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The Woman at the Light: A Novel
A young mother is left alone to tend a lighthouse in nineteenth-century Key West, until an unexpected beacon of hope arrives, in this “compelling” novel (Daphne Kalotay, author of Russian Winter). On the rugged, remote Florida island known as Wreckers’ Cay, Emily Lowry’s husband handles the demanding job of tending the lighthouse while Emily cares for their children—and waits for the birth of her youngest. But when he vanishes, and months pass with no word, Emily has no choice but to take over his responsibilities. Then Andrew, a runaway slave, washes up on the beach. He is instantly likable, but Emily is wary. Soon, though, he’s won her family over, and becomes someone they can depend on as they work together to survive, far from the rules and judgments of society. But when Emily’s life is shattered once again, her love, strength, and determination will be sorely tested . . . “In her richly nuanced novel, Brady has created a heroine readers are unlikely to ever forget . . . Absolutely fantastic and unputdownable.” —Michelle Moran, national bestselling author of Nefertiti “Forbidden love, passion, greed, revenge, and murder . . . [Brady] knows how to stop your heart on one page and pull your heartstrings on the next.” —John Viele, author of The Wreckers
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
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1076 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
July 11, 2012
Oh my goodness, there are so many adjectives to describe this book...beautiful, engrossing, seductive, haunting, mysterious, educational...I could go on and on. This is a book finished 5 days out that I can recall word for word certain sections of the book because they were either so beautiful, gut wrenching or had me on my seat!
To the reader of this review, I am already at almost 400 books for 2012, so normally I read a book and move on. It is impossible with this book. The characters were so deeply written that one could not help but become attached to them and to feel everything they felt. To boot, it was a mystery when I didn't even know that it was going to be a mystery! I think I walked out of that part with being reminded of the old saying that things aren't always as they appear.
At the heart of it though was an incredibly well written book that sucked me in immediately and didn't let me go until the final page. I stayed up late to read this life story of an incredibly strong early 1800's woman who wasn't afraid to love who she wanted to love and call what was wrong...wrong!
This is definitely a book I could see being made into a movie, but then again, I would be concerned with Hollywood destroying such a beautiful piece of literature!
To the reader of this review, I am already at almost 400 books for 2012, so normally I read a book and move on. It is impossible with this book. The characters were so deeply written that one could not help but become attached to them and to feel everything they felt. To boot, it was a mystery when I didn't even know that it was going to be a mystery! I think I walked out of that part with being reminded of the old saying that things aren't always as they appear.
At the heart of it though was an incredibly well written book that sucked me in immediately and didn't let me go until the final page. I stayed up late to read this life story of an incredibly strong early 1800's woman who wasn't afraid to love who she wanted to love and call what was wrong...wrong!
This is definitely a book I could see being made into a movie, but then again, I would be concerned with Hollywood destroying such a beautiful piece of literature!
June 16, 2012
At first, I really loved and enjoyed this book. The narrative is very engaging. The descriptions are just right. The story is different. Can't say I've ever read a tale quite like this one. It gets major points for a unique story line.
It goes from New Orleans to Wrecker's Cave and the workings of maintaining a light house back in the 1800s to Key West to Cuba. It addresses slavery, greed, and how cruel and deceitful people can be.
When Emily's husband disappears, the story immersed in mystery as well. What happened to him? Where is he? When a former slave lands ashore, Andrew, he becomes a blessing in disguise for a woman trying to maintain a lighthouse position on her own. And they fall in love.
That part was beautiful. But when a hurricane hits, it was all downhill from there. I was aiming at a four until the last half.
Full review on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2012/...
It goes from New Orleans to Wrecker's Cave and the workings of maintaining a light house back in the 1800s to Key West to Cuba. It addresses slavery, greed, and how cruel and deceitful people can be.
When Emily's husband disappears, the story immersed in mystery as well. What happened to him? Where is he? When a former slave lands ashore, Andrew, he becomes a blessing in disguise for a woman trying to maintain a lighthouse position on her own. And they fall in love.
That part was beautiful. But when a hurricane hits, it was all downhill from there. I was aiming at a four until the last half.
Full review on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2012/...
July 10, 2012
3.5 I love the fact that this author was inspired by the lady lighthouse keepers in the early and mid 1800's and that she uses two of them in this novel. So much I didn't know and loved reading about such as the history of Key West, the cigar plantations and factories, the wreckers who resented the lighthouses because they lived off of these wrecks. Judges actually adjudicated the gains from these wrecks. Emily is a very strong woman, yet naive at the same time, but this story covers so much of her life and believe me she had a very full one. This novel really had so many things going on, from Indian attacks to death, hurricanes, slavery and a very unusual relationship for the period. It is all handled very well and my only disappointment was that things just seemed to be a little to pat at the end. I loved the title of this book and appreciate the authors afterward because she tells us who in the story was a real person and who was inserted just for the story.
September 12, 2012
I could not put it down. Excellent writing and a tale well told. As a person with numerous "eras" in my own long life, I could relate to the immense changes that took place in the protagonist's life and how she dealt with them. May you write many more, Joanna Brady!
April 27, 2013
What a great audio book... I was totally drawn into into the story, looking forward to my daily walk where I only listen to audio books. I recommend it!
December 11, 2022
If you are visiting a place for the first time, I highly recommend reading books set in the location to enhance the experience and reinforce what you are learning! So it was with my first ( but not last ) trip to Key West last week. The history of the city and the surrounding area goes far beyond its renown as a tropical and party destination. I started another book set in Key West on my way down in the plane, and when I arrived, my SIL suggested this book right away, which was actually on my TBR list already. First book done, off I went to a local indie bookstore, the kind smart enough to also trade in used books, though I found those stacks overwhelming, and hey, I had carryon only! It wasn't until I arrived back at our rental that I realized the book the clerk pulled from behind the counter because she had just sold the last one from the shelf was signed to boot!
Oh yeah, supposed to review the book, but you know I don't believe that any book can truly be separated from the place and time in which you read it, it all influences the experience. Side note, check out the review I wrote for the first one I read on the trip, Hemingway's Girl. This particular book is not deeply set in history as far as depicting actual events, but some of the characters, including female lighthouse keepers are true historical figures, which the author's note reveals. Love author's notes. The cigar industry, wreckers and the growth of the area seemed on point with what I was learning on my travels about town. The plot was not excessively deep, but entertaining with some good twists and turns, the heroine strong. I very much recommend this as an entertaining read.
Oh yeah, supposed to review the book, but you know I don't believe that any book can truly be separated from the place and time in which you read it, it all influences the experience. Side note, check out the review I wrote for the first one I read on the trip, Hemingway's Girl. This particular book is not deeply set in history as far as depicting actual events, but some of the characters, including female lighthouse keepers are true historical figures, which the author's note reveals. Love author's notes. The cigar industry, wreckers and the growth of the area seemed on point with what I was learning on my travels about town. The plot was not excessively deep, but entertaining with some good twists and turns, the heroine strong. I very much recommend this as an entertaining read.
December 21, 2021
I commend Joanna Brady for her captivating debut novel. I had not before read about the outer islands of Key West or of nineteenth century women lighthouse keepers. The book is part history and part an unusual love story. Emily Lowry, the main character, does not always make good choices but she pushes on through her grief and is a memorable, determined heroine. Descriptions of life on the island are realistic and well written. I could smell the sea air and feel the fears and joys of the characters. Carpe diem (seize the day), a Latin phrase taught to one of her students, becomes the mantra of the book. A thoroughly enjoyable read with a good bit of Key West history.
I thank LibraryThing for providing the book as part of their Early Reviewers Program. The book releases July 2, 2012.
Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont
I thank LibraryThing for providing the book as part of their Early Reviewers Program. The book releases July 2, 2012.
Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of Crestmont
June 18, 2025
history of the beginnings of key West. very interesting
March 7, 2025
4 1/2 Stars
I absolutely loved this book!
Very strong lead female character, even in the darkest times she got back up after being pushed down.
I loved that Emily became open minded, and with this found her true self..and a love, but unfortunately that came with restrictions and not acceptable in her time period.
But she still was willing to risk all for it.
A must read!
Look forward to more from this new author to me!
I absolutely loved this book!
Very strong lead female character, even in the darkest times she got back up after being pushed down.
I loved that Emily became open minded, and with this found her true self..and a love, but unfortunately that came with restrictions and not acceptable in her time period.
But she still was willing to risk all for it.
A must read!
Look forward to more from this new author to me!
December 5, 2015
Once I could get past the fake southern accent of the narrator, I liked the uniqueness of this story. Even though the ending was predictable and a bit too perfect for my tastes, the tale itself was engaging. I liked the MC for the most part. She was a young mother. Her husband has gone missing and she is in charge of operating a lighthouse in Florida. She had young children but she didn't really feel like a mother. Her kids came into play every now and then when they needed tending or what not. They seemed like background with an occasional appearance. The disappearance of her husband and the slave that showed up out of nowhere kept the story going. So 3 stars.
April 4, 2012
Note to future readers, please be mindful of the dates in the first few chapters, as she tends to jump from one year to another, then back. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and learned some things I did not know. The main character is strong woman who goes thru many very difficult challenges along the way. It is an emotional roller coaster that makes you want to keep reading, with many surprises, some I figured out, other's blew me away.
July 18, 2022
As a lover of historical fiction and strong female protagonists, I simply could not put this book down. I purchased this book from a local book store while on my first trip to Key West.
The plot of this book was full of so many twists and turns. I was entranced with the experiences of Emily and her family. I expected a strong female character, but I did not expect to read a story about a woman who broke all societal expectations solely for love. This was a fantastic read.
The plot of this book was full of so many twists and turns. I was entranced with the experiences of Emily and her family. I expected a strong female character, but I did not expect to read a story about a woman who broke all societal expectations solely for love. This was a fantastic read.
August 3, 2014
Just couldn't get into this and didn't think the story or the writing were that realistic/engaging.
January 14, 2025
Got so engrossed with this. Wonderful historical novel.
January 9, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. The Woman at the Light tells the story of a woman who became a lighthouse keeper after her husband mysteriously disappeared. Emily had been a debutante in New Orleans before she married Martin, a laborer from Key West. When the government confiscates their land in Key West to expand a Navy base, they lose everything and eventually accept a lighthouse keeper on an island called Wreckers Cay. Although Emily is disappointed in the lack of romance in their marriage, she is happy on Wreckers Cay until one day Martin disappears after going out fishing. A short time after this, a runaway slave turns up on the island who becomes a central figure in Emily's life. I won't go any further into the plot to avoid spoiling for others but Emily ends up going through heartbreaking events as a result of that relationship. However, she is a very strong woman and persists in her convictions regardless of the opinions of her family.
Reading about Key West and its history which was woven throughout the plot added to my enjoyment of the novel.
Reading about Key West and its history which was woven throughout the plot added to my enjoyment of the novel.
September 3, 2021
I picked this book up at a local shop when I was in Key West last year and just finally got around to reading it. I wish I had read it earlier. It was so good!
This was such a wonderful read. The descriptive writing was captivating. Beginning in 1839, a young family reside as lighthouse keepers. Emily, main character, finds herself alone with her children after her husband did not return from a fishing trip and is presumed dead.
Emily takes on the task of running the lighthouse and island by herself. It is not an easy job and her current health condition did not make it any easier.
One day, a runaway slave shows up on the island....and....the story takes a whole new turn.
The book really captured the era. It was historical, romantic, heartbreaking and educational. I loved it.
This was such a wonderful read. The descriptive writing was captivating. Beginning in 1839, a young family reside as lighthouse keepers. Emily, main character, finds herself alone with her children after her husband did not return from a fishing trip and is presumed dead.
Emily takes on the task of running the lighthouse and island by herself. It is not an easy job and her current health condition did not make it any easier.
One day, a runaway slave shows up on the island....and....the story takes a whole new turn.
The book really captured the era. It was historical, romantic, heartbreaking and educational. I loved it.
April 27, 2022
I love strong women figures and enjoyed this very much. In the 1840 timeline, it is refreshing to see how strong she was in a time where women were pretty much property to her husband. While she did her wifely duties even though she didn't enjoy them and never complained about it, had a loveless marriage, had children and lost children, she persevered through it all with great dignity. She was a hard worker and had a very open heart and wanted the best for her children. I love that in the end she received her happily ever after even though she was deceived. Full novel and no cliffhanger. I loved it.
February 2, 2020
This is one of the best historical fiction books I have read recently. It was on my wishlist for a couple of years and I finally bought the book. It is an exciting tale with many ups and downs, twists and turns. The main character, Emily, is a very strong female character and seems modern for her times. I hope Ms. Brady will write another book soon as I notice she hasn't written a new one since this book was published in 2012. I think she is a very talented writer and I'm disappointed in not seeing another novel from her.
February 23, 2022
This was a GREAT story. The reader was just so-so. Consequently, it's one of the few books I wish I'd read instead. Also, I have a question that I'm unable blue to answer, though...Is Joanna Brady actually J.A.Jance (her pseudonym)???
July 25, 2024
Selected this book to read while on a trip visiting Key West and what a Gem! Loved the heroine Emily and her life journey in the early settlement days of Key West. I would definitely love to see this made into a feature film or limited series! So much history- nautical, early American history, slave trade, Cuba and the cigar industry - and much intrigue, action and Romance - something for everyone here.
December 28, 2022
Loved this book, great historical fiction and great to read if you are visiting Key West
March 1, 2024
Historical fiction can include SO much more than the history class in high school.
January 21, 2025
This is a book that I think that should be brought out to the forefront again. It was a book that was hard to put down.
It was part truth and part fiction. The main character, Emily Lowry, has so many experiences....many very unusual for the time period (the nineteenth-century Key West), including the rights of women. You read of antebellum Key West and New Orleans society. The characters are very diverse, but realistic. The descriptions of the area make you wish that you were there vacationing, yet the actual events that took place would not be like vacationing at all.
There is a book club section at the end of the book.
It was part truth and part fiction. The main character, Emily Lowry, has so many experiences....many very unusual for the time period (the nineteenth-century Key West), including the rights of women. You read of antebellum Key West and New Orleans society. The characters are very diverse, but realistic. The descriptions of the area make you wish that you were there vacationing, yet the actual events that took place would not be like vacationing at all.
There is a book club section at the end of the book.
April 4, 2022
Good historical fiction book.
January 25, 2025
About a family of lighthouse keepers set in the keys.
July 27, 2025
Very interesting historical novel about Key West and a very avant garde lighthouse keeper.
March 12, 2022
I loved this book so much. Lots of heartbreak and triumph.
August 19, 2016
Based on the lives of widowed female lighthouse keepers of the Florida Keys the story The Woman At The Light is a good work of historical fiction. The story is about Emily Lowry who helps her husband
Martin tend the lighthouse at Wreckers Key, a tiny island off the coast of Key West in the early 1800's. Martin leaves one morning on a fishing trip never to return. Emily stays at Wreckers Key to provide for her children and keep them away from Key West and yellow fever outbreaks. Realizing she is pregnant when Martin disappears she doesn't know how she will handle the tough physical work involved in the light upkeep, during and after the delivery. She must also keep the baby a secret from the two men that run the twice a month supply boat so she will not be relieved of her duties. Emily's two oldest children, Martha and Timothy also have a secret. After a storm a run-away slave washed ashore on Wreckers Key. Spotting footprints in the sand Emily thinks Martin has returned. She quickly finds out they belong to a black man claiming to be a freed slave that was made to work on a ship. Doubting his story she is grateful for his help at the lighthouse and on the island. Known as Hannibal the man decides he would like to be known as Andrew. Andrew quickly takes to life on the island and become the sole keeper of the light. Going into premature labor on the island with only Andrew to help Emily delivers a still born girl. After the tragic birth Emily and Andrew become lovers. Reveling in the isolated life of Wreckers Key Emily ignores the fact that Andrew is not a freed slave but an escaped slave, and her relationship with him is illegal as he is still the property of his owner. Emily becomes pregnant by Andrew and he again delivers her baby, this time a healthy girl they call Ebony Hannah. When an approaching hurricane threatens the group makes preparations to leave the island and return to Key West, even though Emily doesn't know how she will explain Andrew and Ebony to her sister Dorothy and her grandmother. Tricked by her older children Emily leaves the island for Key West while Andrew takes the infant Ebony on another boat. Thinking Andrew and Ebony perished on the trip from the island Emily eventually goes on with her life and marries a prominent businessman named Pedro Salas. When Pedro dies of a heart attack Emily finds out her sister has known that Andrew and Ebony made it safely to New Orleans and are once again enslaved. She rushes to New Orleans to free them.
Like all good historical fiction this book aroused my curiosity and sent me in search about info on the women who tended the lights and Key West. As I live only 60 miles from Key West I feel I will soon take a trip to the lighthouse in Key West for further research.
Martin tend the lighthouse at Wreckers Key, a tiny island off the coast of Key West in the early 1800's. Martin leaves one morning on a fishing trip never to return. Emily stays at Wreckers Key to provide for her children and keep them away from Key West and yellow fever outbreaks. Realizing she is pregnant when Martin disappears she doesn't know how she will handle the tough physical work involved in the light upkeep, during and after the delivery. She must also keep the baby a secret from the two men that run the twice a month supply boat so she will not be relieved of her duties. Emily's two oldest children, Martha and Timothy also have a secret. After a storm a run-away slave washed ashore on Wreckers Key. Spotting footprints in the sand Emily thinks Martin has returned. She quickly finds out they belong to a black man claiming to be a freed slave that was made to work on a ship. Doubting his story she is grateful for his help at the lighthouse and on the island. Known as Hannibal the man decides he would like to be known as Andrew. Andrew quickly takes to life on the island and become the sole keeper of the light. Going into premature labor on the island with only Andrew to help Emily delivers a still born girl. After the tragic birth Emily and Andrew become lovers. Reveling in the isolated life of Wreckers Key Emily ignores the fact that Andrew is not a freed slave but an escaped slave, and her relationship with him is illegal as he is still the property of his owner. Emily becomes pregnant by Andrew and he again delivers her baby, this time a healthy girl they call Ebony Hannah. When an approaching hurricane threatens the group makes preparations to leave the island and return to Key West, even though Emily doesn't know how she will explain Andrew and Ebony to her sister Dorothy and her grandmother. Tricked by her older children Emily leaves the island for Key West while Andrew takes the infant Ebony on another boat. Thinking Andrew and Ebony perished on the trip from the island Emily eventually goes on with her life and marries a prominent businessman named Pedro Salas. When Pedro dies of a heart attack Emily finds out her sister has known that Andrew and Ebony made it safely to New Orleans and are once again enslaved. She rushes to New Orleans to free them.
Like all good historical fiction this book aroused my curiosity and sent me in search about info on the women who tended the lights and Key West. As I live only 60 miles from Key West I feel I will soon take a trip to the lighthouse in Key West for further research.
October 11, 2012
I want a month in some deserted island in the Atlantic off the coast of Florida. That's what I thought throughout this whole book.
Otherwise it was a decent story, maybe a little bit slow at the beginning. But it could really just be the audio book.
I didn't really understand Emily and her emotions. What did she really feel for her first husband? She goes back and forth with her emotions but never as sad as a real woman would be if her husband disappeared. The same goes for the losses of her family members. Any other woman would be devastated...she wants to smoke weed. And once she smokes weed she gets horny...this was about the weirdest thing in the book.
I did not find the mystery in this book mysterious enough and the romance romantic enough.
Otherwise it was a decent story, maybe a little bit slow at the beginning. But it could really just be the audio book.
I didn't really understand Emily and her emotions. What did she really feel for her first husband? She goes back and forth with her emotions but never as sad as a real woman would be if her husband disappeared. The same goes for the losses of her family members. Any other woman would be devastated...she wants to smoke weed. And once she smokes weed she gets horny...this was about the weirdest thing in the book.
I did not find the mystery in this book mysterious enough and the romance romantic enough.
July 14, 2014
This book follows the life of a woman in the Florida Keys in the early 19th century. I had no knowledge of the area's history when I started reading, but I feel like I absorbed quite a bit of information from the story. The plot was enjoyable and moved quickly enough to keep things interesting, but slow enough to not feel rushed. There were several flashbacks to earlier years, and a couple leaps into the future, but overall it was pretty easy to follow. This book has everything from being a lighthouse keeper, forbidden love, secrets, heartache, and a satisfying conclusion to it all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews