Still, Piper felt a little misty-eyed and a lot terrified because she had no idea what lay ahead of her; what her life was going to look like. But she felt something else, too, for the first time in a long time.
Hope.
She picked up her suitcase with one hand and the other she tucked through the crook of Anders’s arm.
“I am.”
Author’s Note
My grandparents Hugh and Marion Oakley were adventurers. They loved nothing more than exploring the world and seeing how other people lived—except for maybe sharing and instilling the love of travel in myself and my siblings. They whisked us away to many far-flung foreign cities, but one of the most memorable trips was the time we boarded a ferry on the coast of Maryland and ended up on an island smack in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. I’ll never forget how I felt when I first laid eyes on Smith Island, and understood that the people who lived there, though they were Americans, experienced a very different existence from mine. Even back then, when I didn’t know I was an author in the making, the wheels in my teenage brain were turning, and I knew the island would be the perfect setting for a story.
Fast-forward some twenty-plus years, and when the idea for a novel about a widow who still thinks her husband is alive and the entire town goes along with it popped into my head, I knew exactly where it would take place: my own version of Smith Island. While Frick Island was clearly inspired by Smith Island and there are many similarities (you can only reach the island by ferry, a famous Smith Island layer cake exists—and it is delicious!—and climate change threatens the very existence of the island), I feel obligated to point out that there are also a number of incongruences. The layout of the town and businesses in it were all created to suit the needs of my story, as well as all the characters—they are figments of my imagination and do not resemble anyone who actually lives on the island.
However, I would not have been able to write this book had the citizens on Smith Island not welcomed my mother and me with open arms when we went to visit for research purposes. If you ever get the chance to go, make sure you stay at the lovely bed-and-breakfast Susan’s on Smith Island and eat a slice of her famous Smith Island cake (though I’m sure it’s hotly debated by Marylanders, I think hers the best). Her husband, Otis, runs the ferry, and they can both tell you stories much more interesting than mine of what life was like growing up on the island. Jim Adkins, who lives Smith Island–adjacent, was a grand tour guide and answerer of all my many questions about the topography of the area, details of the ferry, and minutiae of life on the island.
My research also included the fascinating book An Island Out of Time, by Tom Horton, which I highly recommend if you want a nonfictional account of what it’s like to move your family from a typical American life to a remote island in the middle of the Chesapeake. Also, the plan to save Frick Island, as detailed in Anders’s conversation with Jacob, is based loosely on the Smith Island Vision Plan, a list of strategies created by the community in 2015. Fortunately, they are way ahead of the residents of my Frick Island and have been proactive in trying to preserve their island and way of life for future generations. It is my sincerest wish that they succeed.
Acknowledgments
As always, first and foremost, I am in deep gratitude to my readers—from those who have been along on this ride with me since my very first book to the newcomers and to everyone in between. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
And thank you to the following people:
My agent, Stephanie Rostan, who came waltzing into my career mid-dance and never missed a step. I’m so grateful for your expertise and enthusiasm.
My wonderfully sharp and brilliant editor, Kerry Donovan, and the indefatigable powerhouse of Team Berkley, including Claire Zion, Craig Burke, Diana Franco, Fareeda Bullert, Tara O’Connor, Sarah Blumenstock, and Mary Geren. Thank you for all of your hard work shepherding my books into the world and getting them into the hands of readers.
My first agent, Emma Sweeney, who found my debut manuscript in her slush pile and expertly crafted a career for me in this industry. Thank you. May you enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
My publicist, Kathleen Carter, for your passionate and tireless work promoting this book.
My foreign publishers, who have helped my books find devoted readers all over the world. Thank you for exceeding my wildest author dreams.
The people of Smith Island, especially Susan Evans and Otis Tyler for their warm hospitality, and Jim Adkins in Crisfield, Maryland, for sharing his wonderful stories and thorough history of the island.
Pat Campbell for walking me through the particulars of entomology. Any mistakes pertaining to the study of it are mine alone.
My aunt Wendy and aunt Jeanne and their families for giving me a home away from home in Salisbury, Maryland, while researching.
My talented friend Lindsay Champanis for the gorgeous map of Frick Island at the front of this book.
My beta readers, who I’m also lucky to call the very best of friends: Caley Bowman, Brooke Hight, Megan Lobe, Kelly Marages, Laurie Rowland, Jaime Sarrio, and Shannon Tilley.
My fellow writers who have become a much-needed and beloved community in this wild roller coaster of an industry, including Nicole Blades, Karma Brown, Emily Giffin, Kimmery Martin, Aimee Molloy, Kirsten Palladino, Amy Reichert, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Karen White.
Megan Oakley, Jason Oakley, Kathy and Bill Oakley, Jack and Penny Wyman, and the rest of my Tull, Wyman, and Oakley families for a lifetime of boundless love and support. Special thanks to my mom for being the best tour roadie a gal can have and for never forgetting the crossword puzzles.
Henry, Sorella, Olivia, and Everett, my four children, who inexplicably love me despite my many failings as a parent. Never forget: I love you most.
My husband, Fred, who makes everything possible. I’m so glad I hit on you in that bar.
Finally, thank you to my grandparents Marion and Hugh Oakley, who were intrepid explorers, as well as my biggest cheerleaders on this earth. While I have no idea what adventure they’re on now, I know that wherever they are, they’re together—which always seemed to be the most important bit, anyway.
READERS GUIDE
The Invisible Husband of Frick Island
Colleen Oakley
Questions for Discussion
Frick Island is certainly an unusual place. Why do you think the author chose to set the book on this island? Have you ever been to a remote island like Frick? What was it like?
At the end of chapter 1, Tom returns home—or at least seems to: “He was going to come home. Of that one thing, Piper was sure. And then one morning, just like that, he did.” What did you think when you read that last line? Did you think he had actually returned or something else?