Sanctuary Island by Lily Everett
The two sisters showed up on the island and they were initially made to feel foreign.
As the days go by they become familiar with island life. Merry is there to child her unborn child with her birth mother. Ella Preston is there for support.
She sells real estate in the DC area and can imagine a B&B where her mothers house is and along with that the stables would bring in a good profit.
Grady Wilkes takes care of the wild horse preserve and just loves island life. He helps birth the wild foals and tends to their needs. Hates summer months when the island is overrun by tourists.
Love the story of how the horses got to the island off the coast of VA- similar to a book written by Nicholas Sparks about the outer banks of NC.
So many different emotions come forward as I was raised on the island and travel was via ferry.
Trouble starts when Ella learns of her mother's problems and she's keeping them to herself til her daughters leave.
Secrets and misunderstandings might just make Ella leave the island as things come to a head...Love the outcome, didn't see it coming, so worthwhile! Love the nature and close knit community.
Can't wait to read the rest as it encompasses the others in this book.
I received this book from Writerspace via the author contest. ( )

Ella Preston reluctantly agrees to accompany her sister to Sanctuary Island to visit their estranged mother. This tiny island with its wild horses becomes a haven for Ella as she slowly learns to trust again. Ella also develops a relationship with Grady Wilkes, a veteran with his own secrets. The plot develops slowly at a believable pace. It's a book that has stayed with me and I am looking forward to reading the rest of this trilogy. Review based on an ARC from NetGalley. ( )