"Nees does a great deal of research to make her story absolutely authentic, and creates a touching tale that will stick with you for quite some time." ~Jackie

Vivid and enthralling, Island of the Doves tells the story of two women in early nineteenth century America—one typical of her time, one extraordinary for it—who transform each other’s lives.

Susannah Fraser lives in one of Buffalo’s finest mansions, but her husband has made it a monstrous prison. When a mysterious woman offers to help her escape, Susannah boards a steamboat for Mackinac Island. But after being a dutiful daughter and obedient wife, it is only as she flees that she realizes how unprepared she is for freedom.

An exceptional woman of early America, Magdelaine Fonteneau has overcome convention to live a bold and adventurous life, achieving great wealth and power as a fur trader. But Magdelaine has also seen great tragedy and lost all that was dear to her, and she is no longer sure her hardened heart is capable of love.

Now, Magdelaine seeks redemption by offering safe harbor to Susannah. But as their friendship grows into something miraculous, it changes each woman in unexpected ways. Each needs to learn to love again, and only together can they realize a future bright with the promise of new life…

Jackie says:

"The abused wife isn't a modern thing—it's been going on for centuries. Women were basically owned, with no rights and generally no one to help them escape abuse. But there were some people who quietly and under great danger took action. Susannah Fraser has someone, a nun, to help her and she begins a perilous journey to freedom in what was not yet Michigan. At the end of the road is another broken woman—Magdelaine. a widow who likes her freedom and is a demanding mother to her son. She has great regrets, and they eat at her every day. She hopes that helping Susannah will take some of the weight off of her burdened heart. This is a story of redemption, salvation and the power of love. Nees does a great deal of research to make her story absolutely authentic, and creates a touching tale that will stick with you for quite some time."