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The Lightkeeper: A Novel
In this hauntingly beautiful novel, a nameless Lightkeeper, ageless and outside of time, is pulled through time to tend lighthouses on far shores, battling danger, loneliness, uncertainty, and despair. What begins as the burial of a lighthouse keeper on a routine assignment soon transforms into the greatest adventure of her life and a path to a more distant shore. Through this journey she learns what it means to be human and to love, especially when death is a certainty.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2021
21 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 18, 2021
I can't say enough about how much I love this book. I am not even much of a fantasy reader, yet I enjoyed this book so much I might indeed start reading more fantasy again. Sherry Shenoda managed to write a poetic fantasy/historical fiction/romance with a thread of wisdom woven throughout that leaves the reader with a sense of hope despite ... well, you need to read it. I can't spoil it for you.
I have a special love for lighthouses, and this book transported (or should I say, "translated") me into lighthouses all around the world throughout history with such rich detail that I felt like I was inside each one, refilling ancient lamps with whale oil, polishing lenses till they shone, sensing the waves crashing to shore during each storm.
Despite my ever growing book stack, this is a book I'm going to re-read multiple times. I want to go back to those lighthouses. I want to go back to the Lightkeeper's decision. I want to go back to Wisdom's words to her. I hesitate to call this book a beach read because it's a bit more intense, but if you're on the beach, or enjoying a boat ride, or visiting a lighthouse, this is book would make a great companion.
I received a digital ARC of this book to read from Ancient Faith Publishing, but I loved it so much I bought the ebook and am going to buy multiple copies of the paperback to keep on my shelf and give to friends as gifts. I imagine this book will become a cult favorite, and I cannot wait to read more from Sherry Shenoda.
I have a special love for lighthouses, and this book transported (or should I say, "translated") me into lighthouses all around the world throughout history with such rich detail that I felt like I was inside each one, refilling ancient lamps with whale oil, polishing lenses till they shone, sensing the waves crashing to shore during each storm.
Despite my ever growing book stack, this is a book I'm going to re-read multiple times. I want to go back to those lighthouses. I want to go back to the Lightkeeper's decision. I want to go back to Wisdom's words to her. I hesitate to call this book a beach read because it's a bit more intense, but if you're on the beach, or enjoying a boat ride, or visiting a lighthouse, this is book would make a great companion.
I received a digital ARC of this book to read from Ancient Faith Publishing, but I loved it so much I bought the ebook and am going to buy multiple copies of the paperback to keep on my shelf and give to friends as gifts. I imagine this book will become a cult favorite, and I cannot wait to read more from Sherry Shenoda.
June 14, 2021
Stop reading this review and get yourself a copy of The Lightkeeper right now. Do it.
Got your copy? Great. Read it. Now. Come back when you’re done.
I know, right? Incredible stuff. Ms. Shenoda’s use of imagery throughout really makes every scene come to life. Reading this I felt like I was there at every lighthouse described.
I agree. She really knows how to write believable characters and can help you get into their headspace with just a few words.
You’re not kidding. I couldn’t put this down either when I got into it. It was a little slow going at first but the pay off. Oh my. I had to keep reading and finished it in a matter of days.
Me too, me too. I’m glad you read this because that ending is so beautiful. I don’t think I could talk to you about this without you reading it first as I didn’t want to spoil anything.
You’re welcome. I found myself getting emotionally geared up as I approached the final several chapters. Ms. Shenoda does a fantastic job building foreshadowing throughout the novel.
Yes, I did see some similarities with Doctor Who. I think it’s almost inherent in any fiction that incorporates time travel. There’s certainly a bit of “timey-wimey” in this wonderful book.
I’m glad you had some tissues near at hand. I too cried when I got to the end and closed the book. My wife had to hand me some and asked me what was wrong. All I could say was that it was so beautiful.
Dostoyevsky. He’s the one you’re trying to remember. Yeah, he said, “Beauty will save the world.” I think in it’s own way this book helps to contribute to that. This book certainly fits that bill. The author’s poetic nature and voice really comes through throughout the entire novel.
I can’t wait to re-read this as well. I just have to wait until my wife finishes reading it though. It is certainly a must-read and a must-ponder. I also look forward to anything else Ms. Shenoda might publish in the future also.
Got your copy? Great. Read it. Now. Come back when you’re done.
I know, right? Incredible stuff. Ms. Shenoda’s use of imagery throughout really makes every scene come to life. Reading this I felt like I was there at every lighthouse described.
I agree. She really knows how to write believable characters and can help you get into their headspace with just a few words.
You’re not kidding. I couldn’t put this down either when I got into it. It was a little slow going at first but the pay off. Oh my. I had to keep reading and finished it in a matter of days.
Me too, me too. I’m glad you read this because that ending is so beautiful. I don’t think I could talk to you about this without you reading it first as I didn’t want to spoil anything.
You’re welcome. I found myself getting emotionally geared up as I approached the final several chapters. Ms. Shenoda does a fantastic job building foreshadowing throughout the novel.
Yes, I did see some similarities with Doctor Who. I think it’s almost inherent in any fiction that incorporates time travel. There’s certainly a bit of “timey-wimey” in this wonderful book.
I’m glad you had some tissues near at hand. I too cried when I got to the end and closed the book. My wife had to hand me some and asked me what was wrong. All I could say was that it was so beautiful.
Dostoyevsky. He’s the one you’re trying to remember. Yeah, he said, “Beauty will save the world.” I think in it’s own way this book helps to contribute to that. This book certainly fits that bill. The author’s poetic nature and voice really comes through throughout the entire novel.
I can’t wait to re-read this as well. I just have to wait until my wife finishes reading it though. It is certainly a must-read and a must-ponder. I also look forward to anything else Ms. Shenoda might publish in the future also.
July 10, 2021
Endearing, creative, idyllic. This novel faithfully kept me company while I recovered from my 2nd dose of the Moderna vaccine. My favourite aspect was the unique function time plays in the storyline--reminiscent of The Time Traveler's Wife, but with a more transcendent frame. My second favourite aspect was the motif of lighthouses, which functioned as a kind of prismatic liet (or rather "Light") motif throughout.
This is a beautiful story with at times literary-quality prose--the best novel Ancient Faith has published to date, imho.
This is a beautiful story with at times literary-quality prose--the best novel Ancient Faith has published to date, imho.
May 23, 2021
A spiritual experience, this novel engages the heart, mind, and soul, eliciting both laughter and tears throughout. Not wanting to part with the characters, I began reading it again immediately upon finishing it.
As a counselor associate, I appreciate how adeptly Shenouda captures the essence of human nature through her thoughtfully crafted characters. She artistically guides the reader in appreciating the complex constructs of Time, Love, and free will. Within the narrative, each reader will find a reflection of themselves and the motivation (and guidance!) to pursue life and love at its fullest.
As a counselor associate, I appreciate how adeptly Shenouda captures the essence of human nature through her thoughtfully crafted characters. She artistically guides the reader in appreciating the complex constructs of Time, Love, and free will. Within the narrative, each reader will find a reflection of themselves and the motivation (and guidance!) to pursue life and love at its fullest.
October 19, 2021
I expected to find a historical fiction book, but it was an interesting sci-fi parable type of story instead. While I never loved it, I did enjoy.
June 22, 2021
I was so excited after receiving this book to find out that it was a time-travel novel, because that is a (sub-)genre that I really love. Good time-travel books really have it all: adventure, historical fiction, romance, social commentary, mystery, humor, poetry. With this book, you can add spiritual reflection and classical historical references. I have easily read 50 books in the past year, most of them by authors whose works have stood the test of time, and The Lightkeeper is still one of the best, most enjoyable books I have ever read.
“The Lightkeeper” is not only the name of this remarkable book, but it is the only name the reader has for the protagonist of this story until three-quarters of the way through the book. It’s not that her name is a secret - or if it is it is a secret to the Lightkeeper as well as to us. The book opens with her arriving on the scene of a lighthouse whose keeper has passed away, leaving no one to keep his beacon burning and the ships safe in the harbor. Even though we are just being introduced to the character and her unusual life, the author skillfully slips in details to this first assignment that let the reader know it is far from ordinary for the Lightkeeper. The tension created by those details doesn’t *begin* to resolve itself until one-third of the way through the book. In between, she skillfully reveals the otherworldly nature of the Keeper, her habits, her limitations, her inclinations, deftly weaving anecdotes from the Keeper’s past assignments, references and allusions to books and works of music from the future, and her commentaries on the times she visits into the “present.”
I tried above to mention some of the categories this book could fit into, but I would never presume to say all that it can be or that is only one thing. One of the things that the author does so well is to highlight themes of seeing and not seeing, of knowing and not being known, remembering and forgetting. Perhaps the thread running through that will stick with me the longest is that of gratitude for everything: for the trials, for the situations we cannot control, and for whatever we find we *do* have, even if it isn’t what we wanted.
I mentioned before that the tension from the opening chapter did not *begin* to be resolved until much later, but, dear reader, rest assured that it *was* eventually resolved, but not until the very last pages. Sherry Shenoda does not rush anything about this novel, and I loved her for it. I think you will too.
“The Lightkeeper” is not only the name of this remarkable book, but it is the only name the reader has for the protagonist of this story until three-quarters of the way through the book. It’s not that her name is a secret - or if it is it is a secret to the Lightkeeper as well as to us. The book opens with her arriving on the scene of a lighthouse whose keeper has passed away, leaving no one to keep his beacon burning and the ships safe in the harbor. Even though we are just being introduced to the character and her unusual life, the author skillfully slips in details to this first assignment that let the reader know it is far from ordinary for the Lightkeeper. The tension created by those details doesn’t *begin* to resolve itself until one-third of the way through the book. In between, she skillfully reveals the otherworldly nature of the Keeper, her habits, her limitations, her inclinations, deftly weaving anecdotes from the Keeper’s past assignments, references and allusions to books and works of music from the future, and her commentaries on the times she visits into the “present.”
I tried above to mention some of the categories this book could fit into, but I would never presume to say all that it can be or that is only one thing. One of the things that the author does so well is to highlight themes of seeing and not seeing, of knowing and not being known, remembering and forgetting. Perhaps the thread running through that will stick with me the longest is that of gratitude for everything: for the trials, for the situations we cannot control, and for whatever we find we *do* have, even if it isn’t what we wanted.
I mentioned before that the tension from the opening chapter did not *begin* to be resolved until much later, but, dear reader, rest assured that it *was* eventually resolved, but not until the very last pages. Sherry Shenoda does not rush anything about this novel, and I loved her for it. I think you will too.
November 28, 2021
Easily the most beautifully-spoken novel I’ve read, The Lightkeeper is a fascinating concept of home and love in time and space. Every chapter had me more curious to understand what was to come. Character development was gradual and perfectly dynamic, and the development of the plot was beautifully crescendoed.
This is a story of romance in the scenario of time travel. It is about healing and sense of purpose; harnessing and refining choice through free will; considering the needs of others more highly than one’s own. The portrayal of the masculine and feminine is deeply balanced in this novel, a beautiful depiction of what bond and strength and necessity there are for both man and woman in timeless union.
The Lightkeeper is influenced by the understanding of meaning and free will as found in the Orthodox Faith. It is not explicitly Orthodox; you will not find Orthodox content within these pages. Shenoda does, however, honor the framework of the Orthodox life: ascetic living and hard work; the balance of male and female; the honor of boundaries and propriety preserved in traditional values. She combines elements with which the faithful would be familiar together with a true love and romance, and a universal heart’s desire for “home”.
Shenoda, also a poet, employs the most beautiful language to provide scenery and sensation to the reader. Her depictions are lifelike and heartfelt. In some places there is a lot of movement described, and this is my only constructive critique to the author. There were several places where I felt lost in the description of movements and placement of characters and had to refocus myself on the content of each scenario. This, of course, does not take away from the warm embrace of the story.
I highly recommend for personal read; but also for a group! The author has a *book club* group discussion PDF - the thought-provoking questions contain spoilers, so consider reading before discussing!
I personally took away from my reading the contemplation of free will and how to use my own, as well as the healing freely given for us to received through the timeless Wisdom of the Church. And to be honest: I cried often!! I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this novel and intend to return to it in the future! I’m so grateful for authors like Sherry who are expanding the Orthodox novel genre!
This is a story of romance in the scenario of time travel. It is about healing and sense of purpose; harnessing and refining choice through free will; considering the needs of others more highly than one’s own. The portrayal of the masculine and feminine is deeply balanced in this novel, a beautiful depiction of what bond and strength and necessity there are for both man and woman in timeless union.
The Lightkeeper is influenced by the understanding of meaning and free will as found in the Orthodox Faith. It is not explicitly Orthodox; you will not find Orthodox content within these pages. Shenoda does, however, honor the framework of the Orthodox life: ascetic living and hard work; the balance of male and female; the honor of boundaries and propriety preserved in traditional values. She combines elements with which the faithful would be familiar together with a true love and romance, and a universal heart’s desire for “home”.
Shenoda, also a poet, employs the most beautiful language to provide scenery and sensation to the reader. Her depictions are lifelike and heartfelt. In some places there is a lot of movement described, and this is my only constructive critique to the author. There were several places where I felt lost in the description of movements and placement of characters and had to refocus myself on the content of each scenario. This, of course, does not take away from the warm embrace of the story.
I highly recommend for personal read; but also for a group! The author has a *book club* group discussion PDF - the thought-provoking questions contain spoilers, so consider reading before discussing!
I personally took away from my reading the contemplation of free will and how to use my own, as well as the healing freely given for us to received through the timeless Wisdom of the Church. And to be honest: I cried often!! I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this novel and intend to return to it in the future! I’m so grateful for authors like Sherry who are expanding the Orthodox novel genre!
May 24, 2021
I love to read, but I have a tall stack of unfinished books because life simply gets in the way. I look forward to finishing them someday. But “someday” wasn’t up for discussion on Sherry Shenoda’s The Lightkeeper. I was only a couple pages in by the time I realized I’d be upending my weekend’s schedule for this book. At the 3% mark on my Kindle, I was creating a list of friends who needed to read this.
Why? What starts as a fantasy/paranormal read with beautiful, addictive lighthouse details very quickly becomes personal. The seemingly-untouchable Lightkeeper struggles with the same pain we whisper in the dark. In her journey and in her choice, we find the beauty of life with few guarantees.
I loved the unpredictability of this book, its wisdom and its passion. The Lightkeeper is the best fiction I’ve read in a long time, and I expect I’ll return to it often.
Why? What starts as a fantasy/paranormal read with beautiful, addictive lighthouse details very quickly becomes personal. The seemingly-untouchable Lightkeeper struggles with the same pain we whisper in the dark. In her journey and in her choice, we find the beauty of life with few guarantees.
I loved the unpredictability of this book, its wisdom and its passion. The Lightkeeper is the best fiction I’ve read in a long time, and I expect I’ll return to it often.
September 6, 2021
Thank you Nicole Roccas for introducing me to this book! First of all, this is bar none the best time travel book I have ever read. However it is so much more. Each chapter begins with a quote from Herodotus. And there is the theme of lighthouses and their keepers and how their jobs have evolved through the centuries. It was intriguing to me that Ancient Faith was the publisher. I would love to hear others thoughts on this book.
August 28, 2021
I can't even begin to express how much I loved this novel; so lovely and gripping, that I couldn't close it until the last page. The characters are so deeply built, that you can instantly connect with their struggle, fear of uncertainty, longing and joy. There was something Doctor Who-ish about this book, and it encapsulates everything that was so heartwarming about this other powerful and timeless helper, the Doctor - and also adding subtle but so powerful symbolism and wisdom.
May 24, 2021
A perfect read for those who like to indulge in a bit of wonder, admire strong yet warm characters, and enjoy a good love story (especially one that is not cliché or overdone). It would be difficult to find a more unique or satisfying read. The characters are well-developed and interesting, and so are the various settings in which the novel takes place. The author transports us through different lighthouses, and as interesting as the characters are, it is also easy for the reader to fall in love with these lighthouses as well. As a result, I felt that I received even more than I expected out of this multifaceted novel.
This novel could easily be read in several sittings. You don't want to set it down. However, the deep and thoughtful questions that arise from reading it make you want to slow your pace, and let some of that beauty and introspection linger. Furthermore, the lyrical nature of the prose and the thoughtfulness to detail in both the characters and the settings make this novel inviting to read, although it is brilliantly complex. After reading it a first time, I knew I wanted to go back and re-read it again, as I knew there would be even more to discover in future readings. It isn't easy to create a novel that lingers in the mind long after it is closed, and I think that speaks to how good this book truly is.
This novel could easily be read in several sittings. You don't want to set it down. However, the deep and thoughtful questions that arise from reading it make you want to slow your pace, and let some of that beauty and introspection linger. Furthermore, the lyrical nature of the prose and the thoughtfulness to detail in both the characters and the settings make this novel inviting to read, although it is brilliantly complex. After reading it a first time, I knew I wanted to go back and re-read it again, as I knew there would be even more to discover in future readings. It isn't easy to create a novel that lingers in the mind long after it is closed, and I think that speaks to how good this book truly is.
June 5, 2021
“As the old saw says well: every end does not appear together with its beginning”
HERODOYUS, THE HISTORIES
There are not many books that leave me speechless. The Lightkeeper by Sherry Shenoda is one of them. I found myself re-reading sentences, paragraphs, and pages because it is so beautifully written. I literally could not put this book down.
The protagonist of this enchanting novel is a nameless, ageless, light Keeper who travels through time to lighthouses and their keepers who are in need of assistance. Throughout the book the Keeper experiences the basic emotions of sadness, fear, surprise, anger, love, and eventually she has to make a decision that will change her life and the life of others. This work of fiction has everything a reader would want in a book: mystery, adventure, history, and romance.
I enjoyed this book so much that I have recommended it to all my friends.
The Lightkeeper would be a great pick for book clubs. But give your group extra time for discussion, you will be talking about this book long after you’re finished reading it.
I received a copy of The Lightkeeper for an honest review.
I loved this book so much that I bought the e-book to read it again
HERODOYUS, THE HISTORIES
There are not many books that leave me speechless. The Lightkeeper by Sherry Shenoda is one of them. I found myself re-reading sentences, paragraphs, and pages because it is so beautifully written. I literally could not put this book down.
The protagonist of this enchanting novel is a nameless, ageless, light Keeper who travels through time to lighthouses and their keepers who are in need of assistance. Throughout the book the Keeper experiences the basic emotions of sadness, fear, surprise, anger, love, and eventually she has to make a decision that will change her life and the life of others. This work of fiction has everything a reader would want in a book: mystery, adventure, history, and romance.
I enjoyed this book so much that I have recommended it to all my friends.
The Lightkeeper would be a great pick for book clubs. But give your group extra time for discussion, you will be talking about this book long after you’re finished reading it.
I received a copy of The Lightkeeper for an honest review.
I loved this book so much that I bought the e-book to read it again
February 17, 2023
I struggle to decide where to start when writing a review for this book. I laughed often, and I often came close to tears. I found it very beautifully written, the plot intriguing, and I will definitely be reading it again. I'm still working through the parable side of this in my head. It's not something that comes through in its entirety, at least for me, in the first reading. Also, I read the audiobook version, and I tend to do better with a visual reading experience, though I enjoyed this more than other audiobook experiences I have had.
One negative point for me was the portrayal of Christopher Columbus, which I do not agree with, but will not go into detail.
The other was the descriptive romance. It wasn't too much, but I personally prefer those descriptions to be a little more discrete.
As for the audiobook itself, as I said, it was better than others I have tried. There were some phrases I had to go over multiple times to understand, and some words I never could quite make out, but that may have just been me. I will be reading this again in a hard copy in the not-too-distant future!
One negative point for me was the portrayal of Christopher Columbus, which I do not agree with, but will not go into detail.
The other was the descriptive romance. It wasn't too much, but I personally prefer those descriptions to be a little more discrete.
As for the audiobook itself, as I said, it was better than others I have tried. There were some phrases I had to go over multiple times to understand, and some words I never could quite make out, but that may have just been me. I will be reading this again in a hard copy in the not-too-distant future!
June 11, 2021
Beautiful, gentle, and full of hope, The Lightkeeper explores deep ideas of what it means to choose, to be needed, and to have a home. As I read, I was especially struck by the undertow of gratitude used as a defense against anger and the way the lightkeeper gradually realizes that everything in her life, the good and the bad together, has happened and is happening for her sake, to make her perfect.
I was interested and refreshed by the novelty of the heroine of the book being the one to choose and leave to go where she is most needed while her husband waits for her at home, especially coupled with the fact that it often is her husband who needs her most.
This novel provides a glowing, lyrical picture of how beautiful life and service to others can be. It made me cry with longing for the love and friendship that Shenoda caused to shine so brightly through the pages of her novel, and it made me believe more deeply in the Truth of all these things. Next, I will have to read Herodotus...
I was interested and refreshed by the novelty of the heroine of the book being the one to choose and leave to go where she is most needed while her husband waits for her at home, especially coupled with the fact that it often is her husband who needs her most.
This novel provides a glowing, lyrical picture of how beautiful life and service to others can be. It made me cry with longing for the love and friendship that Shenoda caused to shine so brightly through the pages of her novel, and it made me believe more deeply in the Truth of all these things. Next, I will have to read Herodotus...
May 22, 2021
The story of the Lightkeeper is stunning.
As I began the novel, my heart immediately connected with the Keeper and all the uncertainty that comes with her life. What I love most about her story is that it is the story of so many of us struggling to understand why things happen the way do, why the people we love the most sometimes are the most elusive to us, and why letting go is the most courageous and human thing we can do as we live out our days on planet earth.
The Lightkeeper is a visceral, raw story of life in its truest form: giving your all in your work at the present moment and living life hour by hour clinging to Hope, Love, and Wisdom.
Dr. Sherry Shenoda's penmanship captures the complexity of humanity with graceful and vivid imagery that immerses the reader into the soul of the Keeper and all the characters she encounters along her journey. I cannot wait to read more from Sherry! Absolutely stunning novel.
As I began the novel, my heart immediately connected with the Keeper and all the uncertainty that comes with her life. What I love most about her story is that it is the story of so many of us struggling to understand why things happen the way do, why the people we love the most sometimes are the most elusive to us, and why letting go is the most courageous and human thing we can do as we live out our days on planet earth.
The Lightkeeper is a visceral, raw story of life in its truest form: giving your all in your work at the present moment and living life hour by hour clinging to Hope, Love, and Wisdom.
Dr. Sherry Shenoda's penmanship captures the complexity of humanity with graceful and vivid imagery that immerses the reader into the soul of the Keeper and all the characters she encounters along her journey. I cannot wait to read more from Sherry! Absolutely stunning novel.
June 2, 2021
I'm not much of a reader of fiction (non-fiction is my preference), but there was something about this story that had me looking forward to every page turn. The story of this lightkeeper traveling through time was so beautifully written. I couldn't put it down, I read half of the book in a day, which is very unlike me! If you're looking to get lost in a gripping story full of character and timeless truths, I highly recommend reading this novel! I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2021
I wanted to read a book set in summertime since I was heading to the beach. I also have a fascination with lighthouses. Add in some time travel, a character who loves books as much as me and you have a winner. I loved going along on the many adventures with the lightkeeper through time and the many details of tending to the light. It also made me feel what’s really important in life and to stop and think about why we are in certain situations and how to be grateful for all we have. I was so sorry to see this book end. It was pure magic in a book. I may read this every summer.
July 15, 2021
This is a beautifully written novel that is complex yet simple, colorful yet somber and overall enriching on so many levels. It is throughly enjoyable to learn about the technical aspects of lighthouses and the sacrificial lives of light keepers, throughout the ages. The author draws you in with unbelievable imagery and detail packed into every single sentence. The mysterious Keeper will surprise you, amaze you and inspire you.
September 26, 2021
Could not put it down..but didn't want it to end. Loved the poetic mystery of time, intertwined with hidden wisdom on life, love, destiny, and faith. Her words are so descriptive, that you can visualize and almost feel her experiences. Left me thinking about her destiny. Wish I could know more about this lightkeeper..hope there is more from this brilliant author.
June 14, 2021
Unlike any book I’ve ever read before. Such an intricate and well written story. Can’t wait for the next book by this author.
June 18, 2021
Couldn't put it down. The writing is lovely and the story compelling.
June 13, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by The Lightkeeper, it was the fictional book I needed. The style of the book from a fantasy/paranormal that transitions to a kind of romance was fun and gripping, at times it was a bit slow but it would pick back up… except at the end when it kind of dragged.
I enjoyed the fact that this book makes you self reflect quite a bit. I found myself a many times after reading a bit pondering the wisdom or the romance of it. Made me look fondly upon my spouse at times and just fall more in love.
I had the privilege to review this book and I highly recommend it to others!
I enjoyed the fact that this book makes you self reflect quite a bit. I found myself a many times after reading a bit pondering the wisdom or the romance of it. Made me look fondly upon my spouse at times and just fall more in love.
I had the privilege to review this book and I highly recommend it to others!
April 22, 2024
This book was a cool concept with some decent life lessons, but the execution was boring, random, and difficult to follow. The side characters were ultimately unnecessary, and some chapters could definitely be omitted, shortened, or joined together. Being written by an Orthodox Christian author, I did not recognize anything of the faith in this book like I was hoping for, especially being published by Ancient Faith. Actually, the character Wisdom felt very disrespectful as a way to portray our Lord Jesus Christ… I don’t know. I am giving this book 2 stars, because the story itself wasn’t terrible, it was just weird.
January 28, 2023
As per request, here is my review of Ancient Faith's first adult fiction release! Hurray! About time! I enjoyed a lot about it and think it's a great first fiction, but parts of it just weren't for me.
Somewhere in time there is a Keeper of Lighthouses, a young woman without a past or a name, flitting unwittingly from lighthouse to lighthouse to aid in saving lives and tending the beacons. However, when she runs into someone who remembers her from their past (and her future!) she begins to question her existence and why it is that she must live her lonely life stuck out of time and isolated from the rest of humanity.
So, this book is part historical-fiction, part sci-fi, part romance. I really enjoyed the plot, the personification of Wisdom, and the deeper themes that were explored in this book. For being a Christian fiction book, it certainly doesn't read like one, which is a compliment! I think it's hugely accessible to any reader regardless of religious background. It has a nice writing style and a philosophical undertone that explores life, death, and purpose. Also nice to see another fan of Herodotus out there! ;)
I have two big hang-ups with this book, the first being the romance part of it. I should confess that romance is not my favourite genre, so please keep that in mind, but I felt like that aspect of this story took up far too much of the book with a too-slow pace and clunky dialogue. It just did not do anything for me, it pulled too much away from the rest of the book, and it didn't feel real. Second, the character of Claire was vastly underdeveloped. She plays a large role in the first part, is absent in the second part, and resolved very, very fast in the third part. It's obvious she was only created for part one and that the author hadn't really thought her and her relationship with the main character through. There are so many questions I still have about Claire, and I did not like how abruptly her part in the story was wrapped up. That needed a lot more time and thought attached to it in order to make her purpose in the story more believable and satisfying.
Trigger warnings for suicidal ideation/attempts, sudden loss of a family member. Overall, I like this book a lot more than most Christian fiction books. It's not preachy, it's unique, and it doesn't try to gloss over pain and struggle. However, writing-wise I think it needed a bit more thought to be perfect. If you enjoy a good, clean romance or are just looking for something different to read, you'll probably enjoy this book.
Somewhere in time there is a Keeper of Lighthouses, a young woman without a past or a name, flitting unwittingly from lighthouse to lighthouse to aid in saving lives and tending the beacons. However, when she runs into someone who remembers her from their past (and her future!) she begins to question her existence and why it is that she must live her lonely life stuck out of time and isolated from the rest of humanity.
So, this book is part historical-fiction, part sci-fi, part romance. I really enjoyed the plot, the personification of Wisdom, and the deeper themes that were explored in this book. For being a Christian fiction book, it certainly doesn't read like one, which is a compliment! I think it's hugely accessible to any reader regardless of religious background. It has a nice writing style and a philosophical undertone that explores life, death, and purpose. Also nice to see another fan of Herodotus out there! ;)
I have two big hang-ups with this book, the first being the romance part of it. I should confess that romance is not my favourite genre, so please keep that in mind, but I felt like that aspect of this story took up far too much of the book with a too-slow pace and clunky dialogue. It just did not do anything for me, it pulled too much away from the rest of the book, and it didn't feel real. Second, the character of Claire was vastly underdeveloped. She plays a large role in the first part, is absent in the second part, and resolved very, very fast in the third part. It's obvious she was only created for part one and that the author hadn't really thought her and her relationship with the main character through. There are so many questions I still have about Claire, and I did not like how abruptly her part in the story was wrapped up. That needed a lot more time and thought attached to it in order to make her purpose in the story more believable and satisfying.
Trigger warnings for suicidal ideation/attempts, sudden loss of a family member. Overall, I like this book a lot more than most Christian fiction books. It's not preachy, it's unique, and it doesn't try to gloss over pain and struggle. However, writing-wise I think it needed a bit more thought to be perfect. If you enjoy a good, clean romance or are just looking for something different to read, you'll probably enjoy this book.
December 21, 2022
A beautiful novel that I'm happy to have in my library and share with my children as they get older.
February 7, 2023
Incredibly poetic in both prose and structure.
January 25, 2023
This was a great story. I really loved this book!
July 30, 2021
What’s not to love about a book that starts each chapter with a quote from Herodotus, The Histories? Much like those quotes, Shenoda gives us much to ponder as we read her story of a time travelling light keeper and the lessons she must learn over a long, long (immortal?) life. Is it better to stay or better to go? How do we endure loneliness and loss? What do we give up to help others? Are we always doing it for others or for ourselves too? These were questions I enjoyed exploring in the story.
The thing I enjoyed the most was the portrayal of marital love. The beauty of constancy and devotion to a single person for a lifetime is depicted so poignantly here you would think Shenoda had been married herself for fifty years.
My only quibble with the book, and it’s a minor one, is that I wish it had been explicitly Christian, rather than relying on “Wisdom.” Of course, there’s nothing to stay that the character referred to as Wisdom is not an agent of God. I just expected something a little different in a book from Ancient Faith Publishing. No matter, because the book is still full of Christian goodness.
The thing I enjoyed the most was the portrayal of marital love. The beauty of constancy and devotion to a single person for a lifetime is depicted so poignantly here you would think Shenoda had been married herself for fifty years.
My only quibble with the book, and it’s a minor one, is that I wish it had been explicitly Christian, rather than relying on “Wisdom.” Of course, there’s nothing to stay that the character referred to as Wisdom is not an agent of God. I just expected something a little different in a book from Ancient Faith Publishing. No matter, because the book is still full of Christian goodness.
June 8, 2021
A whimsical novel that touches on the themes of time and free will. The prose is lovely, and I appreciate the many literary references mentioned throughout. The novel does have a slow start, but it does pick up around page 100. Then, it actually continually quickens its pace to the novel's climax in the last few chapters. The ending was very pleasantly surprising to me, and made the book worth the read.
As a new author, I applaud Sherry Shenoda on the ambitious idea of the plot and characters. As mentioned, the plot being a little slow in the beginning created some confusion for me, and it took those 100 pages for things to clear up a little. The dialogue at times is also a little awkward, but that is expected with a new novelist. All in all a very good book.
As a new author, I applaud Sherry Shenoda on the ambitious idea of the plot and characters. As mentioned, the plot being a little slow in the beginning created some confusion for me, and it took those 100 pages for things to clear up a little. The dialogue at times is also a little awkward, but that is expected with a new novelist. All in all a very good book.
October 11, 2021
This book is an absolute delight! I read it in two sittings, but while it is an easy read, it is richly poetic and layered! The elements of time travel, historic settings, and the characteristics of the different lighthouses in the book provide an enticing (and memorable!) background for the deeper story. The book weaves in themes of time, the power we have to choose one thing or another, the vulnerability and risk and uncertainty in being human and in loving others, our attitudes towards death, and the intermingling of grief and joy and pain. I ended the book in tears and instantly thought of a long list of people I wanted to recommend this book to! I'll be thinking on this story for a long time.
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