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Where the Light Shines
With a broken heart and a desperate need to hide from the spotlight, Chicago socialite Rylie Crest flees to a small town on the west coast of Florida to start over. Set on a winding crystal-clear river, under the tall pines and aging oaks, she buys an old abandoned home with hopes to restore it, only to find a specter of the past seems to haunt the river's edge. Filling her days stripping wallpaper, sanding floors, and discovering the secrets her house has left behind, she fills her nights imploring the river to take her sorrows and set her free.
But that’s the thing about hiding and secrets, whether we want them to or not, they always have a way of coming into the light.
It’s with the heat of the summer and an unexpected chance at love, Rylie must learn to let go of the past, reveal what she's been hiding, and only then can she discover what happiness truly is.
Fans of The House on Tradd Street, Under the Tuscan Sun and Where the Crawdads Sing will fall in love with the descriptive, southern charm, laced with secrets and mystery and romance in Where the Light Shines.
But that’s the thing about hiding and secrets, whether we want them to or not, they always have a way of coming into the light.
It’s with the heat of the summer and an unexpected chance at love, Rylie must learn to let go of the past, reveal what she's been hiding, and only then can she discover what happiness truly is.
Fans of The House on Tradd Street, Under the Tuscan Sun and Where the Crawdads Sing will fall in love with the descriptive, southern charm, laced with secrets and mystery and romance in Where the Light Shines.
- GenresRomance
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2023
69 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Andrews
19 books590 followersKathryn Andrews is a #1 Inspirational Romance Bestselling Author who loves stories that end with a happily ever after. She started writing at age seven and never stopped. Kathryn is known for Chasing Clouds, the Starving for Southern series, and her much loved Hale Brothers series. Her stories are sweet, southern, and fall into the genres of chi-lit, contemporary romance, sports romance, and southern fiction.
Kathryn graduated from the University of South Florida with degrees in Biology and Chemistry, and currently lives in Tampa, Florida. She spends her days as a sales director for a medical device company and her nights lost in her love of fictional characters.
When Kathryn is not crafting beautiful worlds that incorporate some of her most favorite real life places, she can be found hanging out with her husband and two young sons, while drinking iced coffee and enjoying the sun.
A note from the author...
Over ten years ago my husband and I were driving from Chicago to Tampa and somewhere in Kentucky I remember seeing a billboard that was all black with five white words, “I do, therefore I am!” I’m certain that it was a Nike ad, but for me I found this to be completely profound.
Take running for example. Most will say that a runner is someone who runs five days a week and runs under a ten minute mile pace. Well, I can tell you that I never run five days a week and on my best days my pace is an eleven minute mile. I have run quite a few half marathons and one full marathon. No matter what anyone says, I am a runner. I do, therefore I am.
I’ve taken this same thought and applied it to so many areas of my life: cooking, gardening, quilting, and yes…writing.
I may not be culinary trained, but I love to cook and my family and friends loves to eat my food. I cook, therefore I am a chef!
My thumb is not black. I love to grow herbs, tomatoes, roses, and lavender. I garden, therefore I am a gardener!
I love beautiful fabrics and I can follow a pattern. My triangles may not line up perfectly…but who cares, my quilts are still beautiful when they are finished. I quilt, therefore I am a quilter.
I have been writing my entire life. It is my husband who finally said, “Who cares if people like your books or not? If you enjoy writing them and you love your stories…then write them.” He has always been my biggest fan and he was right. Being a writer has always been my dream and what I said I wanted to be when I grew up.
So, I’ve told you who I am and what I love to do…now I’m going to tell you the why.
I have two boys that are three years a part. My husband and I want to instill in them adventure, courage, and passion. We don’t expect them to be perfect at things, we just want them to try and do. It’s not about winning the race, it’s about showing up in the first place. We don’t want them to be discouraged by society stereotypes, we want them to embrace who they are and what they love. After all, we only get one life.
In the end, they won’t care how many books I actually sell…all that matters to them is that I said I was going to do it, I did it, and I have loved every minute of it.
Find something that you love and tell yourself, “I do, therefore I am.”
Kathryn graduated from the University of South Florida with degrees in Biology and Chemistry, and currently lives in Tampa, Florida. She spends her days as a sales director for a medical device company and her nights lost in her love of fictional characters.
When Kathryn is not crafting beautiful worlds that incorporate some of her most favorite real life places, she can be found hanging out with her husband and two young sons, while drinking iced coffee and enjoying the sun.
A note from the author...
Over ten years ago my husband and I were driving from Chicago to Tampa and somewhere in Kentucky I remember seeing a billboard that was all black with five white words, “I do, therefore I am!” I’m certain that it was a Nike ad, but for me I found this to be completely profound.
Take running for example. Most will say that a runner is someone who runs five days a week and runs under a ten minute mile pace. Well, I can tell you that I never run five days a week and on my best days my pace is an eleven minute mile. I have run quite a few half marathons and one full marathon. No matter what anyone says, I am a runner. I do, therefore I am.
I’ve taken this same thought and applied it to so many areas of my life: cooking, gardening, quilting, and yes…writing.
I may not be culinary trained, but I love to cook and my family and friends loves to eat my food. I cook, therefore I am a chef!
My thumb is not black. I love to grow herbs, tomatoes, roses, and lavender. I garden, therefore I am a gardener!
I love beautiful fabrics and I can follow a pattern. My triangles may not line up perfectly…but who cares, my quilts are still beautiful when they are finished. I quilt, therefore I am a quilter.
I have been writing my entire life. It is my husband who finally said, “Who cares if people like your books or not? If you enjoy writing them and you love your stories…then write them.” He has always been my biggest fan and he was right. Being a writer has always been my dream and what I said I wanted to be when I grew up.
So, I’ve told you who I am and what I love to do…now I’m going to tell you the why.
I have two boys that are three years a part. My husband and I want to instill in them adventure, courage, and passion. We don’t expect them to be perfect at things, we just want them to try and do. It’s not about winning the race, it’s about showing up in the first place. We don’t want them to be discouraged by society stereotypes, we want them to embrace who they are and what they love. After all, we only get one life.
In the end, they won’t care how many books I actually sell…all that matters to them is that I said I was going to do it, I did it, and I have loved every minute of it.
Find something that you love and tell yourself, “I do, therefore I am.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 22, 2023
Loved the layers. Loved the characters and the southern landscape. I went into this story blind and I was not disappointed. Loved the mystery surrounding the heroine, the ghost story and the surprising love story that I hoped would be, but didn’t know what to expect!! Bravo Kathryn!! What a great introduction to your work. The Audiobook was amazing!!
June 28, 2023
Where The Light Shines follows Rylie Crest, well, technically Rylie Kent now, since her ex-husband blew up their marriage taking her career and the better part of her Chicago high society life with it, who has bought a century old house, sight unseen in the sleepy little Florida tourist town of Chuluota Springs.
Attempting to fly under the radar for as long as the assumed name of Ryla Corcell lasts, it’s her plan to put her training as an interior designer to work overseeing the renovation of her once grand new house, that, at least by small town standards could easily be called a mansion, and to use that same time to do some renovation of herself as well.
Not being the one who was at all unhappy in her marriage, and blindsided by her ex’s betrayal, and the subsequent field day the Chicago press had with the unfolding drama that followed, this project is her chance to take a step back from being a socialite and just spend some time rediscovering the girl who used to vacation in this part of Florida with her family when she was young.
Of course, there’s that old real estate adage, “buyer beware”. Apparently disclosure doesn’t require the mentioning of whether a house, or perhaps more accurately, the dock down at the river’s edge, is haunted. No mention of resident manatees taking up permanent residence under said dock, and absolutely no mention of grumpy, but rather attractive neighbors motoring past on the river.
In this book, Kathryn Andrews’ prose is constantly evoking atmospheres. Right from the opening scene, I felt like I was right there with Ryla, experiencing the shadows and strange bird calls in the night, the different moods evoked by the relationship between the weather and the river. The tension created by secrets that are clearly kept but not shared and similarly the warmth and camaraderie that ensues when one is taken into a confidence.
While Ryla has more than a few secrets of her own, so too does almost every character that we get to meet in Chuluota Springs, from Natalie the real estate agent who managed the sale and is one of the few who knows exactly who Ryla really is, to the genial giant of a builder, the grumpy boat owner and not least of all, the house itself, complete with resident ghost.
Indeed the entire town somehow seems tied up in the century old secrets of the house and uncovering those secrets slowly takes precedence over the initial project of simply restoring a building. Learning about the people who once lived there, their joys and tragedies contrasts and compliments Ryla’s own journey towards healing, and finding peace.
I adored everything about this book, the world building is incredible, and perhaps somewhat self-contradictorily, the silences, the parts where people choose not to fill the silences, speak incredibly eloquently of the hurts they hold close.
A little spooky, a little nostalgic, a little wistful, and a whole lot of life lie within its pages, and if that sounds like something you might be into, I couldn’t recommend it more.
P.S. as the story progresses, the title becomes ever more central to the mystery, and right up to the end, I guessed wrong ;)
Attempting to fly under the radar for as long as the assumed name of Ryla Corcell lasts, it’s her plan to put her training as an interior designer to work overseeing the renovation of her once grand new house, that, at least by small town standards could easily be called a mansion, and to use that same time to do some renovation of herself as well.
Not being the one who was at all unhappy in her marriage, and blindsided by her ex’s betrayal, and the subsequent field day the Chicago press had with the unfolding drama that followed, this project is her chance to take a step back from being a socialite and just spend some time rediscovering the girl who used to vacation in this part of Florida with her family when she was young.
Of course, there’s that old real estate adage, “buyer beware”. Apparently disclosure doesn’t require the mentioning of whether a house, or perhaps more accurately, the dock down at the river’s edge, is haunted. No mention of resident manatees taking up permanent residence under said dock, and absolutely no mention of grumpy, but rather attractive neighbors motoring past on the river.
In this book, Kathryn Andrews’ prose is constantly evoking atmospheres. Right from the opening scene, I felt like I was right there with Ryla, experiencing the shadows and strange bird calls in the night, the different moods evoked by the relationship between the weather and the river. The tension created by secrets that are clearly kept but not shared and similarly the warmth and camaraderie that ensues when one is taken into a confidence.
While Ryla has more than a few secrets of her own, so too does almost every character that we get to meet in Chuluota Springs, from Natalie the real estate agent who managed the sale and is one of the few who knows exactly who Ryla really is, to the genial giant of a builder, the grumpy boat owner and not least of all, the house itself, complete with resident ghost.
Indeed the entire town somehow seems tied up in the century old secrets of the house and uncovering those secrets slowly takes precedence over the initial project of simply restoring a building. Learning about the people who once lived there, their joys and tragedies contrasts and compliments Ryla’s own journey towards healing, and finding peace.
I adored everything about this book, the world building is incredible, and perhaps somewhat self-contradictorily, the silences, the parts where people choose not to fill the silences, speak incredibly eloquently of the hurts they hold close.
A little spooky, a little nostalgic, a little wistful, and a whole lot of life lie within its pages, and if that sounds like something you might be into, I couldn’t recommend it more.
P.S. as the story progresses, the title becomes ever more central to the mystery, and right up to the end, I guessed wrong ;)
June 28, 2023
So deep and needed
This book had a different spin from other books Kathryn has written, but know I was still pulled in. The love story was ever present, but it was the hidden gems throughout. Secrets hidden, a past understood and discovered. A growth from grief and deception. A journey of finding your peace and letting go of the toxic.
Sometimes change is needed, and there is always something or someone guiding you to where you are meant to be. Learn to listen, research, and just follow. You never know, it may lead you to Where the Light Shines.
This book had a different spin from other books Kathryn has written, but know I was still pulled in. The love story was ever present, but it was the hidden gems throughout. Secrets hidden, a past understood and discovered. A growth from grief and deception. A journey of finding your peace and letting go of the toxic.
Sometimes change is needed, and there is always something or someone guiding you to where you are meant to be. Learn to listen, research, and just follow. You never know, it may lead you to Where the Light Shines.
June 26, 2023
Loved this! I connected with Ryla’s story right away and I couldn’t put this down.
June 30, 2023
Definitely the best book I've read in a long time. It had everything I love - likable characters, romance, mystery, some history, and steam. I hope other characters get books!
June 26, 2023
There is something truly magical about a Kathryn Andrews book. I really can’t say that enough. This author has such a way with her words and stories that you are fully enveloped with her characters. Every. Single. Time. She makes her stories so real, so tangible, so authentic in a way that is always dynamic and incredible, and this book was no different. This book had it all, and then some.
Where The Light Shines is an enrapturing story of a women’s journey to finding herself, finding who she’s always been meant to be, and finding her home and right place in the world.
This book is a beautiful journey of self discovery, of emotional growth, of life and love and everything in between. This story is one of hope and second chances. It’s a story of finding home, love, and family in the most unexpected of places. It’s a story of renovation…renovation of a beautiful historic home, but more so, renovation of one’s self. Renovation, restoration, and reinvention from the past, the way the world sees you, and what you thought your life had to be.
This story is one of a remarkable and resilient woman who is wiling to do whatever it takes to find exactly the place and person she was always meant to be.
Where The Light Shines weaves together a story of small town magic and charm, while delivering a story of love, a story of secrets and history, a story of a very special river and ghosts, a story of risks and chances, and a story of a woman’s journey to the second chance at the life she’s always dreamed and hoped for.
Kathryn Andrews has truly outdone herself with this book, these characters, and what she delivered in this story. Just when I think she can’t make me love her words more, she goes and does just that. Every word of this phenomenal book shows her true talent as a writer and storyteller. The way she so perfectly and thoughtfully weaves together all of the intricate pieces of this story is absolutely incredible.
She so truly captures and creates everything in the most unforgettable way.
She delivers it all.
Through her writing and words you get Rylie in the truest way. You get her journey, you get her heart, and you just get her. But more than that, you love her. You root for her. You believe in her and everything she’s working and fighting for. You connect to her in the most authentic and deepest way in this book, and it is truly everything. I love that girl with my whole heart, and her story in this book is one that I will never forget. The way you feel it all with her, grow and evolve with her, and the way you just live her story and journey in this book is nothing short of everything you need.
It is also through Kathryn Andrew’s magnificent writing that you get every other dynamic aspect of this story. You get the history of it all, the well thought out intricate pieces that weave together a mystery and a small town that will have you consumed from start to finish. You get the ghost story, the river and house, the “could that really be?” moments, and the magical feeling that infuses itself into every page of this author’s words. You get the small town ambiance and cast of characters that come with this place that you will want to spend the rest of your days with…trust me. (I’m already dreaming of the next time I will get back to this small town and these characters because they are truly special in every way.)
You also get the unforgettable romance and love story of it all too with Rylie and Jake. I love those two so much. They definitely get off to a memorable start, and have their fair share of bumps and hurdles along the way that they have to work their way through, but those two are worth it. In every way possible. They show you that there is something truly there between them that needs to be explored. Their connection, their spark, and the way that it illuminates off the page is phenomenal. Trust me when I say you will want to live your life in those moments with them because they are just that special, that emotional, that beautiful, and that memorable.
Simply put, I love those two and everything they gave me with my whole heart. Getting their love story in the midst of Rylie’s journey and every other fantastic piece of this story was such an amazing piece to this book. Those two are magic in every way, and you will believe in every way that they need to find their way to a happily ever after.
Kathryn Andrews leaves it all on the pages of Where The Light Shines. She delivers an amazing women’s fiction story that has it all. This book has the feels and emotion, it has the mystery and history, it has the romance, love, and connection, it has the small town, southern charm that sparkles on every page, it has SO much heart and emotion…but most of all it has a story of a woman determined to find what she’s always needed and deserved and hoped for. It has a story of her journey to finding herself, finding what could and should be, and finding the past that unlocks all the possibilities for the future.
Where The Light Shines reminded me over and over again why I love this author’s words so much. Through every turn of that page I was swept into this consuming world and story in a way that had me loving everything I was reading. This book truly has it all and more, and I’m just so glad that I had the chance to experience everything so authentically and vividly with Rylie, Jake, and every other amazing character in this story.
I will never forget this book or what it was like to experience this story.
I loved the characters. I loved what I got with them. I loved the journey of it all. I loved the love. I loved how much heart was in this story, how much life and vibrancy was in it. I loved how real and charming it all was. And most of all, I just loved how I felt so connected to it all. All of that heightened my experience as a reader and swept me up into all of the amazingness of this world and story.
Where The Light Shines is the perfect summer read that you need in your life this second. Kathryn Andrews delivers everything you need in this beautiful book. From beginning to end you will be absolutely enraptured with this story, with Rylie and her journey, and with everything this author delivers.
Trust me when I say you need this book in your life as soon as humanly possible. You need the beauty of it, the heart of it, the mystery, the river, the house, the charm of it, and the journey of it. You need everything this author so incredibly captures and creates in this book.
My heart is so full from this book and what I got with these characters along the way. I truly could not have asked for more from them or their story. I have no doubt that this book will remain one of my favorites of not just the summer, but of all time. I really cannot say enough how much I loved this book and story.
It was simply everything and more.
Kathryn Andrews continues to show me why she is one of my favorite authors of all time, and I can’t wait for the next time I get to be completely swept up in her words. (Fingers crossed it’s something related to this world because I need more!) Where The Light Shines is her at her best and I know that you will love this story fiercely, just as I did. It encapsulates every dynamic aspect in the mosh vibrant and unforgettable way, and it will have you loving and cherishing every second with these characters.
Trust me.
Read this book. Live it. Love it. Feel it. Breathe it in and take it in all its gloriousness. Be prepared to be wowed by everything it gives you to experience. And just know that it will give you it all and then some…and that, well that is just the best.
THE. ACTUAL. BEST.
Where The Light Shines is an enrapturing story of a women’s journey to finding herself, finding who she’s always been meant to be, and finding her home and right place in the world.
This book is a beautiful journey of self discovery, of emotional growth, of life and love and everything in between. This story is one of hope and second chances. It’s a story of finding home, love, and family in the most unexpected of places. It’s a story of renovation…renovation of a beautiful historic home, but more so, renovation of one’s self. Renovation, restoration, and reinvention from the past, the way the world sees you, and what you thought your life had to be.
This story is one of a remarkable and resilient woman who is wiling to do whatever it takes to find exactly the place and person she was always meant to be.
Where The Light Shines weaves together a story of small town magic and charm, while delivering a story of love, a story of secrets and history, a story of a very special river and ghosts, a story of risks and chances, and a story of a woman’s journey to the second chance at the life she’s always dreamed and hoped for.
Kathryn Andrews has truly outdone herself with this book, these characters, and what she delivered in this story. Just when I think she can’t make me love her words more, she goes and does just that. Every word of this phenomenal book shows her true talent as a writer and storyteller. The way she so perfectly and thoughtfully weaves together all of the intricate pieces of this story is absolutely incredible.
She so truly captures and creates everything in the most unforgettable way.
She delivers it all.
Through her writing and words you get Rylie in the truest way. You get her journey, you get her heart, and you just get her. But more than that, you love her. You root for her. You believe in her and everything she’s working and fighting for. You connect to her in the most authentic and deepest way in this book, and it is truly everything. I love that girl with my whole heart, and her story in this book is one that I will never forget. The way you feel it all with her, grow and evolve with her, and the way you just live her story and journey in this book is nothing short of everything you need.
It is also through Kathryn Andrew’s magnificent writing that you get every other dynamic aspect of this story. You get the history of it all, the well thought out intricate pieces that weave together a mystery and a small town that will have you consumed from start to finish. You get the ghost story, the river and house, the “could that really be?” moments, and the magical feeling that infuses itself into every page of this author’s words. You get the small town ambiance and cast of characters that come with this place that you will want to spend the rest of your days with…trust me. (I’m already dreaming of the next time I will get back to this small town and these characters because they are truly special in every way.)
You also get the unforgettable romance and love story of it all too with Rylie and Jake. I love those two so much. They definitely get off to a memorable start, and have their fair share of bumps and hurdles along the way that they have to work their way through, but those two are worth it. In every way possible. They show you that there is something truly there between them that needs to be explored. Their connection, their spark, and the way that it illuminates off the page is phenomenal. Trust me when I say you will want to live your life in those moments with them because they are just that special, that emotional, that beautiful, and that memorable.
Simply put, I love those two and everything they gave me with my whole heart. Getting their love story in the midst of Rylie’s journey and every other fantastic piece of this story was such an amazing piece to this book. Those two are magic in every way, and you will believe in every way that they need to find their way to a happily ever after.
Kathryn Andrews leaves it all on the pages of Where The Light Shines. She delivers an amazing women’s fiction story that has it all. This book has the feels and emotion, it has the mystery and history, it has the romance, love, and connection, it has the small town, southern charm that sparkles on every page, it has SO much heart and emotion…but most of all it has a story of a woman determined to find what she’s always needed and deserved and hoped for. It has a story of her journey to finding herself, finding what could and should be, and finding the past that unlocks all the possibilities for the future.
Where The Light Shines reminded me over and over again why I love this author’s words so much. Through every turn of that page I was swept into this consuming world and story in a way that had me loving everything I was reading. This book truly has it all and more, and I’m just so glad that I had the chance to experience everything so authentically and vividly with Rylie, Jake, and every other amazing character in this story.
I will never forget this book or what it was like to experience this story.
I loved the characters. I loved what I got with them. I loved the journey of it all. I loved the love. I loved how much heart was in this story, how much life and vibrancy was in it. I loved how real and charming it all was. And most of all, I just loved how I felt so connected to it all. All of that heightened my experience as a reader and swept me up into all of the amazingness of this world and story.
Where The Light Shines is the perfect summer read that you need in your life this second. Kathryn Andrews delivers everything you need in this beautiful book. From beginning to end you will be absolutely enraptured with this story, with Rylie and her journey, and with everything this author delivers.
Trust me when I say you need this book in your life as soon as humanly possible. You need the beauty of it, the heart of it, the mystery, the river, the house, the charm of it, and the journey of it. You need everything this author so incredibly captures and creates in this book.
My heart is so full from this book and what I got with these characters along the way. I truly could not have asked for more from them or their story. I have no doubt that this book will remain one of my favorites of not just the summer, but of all time. I really cannot say enough how much I loved this book and story.
It was simply everything and more.
Kathryn Andrews continues to show me why she is one of my favorite authors of all time, and I can’t wait for the next time I get to be completely swept up in her words. (Fingers crossed it’s something related to this world because I need more!) Where The Light Shines is her at her best and I know that you will love this story fiercely, just as I did. It encapsulates every dynamic aspect in the mosh vibrant and unforgettable way, and it will have you loving and cherishing every second with these characters.
Trust me.
Read this book. Live it. Love it. Feel it. Breathe it in and take it in all its gloriousness. Be prepared to be wowed by everything it gives you to experience. And just know that it will give you it all and then some…and that, well that is just the best.
THE. ACTUAL. BEST.
June 24, 2023
NO SPOILERS!
Where the Light Shines was phenomenal, and I loved Rylie and Jake’s story so much! It was different than a typical romance, but no less enjoyable. It was beautiful and inspirational, with some mystery and surprising twists, and I loved the journey Kathryn Andrews took me on. I absolutely loved the conclusion and couldn’t have been happier with the outcome. I also fell head over heels in love with the quaint and idyllic small town of Chuluota Springs and its residents. Ms. Andrews truly did a wonderful job with this contemporary women’s fiction romance, and I hope everyone gives it a chance. You’ll be more than pleasantly surprised.
Proofread for author.
For more reviews and other book news, please visit: https://theromancebibliophile.com
Where the Light Shines was phenomenal, and I loved Rylie and Jake’s story so much! It was different than a typical romance, but no less enjoyable. It was beautiful and inspirational, with some mystery and surprising twists, and I loved the journey Kathryn Andrews took me on. I absolutely loved the conclusion and couldn’t have been happier with the outcome. I also fell head over heels in love with the quaint and idyllic small town of Chuluota Springs and its residents. Ms. Andrews truly did a wonderful job with this contemporary women’s fiction romance, and I hope everyone gives it a chance. You’ll be more than pleasantly surprised.
Proofread for author.
For more reviews and other book news, please visit: https://theromancebibliophile.com
June 29, 2023
Wow, what a ride
There were a few spots where I felt that there was a word missing or misused but that's a minor quibble and it didn't impede the overall smooth flow of the narrative. I really like her writing style. The story and characters drew me in and I felt invested in the outcome. There was more than one surprise near the end that I never would have guessed. This was a great book.
There were a few spots where I felt that there was a word missing or misused but that's a minor quibble and it didn't impede the overall smooth flow of the narrative. I really like her writing style. The story and characters drew me in and I felt invested in the outcome. There was more than one surprise near the end that I never would have guessed. This was a great book.
June 18, 2023
Thank you @kandrewsauthor for the ARC! This book was just as delightful as all of her other books. I felt connected to the characters and setting from the very beginning. I enjoyed reading about the house restoration and seeing how the characters grew throughout the story.
This is a must read if you love:
🤍small town
🤍hidden identity
🤍ghost mysteries
🤍house renovations
🤍love
🤍boating adventures
🤍manatees
Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This is a must read if you love:
🤍small town
🤍hidden identity
🤍ghost mysteries
🤍house renovations
🤍love
🤍boating adventures
🤍manatees
Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
June 28, 2023
There is something truly special and unique about Kathryn Andrews’ writing and I am always here for it. This story was a perfect blend of intriguing; the mysteries of the past and present, flawlessly written characters, and a setting that made you want to go visit.
It was different than anything I’ve read in quite some time…in the best of ways. I was lost in the setting, the feelings and emotion, and felt part of the mystery of Mrs. Easier and the home on the river.
And the Hawthornes? Yes please! This is perfectly set up for us to get Garrett and Bauer’s stories…and I truly hope we do, because the morsels that we got of them in this book are like an appetizer…can’t wait for more. Jake was perfection in this story 🤌🏼 *chef’s kiss*
Well done, Kathryn!
It was different than anything I’ve read in quite some time…in the best of ways. I was lost in the setting, the feelings and emotion, and felt part of the mystery of Mrs. Easier and the home on the river.
And the Hawthornes? Yes please! This is perfectly set up for us to get Garrett and Bauer’s stories…and I truly hope we do, because the morsels that we got of them in this book are like an appetizer…can’t wait for more. Jake was perfection in this story 🤌🏼 *chef’s kiss*
Well done, Kathryn!
July 17, 2023
"...it’s embracing the unknown that provides the most adventure."
Kathryn Andrews makes me want to be more courageous, more self-assured, and more of a risk-taker. She inspires me to be more like Rylie.
Rylie leaves everything behind in an attempt to find happiness, but what she finds along the way is so much more than that. While starting over in a small town, she finds mystery, friendship, a chance at unexpected love, and the adventure of a lifetime.
Kathryn Andrews makes me want to be more courageous, more self-assured, and more of a risk-taker. She inspires me to be more like Rylie.
Rylie leaves everything behind in an attempt to find happiness, but what she finds along the way is so much more than that. While starting over in a small town, she finds mystery, friendship, a chance at unexpected love, and the adventure of a lifetime.
June 23, 2023
I want to go to Chuluota now.
What a beautiful story, told with layers to peel away in each chapter. Characters that entertain you, some in fun ways, others more serious. It’s not a story that I would skip over.
What a beautiful story, told with layers to peel away in each chapter. Characters that entertain you, some in fun ways, others more serious. It’s not a story that I would skip over.
July 19, 2023
this book is awesome!!
Ok, honestly, I did not expect this story. Have read all of this author’s books & thought I knew what to expect. But it wasn’t this…
A beautiful, lilting, softly-spoken, lovingly portrayed story of a woman struggling to move on from a life that did not turn out as was expected from her and which set her on a course of a “new” life.
Didn’t you ever wonder what your life would be like if you could just re-invent yourself, move to a place you’ve never been and start over? I know I have, but I never did it. Reading this story of Rylie/Ryla is exactly that - and it is so wonderful!
Yeah, we can add in these wonderful, hunky brothers (and they are awesome!), but honestly, the way you see into Rylie’s thoughts throughout this book is so well done. And the way this area of Florida is portrayed is amazing. It truly is a character all it’s own.
Add in a little mystery & local ghost stories which might seem to some a bit over the top, but it is absolutely crucial to the story as a whole.
Great read (couldn’t put it down), writing is wonderful and love the characters.
Ok, honestly, I did not expect this story. Have read all of this author’s books & thought I knew what to expect. But it wasn’t this…
A beautiful, lilting, softly-spoken, lovingly portrayed story of a woman struggling to move on from a life that did not turn out as was expected from her and which set her on a course of a “new” life.
Didn’t you ever wonder what your life would be like if you could just re-invent yourself, move to a place you’ve never been and start over? I know I have, but I never did it. Reading this story of Rylie/Ryla is exactly that - and it is so wonderful!
Yeah, we can add in these wonderful, hunky brothers (and they are awesome!), but honestly, the way you see into Rylie’s thoughts throughout this book is so well done. And the way this area of Florida is portrayed is amazing. It truly is a character all it’s own.
Add in a little mystery & local ghost stories which might seem to some a bit over the top, but it is absolutely crucial to the story as a whole.
Great read (couldn’t put it down), writing is wonderful and love the characters.
July 11, 2023
Love love loved this novel! It’s absolutely one of my top five reads so far this year. The author does an amazing job of layering the story. It just sucks you in and you want to be transported to the river! Jake and Rylas love journey was so swoon worthy. The story takes you on Rylas journey to finding herself and along the way falls for Jake but there are so many other things going on in the story it will hook you. My absolute favorite lines from the novel-
“Where you go I will go okay?” he says and asks at the same time’ (Jakes quote) and Ryla responds “Okay but where you are is where I’ll stay” It’s just so freakin good! Ahh read this book now!
“Where you go I will go okay?” he says and asks at the same time’ (Jakes quote) and Ryla responds “Okay but where you are is where I’ll stay” It’s just so freakin good! Ahh read this book now!
April 15, 2024
I actually read this book in one setting. Couldn't put it down once I got started. I almost didn't read it because it mentioned "ghosts and hauntings" in the summary and that is for sure not my thing. But, the "ghost' element provided a nice mystery to the many layers of this book. Really really like Jake and Ryla. Hoping there is a story for all 3 Hawthorne brothers. Really appreciated the fairly clean romance read as well.
April 17, 2024
What a beautiful journey!
Once again Kathryn has created a story that pulls you in and takes you along for a beautiful journey. Rylie is a character you can’t help pulling for as she grows into her own while solving an exciting mystery. Loved this story so much and all the many characters. Not ready to let them go yet. Definitely hoping this is just book 1. Thank you Kathryn for making my reader heart so happy!
Once again Kathryn has created a story that pulls you in and takes you along for a beautiful journey. Rylie is a character you can’t help pulling for as she grows into her own while solving an exciting mystery. Loved this story so much and all the many characters. Not ready to let them go yet. Definitely hoping this is just book 1. Thank you Kathryn for making my reader heart so happy!
July 5, 2023
Loved!
This book was so good. Everything was perfectly described; I felt like I could really envision the characters, their feelings and surroundings. I look forward to reading more from this author.
This book was so good. Everything was perfectly described; I felt like I could really envision the characters, their feelings and surroundings. I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 25, 2023
Sweet, poignant second chance love story.
Rylie and Jake have both been damaged by love gone wrong. Trust doesn't come easy for either of them. Throw in a ghost and some missing rare pearls and you have the perfect ingredients for a really great read.
Rylie and Jake have both been damaged by love gone wrong. Trust doesn't come easy for either of them. Throw in a ghost and some missing rare pearls and you have the perfect ingredients for a really great read.
January 27, 2024
Absolutely loved!!!
This was my first book by Kathryn even tho I've known her for years!!! Absolutely loved!!! I laughed, cried, and got mad and cried some more!!!! A definite must read for everyone!!!!
This was my first book by Kathryn even tho I've known her for years!!! Absolutely loved!!! I laughed, cried, and got mad and cried some more!!!! A definite must read for everyone!!!!
April 13, 2024
I loved this book, especially as it wasn't just a love story but had more layers. The sudden twist revealing something in Ryla's life that I wasn't suspecting at all took me by surprise.
Hence the five stars. They're well deserved.
Hence the five stars. They're well deserved.
April 13, 2025
This was such a sweet love story. It's a slow build but I loved being pulled into this small fishing town. Being a Floridian I loved the local details. There was points where I cried and got irritated with Jake but then it wrapped up so wonderfully at the end!
July 4, 2023
different than most
I never rate books but I had to with this great story. Why - because it was different!! Great characters, the story, the history. So fun to read.
I never rate books but I had to with this great story. Why - because it was different!! Great characters, the story, the history. So fun to read.
Read
July 17, 2023Dnf
July 26, 2023
What a fantastic book to read!
I loved it so much and recommend it one hundred percent!
I loved it so much and recommend it one hundred percent!
April 4, 2024
This book is a well written book. It’s a feel good book. A true Cinderella story, I would never have read this book on my own. My book club had us read it and I’m glad it was a chosen book.
April 16, 2025
outstanding
The story just pulls one in, mystery and deep emotions keep the reader engaged. I especially liked the slow roll out of details. Great read!
The story just pulls one in, mystery and deep emotions keep the reader engaged. I especially liked the slow roll out of details. Great read!
June 28, 2023
“But then again, do we ever truly know someone when we’re constantly learning about ourselves?” -Where the Light Shines
Kathryn Andrews weaves a beautiful story of finding true happiness while making peace with the past. The author has a way of writing with so much detail, that you feel as though you have been transported to another place. In Where the LIght Shines, you are transported to Chuluota Springs, Florida. A small town with lots of charm, and apparently, ghosts. To escape her life in Chicago, Ryla buys an old house that sits on the edge of a river to renovate. Here she begins to meet the people that will help remind her of who she has always been and where she truly belongs. Enter the Hawthorne brothers (swoon). I immediately loved these guys and can see each receiving their own stories in the future. Oldest brother Jake is the small town vet who catches Ryla’s eye. This isn’t an insta love story. The relationship between Ryla and Jake is well developed and drawn out. The love scenes are descriptive in a way that reminds me of the ebb and flow of the water on the beach of the river; a give and take. These scenes beautifully describe the connection between Jake and Ryla, while keeping the act sensual and not take away from the storyline. Like the ghost in the story slowly revealing itself, the story unfolded in much the same way. If you’re looking for a quick romantic read, this is not it. This story is meant to be savored and to be read at a pace where the reader can fully appreciate the way the story is woven together. This book has romance, but the story is so much more. It’s about friendships, trusting yourself and a love that transcends time.
Kathryn Andrews weaves a beautiful story of finding true happiness while making peace with the past. The author has a way of writing with so much detail, that you feel as though you have been transported to another place. In Where the LIght Shines, you are transported to Chuluota Springs, Florida. A small town with lots of charm, and apparently, ghosts. To escape her life in Chicago, Ryla buys an old house that sits on the edge of a river to renovate. Here she begins to meet the people that will help remind her of who she has always been and where she truly belongs. Enter the Hawthorne brothers (swoon). I immediately loved these guys and can see each receiving their own stories in the future. Oldest brother Jake is the small town vet who catches Ryla’s eye. This isn’t an insta love story. The relationship between Ryla and Jake is well developed and drawn out. The love scenes are descriptive in a way that reminds me of the ebb and flow of the water on the beach of the river; a give and take. These scenes beautifully describe the connection between Jake and Ryla, while keeping the act sensual and not take away from the storyline. Like the ghost in the story slowly revealing itself, the story unfolded in much the same way. If you’re looking for a quick romantic read, this is not it. This story is meant to be savored and to be read at a pace where the reader can fully appreciate the way the story is woven together. This book has romance, but the story is so much more. It’s about friendships, trusting yourself and a love that transcends time.
July 6, 2023
I truly loved this book so much. It was a new release and I just downloaded not knowing anything.
Ryla has run away from all the pain and public in Chicago to this small town in FL. She buys a historic house with plans to renovate and restore it back to its former glory. In the process Ryla begins to make friends and settle into this small town. There is a ghost and romance and just so good. Loved it. Kind of hope for more books about the other Hawthorne brothers.
Ryla has run away from all the pain and public in Chicago to this small town in FL. She buys a historic house with plans to renovate and restore it back to its former glory. In the process Ryla begins to make friends and settle into this small town. There is a ghost and romance and just so good. Loved it. Kind of hope for more books about the other Hawthorne brothers.
July 6, 2023
The is a great story of a woman finding her way. There’s some mystery. There is deep emotions. There is twists and turns. I loved reading Rylas journey. There is a little romance to the story. But the story is more about Ryla and her journey. Give this story a read.
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