That Island Feeling by Karina May is a delightful dive into the complexities of love, self-discovery, and the enduring power of community set against the vivid backdrop of a picturesque island. The novel blends elements of romance and drama with a tantalizing touch of mystery, making it a heartwarming yet intriguing read from start to finish.

The story unfolds on the lush, fictional island of Seraphine, a small patch of paradise where time seems to move at its own languid pace. It's here that our protagonist, Ellie Harper, finds herself seeking refuge from the unrelenting pace and pressures of her big-city life. Ellie, a career-driven professional from New York, has her life turned upside down after a cascade of personal and professional setbacks. On a whim, she decides to visit Seraphine, drawn by her late mother's stories and a mysterious letter that hints at past secrets intertwined with the island’s history.

Upon arriving, Ellie is enveloped in the warm embrace of the island's tight-knit community, characterized by characters who are as colorful as they are caring. Each resident of Seraphine, from the wise and nurturing Lila who runs the local café to the enigmatic and brooding artist, Michael, who keeps his past carefully guarded, adds depth and flavor to Ellie’s story of exploration. Karina May excels in her portrayal of these characters, ensuring they leap off the page with authenticity and life. The dynamics between Ellie and the residents are painted with a fine brush, capturing the essence of island life where everyone is somehow connected, and no secret stays buried forever.

The heart of the novel, however, lies in its exploration of self-discovery and transformation. Ellie, whose initial visit is intended as a brief escape, finds herself increasingly tethered to Seraphine’s enchanting shores and its inhabitants. Her journey touches on universal themes of finding oneself after loss, the search for belonging, and the courage it takes to start over. As she begins to peel back the layers of her mother's past and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her connection to the island, Ellie also confronts her vulnerabilities and desires, questioning what it is that truly makes a life fulfilling.

May's writing shines particularly in her descriptions of Seraphine itself. The island is depicted with such rich and evocative imagery that it almost serves as a character in its own right. From the sun-drenched beaches and lush, rolling hills to the quaint cottages dotted along the coastline, the setting is an idyllic canvas that complements the story’s emotional depth. The atmospheric detailing does more than paint a scene; it immerses readers into a sensory experience of the island's seductive charm.

Moreover, the romance that blossoms between Ellie and Michael is crafted with a careful blend of tension and tenderness. May avoids the pitfalls of instant romance tropes, instead building their relationship gradually, with realistic hurdles and poignant moments that allow for both characters to grow independently and together. This gradual intertwining of their lives mirrors the slow, captivating rhythm of Seraphine itself.

The subplot involving the mystery of Ellie’s mother's past and her connections to the island adds a layer of intrigue that propels the narrative forward. This aspect of the plot is handled with skill, weaving historical elements with personal revelations in a manner that both entertains and enriches the overall story. It serves not only as a catalyst for Ellie's personal growth but also links the past and present, illustrating how history shapes our identities and relationships.

In conclusion, Karina May's That Island Feeling is a beautifully crafted novel that transports readers into a world where the burdens of the past are washed away by the tides of the present and the promise of new beginnings. It is a testament to the power of place and people in shaping our lives. For anyone looking for a story that combines heart, history, and the magnetic pull of a summer island with compelling characters and relatable themes, this book is a delightful journey not to be missed. The eloquent prose, the vibrant setting, and the heartfelt journey of Ellie Harper make this book an absorbing read capable of stirring both the mind and the soul.