The Widow of Port Seaton

by Susan Gibbs

Upon leaving Boston in disgrace Gael Somerled, a young widow, finds employment as a lighthouse keeper in Port Seaton. She immediately draws the unwanted romantic notice of her clergyman, the socially awkward Andrew Zabel, who embarks upon a vigorous campaign to win her. What begins as a sadly comical pursuit soon turns obsessive. Gael’s attempts to politely rebuff the powerful minister prove unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Gael begins a close friendship with Sam Corbyn, a harbor pilot by night and an artist by day. They soon fall in love. Fueled by jealousy, Andrew begins to stalk and terrorize Gael. Upon informing a local constable of Andrew’s conduct, Gael discovers that no laws exist to protect her. The stage is set for a frightening end to the struggle of wills between Gael and Andrew.

Gibbs weaves a powerful and unpredictable tale around richly nuanced characters in this well researched and enormously satisfying novel set in 1840’s Massachusetts.

421 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012