Haunted by a tragedy in his past and estranged from his parents, photographer Josh Whitehall shuns close relationships and wants nothing to do with pesky children. But when Faith Parker and her exuberant eleven-year-old brother move to Wentworth Cove, Maine, his world is turned upside down.When Josh hears that Daniel needs a photography mentor, he can’t refuse fast enough. That is, until he meets Faith…Gradually, Daniel’s zest for life and Faith’s friendship begin to bring healing to Josh in a most unexpected way.
Rebecca Stevenson is a native Texan, but marriage took her to New England and the Maine coast stole her heart. She lives in Texas again, but frequent trips back to the Northeast were the inspirations and settings for her four-book Wentworth Cove series.
A former English and creative writing teacher, she thought if she could teach writing, she should be able to do it. Those thoughts and some brainstorming sessions with her daughter led to her first novel, Another Summer, set in a picturesque coastal village in Maine. From that debut novel, the Wentworth Cove series was born.
The four-book Trinity Springs series came about from a desire to write about her home state of Texas—replete with horses, ranches, and line dancing.
She’s currently working on the first book in a new series set in a lakeside village in New Hampshire.
I read Book 1 in this series, Another Summer. I was curious to see where the series would go and I was surprised at how full of emotion this story was.
Josh is a photographer who is somewhat of a loner. Not close to his family for good reason, he does his job and that's that. When a good friend asks him to mentor a new eleven-year-old boy in town, his first reaction is to say no...until he gets a look at the older sister. His world starts to change...in a good way.
I have to admit, at first, I wasn't impressed with Josh. He seemed very fickle to only mentor Daniel because of his sister, Faith. I couldn't believe he'd use such a sweet kid to get a relationship, or a hook up, or whatever he was looking for. However, I was in for a surprise when Daniel wormed his way into Josh's heart and changes occurred for all involved. I was also surprised to learn more about Josh and that his reasons weren't clear cut. He has a past that he's trying to cope with. It just goes to show that we have no idea what's going on in the lives of those around us and there may be very good reasons for them to act the way that they do.
Faith is a great big sister! She's so compassionate and selfless. I enjoyed learning about her teaching methods and the way she handled the other teachers was very mature. Faith has a boyfriend, back home in Texas, and I would have liked to actually see that relationship. It's mentioned that they've decided not to be exclusive, but there's no interaction between then until a shocking discovery is made and he comes to visit. Even then, he didn't act consistent with someone who's so casual in commitment.
Daniel is a gem! He's zesty, sweet, energetic, and spunky. I love how he's the glue that holds so many people together.
I felt that things wrapped up much too quickly and would've liked more resolution, but it's still a great addition to the series.
Content: mild romance; moderate religious elements, considering the father is a pastor; nothing else of note. Clean!
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
When Faith Parker’s father is transferred from her hometown in Dallas, Texas to Wentworth Cove, Maine, she decides to relocate with her family. She leaves her boyfriend behind with an agreement to see other people, if they choose. Faith finds a new job as a kindergarten teacher and starts her new life.
It’s not quite as easy for her younger brother, Daniel. He’s only eleven and finds it harder to make new friends, especially since it’s summer and school hasn’t begun yet. When a neighbor hears that Daniel likes photography, she tries to team him up with a local photographer, Josh Whitehall. The last thing Josh wants to do is mentor a kid, but when he meets Daniel’s sister, Faith, mentoring takes on a whole new meaning.
Josh and Faith grow closer each day. Then, they are hit with something that rocks their world and especially hits Josh in an unexpected way.
Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone book. There is some mention of previous characters, but it doesn’t interfere with the telling of this story. This is a heartwarming, poignant story that hits all emotional chords. It’s a sweet romance with realistic characters in realistic situations. No sex or violence, just a “feel good” type of story.
“Changing Light” left me wishing I lived in a small town like Wentworth Cove and that I knew people like the Parker family. It’s a beautifully written novel that leaves you wanting another visit to this lovely town very soon.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book for an honest review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Loved this story even more than the first. Josh is such a great guy. And Daniel is a good kid. The Parkers are a great family. Overall very lovable characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Second Wentworth Cove novel. Faith Parker is a kindergarten teacher who has moved with her family from Texas to Wentworth Cove, Maine. Josh Whitehall is a brooding photographer with a secret. When he is asked to mentor eleven-year old Daniel in his photography pursuits, refusal turns to willingness when he meets Daniel's beguiling sister, Faith. And the chemistry between them begins and slowly builds. A poignant family crisis tests the faith and commitment of the Parker family, drawing Faith, Daniel and Josh ever closer. I thought I had figured out the outcome of this emotionally-charged story, but was pleasantly surprised when proved wrong. The characters are real and likeable. My favorite is Daniel, an adorable, lively, thoughtful and self-confident lad even in the face of serious challenges that would discourage any adult. The author has done an excellent job in crafting his character, as well as the others. All are complex in their own way. The author has captured the essence of happy family life, whose members actually talk to each other, enjoy being together, cook together and eat together. And Daniel is the glue that binds them all. I highly recommend this gentle, well-written story. It is a love story on several levels and highlights the healing power of love and family devotion.
Changing Light is the second book in this Wentworth Cove series. I haven't read the first book, but I didn't feel like it mattered while reading this book. I love the coastal Maine setting- it's someplace I'd love to visit one day. Especially the lighthouse mentioned! I'd love to photograph that myself.
This is a Christian fiction book but not overly preachy. It was more faith based, which I liked. This is a slow moving story of friendship. The romance is hardly even there but the real story lies in the bonds of family and friendship.
I liked this story and it's characters. While I didn't feel the emotional connection I was looking for, I did appreciate the message this story was trying to get across. It was sweet and clean.
I really enjoyed Changing Light. I was drawn to the characters who were good people dealing with the struggles of life in the best way they knew. Family dynamics, health issues, work problems, and the need for forgiveness were major themes that Stevenson handled in a sweet, light-hearted, and realistic way. Changing Light is a romance, but a subtle one. Kudos Rebecca Stevenson! Nice job!