What do you think?
Rate this book
The Light Continues
The past and its hurts can be squelched down and hidden carefully away, but life has a way of bringing them back to the surface at the right time so healing and newness can come.
Lila Deveaux, the youngest of the Deveaux sisters, who grew up at the old lighthouse inn on the north end of Edisto Island, always walked to a different drummer. A creative soul, living close to God even as a child, she'd stepped away from the world for a time to become an Episcopal sister. However, when the life oddly didn't seem to fit anymore, she returned home to the island to help at the family's inn and lighthouse gift shop and to paint. In the last year she'd seen new, opportunities and directions occur for her sisters, and for herself with her art, but when Edward Calhoun comes back her quiet life and peaceful composure become abruptly challenged.
Edward Calhoun postponed returning home to Indigo Plantation after his father's death, not wanting to face all the memories and pains there. As his father's only son and heir, it fell to him, like it or not, to decide on the future of his old home and whether he would stay or leave again. Running into Lila Deveaux, his close childhood friend, fanned old feelings long tucked away. Hadn't she joined that Community of St. Mary and become a sister? What was she doing back at Edisto and why? Ties between them had been broken, like so many other ties, but the spell and beauty of Edisto and its people soon began to work on Edward's hardened heart.
PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP AND HER RICH SOUTHERN NOVELS
"Cheer on a cast of characters who will win your heart as they find healing and new joy at Edisto."- Ann H. Gabhart, Bestselling author of The Song of Sourwood Mountain
"Travel to beautiful coastal South Carolina without ever leaving home!" - Kim Standridge Boykin, bestselling author of Palmetto Moon
"The author carefully paints the characters, providing key insights into their personalities... the storyline packed with vivid details about life in the South Carolina Lowcountry." - Novels Alive Review
"Lin Stepp paints pictures of both landscape and characters enabling the reader to 'walk' through the novel... They entertain, inform and wrap me in love. I can guarantee that when the last page is read, I will be left smiling." - Julia, UK Reviewer Christian Bookaholic
Lila Deveaux, the youngest of the Deveaux sisters, who grew up at the old lighthouse inn on the north end of Edisto Island, always walked to a different drummer. A creative soul, living close to God even as a child, she'd stepped away from the world for a time to become an Episcopal sister. However, when the life oddly didn't seem to fit anymore, she returned home to the island to help at the family's inn and lighthouse gift shop and to paint. In the last year she'd seen new, opportunities and directions occur for her sisters, and for herself with her art, but when Edward Calhoun comes back her quiet life and peaceful composure become abruptly challenged.
Edward Calhoun postponed returning home to Indigo Plantation after his father's death, not wanting to face all the memories and pains there. As his father's only son and heir, it fell to him, like it or not, to decide on the future of his old home and whether he would stay or leave again. Running into Lila Deveaux, his close childhood friend, fanned old feelings long tucked away. Hadn't she joined that Community of St. Mary and become a sister? What was she doing back at Edisto and why? Ties between them had been broken, like so many other ties, but the spell and beauty of Edisto and its people soon began to work on Edward's hardened heart.
PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP AND HER RICH SOUTHERN NOVELS
"Cheer on a cast of characters who will win your heart as they find healing and new joy at Edisto."- Ann H. Gabhart, Bestselling author of The Song of Sourwood Mountain
"Travel to beautiful coastal South Carolina without ever leaving home!" - Kim Standridge Boykin, bestselling author of Palmetto Moon
"The author carefully paints the characters, providing key insights into their personalities... the storyline packed with vivid details about life in the South Carolina Lowcountry." - Novels Alive Review
"Lin Stepp paints pictures of both landscape and characters enabling the reader to 'walk' through the novel... They entertain, inform and wrap me in love. I can guarantee that when the last page is read, I will be left smiling." - Julia, UK Reviewer Christian Bookaholic
282 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 20, 2025
In the enchanting world of Edisto Island, Lin Stepp's latest installment in the Lighthouse Series, "The Light Continues," takes readers on a journey through the complexities of family, faith, and healing. At the heart of this compelling narrative is Lila Deveaux, a gifted artist whose talent shines as she works on sketches and paintings for a local history book. Yet, beneath her creative surface lies a tapestry of secrets—experiences of past traumas that have kept her from fully embracing the love she shares with childhood sweetheart Edward Calhoun.
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque South Carolina coast, the novel weaves a rich tapestry of life at the lighthouse shared by Lila and her three sisters, each character bringing her own unique story to light. Stepp intricately explores the dynamics of sisterhood, as well as the profound impact of loss. Both Lila and Edward are brought together by their shared grief, having lost their fathers at a young age. However, their relationship is tested not only by their pasts but also by the societal challenges they face. The author deftly addresses themes of emotional, physical, and racial abuse—elements that lend depth to the narrative and prompt readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships.
Lila has wonderful family support as she’s untangling trauma and healing. I think her use of faith and trust to help her find wisdom describes methods we can apply in our lives. Lin Stepp uses her own faith experience to develop the characters’ faith. Lila and Edward know that they care for one another, but are making mature decisions to each get balance and maturity in their own lives.
Edward doesn’t have the close family support, but he does have an alternative family in the Jessup family who manage and work the Indigo Plantation.
In "The Light Continues," Lin Stepp proves once again that she is not a formula writer. Her ability to create rich characters and intricate plots sets her apart in contemporary fiction. Lila's journey of self-discovery and healing, intertwined with her artistic talents and deep faith, resonates long after the final pages are turned. This novel is not just a story set on Edisto Island; it is a poignant exploration of the human experience that will inspire, challenge, and captivate readers seeking more than mere escapism. At first, I thought the reestablishment of romance between Edward and Lila was moving rather faster than I would have expected. However, I have to remember they aren’t really youngsters. They’ve been out in the world and know themselves. Their relationship can grow quickly due to the roots that were planted from their childhood companionship.
Stepp's vivid descriptions breathe life into Edisto Island, capturing not only its stunning beauty but also the essence of its community. From the gentle sounds of the ocean to the rustic charm of local farms, her imagery transports readers to a place where they can almost feel the warm sun and salty breezes. I especially enjoyed the description of growing Indigo, the identifying crop at Edward’s plantation. The incorporation of practical elements like maps, transportation details, and local recipes enhances the reading experience, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in Lila's world.
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque South Carolina coast, the novel weaves a rich tapestry of life at the lighthouse shared by Lila and her three sisters, each character bringing her own unique story to light. Stepp intricately explores the dynamics of sisterhood, as well as the profound impact of loss. Both Lila and Edward are brought together by their shared grief, having lost their fathers at a young age. However, their relationship is tested not only by their pasts but also by the societal challenges they face. The author deftly addresses themes of emotional, physical, and racial abuse—elements that lend depth to the narrative and prompt readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships.
Lila has wonderful family support as she’s untangling trauma and healing. I think her use of faith and trust to help her find wisdom describes methods we can apply in our lives. Lin Stepp uses her own faith experience to develop the characters’ faith. Lila and Edward know that they care for one another, but are making mature decisions to each get balance and maturity in their own lives.
Edward doesn’t have the close family support, but he does have an alternative family in the Jessup family who manage and work the Indigo Plantation.
In "The Light Continues," Lin Stepp proves once again that she is not a formula writer. Her ability to create rich characters and intricate plots sets her apart in contemporary fiction. Lila's journey of self-discovery and healing, intertwined with her artistic talents and deep faith, resonates long after the final pages are turned. This novel is not just a story set on Edisto Island; it is a poignant exploration of the human experience that will inspire, challenge, and captivate readers seeking more than mere escapism. At first, I thought the reestablishment of romance between Edward and Lila was moving rather faster than I would have expected. However, I have to remember they aren’t really youngsters. They’ve been out in the world and know themselves. Their relationship can grow quickly due to the roots that were planted from their childhood companionship.
Stepp's vivid descriptions breathe life into Edisto Island, capturing not only its stunning beauty but also the essence of its community. From the gentle sounds of the ocean to the rustic charm of local farms, her imagery transports readers to a place where they can almost feel the warm sun and salty breezes. I especially enjoyed the description of growing Indigo, the identifying crop at Edward’s plantation. The incorporation of practical elements like maps, transportation details, and local recipes enhances the reading experience, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in Lila's world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2025
The Light Continues by Lin Stepp is a wonderful, warm, contemporary Christian novel that I adored. It is the fourth book in The Lighthouse Sisters series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for character progression and development, and for continuity of time.
Each book focuses on one of the Lighthouse sisters. It is the turn of Lila in this book. Lila has a close relationship with God. She draws close to Him in her quiet time. “Prayer… quiet, special time with God.” As we spend time with God, we build relationship with Him. “Time alone with God always brought her peace.”
When life presents a crossroads for us, we can trust God’s plans and turn to Him for guidance. “God… always has the best plans… the best vocation… is the one God intends exactly for that person.” God longs for us to follow in His footsteps but God is a gentleman and will never force His plans on us. “God will open the doors, but He won’t push you through them.” We all have free will and choice. Be sure to choose wisely. “God gave us all free will, but we each have to choose to live right.”
Some characters are haunted by events of the past. “I felt so dirty.” When things happen to us, we must remember that we were the innocent party and we have no right to feel guilty. Bring it all to Jesus for there is no condemnation in Him. He will heal and restore us. To heal needs kindness, understanding and love, which the close-knit community has in spades.
We learn that “the past doesn’t rule you.” We can visit the past but we must not live in it, or we will ruin our present and future.
We are not destined to repeat the sins of our fathers. “Don’t let the enemy torture you and make you think you’ll ever become like your father.” We must not listen to the lies of the enemy but tune into the life-affirming voice of God.
Within the novel we meet some wonderfully warm and welcoming characters who support each other. They preserve the past. The roots of the community go back several generations. It is a community that looks out for each other, offering support where needed. It is a community that offers a place to call home for all who visit.
Lin Stepp has produced another beautiful novel that reveals the steadfast love and the heart of God for His children.
God is the light that shines in the darkness. In Him, we can always find home if we just follow His light. Even on the darkest night, His light still shines. “Sometimes in a storm we can’t see the light clearly… but it’s always there.” God’s light will always guide us home.
In The Light Continues, Lin Stepp has written another beautiful novel that goes straight to the reader’s heart. How we long to live in a small-town community where love shines through.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Each book focuses on one of the Lighthouse sisters. It is the turn of Lila in this book. Lila has a close relationship with God. She draws close to Him in her quiet time. “Prayer… quiet, special time with God.” As we spend time with God, we build relationship with Him. “Time alone with God always brought her peace.”
When life presents a crossroads for us, we can trust God’s plans and turn to Him for guidance. “God… always has the best plans… the best vocation… is the one God intends exactly for that person.” God longs for us to follow in His footsteps but God is a gentleman and will never force His plans on us. “God will open the doors, but He won’t push you through them.” We all have free will and choice. Be sure to choose wisely. “God gave us all free will, but we each have to choose to live right.”
Some characters are haunted by events of the past. “I felt so dirty.” When things happen to us, we must remember that we were the innocent party and we have no right to feel guilty. Bring it all to Jesus for there is no condemnation in Him. He will heal and restore us. To heal needs kindness, understanding and love, which the close-knit community has in spades.
We learn that “the past doesn’t rule you.” We can visit the past but we must not live in it, or we will ruin our present and future.
We are not destined to repeat the sins of our fathers. “Don’t let the enemy torture you and make you think you’ll ever become like your father.” We must not listen to the lies of the enemy but tune into the life-affirming voice of God.
Within the novel we meet some wonderfully warm and welcoming characters who support each other. They preserve the past. The roots of the community go back several generations. It is a community that looks out for each other, offering support where needed. It is a community that offers a place to call home for all who visit.
Lin Stepp has produced another beautiful novel that reveals the steadfast love and the heart of God for His children.
God is the light that shines in the darkness. In Him, we can always find home if we just follow His light. Even on the darkest night, His light still shines. “Sometimes in a storm we can’t see the light clearly… but it’s always there.” God’s light will always guide us home.
In The Light Continues, Lin Stepp has written another beautiful novel that goes straight to the reader’s heart. How we long to live in a small-town community where love shines through.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
March 31, 2025
The joyful book, The Light Continues, spoke directly to my heart. The spiritual
focus of this book was significant to me as a reader. Lin Stepp’s story, featuring Lila and Edward, reinforces their need - and our need - for God’s hand in our lives at every turn. How God reveals Himself to us and points us to His plans for our lives and happiness made this such a compelling and joyful story.
When life’s issues pull people apart, but their previous connection is still deep, that connection can revive feelings of fondness - and even more. Lila and Edward experience this pull in spite of the hurts and traumas of the past. Their story reinforces that we are all works in progress and we are all dealing with our own issues. Our potential for daily growth and forgiveness of the past is impacted on whether we have God’s hand in our lives.
Lila, a spiritually mature and godly young woman knows this and takes her issues and the issues of those she loves, before God on a daily basis.
Lila and Edward’s story is full of possibilities and potential. Will the historic working plantation that Edward inherited, in such an idyllic setting as Edisto Island, be their future?
focus of this book was significant to me as a reader. Lin Stepp’s story, featuring Lila and Edward, reinforces their need - and our need - for God’s hand in our lives at every turn. How God reveals Himself to us and points us to His plans for our lives and happiness made this such a compelling and joyful story.
When life’s issues pull people apart, but their previous connection is still deep, that connection can revive feelings of fondness - and even more. Lila and Edward experience this pull in spite of the hurts and traumas of the past. Their story reinforces that we are all works in progress and we are all dealing with our own issues. Our potential for daily growth and forgiveness of the past is impacted on whether we have God’s hand in our lives.
Lila, a spiritually mature and godly young woman knows this and takes her issues and the issues of those she loves, before God on a daily basis.
Lila and Edward’s story is full of possibilities and potential. Will the historic working plantation that Edward inherited, in such an idyllic setting as Edisto Island, be their future?
March 21, 2025
I am unable to go to the beach as often as I would like so for the last few years, I have immersed myself in The Lighthouse Sister's Series. Each year this series has featured a sister, a romance, and a mystery, as well as the beautiful area where the story is set. This year, I think was one of the best.
Lila, the last of the sisters to be featured is also the youngest. She found love early with neighbor Edward Calhoun but left the area for a time to live in the world of Episcopalian sisters. Edward left his neighboring plantation home for college and rarely returned.
It takes the reuniting of the two to heal the reasons behind each of their life turns, embrace their chemistry, and it may take more than that to solve the mystery behind the fires in the area that could cause more destruction.
The setting of Edisto Island in South Carolina is beautiful, the story has just enough suspense, romance, and history to keep the reader intrigued with each page turn. Don't miss "The Light Continues" by Lin Stepp. Not sure but I think Edisto may have one more romance left!
Lila, the last of the sisters to be featured is also the youngest. She found love early with neighbor Edward Calhoun but left the area for a time to live in the world of Episcopalian sisters. Edward left his neighboring plantation home for college and rarely returned.
It takes the reuniting of the two to heal the reasons behind each of their life turns, embrace their chemistry, and it may take more than that to solve the mystery behind the fires in the area that could cause more destruction.
The setting of Edisto Island in South Carolina is beautiful, the story has just enough suspense, romance, and history to keep the reader intrigued with each page turn. Don't miss "The Light Continues" by Lin Stepp. Not sure but I think Edisto may have one more romance left!
March 12, 2025
As a very talented storyteller and visual writer, Lin Stepp is very descriptive and detailed in her writing and draws the reader into the narrative making the reader feel they are very much a part of the story. It is difficult to put her books down until you finish reading them. “The Light Continues” is the fourth book in Lin Stepp’s “Lighthouse Sisters” series, each book focusing on one of the four Deveaux sisters. This book focuses on Lila Deveaux. The beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry, and Edisto and Watch Islands are the backdrop to the characters and the story in “The Light Continues”. This is a book filled with faith, family, friends, healing and restoration from past traumatic events, romance, and new beginnings. I highly recommend “The Light Continues”, five stars.
April 6, 2025
I have been a fan of Lin Stepp’s novels since I started reading her books in 2011. To say I enjoy her books is an understatement. Each book has been everything a reader would want, and I never want them to end.
She truly is a gifted author in every sense of the word. Each book is special to me. I love the characters Lin creates, they become real. As you read her books, you step into the pages where you are emersed in the story as well as the setting. Even the setting becomes a character in so many ways. I am grateful for Lin writing these books, because they have brought me tremendous joy.
Her newest book, The Light Continues, which debuted April 1, 2025, you must read. Another hit from Lin for sure. She shows how healing and newness can come at the right time.
She truly is a gifted author in every sense of the word. Each book is special to me. I love the characters Lin creates, they become real. As you read her books, you step into the pages where you are emersed in the story as well as the setting. Even the setting becomes a character in so many ways. I am grateful for Lin writing these books, because they have brought me tremendous joy.
Her newest book, The Light Continues, which debuted April 1, 2025, you must read. Another hit from Lin for sure. She shows how healing and newness can come at the right time.
February 26, 2025
This was another great book Lin Stepp did. She finished the series on a great note. With a wedding, which is always a great way to end the Lighthouse series. The characters are great and you fall in love with them. Good beach book or sitting on the porch read. I read it in my living room though with the snow flying outside and made me wish I was on Edisto.
April 1, 2025
The Light Continues is the fourth book in Lin Stepp’s Lighthouse Sisters Series. While each could be read as a stand-alone story, reading them in sequence adds depth and connection to the characters and to the lovely South Carolina Lowcountry’s Edisto Island. This fourth and final book in the series focuses on the youngest of the Deveaux sisters, Lila. Readers familiar with the first three books in this series will enjoy another opportunity to reconnect with this dynamic family.
Lila Deveaux returned to Edisto Island after leaving the Community of St. Mary where she was living as an Episcopal sister. Upon her return she set about creating a new life for herself. One that included helping her family with their inn and lighthouse gift shop as well as working on her passion for drawing and painting. As life on the island presented her with new opportunities for her artistic talents, Lila began to settle into the island life from which she once tried to distance herself. Her life was starting to take on an air of peaceful contentment — that is until Edward Calhoun, a childhood friend, returned to the island.
Edward Calhoun had made a concerted effort to stay as far away from Edisto Island as he possibly could. But when his father passed away, he returned to settle his father’s affairs. He had is reasons for staying away. He had his reasons for thinking he’d just sell Indigo Plantation and return to the legal clinic where he practiced law. He had his reasons, that is, until he and Lila reconnected.
As Lila and Edward, once very close childhood friends, become reacquainted old secrets and long-stifled feelings begin to emerge. Both must come to terms with past events as well as present feelings in ways that allow for self-forgiveness and reconciliation. As Lila and Edward each struggle with the things from the past that have haunted them for years, they are able to put dark events of the past where they belong: in the past. And they are able to lean on one another and into their faith in such a way that, together, they begin to see that the light of a future is far brighter than they ever imagined.
Ms. Stepp���s masterful storytelling and ability to create a rich sense of place does not disappoint. She deftly weaves together past and present to create an unforgettable story of the oft times fragile nature of the human heart and the power of love, faith, and family to bring about personal growth. If I could give more than five stars to this review, I would!
Lila Deveaux returned to Edisto Island after leaving the Community of St. Mary where she was living as an Episcopal sister. Upon her return she set about creating a new life for herself. One that included helping her family with their inn and lighthouse gift shop as well as working on her passion for drawing and painting. As life on the island presented her with new opportunities for her artistic talents, Lila began to settle into the island life from which she once tried to distance herself. Her life was starting to take on an air of peaceful contentment — that is until Edward Calhoun, a childhood friend, returned to the island.
Edward Calhoun had made a concerted effort to stay as far away from Edisto Island as he possibly could. But when his father passed away, he returned to settle his father’s affairs. He had is reasons for staying away. He had his reasons for thinking he’d just sell Indigo Plantation and return to the legal clinic where he practiced law. He had his reasons, that is, until he and Lila reconnected.
As Lila and Edward, once very close childhood friends, become reacquainted old secrets and long-stifled feelings begin to emerge. Both must come to terms with past events as well as present feelings in ways that allow for self-forgiveness and reconciliation. As Lila and Edward each struggle with the things from the past that have haunted them for years, they are able to put dark events of the past where they belong: in the past. And they are able to lean on one another and into their faith in such a way that, together, they begin to see that the light of a future is far brighter than they ever imagined.
Ms. Stepp���s masterful storytelling and ability to create a rich sense of place does not disappoint. She deftly weaves together past and present to create an unforgettable story of the oft times fragile nature of the human heart and the power of love, faith, and family to bring about personal growth. If I could give more than five stars to this review, I would!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews