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Lighthouse Keeper
In 1874, in the quaint coastal town of Provincetown, Massachusetts, the ocean’s waves echo with tales of lost love. Lizzy Darby, a resilient young woman with a heart marked by past sorrows, seeks refuge in the familiarity of her parents' general store. Scarred by the loss of her first love to the unpredictable sea, Lizzy strives to find solace in the routine of her daily life.
Joana Maria Pascoal is a spirited immigrant from the Azores Islands. In her quest for a brighter future for her family, Joana adopts the guise of a man to secure a lucrative position as the town's lighthouse keeper. As Lizzy and Joana's lives become intertwined, an undeniable connection forms, one that transcends the boundaries imposed by their society.
Haunted by the wreckage of her past romance, Lizzy grapples with the fear of opening her heart again. Joana, trapped by a disguise that shields her from prejudice but endangers her livelihood, battles the urge to succumb to a forbidden love. Her dual identity hangs in the balance, a secret that, if exposed, could shatter the financial support crucial for her family's survival.
Clandestine meetings, stolen moments, and the heart's yearnings collide with the harsh realities of a world bound by tradition and familial expectations. Will the secrets that Lizzy and Joana harbor tear them apart, or can their burgeoning relationship overcome the circumstances that threaten a promising new love?
Joana Maria Pascoal is a spirited immigrant from the Azores Islands. In her quest for a brighter future for her family, Joana adopts the guise of a man to secure a lucrative position as the town's lighthouse keeper. As Lizzy and Joana's lives become intertwined, an undeniable connection forms, one that transcends the boundaries imposed by their society.
Haunted by the wreckage of her past romance, Lizzy grapples with the fear of opening her heart again. Joana, trapped by a disguise that shields her from prejudice but endangers her livelihood, battles the urge to succumb to a forbidden love. Her dual identity hangs in the balance, a secret that, if exposed, could shatter the financial support crucial for her family's survival.
Clandestine meetings, stolen moments, and the heart's yearnings collide with the harsh realities of a world bound by tradition and familial expectations. Will the secrets that Lizzy and Joana harbor tear them apart, or can their burgeoning relationship overcome the circumstances that threaten a promising new love?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2024
132 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Lentzski
30 books857 followersEliza Lentzski is the best-selling author of sapphic fiction, romance, and erotica including the Winter Jacket and Don’t Call Me Hero series. A historian by day, Eliza is passionate about telling the stories of marginalized communities.
Born and raised in the upper Midwest—a landscape that often shapes her novels—Eliza now lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
Born and raised in the upper Midwest—a landscape that often shapes her novels—Eliza now lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 6, 2024
Ahhh! This book took me back to the time I devoured historical romances. I loved them. But how often I dreamed about ‘adjusting’ the plots of those books. No dreams needed here.
A great story about times of hardship and hard-won ‘happy-ever-afters’. The characters were wonderful and what better background than Provincetown. Oh yes! Such a good read. Sigh!
A great story about times of hardship and hard-won ‘happy-ever-afters’. The characters were wonderful and what better background than Provincetown. Oh yes! Such a good read. Sigh!
April 20, 2024
4,5 stars
I enjoyed this. It was very well written (unsurprisingly, this author is always a solid choice), I liked the plot and both the MCs were nice and I couldn't help but root for them.
Can recommend
I enjoyed this. It was very well written (unsurprisingly, this author is always a solid choice), I liked the plot and both the MCs were nice and I couldn't help but root for them.
Can recommend
June 20, 2024
Good story based on historical storyline which felt real if closed eyes and had one hand behind my back with crossed fingers. But recommended.
April 6, 2024
A lighthouse full of love
I loved this book! The struggles Lizzie and Joana go through are monumental, but their love is strong enough to withstand the storms. What bravery to give up everything for the woman you love! And my, was it worth it! Well done Eliza Lentzski!
I loved this book! The struggles Lizzie and Joana go through are monumental, but their love is strong enough to withstand the storms. What bravery to give up everything for the woman you love! And my, was it worth it! Well done Eliza Lentzski!
March 16, 2024
This was such a beautiful story. I am always sad to finish your books so quickly but this one made me smile so much. The historical aspect was so detail I was so drawn into the time period. I found myself researching facts about Massachusetts along the way. I learnt so much, which is always an added joy when reading a book. There was the perfect amount of all the things that I believe make a great romance book. I always look forward to your work and will be patiently waiting for the next story to break my heart and put it back together again!
June 21, 2024
4,5 stars
I enjoyed this. It was very well written (unsurprisingly, this author is always a solid choice), I liked the plot and both the MCs were nice and I couldn't help but root for them.
Can recommend
I enjoyed this. It was very well written (unsurprisingly, this author is always a solid choice), I liked the plot and both the MCs were nice and I couldn't help but root for them.
Can recommend
March 24, 2024
(rounded up from 4.5)
I normally enjoy Eliza Lentzski romances anyway but this one adds an extra dimension of enjoyment by including historical aspects of queer segments of society and how they have existed in pockets well before it was common knowledge that they were around.
Joana/Jo is an organic example of someone who feels more freedom and herself dressed in a masculine fashion and doing the job traditionally given to a young man. I appreciated the cultural context of the immigrants and the English-speaking locals living side by side but not really mingling except for commerce. Charles Webster is also an interesting addition to the supporting cast and a good bridge to the underground world of people who are gender-nonconforming or queer and still exist in this relatively buttoned-up society.
Overall, an enjoyable romance with some appreciable historical roots and context to give us a hopeful tale of being othered in society at a time when it seems like the only choice is between a content and authentic life.
I normally enjoy Eliza Lentzski romances anyway but this one adds an extra dimension of enjoyment by including historical aspects of queer segments of society and how they have existed in pockets well before it was common knowledge that they were around.
Joana/Jo is an organic example of someone who feels more freedom and herself dressed in a masculine fashion and doing the job traditionally given to a young man. I appreciated the cultural context of the immigrants and the English-speaking locals living side by side but not really mingling except for commerce. Charles Webster is also an interesting addition to the supporting cast and a good bridge to the underground world of people who are gender-nonconforming or queer and still exist in this relatively buttoned-up society.
Overall, an enjoyable romance with some appreciable historical roots and context to give us a hopeful tale of being othered in society at a time when it seems like the only choice is between a content and authentic life.
March 29, 2024
I couldn’t finish this book. I don’t like to read about the era in which the patriarchy was so instilled in American life. I am sure this is a good book for those who don’t mind reading about how women suffered inequality at every juncture. It is well written, the author did a fine job. However, I cannot subject myself to the horrors by reading about it.
July 25, 2024
4.5/5⭐
I really liked this actually. Joanna was a little bit of a dumbass but that's okay lol, I realise she was trying to do the right thing for her crappy family (mostly Antonio, fuck you Antonio you bag of shit), it was just a liiiiiiitle bit infuriating, in the way most romances are: "just kiss her and get married you dummies!!" lmao. Its okay though because they got their happy ending!! I love a happy ending with a lesbian marriage 🥰 I actually liked Lizzy and Jo a lot (and I am literally a sucker for the strong, dominant lesbian types which my wife also is lmao. This book actually made me think of her tbh.)
-.5 Because while this book was lovely, sometimes it was a little repetitive. I think I read "Lizzy Darby" and "The Lighthouse Keeper" (which in the beginning was fair, considering Lizzy didn't know Jo's name yet, but it kinda continued on after Lizzy got a name too) about fifty billion times, and some other phrases were said over and over and over, and honestly, the way they looked was described a little too much as well, and just a lot of the same things being said/described over and over. Once or twice is enough. After that its a bit annoying. I have no issues with authors being descriptive - in fact, please do! But maybe. uh..find new>words/phrases to do so. Keep it fresh, you know?
I really liked this actually. Joanna was a little bit of a dumbass but that's okay lol, I realise she was trying to do the right thing for her crappy family (mostly Antonio, fuck you Antonio you bag of shit), it was just a liiiiiiitle bit infuriating, in the way most romances are: "just kiss her and get married you dummies!!" lmao. Its okay though because they got their happy ending!! I love a happy ending with a lesbian marriage 🥰 I actually liked Lizzy and Jo a lot (and I am literally a sucker for the strong, dominant lesbian types which my wife also is lmao. This book actually made me think of her tbh.)
-.5 Because while this book was lovely, sometimes it was a little repetitive. I think I read "Lizzy Darby" and "The Lighthouse Keeper" (which in the beginning was fair, considering Lizzy didn't know Jo's name yet, but it kinda continued on after Lizzy got a name too) about fifty billion times, and some other phrases were said over and over and over, and honestly, the way they looked was described a little too much as well, and just a lot of the same things being said/described over and over. Once or twice is enough. After that its a bit annoying. I have no issues with authors being descriptive - in fact, please do! But maybe. uh..find new>words/phrases to do so. Keep it fresh, you know?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2024
Gave up at the 60% point.
Disappointed with this one. I was excited about the plot, I love a good historic novel - but it felt uninspired. The historical element feels like a detail, when it should have been the focus of a deeply emotional and intense journey.
They get together too quick, the first part of the book at least really lacks the drama I would expect from this type of storyline.
Disappointed with this one. I was excited about the plot, I love a good historic novel - but it felt uninspired. The historical element feels like a detail, when it should have been the focus of a deeply emotional and intense journey.
They get together too quick, the first part of the book at least really lacks the drama I would expect from this type of storyline.
February 11, 2025
I both liked and disliked this book. I struggled with it because of the constraints placed on women, and I suffered with them.
A young woman couldn’t even walk down the sidewalk with a man without an escort.
I’ll briefly give a little taste of the story. Lizzy lost her husband in a storm at sea. She lived with her parents, worked in their general store and delivered the weekly supplies to the lighthouse keeper, Mr. Howe. There, she met his assistant, a young fellow named Jo, who turned out to be Joana, a female who had to wear the clothes of a man, or she wouldn’t qualify for the job. Lizzy and Joana fell in love, which required them to sneak around.
Joana was revealed, lost the job and was forced to go work in the mill factory, grinding out a meager wage, but hey, that’s what happened to women who didn’t have a husband to bring home the wages.
I mentioned that I didn’t like how difficult the times were for women. It was just heartbreaking to read. That brings me to why I still must give this five stars. Eliza Lentzski’s historical research was so thorough that she so accurately portrayed the scenes down to the landscapes, the other characters, the clothes, the personalities, the dangers faced, the attitudes, atmosphere and much, much more. I couldn’t wait for the book to finish so I could escape the oppression.
I highly recommend this book!
A young woman couldn’t even walk down the sidewalk with a man without an escort.
I’ll briefly give a little taste of the story. Lizzy lost her husband in a storm at sea. She lived with her parents, worked in their general store and delivered the weekly supplies to the lighthouse keeper, Mr. Howe. There, she met his assistant, a young fellow named Jo, who turned out to be Joana, a female who had to wear the clothes of a man, or she wouldn’t qualify for the job. Lizzy and Joana fell in love, which required them to sneak around.
Joana was revealed, lost the job and was forced to go work in the mill factory, grinding out a meager wage, but hey, that’s what happened to women who didn’t have a husband to bring home the wages.
I mentioned that I didn’t like how difficult the times were for women. It was just heartbreaking to read. That brings me to why I still must give this five stars. Eliza Lentzski’s historical research was so thorough that she so accurately portrayed the scenes down to the landscapes, the other characters, the clothes, the personalities, the dangers faced, the attitudes, atmosphere and much, much more. I couldn’t wait for the book to finish so I could escape the oppression.
I highly recommend this book!
June 7, 2024
History that strikes modern chords
This story of forbidden lesbian love in 1874 in Provincetown, Massachusetts is a fabulously-researched novel. In order to get Lighthouse Keeper right, the author had to know an incredible array of historical information--ranging from lighthouse fresnel lenses, to women's undergarments, to the political and economic forces that drove Portuguese people to leave the Azores and settle in the new world. Not only did she have to know such varied material, she had to build it into a cohesive, believable, world, which she aptly succeeded in doing.
But don't be fooled by the vintage setting. This book touches core contemporary issues, like defining ourselves when others want to label us, and living our fullest lives when others would keep us small.
PS: it has spice, too.
This story of forbidden lesbian love in 1874 in Provincetown, Massachusetts is a fabulously-researched novel. In order to get Lighthouse Keeper right, the author had to know an incredible array of historical information--ranging from lighthouse fresnel lenses, to women's undergarments, to the political and economic forces that drove Portuguese people to leave the Azores and settle in the new world. Not only did she have to know such varied material, she had to build it into a cohesive, believable, world, which she aptly succeeded in doing.
But don't be fooled by the vintage setting. This book touches core contemporary issues, like defining ourselves when others want to label us, and living our fullest lives when others would keep us small.
PS: it has spice, too.
August 7, 2024
Why, oh why, do I never learn?
I was so intrigued by the plot-line of a 19th-century Azorean woman masquerading as a man in order to be a lighthouse keeper, that I allowed myself to disregard the fact that I hated the only other novel I’ve read by this author. Plus, 26 self-published books?! She’s just cranking ‘em out, quality be damned. So we’ve got an Azorean festival happening on a Sunday on one page, and on the next page it’s on a Saturday. (I kept flipping back and forth to make sure I wasn't mis-reading.) We’ve got tragedy always “proceeding” the erection of a lighthouse. We’ve got people “pouring over” the pages of books (which would make them mighty hard to read). And we’ve got a tale that, however well-researched its skeletal historical elements might be, never manages to reach in and grab ahold of the heartstrings.
I was so intrigued by the plot-line of a 19th-century Azorean woman masquerading as a man in order to be a lighthouse keeper, that I allowed myself to disregard the fact that I hated the only other novel I’ve read by this author. Plus, 26 self-published books?! She’s just cranking ‘em out, quality be damned. So we’ve got an Azorean festival happening on a Sunday on one page, and on the next page it’s on a Saturday. (I kept flipping back and forth to make sure I wasn't mis-reading.) We’ve got tragedy always “proceeding” the erection of a lighthouse. We’ve got people “pouring over” the pages of books (which would make them mighty hard to read). And we’ve got a tale that, however well-researched its skeletal historical elements might be, never manages to reach in and grab ahold of the heartstrings.
April 20, 2024
Wonderful Read
Lighthouse Keeper gives you a glimpse into a time where women had very few conventional choices. But Jo was brave enough to make an unconventional one, posing as a man to get a better paying job to help support her family. Lizzy is stuck helping in her parents' general store after tragically losing her intended. The two meet because Lizzy's family is responsible for supplying provisions to the lighthouse keeper. Their relationship grows but they face so many challenges especially due to the constraints of the times. Their determination and bravery combined with a little bit of help along the way finally leads to their happy ending. Eliza Lentzski has given us another wonderful read!
Lighthouse Keeper gives you a glimpse into a time where women had very few conventional choices. But Jo was brave enough to make an unconventional one, posing as a man to get a better paying job to help support her family. Lizzy is stuck helping in her parents' general store after tragically losing her intended. The two meet because Lizzy's family is responsible for supplying provisions to the lighthouse keeper. Their relationship grows but they face so many challenges especially due to the constraints of the times. Their determination and bravery combined with a little bit of help along the way finally leads to their happy ending. Eliza Lentzski has given us another wonderful read!
July 23, 2024
I loved this book. Absolutely loved it.
I read it while I was away from home for a few days and I stayed awake far too long one night as I couldn't put it down. And suffered for it the following day. But it was worth it.
This is historical faction at its best.
I love the fact that before the prologue there is instead 'Historian's note' and it gives background information to allow for context in the story.
It tells the story of a shy, new, light house keeper and their friendship with a local girl that grows into something more.
There is an epilogue -
This of course shows them about a year after the beginning of the story living their life and generally getting on with it. And happy.
I read it while I was away from home for a few days and I stayed awake far too long one night as I couldn't put it down. And suffered for it the following day. But it was worth it.
This is historical faction at its best.
I love the fact that before the prologue there is instead 'Historian's note' and it gives background information to allow for context in the story.
It tells the story of a shy, new, light house keeper and their friendship with a local girl that grows into something more.
There is an epilogue -
This of course shows them about a year after the beginning of the story living their life and generally getting on with it. And happy.
March 18, 2024
There are some pretty good sapphic writers out there, and then there is Eliza Lentzski. This woman can write, and does it so well. I loved this book. The characters are great (one of this author’s strengths) and the story delivers on the romance. However, what makes this story rich are the historical facts woven into the setting. Having been to Maine and Provincetown a couple of times, it was a treat to learn about the town’s heritage. Do yourself a favour and look up Fresnel lenses. I read the book in two days because I just couldn’t put it down.
March 30, 2024
It's a thing of beauty when a historical fiction author truly respects the era they are writing of as Eliza obviously does in this book. She writes this heart warming story with such a depth of understanding of the dynamic of the era that the reader is transported to the time to experience the story first hand.
Add in 2 truly genuine MCs, strong and relevant support characters and a generous helping of true love and you can't help but fall in love with this book.
Definite 5 star read, highly recommended
Add in 2 truly genuine MCs, strong and relevant support characters and a generous helping of true love and you can't help but fall in love with this book.
Definite 5 star read, highly recommended
May 14, 2024
Good book!
I loved this story! It's variety of characters made it very interesting, but the love story made it great! Being in an interracial, multi-denominational marriage myself helped me to identify with the main characters, to feel their pain, their joy, their angst. I was very happy with the ending, and was thinking about a sequel! I would love to read about their wedding and then growing old together. And I am sure that Mr. Webster could teach them ways to make a baby! Lizzy"s mother would be ecstatic! Please consider a sequel!!
I loved this story! It's variety of characters made it very interesting, but the love story made it great! Being in an interracial, multi-denominational marriage myself helped me to identify with the main characters, to feel their pain, their joy, their angst. I was very happy with the ending, and was thinking about a sequel! I would love to read about their wedding and then growing old together. And I am sure that Mr. Webster could teach them ways to make a baby! Lizzy"s mother would be ecstatic! Please consider a sequel!!
July 7, 2024
Beautifully written story!
This was a beautifully written book. The way the author describes life in Provincetown back in the late 1800s made me feel as if I was there with Lizzy and Jo. The development of their love story was so sweet. The fear of being found out back then was very realistic. When Jo was found out and Lizzy’s efforts to help her and stay together demonstrated the efforts she was willing to make to stay together. I hope this author continues to be inspired to continue to write about historical relationships. This book was beautifully written!
This was a beautifully written book. The way the author describes life in Provincetown back in the late 1800s made me feel as if I was there with Lizzy and Jo. The development of their love story was so sweet. The fear of being found out back then was very realistic. When Jo was found out and Lizzy’s efforts to help her and stay together demonstrated the efforts she was willing to make to stay together. I hope this author continues to be inspired to continue to write about historical relationships. This book was beautifully written!
March 22, 2024
oh wow
Such a beautiful and well researched book. I’m not normally into historical books but with this being by Eliza Lentzski I knew it would be good.
The entire story just flowed perfectly, the characters are well written and the ending made my heart sing. The entire book has you on the edge of your seat at times and curled up smiling the rest of the time.
I’m pretty sure I will be reading this book again soon. Seriously good.
Such a beautiful and well researched book. I’m not normally into historical books but with this being by Eliza Lentzski I knew it would be good.
The entire story just flowed perfectly, the characters are well written and the ending made my heart sing. The entire book has you on the edge of your seat at times and curled up smiling the rest of the time.
I’m pretty sure I will be reading this book again soon. Seriously good.
September 12, 2024
A keeper
I'll treasure this book forever. I look forward to reading it again and again. I'll need to buy a few copies because I plan on curling up with this book when I am very old and grey. I connected with this book in so many ways. It's an amazing story that I loved and it also has so much detail. It was beautiful to read a story set where my family is from and with our culture. I'll read it whenever I'm homesick. It's window into a world that makes my heart very happy.
I'll treasure this book forever. I look forward to reading it again and again. I'll need to buy a few copies because I plan on curling up with this book when I am very old and grey. I connected with this book in so many ways. It's an amazing story that I loved and it also has so much detail. It was beautiful to read a story set where my family is from and with our culture. I'll read it whenever I'm homesick. It's window into a world that makes my heart very happy.
October 24, 2024
a great love and the sea too
These two women were meant for each other. Im so glad Lizzy made the first moves to share her attraction. When she kisses Jo on the corner of her lips its intoxicating with romance and sensuality. Fantastic read and historically good. Although I’m not one who worries about historical details. This was dark for the time but really lovely for the for the romantic heart. Just a good read overall. Thanks Eliza
These two women were meant for each other. Im so glad Lizzy made the first moves to share her attraction. When she kisses Jo on the corner of her lips its intoxicating with romance and sensuality. Fantastic read and historically good. Although I’m not one who worries about historical details. This was dark for the time but really lovely for the for the romantic heart. Just a good read overall. Thanks Eliza
March 20, 2024
Different Times
I’m so grateful that today, in the US, we don’t have to hide our love for another regardless of gender. How my heart breaks for all those before us that had to, and for those that have to continue to hide.
Another amazing story by Eliza. Love the historical information.
I’m so grateful that today, in the US, we don’t have to hide our love for another regardless of gender. How my heart breaks for all those before us that had to, and for those that have to continue to hide.
Another amazing story by Eliza. Love the historical information.
March 27, 2024
The Light in the Night
Lizzy Darby lived with her parents and worked in the general store in Providence Town, Mass. Jo Prescott is a Portuguese immigrant woman who disguised herself as a man to get a job as a lighthouse keeper. Meeting by chance they fell in love. This is their story of struggle and success in Victorian New England. Wonderful story and author.
Lizzy Darby lived with her parents and worked in the general store in Providence Town, Mass. Jo Prescott is a Portuguese immigrant woman who disguised herself as a man to get a job as a lighthouse keeper. Meeting by chance they fell in love. This is their story of struggle and success in Victorian New England. Wonderful story and author.
April 6, 2024
Oh yes! Such a good read.
Ahhh! This book took me back to the time I devoured historical romances. I loved them. But how often I dreamed about ‘adjusting’ the plots of those books. No dreams needed here.
A great story about times of hardship and hard-won ‘happy-ever-afters’. The characters were wonderful and what better background than Provincetown.
Ahhh! This book took me back to the time I devoured historical romances. I loved them. But how often I dreamed about ‘adjusting’ the plots of those books. No dreams needed here.
A great story about times of hardship and hard-won ‘happy-ever-afters’. The characters were wonderful and what better background than Provincetown.
April 15, 2024
I’ve never been a big fan of historical romances…but this one?! It was perfect! Such smooth writing and the story flowed so well. The way queer characters were presented in this book really felt true to the time but without focusing on the horrible treatment of LGBTQIA people. I really enjoyed this story and will be seeking out others by this author.
August 26, 2024
This captures the period if the story rather well. It was a multifaceted time with culture having multiple levels of appeal but much of it underground. The Victorian era still has a multitude of hangover behaviors when linked wit religion becomes very stifling. This story captured the period rather well, I think.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2024
another good one
This was cute and had my anxiety a lil fried haha. I get nervous when people have to hide and not get caught. But it was good, I like reading about stories like this when the time period is way before electricity and anything modern. Where dirt is still everywhere. Loved it!
This was cute and had my anxiety a lil fried haha. I get nervous when people have to hide and not get caught. But it was good, I like reading about stories like this when the time period is way before electricity and anything modern. Where dirt is still everywhere. Loved it!
April 22, 2024
Loved this story to bits, Eliza Lentzski is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and it started with this wonderful story. Highly recommend this book and at the moment I'm working my way through her works, enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews