Welcome to Fire Island!
It’s quite obvious that Fire Island holds a special place in my heart. It's not just a stunning summer destination, but the setting for my last few books, all inspired by its fantastic community. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend visiting! Here are some must-see spots featured in my novels. You can also find more information about the island on its official website: https://fireisland.com/
- Jane
Fire Island at a glance:
The beaches of Fire Island are designated as a national seashore. Guests should be wary that the locals are very protective over its beauty and act accordingly.
The best way to get around the island is by bicycle—though there is no path from one end to the other ... you can only go so far by bike before having to hop off and walk or hop on a water taxi for a ride.
While riding the ocean waves is a popular activity, swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding in the bay is fun for all.
The fictional Bay Harbor market is based on the Seaview Market which is located next to the Seaview ferry terminal. Inside you will find delicious Turkey and BEC sandwiches along with the inspiration for many characters in Rosen’s Fire Island series.
Ocean Beach is the home of two ice cream shops, a candy store, and Rachel’s Bakery, known for arguably the best crumb cake in existence.
There are pick up ballgames every weekend for kids and adults where anyone is welcome to join. In Seaview, (like in fictional Bay Harbor) the ballfield is at the heart of the community.
The Fire Island Ferries run from Bay Shore and Sayville, depending on which communities you are visiting. You can drive or take the LIRR where David’s Car Service will be waiting to escort you to the ferry terminal.
Find schedules here: https://fireislandferries.com/schedules/ocean-beach/
Like in Songs of Summer, if you’re lucky, you may happen upon a wedding celebration.
There is plenty of wildlife both on and around Fire Island. Birds, whales, dolphins, seals, foxes and the most beloved—the deer, who have been living amongst islanders for so long they may think they are human.
Some people say the most beautiful sunsets in the world can be found on Fire Island. The town of Fair Harbor has a wonderful tradition of gathering on the dock to enjoy the beauty all together.
While there are no theaters on the island many towns sponsor movie nights, as seen in Songs of Summer.
While most people BarB Q and hang out at home with family and friends on summer nights, there is no shortage of nightlife. Rosen’s characters spend time at the fictional Salty Pelican which is inspired by The Albatross in Ocean Beach.
Listen to the Songs of Summer Playlist!
Creating the soundtrack for this novel was a complete and collaborative joy. And I believe listening along while you read will bring you joy as well!
Some songs, like Chapter 16’s “Indiana Jones: The Main Theme”, were chosen to make you laugh, while others, like Chapter 38’s “Into The Mystic”, should bring a tear or two. Certain songs were selected because their titles were right on the money ("The 59th Street Bridge Song”) and others were chosen because their lyrics align with the characters’ thoughts (“Riptide”). A few play on one word (“Rock Lobster”) or one sentence (“Something Good”) while others just capture a vibe (“Good Day”). And then there’s the final track, “500 Miles”, which I first chose because it’s a personal favorite and represents taking a journey for love. Imagine my surprise when I calculated the distance between my town on Fire Island and the fictional location of Maggie May Records in Chagrin Falls, Ohio? You guessed it, 500 miles!
Books set on Fire Island by Jane L. Rosen!
Songs of Summer
A young woman crashes the wedding of the summer on Fire Island in search of her birth mother—and gets a whole lot more than she bargained for—in this warm, heart-stopping getaway.
Seven Summer Weekends
A woman inherits a beach house, along with a series of weekend guests, while butting heads with the irritable (and irritatingly handsome) man next door, in this sparkling new escape.
On Fire Island
A book editor spends one last summer on Fire Island in this sparkling and surprising new novel from the author of A Shoe Story.
Long Island Reads will honor Jane L. Rosen at a ceremony at the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 2 pm. Tickets will be available beginning March 1. Click for more information! https://longislandreads.wordpress.com
Jane L. Rosen
Jane L. Rosen is the author of six novels, Nine Women, One Dress, Eliza Starts a Rumor, A Shoe Story, On Fire Island, Seven Summer Weekends and her latest, Songs of Summer. She has a monthly column in the Fire Island and Great South Bay News called Cake Or Pie? Where she whimsically interviews her fellow authors. She is also a screenwriter and New York Times, Tablet and Huffington Post contributor.
