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Our House on Sycamore Street

The Light Keeper’s Wife

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They’ve come to escape their wartime secrets. But are some shadows too dark to shake off? If you love romantic historical fiction with a dash of intrigue, you’ll love The Light Keeper’s Wife .

Summer, 1946: Newlyweds Stuart and Amy Lewis have given up the MI5 desk jobs they took once the Special Operations Executive was disbanded after the war. In need of change, they head to sleepy Eden Cove to build a life together. Stuart is helping his uncle repaint the lighthouse, trying to shake the guilt inspired by his wartime work, while Amy is doing her best to be a good housekeeper. But shadows from both their pasts quickly follow them to the sleepy coastal hamlet.

When Amy is offered a job at nearby Greton Hall, she thinks she’s assisting MI5 stop Britain’s post-war secrets escaping into Soviet hands. But even in this quiet village, things aren’t always as they seem. As Amy is drawn deeper into the intrigue, cracks begin to form in her marriage to Stuart. Can they escape their pasts and find a future together? Or will the darkness overcome?

Our House on Sycamore Street
Our House on Sycamore Street is a new multi-author, multi-genre series set in quaint and quirky Eden Cove, an English seaside town with plenty of spirit. With stories of redemption and salvation behind every door, you’re sure to find a new tale of romance, intrigue, humor or heart. All you have to do is knock!

Other books can be read in any order:

The Ferryman's Light by Anna Jensen

The Italian Musician's Sanctuary by Danielle Grandinetti

The Outsider's Welcome by Vida li Sik

The Daughter's Truth by Claire Lagerwell

The Lightkeeper's Wife by Jennifer Mistmorgan

The Key Collector's Promise by Donna Jo Stone

The Maestro's Missing Melody by Amy Walsh

The Niece's Aussie Patient by Meredith Resce

The Runaway's Redemption by Allyson Koekhaven

The Bookbinder's Daughter by Lynn Dean

The Widow's Request by Ashley Winter

The Lost Daughter’s Irishman by Carolyn Miller

The Mother's Song by Caroline Johnston

The Wedding Planner's Problem by Dianne J. Wilson

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2024

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About the author

Jennifer Mistmorgan

8 books176 followers
Australian author Jennifer Mistmorgan sometimes feels like she was born in the wrong era. So she writes romantic historical fiction set in the 1940s, against the backdrop of WWII and its aftermath. Her romances are always sweet but sometimes gritty, infused with hard-core historical research, gentle faith and foodish flair. She lives in Canberra with her family and a wonky-eared West Highland terrier.

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5 stars
63 (57%)
4 stars
28 (25%)
3 stars
15 (13%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
144 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2024
I’m not sure if the title quite fits, but it was a ‘can’t put down’ read. A lovely continuation of the authors free novella you get when you join her mailing list, it can be easily read as a stand alone story.
Intrigue, mystery, realities of recovering from war; again Mistmorgan writes historical fiction with integrity.
Always enjoy reading this author. There’s something special about her descriptions and a depth to her characters.
14 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2024
This book forms part of a series of multi-genre novellas and novels written by 14 authors from around the world. The Light Keeper's Wife is book four in the 'Our House on Sycamore Street' series, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sense of intrigue woven throughout the book.

If you enjoy World War II era books, this is one you'll love.
Profile Image for Meredith Resce.
Author 39 books79 followers
August 31, 2024
This is the third story I have read by this offer, and true to form, it provides intrigue, mystery, danger, and romance. An engaging story. I recommend it highly.
Profile Image for Lori Hooten.
386 reviews11 followers
February 7, 2025
This light suspense story was a nice change of pace. With enough to keep me guessing but not make me tense, this story shows true love standing strong through hardship, making concessions for the good of your love. The setting caught my attention and was a lovely setting for the story of ex- spies after the war. Well done and enjoyable.
38 reviews
April 10, 2026
I had a hard time getting into this book, but the last half gripped my attention. It was not a lighthearted book by any means, with the post-war themes and action. But I did appreciate the intrigue and the faith theme.
Profile Image for Kellyn Roth.
Author 29 books1,129 followers
October 8, 2025
This is such a sweet novella. I only wish there was more of it! I really enjoyed the characters and the plot. This author has become one of my favorites!
Profile Image for Christianne McCall.
23 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2024
Fast paced. You don’t need to read The Finishing School first but it helps. Was enjoyable.
Profile Image for Amy Walsh.
Author 8 books329 followers
October 9, 2024
Oh my word! What a book!

I am so impressed by the characterization and gripping storyline in this novel! I felt like I was living in the aftermath of World War II along with the characters. You will root for the this broken married couple trying to start a new life like I did.
Profile Image for Karen.
537 reviews45 followers
August 26, 2024
The Light Keeper's Wife is a wonderful post-WW2 story which I loved. Amy Smee and Stuart Lewis from the Jennifer Mistmorgan's short story, Finishing School, are now married and have left their lives in London where they worked for the intelligence service. Stuart is desperate for a quiet life and he hopes to find it in the small, seaside town of Eden Cove, where his uncle is a lighhouse keeper. Though this isn't Amy's choice, she wants to support her new husband.

Soon after arriving, a person from her past who she'd hoped she'd never see again, shows up and convinces her to do some undercover work.

There's intrigue and deception, danger and twists I didn't see coming. In fact, it was quite suspenseful at times. But there was also faith, though I did wish it developed a bit more in the characters' lives. But we saw the struggles that each of them were going through.

A great historical fiction book that I recommend. I love that this is one of over a dozen multi-author, multi-genre stories in the Our House on Sycamore Street series. I can't wait to read more of them.

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
927 reviews25 followers
August 30, 2024
The War comes to Eden Cove
Amy and Stuart’s story began in Ms Mistmorgan’s novellette, “Finishing School”; however, it is not necessary to the plot of “The Lightkeeper’s Wife”.
Amy and Stuart settle in Eden Cove for the summer, where both hope to overcome their wartime experiences and embrace civilian life. Instead, they are each confronted, albeit in different ways, by their worst memories of their Defence Force service. Amy’s war, in particular, does not seem to be over as she is conned into intrigue and danger.
Most of the secondary characters in this novella present personas very different to what they are eventually revealed as, and Amy must decide who is friend and who is foe.
The author’s writing style and plot development capture the reader’s interest and, although this is not a favourite genre, I could not stop reading until the final outcome was revealed.
Although all the books in this series takes place in Sycamore Street, each one is different in genre, time-period and character, which makes this multi-author collection unique!
This is my honest opinion of an ARC I received from the author.
Profile Image for Jimnlori.
1,015 reviews47 followers
September 9, 2024
The Light Keeper's Wife by Jennifer Mistmorgan is the new release from the Our House on Sycamore Street series. Each story is a different genre and is written by a different author. They are all set in the coastal town of Eden Cove on Sycamore Street.
If you love historical books set post WWII with plenty of romance, drama, suspense, small town living and secrets, then you don't want to miss reading The Light Keeper's Wife.
Newlyweds Stuart and Amy Lewis have resigned from their jobs at MI5 and moved to Eden Cove so that Stuart can help his uncle take care of the lighthouse and Amy can become a homemaker, but soon their pasts catch up with them and with it comes secrets and darkness that causes cracks in their relationship. Now they must get ahead of their pasts if they ever hope to have a future together.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more wonderful books by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Profile Image for Cindy Topp.
157 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2024
„The Lightkeeper`s Wife“ continues Amy and Stuart`s spellbinding story from „Finishing School.“.

Mistmorgan brings her narrative alive, whether in print or when she, herself, gives one of her audiobook renditions, and that is what draws me in time, and again; I can`t get enough of her finely-crafted, taut writing style, which comes from the heart and eagerly await each new title. I wholeheartedly recommend her books, without reservation.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
80 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2024
I just finished reading The Light Keeper’s Wife by Jennifer Mistmorgan. What a great read. It’s set in the summer of 1946 and about a newlywed couple that have just left their jobs at MI5 to move to the country. The Light Keeper’s Wife is full of intrigue and suspense, all while fighting to keep a marriage alive. I loved the twists and turns.
Jennifer Mistmorgan does an excellent job researching and keeping things historically accurate and interesting. It’s definitely a fun book that I could read again. I want to know what happens next!
Profile Image for Caroline Johnston.
Author 10 books107 followers
June 5, 2025
In The Light Keeper’s Wife, Jennifer takes us back to the 1940s with Stuart and Amy Lewis. The newlyweds have recently given up their MI5 jobs and have resettled in Eden Cove. Stuart takes on the task of painting the lighthouse with his uncle, while Amy is offered a job at Greton Hall. But things are not what they seem. This is a fabulous tale of intrigue and ‘who did it’ that will keep you guessing until the end. As always, Jennifer has crafted fabulous characters - dealing with the horrors of war while trying to moving on with their lives. A wonderful read.
Profile Image for Jeannette Harbottle.
806 reviews10 followers
October 6, 2024
The light shines bright

In the aftermath of WW11, Stuart and Amy hope to escape their wartime secrets, but their pasts follow them in this intriguing novel, that had me alternately holding my breath and reading as fast as I could to discover the outcome, as Stuart faces his greatest fear and discovers that God is enough.
Profile Image for Gina.
88 reviews8 followers
June 14, 2025
Cute little novella-length mystery. I didn’t realize that when I first started reading it. Definitely would have liked more of the story behind Stuart and Amy and their past.

That being said, the story was a good one and had a neat twist to it. I enjoyed flying through a shorter story. Would like to read more from this author.
66 reviews3 followers
November 15, 2024
A Spy Adventure

What happens when a couple of spies retire? Then one keeps a secret from spouse and then there is a Lighthouse to think about. Well, I suggest you get busy and purchase your copy today!
Profile Image for Isabella .
88 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2025
I feel this is kind of my fault, but I went in blind and did not read the synopsis. I read this at night and was scared out of my mind. Definitely engaging but terrifying. PLEASE know that ahead of time.
36 reviews
January 24, 2025
Post-WWII romance & more

This novella was a wonderful little summer story about newlyweds, with a great deal of secrets, intrigue, forgiveness, and Christian faith woven throughout. I have read a couple of the previous books/stories related to this one, which helped with the background and context. It can be read as a standalone, but it’s richer knowing more about what has gone on before.

I suggest reading all of Mrs. Mistmorgan’s books, especially if you enjoy Christian historical suspense & romance.
222 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2025
Whew!

Well, THAT didn't end like I expected! What a great story! Former spies trying to find peace and rest, and yet... well, you'll just have to read the story to figure it out!!!
Profile Image for growing_faith.reads.
246 reviews7 followers
March 2, 2025
It was nice to read more of Stuart & Amy’s story after reading the On Victory’s Wings series and The Finishing School.
Profile Image for Jennifer Edwards.
75 reviews3 followers
May 1, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. Very fast paced book which I love! A good amount of mystery and an ending I didn’t see coming.
Profile Image for ScriptLit-You Are What You Read.
241 reviews26 followers
December 12, 2025
#2025readingchallenge
#24bookyougotforfree

Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

# 24 Book you Got for Free

Book: The Light Keeper's Wife
Author: Jennifer Mistmorgan

It's getting closer to the end of the year and I'm behind on my book challenge, so I needed a novella to read, and I'm glad I chose this one! I got this novella for free, so I used it for this category.

Even though it was a novella, I feel the story was completed. I enjoyed getting a glimpse in to the life of married ex spies trying to find a new way in life. I think the title of the book is a little misleading but it wasn't a big deal.

I loved the married couple and I'd be interested in seeing more of them. They are featured in the author's first book, Finishing School, but I've been unable to get my hands on it.

I'd recommend this novella.

Join my reading challenge! Scripture Literature - You are what you Read on Facebook.

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Profile Image for Ausjenny.
416 reviews
August 29, 2024
The author has a free novella which is the sequel to this story on her newsletter and I do recommend reading it but you will still follow the book as a stand alone.

We see Amy and Stuart married and moving into number 4 Sycamore Street. Stuart had spent a childhood holiday’s visiting his uncle who is the lighthouse keeper and hopes to work in the lighthouse as well. They need a break from the work they had been doing in the war and a place for Stuart to heal.

Someone from her past asks Amy to take a job nearby to help England and the intrigue starts. She has to decide will she take the job; how much will she tell Stuart. At the same time we meet the neighbour who is a font of information. I loved the intrigue and how the story builds to an action packed finale.

This book is very much Historical Suspense but in historical fiction there are really only two genres. Historical and historical romance unlike in Contemporary fiction. This is very much a Historical suspense and well worth the read. I read this book in less than a day I could not stop I had to keep going. My hope is there will be more books featuring this couple.
Profile Image for Andrea Cox.
Author 5 books1,761 followers
December 23, 2025
If this book had been cleaner, it would have easily earned five stars. The espionage angle was delightful and right up my alley. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery surrounding the MI5 stuff.

However, there was sensuality around newlyweds, which overtly hinted at their sexual life, as well as an on-page rape.

The leading man took the Lord’s name in vain twice. The leading lady cursed under her breath. How was I supposed to root for these characters who couldn’t tame their tongues?

The message that we can love God but not people directly opposed the commands Jesus Himself gave us (see Matthew 22:36-40).

I’m sure this novella was meant to entice me to read more of Amy and Stuart’s story in other books… but it didn’t succeed.

Content: sensuality, on-page rape, profanity, replacement profanity, graphic violence
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews