at the beach, I'm writing or reading or cooking for my family. You know, life.
I hope you enjoy my books. Drop me a line and let me know what you think of them! You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MaggieMiller... or at my website, https://www.maggiemillerauthor.com. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter!
The beach is my happy place. The sound of the waves are my favorite background music. And the sand between my toes is the best massage I can think of.
When I'm not at the beach, I'm writing or reading or cooking for my family. You know, life.
I hope you enjoy my books. Drop me a line and let me know what you think of them! You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MaggieMiller... or at my website, https://www.maggiemillerauthor.com. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 21, 2022
CUTIES BOOKCLUB READ #4!🐚
April 20, 2022
4.5 stars
A mysterious invitation arrives; it is an all-expenses-paid two-week vacation at a resort on Compass Key, a reunion of their college sorority. Book one sets the stage, introductions are made, and their stories are told. These five seasoned women are at a crossroads; the family life of each woman has challenges. However, their former housemother has a plan and opportunities for each. Can the island work its tropical magic?
I am looking forward to the next book for some answers and continuing these ladies' journeys.
Thank you to the Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
A mysterious invitation arrives; it is an all-expenses-paid two-week vacation at a resort on Compass Key, a reunion of their college sorority. Book one sets the stage, introductions are made, and their stories are told. These five seasoned women are at a crossroads; the family life of each woman has challenges. However, their former housemother has a plan and opportunities for each. Can the island work its tropical magic?
I am looking forward to the next book for some answers and continuing these ladies' journeys.
Thank you to the Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
September 28, 2023
The Island by Maggie Miller
Compass Key #1
7h 20m narrated by Vivienne Leheny, Laura Jennings, Cindy Kay, Nancy Wu, Sara Morsey, Suzie Althens, Timothy Howard Jackson, 334 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance
Featuring: Quinquagenarians, Multiple POVs, Divorcees, Free Vacation Trope, Sorority Sisters, Florida Keys, Island Resort, Septuagenarian, Cliffhangers
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult content and situations
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🏝🐚
My thoughts:📱6% 26:08 Ch. 3 - Ooooh! This is so cute I'm going to pause it and save all of these pretty cover books for after I read Dark Matter as an incentive and possible renewal.
This was pretty fun but despite having 7 narrators I still had a hard time distinguishing the ladies from one another. It felt like 3 narrators. I will be reading the rest of the series, but not immediately. The character development was a little shallow, but my main issue is not getting an ending for a single storyline.
Recommend to others: Only if you enjoy reading series. This isn't structured for you to read one book and decide if you want another, it seems like you only get a few days per book.
Compass Key
1. The Island (2022)
2. The Secret (2022)
3. The Dream (2022)
4. The Promise (2022)
5. The Escape (2022)
6. Christmas on the Island (2022)
7. The Wedding (2022)
Compass Key #1
7h 20m narrated by Vivienne Leheny, Laura Jennings, Cindy Kay, Nancy Wu, Sara Morsey, Suzie Althens, Timothy Howard Jackson, 334 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance
Featuring: Quinquagenarians, Multiple POVs, Divorcees, Free Vacation Trope, Sorority Sisters, Florida Keys, Island Resort, Septuagenarian, Cliffhangers
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult content and situations
My rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🏝🐚
My thoughts:📱6% 26:08 Ch. 3 - Ooooh! This is so cute I'm going to pause it and save all of these pretty cover books for after I read Dark Matter as an incentive and possible renewal.
This was pretty fun but despite having 7 narrators I still had a hard time distinguishing the ladies from one another. It felt like 3 narrators. I will be reading the rest of the series, but not immediately. The character development was a little shallow, but my main issue is not getting an ending for a single storyline.
Recommend to others: Only if you enjoy reading series. This isn't structured for you to read one book and decide if you want another, it seems like you only get a few days per book.
Compass Key
1. The Island (2022)
2. The Secret (2022)
3. The Dream (2022)
4. The Promise (2022)
5. The Escape (2022)
6. Christmas on the Island (2022)
7. The Wedding (2022)
October 20, 2022
The dating market seems quite good for 50 year olds.
And okay, Olivia. We get it. You're an accountant.
And okay, Olivia. We get it. You're an accountant.
June 11, 2022
Awesome book !
This book is a can't put it down type book. I read the blackbird Beach series and it was this same way. Couldn't put it down either. But, I'm excited to get to the 2nd book of Compass Key ! I'm. Loving all the characters. And can even imagine myself being there.
This book is a can't put it down type book. I read the blackbird Beach series and it was this same way. Couldn't put it down either. But, I'm excited to get to the 2nd book of Compass Key ! I'm. Loving all the characters. And can even imagine myself being there.
April 25, 2022
Well-written, fun story with enough depth to keep you reading without getting lost. Characters are interesting, believable and easy to identify with. Makes me want to return to the Keys! Sad to wait a month for the next book.
July 3, 2022
just stops, no ending
It is a beach read, but it just stops. Feels like part of a Netflix series, not a complete story.
It is a beach read, but it just stops. Feels like part of a Netflix series, not a complete story.
September 18, 2023
I'm a sucker for island, beachy-type reads, and the THE ISLAND was a great book by a new-to-me author. Five women with varying life issues are brought to the island by a mysterious summons for a two-week getaway.
The story was well written and the characters were believable, though the story itself was a bit predictable and/or unbelievable. What are the chances that five women would come to a small island and all find a new love interest within two weeks? For me, that was a bit too predictable. One of them, maybe, but all five? The scenario didn't carry the ring of truth, for me, anyway. Since this is a series, I think it would have been much more believable to have most of the women find their true love at various times throughout the series rather than all at once.
I did enjoy that the book was centered around middle aged women who were flawed, not caricatures of perfection in every way. I also enjoyed that the book was clean and contained no sexual imagery or profanities. It is SO UNUSUAL to find a clean secular book, so I appreciate the author for keeping it clean.
Though I'm not a fan of series books, I have no doubt that I'll move on to book two in the series at some point in the future.
Highly recommended!
The story was well written and the characters were believable, though the story itself was a bit predictable and/or unbelievable. What are the chances that five women would come to a small island and all find a new love interest within two weeks? For me, that was a bit too predictable. One of them, maybe, but all five? The scenario didn't carry the ring of truth, for me, anyway. Since this is a series, I think it would have been much more believable to have most of the women find their true love at various times throughout the series rather than all at once.
I did enjoy that the book was centered around middle aged women who were flawed, not caricatures of perfection in every way. I also enjoyed that the book was clean and contained no sexual imagery or profanities. It is SO UNUSUAL to find a clean secular book, so I appreciate the author for keeping it clean.
Though I'm not a fan of series books, I have no doubt that I'll move on to book two in the series at some point in the future.
Highly recommended!
January 2, 2023
Just a quick read on the 1st day of the year. :)
April 24, 2022
5 women who once went to school together, 5 mysterious invites for a reunion and one amazing offer by a women who has always believed in them. I absolutely loved all the ladies you connect with each one in a different way, they are all flawed and struggle in different ways but they try to put on the persona of having it all together just life we all do in real life. This book covers re kindling of friendships, getting over loss and betrayal as well as learning to live and love again, mending fences and seeing no matter how old you are there are always opportunities to start again. I can not wait to see where things go for these ladies and eagerly await the next book!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2023
Oh, I loved that someone is writing about older women, and that Amazon suggested this book to me! I'm glad it's getting good ratings, and that it's the start of a series. In The Island, five former sorority sisters are invited to come to a very pricey resort, all expenses paid, at the behest of the house mother who is now a wealthy widow. She owns the resort, wants to retire, and wants to give it to them. They will live there and run it. Lots of potential in this unlikely scenario, including the fact that most of the women instantly pair up with rich, handsome bachelors.
So I wanted to love it, but I didn't feel caught up in any of the characters' emotions, and it didn't pull me in. I am curious what's going to happen to some of them, but not really enough to read the second book.
So I wanted to love it, but I didn't feel caught up in any of the characters' emotions, and it didn't pull me in. I am curious what's going to happen to some of them, but not really enough to read the second book.
August 4, 2023
Beware!
Unless you're really into cliffhangers, I wouldn't waste your time. Which is unfortunate, because the author is actually pretty decent. But a story has a beginning, a middle, and an end for at least one of the characters and this one doesn't. If I had read the reviews by others, I would have seen that at least the first 2 books don't have any ends to them ... Just cliffhangers.
I'm a voracious reader (150-200 books a year) and I just don't appreciate when an author leaves the whole story hanging like this. It feels like a money grab by either the author or the publisher, which is too bad because it really makes me not want to read anything else by the author.
Unless you're really into cliffhangers, I wouldn't waste your time. Which is unfortunate, because the author is actually pretty decent. But a story has a beginning, a middle, and an end for at least one of the characters and this one doesn't. If I had read the reviews by others, I would have seen that at least the first 2 books don't have any ends to them ... Just cliffhangers.
I'm a voracious reader (150-200 books a year) and I just don't appreciate when an author leaves the whole story hanging like this. It feels like a money grab by either the author or the publisher, which is too bad because it really makes me not want to read anything else by the author.
December 26, 2023
This is the first title in a series which I will slowly work my way through. Former sorority sisters now nearing the age of 50 are invited to spend two weeks on a private island in the Florida Keys. Low and behold, their former house mother is now the owner of this island thanks to a late-in-life marriage to an extremely wealthy man. So, the stories of these sorority sisters begins.
I liked the story but I listed to the audiobook and I think there are just too many main characters to follow. Each character had a unique reader and voice, but it was difficult to understand. If I can find hard copies, I will read the other books in the series. If not, it will be some time before I go back to them. Overall, a good listen.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
I liked the story but I listed to the audiobook and I think there are just too many main characters to follow. Each character had a unique reader and voice, but it was difficult to understand. If I can find hard copies, I will read the other books in the series. If not, it will be some time before I go back to them. Overall, a good listen.
Go Cards! L1C4!!
September 16, 2023
It's a carefree romance read that follows 5 former sorority sisters at a crossroads in their respective lives.
They receive a mysterious invitation to reunite at an exclusive resort set on a private island in the Keys. The rest of the book features the five characters- explaining what their struggles are and what they plan to do with this mysterious opportunity for a second chance.
Very fluffy easy read- that I listened to while taking my daily walks. I wouldn't race out to read it- but it's not a bad choice if you want a mindless romance that features mature (at least age wise- some are still a hot mess emotionally) characters.
They receive a mysterious invitation to reunite at an exclusive resort set on a private island in the Keys. The rest of the book features the five characters- explaining what their struggles are and what they plan to do with this mysterious opportunity for a second chance.
Very fluffy easy read- that I listened to while taking my daily walks. I wouldn't race out to read it- but it's not a bad choice if you want a mindless romance that features mature (at least age wise- some are still a hot mess emotionally) characters.
October 21, 2022
Island Life for me..
When five (5) sorority sisters receive a two (2) week all inclusive invitation to a remote island they all decide to go!
What awaits them is an offer to good to refuse.
Their former college dormitory "mother" needs to slow down
and retire she thinks of her "girls" to leave her exclusive island to.
Each arrive with their own set of problems. So...who's in and who's not? I guess I have to get the next book to find out.w
Is really enjoyed this story.
ENJOY!
Happy Reading!!
MARY C
When five (5) sorority sisters receive a two (2) week all inclusive invitation to a remote island they all decide to go!
What awaits them is an offer to good to refuse.
Their former college dormitory "mother" needs to slow down
and retire she thinks of her "girls" to leave her exclusive island to.
Each arrive with their own set of problems. So...who's in and who's not? I guess I have to get the next book to find out.w
Is really enjoyed this story.
ENJOY!
Happy Reading!!
MARY C
June 13, 2023
This book is very far out of my normal reading style, but I wanted something new and light so I gave it a try. It’s almost set up like you’re watching a movie with all the different characters and lives. I’m only in my early 30s so the characters are a bit different for me to relate to in the story. Easy read and I’m kinda jealous I’m not at that resort with how nice they make it seem! I do find it a bit out of reality that 4 of 5 women have met magical, rich, hot guys on a small island but I digress. I’ll probably continue with the series whenever I need a light read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2022
The story of five sorority sisters that all went down different paths are brought together by their beloved housemother. What she has in store for them is something I could only dream about.
I with I had an Iris in my life 🥰
This first installment, The Island introduces us to all the ladies and few handsome men that play right in to the story.
The 2nd installment is out now; The Secret.
I am heading right into kindle unlimited to snag it.
I with I had an Iris in my life 🥰
This first installment, The Island introduces us to all the ladies and few handsome men that play right in to the story.
The 2nd installment is out now; The Secret.
I am heading right into kindle unlimited to snag it.
August 29, 2024
Preview book of the whole series
It was a quick read. It follows 5 women who are making big changes. It was sometimes hard to follow along with each of them as you are reading short little spurts of 5 very different life changes. The books ends with enough but you must continue the series to discover what ends up for each of the women. It was nice to have a plot focused on older women.
It was a quick read. It follows 5 women who are making big changes. It was sometimes hard to follow along with each of them as you are reading short little spurts of 5 very different life changes. The books ends with enough but you must continue the series to discover what ends up for each of the women. It was nice to have a plot focused on older women.
September 28, 2023
a great surprise
I’m not prone to give fiction five stars but Maggie Miller has given such depth and sincerity to these characters I had no choice! There is also mystery and some humor along the way and I feel as if these ladies are in my circle of friends. Can’t wait to continue reading her work.
I’m not prone to give fiction five stars but Maggie Miller has given such depth and sincerity to these characters I had no choice! There is also mystery and some humor along the way and I feel as if these ladies are in my circle of friends. Can’t wait to continue reading her work.
October 21, 2023
Would have loved this book, but…
There was no satisfying conclusion. I wish I had known before starting it that this is the first in a series that goes on and on (according to other reviews I wish I had read first). This type of series is not my reading preference. I like books with endings.
There was no satisfying conclusion. I wish I had known before starting it that this is the first in a series that goes on and on (according to other reviews I wish I had read first). This type of series is not my reading preference. I like books with endings.
June 13, 2024
Excellent read!
This is the 2nd series by Maggie Miller I've read, & I found them to be extraordinarily relatable. Their characters' evolution is both entertaining and inspiring. I highly recommend Miller's books to any one who believes in a positive outlook blessing peoples' lives. Enjoy!
This is the 2nd series by Maggie Miller I've read, & I found them to be extraordinarily relatable. Their characters' evolution is both entertaining and inspiring. I highly recommend Miller's books to any one who believes in a positive outlook blessing peoples' lives. Enjoy!
May 5, 2022
absolutely loved this book
Very interesting concept. Bringing 5 women together who haven’t been together since college days. Iris was their house mother and has brought them all together for an amazing chance to possibly change their lives.
Very interesting concept. Bringing 5 women together who haven’t been together since college days. Iris was their house mother and has brought them all together for an amazing chance to possibly change their lives.
May 7, 2022
Wonderful
As always she has written a great book and beginning of a new series. In a lot if ways I can relate to most of the characters. I look forward to the next book to release..
As always she has written a great book and beginning of a new series. In a lot if ways I can relate to most of the characters. I look forward to the next book to release..
May 22, 2022
story lines great and clean
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book , the book as alot of good story lines easy to follow and fun to read, greatly appreciate the Arthur's work and love the town and people would love to find this in real life.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book , the book as alot of good story lines easy to follow and fun to read, greatly appreciate the Arthur's work and love the town and people would love to find this in real life.
May 22, 2022
Finally, women I can relate to!
I almost didn't start this series but I'm so glad I did! These are women I can relate to, feel their growth and the new belief in themselves. It's powerful!
I almost didn't start this series but I'm so glad I did! These are women I can relate to, feel their growth and the new belief in themselves. It's powerful!
June 2, 2022
Compass Key is a truly magical place
I love that the 6 main female characters seem like realpeople, with real problems. Book 1 was stupendous and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I love that the 6 main female characters seem like realpeople, with real problems. Book 1 was stupendous and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 5, 2022
#bookgirlsreadingchallenge #lifetimereadingchallenge #july Not my usual genre. This book is the first in the series and not a standalone. It was free on kindle unlimited. I will probably not read the rest of the series, though the setting was great for a summer read.
July 13, 2022
an Excellent Read
Maggie Miller has put a lot of thought into developing each one of her characters. Their stories are very different, but they mesh into a highly entertaining and thought-provoking story. I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series!
Maggie Miller has put a lot of thought into developing each one of her characters. Their stories are very different, but they mesh into a highly entertaining and thought-provoking story. I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series!
July 16, 2022
Lovely!
A very enjoyable story. The characters were well defined and very relatable. I think most readers will find that they see glimpses of themselves and their friends in these characters.
A very enjoyable story. The characters were well defined and very relatable. I think most readers will find that they see glimpses of themselves and their friends in these characters.
September 18, 2022
Fantasyland I the keys
This book is just the happy thoughts that I needed at this time of my life. For the past five months and more I just don't feel like myself . this book has,raised .y expectations in life.. Thank you
This book is just the happy thoughts that I needed at this time of my life. For the past five months and more I just don't feel like myself . this book has,raised .y expectations in life.. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews