A Light on the Veranda

Time Travel Duo #2

by Ciji Ware

PRAISE FOR A COTTAGE BY THE SEA:

"An intriguing, enticing, complex, and romantic novel
that will keep readers up long into the night."
—Rundpinne

A secret may hold for a hundred years...
and then it's time for the past to take revenge

Daphne Duvallon vowed never to return to the South years ago
when she left her philandering fiance at the altar. Now family
has called her back to Natchez, Mississippi, a city as mysterious
and compelling as the ghostly voices that haunt her dreams.

From a time when the oldest settlement on the Mississippi
was in its heyday and vast fortunes were made and lost,
Daphne begins to uncover the secrets of an ancestor whose
fate is somehow linked with her own. In a compelling and
mesmerizing tale, now Daphne must right the wrongs of the
past, or follow the same path into tragedy...

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

"A richly rewarding read brimming with local color, humor,
sexual tension, environmental issues, and even a fun glimpse
into the world of jazz bands."

"Ware's weaving of a contemporary story along with
history of a hundred years past, and the accuracy and detail she brings into the story are fascinating."

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Time Travel, Historical, Fiction, Historical Romance, Contemporary

480 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

CIJI WARE is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling novelist, an Emmy-award winning television producer, reporter, writer, lecturer, and host. Her latest work, THE SPY WORE LONG WHITE GLOVES (Book 4, American Spy Sisters series), published October 14, 2025 , was inspired by the exceptional American women who volunteered as "Churchill's Angles"--secret agents during WW II, fighting enemy infiltration within Britain, as well as parachuting into occupied France to fight the Nazis. As with her other novels, author Ware invites her readers to view her research photos at www.pinterest.com/cijiware/the-spy-wo...

Ware's Four Seasons Quartet "THAT..." series includes stand-alone titles set in CORNWALL, EDINBURGH, VENICE and PARIS that were released betweeen 2013-2017. A novella "The Ring of Kerry Hannigan," part of the RING OF TRUTH anthology with novelists Diana Dempsey and Kate Moore, was released as a single title in the spring of 2015.

Ware has won numerous awards for her 15 works of fiction, including the Dorothy Parker Award of Excellence; the 'Golden Quill' award for Historical Fiction; 'Best Fictionalized Biography' for her 18th c. historical novel, ISLAND OF THE SWANS. For the latter work, she was bestowed in Edinburgh the honor of FSA Scot, of which she is exceedingly proud. Another historical novel, A RACE TO SPLENDOR, debuted in April, 2011 on the 105th anniversary of the devastating 1905 San Francisco Earthquake and Firestorm and was short-listed for the WILLA (Cather) Literary Award in 2012.

In 2015, Ware was named to the Martha's Vineyard Writers-in-Residence program where she began a long-term project: REINVENTING...ME, a memoir of her years in all aspects of media. Currently, she is working on the second of two novels in her Spy Sisters series set in WWII based on the lives of several American women secret agents in the armed conflict.

Ware's most recent nonfiction, RIGHTSIZING YOUR LIFE: Simplifying Your Surroundings While Keeping What Matters Most, was named by the Wall Street Journal as "One of the Top 5 Books on Retirement Issues." She is at work on a sequel, SIMPLIFYING FOR SENIORS: Decluttering, Divesting, and Downsizing. She continues to lecture extensively on the subject of domestic downsizing for people age 50+ as she relates her own journey from 4000sq. feet of living space in Beverly Hills and Santa Barbara, down to a "cottage by the sea" of around 1000 square feet in the San Francisco Bay Area--and loving it! She is also the author of JOINT CUSTODY: Making Shared Parenting Work.

For eighteen years, Ware was heard daily as a commentator on ABC Radio & TV in Los Angeles. During her noted career as a broadcaster, she has worked as a reporter or anchor for PBS and all three major network affiliates, covering a wide range of topics in the areas of health, consumer, lifestyle and women's issues.

Ciji Ware is also a sought-after event speaker, print journalist, (AARP, Travel & Leisure and other national magazines) and has the distinction of being elected as the first woman graduate of Harvard College to serve as President of the Harvard Alumni Association, Worldwide. The author is married four decades+ to Internet marketing executive, Tony Cook. The "Cook-Wares" have a son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.

Visit Ciji's website at www.cijiware.com; her Facebook page: Ciji Ware, Novelist
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ciji-Wa... and her Pinterest page at http://pinterest.com/cijiware/

Reviews

[Christy B · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Light on the Veranda is a sequel to Midnight on Julia Street.

I just didn't connect with this book: the characters, the setting, even the historical story. The character Daphne has these flashbacks of sorts to her ancestor and namesake who lived two hundred years before. I guess these flashbacks were triggered by music, but sometimes she had them when there wasn't any music around, so I don't know.

The historic flashbacks were so random and oddly spaced out, and there weren't many of them. I could barely get a grip on any of the characters. And by the end of the book, I wondered what the point was of them. In Midnight on Julia Street the historic story was more affecting on the present day story. That wasn't the case here.

The present day story, well, dragged. A lot. The romance between Daphne and Simon... I just didn't feel the sparks.

Needless to say, about halfway through, I was wondering where the heck the story was going. I started skimming and speed reading from then on and I didn't really miss much. There were pages and pages of useless dialogue that really didn't serve any purpose to the story.

I like Ciji Ware's books, but this one was a miss with me. Actually, I really love her straight historical novels like A Race to Splendor and Wicked Company. So far, the time-slips novels are hit and miss.

If you read Midnight on Julia Street and want to find out what happens to Daphne, (which was my reason) then, I don't know, give this a shot.

[Kaylie Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book does have a plot, it's disjointed and unrealistic at times. Don't get me wrong, I definitely love stories about the South that incorporate time travel. However, there are those that can capture my interest and those that fall short. This is one of the latter.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this one. I read the 1st 150-200 pages and that was more than enough. Another time traveler one...

[Kathleen Crowell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many things going on in this story. Hated the over-the-top southern talk (just my opinion). Daphne could've been a great character--tied in with her tragic ancestors, but we had to deal with saving the birds and relatives that didn't matter...started skimming just to find out what happened to the "first" Daphne...the extremes of tragedy and then happily-ever-afters was too much for me.

[lrherb · Rating 1 out of 5]

FULL of cliches and Southern stereotypes. This author is obviously not from the south. There was something that made me roll my eyes on every page

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daphne Duvallon never wanted to return to New Orleans after she walked out on her philandering fiance at the altar. Her brother made it so that she didn't have to. He got married in Natchez, MI. In order to go to his wedding, she had to back out on a commitment to play her harp with her orchestra. The conductor fires her. This turns out to be the freedom she needs. Natchez opens up a world of new opportunities including jazz harp. As a classical harpist, Daphne has always yearned for more. But all is not perfect. He former fiance is also in Natchez determined to make her life a misery. But Daphne has a new man on her side. Sim Hopkins from San Francisco. A nature photographer, he's in Natchez to photograph Audubon's birds. It turns out that both Daphne and Sim have a past in Natchez. Not their past but an ancestral past and Daphne begins to see it and understand how the past influenced the future. And even how her fiance's family played a role all those generations ago. But for Sim and Daphne, in order to make the present work, they have to get through their own direct pasts and see if they can overcome the more recent hurts in order to take a chance on long lasting happiness. Interesting and enjoyable. Although it is a sequel book, it completely stands on its own.

[Rammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had an oddly forced "romantic" plot that was jarring to read through. The contrast between the present and the past was interesting, and the plot focused on a past lifetime was quite well written and executed. The plot focused on the present left something to be desired though as the two main characters of the book had a bizarre, and a very unhealthy, relationship. Sim lied and kept secrets in addition to essentially forcing himself upon a woman who actively announced she was vulnerable and not ready for a relationship that she wasn't convinced was healthy for her. And yet! She somehow decided to put her gut feelings aside and just...fall for him? In any case, the relationship was forced and unnecessary, but the plot around those two was enjoyable enough to finish the book.

[Linda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne is having a life change. She is having the past flash, and the new is a gamble.

Daphne has decided to leave New York and her job as a concert harpist and return home to the South, Natchez to be exact. The change is a complete different lifestyle to Daphne. She is taking up the jazz harp and has joined a new group that makes music she loves. Also there is a new man in her life, Sim the wildlife photographer she meets at her brothers wedding. The wedding that brought on all the changes.

[Victoria K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much more than a glimpse of a time past

Not only did I enjoy the story, but appreciated learning the history of the area. Many more things such as environmental concerns, self-awareness, and even some scientific theories regarding our DNA were very skillfully woven into the story.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this book. DNF

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daphne and Sim meet in Natchez and have visions of relatives who lived before with much tragedy. Luckily they figure out their relationship for a much happier ending.

[Laurice]

DNF. page 76

[L.E.Olteano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at Butterfly-o-Meter Books on Mar 6 2012:

This was really cool to read! Different, but really cool. First off I’ll say this is a republished novel, not a new one. And considering the fabulous new cover, I say it was a fabulous idea. Gorgeous, gorgeous cover.

Now, reading a book initially published in 2001 was really interesting. The differences between the writing style and plot pace between now and then kept coming to mind; of course, I’m not making generalizations here but I’ve noticed this before, books a few years back tended to have less hyperactive plots, the pace of events was slower, the dramatic moments maybe a bit less dramatic by action and more significant by reaction, somehow. Don’t you think so? I mean, a book published nowadays revolving around the same plot idea would be a lot more agitated, I can bet on that.
It’s not like I’m complaining, I’m the one that sometimes feels things are too wild, too crazy, too much. So a nice, calmer pace of events was a really refreshing read.
The then and now theme was also present in the novel, there was this really cool paranormal twist to the story, like ghosts showing up, and visions of the past and all that. Really interesting.

What sort of lost me was the whole relatives thing, I mean…I followed up to a point, but from there on whenever we were focusing who was who’s cousin from who’s side and who was the other person’s uncle I would just sort of skip the genealogy. I got the point, but at some point the whole multilevel branching thing lost me.

The characters were certainly something else, I think it’s the most “south” novel I’ve read aside the Sookie Stackhouse novels, but I mean here we’re talking a lot of elements, being a magnolia and all that. It was really fun to read, accents, cool places and charming descriptions, cool stuff.
I’m sad to say though I didn’t much connect with Daphne or Sim for some reason, I wasn’t there all the way, though I was really interested in how their relationship would go; it was what I enjoyed the most out of the book, the way they both evolved and got over things in their past so they could be together. It was the sort of profound relationship that you don’t really read a lot about nowadays. Not rushed, not crazy and all over the place, but deeper and somehow calmer. Charming, really.
Aside Daphne and Sim, there were a lot of really interesting and fun characters in the novel, and it was one of those rarer occurrences when I’m into secondary characters almost as much as I’m into the mains.

All in all I say this was a good read, old-school but classy and fun to read even ten years later, so it’s one of those books that does pass the test of time. If you haven’t already read it, give it a shot, it’s charming.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

A Light on the Veranda is a multilayered story. It takes the reader back and forth from the present to the nineteenth century when another Daphne lived—a Daphne who yearned for love. Interesting parallels emerge between the two Daphnes.

There's more to Bluff House than Daphne ever imagined when she left New York to move to the deep South. Family roots run deep in Natchez, Mississippi and Daphne’s family is no exception. The old harp at Bluff House plays in the wee hours of the morning and Daphne has visions about ancestors, long-dead.

As Daphne tries to rebuild her life she meets wildlife photographer, Sim Hopkins. Sim stirs her blood, but Daphne has experienced disastrous relationships firsthand. Trusting a man does not come easy. Even so, Daphne and Sim have a sizzling chemistry she can't quite dismiss.

Sim has no idea his family has roots in Natchez—he's there to photograph birds painted by Audubon long ago. Though drawn to Daphne, he has unresolved issues he hasn't been able to come to terms with for ten years. Invisible ties seem to pull them together. It's almost as if ghosts from the past urge both Sim and Daphne to move past all their hang-ups and reach for a happy-ever-after denied so long ago.

Ciji Ware’s ability to weave a tapestry showcasing past and present lives and emotions is amazing. An ever-present thread in the tapestry is the extent of influence the Whitaker “blue devil” genes can have on generations. Ms. Ware stirs in emotional struggles, environmental upheavals, and economic woes. This passionate tale wouldn't be complete without manipulations of malicious ‘meanies’ such as present-day Daphne’s “Magnolia Mama”, the vindictive Jack Ebert and nineteenth century Daphne’s family and husbands. The book isn't all darkness and gloom. There are several bright spots actually. The secondary characters are a kaleidoscope of colors that blend and add texture and continuity to the tapestry that tells a fantastic tale about mingled lives of many families—past and present.

The magic of rich, emotionally charged music that Ciji Ware writes about pulls the reader into an-otherworldly-place that transcends time. She engages all the senses with descriptions that make the story come alive as she takes the heroine and hero on a journey. They find redemption, but also bring peace to long-dead ancestors. One can almost hear a sigh of relief echo across time as ghosts of ancestors whisper well done and finally rest in peace.

A Light on the Veranda, with its well-researched history, ‘so-real’ characters, subtle humor, and meant-to-be love story is a book to be enjoyed more than once.

[Linda Banche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of breathtaking romance, loaded with historical and contemporary detail, sometimes light-hearted and at other times heart-wrenching, Ciji Ware’s A LIGHT ON THE VERANDA is a winner.

New Orleans-born professional harpist Daphne’s life took a turn for the better when she walked out on her wedding to the rat of the century. But now she’s in Natchez to play her harp at her beloved brother’s wedding. There she meets Simon, a man vastly different from the rodents she usually encounters. The attraction is immediate, mutual, and startling. For Daphne’s music conjures visions from the past involving another Simon and her ancestor, another harp-playing Daphne. The historical Daphne’s sad, tragic life can’t be changed. Does the modern Daphne have the courage to change hers? Especially since the rat, vicious as ever, is back and has her in his sights.

Ms. Ware interweaves the similar and yet different stories of two women across two centuries who share problems still all too common. Male betrayal, greed and cruelty can wreak havoc in a woman’s life, then and now. The historical Daphne, born into a frightful situation, had no control over her lot. The modern Daphne does, but only when she sheds her female indoctrination in submissiveness and fights back.

But even within the past and present world of male privilege, decent men exist. The historic Simon was one, and so is the contemporary Simon. Those of you who read my reviews know I like honorable heroes, and the modern Simon is one of the best. Utterly masculine, strong and yet vulnerable, protective but not patronizing, Simon is a spectacular hero. He’s also gorgeous, which doesn’t hurt. *g* Lucky Daphne.

Since most girls today are still trained to be subservient, the modern Daphne starts out as a bit of a doormat. But in the face of the rat’s spiteful cruelty and with some help from Simon, she blossoms into a strong, determined woman able and willing to chart her own course. Good for her.

With charm, poignant characterizations, heady romance and lots of scrumptious detail that bring past and present vividly to life, Ms. Ware’s A LIGHT ON THE VERANDA is a fantastic book.

Note, A LIGHT ON THE VERANDA is the sequel to Ms. Ware’s MIDNIGHT ON JULIA STREET. If you’re like me and hate coming in on the middle of a series, read Midnight on Julia Street first. A LIGHT ON THE VERANDA contains spoilers for MIDNIGHT ON JULIA STREET.

ARC provided by Sourcebooks

[Heather C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t say that I have read a novel set in the Deep South, but the “Land that Time Forgot” was a wonderful setting for A Light on the Veranda! Ciji Ware creates the entire experience for you from the food, to the gorgeous old mansions, to the music – and oh what wonderful music! I love music and the jazz that Ware features in this novel makes you just want to run out and attend a jazz concert – certainly one like the Aphrodites! She really makes you feel like you have been there yourself.

This was also my first experience with a “time slip” novel. While most of the story takes place in a contemporary setting, fragments of the novel are set in the 1800’s. With these segments we learn about the life of some of the family members of Daphne, and Sim, Jack, and others from around the Natchez area. These time slips fit perfectly into the story and helped move the plot along and provide Daphne with some interesting references regarding experiences she was going through at the time. They never felt jarring or out of place – I just wanted more of them! Through these time slips we get a sense of 19th century plantation life.

For the most part I enjoyed the characters. Jack is quite is evil villain – I would really not want to get on his bad side, let me tell you! Sim is a sweet guy with a lot of baggage but someone you can really get behind and root for. Daphne got on my nerves from time to time with her constant flip flopping and relationship woes – but based on some of her experiences it does make sense.

I didn’t realize that this was a sequel of any kind to Midnight on Julia Street, having not yet read that novel. I do believe the blurb that says this works as a standalone because I did not feel the least confused about the plot points or backstory.

I also have to give kudos to Ware on her inclusion of safe sex. Reading primarily historical novels I don’t usually encounter this issue, however contemporary novels don’t typically address the issue either. It almost felt a little shocking to me to actually see the issue raised in the book, but then I felt “way to go!”.

This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Ciji Ware’s novels, and I really enjoyed reading Midnight on Julia Street last year. After the book ended, I did wonder what happened to Daphne Duvallon (sister of the male lead) after her dramatic exit from her wedding in Chapter One. A Light on the Veranda solves that mystery and gives Daphne’s backstory as well as her life after the wedding disaster.

Daphne Duvallon is a classical harpist in New York City, but she is fired for taking off the weekend of a very important concert to play at the wedding of her brother King to Corlis McCullough in Natchez, Mississippi. While in Natchez, Daphne decides to stay for a while and try her dream at playing jazz harp in a band. It helps that she has met a handsome photographer, Sim Hopkins. Unfortunately her old finance, Jack Ebert is also on the scene to make sure that Daphne does not have her happily ever after.

While in Natchez, Daphne starts to “time slip” to the late eighteenth century to the life of her ancestress, a tragic harpist named Daphne Whitaker. With a mad mother and father, Daphne Whitaker looks for love in all of the wrong places and does what she can just to survive.

I really enjoyed A Light on the Veranda; I liked it even more than the Midnight on Julia Street. It was fun to read more about some of my favorite characters from Midnight on Julia Street, but A Light on the Veranda can stand alone without having read the prior book. I am a great fan of “time slip” novels and while Daphne Whitaker’s story was tragic, it was very, very interesting to read about the history of Natchez from the visit by Marie Antoinette’s cousin, Louise-Philippe, the duc d’Orleans, to the devastating tornado of 1840. The plantations and mansions of Natchez and the surrounding area are true stars of the novel. I really would love to visit there now!

Overall, A Light on the Veranda is a wonderful time-slip novel with riveting stories both in the present and the past and delightful characters. I enjoyed the love story between Daphne Duvallon and Sim.

This review was originally posted on my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2012/...

[Jo Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daphne Duvallon must choose whether to play harp at her brother’s wedding in Natchez, Tennessee, or in her chamber ensemble’s Lincoln Center debut. She is fired when she opts to play in Natchez, but this frees Daphne to remain in her hometown. There she performs with an all-female jazz ensemble, and meets a rugged and charming nature photographer, Simon Hopkins.

Ciji Ware creates a seductive world in her romance novel, A Light on the Veranda, an atmosphere which brings Simon and Daphne together but also draws Daphne back to her past. She begins having visions – triggered by her harps’ vibrations – of her ancestor, Daphne Whitaker, a talented harpist raised in haphazard fashion by a depressed mother and an abusive father.

As Daphne learns more about the desperately unhappy life of her namesake ancestor, she realizes that they are living near-parallel lives. The Daphne of 1820 is also courted by Simon Hopkins, but they are separated by tragic circumstances. Must the 21st-century Daphne and Simon follow their ancestors’ footsteps and remain forever apart?

I enjoyed seeing Ciji Ware’s “Harp Honey” find love with Simon Hopkins, but then watch him fly off on adventurous assignments – will they ever find time for each other? It was also a great deal of fun watching Ware’s heroine expand emotionally and professionally as she embraces jazz. Perhaps Daphne’s singing debut was a bit too perfect, but after all, this is the world of romance, where women can find their true voices in a single glowing moment, just as they can find the perfect man taking photographs in their own backyard.

Jo Ann Butler (previously published in Historical Novel Review)

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: CIJI Ware
Published by: Sourcebooks Landmark
Age Recommend: 16
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:

"A Light on the Veranda" by CIJI Ware was good read. The story took place in Natchez, Mississippi. It was very long, detailed and I thought the story was very well presented. The characters focusing on the past and the present really were simply amazing in the way it was presented. The authors' details were simply off the chart making this story a very fascinating read.

I liked the way the author presented Daphne Duvallon and Sim Hopkins both having emotional problems that they had to work through and in the end ....you just have to read to find out for yourself!

I really enjoyed the historical romance in this story. This story has many twist and turns and even some ghostly scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think the story in going one way, another obstacle will be presented and you are off on a another different ride. You will have to keep up with this ride because it really takes off in different directions but in the end it comes together as a good read.

"A Light on the Veranda" was a story rich in the history of Natchez, Mississippi and if you are up for a good read of humor, romance and environmental issues you will lovethis read. I would definitely recommend this book as a good read.



Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) This is a "stand-alone" sequel to "Midnight on Julia Street", with some overlapping characters, and falls in time not long after the events of the other book. Daphne has been asked to come to Natchez, MS to play her harp at her brother's wedding. In doing so, she loses her job with her New York chamber orchestra and her former lover and conductor threatens her that she will never work in the city again. Adding to her discomfort at the wedding is that she will have to deal with her "magnolia" mother who is still angry with her for walking out of her wedding to Jack who was cheating on her with her friend. She meets a photographer/author, Sim Hopkins who is writing a book on Audubon. When they both have the experience of a harp playing itself in two different locations, they have an immediate connection. Legend has it that the harp is played by an ancestor of Daphne's with the same name. Daphne is dismayed to find out that Jack is in town, now working for an oil company who would like to place a toxic dump near the local bird sanctuary. As Daphne tries to figure out a new life for herself, she has dreams, both waking and sleeping, about the past that seem to be almost real, focusing on the sad past of her namesake. She must deal with her past relationships in order to move forward. This was an interesting mix of historical story and contemporary along with some romance.

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel that two stars is generous for this book. The author tried to cover too much and did not remain focused or true to any of her story lines, which were convoluted and did not flow smoothly. I believe that the author Ciji Ware should have decided what she wanted to write about. The environmental issues enclosed within the plot would have been good as a separate book or with the main story line, but not in addition to the DNA genetic ghost story. Barbara Michaels or Suzanna Kearsley does this much better. I felt that author Ware did a politically correct "insert a save the environment story here." Also, the romance portion of the book was spoiled by a comparison of past ancestors that had a horrible family life. And what about the current lovers that have chosen badly in their own past, as well as the ghost ancestors that also did not choose mates wisely. What is that about.
I suppose the author wanted to show that families can change, even after generations of depressing suicides, and family conflict. I did enjoy the harp and jazz insight, but wish the author would have concentrated her efforts on the music, the current love, and fixed the ghost story, maybe the ghost harpist could have had a better story. Someone needed to be happy in this book. No one should have to wait 150 years to have their family find happiness. Lots of phycho former lovers, depressed somewhat crazy generations of ancestors, and bad pedigree.

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light on the Veranda is another great novel by CiJi Ware. I just love Ms. Ware's novels. They are always full of romance without being overly mushy. This novel is a richly descriptive story of past and present of local families who have lots of skeletons in their magnolia scented closets and the past has a way of catching up with the future.

A wonderfully researched story of very real people with fragile emotions and a city rich with history, of a past when women were controlled by the men in their lives and the morals of the times. When reading this book I could almost feel the humid atmosphere and feel the grandeur of the southern mansions. Ciji Ware does an awesome job of weaving the two stories together seamlessly where dreams are reality. The story is not all honeysuckle and mint juleps as there are unsavory characters and sad circumstances in both the past and the present, but the charm of the old south is definitely a lure that draws the reader in.

Light on the Veranda is the sequel to Midnight on Julia Street with a lot of the same characters. I would recommend that you read these books in order as to get a better understanding and feel for the people and locations. Again I highly recommend all of Ciji Ware's books. you will not be disappointed.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

A LIGHT ON THE VERANDA by Ciji Ware is an interesting historical romance set in Natchez, Mississippi. A sequel to Midnight on Julia Street with reappearing characters.A hundred year old secret may hold the past and the future for Daphne Duvallon. She is called back home to Natchez,Mississippi and drawn into the past.As secrets are revealed with haunted dreams,sexual tension builds between Daphne and Simon,wrongs of the past needs to be righted,romance blossoms,and secrets are revealed. Will a family is drawn closer or fall further apart due to secrets of the past. Ms. Ware knows how to weave historical with contemporary to create a great read. With a complex plot that is multilayered,and characters who are humorous at times,and very serious at others how can you go wrong with “A Light On The Veranda”. A must read for anyone who enjoys historical romance,with a mix on contemporary,the heyday of Mississippi,old South, strong characters,and past meets present with a ghostly haunting. Received for an honest review from Net Galley and the publisher. Details can be found at Sourcebooks Landmark,an imprint of Sourcebooks,Inc,the author’s website,and My Book Addiction and More.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR,My Book Addiction and More

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Light on the Veranda combined an interesting mix of paranormal and present day drama. Both Daphne and Sim were well-rounded, likable characters, and even though Daphne’s reactions sometimes made my toes curl, they were understandable. Adding the paranormal aspect didn’t really add to the story and probably could have been an interesting novel on its own.
The setting was well described and you could easily picture yourself there. What I found took away from the overall novel was how it seemed to have a slow pace. 100 pages could have been removed without taking away from the story, but in the end it picked up somewhat and I was satisfied.
Living where I do, at least half my day is spent in French, so seeing the words misspelled throughout the book was a little irritating. The “A” sound in French is made using an acute accent that goes from lower left-hand side to upper right-hand side over an “e”. The author used the grave accent throughout.
Overall, I did enjoy the book and would like to hear more from these characters in the future.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Daphne leaves New York City to go back home she has no ideas she will stay there. Daphne goes to Natchez for her brothers wedding and her boss in New York fires her for leaving. Daphne stays with her Aunt in a crumbling old house. Daphne has visions of going back in time and sees the life of someone with her name. Daphne meets a bird watcher and they become involved trying to save a bird sanctuary from an oil company. Daphne is at odds with her parents and her ex fiancee keeps showing up to try and ruin her life. Daphne plays the harp professional and ends up joining a jazz group and having some fun.

[Gaile · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a much better book Than Midnight On Julia Street but still to understand the plot and be fully comfortable with it, I recommend reading that title first.
Daphne Duvallon left her finance at the altar. When called to Natchez, Mississippi, her boss in New York City fires her. Now without a job Daphne goes to Natchez and soon finds opportunities to work as well as the love of her life but she also finds herself slipping into the time of her suffering ancestor and namesake.
This book kept me thoroughly absorbed and is more like Ciji Ware's other books.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

When will I learn to to always check the copyright page of a book to see if it is new, re-release of an old book? Lesson learned (again).

I recall liking Ciji Ware's books when I read them many years ago and really enjoyed her book, "A Race to Splendor". Throughout this book I kept thinking, hmmm, this seems a bit familiar; but, I read so many books I'm bound to find some similar to others. I also kept thinking that I was remembering characters in the book for which this is the sequel, "Midnight on Julia Street".

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book but not quite as much as I liked Midnight on Julia Street. An interesting historical romance sort of book, with the glimpses back in time, similar to the New Orleans book, so I kind of knew what to expect. I loved the descriptions of the old mansions and the area, and I thought the characters were very well developed. Being a musician, I could appreciate that aspect as well. I have yet to read a Ciji Ware book that I didn't enjoy!

[Gin Tadvick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I love Ciji Ware's books and I love Natchez, but I had a hard time getting into this book at first. Slowly... slowly it started sucking me in until I began to be at the point where I could not put it down. I didn't want it to end and I felt a little slighted at the end - it was too fast, tied up too quickly. Oh well. At least it is on my Kindle so I can read it again easily.

[Melanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not enough plot, slightly oversexed, lacking in character development and utterly predictable.

I also found it irritating how the characters who were written to be in their thirties still behaved like they were wounded, pouting junior high kids. Drama for the sake of drama makes for a very disappointed reader. Yep. This is strike #2, and so I just think Ciji Ware books are not for me.