Jake's Abdication — Frank O'Brien

Jake's Abdication tells the story of Jake and Paula Greene depicting their struggles in setting up a new business venture catering to tourist. Jake is a charter Captain of a small boat moored at Big Pine Key in Florida. Jake is drop dead handsome, fit as a fiddle and ready for love. Paula is a little overweight and works for a Miami based commercial real estate firm. She is bright, energetic and has a good sense for business.The story outlines the trials and tribulations of starting up their new business taking affluent guests for overnight stays on an uninhabited island in the Florida Keys. The new venture is quite successful until a fateful trip with four young students from Smith College aboard. The book chronicles the faltering relationship between Paula and Jake resulting from stresses placed upon them when they become island bound. The psyche and mindset of affluent most Smith College students are juxtapose to one local woman who is at Smith on a fully paid scholarship. The differences are striking and real to behold.Tensions and conflicts abound in this idyllic setting as drama intermingles with passion, wealth and social upheaval. The story is compelling and well written. The book will quickly become a page-turner for even the most casual of readers.