A WEEKEND ON ALLYSON ISLAND
They’ve come for a birthday celebration . . . but they’ll leave celebrating themselves.
Moira Allyson is going all out for her 50th birthday. The planning part is easy–in her big, beautiful mansion set on Savannah’s waterfront, perfect parties practically plan themselves. She’ll serve the region’s finest cuisine, offer delicious drinks, book the best entertainment, and set up luxurious spa treatments for a small group of the most important women in her life–from childhood best friends to the woman who cleans her house.
She may be focused on her friends, but Moira’s focus has a purpose–distracting herself from the lonely reality of her life as a widow and empty nester.
They’ve come for a birthday celebration . . . but they’ll leave celebrating themselves.
Moira Allyson is going all out for her 50th birthday. The planning part is easy–in her big, beautiful mansion set on Savannah’s waterfront, perfect parties practically plan themselves. She’ll serve the region’s finest cuisine, offer delicious drinks, book the best entertainment, and set up luxurious spa treatments for a small group of the most important women in her life–from childhood best friends to the woman who cleans her house.
She may be focused on her friends, but Moira’s focus has a purpose–distracting herself from the lonely reality of her life as a widow and empty nester. Her twentysomething sons don’t really come back to visit anymore, and her husband, the love of her life, is gone forever. Moira may appear to have it all on the outside, but there’s way too much room in her home . . . and way too many memories. She’s spared no expense for this weekend, and everything’s perfect–until it’s not.
Each woman who arrives at the party comes with her own birthday well wishes–and her own secret sorrow, which she’s determined not to unwrap. But weekends spent with friends have a way of bringing things that have been kept hidden to the surface. Late into the evening, when the stars come out and everyone gets comfortable, one friend opens her heart . . . and then others join in. Allyson Island is like summer camp for 50-year-olds–and, just like at summer camp, it’s a place where friendships are strengthened, deep emotions are shared, and hope and healing happen.
- Thomas Nelson
- Paperback
- December 2025
- 288 Pages
- 9781400347384
Buy the Book
$18.99
About B Lewis
Susannah B. Lewis is a humorist, blogger for Whoa! Susannah, and freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications. The author of Can’t Make This Stuff Up! andBless Your Heart, Rae Sutton, Lewis studied creative writing at Jackson State Community College and earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Bethel College. She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Jason, their three children, and three dogs.
Discussion Questions
1. Moira’s drinking problem is evident from the beginning. How did each character approach that issue throughout the course of the weekend? Which approach would you have taken?
2. Gemma struggled with her self-esteem and with her husband’s treatment of her. Was that a situation you could relate to? Or did you find yourself relating more to CK and her desire to encourage her friend (and her frustration with Gemma’s husband)? Explain how that storyline impacted you.
3. Marriage plays an integral part in each of the women’s stories. Which of their marriages resonated the most with you? Which one frustrated you the most?
4. Erin was reluctant to partake in the weekend with Moira and her friends. If you had been in a similar position, would you have accepted such an invitation? Why or why not?
5. Losing her husband devastated Moira. Did you find her response to that loss understandable? Why or why not?
6. How did Nell’s faith impact her relationships and how she dealt with Moira’s drinking during that weekend?
7. CK had a very difficult time letting go of control, particularly regarding her children. Is that something you have had to wrestle with? What has helped you surrender that control?
8. Which character do you think made the most significant transformation over the course of the year following the weekend? Explain what stood out to you the most.
9. Toward the end of the novel, each character writes a letter about their most significant fears. Is that something you would do with a group of your closest friends? Why or why not?
10. Did you find the conclusion of the novel satisfying? Why or why not? Were there other endings you had imagined for any of the characters?