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Moonglow Cove #3
The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay
Lori Wilde returns to Moonglow Cove, Texas, with a heartwarming novel about two estranged sisters who must come together after they receive a bizarre inheritance from their grandmother. It was an inheritance neither sister expected—a lighthouse in Moonglow Cove, left to them by a grandmother they never knew! Harper and Flannery weren’t exactly best friends either. For years, Flannery had held down the home front, taking care of their sick mother and raising a daughter, while Harper sent nothing but checks. And after their mother’s funeral the two sisters had an argument that left them not speaking for six years—why, Harper didn’t even know she has a niece! But life has a way of changing when you least expect it. And the sisters discover their grandmother’s will has a the two of them must live there, work out their issues... and compete in baking challenges with a hundred-year-old sourdough starter. If either of them gives up, or fails to keep the starter alive, they lose the lighthouse. Will they be able to come together and see their grandmother’s wish come true? Or will these two sisters forever be estranged?
416 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2022
120 people are currently reading
3662 people want to read
About the author
Lori Wilde
397 books2,264 followersLori Wilde can’t remember a time when she didn’t want to write. She even went to nursing school so she could have a schedule flexible enough to allow her to write on the side. She nursed for 20 years, working in a variety of settings from the newborn nursery to the recovery room, to dialysis. But she never lost her desire to write.
She sold her first book in 1994 to Silhouette Romance but later discovered she had a flair for comedy and branched out to Harlequin Duets and now, to Blaze.
Lori is an adventuresome soul who loves to travel. She’s taken flying lessons, completed two marathons, rode in a hot-air balloon, performed with a professional jazz band, traveled Europe as a teenager, hiked volcanoes in Hawaii, trod on glaciers in Alaska, shot white-water rapids, water-skied, snow-skied, raced all-terrain vehicles, bodysurfed in the Gulf of Mexico, and photographed grizzly bears in Yellowstone.
She lives in her native Texas, with her own real-life hero, Bill.
She sold her first book in 1994 to Silhouette Romance but later discovered she had a flair for comedy and branched out to Harlequin Duets and now, to Blaze.
Lori is an adventuresome soul who loves to travel. She’s taken flying lessons, completed two marathons, rode in a hot-air balloon, performed with a professional jazz band, traveled Europe as a teenager, hiked volcanoes in Hawaii, trod on glaciers in Alaska, shot white-water rapids, water-skied, snow-skied, raced all-terrain vehicles, bodysurfed in the Gulf of Mexico, and photographed grizzly bears in Yellowstone.
She lives in her native Texas, with her own real-life hero, Bill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
March 13, 2022
The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay by Lori Wilde is the third book in the contemporary romance Moonglow Cove series. The story in The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay is one that is told by alternating the point of view between the two sisters with a third POV occasionally mixed in.
As with a lot of romance series the setting in the Moonglow Cove series is the common theme with the main characters changing from book to book. With new characters in the stories the books in the Moonglow Cove series can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so.
Harper and Flannery grew up being extremely close with one another due to their mother’s unstable upbringing. Despite their closeness however Harper and Flannery haven’t spoken in the last several years since the day they buried their mother having a huge fight at the funeral.
Harper and Flannery have now both made their way to Moonglow Cove when contacted about their grandmother’s estate, a grandmother they never knew. When the will is read Harper and Flannery find that they must stay at the lighthouse for the next several weeks in order to satisfy the terms of the will to get their inheritance which both women desperately need.
Now to be honest I had no idea when I picked up The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay by Lori Wilde that it was a part of the series and never once suspected while reading only finding out when finished. The story about these two sisters pulled me in and didn’t want to let me go and I never found any hint of missing anything prior. I loved the growth of both women and the romance blended well into their stories as they found one another and themselves. The ending felt a tad hurried but otherwise a great read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
As with a lot of romance series the setting in the Moonglow Cove series is the common theme with the main characters changing from book to book. With new characters in the stories the books in the Moonglow Cove series can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so.
Harper and Flannery grew up being extremely close with one another due to their mother’s unstable upbringing. Despite their closeness however Harper and Flannery haven’t spoken in the last several years since the day they buried their mother having a huge fight at the funeral.
Harper and Flannery have now both made their way to Moonglow Cove when contacted about their grandmother’s estate, a grandmother they never knew. When the will is read Harper and Flannery find that they must stay at the lighthouse for the next several weeks in order to satisfy the terms of the will to get their inheritance which both women desperately need.
Now to be honest I had no idea when I picked up The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay by Lori Wilde that it was a part of the series and never once suspected while reading only finding out when finished. The story about these two sisters pulled me in and didn’t want to let me go and I never found any hint of missing anything prior. I loved the growth of both women and the romance blended well into their stories as they found one another and themselves. The ending felt a tad hurried but otherwise a great read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
February 7, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay by Lori Wilde is the third book in her popular Moonglow Bay series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone book. This book is an emotional look at a couple of estranged sisters who reunite for the reading of their Grandmother’s will. It involves an old lighthouse, a creaky elevator, and a 150-year-old sourdough starter.
Harper trusted the wrong woman and her high-powered advertising job in New York City is gone, and her prospects for a new job are slim to none. She needs time to escape the embarrassment until her reputation can be salvaged. But first, she’s is called to Moonlight Bay to hear the reading of her recently departed grandmother's will. A grandmother she never knew.
Flannery arrives at the lighthouse for the reading of the will, with all her belongings in the back of her van and her five-year-old daughter, Willow. She left her husband and hopes that the inheritance can give her a chance to start a new life with Willow. She is hoping to re-connect with her sister, Harper, who she hasn’t seen in six years after a falling out at their mother’s funeral.
The Lighthouse at Moonlight Bay is so much more than a story about a couple of sisters reuniting. It’s about abuse, parental abuse, spousal abuse, generational abuse, and trauma. And yet the book is also hopeful and inspirational. There is a mystery and a past that must be unraveled. Each sister bears the scars of an abusive upbringing that manifest in completely different ways for each of the sisters. I thought I was getting a lighter read and was pleasantly surprised that this book is so much more.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay by Lori Wilde is the third book in her popular Moonglow Bay series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone book. This book is an emotional look at a couple of estranged sisters who reunite for the reading of their Grandmother’s will. It involves an old lighthouse, a creaky elevator, and a 150-year-old sourdough starter.
Harper trusted the wrong woman and her high-powered advertising job in New York City is gone, and her prospects for a new job are slim to none. She needs time to escape the embarrassment until her reputation can be salvaged. But first, she’s is called to Moonlight Bay to hear the reading of her recently departed grandmother's will. A grandmother she never knew.
Flannery arrives at the lighthouse for the reading of the will, with all her belongings in the back of her van and her five-year-old daughter, Willow. She left her husband and hopes that the inheritance can give her a chance to start a new life with Willow. She is hoping to re-connect with her sister, Harper, who she hasn’t seen in six years after a falling out at their mother’s funeral.
The Lighthouse at Moonlight Bay is so much more than a story about a couple of sisters reuniting. It’s about abuse, parental abuse, spousal abuse, generational abuse, and trauma. And yet the book is also hopeful and inspirational. There is a mystery and a past that must be unraveled. Each sister bears the scars of an abusive upbringing that manifest in completely different ways for each of the sisters. I thought I was getting a lighter read and was pleasantly surprised that this book is so much more.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 26, 2022
This was such a great family drama. I love books about sisters. I long for one so I read anything about sisters. I was not disappointed, and I really was happy with the ending. This is a good one and I recommend it.
March 16, 2022
We once again return to Moonglow Cove, Texas,a beautiful and charming area. With the breeze coming off of the water and the delicious out of the way seafood restaurants that are so unpretentious you're sure to want to stay awhile to sample all there is to offer.
The view from the lighthouse is fabulous.
I love stories about sisters and this one is a hit.
Sisters who are estranged get a very unexpected inheritance from their grandmother.
The thing of it is there are conditions with it and they must be followed to the specifications listed or it's all forfeited .
These sisters haven't seen each other for six years after an argument that left them not speaking.
One of the conditions is they must live together in the family lighthouse in Moonglow Bay and must reconcile. These women used to be the best of friends, the older one protecting and looking out for the younger one as they didn't have the best home life growing up.
They soon realize being apart from each other they've missed out on so much in the lives of each other, like one of the sisters has a daughter leaving the other feeling sad and left out because she hadn't known this.
Another strange condition of the will is the sisters must keep an old family starter mother sourdough alive and bake with it and enter a baking contest at the end of the summer.
What I loved about this book is it's real honestly, the characters could be your neighbors or even yourself.
I could definitely see these situations happening in real life and the character interaction was so charming with a little dram mixed in.
The book has such a positive vibe to it though.
I love seeing strong,positive women. Very uplifting,positive and charming. A fun and entertaining book.
Can't wait to read the next in the series!
Pub Date 15 Mar 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The view from the lighthouse is fabulous.
I love stories about sisters and this one is a hit.
Sisters who are estranged get a very unexpected inheritance from their grandmother.
The thing of it is there are conditions with it and they must be followed to the specifications listed or it's all forfeited .
These sisters haven't seen each other for six years after an argument that left them not speaking.
One of the conditions is they must live together in the family lighthouse in Moonglow Bay and must reconcile. These women used to be the best of friends, the older one protecting and looking out for the younger one as they didn't have the best home life growing up.
They soon realize being apart from each other they've missed out on so much in the lives of each other, like one of the sisters has a daughter leaving the other feeling sad and left out because she hadn't known this.
Another strange condition of the will is the sisters must keep an old family starter mother sourdough alive and bake with it and enter a baking contest at the end of the summer.
What I loved about this book is it's real honestly, the characters could be your neighbors or even yourself.
I could definitely see these situations happening in real life and the character interaction was so charming with a little dram mixed in.
The book has such a positive vibe to it though.
I love seeing strong,positive women. Very uplifting,positive and charming. A fun and entertaining book.
Can't wait to read the next in the series!
Pub Date 15 Mar 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
February 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, heartwarming, and it kept me in suspense. The ending was really good, I enjoyed how everything worked out for the two sisters. I am grateful I received this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2022
Flannery and Harper, are sisters who haven't spoken in years. Their mother Tia, was abusive, and when their grandmother passed away they had to go to Texas for the reading of the will.
Their grandmother had stipulations, on how they would inherit the cottage and lighthouse, and it seemed impossible. But, they both needed a place to live, and their lives were falling apart so they decided to take on the challenge of working together. As they started reconnecting, they learned some things about each other, they also learned about the Campbell curse, and the history of their family. There were also secrets finally being revealed and how that affects the sisters. Gray was interested in history, and he helped the sisters realize their history was just that the history of their ancestors, and what they learned from it, could either keep the same cycle going, or they could accept that it was history and focusing on finding a path that would lead them to a better life, becoming a better person, and changing not only their future but but the lives they have now. It isn't going to be easy, because they have to focus on making the changes they need for themselves, and letting going of the past, the hurt feelings, and changing their mindset.
It is an interesting book, that covers all aspects of Flannery and Harper journey after deciding to receive the inheritance. It isn't a smooth journey, their are setbacks, a few times I found myself holding my breath until I found out the outcome. We do find out whether or not they could end the cycle and create a better way of life.
I received an ARC from William Morrow and Custom House through NetGalley.
Their grandmother had stipulations, on how they would inherit the cottage and lighthouse, and it seemed impossible. But, they both needed a place to live, and their lives were falling apart so they decided to take on the challenge of working together. As they started reconnecting, they learned some things about each other, they also learned about the Campbell curse, and the history of their family. There were also secrets finally being revealed and how that affects the sisters. Gray was interested in history, and he helped the sisters realize their history was just that the history of their ancestors, and what they learned from it, could either keep the same cycle going, or they could accept that it was history and focusing on finding a path that would lead them to a better life, becoming a better person, and changing not only their future but but the lives they have now. It isn't going to be easy, because they have to focus on making the changes they need for themselves, and letting going of the past, the hurt feelings, and changing their mindset.
It is an interesting book, that covers all aspects of Flannery and Harper journey after deciding to receive the inheritance. It isn't a smooth journey, their are setbacks, a few times I found myself holding my breath until I found out the outcome. We do find out whether or not they could end the cycle and create a better way of life.
I received an ARC from William Morrow and Custom House through NetGalley.
January 8, 2022
The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay by Lori Wilde Interest premise regarding generational abuse and trauma. Flannery and Harper's abusive childhood colored their life decisions and relationships. A quarrel at their mother's funeral resulted in a huge misunderstanding, separation and lack of communication between the two sisters. An inheritance from their grandmother brought them together at Moonglow Bay. Working together to fulfill the terms of the will brought Flannery and Harper closer again. Flannery's daughter, Willow is an adorable, sweet and brave little girl. A 150 year old sourdough starter, it's care and feeding and use was a large part of the terms in the will. The different terms relating to sourdough at the beginning of the chapters did not always fit into the narrative of the chapter and were a bit distracting. An interesting story, a satisfying if unexpected ending.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
April 26, 2022
I was thrilled to ARC as I have read many of her books
Moonglow Cove Texas (cool name)
lighthouse on Moonglow Bay
I have always loved lighthouses, enjoyed descriptions
Sisters estranged need to come together - can they find way back?
Love this book
enjoyed the sourdough tips at beginning of each chapter
Moonglow Cove Texas (cool name)
lighthouse on Moonglow Bay
I have always loved lighthouses, enjoyed descriptions
Sisters estranged need to come together - can they find way back?
Love this book
enjoyed the sourdough tips at beginning of each chapter
January 9, 2022
Just want I needed after some heavy reads!
Great story
Sisters reunited!
Great story
Sisters reunited!
August 9, 2023
very strange energy on this one
August 5, 2022
Harper and Flannery had not spoken to each other since their mother's funeral six years earlier. Harper moved to NYC and had a great job in advertising and sent checks home to take care of their mother while Flannery stayed home and took care of her. They got a call to attend the reading of their grandmother's will in Moonglow Cove and the biggest surprise is that they had always been told that they had no family because they had all died before the sisters were born. Both sisters are at crucial places in their lives when they get the summons from the lawyer - Harper's career had just disintegrated because she tried to help the wrong person. Flannery had snuck away from their home to hide from her abusive husband along with her 5 year old handicapped daughter Willow. When the will is read, they find out that their grandmother had left them the lighthouse but there were several stipulations: they must live at the lighthouse and try to work out their issues. Even more strangely, they had to keep a 100 year old starter batch of sourdough bread alive and win the local sourdough baking contest. Neither of them knew anything about sourdough but they both agreed to give it a try. An aunt that they had never met, helps them understand what has to be done to keep the starter batch going.
As the two sisters begin to spend time together and work on the sourdough starter, they begin to realize how much they had missed each other over the last six years and slowly begin to share their lives with each other. Willow was one of my favorite characters. Despite spending her days in a wheelchair, she has a positive outlook in life. The big question throughout the book is whether the sisters will reconcile or will they stay estranged and go back to their old lives without each other? And if they become friends, will they be able to win the baking contest?
This book has everything it needs to be a fantastic read. It has sisters, romance and a great mystery that they need to solve to move ahead with their lives. Once they begin to look at the family history they find abuse - both from parents and spouses and the trauma that comes from abuse through their family for generations back. By the end of the book, both sisters realize how strong and resilient they are and learn again how important their family is for each of them.
I've just ordered the first two books in the series. The only connection between the books appears to be the setting in Moonglow Cove. I enjoyed this book and location so much that I'm looking forward to reading The Keepsake Sisters and The Moonglow Sisters.
NOTE: This is book 3 of the Moonglow Cove series but can be read as a standalone. I didn't even know that it was part of a series until after I'd read it.
As the two sisters begin to spend time together and work on the sourdough starter, they begin to realize how much they had missed each other over the last six years and slowly begin to share their lives with each other. Willow was one of my favorite characters. Despite spending her days in a wheelchair, she has a positive outlook in life. The big question throughout the book is whether the sisters will reconcile or will they stay estranged and go back to their old lives without each other? And if they become friends, will they be able to win the baking contest?
This book has everything it needs to be a fantastic read. It has sisters, romance and a great mystery that they need to solve to move ahead with their lives. Once they begin to look at the family history they find abuse - both from parents and spouses and the trauma that comes from abuse through their family for generations back. By the end of the book, both sisters realize how strong and resilient they are and learn again how important their family is for each of them.
I've just ordered the first two books in the series. The only connection between the books appears to be the setting in Moonglow Cove. I enjoyed this book and location so much that I'm looking forward to reading The Keepsake Sisters and The Moonglow Sisters.
NOTE: This is book 3 of the Moonglow Cove series but can be read as a standalone. I didn't even know that it was part of a series until after I'd read it.
April 18, 2022
This third book in Moonglow Bay series introduces us to Harper and Flannery, two estranged sisters. The setting in the Moonglow Bay series is the common theme in this series with the main characters changing from book to book. With new characters in the stories the books in the Moonglow Bay series can be read as a standalone or in any order. Harper and Flannery grew up being extremely close due to their mother’s instability, but when Harper finished college, she never returned leaving Flannery to stay with their mother. She returned for her mother's funeral and left again after a huge fight with her sister, not even knowing she has a niece. When their grandmother dies, Harper and Flannery return to Moonglow Bay for the reading of her will. But, the will has a stipulation: the two of them must live there, work out their issues... and compete in baking challenges with a hundred-year-old sourdough starter. If either of them gives up, or fails to keep the starter alive, they lose the lighthouse. Neither of them are bakers and they have major issues, so will they be able to satisfy these conditions? With the help of their aunt and a handsome lawyer, they will give it a try.
Harper and Flannery are two women looking for a new beginning. Harper was stabbed in the back at work and was unceremoniously let go from her high paying advertising job. She wants to lie low until she can start looking for a new job. Flannery has left her husband and with everything she owns in her car along with her five year old daughter Willow, she is looking for a fresh start. The story is told from both sister's POV. I enjoyed seeing the sisters struggle as the worked together and discovered things about themselves and each other. Willow was a wonderful character. She brought out the good characteristics of each sister and was just so cute. I was expecting a light romance with a reconciliation of sisters, but this was so much more. It was a story about abuse; parental abuse, spousal abuse, generational abuse, and trauma. We see how each sister reacted and how it affected them differently. But, this book is also uplifting, hopeful and heartwarming. There is some romance as well, which also brought some lighthearted moments to the book. The audiobook was well narrated by Teri Schnaubelt. The expression and emotion made me feel like I was there tearing down the walls with Harper and Flannery. If you like women's fiction and family drama with a side of romance, then I recommend The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay.
Harper and Flannery are two women looking for a new beginning. Harper was stabbed in the back at work and was unceremoniously let go from her high paying advertising job. She wants to lie low until she can start looking for a new job. Flannery has left her husband and with everything she owns in her car along with her five year old daughter Willow, she is looking for a fresh start. The story is told from both sister's POV. I enjoyed seeing the sisters struggle as the worked together and discovered things about themselves and each other. Willow was a wonderful character. She brought out the good characteristics of each sister and was just so cute. I was expecting a light romance with a reconciliation of sisters, but this was so much more. It was a story about abuse; parental abuse, spousal abuse, generational abuse, and trauma. We see how each sister reacted and how it affected them differently. But, this book is also uplifting, hopeful and heartwarming. There is some romance as well, which also brought some lighthearted moments to the book. The audiobook was well narrated by Teri Schnaubelt. The expression and emotion made me feel like I was there tearing down the walls with Harper and Flannery. If you like women's fiction and family drama with a side of romance, then I recommend The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay.
April 4, 2022
We are back at Moonglow Bay! Although this is part of the series, it can be easily read as a stand-alone book.
Sisters that are estranged come together for an inheritance of a lighthouse, gatekeepers cottage and....sourdough starter. The challenges of living together (to receive the inheritance), learning about their family's multi-generational abuse, both physical and physiological, is sad and disturbing.
The story is told by both sisters, and sometimes in a 3rd POV, which I liked. Their personal growth and eventual romances are reminders that you can survive and push through difficult times with support and love, whether its 'love-love' or sibling love.
Sisters that are estranged come together for an inheritance of a lighthouse, gatekeepers cottage and....sourdough starter. The challenges of living together (to receive the inheritance), learning about their family's multi-generational abuse, both physical and physiological, is sad and disturbing.
The story is told by both sisters, and sometimes in a 3rd POV, which I liked. Their personal growth and eventual romances are reminders that you can survive and push through difficult times with support and love, whether its 'love-love' or sibling love.
February 10, 2022
"The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay" by Lori Wilde
William Morrow
March 15, 2022
10-0063135949
"a riveting tale of suspenseful mystery, with a dash of romance, tossed together with a strong desire to create a loving family where there has never been one."
Harper Campbell loves her job in advertising and marketing in New York City. An A-type personality, she worked her way up the ladder, proving to be a real asset to the company. Her work keeps her hopping, giving her barely any time for a social life. It also occupies her mind, keeping her from thinking about her estranged sister, Flannery, whom she hasn't been in contact with for years.
Always wanting to help, Harper hires an assistant named Kalinda, who is down on her luck. Giving her access to her computer, Harper finds the girl posts disparaging comments about a client on Twitter under Harper's account. Though Harper did not post this tweet, she is blamed. Harper is fired immediately, despite all the time and effort she put into her employment. And, there is no contesting the dismissal.
Believing the world is crashing around her, Harper wonders what is in store for her future. She receives a call from a Mr. Grayson Cooper, informing her of her grandmother's death—a grandmother she never knew existed. He tells her Harper and Flannery are recipients of a valuable inheritance, insisting she come to her grandmother's cottage and lighthouse in Moonglow Bay, Texas.
Confounded by this new information, Harper realizes nothing is keeping her in the city, so she throws things together and flies to Texas, anxious about reconnecting with Flannery. The sisters fought at their mother's funeral six years prior, blaming each other for her death. They hurled nasty comments back and forth with the incredibly hateful one: "I never want to see you again!"
Flannery, the youngest, always looked up to Harper. Raised in a dysfunctional home by an abusive mother who had many husbands, they were very close. Harper mourns the loss of Flannery, and that's what made her career was so vital, for it took her mind off her pain.
Flannery is overwhelmed upon hearing of an inheritance and feels this is her chance to leave Alan, her abusive husband. She is also nervous upon seeing Harper. Harper learns nothing about Flannery through the long separation—especially her marriage or her precious five-year-old daughter named Willow, wheelchair-bound with spina bifida.
The two lock eyes upon meeting, both suffering pangs of regret as well as unease. Welcoming them is an older woman introduced as their aunt Jonnie—another unknown relative. Jonnie is toting a ceramic crock, and all Harper can wonder is if it's their grandmother's ashes.
Grayson reads the will: "'To my granddaughters, Harper Lee and Flannery O'Connor, I leave the Campbell family one-hundred-fifty-year-old mother dough,' Grayson read.
"Sourdough? Their inheritance was a sourdough starter? If it hadn't been so ludicrous, Flannery would have burst out laughing.
"Here, she thought this insane inheritance was going to be her salvation. Her key out of her crappy marriage. Instead, she inherited sourdough. She didn't even know how to bake. What was she going to do with sourdough? She had to share it with her sister."
When Harper pipes up with the question is this is all they inherited, he reads: "'As far as the keeper's cottage and the lighthouse go, my granddaughters will inherit only if they complete a series of challenges in the allotted time frame. Otherwise, the property passes to the Moonglow Cove Historical Society.'"
A codicil states the dough—referred to as "the mother dough"—must be kept alive at all costs and preserved the same way it was 150 years ago when their ancestor began the starter after the lighthouse was built. The sisters must enter the annual Fourth of July Bake-Off, competing against each other. There are more stipulations, but they must complete this challenge in six weeks. If any rules are violated, their legacy is forfeited. If they achieve the goal, whoever scores the highest inherits everything.
Both Harper and Flannery need to win, for they have nowhere else to go. Harper is unemployed, and her name is now blacklisted in the industry, so she doubts she can find gainful employment. Though Flannery lacks money or skills and needs to care for Willow, she refuses to return to Alan.
Now, six years later, the siblings are thrown together. Will they mend their relationship? After all, they are all they have, except Aunt Jonnie, who is a stranger to them. Though their baking abilities leave a lot to be desired, they are determined to make this work.
Both Harper and Flannery offer their particular point-of-view in separate chapters. Not only are they dealing with estrangement when family secrets are divulged, but they are also shocked and angry. Can they carry on after skeletons in the closet are revealed and remain at the Bay? Will they ever be close again?
The main focus of this novel is a riveting tale of suspenseful mystery, with a dash of romance, tossed together with a strong desire to create a loving family where there has never been one.
William Morrow
March 15, 2022
10-0063135949
"a riveting tale of suspenseful mystery, with a dash of romance, tossed together with a strong desire to create a loving family where there has never been one."
Harper Campbell loves her job in advertising and marketing in New York City. An A-type personality, she worked her way up the ladder, proving to be a real asset to the company. Her work keeps her hopping, giving her barely any time for a social life. It also occupies her mind, keeping her from thinking about her estranged sister, Flannery, whom she hasn't been in contact with for years.
Always wanting to help, Harper hires an assistant named Kalinda, who is down on her luck. Giving her access to her computer, Harper finds the girl posts disparaging comments about a client on Twitter under Harper's account. Though Harper did not post this tweet, she is blamed. Harper is fired immediately, despite all the time and effort she put into her employment. And, there is no contesting the dismissal.
Believing the world is crashing around her, Harper wonders what is in store for her future. She receives a call from a Mr. Grayson Cooper, informing her of her grandmother's death—a grandmother she never knew existed. He tells her Harper and Flannery are recipients of a valuable inheritance, insisting she come to her grandmother's cottage and lighthouse in Moonglow Bay, Texas.
Confounded by this new information, Harper realizes nothing is keeping her in the city, so she throws things together and flies to Texas, anxious about reconnecting with Flannery. The sisters fought at their mother's funeral six years prior, blaming each other for her death. They hurled nasty comments back and forth with the incredibly hateful one: "I never want to see you again!"
Flannery, the youngest, always looked up to Harper. Raised in a dysfunctional home by an abusive mother who had many husbands, they were very close. Harper mourns the loss of Flannery, and that's what made her career was so vital, for it took her mind off her pain.
Flannery is overwhelmed upon hearing of an inheritance and feels this is her chance to leave Alan, her abusive husband. She is also nervous upon seeing Harper. Harper learns nothing about Flannery through the long separation—especially her marriage or her precious five-year-old daughter named Willow, wheelchair-bound with spina bifida.
The two lock eyes upon meeting, both suffering pangs of regret as well as unease. Welcoming them is an older woman introduced as their aunt Jonnie—another unknown relative. Jonnie is toting a ceramic crock, and all Harper can wonder is if it's their grandmother's ashes.
Grayson reads the will: "'To my granddaughters, Harper Lee and Flannery O'Connor, I leave the Campbell family one-hundred-fifty-year-old mother dough,' Grayson read.
"Sourdough? Their inheritance was a sourdough starter? If it hadn't been so ludicrous, Flannery would have burst out laughing.
"Here, she thought this insane inheritance was going to be her salvation. Her key out of her crappy marriage. Instead, she inherited sourdough. She didn't even know how to bake. What was she going to do with sourdough? She had to share it with her sister."
When Harper pipes up with the question is this is all they inherited, he reads: "'As far as the keeper's cottage and the lighthouse go, my granddaughters will inherit only if they complete a series of challenges in the allotted time frame. Otherwise, the property passes to the Moonglow Cove Historical Society.'"
A codicil states the dough—referred to as "the mother dough"—must be kept alive at all costs and preserved the same way it was 150 years ago when their ancestor began the starter after the lighthouse was built. The sisters must enter the annual Fourth of July Bake-Off, competing against each other. There are more stipulations, but they must complete this challenge in six weeks. If any rules are violated, their legacy is forfeited. If they achieve the goal, whoever scores the highest inherits everything.
Both Harper and Flannery need to win, for they have nowhere else to go. Harper is unemployed, and her name is now blacklisted in the industry, so she doubts she can find gainful employment. Though Flannery lacks money or skills and needs to care for Willow, she refuses to return to Alan.
Now, six years later, the siblings are thrown together. Will they mend their relationship? After all, they are all they have, except Aunt Jonnie, who is a stranger to them. Though their baking abilities leave a lot to be desired, they are determined to make this work.
Both Harper and Flannery offer their particular point-of-view in separate chapters. Not only are they dealing with estrangement when family secrets are divulged, but they are also shocked and angry. Can they carry on after skeletons in the closet are revealed and remain at the Bay? Will they ever be close again?
The main focus of this novel is a riveting tale of suspenseful mystery, with a dash of romance, tossed together with a strong desire to create a loving family where there has never been one.
March 15, 2022
Sisters Flannery and Harper Campbell haven’t spoken since their mother's funeral. But six years later, their grandmother's will reunites the sisters, bringing them both back to the family lighthouse and caretaker’s cottage in the small community of Moonglow Cove.
The sisters will inherit the family property, steeped with rich history, if they can keep the family’s 150 year old sourdough starter alive, learn to bake with it, and win the town's upcoming 4th of July baking contest.
A lot has happened in their time apart, but the sisters are both in need of a fresh start. As they get to know their estranged aunt and spend time together, the sisters realize that what unites them is stronger than what drove them apart. Together, the sisters face unforeseen challenges – natural disaster, Campbell family secrets, betrayal, and a past that returns to threaten their future.
At its heart, Harper and Flannery’s story is one of heartbreak and healing, secrets and second chances, and regret and redemption. The sisters begin to understand that they must first come to grips with their family's past if they are to learn from it and break the damaging generational cycle of it.
Heart-rending, poignant and bittersweet, but inspiring, uplifting and redeeming, Wilde hits all the right notes in this masterful, extraordinary tale of two sisters. Its wide appeal makes it an excellent choice for lovers of any genre, and its profound impact will remain long after the last page. It will be one of your most moving reads this year, so don’t miss it.
The sisters will inherit the family property, steeped with rich history, if they can keep the family’s 150 year old sourdough starter alive, learn to bake with it, and win the town's upcoming 4th of July baking contest.
A lot has happened in their time apart, but the sisters are both in need of a fresh start. As they get to know their estranged aunt and spend time together, the sisters realize that what unites them is stronger than what drove them apart. Together, the sisters face unforeseen challenges – natural disaster, Campbell family secrets, betrayal, and a past that returns to threaten their future.
At its heart, Harper and Flannery’s story is one of heartbreak and healing, secrets and second chances, and regret and redemption. The sisters begin to understand that they must first come to grips with their family's past if they are to learn from it and break the damaging generational cycle of it.
Heart-rending, poignant and bittersweet, but inspiring, uplifting and redeeming, Wilde hits all the right notes in this masterful, extraordinary tale of two sisters. Its wide appeal makes it an excellent choice for lovers of any genre, and its profound impact will remain long after the last page. It will be one of your most moving reads this year, so don’t miss it.
August 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It is #3 in the Moonglow Cove series, and this one deals with Harper and Willow, sisters who inherit the lighthouse and lightkeepers cottage when the grandmother they had believed was dead, passes away. The catch is that they must inhabit the cottage, which has stood empty for 5 years (since Grandma went to the nursing home) AND bake a winning sourdough bread for the town 4th of July celebration in 6 weeks. Though they both have reasons for agreeing to this condition, it does present a couple of challenges. First, the sisters have not spoken in 6 years, and second, neither knows the first thing about baking, let alone sourdough! Every one in the small family seems to have secrets, Harper, Willow and their Aunt Jonnie, who is the only living realitive they have. Because this is a work of fiction, they do overcome their challenges in a mere 6 weeks.
I must say there were some heavier themes in this book. Familial and spousal abuse, the cost of secrets, alcoholism and mistrust. These could have made this a difficult book to read, but they didn't and Ms. Wilde got some great points in while dealing with them. I have enjoyed all the books in this series, and hope there will be more!
I must say there were some heavier themes in this book. Familial and spousal abuse, the cost of secrets, alcoholism and mistrust. These could have made this a difficult book to read, but they didn't and Ms. Wilde got some great points in while dealing with them. I have enjoyed all the books in this series, and hope there will be more!
July 21, 2022
Good story with some harsh themes
Spoiler alert (I don't know how to describe this without spoilers): This is not your typical feel-good, summer read. This story is way deeper than that. It deals with many aspects of abuse and brings them horribly to life. Flannery comes to Moonglow Cove with her daughter Willow and meets her aunt Jonnie. She also sees her sister Harper for the first time in six years, since their mother died. In Moonglow Cove, the sisters find that they have an inheritance, if they can follow some weird rules. Since both of them are going through rough times, they decide to go for it. They get WAY more than they bargained for.
The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some action and no steam. The characters are complex. All the Moonglow Cove books can be read separately. I liked this book and it had a lot of good points to make, but I will have to read something fun now to pick myself up. It wasn't quite what I expected.
Spoiler alert (I don't know how to describe this without spoilers): This is not your typical feel-good, summer read. This story is way deeper than that. It deals with many aspects of abuse and brings them horribly to life. Flannery comes to Moonglow Cove with her daughter Willow and meets her aunt Jonnie. She also sees her sister Harper for the first time in six years, since their mother died. In Moonglow Cove, the sisters find that they have an inheritance, if they can follow some weird rules. Since both of them are going through rough times, they decide to go for it. They get WAY more than they bargained for.
The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some action and no steam. The characters are complex. All the Moonglow Cove books can be read separately. I liked this book and it had a lot of good points to make, but I will have to read something fun now to pick myself up. It wasn't quite what I expected.
February 28, 2023
Okay I am extremely happy that both of the sisters got thier happy endings and both grew from so much trauma and hardships. They managed to save thier relationship and started new ones in thier personal lives. Also hearing about The Moonglow Bakery was awesome! Go Anna! Go Anna! This book also made me realize that these sisters went six years without talking. I can't even not talk to my sister for more than a day at most. This book made me happy and I hope there is more in the Moonglow series soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2022
Two estranged sister must live together in order to inherit the estate from their grandmother. They didn't even know the grandmother existed. Flannery has a disable daughter that is in a wheelchair and Harper has recently lost her job and wants to repair her image. They must work together to uncover the lies told my so many. Then Flannery's husband shows up and begins to stalk her. They also must keep a 150 year old bread starter alive and win in the yearly contest the town has. There is a lot going on but it flows so well. I loved it. Looking forward to the other books in this series.
August 14, 2025
Complex family relationships. Estranged sisters, but without the clichéd “I hate you and we’ll never forgive each other” that begins so many books about inheritances. That was refreshing. The lighthouse is almost a character in the story, which I loved.
August 1, 2022
Reading this book made me hungry! So much sourdough.
August 5, 2022
Right from the beginning I knew this was going to be a great book! Thanks for the wonderful storyline filled with family drama 5 ⭐️ isn’t enough ♥️
July 21, 2022
family drama, love, mystery
What more could you want from a book? When 2 sisters who haven’t spoken in years are invited to Texas for a reading of their grandmother’s will, the quirks of the will bring humor, forgiveness, & love of all kinds
What more could you want from a book? When 2 sisters who haven’t spoken in years are invited to Texas for a reading of their grandmother’s will, the quirks of the will bring humor, forgiveness, & love of all kinds
April 22, 2022
This book was such a thrill! The way these sisters rebind and rebuild relations to end a family crises or curse ( however you look at it) was such an innovative idea and a wonderful way to grow!!
Currently reading
February 26, 2022This story had a lot going on. Two sisters who had not had contact for over 6 years find they have to stay at a ighthouse and enter a baking contest. They had grown up in an abusive household and then had their own relationship fall apart. Harper had lost her job due to a coworker writing something awful on her twitter page and Flannery was trying to escape an abusive marriage.. The story had lots of learning lessons, they had to relearn about themselves and try to be better at communicating. The last quarter of the book had lots of surprises and resolve. This family had been through so much, but they came through with flying colors.
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
August 17, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review...I am fairly certain I requested this one solely based on the cover...and once again I got really lucky as I liked the book as much as I liked the cover. I think this might be my first by this author but I liked it so much that I will read all others that come my way. She had me looking up locations to see if they were real or if not, where they were based on...I was ready to pack up and move lol. I loved the characters, I loved the story line, and I loved the location. I had no idea it was the third in a series but it didn't affect me at all so on to the next...
February 11, 2022
The Lighthouse on Moonglow Bay was a book that kept me reading but really did not pull me into the story.
First let me say I really liked the names the author used for the sisters- Flannery and Harper. I appreciate an author who does not use the common names so many books have in them. Willow as Flannery’s daughters name was a nice selection also.
The sisters had not been together for many years and when they were reunited for the reading of the grandmothers will they were surprised and yet intrigued by what their Grandmother had left them in her will.
The enjoyed reading this book and the process of the sisters reuniting.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and William Morrow and Custom House publishing. This is my personal review.
First let me say I really liked the names the author used for the sisters- Flannery and Harper. I appreciate an author who does not use the common names so many books have in them. Willow as Flannery’s daughters name was a nice selection also.
The sisters had not been together for many years and when they were reunited for the reading of the grandmothers will they were surprised and yet intrigued by what their Grandmother had left them in her will.
The enjoyed reading this book and the process of the sisters reuniting.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and William Morrow and Custom House publishing. This is my personal review.
April 5, 2022
I read this from Netgalley and I don't think I have read any other novels by Lori Wilde. I enjoyed this story of two sisters raised by a mentally disordered (new term for me) mother who come to the lighthouse they have inherited just when they need it most. We discover the strained, abusive, and dysfunctional relationships these women endured in their childhood and for generations previous. This book centers around baking sourdough bread which I am intrigued with and might have to experiment with. Each chapter defined a term the sister would use to keep their 150-year-old sourdough starter alive. It has a spark of romance, but is mostly about forgiveness and learning how to build healthy relationships.
July 29, 2022
Third book in a trilogy, but can be read as a stand alone. Each book has to do with the area in Texas, not the actual characters. Sisters reunite to take part in a baking challenge in order to gain inheritance of a lighthouse. Terms include getting along and working together. Was interesting descriptions, some predictable parts, but overall a good story about learning to forgive and move on.
April 5, 2022
THE LIGHTHOUSE ON MOONGLOW BAY by Lori Wilde, book 3 of Moonglow Cove series.
Powerful emotions, dark family’s secrets, 100-year-old sour dough starter . . . life has a way of changing when you least expect it. THE LIGHTHOUSE ON MOONGLOW BAY is packed with emotions, hurt, betrayals. Two sisters work out their differences. Lori Wilde excels in writing passionate stories about love, family, and forgiveness.
Powerful emotions, dark family’s secrets, 100-year-old sour dough starter . . . life has a way of changing when you least expect it. THE LIGHTHOUSE ON MOONGLOW BAY is packed with emotions, hurt, betrayals. Two sisters work out their differences. Lori Wilde excels in writing passionate stories about love, family, and forgiveness.
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