Lighthouses have always fascinated me. I love everything about them, from their lifesaving purpose to their solitude, which has a special appeal for an introvert’s heart. Symbolic of the Christian’s duty, they shine through the darkness and guide others toward the light, illuminating the way around obstacles. As such, “The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection” is very apropos in combining seven historical romances spanning the years 1883 to 1911 and set on various lighthouse stations throughout the area. Each features an inspiring missive of hope that speaks to the inner, secret longings of the heart and to the larger message of salvation.

Although some are as seemingly bereft as the islands that they inhabit, the heroines are the mainstay of this anthology. As romantic as the idea of living in a lighthouse sounds, the reality proves it to be a difficult life, especially for women. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, upkeep involved much more than simply lighting the lamp; maintaining the lighthouse and its environs required constant physical labor as well as tending to any shipwrecks that might occur. The women in these tales are duly stalwart in spirit, yet they are all the more endearing for their vulnerabilities. In one way or another, each young lady struggles with her identity. Some want to prove their merit as light keepers, while others seek to find their individual station in life, trials that continue today.

Throughout the seven tales related in this book, the Lord becomes the bastion to which the characters cling, and He is still the One we should seek. Fans of Hazel Gaynor’s “The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter” will cherish this collection, as will any historical romance readers. In the featured story, Kathleen Rouser’s “The Last Memory”, an increasing sense of suspense pervades the tale as Natalie (“Mallory”) experiences amnesia and finds herself at the Mackinac Point Lighthouse with keeper Cal Waterson, trying to discover her past and not realizing how much it will affect them both. Two of my other favorite stories were Candice Sue Patterson’s “Beneath a Michigan Moon” and “The Disappearing Ship” by Lena Nelson Dooley. “Beneath a Michigan Moon” struck a chord with me because of Ava’s illness and her battle with physical limitations and isolation, along with her release of self-sufficiency. “The Disappearing Ship” recalled one of my favorite fictional characters, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, as Norma contended with her gender standing in the way of practicing medicine and also with a missing treasure. Each tale offers an uplifting narrative that speaks to our heart’s desire to love and to be loved, to find our true identity in Christ.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I’ve always enjoyed these novella collections from Barbour Publishing and this collection is no exception. All the stories take place in the lighthouses stationed around the Great Lakes between 1883-1911. Many of the contributing authors were new to me and I enjoyed discovering them.

Each story in the collection is unique. Pegg Thomas creates an interesting story in Anna’s Tower about an aspiring female lighthouse keeper named Anna and a Russian immigrant Maksim facing prejudice and racism. Candice Patterson weaves a tender and sweet marriage of convenience story in Beneath a Michigan Moon about Ava who is secretly keeping the lighthouse after her father’s death and Ben who is a logger working nearby. It has great dialogue and character development. In Safe Haven, Rebecca Jepson brings to light, with a flare of suspense, Rose’s unknown past as she works as a lighthouse keeper and as Nathan, a sea captain and a friend of her grand father’s, enters her life. Love’s Beacon by Carrie Fancett Pagels also has an element of mystery and suspense as Val discovers her true identity while helping the newly appointed keeper Paul with his daughter. The Last Memory by Kathleen Rouser puts Mallory who suffers amnesia from a shipwreck with Cal who is a lighthouse keeper with a young daughter. The Disappearing Ship by Lena Nelson Dooley has a bit of suspense and unconventional plot where a woman physician Norma returns home to the lighthouse when a businessman Drake comes searching for his missing ship and money and needs her assistance after an injury. The Wrong Survivor by Marilyn Turk showcases heartache and healing as Lydia mourns the death of her fiancé in a shipwreck while her fiancé’s brother, Jesse, who survived must learn about forgiveness and life after tragedy.

If you enjoy historical novella collections with a strong faith arc, you will enjoy this book. I was given a copy of this book by Barbour Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

The Last Memory by Kathleen Rouser is the focus of the Celebration Tour. This novella is exciting! The author designed a mystery lady at the center of it. The only survivor of a shipwreck and rescued by the lighthouse keeper, she takes the only name she remembers, that of the ship she sailed on. Cal, his daughter Lily, and his Aunt Ada welcome “Mallory” into their home as she heals. Weeks later, nobody has come to find her and she has only brief memories. This is a wonderful tale to delight those who love the Lord, appreciate lighthouses, and the hope of romance.

I read all the novellas! These Christian historical authors are among the best, and I highly recommend them! Faith, healing, grief, intrigue, and forgiveness are but a glimpse of what enriches these beautiful Great Lakes lighthouse settings.

The Disappearing Ship: Norma, a doctor, returns to her aunt and uncle at Whitefish Point Lighthouse. She feels defeated as patients in Chicago wouldn’t let her treat them. She meets Drake Logan, who has a telegram about his missing ship and valuables from an anonymous sole survivor.

The Wrong Survivor: Lydia is the Au Sable lighthouse keeper’s daughter. Her fiancé left for a shipboard adventure with his brother Jesse before they marry. One day a shattered Jesse returns on crutches. The ship they were on had hit a reef in a storm, split, and he could not save his brother. Lydia is devastated and blames Jesse for talking Nathan into going away.

Anna’s Tower: Anna has always dreamed of being lighthouse keeper at Thunder Bay Island. She lives there with Uncle Jim in hopes of learning and assisting. The ship Russian immigrant Maksim Ivanov was working on wrecked near the lighthouse, and he stays to help until the last ferry in the season goes to the mainland. Anna didn’t plan on Maksim taking her dream job, or the one reason she knew deep in her heart that would keep her from the job.

Beneath a Michigan Moon: Ava is the lighthouse keeper at New Presque Isle Lighthouse since her father’s death. She has a diagnosis that most do not survive. When Benjamin Colfax, foreman of the nearby lumberjack crew, realizes she is alone, he tries to help with the heavy work. When she becomes desperately ill, he takes care of her even though she believes her is dying. Now he wants to marry her to protect her reputation.

Safe Haven: Rose Miller’s grandfather, keeper of Old Mission lighthouse, passed away after telling her that she was abandoned at the lighthouse as a babe. He took her in and raised her. She is now the lighthouse keeper. Old friend Captain Nathan Perry came to visit her grandfather. When he saw her lack of provisions, he spent the winter in her grandfather’s cabin to help. When spring comes, he is going back to running the ship he loves, leaving her alone again.

Love’s Beacon: Val is away from the lighthouse by herself for the first time to get meds for her parents and siblings. The inspector meets her at the dock and sends her to the convent, where she is told they died during her absence. No proof was found of her being their child. That might explain her nightmares and fleeting memories of other homes. Father Joseph and Sister Mary Lou determine to find the truth for her. When Paul and his daughter, Sofia, go to the lighthouse as the next keeper, he hires Val to care for the 3-yr-old whose mother died giving birth to her.

From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this e-book from CelebrateLit and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

We live in an age when the lighthouses that are still working are not manned for the most part. As a result of this, despite the various tours I have taken to lighthouses, (or perhaps because of them), I have thought of lighthouses more as museums to the past than the beacons of safety that they are.

These stories of the men and women who have willingly isolated themselves, working nights and sleeping during the day, enduring the blares of foghorns to warn away ships when the light can't be seen, and making countless other sacrifices for the safety of others, have changed the way I think of lighthouses, and especially their keepers.

The stories, while all romances, varied greatly. I thought it clever that while they all take place in Michigan, the time period of each one is progressively later than the previous.

I enjoyed some of the stories more than others, which is not surprising with a collection such as this. My favorites were Anna's Tower and Beneath a Michigan Moon. The rating I gave is based on these stories.

Anna's Tower was filled with surprises, for the characters and for me. Anna's secret was a complete surprise and I love the way it influenced the story. Maksim was such a delightful character. The Russian immigrant who had escaped the pogroms despite the fact that he was not a Jew himself. His determination to learn English and to be as useful around the lighthouse as possible made him so endearing, as did the beautiful way the author fleshed out his personality.

Beneath a Michigan Moon was very touching. Ava's determination to keep the death of her father a secret so she could stay on at the lighthouse placed her in an awkward situation, especially when Ben needed access to the tower. I loved his determined and protective nature and the way he was able to show such kindness and love towards Ava.

Lighthouses have long been the symbol of salvation, warning sailors away from dangerous rocks and shallow waters. Along the Great Lakes, America’s inland seas, lighthouses played a vital role in the growth of the nation. They shepherded settlers traveling by water to places that had no roads. These beacons of light required constant tending even in remote and often dangerous places. Brave men and women battled the elements and loneliness to keep the lights shining. Their sacrifice kept goods and immigrants moving. Seven romances set between 1883 and 1911 bring hope to these lonely keepers and love to weary hearts. The Last Memory by Kathleen Rouser 1899—Mackinac Point Lighthouse Natalie Brooks loses her past to amnesia, and Cal Waterson, the lighthouse keeper who rescues her, didn’t bargain on risking his heart—when her past might change everything.



My Thoughts: This is a collection of short stories "novellas" about lighthouses and their keepers. The authors have given a precise account of the lives that these people led while helping to save the lives of others. The hardships they faced, loneliness, living in a remote area and dealing with the aftermath of shipwrecks.


The stories will draw the reader in and will fall in love with the heroines in the stories. I think of all the stories my favorites were Rose and Natalie. Rose being strong and independent, Natalie has a wonderful outlook on life after losing her memory. The reader will love all the women in the stories, these are the two that I identified with the most.

Living on a small island has given me a love for the lighthouse, and I have visited many on the Eastern Shore. That's one of the reasons I enjoyed these stories and the characters in them. Whenever you visit a lighthouse you try to envision the people that were once living there, this book gives us a wonderful look into some of those lives.


The readers will also learn how important the lighthouse is to people and the ships. It is fascinating to learn the working day of the lighthouse keepers. It was pleasant reading that the writers did make sure that the word of God was written into the stories. God is our lighthouse and we must always remember to look toward the light.


I think that everyone will enjoy this novella.

The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection: 7 Historical Romances Are a Beacon of Hope to Weary Hearts

I have always loved lighthouses and even climbed a couple ending in breathtaking views. I cannot imagine climbing all those steps during storms with snow, winds and sea lashing at the lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper. The upkeep of the lighthouse and the isolation that the lighthouse keeper endured made for a hard life. The stories in this collection set in 1883-1911 give us glimpses of the life of a lighthouse keeper and his or her family. We read of a stowaway, mysteries unraveled, stolen child, shipwreck victim with amnesia, death and a ship that seemingly disappears along with it’s cargo. At times I could almost feel the spray of the sea and the wind on my face as I read. Forgiveness, second chances and faith make these novellas captivating and heartwarming. Each author brings her own unique writing style making each story unique as well. I enjoy the historical aspects of the stories and the historical notes four of the authors’ include. A wonderful, inspiring and heartwarming collection.

1. Anna’s Tower by Pegg Thomas
Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron October 1883
2. Beneath A Michigan Moon by Candice Sue Patterson
New Presque Isle Lighthouse, Lake Huron June 1885
3. Safe Haven by Rebecca Jepson
Old Mission, Michigan New Year’s Eve 1892
4. Love’s Beacon by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Mackinac Island September 1897
5. The Last Memory by Kathleen Rouser
Straits of Mackinac April 1899
6. The Disappearing Ship by Lena Nelson Dooley
Upper Michigan Early Summer 1902
7. The Wrong Survivor by Marilyn Turk
Au Sable Lighthouse September 1911

~I also received an e-book copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection Various Authors 1-31-19
What do a Russian Immigrant, foreman of a logging company, ship's captain, two lighthouse keepers, the owner of a shipping company and a sailor on a freighter have in common?They find the love of their lives while at a lighthouse. God's hand brings together 7 couples on the Great Lakes during the late 19th to early 20th century. Travel the Great Lakes as love finds these men and women who think they don't want to find love.

Anna's Tower Peggy Thomas Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron October 4, 1883
Anna wants to take over for her uncle at the lighthouse and not be under a man's smothering control. On her first rescue mission she meet a stowaway who must stay on the island until he can leave. Maksim was working his way across the Great Lakes after being found as a stowaway. When he's left behind after his shipwrecked shipmates leave, he works for Anna's uncle. She resents that he's doing the job she wants. They become closer as she teaches him English. Maksim doesn't want to fall in love with the young woman because of a past heartbreak and wanting to go on to his original destination. As they get to know each other and fall in love they must with God's help face their fears. When Anna's uncle has an accident she must face her biggest fear to figure out that she can do anything with God's with Maksim with her. Maksim & Anna reveal their feelings.

Beneath a Michigan Moon Candice Sue Patterson New Presquel Isle Lighthouse Lake Huron June 30,1885
Ava needs to keep her father's death a secret to keep herself safe from the loggers on the isle. Ben wants to talk to her father but she keeps putting him off. She doesn't like him because of their first meeting. Ben asks for permission to go up the tower to scout the lumber they need to cut. They're attracted to each other but Ava must keep her distance because of her health. They can't stop thinking about each other. Ben offers to help Ava get the lighthouse grounds in shape so she can keep the lighthouse keeper position. When he take a trip to Chicago and comes home he has a feeling something is wrong. He realizes that the lighthouse house isn't lit. He finds Ava ill and helps her and goes for a doctor. He ends up staying overnight and they must marry to save her reputation. A past tragedy could come between them. Ben makes a plan. Ben courts Ava after they're married. The doctor asks for a blood test and gives Ava some good news. A fire has everyone scrambling to escape and they must come together under a Michigan moon.

Sea Haven Rebecca Jepson Old Mission, Michigan New Year's Eve 1892
When Rose's grandfather dies she's left to run the lighthouse. Before he died he revealed her past that she must keep secret. An unexpected visit from Captian Nathan Perry gives her company and a friend to help her through her first winter alone. As they spend time together their feelings grow and get stronger. Neither one lets their feelings be known. A trip to town has Rose making new friends. Nathan isn't pleased about her new male friend. He's jealous. When it comes time for Nathan to leave for the shipping season Rose brings him a pie hoping to find out his feelings. A kiss is shared but each thinks the other didn't want the kiss. Nathan makes a surprise visit only to become ill and stay for several days. Rose nurses him back to health. Nathan reveals his part in Rose's past. A confession is made and Nathan looks into Rose's past. On a trip to visit a grave she comes across a woman who was just there. Rose finds relatives. Nathan makes a surprise visit. He makes a declaration. A proposal is made and accepted.


The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection cont.:

Love's Beacon Carrie Fancett Pagels Mackinac Island January 1898
Valerie is sent to get medicine for her sick family. She's stopped from heading home by the assistant lighthouse commissioner who takes her to the local orphanage. Valerie finds out that her family has dies and spends the next few years helping at the orphanage. Paul has been wanting to get away from his died wife's memory. He's always wanted to work at a lighthouse and a letter gives him that chance. His only problem is needing a housekeeper to help take care of his little girl. Valerie doesn't want to return to the lighthouse because of all the bad memories. A job isn't available to her anywhere so when on a visit Paul comes to ask her to return and help with his little girl she says yes. Valerie and her friends have been looking into the documents and information that her parents left behind. She's also been having strange memories she doesn't know what to do with. As they spend time together they begin to heal from their pasts. Valerie's past comes out and Paul inadvertently is involved. A surprise meeting with new family sends Valerie running only to return to find out the truth. She asks Paul to wait for her. She spends time with her new family but misses Paul and his daughter. Paul has to make a decision about his lighthouse job. Valerie becomes Valentine. Her sister has a surprise for Paul. A feeling of rightness and a wedding are in order for the couple.

The Lost Memory Kathleen Rouser Straits of Mackinac April 1899
Cal and his rescue crew are looking for survivors from a shipwreck. They come across a woman just before ending their search. Taking her back to the lighthouse they find out that the only thing she can remember is Mallory, the name of the ship she was on. As she heals from her ordeal she helps out his family. Cal and his family help her search for her family and to recover. They start falling in love with each other. Some of Mallory's skills come back to her. She has flashes of memory. As the weeks pass with no one coming for her she settles in. Cal and Mallory become closer but his past and her memory keeps distance between them. When Cal's aunt falls ill its up to Mallory to pick up her duties. A stranger shows up claiming to be Mallory's fiance'. This begins to bring back her memory. She realizes she can't go on staying at the lighthouse. Mallory is actually Natalie Brooks. Natalie and her fiance' aren't on the same page and it was an arranged marriage, so she calls off the engagement. She decides its time for her to leave. Cal can't stand the idea of living with out Natalie so he finally reveals his feelings after he and his daughter suffer a close call. Six months later a wedding takes place.

The Disappearing Ship Lena Nelson Dooley Upper Michigan Early Summer 1902
Norma is heading home because her life in Chicago as a doctor didn't turn out as she wanted. Drake is taking a trip to find his shipwrecked boat with a special cargo on board. They take the same transportation to the island and end up at her uncle's lighthouse. When Drake realizes Norma is a doctor he knows she's not the woman he'd want to settle down with. They're attracted to each other. With help from Norma an assistant lighthouse keeper he goes looking for the shipwreck. Norma's doctor skills come in handy when Drake is thrown from his horse. She has a hard keeping him resting after his injury. Drake realizes he could really fall for Norma but he's not ready to get married. An idea about the telegram about the shipwreck, sends them check at the local Western Union. Norma stays at the hotel and ends up helping a worker. Drake and the friend find evidence of the boat and follow the guy to Canada. Norma worries. Drake follows the clues. They return to the lighthouse and explain everything. Drake asks to court Norma. Norma doesn't want a very long courtship.


The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection cont.:

The Wrong Survivor Marilyn Turk Au Sable Lighthouse September 1911
Lydia has been waiting for a letter from her fiance' for two months. The supply boat has just come and she's anxious to get to it. As she and her father are headed to the dock they come across the assistant lighthouse keep coming with a man who she thinks could be her fiance'. Only its his brother Jesse. Her fiance' his brother died when the ship wrecked. Jesse feels guilty because he talked his brother into going with him. Lydia blames him for her fiance's death. He realizes that he can now never have the type of relationship he's always wanted with her. As time passes and they start coming out of their grief. Jesse hopes that they can become friends. Lydia starts having romantic feelings for Jesse and she can forgive him. He tells her what happened and how he tried to save his brother. Lydia has a hard time letting the anger go. When a ship is in trouble and Jesse must go help rescue the men on board. Lydia realizes she has feelings for Jesse that she never had for her fiance'. After returning from the rescue Lydia shows Jesse the joy and love she has for him and his safe return.

Travel the Great Lakes with this independent, adventurous women who want to full fill their dreams and over come adversity to find true love and become lighthouse brides. God shows them that even though you might not want to find your true love it's up to him when you do. You'll find it when you least expect to and in unique circumstances and you can find true love again even when you never thought you would.

Another really lovely collection from Barbour Publishing. Having each story revolve around a Great Lakes lighthouse is a very clever concept, and having a house in Northern Michigan, I was drawn to these stories more than most readers. I felt like the final story ended abruptly, but that’s probably my only concern with the book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed reading this! We find all these stories taking place along the Great Lakes. They took place between 1883 and 1911. We have to remember these beacons of light had to be tended during sickness and in health and during the most violent of storms. These lighthouses were often situated in desolate areas and help was not readily available to tend to shipwrecked men. In cases like this the light keeper and his family had to doctor the injured men and women from the shipwreck. Though tiring and it often being a thankless job the light keeper without fail did his duty and stayed strong. 7 historically enjoyable stories about finding and keeping love during the struggle of daily life . Wonderful stories and fascinating characters make this book a winner in my eyes.
Pub Date 01 Nov 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

7 wonderful stories of romance. I enjoyed that there was lighthouses involved and the workings of and the keeper of the light made the stories real and believable. Each of the stories were interesting, unique and the perfect amount of romance.
I requested a copy through NetGally and my review is voluntary.

The Great Lakes Lighthouse Bride Collection consists
of a collection of seven historical romances revolving
around lighthouses. These stories are set in between
the years 1883 and 1911.
The lighthouses back in that time period were worked
by manual labor to keep the lights in working order.
These beacons were essential to guide ship safely
through the waters.
The research was impeccable in accuracy in the
workings of the various lighthouses. The characters
showed how the people’s lived in those days. They
were creatively crafted, vivid, hard working, colorful
and very interesting. The determination to keep the
lights working for the safety of those on the waters
despite all obstacles was amazing.
The seven novella are as follows
.....Anna’s Tower by Pegg Thomas
1883—Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse
This was my favorite novella. Great characters with
vivid descriptions plus an interesting plotted story.
.....Beneath A Michigan Moon by Candice Sue Patterson
1885—New Presque Isle Lighthouse
.....Safe Haven by Rebecca Jepson
1892—Old Mission Point Lighthouse
.....Love's Beacon by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1898—Round Island Lighthouse
.....The Last Memory by Kathleen Rouser
1899—Mackinac Point Lighthouse
.....The Disappearing Ship by Lena Nelson Dooley
1902—Whitefish Point Lighthouse
.....The Wrong Survivor by Marilyn Turka
1911—Au Sable Lighthouse
I volunteered to read the Great Lakes Lighthouse
Bides collection. Thanks to Barbour and Net Gallery
for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
A Very Highly Recommended Read!!!

As the title suggests, the seven stories revolve around lighthouses located in the Great Lakes region covering the US states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as well as the Canadian province of Ontario.

Some of the protagonists man the lighthouses single-handedly when struck with the loss of a male family member in order to survive. While others are returning to their homes located to their homes in order to "find" themselves and quite obviously along the way, they find the love of their lives. All these situations challenge the female protagonists are required to anchor themselves on their faith and their inner willpower.

My favourite short story was definitely Pegg Thomas' Anna's Tower that piqued my curiosity about the anti-Jewish pogroms in the Russia Empire in the 19th century.

Readers will enjoy that the diverse female characters and their love for the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Lighthouse is one of those books that you will enjoy as a pick-me-up or as a palate cleanser.

This set of books is just what I was looking for! Something to give me the warm and fuzzy's with romance sprinkled in all the right places. I also found the time period of the late 1800's to early 1900's. The descriptions in each book were so clear, I felt like I was transported back in time. If you're looking for a set of books that will tug at your heartstrings in all the right ways, this collection is the one for you.

Who, in our day and age, hasn't given over to the mystique of imagining what it must've been like to live in a lighthouse? I know I have, and the seven authors of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Collection do a superb job of bringing imagination to life in both romantic and realistic ways. Most of these stories feature heroines put in situations where they must become the keepers of the light, either out of emergency or longing. Along the way, of course, they find romance. The really wonderful thing about these stories is that they each feature a real lighthouse located somewhere in the Great Lakes. First of all, anything "Great Lakes" calls out to me because I live near Lake Superior and have my own "favorite" lighthouses. Secondly, if you can't get visit all these lighthouses -- and some are nearly unreachable these days -- then you can "tour" them by living vicariously through these characters. The novellas also feature other intriguing pieces of lake history from shipwrecks and immigration to logging and mining, common to the region and the times. The stories are also fraught with some mystery and other perils of living remotely. Each novella has a "feel good" ending, so if you just want to get away from it all, you'll find it easy to do in this Great Lakes lighthouse novella collection.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed learning about the the Great Lakes and Lighthouses. It was interesting to learn more about Lighthouse keeping and the men and women who kept the lights burning during the long nights.

Anna's Tower, Pegg Thomas.
1883—Thunder Bay Island Lighthouse
Anna Wilson's plan to be the next lighthouse keeper is endangered when Maksim Ivanov is shipwrecked on Thunder Bay Island. Handsome and capable, he could steal her dream. Or provide a new one.
My thoughts:
A bit predictable but a cute story.
I thought there were too many characters introduced so early on. It got to be a little confusing.
The overbearing aunties were quite funny.
I admired Anna's fire and wilful soul.
Maksim was cute, barely able to speak English let alone understand it, he was treated sorta like a child, which I didn't appreciate.
A sweet book, I enjoyed the friendships.

Beneath a Michigan Moon, Candice Sue Patterson.
1885—New Presque Isle Lighthouse
Ava Ryan’s father has passed, leaving her alone, and ill, to tend the light with nowhere else to go. Logging foreman Benjamin Colfax needs the height of the lighthouse to determine the best cutting route, but he senses something amiss in Ava and her determination to remain reclusive. Can he get her to open up, or will she keep herself locked away?

My thoughts:
The story started off a little oddly.
I wasn't sure whether to like or hate Mr. Benjamin Colfax.
Likened to a snake, my hackles immediately rose.
But by the middle of the story I really liked Ben.

Things got pretty descriptive, there was some intense kissing scenes. A few things were hinted at that went a little farther than I like

I felt like the story ended with a lot of unanswered questions.

Safe Haven, Rebecca Jepson.
1892—Old Mission Point Lighthouse
Rose Miller was found on the lighthouse doorstep as an infant, and now she must hide her quest to find the child who left her there from Captain Nathan Perry, the man she loves to hate.

My thoughts:
Beautifully and poetically written, I loved it from the start.

I felt like the story was missing something. It skipped around a lot and ignored stuff

There were some cute scenes that I really liked. It was a good story, not amazing, but good.

Loves Beacon, Carrie Fancett Pagels.
1898—Round Island Lighthouse
Valerie Fillman's best hope for a future lies on the tiny island that holds her worst memories. Can Paul Sholtus, the new lightkeeper, and his daughter help bring healing? And love?

My thoughts:
I did not read this story. I started it, got a few chapters in and could not read it anymore.

It was odd and there were some upsetting things in it, such as memories of child abuse from when the main character was younger.


The Last Memory, Kathleen Rouser.
1899—Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Natalie Brooks loses her past to amnesia, and Cal Waterson, the lighthouse keeper who rescues her, didn’t bargain on risking his heart—when her past might change everything.

My thoughts:
I don't usually enjoy memory loss books, but this one was different.

The story was well written. I liked the characters.

This story is one of my favorites in the collection.

I was very happy with the content; the Faith content was satisfying but not overpowering. (I know that upsets a lot of people)

Very clean, never went farther than I like.

The Disappearing Ship Lena Nelson Dooley.

1902—Whitefish Point Lighthouse
Romance and mystery collide at Whitefish Point Lighthouse when unemployed doctor Norma Kimbell and Drake Logan, owner of a steamship line, search for evidence of a supposed shipwreck.

My thoughts:
This story was alright. It wasn't amazing. It didn't have a lasting impression, the characters weren't memorable. I enjoyed it while I read it. But I don't believe I'll think on it again.

Drake made me a little angry with his opinions of women doctors and what women should and should not be.
He sure changed his tune when he was the patient though.

This story didn't really fit with the others because neither of the main characters were lighthouse keepers. In fact, there wasn't really anything to do with the Lighthouse.

The Wrong Survivor by Marilyn Turk
1911—Au Sable Lighthouse
Lydia Palmer's dream for happiness as a lighthouse keeper's wife shatters when her fiancé Nathan Drake drowned in a shipwreck, but his brother Jesse survived

My thoughts:

This was a good story. I liked the characters. Jesse was a sweetheart and not just because he shares a name with my favorite dog.

Lydia was a good character, she had to learn what it means to forgive, not quite forget, but move forward.

This story is my 2nd favorite one in the collection. :)


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was very excited to read this collection. I live in Michigan so I have seen all of the Great Lakes.

Each story is unique, yet there is the common thread of the lighthouse. I find these types of stories fascinating.

I especially was drawn the Round Island Lighthouse since I have seen that one many times when I have visited Mackinac Island (my favorite place and got to visit in this story).

Overall, I lovely collection of stories.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com All opinions are my own.

Another wonderful collection by Barbour Publishing. Long before radar and technology came into existence, ships depended on Lighthouses to light a safe path to shore. These are a few stories taking place between 1883 and 1902, that show us how hard lighthouse life is. It was often lonely work too. The need for a loving partner is obvious. Each novella is a sweet romance with a happy ending but they are all unique, filled with twists, turns, hardships, and a few mysteries. I loved taking my time reading through this collection. I'm sure I will revisit these novellas again.

A fine collection of all new stories featuring the historical lighthouses of the Great Lakes region. Starting from 1883 to 1911, the wide variety of tales includes people who lived, tended, rescued and helped others along the vast water ways. Some had mysteries to unravel, involving mistaken identities, amnesia vistims, injured and survivors of wrecks. The stories with brave women who tended the lights were especially interesting, as some really did attain positions. It all sounded like hard work, but rewarding. Living in isolation for many, dealing with the loneliness must have been difficult. It made for a good point to develop relationships, and a strong faith in God.

I enjoyed all the stories, but really liked the pair in Safe Haven--the young lighthouse keeper Rose and Nathan the stoic sea captain. Interesting plot in that one, and the awkward romance had a perfect amount of tension. Many of these tales would be good full length novels. I have enjoyed visiting many of the old lighthouses along the Pacific Northwest coastline, so it helped me picture what was described in the stories. Reading this during the cold rainy season made the stories really come alive too.

Recommend for readers who enjoy clean historical romances. 4.5 stars

The Great Lakes are in some pretty tough country. Women Lighthouse keepers were rare and their lives difficult. These seven stories about their struggles, their lives, their faith and their hearts will give you a chance to peer back into history as well as into their hearts. A collection of inspirational stories to entertain you, intrigue you and comfort you on some dark and stormy nights. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

Will they find love or be lost to the stormy waters?

Anna's Tower by Pegg Thomas
This is one of the two stories that I most looked forward to in this collection and I was not disappointed. I loved the sweet romance between two very different characters and the dash of danger was just right.

Beneath A Michigan Moon by Candice Sue Patterson
So this author is one of the new-to-me ones in this collection. I loved this story and definitely hope to read more from her in the future. Having visited other parts of Michigan before I could really visualize this story as I read it.

Safe Haven by Rebecca Jepson
I think this may just be my favorite story in the collection. Not only because of two-decades-old mystery but also because I have actually visited the lighthouse where the story is set! It really made the story and characters come to life for me.

Love's Beacon by Carrie Fancett Pagels
This was the second story that I most looked forward to when I started the collection. Mystery abounds in this tale of intrigue and sweet romance. Not to mention this story has the most adorable little girl! You just want to hug her!

The Last Memory by by Kathleen Rouser
This was the second totally new-to-me author in this collection and I found myself enjoying story set on Lake Huron. It starts out with a real bang, a shipwreck, and slowly leads into a wonderfully sweet romance.

The Disappearing Ship
Aside from the obvious parallel to Salvation, the other word that seems to be associated with lighthouses would be 'mystery'. And boy, does this romance about a woman doctor and her handsome have quite the adventure within!

The Wrong Survivor by Marilyn Turk
What an intriguing title this novella has, and it really matches this tale of loss, love, and forgiveness. This was the final new-to-me author in the collection and now I'm curious to discover any other stories she might have.

Overall
Really, all I had to see was the word 'lighthouse' and this book went straight onto my wishlist. I am a longtime lighthouse fan and I've been to 7 on Lake Michigan. Then I saw a couple of names of familiar authors and that only added icing on the cake.

I really loved this themed collection of novellas, from both familiar authors and new ones, and I would highly recommend it to any fan of Barbour's novella collections and especially to anyone who loves lighthouses.

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)