Bride Island - Softcover

ALEXANDRA END:ERS has published short stories in BOMB Magazine, Hunger Mountain, and Critical Quarterly, and was a finalist for the Rolex Mentor/Protégé Program with Toni Morrison. She has an MFA in fiction from Vermont College and has written articles for Martha Stewart Living, Elle, Food & Wine, House & Home, and Art & Antiques.

A strong and beautiful book, full of the power and beauty of the Maine coast. Enders has a deep understanding of the world of emotional engagement. This is an impressive debut. -- Roxana Robinson, author of This is My Daughter and Sweetwater

Enders is a short story writer whose foray into the novel format makes for a compelling read. Polly Birdswell has worked diligently to separate herself from her alcoholic family and haunting past. She gave up custody of her daughter, Monroe, and moved to coastal Maine in order to get her life together. But Polly's heart belongs to Bride Island, a family retreat off the Maine coast. Its landscape, despite containing only a raggedy old house, invigorates and calms Polly's soul. When her mother decides to sell Bride Island, Polly realizes she must take action and try to claim it. This battle makes Polly move toward regaining custody of Monroe-and regaining trust in and acceptance of herself. From alcoholic families and divorced parenting, all the way to a harrowing family secret, this novel covers a plethora of domestic tribulations. Polly is a truly imperfect person who is trying her hardest to make her life mean something. It's a difficult road and a lovely read. For most fiction collections. -- Beth Gibbs, Library Journal

Enders writes with such bone-deep honesty we know from the opening pages that it is winner take all. -- Jacquelyn Mitchard, author, The Deep End of the Ocean

Taut and moving, quirky, wise, often funny and finally deeply surprising. Enders takes some big risks and finesses all of them. -- Beth Gutcheon, author of More Than You Know and Leeway Cottage