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Lakeshore Chronicles #11
Starlight on Willow Lake
#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs sweeps readers away to a sun-drenched summer on the shores of Willow Lake in a stunning tale of the delicate ties that bind a family together… and the secrets that tear them apart…
When caregiver Faith McCallum arrives at the enchanted, lakeside estate of Avalon's renowned Bellamy family, she's intent on rebuilding her shattered life and giving her two daughters a chance at a better future. But she faces a formidable challenge in the form of her stubborn and difficult new employer, Alice Bellamy. While Faith proves a worthy match for her sharp-tongued client, she often finds herself at a loss for words in the presence of Mason Bellamy—Alice's charismatic son, who clearly longs to escape the family mansion and return to his fast-paced, exciting life in Manhattan…and his beautiful, jet-setting fiancée.
The last place Mason wants to be is a remote town in the Catskills, far from his life in the city, and Faith McCallum is supposed to be the key to his escape. Hiring the gentle-hearted yet strong-willed caregiver as a live-in nurse gives his mother companionship and Mason the freedom to return to his no-attachments routine. For Faith, it means stability for her daughters and a much-needed new home. When Faith makes a chilling discovery about Alice's accident, Mason is forced to reconsider his desire to keep everyone, including his mother, at a distance. Now he finds himself wondering if the supercharged life he's created for himself is what he truly wants…and whether exploring his past might lead to a new life—and lasting love—on the tranquil shores of Willow Lake.
When caregiver Faith McCallum arrives at the enchanted, lakeside estate of Avalon's renowned Bellamy family, she's intent on rebuilding her shattered life and giving her two daughters a chance at a better future. But she faces a formidable challenge in the form of her stubborn and difficult new employer, Alice Bellamy. While Faith proves a worthy match for her sharp-tongued client, she often finds herself at a loss for words in the presence of Mason Bellamy—Alice's charismatic son, who clearly longs to escape the family mansion and return to his fast-paced, exciting life in Manhattan…and his beautiful, jet-setting fiancée.
The last place Mason wants to be is a remote town in the Catskills, far from his life in the city, and Faith McCallum is supposed to be the key to his escape. Hiring the gentle-hearted yet strong-willed caregiver as a live-in nurse gives his mother companionship and Mason the freedom to return to his no-attachments routine. For Faith, it means stability for her daughters and a much-needed new home. When Faith makes a chilling discovery about Alice's accident, Mason is forced to reconsider his desire to keep everyone, including his mother, at a distance. Now he finds himself wondering if the supercharged life he's created for himself is what he truly wants…and whether exploring his past might lead to a new life—and lasting love—on the tranquil shores of Willow Lake.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2015
645 people are currently reading
4086 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wiggs
169 books7,455 followersSusan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 470 reviews
June 10, 2016
Faith is a widow, her husband having died of diabetes leaving behind a huge amount of debt largely from medical bills. Shocking to think that a serious health issue can have such devastating effects on finances. Faith has a teenage daughter Cara and a younger daughter, Ruby. Ruby also suffers from diabetes. To add to their woes they have just been evicted and Faith needs to find employment where she can also care for her girls. Faith is a caring, hardworking character who doesn’t whine about her lot but gets on with life. It is very easy to like Faith and want to see her and her little family do well.
Mason and his family are at the other end of the spectrum, exceedingly wealthy but not without their own issues. Alice, Mason’s mother who had been an adventurous, athletic woman is now due to a skiing accident confined to a wheelchair. This, along with other things in her life, has made her a bitter woman who is unable to keep staff because of her treatment of them. Enter Faith and her girls.
Yes, the story can be seen as a little predictable as to what will happen but it is told in such a way that I felt involved with the characters, though it took me longer to warm to Mason and also Alice. I did after a while.
It didn’t matter that I hadn’t read most of the other books in The Lakeshore Chronicles this book was quite capable of standing alone. This is an enjoyable, heartfelt read, even if does seem at times a little implausible. When you are as involved with the characters as I was, it was easy to overlook that aspect. Ultimately it is a story of love and hope with well-drawn characters and setting. I enjoyed reading it.
Mason and his family are at the other end of the spectrum, exceedingly wealthy but not without their own issues. Alice, Mason’s mother who had been an adventurous, athletic woman is now due to a skiing accident confined to a wheelchair. This, along with other things in her life, has made her a bitter woman who is unable to keep staff because of her treatment of them. Enter Faith and her girls.
Yes, the story can be seen as a little predictable as to what will happen but it is told in such a way that I felt involved with the characters, though it took me longer to warm to Mason and also Alice. I did after a while.
It didn’t matter that I hadn’t read most of the other books in The Lakeshore Chronicles this book was quite capable of standing alone. This is an enjoyable, heartfelt read, even if does seem at times a little implausible. When you are as involved with the characters as I was, it was easy to overlook that aspect. Ultimately it is a story of love and hope with well-drawn characters and setting. I enjoyed reading it.
July 18, 2015
This was an interesting story. I expected the romance, but for me that seemed to take the backseat to Alice, Faith and her girls. I loved how Alice changed during the book, loved seeing her come back to life, to realize that being in a chair didn't end her life, just altered it. A big part of that coming back to life was Faith and her girls. Faith was no non-sense with Alice, didn't encourage her pity party, instead challenged Alice to get better or as better as she was able to. Ruby and Cara seemed to bring a new breath into the house. Ruby especially seemed to be a kindred spirit in overcoming fears with Alice. Cara was a tough nut to crack, much like Alice at the start, so when Alice starting pushing Cara for more it was great. I think that Cara seeing Alice going after more in her life gave her the courage to do the same.
The romance between Faith and Mason was quiet and low key. You could tell both were attracted to each other from the start, but weren't sure what to do about it. Faith because she was scared to love again and Mason because Faith didn't fit into the image he had for that part of his life.
The ending was so great for this one, loved getting the future glimpse and how the path that started in this book stayed the same.
The romance between Faith and Mason was quiet and low key. You could tell both were attracted to each other from the start, but weren't sure what to do about it. Faith because she was scared to love again and Mason because Faith didn't fit into the image he had for that part of his life.
The ending was so great for this one, loved getting the future glimpse and how the path that started in this book stayed the same.
February 7, 2017
Que libro mas bonito de superacion personal, de sentimientos y de ganas de ser uno mismo....
Me han encantado todos los personajes, cada uno por un motivo concreto....Alice es la personificacion de la fuerza de voluntad, de la ganas de superarse y de abandonar el pasado para centrarse en el presente....
Faith, uno de los personajes mas bonitos, es el reflejo del sacrificio mas profundo ( el de una madre por sus hij@s) y de superacion personal para conseguir ser feliz....
Es un libro que se lee solo, agradable y la historia de amor es pausada pero preciosa, se va cociendo a fuego lento, viendo las emociones y sentimientos de los dos personajes...
Me ha encantado que la autora haya plasmado tan bien unas enfermedad tan dificil como la diabetes y la tetraplejia sin caer en el victimismo, ni hacer un drama de ellas y mostrandolas como son y como un ejemplo de superacion para las personas que lo padecen....
Me encantaria leer mas de esta autora y mas sobre los tres hermanos que faltan....
Me han encantado todos los personajes, cada uno por un motivo concreto....Alice es la personificacion de la fuerza de voluntad, de la ganas de superarse y de abandonar el pasado para centrarse en el presente....
Faith, uno de los personajes mas bonitos, es el reflejo del sacrificio mas profundo ( el de una madre por sus hij@s) y de superacion personal para conseguir ser feliz....
Es un libro que se lee solo, agradable y la historia de amor es pausada pero preciosa, se va cociendo a fuego lento, viendo las emociones y sentimientos de los dos personajes...
Me ha encantado que la autora haya plasmado tan bien unas enfermedad tan dificil como la diabetes y la tetraplejia sin caer en el victimismo, ni hacer un drama de ellas y mostrandolas como son y como un ejemplo de superacion para las personas que lo padecen....
Me encantaria leer mas de esta autora y mas sobre los tres hermanos que faltan....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2020
2,5 estrellas. Estamos ante una historia de superación y de segundas oportunidades, pero, sobre todo, ante una historia sobre la familia, tanto la de sangre como la que elegimos para que nos acompañe en ese tortuoso camino que, a veces, es la vida. No ha estado mal, ha sido una lectura agradable, pero tampoco me ha emocionado ni tocado la fibra sensible. El romance, además, juega un papel muy secundario en esta novela y lo he sentido muy descafeinado. Y eso, en una novela de romántica, para mí no es un punto a favor.
Siento curiosidad por conocer la historia de Adam, más que nada porque yo me he montado un MM en mi cabeza que a esta autora no le pega ni con cola.
#RitaSusan #RetoRita4
Siento curiosidad por conocer la historia de Adam, más que nada porque yo me he montado un MM en mi cabeza que a esta autora no le pega ni con cola.
#RitaSusan #RetoRita4
February 7, 2017
Qué historia más bonita! De familia, de amistad, de amor, de superación. Me ha encantado.
Sis, hay que prepararse porque viene la historia del resto de los hermanos y la de Cara... tienen que venirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Sis, hay que prepararse porque viene la historia del resto de los hermanos y la de Cara... tienen que venirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
August 25, 2015
A special thank you to MIRA and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A huge long-time faithful fan of talented Susan Wiggs, and her captivating Lakeshore Chronicles Series-- having read all the books in the series, her latest, STARLIGHT ON WILLOW LAKE (Lakeshore Chronicles #11) is by far, my favorite—lots of scandalous secrets, intriguing characters, and life lessons!
With the popular TV Hallmark series adaption of Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series, and the new and upcoming Sherryl Woods, Chesapeake Series, I have my fingers crossed, Susan Wigg’s Lakeshore Chronicles Series will be next in line-- centered on this idyllic town of Avalon's Willow Lake, a remote lakeside town in the much loved Catskills, featuring the exciting Bellamy family and friends.
Meet the characters:
Faith McCallum, in her early thirties, widowed, a home care nurse and caretaker; raising a teenage daughter and a younger daughter with diabetes. She spent years taking care of her mother, her husband, and now her daughters. She cannot catch a break. She is currently being evicted, due to the past hospital bills from her husband’s diabetes, and loss of her job. She fights everyday to keep her family afloat, while looking for a new job. Best of all, with all her tragedies, she maintains a great attitude.
Alice Bellamy, now a paraplegic, is a miserable rich woman. After multiple surgeries, drug therapies, and intensive rehab, Alice had agreed to move to Avalon to settle into her new life as a widow and a quadriplegic, determined to find what independence she could, a few hours by train from New York City.
A former successful athlete, businesswoman, community leader, wife and mother; full of life-now shattered. With her spinal injury, she would never walk again--much less ski, salsa dance, cliff dive, run a triathlon, or even drive a car--she had raged against her fate. She has fired all her caretakers, with her negative attitude and sharp tongue. Everyone is afraid of her and no one wants to be around her. She has lost her husband in a skiing avalanche accident, and left her without any way to do anything on her own. She also has recently discovered secrets within her marriage, and she no longer has her independence, or her will to go on. She has lost complete control of her own life.
Mason Bellamy, Alice’s oldest son, is a successful man, wealthy, and smart, living in Manhattan with a stunning fiancée. He takes care of all the finances of his mother, and has set her up in Avalon, equipping her home, with a full staff, and environment with everything she could ever need; except his time.
When Alice’s daughter, Ivy has to leave for Paris, and her younger son, Adam has to go away for a firefighter’s mission training, Mason has to leave Manhattan to return to Willow Lake, to help with his mother’s care until they hire a new live in nurse and caretaker. He has spent his entire life since age seventeen escaping his mother. He feels guilty he knew the secret of his parent’s past.
Cara McCallum, a teen who is smart, intelligent, and a hard worker, yet she is aware she cannot dream of driving, getting a car, going to college, or other dreams, due to their financial situation. She does not have the means to expect clothes and material possessions.
Roby McCallum, younger sister, a diabetic, is smart, funny, and lights up a room. However, she has many fears to overcome. Alice may be the one person who can help her, while helping herself in the meantime.
As the book opens, we see Faith and her girls struggling, near being homeless; on the way to the interview with Alice and Mason Bellamy—when she discovers an accident and being the altruistic person she is, she stops to help a victim of a motorcycle accident, and is late for her interview. She helps save his life, and Mason witnesses a demonstration of her tenacity and skills.
Faith, and her funny, witty, and heartwarming daughters may just be what the doctor ordered for Alice, and for Mason. As the past and the present connect, these two families from different financial status, and walks of life, may be the perfect match for rebuilding, renewal, facing old fears, while gaining newfound courage and purpose to move on to an exciting future. Each person receives a gift from the other, creating a bond, closer than family.
As most of my book friends and followers are aware, I am typically not a huge fan of women’s fiction, romance, or chick-lit, as lean more towards crime, suspense, legal thrillers, or historical/literary fiction. However, there are a select number of contemporary authors, such as Susan, I always place at the top of my list, and anxiously await the next in the series.
If you have read any of Susan’s books, you are aware, they are not fluff and all feel good. They are rich in character, diversity, travel, and delve into social issues, emotions, and struggles of family and daily contemporary lives ---with suspense, intrigue, and sometimes a budding romance, despite all odds.
Fans of Luanne Rice, Jodi Picoult, and Emilie Richards will be drawn to Susan’s style and talent for a complex, yet inspiring tale of strong women, overcoming fears, facing the past, and the ability to allow others inside their hearts for much-needed change; leaving room for exciting new ventures. A great mix of characters (loved Faith, Alice, Cara, and Ruby)! Being a total wanderlust, I always enjoy Susan's books, filled with adventure, travel, music, art, culture; exotic, intelligent, and intriguing characters and settings--making for an ideal book club discussion.
While STARLIGHT ON WILLOW LAKE can be read as a standalone, recommend reading all of the books in this suspenseful series, rich in character and charm. Always love catching up with familiar characters. An inspiring and beautiful journey of self-discovery (for those with disabilities, caregivers, friends or families), of love, and healing.
A compelling tale, a romance, and one which will leave you awaiting the next group of characters, drawing you back to the captivating unspoiled Willow Lake, and the picture perfect storybook setting.
JDCMustReadBooks
A huge long-time faithful fan of talented Susan Wiggs, and her captivating Lakeshore Chronicles Series-- having read all the books in the series, her latest, STARLIGHT ON WILLOW LAKE (Lakeshore Chronicles #11) is by far, my favorite—lots of scandalous secrets, intriguing characters, and life lessons!
With the popular TV Hallmark series adaption of Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series, and the new and upcoming Sherryl Woods, Chesapeake Series, I have my fingers crossed, Susan Wigg’s Lakeshore Chronicles Series will be next in line-- centered on this idyllic town of Avalon's Willow Lake, a remote lakeside town in the much loved Catskills, featuring the exciting Bellamy family and friends.
Meet the characters:
Faith McCallum, in her early thirties, widowed, a home care nurse and caretaker; raising a teenage daughter and a younger daughter with diabetes. She spent years taking care of her mother, her husband, and now her daughters. She cannot catch a break. She is currently being evicted, due to the past hospital bills from her husband’s diabetes, and loss of her job. She fights everyday to keep her family afloat, while looking for a new job. Best of all, with all her tragedies, she maintains a great attitude.
Alice Bellamy, now a paraplegic, is a miserable rich woman. After multiple surgeries, drug therapies, and intensive rehab, Alice had agreed to move to Avalon to settle into her new life as a widow and a quadriplegic, determined to find what independence she could, a few hours by train from New York City.
A former successful athlete, businesswoman, community leader, wife and mother; full of life-now shattered. With her spinal injury, she would never walk again--much less ski, salsa dance, cliff dive, run a triathlon, or even drive a car--she had raged against her fate. She has fired all her caretakers, with her negative attitude and sharp tongue. Everyone is afraid of her and no one wants to be around her. She has lost her husband in a skiing avalanche accident, and left her without any way to do anything on her own. She also has recently discovered secrets within her marriage, and she no longer has her independence, or her will to go on. She has lost complete control of her own life.
Mason Bellamy, Alice’s oldest son, is a successful man, wealthy, and smart, living in Manhattan with a stunning fiancée. He takes care of all the finances of his mother, and has set her up in Avalon, equipping her home, with a full staff, and environment with everything she could ever need; except his time.
When Alice’s daughter, Ivy has to leave for Paris, and her younger son, Adam has to go away for a firefighter’s mission training, Mason has to leave Manhattan to return to Willow Lake, to help with his mother’s care until they hire a new live in nurse and caretaker. He has spent his entire life since age seventeen escaping his mother. He feels guilty he knew the secret of his parent’s past.
Cara McCallum, a teen who is smart, intelligent, and a hard worker, yet she is aware she cannot dream of driving, getting a car, going to college, or other dreams, due to their financial situation. She does not have the means to expect clothes and material possessions.
Roby McCallum, younger sister, a diabetic, is smart, funny, and lights up a room. However, she has many fears to overcome. Alice may be the one person who can help her, while helping herself in the meantime.
As the book opens, we see Faith and her girls struggling, near being homeless; on the way to the interview with Alice and Mason Bellamy—when she discovers an accident and being the altruistic person she is, she stops to help a victim of a motorcycle accident, and is late for her interview. She helps save his life, and Mason witnesses a demonstration of her tenacity and skills.
Faith, and her funny, witty, and heartwarming daughters may just be what the doctor ordered for Alice, and for Mason. As the past and the present connect, these two families from different financial status, and walks of life, may be the perfect match for rebuilding, renewal, facing old fears, while gaining newfound courage and purpose to move on to an exciting future. Each person receives a gift from the other, creating a bond, closer than family.
As most of my book friends and followers are aware, I am typically not a huge fan of women’s fiction, romance, or chick-lit, as lean more towards crime, suspense, legal thrillers, or historical/literary fiction. However, there are a select number of contemporary authors, such as Susan, I always place at the top of my list, and anxiously await the next in the series.
If you have read any of Susan’s books, you are aware, they are not fluff and all feel good. They are rich in character, diversity, travel, and delve into social issues, emotions, and struggles of family and daily contemporary lives ---with suspense, intrigue, and sometimes a budding romance, despite all odds.
Fans of Luanne Rice, Jodi Picoult, and Emilie Richards will be drawn to Susan’s style and talent for a complex, yet inspiring tale of strong women, overcoming fears, facing the past, and the ability to allow others inside their hearts for much-needed change; leaving room for exciting new ventures. A great mix of characters (loved Faith, Alice, Cara, and Ruby)! Being a total wanderlust, I always enjoy Susan's books, filled with adventure, travel, music, art, culture; exotic, intelligent, and intriguing characters and settings--making for an ideal book club discussion.
While STARLIGHT ON WILLOW LAKE can be read as a standalone, recommend reading all of the books in this suspenseful series, rich in character and charm. Always love catching up with familiar characters. An inspiring and beautiful journey of self-discovery (for those with disabilities, caregivers, friends or families), of love, and healing.
A compelling tale, a romance, and one which will leave you awaiting the next group of characters, drawing you back to the captivating unspoiled Willow Lake, and the picture perfect storybook setting.
JDCMustReadBooks
October 15, 2015
This was just lovely. True, it's the Cinderella story and is totally predictable. However, it's told with such love and compassion and gentleness I almost want to read it all over again!
Nice, nice caring and hard-working people crippled by life's events who suck up their own misfortunes and work to help others achieve their goals. This is what life should be about. It was a very uplifting book without all the garbage generally thrown in by (I'm assuming) PC editors.
What a breath of fresh air! I will definitely look for more books by Susan Wiggs.
Nice, nice caring and hard-working people crippled by life's events who suck up their own misfortunes and work to help others achieve their goals. This is what life should be about. It was a very uplifting book without all the garbage generally thrown in by (I'm assuming) PC editors.
What a breath of fresh air! I will definitely look for more books by Susan Wiggs.
August 29, 2015
Starlight on Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs is 2015 Harlequin MIRA publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Susan Wiggs pulled me into this story with such ease and subtlety that before I knew it, I was deeply involved with Mason, Alice and Faith and their interwoven sagas.
Faith is a dead broke caretaker. a widowed mother of two daughters, who desperately needs to find a steady job and a place to settle for the sake of her children, who have grown weary of being shuffled so often since the death of their father.
Having been hired by Mason to care for his paralyzed mother seemed like a blessing, but once Faith encounters Alice, she realizes she has her work cut out for her.
Mason is trying to come to terms with his father's death and help his mother cope with the hand of cards she has been dealt, but wishes he could do it at distance because he and Alice have a strained relationship. Mason is successful in his work and prefers to simply pay for anything his mother may need.
But, when his mother takes a puzzling tumble down the stairs, and his siblings can't stay with her, Mason has to man up and find a way to run his business and care for his mother. This development puts him in contact with Faith and from there Alice, Faith and Mason will get to know one another and themselves a whole lot better.
As I have gotten older, I have come to appreciate these types of stories more than ever. Thought provoking, emotional, and inspirational storytelling with depth and meaning always leaves me feeling rewarded and satisfied by the time I turn the last page. This book has all of these qualities and was well worth the time spent reading it.
For me, the person at the heart of this story is Alice. I know she was a real you know what at the beginning of the book, but I could see past all that and knew in my heart she was going to be okay, but that it would be a long journey for her. In the end, she was an inspiration to everyone in the story. She opened her eyes and her heart in ways many of us might not be able to. I ended up with a great admiration for her. But, she didn't get there all by herself.
Faith, Mason, Cara and Ruby all play a part in Alice's turn around. But, Mason too will learn some truths about himself, will admit his own regrets and mistakes, and will have an incredibly surreal chance to find peace… by considering his mother's profound words of wisdom. Faith and her girls also play a huge role, with Alice taking a real liking to Cara and Ruby.
While I am big fan of romantic build up, my only complaint was that the romance between Mason and Faith too long to develop. I was pretty sure Faith and Mason were moving toward a relationship, but I was beginning to think I had it all wrong, and because it took so very long for anything to get going between them ,it felt like a wet blanket was thrown on their initial chemistry and curtailed the passion and sentimental romance, but! I did like how Faith made Mason fight for her and how he rose to the occasion. The happy ever moment for Faith and Mason was symbolic and perfect for them, each facing their fears and learning to take a leap of faith.
I'm hoping to learn more about Adam and Ivy in the future.
A wonderful and compelling story that will warm your heart.
4 stars
Susan Wiggs pulled me into this story with such ease and subtlety that before I knew it, I was deeply involved with Mason, Alice and Faith and their interwoven sagas.
Faith is a dead broke caretaker. a widowed mother of two daughters, who desperately needs to find a steady job and a place to settle for the sake of her children, who have grown weary of being shuffled so often since the death of their father.
Having been hired by Mason to care for his paralyzed mother seemed like a blessing, but once Faith encounters Alice, she realizes she has her work cut out for her.
Mason is trying to come to terms with his father's death and help his mother cope with the hand of cards she has been dealt, but wishes he could do it at distance because he and Alice have a strained relationship. Mason is successful in his work and prefers to simply pay for anything his mother may need.
But, when his mother takes a puzzling tumble down the stairs, and his siblings can't stay with her, Mason has to man up and find a way to run his business and care for his mother. This development puts him in contact with Faith and from there Alice, Faith and Mason will get to know one another and themselves a whole lot better.
As I have gotten older, I have come to appreciate these types of stories more than ever. Thought provoking, emotional, and inspirational storytelling with depth and meaning always leaves me feeling rewarded and satisfied by the time I turn the last page. This book has all of these qualities and was well worth the time spent reading it.
For me, the person at the heart of this story is Alice. I know she was a real you know what at the beginning of the book, but I could see past all that and knew in my heart she was going to be okay, but that it would be a long journey for her. In the end, she was an inspiration to everyone in the story. She opened her eyes and her heart in ways many of us might not be able to. I ended up with a great admiration for her. But, she didn't get there all by herself.
Faith, Mason, Cara and Ruby all play a part in Alice's turn around. But, Mason too will learn some truths about himself, will admit his own regrets and mistakes, and will have an incredibly surreal chance to find peace… by considering his mother's profound words of wisdom. Faith and her girls also play a huge role, with Alice taking a real liking to Cara and Ruby.
While I am big fan of romantic build up, my only complaint was that the romance between Mason and Faith too long to develop. I was pretty sure Faith and Mason were moving toward a relationship, but I was beginning to think I had it all wrong, and because it took so very long for anything to get going between them ,it felt like a wet blanket was thrown on their initial chemistry and curtailed the passion and sentimental romance, but! I did like how Faith made Mason fight for her and how he rose to the occasion. The happy ever moment for Faith and Mason was symbolic and perfect for them, each facing their fears and learning to take a leap of faith.
I'm hoping to learn more about Adam and Ivy in the future.
A wonderful and compelling story that will warm your heart.
4 stars
August 26, 2015
Family secrets & personal truths combine in a unique way in Wiggs’ latest foray back to Willow Lake. Wiggs shows how tough things really can get and where happiness can come from. Wiggs had me bawling like a baby and giggling like a teen with her first crush. I’ve never laughed so hard or cried so hard, especially at the same time. This is such a vivid story. The crises are as easy to picture as the characters, setting and romance. The beauty of this novel is in the details, the little interactions between two people, the scenery from the garden, the emotions that Wiggs portrays.
The characters in this novel truly made the story. The dichotomy between money and happiness, wants and desires really hit hard. Mason’s dilemmas were polar opposites to those faced by Faith. These two were such easy individuals to fall in love with. Not that they were simple characters, but they were so complex that I couldn’t help but feeling as if I’d truly met them. I enjoyed the way that the entire family played a role in this novel, and a big one at that. The romance between the main characters was a natural thing, building throughout the story as the characters all dealt with the hand that they were dealt.
I had so much fun with this new-found branch of the Bellamys. These guys definitely bring some extra flair and life to Willow Lake, making this my favourite in the series.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in this novel truly made the story. The dichotomy between money and happiness, wants and desires really hit hard. Mason’s dilemmas were polar opposites to those faced by Faith. These two were such easy individuals to fall in love with. Not that they were simple characters, but they were so complex that I couldn’t help but feeling as if I’d truly met them. I enjoyed the way that the entire family played a role in this novel, and a big one at that. The romance between the main characters was a natural thing, building throughout the story as the characters all dealt with the hand that they were dealt.
I had so much fun with this new-found branch of the Bellamys. These guys definitely bring some extra flair and life to Willow Lake, making this my favourite in the series.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2016
Another fabulous Willow Lake chronicle from Susan Wiggs.... Particularly enjoyed nurse/carer Faith as a character - strong, dogged, determined and yet also vulnerable - you can't help but root for her on page one. Mason at first doesn't seem like a good match for her, as he is much more self-centred (although extremely buff), but I quickly warmed to him once we get an inkling into what has informed his character and priorities. This is a man who is determined to stay unencumbered simply because he fears intimacy after discovering his father's affair at a young age.... The flashbacks to his teenage trip to Paris are wondering revealing in this regard (and beautifully written - Wiggs does the teenage POV so well). Mason's sharp-tongued mum and Faith's two daughters lead a pack of really engaging secondary characters and the settings, as always, are simply divine. I want to go stay on Willow Lake. NOW! This book also gave me a renewed appreciation for the British health care system. The thought of anyone ending up in debt due to the terminal illness of a loved one was quite a shocker!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2015
Another solid entry in the long-running Lakeshore Chronicles. A year ago, Trevor Bellamy was killed in an avalanche while skiiing, and his wife Alice was left a quadriplegic. Oldest son Mason used his money to set her up in a beautiful home on the shores of Willow Lake, with an able staff, and brother Adam on site in case of problems. But Alice keeps driving her aides away, and now she has fallen down the stairs. Enter Faith McCallum, an experienced LPN who is one day away from being evicted. The prospect of a job that will provide a home for her and her two fatherless girls seems too good to be true.
There are rough patches, but Faith and her girls become family to Alice. And to Mason, who despite being engaged to the perfect woman finds that he has feelings for Faith. Because of family history, Mason refuses to be unfaithful. And Faith is wary about relationships because of her own past. The way that they find their way to happiness together is heartwarming and believable.
There are rough patches, but Faith and her girls become family to Alice. And to Mason, who despite being engaged to the perfect woman finds that he has feelings for Faith. Because of family history, Mason refuses to be unfaithful. And Faith is wary about relationships because of her own past. The way that they find their way to happiness together is heartwarming and believable.
March 31, 2017
Two-haiku review:
She's practical nurse
Takes job caring for his mom
He can't stay away
Loved her two daughters
Series, but could stand alone
Enjoyable book
She's practical nurse
Takes job caring for his mom
He can't stay away
Loved her two daughters
Series, but could stand alone
Enjoyable book
January 14, 2016
Starlight at Willow Lake is one of my favorite Lakeshore Chronicles books so far, despite (or maybe because of) the fact that it isn’t really a romance. It’s primarily a story of two families, with a romantic relationship at its apex. It’s about courage and perseverance, the nature of family, optimism in the face of adversity, and pushing past your fears for the things that really matter.
Two thirds of the way in, I began to wonder if the two main characters would ever get together. Although there are hints of attraction between Faith and Max from the start, there’s no romantic relationship until almost nine-tenths of the way through the book. But Wiggs’s writing is so good that I didn’t care. Or rather, I did care, a lot, about all the characters, not just the main characters… so I was happy to wait for Max and Faith to set aside or be freed from the various obstacles (external and internal) that kept them from acknowledging the attraction between them.
Faith is a lovely person, if a bit too perfect: a young widow in dire financial straits, fiercely protective of and loving toward her children. She’s an excellent caregiver, both by training and from practice. Frankly, she needs a flaw – well, other than her refusal to accept help from anyone, which is probably a failing, though it’s easy to see where it comes from as you find out more about her. So I was relieved when she finally admits to a very understandable fear.
Max’s emotional distance from his parents was well-handled, as was his thawing toward his mother and his eventual opening up about what had happened to him as a teen. I had my doubts about him as a hero initially, but they melted away as I got to know him better. Several chapters of the book are flashbacks to Max’s past; they give him both depth and motivation, and make his contradictions much easier to understand.
I was a little worried that the book was heading in a bad direction, since Max has a girlfriend/fiance when he and Faith meet. I hate cheating, and that would pretty much have killed the book for me. But fortunately, Max is both too honorable and too opposed to cheating to betray someone like that, and Faith views him as off-limits. Wiggs deals with the situation very sensitively; there is attraction on both sides, but nothing that gave me any qualms.
For the most part, I enjoyed the other characters as much as I did Faith and Max – and it’s a good thing, because some of them are nearly as important as the two main characters. Alice starts out as a bitter, grouchy sourpuss – it’s understandable, given her recent disability and the blows she has suffered. But she slowly improves in attitude, though she never loses her sharpness entirely. She really grew on me, and I came to like and admire her and even, by the end of the book, to love her. Even in a wheelchair, she’s a formidable woman.
Faith’s daughters, Cara and Ruby, are both well-drawn. Cara is a good kid and very bright, but she has a certain amount of teenage attitude – not surprising given the stress of their difficult financial circumstances. Wiggs shows excellent understanding of how teenagers (and people general) think, and how a smart kid reacts to tough family circumstances. Ruby is adorable, a mix of matter-of-fact acceptance and maturity regarding her diabetes, and fears and anxieties about the rest of life, but with a loving, cheerful, optimistic nature when she’s not afraid.
Starlight at Willow Lake would make great vacation reading, but it’s not mindless entertainment. It has too much heart for that. If you’ve never read any of the other Lakeshore Chronicles, you’ll have no trouble jumping in; a few characters from previous books show up here and there, but anything you need to know is right there in this book.
So grab a tall glass of iced tea, put your feet up, and take a few hours to visit Willow Lake. You’ll be glad you did.
Review originally published on The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
Two thirds of the way in, I began to wonder if the two main characters would ever get together. Although there are hints of attraction between Faith and Max from the start, there’s no romantic relationship until almost nine-tenths of the way through the book. But Wiggs’s writing is so good that I didn’t care. Or rather, I did care, a lot, about all the characters, not just the main characters… so I was happy to wait for Max and Faith to set aside or be freed from the various obstacles (external and internal) that kept them from acknowledging the attraction between them.
Faith is a lovely person, if a bit too perfect: a young widow in dire financial straits, fiercely protective of and loving toward her children. She’s an excellent caregiver, both by training and from practice. Frankly, she needs a flaw – well, other than her refusal to accept help from anyone, which is probably a failing, though it’s easy to see where it comes from as you find out more about her. So I was relieved when she finally admits to a very understandable fear.
Max’s emotional distance from his parents was well-handled, as was his thawing toward his mother and his eventual opening up about what had happened to him as a teen. I had my doubts about him as a hero initially, but they melted away as I got to know him better. Several chapters of the book are flashbacks to Max’s past; they give him both depth and motivation, and make his contradictions much easier to understand.
I was a little worried that the book was heading in a bad direction, since Max has a girlfriend/fiance when he and Faith meet. I hate cheating, and that would pretty much have killed the book for me. But fortunately, Max is both too honorable and too opposed to cheating to betray someone like that, and Faith views him as off-limits. Wiggs deals with the situation very sensitively; there is attraction on both sides, but nothing that gave me any qualms.
For the most part, I enjoyed the other characters as much as I did Faith and Max – and it’s a good thing, because some of them are nearly as important as the two main characters. Alice starts out as a bitter, grouchy sourpuss – it’s understandable, given her recent disability and the blows she has suffered. But she slowly improves in attitude, though she never loses her sharpness entirely. She really grew on me, and I came to like and admire her and even, by the end of the book, to love her. Even in a wheelchair, she’s a formidable woman.
Faith’s daughters, Cara and Ruby, are both well-drawn. Cara is a good kid and very bright, but she has a certain amount of teenage attitude – not surprising given the stress of their difficult financial circumstances. Wiggs shows excellent understanding of how teenagers (and people general) think, and how a smart kid reacts to tough family circumstances. Ruby is adorable, a mix of matter-of-fact acceptance and maturity regarding her diabetes, and fears and anxieties about the rest of life, but with a loving, cheerful, optimistic nature when she’s not afraid.
Starlight at Willow Lake would make great vacation reading, but it’s not mindless entertainment. It has too much heart for that. If you’ve never read any of the other Lakeshore Chronicles, you’ll have no trouble jumping in; a few characters from previous books show up here and there, but anything you need to know is right there in this book.
So grab a tall glass of iced tea, put your feet up, and take a few hours to visit Willow Lake. You’ll be glad you did.
Review originally published on The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
June 21, 2017
This is my first Susan Wigg book but will not be my last. I loved the family aspect of this book and enjoyed watching Alice's journey. sweet love story and the kids were interesting/really made the book. Great read!
April 6, 2020
I guess this is the 11th book in the Lakeshore Chronicles series. This was enjoyable, escapist fare desperately needed during the COVID-19 crisis. It was a great way to take my mind off the quarantine and enjoy reading a lakeside romance.
February 10, 2022
It was somewhat bittersweet to reach the end of this charming series, Lakeshore Chronicles, in the eleventh and final story. Each book focused on a new set of characters, and many of them made appearances in more than one book. I loved the setting of the small town of Avalon, and the quaint and beautiful Willow Lake. This last story centers around Faith McCallum and Mason Bellamy. Faith is hired as a caregiver for Mason’s mother Alice. Sparks fly between Mason and Faith, but it takes some effort and prodding to make them acknowledge their attraction to each other! Sweet and endearing, I’m going to miss many of these folks I’ve met over the years.
Am looking forward to more books by Susan Wiggs!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐�� for this one!
Am looking forward to more books by Susan Wiggs!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐�� for this one!
August 24, 2023
Slecht vertaald, veel herhaling, wel een leuk einde
July 18, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. Susan Wiggs is one of my favorite authors. Such a great story with such wonderful characters.
January 21, 2021
Truly lovely story, focusing on some intense disabilties and family relationships. I enjoyed it very much during a hospital stay
March 5, 2018
I loved this book. It was sweet and loving. Sometimes we just need to read a happy story.
I will read more of Susan Wigg's books!
I will read more of Susan Wigg's books!
September 9, 2018
Was this book predictable? Yes-- I knew what would happen right away. Did that take away from my enjoyment? Not at all! This story was full of heart and made me feel good, like a really sweet Lifetime movie. I loved Alice's story line-- she was a quadriplegic and the author wrote her story with such dignity, showing that a person with multiple disabilities could live a full life, continue to make a difference, love, and be loved.
August 25, 2015
(PureTextuality.com Susan Wiggs. She’s one of my all time favorite traditionally published (non-paranormal) authors, and this is the latest in my favorite series by her. I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Upon finishing the book, I looked at a friend and said that I had just read the best Susan Wiggs book, ever. And then I thought about it, and realized I probably felt that way a lot after reading one of her books. These are the kind of books that you start reading and get completely immersed into the world of Willow Lake and its inhabitants.
Faith lives hand to mouth in the small town of Avalon near Willow Lake. She’s a Licensed Practical Nurse(LPN) and is raising her two girls alone after her husband died leaving astronomical medical bills. She’s being evicted and doesn’t have a job. So when she gets an interview to take care of a quadriplegic woman, she jumps at the chance. Even better, it comes with room and board. Then she sees the house-or rather mansion, which she really wasn’t expecting. Alice Bellamy was in an avalanche while skiing with her husband. Her husband died and she is now stuck in a chair, after years of being an athlete in many different arenas. She’s cranky and can’t keep a caregiver due to her attitude. Alice’s son Mason, is a deal maker in New York City. He rarely visits Alice, although he has set her up with the best of everything. When he meets Faith, he immediately feels connected. But he does have a fiancee, Regina, back in the city. Regina is everything Faith isn’t, so Faith has no illusions that she could ever be in Mason’s league.
The characters, as usual, are all well developed by the author. Faith is strong, capable and independent. She’s had to be, with the hand she has been dealt. Mason has a backstory that takes place in Paris when he was seventeen. I found myself totally immersed in his story from that time period, as much as I was in the now time period. Events that happened then, affected Mason’s entire future life with his family. So we get to see why he is so standoffish with his mother, and with his father in the past. Alice was such a good character. She’s going through everything you would go through when losing all your function below your chest and is admittedly very unhappy. So she spends her time making everyone else around her unhappy. She loves her children, but after finding out things about her husband she never knew, is now just wanting to end it all. Faith, of course is having none of it. Faith’s daughters, Cara and Ruby, round out the story nicely and in fact, Cara’s point of view is told at some points in the story, along with Mason’s and Faith’s.
It’s always fun to revisit Willow Lake. I have read all of these books in the order they were released. It’s not absolutely necessary to read them in order, but the characters in all of them are loosely connected, and sometimes lesser characters in one book, end up with their own book, so it’s nice to know their backstory before reading it. But as I said, not completely necessary. Some premises might be a bit better than others, but all of them keep the reader entertained and turning pages. But then I have never read a book by this author that I didn’t love, in this series, or any of her stand alones. Yes, there is always a romance, but the author always makes the stories shine with wonderful back stories or even heartbreaking ones, to keep readers coming back for more. Catching up with previous characters are also parts of each of these reads and that’s always fun for a returning reader.
I would recommend these books to any adult romance reader, 16+.
Faith lives hand to mouth in the small town of Avalon near Willow Lake. She’s a Licensed Practical Nurse(LPN) and is raising her two girls alone after her husband died leaving astronomical medical bills. She’s being evicted and doesn’t have a job. So when she gets an interview to take care of a quadriplegic woman, she jumps at the chance. Even better, it comes with room and board. Then she sees the house-or rather mansion, which she really wasn’t expecting. Alice Bellamy was in an avalanche while skiing with her husband. Her husband died and she is now stuck in a chair, after years of being an athlete in many different arenas. She’s cranky and can’t keep a caregiver due to her attitude. Alice’s son Mason, is a deal maker in New York City. He rarely visits Alice, although he has set her up with the best of everything. When he meets Faith, he immediately feels connected. But he does have a fiancee, Regina, back in the city. Regina is everything Faith isn’t, so Faith has no illusions that she could ever be in Mason’s league.
The characters, as usual, are all well developed by the author. Faith is strong, capable and independent. She’s had to be, with the hand she has been dealt. Mason has a backstory that takes place in Paris when he was seventeen. I found myself totally immersed in his story from that time period, as much as I was in the now time period. Events that happened then, affected Mason’s entire future life with his family. So we get to see why he is so standoffish with his mother, and with his father in the past. Alice was such a good character. She’s going through everything you would go through when losing all your function below your chest and is admittedly very unhappy. So she spends her time making everyone else around her unhappy. She loves her children, but after finding out things about her husband she never knew, is now just wanting to end it all. Faith, of course is having none of it. Faith’s daughters, Cara and Ruby, round out the story nicely and in fact, Cara’s point of view is told at some points in the story, along with Mason’s and Faith’s.
It’s always fun to revisit Willow Lake. I have read all of these books in the order they were released. It’s not absolutely necessary to read them in order, but the characters in all of them are loosely connected, and sometimes lesser characters in one book, end up with their own book, so it’s nice to know their backstory before reading it. But as I said, not completely necessary. Some premises might be a bit better than others, but all of them keep the reader entertained and turning pages. But then I have never read a book by this author that I didn’t love, in this series, or any of her stand alones. Yes, there is always a romance, but the author always makes the stories shine with wonderful back stories or even heartbreaking ones, to keep readers coming back for more. Catching up with previous characters are also parts of each of these reads and that’s always fun for a returning reader.
I would recommend these books to any adult romance reader, 16+.
August 25, 2015
4.5 Stars!
If you are expecting an epic romance set in an idyllic location, you may want to pass on this book, but if you want to read a poignant and moving story of physical and emotional healing, then this is the story for you. STARLIGHT ON WILLOW LAKE is a great story of healing, both physical and emotional: the mother facing destitution gets a new lease on life and security for her children; the family fractured by both recent events and long-held secrets; the son who always idolized his father forced to keep his father's indiscretions secret to avoid hurting his mother, with the result being a distance from his family and a distortion of his views of marriage and family and a woman who has already lost so much finding out that most of her marriage may have been a lie, a fresh loss by itself.
Mason Bellamy lost his father to a skiing accident that left his mom a quadriplegic and finding a nurse aide that would stay has been a very difficult thing to do. Mason is willing to pay anything to get his mother the help she needs as long as this would give him the freedom to return to his job in the city and Faith McCallum is the key to achieving that goal. However, Mason's desire to keep his distance takes a hit when it comes to light that his mother's most recent mishap at home may have been more than an accident.
Alice Bellamy lost everything when she lost the use of her limbs in the accident and she's been bitter and angry since then, but the recent information she received may be the last straw for her as everything she believed in appears to be a lie. The arrival of Faith and her daughters may be just the thing to get her mind off her situations as she takes an interest in Faith's daughters and forms a bond with Faith's younger daughter and pretty much becomes something of an honorary grandmother to her.
Faith has spent most of her life in crisis mode, from dealing with her chronically ill mom to her chronically ill husband and the threat of financial ruin almost was too much until the job with the Bellamys. She is just content having a roof over her family's head and falling for Mason is definitely not a part of the plan, especially because he's both her employer and also engaged to his girlfriend.
Mason finds himself forging a bond with Faith over his mother's care and opening up about secrets he's been keeping for decades. Their easy friendship deepens into something more and both must decide if they are willing to open themselves up to love and everything that comes with it, both good and bad
.
There are so many layers to this story and the simmering tenor of the romance between Faith and Mason fits in very well with the overall tone of the story. What struck me the most was that from all of the losses these people had been through, they formed their own small family, not just based on blood but a family based on love and shared experiences. STARLIGHT ON WILLOW LAKE is definitely a story everyone must read.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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September 9, 2015
One of the reasons I was drawn to Susan Wiggs' Starlight on Willow Lake is that is set near the place where my husband grew up, in Ulster County in upstate New York.
Faith McCallum is a single mom to two girls, Cara and Ruby. Faith's husband Dennis died six years ago and left behind a mountain of debt, mostly in medical bills. Faith does her best to make ends meet as an LPN caregiver to private clients, but they are about to be evicted.
Financier Mason Bellamy is looking to hire a caregiver for his mother, who became a quadriplegic after being trapped in an avalanche that killed her husband. Alice Bellamy moved from Manhattan to the family's country house in Avalon, and has gone through a succession of live-in caregivers.
Faith responds to Mason's online ad and sees this job as an answer to her prayers. Faith, Cara and Ruby move into the Bellamy's spacious lakefront home and Faith can't believe that her luck has changed.
Alice is angry that the accident has taken away much of what she loved. She was an athletic, adventurous woman and now she was confined to a wheelchair. It was the loss of independence and privacy that hurt her the most, something a self-reliant woman like Alice found difficult to face.
While Alice held most people at arms' length, she took a shine to Cara and Ruby. She liked that the girls spoke openly and honestly to her, and getting to know them gave her something else to focus on.
Although Mason lives in Manhattan, he moves to Avalon for the summer at Faith's request. She feels that Alice needs to have not only a staff to care for her, but she needs her son as well.
Faith has had a difficult life, losing her mom and husband to early chronic illnesses and she has devoted her life to her daughters. But Mason has awakened feelings in her that she thought were dormant. Although Mason is engaged to Regina, a woman he works with who is as stylish, wealthy and career-driven as he is, he feels drawn to Faith.
What I liked about Starlight on Willow Lake is that through Faith we see the plight of the working poor, a growing demographic in society. Faith works hard, but getting out from under crushing debt is nearly insurmountable.
Cara understands their situation, and so she puts off her dreams of going to college because she doesn't want her mother to worry about paying for college. There are probably many people out there who feel like that.
There are many well written scenes in the book, but I most enjoyed the scenes of Alice bonding with the girls. Alice is a tough cookie, but the girls see through her rough exterior and speak to her honestly, as only children can.
I also loved the little shout-out to Wegmans (although there is no Wegmans near Ulster County, because if there was I would be able to hear my sister-in-law squealing with joy all the way here in NYC). I'm guessing that Susan Wiggs may know the Rochester area a bit because she also mentions Rochester as being represented in a college night program.
The characters in Starlight on Willow Lake are well-drawn and the storyline is intriguing. This book is part of Wiggs' Lakeshore Chronicles, and since it is mentioned that there are many members of the extended Bellamy family, I'm guessing the other books feature them. I will be looking for the rest of the series.
Faith McCallum is a single mom to two girls, Cara and Ruby. Faith's husband Dennis died six years ago and left behind a mountain of debt, mostly in medical bills. Faith does her best to make ends meet as an LPN caregiver to private clients, but they are about to be evicted.
Financier Mason Bellamy is looking to hire a caregiver for his mother, who became a quadriplegic after being trapped in an avalanche that killed her husband. Alice Bellamy moved from Manhattan to the family's country house in Avalon, and has gone through a succession of live-in caregivers.
Faith responds to Mason's online ad and sees this job as an answer to her prayers. Faith, Cara and Ruby move into the Bellamy's spacious lakefront home and Faith can't believe that her luck has changed.
Alice is angry that the accident has taken away much of what she loved. She was an athletic, adventurous woman and now she was confined to a wheelchair. It was the loss of independence and privacy that hurt her the most, something a self-reliant woman like Alice found difficult to face.
While Alice held most people at arms' length, she took a shine to Cara and Ruby. She liked that the girls spoke openly and honestly to her, and getting to know them gave her something else to focus on.
Although Mason lives in Manhattan, he moves to Avalon for the summer at Faith's request. She feels that Alice needs to have not only a staff to care for her, but she needs her son as well.
Faith has had a difficult life, losing her mom and husband to early chronic illnesses and she has devoted her life to her daughters. But Mason has awakened feelings in her that she thought were dormant. Although Mason is engaged to Regina, a woman he works with who is as stylish, wealthy and career-driven as he is, he feels drawn to Faith.
What I liked about Starlight on Willow Lake is that through Faith we see the plight of the working poor, a growing demographic in society. Faith works hard, but getting out from under crushing debt is nearly insurmountable.
Cara understands their situation, and so she puts off her dreams of going to college because she doesn't want her mother to worry about paying for college. There are probably many people out there who feel like that.
There are many well written scenes in the book, but I most enjoyed the scenes of Alice bonding with the girls. Alice is a tough cookie, but the girls see through her rough exterior and speak to her honestly, as only children can.
I also loved the little shout-out to Wegmans (although there is no Wegmans near Ulster County, because if there was I would be able to hear my sister-in-law squealing with joy all the way here in NYC). I'm guessing that Susan Wiggs may know the Rochester area a bit because she also mentions Rochester as being represented in a college night program.
The characters in Starlight on Willow Lake are well-drawn and the storyline is intriguing. This book is part of Wiggs' Lakeshore Chronicles, and since it is mentioned that there are many members of the extended Bellamy family, I'm guessing the other books feature them. I will be looking for the rest of the series.
December 6, 2021
Just finished this book, it is sooo good!! Had a different storyline from other books I just finished. Even though I’ve read this out of order, I can’t wait to read the rest in this series!
August 31, 2015
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Lakeshore Chronicles is one of my favorite series and I always look forward to catching up with the Bellamy’s and the other residents at Willow Lake in Avalon, New York. Susan Wiggs is an author that I follow to see what will be out next.
Starlight on Willow Lake did not disappoint from the first page to the last and flowed nicely between sections of the book. It was great to be back in Avalon with characters I’ve grown to love and while many of the characters that have been front and center previously were only mentioned in passing or played a small role in this book, it’s still a winner. Trevor and Alice Bellamy have three children, Mason, Adam and Ivy, and their family is at the core even though Trevor died in a skiing accident as a result of an avalanche in New Zealand. Alice was critically injured in the avalanche and is now a quadriplegic and it’s her children’s desire to give her as normal a life as possible given her circumstances. Luckily, money is no object. Enter Faith and her two children, Cara and Ruby, and there is another family to add to the mix and the interactions. Each of the characters throughout have a depth to them and it’s interesting to get to know them as their layers are pulled back. There are so many story lines going on at once, all intertwining in one way or another and letting us see the depth of the characters. There are a lot of twists and turns as well and many heartwarming parts especially as it’s shown how the characters interact but also care for each other. My emotions were engaged throughout. There were tears and laughter too!
There are secrets, fear, illness, accidents, tragedy, family, friends, caregivers, household help, reminisces, memories, siblings in action, celebrations and hope, medical terms, Paris and New York City, romances, love, the lake, the grounds and the house. There is nice closure and loose ends are tied up especially with the epilogue. There are also several happily ever afters. I am sure we’ll return to Willow Lake because there’s still Adam and Ivy’s stories to be told. I for one can’t wait to be back!
Favorite Quote: “Maybe you’re not meant to remember the details. Just the feelings. Just the lessons. Just the love.”
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Lakeshore Chronicles is one of my favorite series and I always look forward to catching up with the Bellamy’s and the other residents at Willow Lake in Avalon, New York. Susan Wiggs is an author that I follow to see what will be out next.
Starlight on Willow Lake did not disappoint from the first page to the last and flowed nicely between sections of the book. It was great to be back in Avalon with characters I’ve grown to love and while many of the characters that have been front and center previously were only mentioned in passing or played a small role in this book, it’s still a winner. Trevor and Alice Bellamy have three children, Mason, Adam and Ivy, and their family is at the core even though Trevor died in a skiing accident as a result of an avalanche in New Zealand. Alice was critically injured in the avalanche and is now a quadriplegic and it’s her children’s desire to give her as normal a life as possible given her circumstances. Luckily, money is no object. Enter Faith and her two children, Cara and Ruby, and there is another family to add to the mix and the interactions. Each of the characters throughout have a depth to them and it’s interesting to get to know them as their layers are pulled back. There are so many story lines going on at once, all intertwining in one way or another and letting us see the depth of the characters. There are a lot of twists and turns as well and many heartwarming parts especially as it’s shown how the characters interact but also care for each other. My emotions were engaged throughout. There were tears and laughter too!
There are secrets, fear, illness, accidents, tragedy, family, friends, caregivers, household help, reminisces, memories, siblings in action, celebrations and hope, medical terms, Paris and New York City, romances, love, the lake, the grounds and the house. There is nice closure and loose ends are tied up especially with the epilogue. There are also several happily ever afters. I am sure we’ll return to Willow Lake because there’s still Adam and Ivy’s stories to be told. I for one can’t wait to be back!
Favorite Quote: “Maybe you’re not meant to remember the details. Just the feelings. Just the lessons. Just the love.”
September 7, 2015
Beautifully written novel about life and family, finding yourself and your strength, and having the courage to face your fears.
This is not a romance novel, even though there's a thought, at the background, of a romantic love that develops between Faith and Mason. But that doesn't hold the center stage of the story, just a couple percent towards the end of the novel.
But there is lots of love in the story, love between siblings, mother and children, between husband and wife, and friends. The characters are well developed, they all are in somewhat of a crossroads in their lives, trying to find their place, a new meaning for their lives. The road they take is not easy, the pain and hurt from the past catches up, but together they find a way to heal, built a new relationships that were broken, and find a peace within their lives.
The little family that is forming on the Willow Lake, part of the blood, part of the heart, is supportive of each other, they are instruments of the healing for each other, both of their heart and body. Many of them are getting a voice in the story, tell their part with their point of view, adding more nuances and layers to the tale. It is engaging and captivating story from the start, keeping its allure to the end.
This book is part of a series, but can be easily read as a stand alone novel.
This story reminded me of the family saga's I read growing up. There are marriages, death, start of new, there are secrets, and drama, but under all, the main current is the love and respect for each other, and the shared paths in a lifetime. A beautiful, memorable story of life as it happens
~ Four Spoons and a teaspoon on the side
This is not a romance novel, even though there's a thought, at the background, of a romantic love that develops between Faith and Mason. But that doesn't hold the center stage of the story, just a couple percent towards the end of the novel.
But there is lots of love in the story, love between siblings, mother and children, between husband and wife, and friends. The characters are well developed, they all are in somewhat of a crossroads in their lives, trying to find their place, a new meaning for their lives. The road they take is not easy, the pain and hurt from the past catches up, but together they find a way to heal, built a new relationships that were broken, and find a peace within their lives.
The little family that is forming on the Willow Lake, part of the blood, part of the heart, is supportive of each other, they are instruments of the healing for each other, both of their heart and body. Many of them are getting a voice in the story, tell their part with their point of view, adding more nuances and layers to the tale. It is engaging and captivating story from the start, keeping its allure to the end.
This book is part of a series, but can be easily read as a stand alone novel.
This story reminded me of the family saga's I read growing up. There are marriages, death, start of new, there are secrets, and drama, but under all, the main current is the love and respect for each other, and the shared paths in a lifetime. A beautiful, memorable story of life as it happens
~ Four Spoons and a teaspoon on the side
August 4, 2015
Starlight on Willow Lake brings us to an idyllic summer of lakeside fun with barbecues, jet skis and canoes as Faith and her daughters settle into the beautiful Bellamy mansion with Alice Bellamy, recently injured in an avalanche and now confined to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. A caregiver all her life, Faith doesn't blink an eye at Alice's sharp remarks and defeatist attitude. I learned a lot and found the information about quadriplegics interesting. Watching Alice emerge from her grief and depression was very moving and gave me a strong feeling of hopefulness.
When Alice's son Mason moves into the guest apartment to keep a closer eye on his mother it seems like a family has been created. Both Faith and Mason have unspoken, confused feelings toward each other, Faith uncomfortable with the gap between them socio-economically, Mason ashamed because he is in a relationship with another woman and both feeling awkward with their employer-employee relationship.
Starlight on Willow Lake is the eleventh book in the Lakeshore Chronicles but is easily read out of order as all the books in the series can be. Some characters from earlier books pop in to befriend Faith or visit Alice, and it's nice to see what's been going on in their lives as well. Readers who are new to Susan Wiggs will find a new go-to author and long time fans will enjoy another visit to Avalon.
I received Starlight on Willow Lake from the publisher via NetGalley. This does not influence my opinions or the content of my review.
When Alice's son Mason moves into the guest apartment to keep a closer eye on his mother it seems like a family has been created. Both Faith and Mason have unspoken, confused feelings toward each other, Faith uncomfortable with the gap between them socio-economically, Mason ashamed because he is in a relationship with another woman and both feeling awkward with their employer-employee relationship.
Starlight on Willow Lake is the eleventh book in the Lakeshore Chronicles but is easily read out of order as all the books in the series can be. Some characters from earlier books pop in to befriend Faith or visit Alice, and it's nice to see what's been going on in their lives as well. Readers who are new to Susan Wiggs will find a new go-to author and long time fans will enjoy another visit to Avalon.
I received Starlight on Willow Lake from the publisher via NetGalley. This does not influence my opinions or the content of my review.
August 25, 2015
While this is book #11 in the Lakeshore Chronicles, it does a good job of standing alone. I did not feel that I missed anything.
I love the cover of this book it makes you want to go there out to Willow lake.
There is a lot of drama, lots of characters that draw you into there lives. You don't want to see them go. There is one love scene.
The story opens up with the three Bellamy's Mason, Adam and Ivy skiing in New Zealand at there parents favorite ski place to spread there father Trevor Bellamy's ashes as he wanted them too. It is also the place that he died and their mother became disabled after the avalanche trapped them a year ago.
Allice Bellamy is always angry at being trapped in a wheel chair not being able to do anything. She has a hard time keeping a nurse.
She lives in a big house in Avalon, New York on Willow lake. Adam lives on the property too, but he is getting arson training so Mason agrees to stay there awhile.
Faith McCallum is a widow raising two daughters. She is a nurse with a lot of debt and worries.
Cara is in high school and is very smart and hard working.
Ruby is in second grade, has diabete type 1. She has a lot of fears.
When the McCallum family becomes connected to the Bellamy they both blossom and help each other. It is nice to see the changes.
I did not want to put the book down. I would read more books about the Bellamys.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley, Mira Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Starlight on Willow Lake.
August 1, 2015
Starlight on Willow Lake (Lakeshore Chronicles #11)
By Susan Wiggs
Publisher: MIRA
384 pages
Faith McCallum is on the verge of being homeless. When she is offered the position to be a companion and caregiver for the formidable and stubborn Alice Bellamy, she moves to Avalon for a fresh start and to give her two daughters a better life. Alice’s husband, Trevor, was killed in an avalanche while skiing on Cloud Piercer Mountain and Alice was left a quadriplegic. Faith is hired by Alice’s son, Mason Bellamy, to care for his mother so he can escape the family mansion and return to his jet-setting life in Manhattan.
Soon, even though he is engaged, Mason finds that he is having feelings for Faith. After Faith uncovers the truth behind Alice’s accident, Mason has to reconsider his lifestyle and his decision to keep everyone at a distance.
As always, Ms. Wigg’s writes a scenic heartwarming story with believable characters. I have always enjoyed the Lakeshore Chronicles Series and ‘Starlight on Willow Lake’ is a wonderful addition. I rate this book at 4-1/2 stars.
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and MIRA Books for an honest review.
By Susan Wiggs
Publisher: MIRA
384 pages
Faith McCallum is on the verge of being homeless. When she is offered the position to be a companion and caregiver for the formidable and stubborn Alice Bellamy, she moves to Avalon for a fresh start and to give her two daughters a better life. Alice’s husband, Trevor, was killed in an avalanche while skiing on Cloud Piercer Mountain and Alice was left a quadriplegic. Faith is hired by Alice’s son, Mason Bellamy, to care for his mother so he can escape the family mansion and return to his jet-setting life in Manhattan.
Soon, even though he is engaged, Mason finds that he is having feelings for Faith. After Faith uncovers the truth behind Alice’s accident, Mason has to reconsider his lifestyle and his decision to keep everyone at a distance.
As always, Ms. Wigg’s writes a scenic heartwarming story with believable characters. I have always enjoyed the Lakeshore Chronicles Series and ‘Starlight on Willow Lake’ is a wonderful addition. I rate this book at 4-1/2 stars.
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and MIRA Books for an honest review.
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