Jean Davies Okimoto often says she writes the kind of novel she likes to read but has trouble finding. In the case of her adult fiction that means older characters grappling with the vicissitudes of aging, the nature of living in a close-knit island community and a story that ends on a hopeful note. Based on early reviews and audience response at the book’s launch last week, “The Reinvention of Albert Paugh” seems to have hit Okimoto’s literary goals with flying colors.

Her 22nd book and third novel in what was to be an island trilogy, “The Reinvention of Albert Paugh” will eventually be part of a quartet.

“What happened is that I like the characters in the trilogy, particularly the 90-year-old Martha Jane,” explained Okimoto, 72, with a glint in her brown eyes. “I don’t want to be done with her yet, so there will be one more book focusing on older characters.”

Characters, particularly those in the supposed golden years of life, are Okimoto’s muse. They are everything to her, she said; they drive her novels. Albert Paugh has the distinction of being Okimoto’s first male protagonist, and he carries the burden of flunking retirement.

“That line came from a doctor friend of mine,” Okimoto said. “I thought it was funny.”

She also thought it an apt expression for the challenges one faces when carving out a new life after the end of a long career. Okimoto sees aging as a challenging —­ with a sense of loss permeating everything from one’s health and youth to losing friends and loved ones ­— but also interesting time.

Albert Paugh, pronounced like paw, recently sold his successful veterinary practice located in the heart of Vashon. He’s at a loss of what to do with his time when he also loses his wife, who leaves him for another woman.

At the beginning of the book, all that remains of Paugh’s former life is his reliable chocolate lab Bert and a pile of regrets. As the story unfolds, Paugh bumbles his way into reinventing his life, filling it with purpose through the help of old friends who become his chosen family, an unexpected new partner and the unconditional love of his canine pals.

Okimoto said the plot of her books often appears after the arrival of her characters, as did Albert’s occupation as a veterinarian. A card-carrying dog-lover, Okimoto easily landed on the profession, but knew nothing about it. She enlisted the aid of Dr. Don Wolczko, who not only advised her on veterinary medicine but also carefully read the manuscript.

Okimoto drew on the expertise of other islanders, including Deputy Sheriff Issac Patino, Linda Milovsoroff and Rayna Holtz, as well as Dr. Hugh Straley and Jim Devine. Blending the real with the fictional Okimoto used, with permission, the names of some islanders but said that all of her characters are imaginary. As for the setting, Vashon is more like a heroine with superstar status.

“I’ve lived in seven different states,” Okimoto said, “but never have I lived anywhere that is so beautiful and has so many wonderful people as Vashon. That’s why I like writing about it.”

Okimoto admits she also likes to write with a hopeful ending in mind. She said it is her mythical world so she can make everything come out right, adding that it’s therapeutic for her. After 40 years as a practicing therapist, Okimoto has witnessed the highs and lows of the human journey.

“I used to think in my practice I could make a happy ending but found I could not,” Okimoto said. “I don’t want it sugary, but I also don’t want the sadness and violence we read about everyday.”

Okimoto also writes with a generous dose of humor, peppering her pages with droll quips and comedic observations that run the gamut from current politics to the general human condition.

“I experience the world as a tragic comedy with humor as a survival skill,” Okimoto said.

That humor became evident during the launch of “The Reinvention of Albert Paugh” at the Vashon Bookshop. Okimoto asked veteran island actor Rich Wiley and his wife Sue — who made her acting debut — to read scenes from the novel. Okimoto landed on the idea from Book-It Theater, which previously turned one of her youth novels into a play.

“I thought I wouldn’t be good at reading from a man’s point of view,” Okimoto said. “I saw Rich in Drama Dock’s play ‘Inspecting Carol,’ and he was hilarious.”

With peals of laughter bouncing off the shelves of the bookstore, audience members gave two thumbs up for the book and the reading.

After the event, as she rang up sales of “The Reinvention of Albert Paugh,” Bookshop owner Nancy Katica said, “This has been the most fun reading we’ve ever had.”