Lighthouse on the Lake

Birch Harbor #2

by Elizabeth Bromke

Sail over to Birch Harbor, where family secrets tangle against a heartwarming backdrop of new beginnings.

Reeling from the fallout of her late mother's estate, Amelia Hannigan and her sisters thought they had put family secrets behind them. But settling the matriarch's affairs was just the beginning. When Amelia unearths a cryptic diary entry, a new mystery takes shape: the whereabouts of the women's long-lost father.

Meanwhile oldest sister Kate is happy to work on turning a piece of family history into a charming bed and breakfast... until it's time to hire out for major repairs. The only local who can take on the job is Kate's old flame, who happens to the man with whom she shares a crushing secret.

Megan is waiting on a job interview and a divorce, and the best distraction is to help Kate fix up the looming property on the harbor. It would be a manageable task, if she weren't also helping Amelia hunt down their missing dad.

Clara has some answers, but not all of them. When new questions start emerging about her own history, she has a chance at true personal closure... if she can put her personal life before her teaching career for once.

Lighthouse on the Lake is the second installment in the Birch Harbor family saga. These romantic women's fiction titles are best enjoyed in sequential order:

Book One: House on the Harbor
Book Two: Lighthouse on the Lake
Book Three: Fireflies in the Field
Book Four: Cottage on the Creek

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2020

About the author

Elizabeth Bromke writes women's fiction and heartwarming romance. In her stories, she weaves together family dynamics and the triumphs and trials of modern relationships. Echoes of the past flavor her books with nostalgia.

Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.

Reviews

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back with Kate, Amelia, Meghan and Clara as they make plans for their inheritance and the properties their mother bequeath them. All except Clara had left the small coastal town. But it looks like each will find their way home.

It was lovely to be back in Birch Harbor, Michigan. The tale gives us perspectives from each of the sisters. Listening to narrator Lisa Larsen made those transitions effortless. Sometimes I felt pulled, but then quickly became ensnared in the next sister’s scenes. I questioned whether I would have liked each sister’s story as a separate book, but by the end was happy with the format.

Each sister’s story combined with the overall mysteries surrounding the lighthouse and their missing father. I laughed, swooned and like the sisters found myself eager for answers.

We meet new characters and witness the girls bond and develop relationships. Second chances and new beginnings abound in this heartfelt novel. I loved the diary entries from their mother and discovering secrets.

Grab your earbuds and come meet the Hannigan sisters as they find their way home. Lisa Larsen does a splendid job of giving each character their own unique voice and enhances the tale. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unraveling Their Mother's Mysteries


The mysteries continue to unravel in the second book in the Birch Harbor Series. The Hannigan sisters are trying to find out what really happened to their father. Did he just walk away from their family or did he really die?
This book picks up the story from the first book. Each sister is dealing with problems in their lives. Some finding new relationships and some restoring broken relationships.
I love the backdrop of the lake beach town.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, you should really read House on the Harbor: A Birch Harbor Novel before reading Lighthouse on the Lake as it starts a week later. The Hannigan sisters Kate, Amelia, Megan and Clara are still dealing with the fallout from their mother's (Nora) death and shocking discoveries in the will that followed the funeral.

Each of the sisters are dealing with a lot of changes in their lives. Kate is determined to turn the house on the harbor into a B&B called The Heirloom Inn. She also gets closer to her high school boyfriend Matt Fiorillo; Amelia wants to find proof of ownership of the lighthouse and begins to show an interest in their attorney Michael Matuszewski; Megan finds out if she got the job with the matchmaking service and begins to question if she really wants a divorce from her husband; Clara finishes teaching for the school year and wants to start working on "the cottage" so she can move in, but she's busy helping Amelia track down proof of ownership for the lighthouse.

Besides deciding what to do with the properties they've each inherited, and changes in their personal relationships, the sisters try to solve the mystery surrounding their father's disappearance. Did he leave the area or did something happen to him?

I really like how each chapter is about a different sister. We get an update on each of the sisters and see that each one makes some progress in their personal lives, some more than others, but I feel Amelia makes the most progress and I'm so happy about that. We also find out more about their mother Nora which explains some of the decisions she made in her life. I'm really enjoying this series and look forward to reading the next book.

I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Elise Derr Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

***  Read "House on the Harbor" first!  ***

I really enjoyed following the Hannigan sisters around Birch Harbor again! Their interactions are realistic and entertaining. I love a good mystery, and it's neat to have that mystery pursued by family members who are finding more closure in the process!

Kate Hannigan is committed to turning the house on the harbor into the Heirloom Inn, as well as rekindling her relationship with high school flame, Matt Fiorillo.

Amelia is determined to crack the mystery of their father and the Acton lighthouse -- with the help of their lawyer, Michael Matuszewski.

Megan is uncertain how to move forward with her husband, who proposed a divorce but has put off finalizing for one reason after another. As she nears the "empty nester" stage of life, she's also looking for a job to fill her time and satisfy her desire to help others find their soulmates.

Clara has just finished her last week of teaching and is eager to get settled into "the cottage". However, between helping Kate put together "the Inn" and tracking down clues about Wendell Acton with Amelia and Megan, Clara hasn't had much time to herself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OVERALL
Content: clean! Continued development of each sister's romantic interests is subtle, but helps to keep things interesting.
Language: clean.
Themes include family secrets, divorce/separation, adoption, and familial love.

This is NOT a romance novel, but there are mildly romantic subplots happening for each of the women. This installment spends a considerable amount of time on Amelia and her relationship with Michael. There's significantly less tension and drama, but still an urgency to uncover the truth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighthouse on the Lake is the second book written by Elizabeth Bromke in her Birch Harbour series. I am enjoying this series for many reasons one of which it is located in Michigan. The author continues the story if the Hannigan sisters and their quest for answers about their quirky mother's journal entries and their missing father. The for sisters have found out they are the errs to an old lighthouse through their fathers family. However when they are unable to locate a key to enter the lighthouse more secrets are revealed. When they finally locate a name associated with the lighthouse the mystery becomes more mysterious.

As the four sisters are still trying to sort out the family dynamics now they have one more secret to deal with. They wonder if this new secret will help them locate their father. Each of the sisters have their own personal quest going on throughout the story which adds great details as to how this family continues to move forward. The story is spellbinding and keeps the reader turning pages for the answers.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. This story shows that even with a family full of secrets life moves forward and love binds them together

Congratulations to Elizabeth Bromke for continuing her series with such style and grace. Her readers will truly enjoy this story.

[Dictionary101 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great pool/beach read. I read it in two afternoons -- including the time I spent rereading part of "House on the Harbor" because I'd forgotten a couple of key bits of infomation. It had been 2 years since I read "House on the Harbor". Just don't concentrate too much on details.

I like the characters. I like the storylines. It would be nice if all families got along as well as Kate, Amelia, Megan, and Clara (and their men) do with the loss of a parent and the mysteries her passing have unearthed. The drama is kept to a minimum as each wonan takes the new revelations in stride.

I don't always like the author's choice of words and spellings (eventualized, nosey rather than nosy, tiffany rather than Tiffany lamp, dramaturg; I had to go to an online dictionary for a couple of them). That Ms. Bromke doesn't know that a Ski Do (sic) is a snowmobile, not a personal watercraft or boat surprised me. Ski-Doo (www.ski-doo.com) vs Sea-Doo (www.sea-doo.com)

Also, anyone who has looked at a map of Michigan knows that from Metro Detroit one has to go north to get to Lake Huron, not south. When talking about going to the lake, from her home in Rochester, Megan mentions "down" to the lake more than once. One would be driving up. Birch Harbor is a fictional town, but Metro Detroit, Rochester, and Lake Huron are real places and can't be moved.

Next up, "Fireflies in the FIeld". I'm curious to know if the sisters meet Liesel, find love, and solve the mystery of their father's disappearance.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back to see how the Hannigan sisters are going after the shock revelation in the first book, the sisters are starting to work out what they really want in life but that isn't going to be all smooth sailing and there are more family secrets to be revealed. Amelia is the main driver of this book with her quest to find out about the lighthouse and Michael their family lawyer is happy to help 😉 But we also get to know the other sisters even more to see what drives them, I feel sorry for Megan as just when life starts to go well some wicked witch puts a spanner in the works and Kate frustrates me with how she is dancing around things with Michael. I also felt sorry for Clara as after such a big revelation in the last book I feel like she is still being brushed aside a bit when she needs more support now wit trying to find her new place within the family. I can not wait for the next book to see what happens to the ladies next and hopefully Megan can knock the wicked witch down a notch or two!!! lol

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I am loving this series! This is the second book in the series. I would not say that it is a stand alone. If you haven't read the first, I think you will be totally lost. Having said that, you really should read both of them.
This story of four sisters returning home after their mother's death has a well developed history and plot for each sister, as well as at least the promise of a romantic interest for each. The mystery that runs through it all is compelling and certainly kept me turning the pages. I rarely remember characters from past books that I've read (I read a lot), but I remembered these sisters--these books are that different and memorable. I know there's one more coming and I can't wait!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series. Each book builds on the previous book and a different sister is highlighted in each book. This book is about Amelia and her quest to find out who got possession of the lighthouse after her grandparents died and her father disappeared. She is also beginning a relationship with Michael, their family’s lawyer who was in charge of her Mother's will. One mystery is solved but her father is still missing and the mystery is still to be solved in a future book. I am looking forward to the next book. This series is a complicated but a great family saga. I highly recommend this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of this series and it was just as good as the first. Elizabeth Bromke has a talent for keeping you on the edge of your seat, desperate to know what the Hannigan's secrets are. These books, while full of intrigue and mystery, are just as relaxing to read. The author lays out the story in a way that you can picture it, and the town, in your minds eye. You feel as if you're walking along the village shops with the Hannigan sisters or sipping ice tea on the porch of the Inn. In a world where things tend to get crazy, this series is a refreshing and exciting adventure to be had, only by turning the page of a book.

[Sherri Geisler Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to know the sisters in this series better. If you have not yet read the first book I recommend you do so before reading this one. You will enjoy the series so much more reading it from first to last. Just when they think all of the family secrets are revealed another one shows up. The books put different sisters in the center but all of them are involved. The sisters work at turning the family home into a Bed and Breakfast, find their long lost father and maybe even finding love. It kept me turning pages and wanting the next book in the series now.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading one of Ms. Bromke's other books, I jumped at the chance to read another one of her books. Her writing style is amazing and she really knows how to bring the importance of family front and center in a story, with other elements such as romance, to complement it. The book has a strong storyline and wonderful characters with such personality and depth that give them an authentic quality. You can't help but fall in love with them. The story draws you in from the first page and does not let go until you are done. A truly heartwarming story, and I highly recommend you pick this one up!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lighthouse on the Lake continues the story of the four Hannigan sisters who return to Birch Harbor and try to uncover the mysteries that emerge from their mother's will. As one puzzle is solved, another surfaces, causing more and more confusion to the sisters as they realise each had a contrasting memory of their mother and their childhood. At the same time they attempt to work together to open the old family home as an inn.

Compulsive reading and looking forward to book three.

ARC supplied by the author, this review is my honest opinion and completely unbiased.

[Pam Vogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful story about the four Hannigan sisters who have come back to Birch Harbor. In their mother's will there are so many secrets to be solved. Each is on a mission to get some answers. Amelia is definitely interested in getting answers about the Lighthouse. Each sister brings something new to the story. Some relationships may end and maybe some new love interests will be developed. The story line was easy to follow.I can't wait for the next book by this author. I highly recommend this book.I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the Hannigan sisters explore their new starts in their lives after Nora Hannigan’s death, they uncover many unexpected connections and twists, and wholly other bits of family history and drama

New beginnings might re connect and refresh more than one past romance, and uncover results from another live from the past.

Sunshine, shadows and so much drama - what family and especially sisters are all about

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara]

The second book of the A Birch Harbor Novel series. We are seeing more of Kate, Megan, Clara, and Amelia Hannigan, this is mainly Amelia's story. There are surprises that they will have to deal with, a Lighthouse they are trying to collect more information on. There is also the things happening in each of the women's lives that they have to handle. I found myself immersed in this story. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara A. White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

I could not set this book down! I love the way it is written with a surprise at the end of each chapter to entice you to continue to read this story! There is nothing in this story that happened that I could predict! I love the way it ended & already have ordered the next book in this series. I would recommend this book to any female who would enjoy the tale of 4 sisters who inherit a house on the shores of Lake Huron & how their lives are affected by this inheritance. Mystery indeed!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good! It hooks you on the first page and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. The author's words made the book come to life and you can feel all the emotions. It has drama, mystery and romance and will keep you guessing until the end. This book is a wonderful addition to the series and I can't wait to read the next book. I received an ARC copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Tandy Oschadleus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC to review: the Hannigan ladies' journey in life, love and family continues in this sequel in the Birch Harbor series. Join the ladies as they embark on uncovering more secrets that Nora held and as they become more comfortable in their own skins and places in life. Mix chic lit with some romantic ambience and a little sleuthing ... An entertaining, deep read that delights and touches the soul.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautifully written story to the Birch Harbor saga. The author once again brings strong characters and a realistic story line. She does a great job developing the story and pulls you in as the sisters uncover family secrets. Her detailed and descriptive scenes bring the story to life and had me glued to the pages. I'm loving this series and am looking forward to the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Cynthia Isaacs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story takes place a week or so after The House on the Harbour concludes.
As I started this book immediately after finishing the first I found it easy to get in to the story.
Personally I found the storyline interesting but slow in places.
The twists, turns and drama were there but there were long gaps in between.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Elizabeth Bromke; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the second in the series. The series focuses on four sisters finding out new secrets and mysteries upon their mothers passing. In this book, Amelia takes action in trying to find out what happened with the lighthouse. The story is well written and the personalities and relationships of the characters kept my interest. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighthouse on the Lake is the second installment in the Birch Harbor family saga and is an enjoyable read.

I am loving this series as it continues the story of the Hannigan sisters. Secrets are uncovered and mysteries abound as the sisters renovate the family property. There is suspense and intrigue along with some romance for Amelia and Michael.

I am looking forward to continuing this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one from Elizabeth. The story line pulls you in and captivates you till you read the last word. The characters are lovable and feel like part of your family. A book you'll have a hard time putting down until you read the last word. Don't hesitate to grab your copy, curl up on your porch swing and escape your everyday life in this wonderful story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S I · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how you feel apart of this story. My heart went threw so many emotions. Goosebumps, that’s how deep you can feel each person pain and how each try to be there for each other. Through the tragedy of Joels death it brings the family together. Be prepared for secrets to come out, love explored and bonds for a lifetime strong.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery and Family - A Great Match!

The story of the Hannigan family in Birch Harbor continues in book 2 of this series. Lots of family drama, secrets, and mystery. I enjoyed the story of the developing relationships of the Hannigan sisters and the men in their lives, the new projects each is undertaking, and the family secrets and questions that come to light after their mother’s death. I look forward to reading book 3!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a little slow to start, I really enjoyed this book.
Ms. Bromke knows how to weave a story that is both engrossing and entertaining. This story has romance and angst along with a touch of mystery. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written small town romance.
Thank you Elizabeth Bromke and Booksprout for allowing me a forum to express my thoughts and feedback.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AnnaMay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter drew me into the next and the plot didnt depend on romance. If there were questions about au th authenticity, the author addressed them with humor within the storyline. The dialogue was great and engaging as each character had a distinct voice. There's a certain messy quality to the book that is endearing. Life is messy. In the end, I came full circle to a relaxing feeling of being in the shade on a beach with a good book. I look forward to the next!

[Pam Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet clean story of 4 sisters and how they deal with life after their Mother's death. Family secrets are revealed. Two new romances continue--one a second chance romance. One sister is trying to decide if her marriage is ending. I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for a review. This book kept me turning pages to see what would happen next.