I’ve always been fascinated with lighthouses, so the title and cover of this book drew me in. After reading the blurb, it sounded like a good read, so I obtained an ARC.
Blurb
Amy Tucker is struggling to put her life back together following the death of her mother. The loss has left the eighteen-year-old heartbroken, and she doesn’t know if her world will ever be whole again.
Meanwhile, in Seabrook, a small town famous for its haunted lighthouse, Ryan Porter lives a simple but busy life, maintaining the ranch which he shares with his father.
Separated by hundreds of miles, yet drawn to each other by forces they can’t understand, Amy and Ryan spend a magical day together and quickly forge a deep connection. But all is not what it seems in Seabrook and when strange events begin happening around town, they question if their meeting really was an accident at all.
Trusting in themselves and in each other, they attempt to unravel the mystery of why fate has brought them together, and in doing so they embark on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, a journey that leads straight to the heart of Seabrook’s mysterious lighthouse where they uncover the most shocking secret of all… a secret that will change the course of their lives forever.
My Review
Not what I expected, but…
Eighteen-year-old Amy Parker is trying to come to terms with her mother’s unexpected death. She and her father have never been close, and in the month since her mother’s death, she thinks he’s trying to micromanage her. This puts a further strain on their relationship.
Kevin Parker, a detective with the Criminal Investigation Division of the Oregon State Police also struggles with his wife’s death. Kevin’s brother Jack, also with the CID, sends him to the town of Seabrook to meet with the family of a missing person to inform them they are closing the case. Jack suggests Kevin take Amy with him, thinking the overnight trip might be good for both of them.
Once in Seabrook, strange things begin happening. The town is gearing up for its annual Lighthouse Festival. The derelict structure is the source of dispute—some believe it should be torn down, others think it should remain. Several people in the town believe the ghost of a former keeper still inhabits the place. And Amy finds herself caught in the middle.
The morning after arriving in Seabrook, she’s unable to find her father—or reach him by phone. She meets a young man, Ryan Porter, who lives on a nearby ranch with his ailing father. Amy and Ryan set about trying to discover the secret of the mysterious lighthouse.
I expected this to be more of a mystery, but it was a coming-of-age story with a blend of contemporary, a bit of magic, and a touch of romance. I loved the setting—the small town, the Porter ranch, the nearby forest, beaches, and cliffs. Amy and Ryan both had issues to overcome but they were both well-rounded and likable. And there was a mystery—just not what I expected.
I found it refreshing there was no graphic violence or excessive use of foul language (something a lot of authors often tend to do). A well-written debut novel for Christopher Parker.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Beacon Press for an advanced reader copy.
29 Responses
Great review, Joan 🙂 Thatcover really draws me in.
That’s what attracted me to the book as well, Denise.
Great review, Joan. When you said Kevin was a defective, I thought it was a mystery also. So the story of not about the lighthouse then. 😊
The lighthouse plays a big role, but there’s so much more. Thanks, Miriam.
It must be interesting, Joan.
Great review, Joan. Thanks for sharing 🙂
You’re welcome, Harmony!
Sounds like this was a nice surprise. I’m a fan of lighthouses, too. (Probably not a shock to you.) Your review has me intrigued.
No, that doesn’t surprise me that you like lighthouses. 🙂 As I said in my review, the book was different than I expected, but nonetheless enjoyable.
This sounds really good. Thanks for sharing your review, Joan. I love lighthouses, so I’m in!
I’ve always been fascinated with lighthouses, Jill. That’s what drew me to this book.
Your review has captured my imagination and interest! Thank you for sharing it, Joan.
Thanks, Gwen. While the story wouldn’t interest all readers, I found it enjoyable.
Your review intrigued me, Joan. Sounds like a great debut!
I thought it was, Priscilla. A pleasant change of pace from what I usually read.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this book, Joan. It sounds like it has enough plot drama to keep you turning the pages. I also am drawn to lighthouses. To me, they represent secrets and mysteries.
I’ve always been drawn to lighthouses for some reason, Jan. I think being a caretaker of one would be an interesting job.
The cover is lovely, Joan, and the blurb caught my attention with it’s hints of paranormal connection. Excellent review. It sounds like a cozy read. 🙂
Cozy is a good way to describe this one, Diana. I do like a touch of paranormal from time to time
I’ve always loved lighthouses too, Joan. And, especially, lightships. The cover of this is gorgeous, and it sounds like the story was intriguing even if it wasn’t exactly what you were expecting.
It was a good story, Mae. One that I enjoyed. Aren’t lighthouses fascinating?
Love them!
This book has a very good cover, Joan. The story sounds nice too.
It was a nice change of pace from what I usually read. Thanks for stopping by today, Robbie.
An excellent review, Joan
Thank you, John!
😊
Sounds good!
I enjoyed it, Becky. Thanks for stopping by.