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The Lighthouse Sisters
1996: An elderly lady looks back at her life, remembering her experiences during the war on Jersey, her sister's journey, and the one tragic loss she can never forget...
1940: Sisters Alice and Jenny are in their early twenties when the Germans occupy their home of Jersey. Alice, a nurse, is called to work in the German hospital, unaware that she will find a great love but that she will make an even greater sacrifice and be sent to a place across the seas where she will witness unbearable suffering. Meanwhile her sister Jenny is drawn into a circle of islanders who decide to rise up and resist the occupiers. For both sisters, the war will cause them to make extraordinary choices, experience unimaginable heartbreak, and emerge forever changed...
1940: Sisters Alice and Jenny are in their early twenties when the Germans occupy their home of Jersey. Alice, a nurse, is called to work in the German hospital, unaware that she will find a great love but that she will make an even greater sacrifice and be sent to a place across the seas where she will witness unbearable suffering. Meanwhile her sister Jenny is drawn into a circle of islanders who decide to rise up and resist the occupiers. For both sisters, the war will cause them to make extraordinary choices, experience unimaginable heartbreak, and emerge forever changed...
442 pages, ebook
Published February 3, 2022
2873 people are currently reading
2757 people want to read
About the author
Gill Thompson
5 books187 followersI taught English for 41 years, mainly at sixth form level. I'm now delighted to have a new career as a writer, with four historical fiction novels to my name. I'm a former Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the University of Chichester, where I studied for my Creative Writing M.A. My new novel, 'The Child at the Window', comes out in April 2026. Do check out my creative writing blog: www.wordkindling.co.uk I'd love to hear from you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
December 29, 2024
This was. A well written book. I found it so interesting and as I’ve been to Jersey and visited the Underground Hospital I knew a lot of what went on during WW2 under the occupation of the Germans. This book was very enjoyable and the story was an easy read but at times it was sad. I was sorry to finish it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
October 14, 2022
Absorbing, moving, and impactful!
The Lighthouse Sisters is a poignant, immersive tale predominantly set in Jersey that takes you into the lives of the Robinson family, especially two sisters, Alice, a young nurse working in the local hospital, and Jenny, a bright scholar destined for Cambridge, whose lives are unimaginably changed forever when their homeland is occupied by the Germans during WWII.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are brave, tenacious, and determined. And the plot is an exceptionally touching tale about life, loss, family, secrets, separation, desperation, forbidden love, tragedy, friendship, and the horrors of war.
Overall, The Lighthouse Sisters is a captivating, emotional, beautifully written tale by Thompson inspired by real-life events that reminds us that there’s always a light that guides us home, and survival of any kind often involves heartbreaking choices, moral dilemmas, action, spirit, and beyond all else, sacrifice and courage.
Thank you to Mobius Books US for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Lighthouse Sisters is a poignant, immersive tale predominantly set in Jersey that takes you into the lives of the Robinson family, especially two sisters, Alice, a young nurse working in the local hospital, and Jenny, a bright scholar destined for Cambridge, whose lives are unimaginably changed forever when their homeland is occupied by the Germans during WWII.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are brave, tenacious, and determined. And the plot is an exceptionally touching tale about life, loss, family, secrets, separation, desperation, forbidden love, tragedy, friendship, and the horrors of war.
Overall, The Lighthouse Sisters is a captivating, emotional, beautifully written tale by Thompson inspired by real-life events that reminds us that there’s always a light that guides us home, and survival of any kind often involves heartbreaking choices, moral dilemmas, action, spirit, and beyond all else, sacrifice and courage.
Thank you to Mobius Books US for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2022
I have read many historical fiction books and books set during World War 2 but this is the first I've read set on the Channel Island of Jersey. In this novel the Author tells the story of two sisters Alice and Jenny. Alice is a nurse at the local hospital and finds love with a German Doctor before being sent to a war camp in Germany and has horrific experiences, whilst Jenny sacrifices her dream to study at Cambridge to stay with her family during the war. During the course of the war each sister suffers heartbreak and suffering.
The Author draws on her families experiences in Jersey during the war. She has told their tales empatheticly. A very good novel that I really enjoyed
The Author draws on her families experiences in Jersey during the war. She has told their tales empatheticly. A very good novel that I really enjoyed
June 2, 2025
amazing. I couldn't put it down. It is sad and hopeful but also shows how brave people were during the war. I loved how it also included neuro diversity without actually labeling it. The only book I've ever finished in 2 days
August 21, 2022
The Lighthouse Sisters is a heart warming and heart breaking novel that tells the tale of two sisters during the German invasion and occupation of The Channel Islands on the island of Jersey. The two main characters are sisters Jenny and Alice Robinson, whom are vastly different from one another, but have one major thing in common: they must survive the occupation.
Alice and Jenny will experience so much through the war. The darkness of death, the light of life, the joys of love, the agony of separation, the pains of hunger, the fear of the occupation and the strong will to survive. The author does a great job at showing the obvious differences between the sisters and showing their unique experiences during the story. A forbidden love blossoms for one sister while a neglected love turns to a regret for another. The Robinson family will sacrifice so much for each other and their loved ones and it makes one wonder: what would I do had it been me in their shoes? I love a good novel that makes you dig deep into your thoughts like that.
The author, Gill Thompson, also does a great job at showing what life was like in German Occupied Jersey during the War, which is not a commonly written about location for World War II. Though this is fiction, I found the historical accuracy to be accurate and I learned some things I did not know about Jersey.
Alice and Jenny will experience so much through the war. The darkness of death, the light of life, the joys of love, the agony of separation, the pains of hunger, the fear of the occupation and the strong will to survive. The author does a great job at showing the obvious differences between the sisters and showing their unique experiences during the story. A forbidden love blossoms for one sister while a neglected love turns to a regret for another. The Robinson family will sacrifice so much for each other and their loved ones and it makes one wonder: what would I do had it been me in their shoes? I love a good novel that makes you dig deep into your thoughts like that.
The author, Gill Thompson, also does a great job at showing what life was like in German Occupied Jersey during the War, which is not a commonly written about location for World War II. Though this is fiction, I found the historical accuracy to be accurate and I learned some things I did not know about Jersey.
October 18, 2022
This has been such a beautiful , heart rending story of two sisters with two very different paths during the German occupation of Jersey.
Both the main characters, in fact all the characters were really likeable and felt very realistic and well fleshed out.
At times the story had me reading with my hand to mouth, a very emotive read.
The subject matter at times was saddening , but yet again the strength of women is unbreakable completely . The determination to survive and help others in a horrible time was well written into the plot .
It’s a book that I’m going to insist that my mum and her friend are to read too as I know they will love it just as much as I have.
Both the main characters, in fact all the characters were really likeable and felt very realistic and well fleshed out.
At times the story had me reading with my hand to mouth, a very emotive read.
The subject matter at times was saddening , but yet again the strength of women is unbreakable completely . The determination to survive and help others in a horrible time was well written into the plot .
It’s a book that I’m going to insist that my mum and her friend are to read too as I know they will love it just as much as I have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
I don’t often read a book in one sitting, I can often read and have a break but there was just something about this book that I just couldn’t stop reading. I’ve spent the last 5 hours frantically trying to get to the end to find out what happened… I won’t put any spoilers.. but just wow. I’ve read a lot of Historical fiction books and this is definitely up there with the best. So well written, easy to read, loveable / likeable / unlikeable and interesting characters, different settings, educational and very emotive. Definitely recommend this book 📖
February 5, 2023
Excellent read!
May 28, 2025
This book just did not draw me in in the way other historical fiction novels have - still a lovely story and easy read!!
June 30, 2025
I really loved this dual-timeline ww2 story and its beautiful Jersey setting. Apart from The Guernsey literary and potato peel pie Society, I’ve read very little about the German occupation of the Channel Islands. Truly awful for them & I enjoyed reading how all these very different characters coped. Well wrapped up too! A nice easy read. I will look out more by this author.
March 4, 2025
A well-written story.
I felt this was a great story of struggle, suffering, and survival from the Nazi control. It's amazing that people always draw strength from others while enduring hardship. I liked the characters.
I felt this was a great story of struggle, suffering, and survival from the Nazi control. It's amazing that people always draw strength from others while enduring hardship. I liked the characters.
March 4, 2025
Page turner
This book was a bit slow to start, but keep going..... This book sticks with you. I long for more. A book of love and tragedy.
This book was a bit slow to start, but keep going..... This book sticks with you. I long for more. A book of love and tragedy.
August 20, 2022
The Lighthouse Sisters was a book I was glued to until the ending even though it's definitely not the best Jersey-At-War book I've read. Maybe I've read one too many books set on the occupied island but I found many parts predictable... there's only so much deviations you can take without totally ignoring the history of the times. Thompson does a great job of researching events and setting the scene and family relationships. There are things I learned in The Lighthouse Sisters that I hadn't read before: the hospital systems, the underground hospital, actually going to the camps in Germany where the British/Islanders were sent. Sometimes I love a history lesson in my historical fiction. And half of the novel, delightfully, wasn't predictable, mostly the parts when Alice was sent to Germany and Pip's fate.
I do think Thompson was a bit too light on character development. I feel as if the novel was more about what the characters were doing instead of why they were doing it or how they felt about it. I never connected with Jenny, Pip or Mr. Robinson. Jenny was pretty self-centered all around but who can blame her after a lifetime of her father's favoritism? Even when her father passed she didn't immediately think of helping her mother until both Alice and Pip mentioned it. Being smart is never an excuse to be arrogant. And to be honest, I liked Stefan more than Pip. Pip spent too much of his time whining and following his father's orders and whining again about following them. He mooned over Jenny when maybe he should have made a stronger play for her. I did think he'd end up differently but I'm not sure that I cared enough about him anyway.
I sympathized much more with Alice and their mother but even Alice wasn't delved into as I'd have liked. Her relationship with Stefan was quick but it could have felt deeper and given us more reason to root for them aside from Thompson telling us to root for them. Their coupling was only mentioned in hindsight in one short sentence and their first reunion was anticlimactic. Yes, it's important to be professional but who can help themselves after years of separation and searching? It just wasn't realistic.
The cover features two little girls which I assume alludes to a childhood photo the sisters had taken because both Alice and Jenny are 17-19-ish to mid-20s in the main body of the book. They continually refer to themselves as the lighthouse sisters and while lighthouses are mentioned throughout they disappointingly don't play a large part of this book whatsoever. Why not have the girls have dates with their guys at the lighthouses? Or Jenny and Pip could've done some resistance work there or maybe even hide Rebekah in one?
There are many instances in which I'd want things differently but I still enjoyed reading about sisters, how they and their families coped during the war and their interactions with their occupiers. Alice's deportation is especially not to be missed as its something I haven't read before. Not an altogether "wow!" read but still a worthwhile read.
I do think Thompson was a bit too light on character development. I feel as if the novel was more about what the characters were doing instead of why they were doing it or how they felt about it. I never connected with Jenny, Pip or Mr. Robinson. Jenny was pretty self-centered all around but who can blame her after a lifetime of her father's favoritism? Even when her father passed she didn't immediately think of helping her mother until both Alice and Pip mentioned it. Being smart is never an excuse to be arrogant. And to be honest, I liked Stefan more than Pip. Pip spent too much of his time whining and following his father's orders and whining again about following them. He mooned over Jenny when maybe he should have made a stronger play for her. I did think he'd end up differently but I'm not sure that I cared enough about him anyway.
I sympathized much more with Alice and their mother but even Alice wasn't delved into as I'd have liked. Her relationship with Stefan was quick but it could have felt deeper and given us more reason to root for them aside from Thompson telling us to root for them. Their coupling was only mentioned in hindsight in one short sentence and their first reunion was anticlimactic. Yes, it's important to be professional but who can help themselves after years of separation and searching? It just wasn't realistic.
The cover features two little girls which I assume alludes to a childhood photo the sisters had taken because both Alice and Jenny are 17-19-ish to mid-20s in the main body of the book. They continually refer to themselves as the lighthouse sisters and while lighthouses are mentioned throughout they disappointingly don't play a large part of this book whatsoever. Why not have the girls have dates with their guys at the lighthouses? Or Jenny and Pip could've done some resistance work there or maybe even hide Rebekah in one?
There are many instances in which I'd want things differently but I still enjoyed reading about sisters, how they and their families coped during the war and their interactions with their occupiers. Alice's deportation is especially not to be missed as its something I haven't read before. Not an altogether "wow!" read but still a worthwhile read.
May 16, 2022
The Lighthouse Sisters follows the paths of Alice and her sister Jenny as they navigate a new normal when the Germans take over their beloved Jersey in the Channel Islands for more than two years during World War II, completely altering the lives of its residents.
Alice, is a nurse and the ultimate caretaker, always looking out for others and lending a helping hand. She is particularly good with their younger brother who is neurodivergent, in a time when most people didn’t know how to respond to a child who was “different”. Eventually, she finds herself requisitioned for the German hospital, where she struggles to come to terms with the fact that not all Germans are “the enemy” when she comes across a young German doctor, who does his very best to uphold his oath as a doctor regardless of a patient’s nationality or religion.
Jenny is far more cerebral like her educator father. With her dream of studying maths at Cambridge on hold because of the war, Jenny finds herself restless and joins her friend Pip with resistance efforts. Jenny and Pip walk a fine line listening to the BBC reports on their forbidden wireless and relaying messages underneath the noses of not only the Germans, but also their families, who are mostly unaware of the danger they are putting themselves in.
The war forced the two women to make some very difficult choices, often between two awful options in order to survive. Though they were growing apart as they got older, the war showed them just how important they were to each other. This is an excellent addition to the World War II historical fiction genre.
Thank you to NetGalley, Headline, and of course Gil Thompson for the advanced copy. The Lighthouse Sisters is out now. All opinions are my own.
Www.Instagram.com/passion for prose
Alice, is a nurse and the ultimate caretaker, always looking out for others and lending a helping hand. She is particularly good with their younger brother who is neurodivergent, in a time when most people didn’t know how to respond to a child who was “different”. Eventually, she finds herself requisitioned for the German hospital, where she struggles to come to terms with the fact that not all Germans are “the enemy” when she comes across a young German doctor, who does his very best to uphold his oath as a doctor regardless of a patient’s nationality or religion.
Jenny is far more cerebral like her educator father. With her dream of studying maths at Cambridge on hold because of the war, Jenny finds herself restless and joins her friend Pip with resistance efforts. Jenny and Pip walk a fine line listening to the BBC reports on their forbidden wireless and relaying messages underneath the noses of not only the Germans, but also their families, who are mostly unaware of the danger they are putting themselves in.
The war forced the two women to make some very difficult choices, often between two awful options in order to survive. Though they were growing apart as they got older, the war showed them just how important they were to each other. This is an excellent addition to the World War II historical fiction genre.
Thank you to NetGalley, Headline, and of course Gil Thompson for the advanced copy. The Lighthouse Sisters is out now. All opinions are my own.
Www.Instagram.com/passion for prose
October 30, 2022
This was a heartfelt historical fiction book with a WWII setting on the Channel Island of Jersey. The heart of the novel revolves around Alice and Jenny, sisters with divergent views of their future. Jenny plans to go to England to study at Cambridge while Jenny is fulfilled by her job as a nurse on their lovely homeland. Both their futures are altered by the start of World War II and occupation by German soldiers.
Heartache and courage shine through with this book as the plot explores the actions of the Jersey natives as they react to the occupation of the Germans in various ways. Espionage, protection of Jews, evacuation to German prison camps, fraternizing with the Germans, and struggles to save their Jersey heritage are all explored here.
I was aware these islands were occupied by the Germans but this book explores the history with intimate portrayals of families and individuals in ways other books I have read do not. This book is a treat for historical fiction lovers!
Heartache and courage shine through with this book as the plot explores the actions of the Jersey natives as they react to the occupation of the Germans in various ways. Espionage, protection of Jews, evacuation to German prison camps, fraternizing with the Germans, and struggles to save their Jersey heritage are all explored here.
I was aware these islands were occupied by the Germans but this book explores the history with intimate portrayals of families and individuals in ways other books I have read do not. This book is a treat for historical fiction lovers!
September 26, 2022
Indulge me - I so enjoy the historical fiction genre. No, I don’t read it exclusively or even the majority of the time, but enough that I go back every now and then for another taste. Thank you NetGalley and Gill Thompson for this wonderful read with some unknown to me background.
I had no idea that British citizens were deported from German occupied parts of the UK during WWII. Did you? Were you aware that they were interred in camps in Germany, some of them for years? Neither did I. So was the case with one of the main characters, Alice. That checks off one of the really great things about reading historical fiction - you learn some interesting tidbit.
Both our main characters. Alice and Jenny, were strong and accomplished beyond their time and place. Alice a nurse and Jenny a gifted mathematician turned resistance member. Both believable and relatable characters trying to hold onto some normalcy in and out of kilter world. Check mark number two. - well-drawn real to life people.
Does this book tie itself up in a neat bow at the end? No! Because of a less than happily ever after ending, it is a true to life ending. I appreciate that occasionally. I think you will too.
I had no idea that British citizens were deported from German occupied parts of the UK during WWII. Did you? Were you aware that they were interred in camps in Germany, some of them for years? Neither did I. So was the case with one of the main characters, Alice. That checks off one of the really great things about reading historical fiction - you learn some interesting tidbit.
Both our main characters. Alice and Jenny, were strong and accomplished beyond their time and place. Alice a nurse and Jenny a gifted mathematician turned resistance member. Both believable and relatable characters trying to hold onto some normalcy in and out of kilter world. Check mark number two. - well-drawn real to life people.
Does this book tie itself up in a neat bow at the end? No! Because of a less than happily ever after ending, it is a true to life ending. I appreciate that occasionally. I think you will too.
May 23, 2024
Gill Thompson’s “The Lighthouse Sisters” is an extraordinary and uplifting novel that left me profoundly moved and inspired. This captivating tale, set amidst the turmoil of World War II, beautifully illustrates the unbreakable bond between two sisters whose love and hope shine brightly even in the darkest of times. Thompson’s masterful storytelling and evocative prose vividly bring their journey to life, celebrating the resilience and courage of the human spirit. Each page is a testament to the power of family, perseverance, and the light that guides us through adversity. The Lighthouse Sisters is more than a book; it’s an emotional and passionate reminder of the strength we carry within. This unforgettable story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all. I am forever changed by this book.
May 12, 2025
I was drawn to this title because of the "Lighthouse" in it. I love stories about living and working in lighthouses. It turns out that had very little to do with the story at all except for it being a piece of 2 sister's past, but instead told their family's story of living through the WWII in Jersey (Channel Islands). It was told in first person by each of the 2 sisters, Jenny and Alice, and continued throughout the war and Nazi Germany's invasion. It was a heart wrenching tale of how war tears families lives and dreams apart and forever changes the trajectory of their futures. Looking forward to another read by Gill Thompson.
May 3, 2025
Inspiring WW II story.
This was a good read in the setting of the Channel Islands during WWII. The story focuses on two sisters and their experiences as the Germans occupy the island of Jersey where they live. I couldn’t put it down as I wanted to know what happens to each character as the narrative progressed. Another plus for me is no bad language. Enjoyable book.
This was a good read in the setting of the Channel Islands during WWII. The story focuses on two sisters and their experiences as the Germans occupy the island of Jersey where they live. I couldn’t put it down as I wanted to know what happens to each character as the narrative progressed. Another plus for me is no bad language. Enjoyable book.
November 12, 2025
Great Read
I only started reading WWII novels. This one took to an island I never heard of. I wanted to read it straight through because it was so good. But I rationed it to savor each chapter.
In the authors notes, there's a link to a very touching video that brings this story to reality. It's a "must watch".
I only started reading WWII novels. This one took to an island I never heard of. I wanted to read it straight through because it was so good. But I rationed it to savor each chapter.
In the authors notes, there's a link to a very touching video that brings this story to reality. It's a "must watch".
December 7, 2024
I loved this book! Wonderful characters and a story that brings both laughter and tears.
Although the book didn't end exactly how I had wished, I'm so glad that I found this treasure.
It's a book that I thought of for days after reading.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Although the book didn't end exactly how I had wished, I'm so glad that I found this treasure.
It's a book that I thought of for days after reading.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 2, 2025
This was a WW2 story that was based on true events!
It was a good read, and it kept my attention! It was inspired by true events! If you like to read World war 2 books, I definitely recommend this book!
It was a good read, and it kept my attention! It was inspired by true events! If you like to read World war 2 books, I definitely recommend this book!
June 4, 2024
Heart Touching Story
I felt as if I was going through the story mysel; eyes tearing up, happy and sad moments and enjoyed the book.
I felt as if I was going through the story mysel; eyes tearing up, happy and sad moments and enjoyed the book.
January 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Another brief view into what ordinary people lived thru during WWII.
July 18, 2025
This was a great read! The two sisters’ stories were something - so brave during the war. Strong women during such an unsettling time in history. At the end, I was crying.
August 28, 2025
Heartbreaking, Heartwarming
Outstanding portrait of courage and sacrifice during WWII. A beautifully told story of two sisters and the people of Jersey. I couldn’t put it down.
Outstanding portrait of courage and sacrifice during WWII. A beautifully told story of two sisters and the people of Jersey. I couldn’t put it down.
September 17, 2025
Really enjoyed learning about WW2 in Jersey. Found the second half really gripping
September 30, 2025
excellent!
Read through this book so fast. Felt like I was part of their story. A story from the perspective of the people of Jersey during ww2.
Read through this book so fast. Felt like I was part of their story. A story from the perspective of the people of Jersey during ww2.
April 5, 2025
Worth the read
Well written and hard to put down. I found myself caught up in the family struggles. I cried for William's loss.
Well written and hard to put down. I found myself caught up in the family struggles. I cried for William's loss.
February 19, 2025
family
Great story of 2 brave sisters and the war which never truly ended for so many. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys history
Great story of 2 brave sisters and the war which never truly ended for so many. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys history
Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews