This books comes as a bit of an unexpected surprise. It's a really interesting mystery that keeps you hooked and on your toes.The cover is also gorgeous!

This was a magical book even tho it wasn’t what I was expecting. It’s a bit of a mystery that really sucked me in and made me finish the book in one day. I love this cover too! I really enjoyed this book!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

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.

For a debut novel, Mr. Parker has done an excellent job. Although it took me a few chapters to get into the book, once the story got rolling, it became very interesting and fast moving. The two main characters, Ryan and Amy, were enjoyable and decently rounded out. I found the story, for the most part, easy to follow and understand. I had an issue with the mystery part of the story, but it made sense in the context of the story and worked. This was a fast read, which I rather enjoyed. I give this book a solid 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.