Belle had been kept sheltered and protected her whole life, so when she finds her mother unexpectedly dead in their motel room, her world is turned upside down, especially since Belle and her mother Karen had always been very close. Alone, with no one to help or advise her, she must make funeral arrangements and then plan the next step for the direction of her life. While going through some papers and documents that her mother had always kept in a locked box, Belle discovers that her mother had been keeping secrets. Secrets that seemed to involve her daughter.Upon a chance encounter with a handsome attorney, who fills her romantic idea of the man of her dreams, Belle begins to see that it's time to take control of her life and live it the way she would like, and not necessarily the way her mother had planned. But first she has promised herself she would fulfill her mother's dream to visit the lighthouses along the Lake Michigan shore. As Belle travels the West Michigan shoreline, from Grand Haven heading north, she makes acquaintances along the way who will change the course of her life in surprising ways, and who open her eyes to possibilities of love.Book 1 of The Lighthouse Trilogy begins a series of genealogical twists and turns that you won't see coming. Suspense, romance, family lies, secrets, and mistrust, all come together in a surprising ending. A clean romance that will send sparks and passion through the characters and straight to your heart. One of Jane O'Brien's best!
Jane O'Brien discovered her love of writing at the age of ten when she wrote her first ten-chapter book in pencil on notebook paper. She passed it around to all of her friends at school and told them she wanted to be an author. And that planted the seed. O'Brien's career life has been varied. She was a piano teacher for over 50 years, a librarian, and a professional proofreader. She is also interested in genealogy, having worked on her own family tree, as well as her husband's, for over 40 years, which helps to color most of her novels. Today, as a grandmother, Jane is finally fulfilling her lifelong dream, after successfully having her thirty-fifth book published, which includes two trilogies, one six-book series, three Christmas novellas, and two Amazon best-selling time slip series. She lives in West Michigan and writes romance with a little history, mystery, and family entanglements, all set in her part of the state. The stories she weaves are about family and the intricate connections of relatives, past and present.
Poor Belle had no home only motel rooms with her mother. Author Jane O’Brien made sure Belle was taken care of after her mother passed away. The tears came to me as I read this book.
Absolutely fell in love with the characters and the storylinevof thec13th Lighthouse. Had me crying one minute and laughing the next already on chapter 5 of the next book The painted Duck of the series. Absolutely love this author and running out of books of hers to read please continue to write these wonderful stories Jane o brien. Love Love Love!!!
This is the third book I've read that was written by Jane O'Brien. To be honest, I'd have to describe them as "girl books". Not that I haven't enjoyed them, but I feel that they'd appeal more to women then men. My enjoyment comes from the fact that I enjoy reading the works of Michigan authors, and also because of the references to locations in Michigan of which I'm aware.
What a fantastic book! I loved every page and I couldn’t stop reading it. I was surprised at the ending as I did not see that coming. A nice read on a cool December evening.
I loved this book! I am such a fan of Jane and this story was her best ever. I can't wait to read the next ones in this series. A beautifully written story.
This was a quick pleasant read from a local author. It's the first that I've read from Jane O'Brien. I was particularly drawn to this one as I live close to Lake Michigan and also my husband has done a photographic study of many lighthouses along Lake Michigan (I believe that we've got pictures of all the lighthouses mentioned in the book). This is a quick read and I do plan on reading more from this author.
Love books that feature Michigan attractions. Hope more lighthouses are included in future stories. We have more interesting areas on the Lake Huron side of the state.
This story about Belle who travels from lighthouse-to-lighthouse along the Lake Michigan shoreline fulfilling her mother's last wish was delightful and enjoyable read. As Belle whose been living with her mom in hotels and shelter through her life travels seeing the lighthouses, her experiences and her decisions are explored and written in this engaging story. The area she travels is detailed where you can picture it. Belle was an engaging person to read about. There's twist and turns on what Belle discovers, and the storyline has a romance. This is book one of a serial. I'd volunteer to read and review this copy I'd received via Goodreads.
This book had a touch of mystery. It had the kind of love that never gives up. It has family love and romantic love. Just enough of all. It is a good read and offers hope.
I enjoyed the story line. The romance was slow and the story transformed in an elegant arch. If you like a book with a little mystery, a little intrigue, and a little romance, then this is the book.
I enjoyed reading Belle's story as she journeys across Michigan to view lighthouses in her mother's lighthouse book after her mother's sudden death. Along the way, she discovers secrets her mother kept that might just lead Belle to more family. It's obvious the author cares deeply for her characters. There is a strong presence of fate and God's plan in the story.
If you like to curl up with a good book, you will enjoy this well-written tale about a young woman who uncovers the secrets of her past to find the promise of love for her future. In Belle, a beautiful 20 year old, the author has created a fully-developed character who is likeable and engaging. She is transformed by the love she discovers in the other characters she meets- the love of a friend, the love of a warm family, the love of a handsome young attorney. You will enjoy accompanying Belle as she journeys to learn about the secrets and mysteries of her past. Her travels take her to the lighthouses of Western Michigan, which are given rich descriptions. The lighthouses give depth to this romantic story. A lighthouse is a beacon and it guides those who are lost or looking. The lighthouse warns of danger but also signals the calm waters of a welcoming harbor. And so it is with Belle, a lost soul who is found and loved. Highly recommend this book. Looking forward to the next books! I was given this book to review, and this is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Merged review:
If you like to curl up with a good book, you will enjoy this well-written tale about a young woman who uncovers the secrets of her past to find the promise of love for her future. In Belle, a beautiful 20 year old, the author has created a fully-developed character who is likeable and engaging. She is transformed by the love she discovers in the other characters she meets- the love of a friend, the love of a warm family, the love of a handsome young attorney. You will enjoy accompanying Belle as she journeys to learn about the secrets and mysteries of her past. Her travels take her to the lighthouses of Western Michigan, which are given rich descriptions. The lighthouses give depth to this romantic story. A lighthouse is a beacon and it guides those who are lost or looking. The lighthouse warns of danger but also signals the calm waters of a welcoming harbor. And so it is with Belle, a lost soul who is found and loved. Highly recommend this book. Looking forward to the next books! I was given this book to review, and this is my honest, unbiased opinion.