The Light

by Cindy Vincent

Even when the worst happens, God has a way of turning tragedies into triumphs, sometimes by taking us in a different direction and on an unexpected journey, toward a moment in time that can miraculously change our lives forever. But the path leading to that moment can also be a long and rocky road and over some very rough terrain, filled with shadows and dark places. Yet as the saying It’s always darkest before the dawn . . .

Young widow, Libby Dawson, has only been going through the motions and simply surviving, ever since her husband died of cancer. It seems their life together ended before it had barely gotten started, and she can’t imagine how she’ll go on without him. Then one night, her bedside lamp mysteriously goes on by itself and appears to have a mind of its own. Much to her surprise, her attempts to fix her lamp end up taking her down a path that she never dreamed she would walk. And she steps into a whole new world of lights, color and artistry, where she discovers gifts and artistic talent that she didn’t even know she had. Yet all the while, she can’t help but wonder how she’ll survive the overwhelming grief of widowhood. Will it completely consume her? For that matter, will she ever know real joy again?

Then there’s Caleb MacKnight, an old-fashioned guy who falls prey to a modern scam artist, a very beautiful and charming scam artist. She tried to take his money and threatened to ruin everything he’s worked for, along with his family’s custom-home building business. But she did succeed in taking something far more important his confidence. And now he’s left floundering, no longer believing he can trust his own judgement when it comes to women. As far as he’s concerned, he has no future, aside from his work.


Two broken souls on a collision course with one moment in time.A life-altering, destiny moment.When the light shines through the darkness once more.Because sometimes, God has other plans . . .
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you andnot to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2024

About the author

Cindy Vincent, M.A. Ed., is the award-winning author of the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Capers, a mystery series for kids and cat-lovers that features the adventures of two black cat detectives. And yes, as she is often asked, Cindy used her own black cats, Buckley and Bogey, as the inspiration for the series, since they seem to run surveillance on her house each and every night. Cindy is also the creator of the Mysteries by Vincent murder mystery party games and the Daisy Diamond Detective Series games for girls, along with the Daisy Diamond Detective novels, which are a spin-off from the games. She lives in Houston, TX with her husband and an assortment of fantastic felines. Cindy is a self-professed “Christmas-a-holic,” and usually starts planning and preparing in March for her ever-expanding, “extreme” Christmas lights display every year . . .

Http://www.cindyvincent.net
http://www.buckleyandbogey.com

Reviews

[Bob Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very uplifting book. I really like the dual story line and how God plays a role in each person's life. Despite all of the challenges and obstacle in their lives, the book shows that God works in his time for the best. The characters were very well developed. I found myself "knowing" them and "liking" them very much.

[Julie Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the midst of her husband dying of cancer Libby finds an outlet to help her get through the tough time. Her artistic ability helps her to focus outside of the pain that she is going through. Caleb has made the mistake of a lifetime with his choice of women. Now it is affecting the family business. Will these two be able to find light in the midst of all of their troubles?

At first I thought this would be a romance, but even though there is a bit of that in the story it doesn't come until almost the end. I enjoyed how the story focused on Libby and Caleb separately. How the reader was able to get to know both characters and their lives and struggles. I do think that the romance was lacking a tad and would have liked to have seen that develop a bit more, but it was a sweet story aside from that and the characters were all very likable. I like how the light theme was carried out throughout the story for Libby and also how Caleb's character developed and matured. Mr. Ritchie was a great character that helped dole out great advice and was invaluable in helping both Libby and Caleb get back on their feet and pointed in the right direction. Even though the subject of Libby's husband dying was heavy I found that this story was "light" and didn't bring the reader into a depth of darkness or sadness that would make the story too depressing to read. I also enjoyed that I read it as Christmas was closing in. Even though I don't believe the theme is a Christmas one I thought it was perfect for this time of year! If you find yourself focusing on the dark this would be a good book to read to remind us that there is still light out there.

[Alice Darlington · Rating 5 out of 5]

II have received a signed copy of this book from the author I have one other book and love it

[J.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would call this book a sweet romance with a few delightful God-moments sprinkled along the way to literally bring light into dark places. I absolutely loved it!

The Light is a story of recovery and renewal with hints of the supernatural along with solid reality. The two main characters, Libby, a brokenhearted young widow, and Caleb, an emotionally disillusioned young man, don't meet until later in the book, and yet I loved every twist and turn and coincidence (including two charming kittens) that cause their paths to intersect and finally mesh.
The Light is a thought-provoking and deeply satisfying read. More, please!

[Kate Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me think of the old Rascal Flatts song about a broken road leading straight to you. Libby and Caleb both go on quite a journey until that one destiny moment. Lots of twists and turns, with lots of hope along the way.

[Sara Mclain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call it fate if you like, the world works in mysterious ways. The Light reminds us that the best antidote for sorrow is a combination of time, strength and faith. Libby Dawson knows the deep sorrow and pain that comes with cancer. Watching someone she loves lose his battle with the disease forces her to find a glimmer of hope in a future without him. A flicker of light and a series of chance encounters weave a clever story of personal growth and finding family among friends. The Light is a engaging story with a cast of characters that feel like people we all know. The kind man that runs the local hardware store, the unexpected group of friends united by a single experience, a mother who loves her daughter, the new guy who stirs up a old feeling, and a kitten or two! There is no such thing as a coincidence in Destiny. Every action has a reaction and The Light cleverly connects the lives of strangers through happenstance. If you are a fan of mystery and romance this book is for you. It is suspenseful, enjoyable and hopeful. You will laugh and cry and you will come away feeling joy. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Destiny.

Note: The author provided a free copy for my review.

[Susan Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in the mail late in the afternoon and stayed up late to finish it. It is a very sweet story about 2 injured people who spend a year healing enough to appreciated what they have seen glimpses of during that time. Oh, and there are cats involved! And an overflowing toilet! I did not purchase this book as it was a gift from the author, but am planning on buying copies for several friends and family members.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This book caught my attention from the first line and the more I read the more I couldn't stop reading! A wonderful story with more than one moral, but the best was forgiveness. I highly recommend it to everyone.