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The Lighthouse Bookshop
At the heart of a tiny community in a remote village just inland from the Aberdeenshire coast stands an unexpected lighthouse. Built two centuries ago by an eccentric landowner, it has become home to the only bookshop for miles around.
Rachel is an incomer to the village. She arrived five years ago and found a place she could call home. So when the owner of the Lighthouse Bookshop dies suddenly, she steps in to take care of the place, trying to help it survive the next stage of its life.
But when she discovers a secret in the lighthouse, long kept hidden, she realises there is more to the history of the place than she could ever imagine. Can she uncover the truth about the lighthouse’s first owner? And can she protect the secret history of the place?
Rachel is an incomer to the village. She arrived five years ago and found a place she could call home. So when the owner of the Lighthouse Bookshop dies suddenly, she steps in to take care of the place, trying to help it survive the next stage of its life.
But when she discovers a secret in the lighthouse, long kept hidden, she realises there is more to the history of the place than she could ever imagine. Can she uncover the truth about the lighthouse’s first owner? And can she protect the secret history of the place?
445 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2022
77 people are currently reading
1235 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Gosling
54 books114 followersSharon Gosling began her career in entertainment journalism, writing for magazines in the science fiction and fantasy genre, before moving on to write tie-in books for TV shows such as "Stargate" and the 'reimagined' "Battlestar Galactica."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
October 21, 2022
The title and cover of this book was the initial draw for me. A bookshop in a lighthouse…how lovely is that. The lighthouse, more of a tower really, is situated in the small, remote village of Newton Dunbar in the north east of Scotland. It was originally the private library belonging to the local landowner.
Rachel had appeared in the village five years ago and has been managing, and living in, the bookshop courtesy of Cullen MacDonald who now owned the building. Rachel is reticent about her past but she’s more than grateful to Cullen as the lighthouse is the place where she feels safe.
Toby Hollingwood is a burnt out journalist suffering nightmares from the terrible things he’s witnessed, who is now looking for somewhere remote and peaceful to write his memoirs. He thinks he’s found the perfect place in Newton Dunbar.
The quiet doesn’t seem to be working for Toby, any inspiration or motivation to begin writing eluding him, but his visits to the bookshop allow him to form friendships and integrate into village life. I love that the bookshop is the hub of the village, with regulars popping in to peruse the books and pass the time of day, with coffee, a cup of tea and a sweet treat on offer, and even a game of chess.
Newton Dunbar may be a small community but it has a fair share of individual, interesting, and in one case nasty, characters. Edie and Ezra, who live next door to each other, have an ongoing feud going back far enough that no-one can remember how or why it started. A recent addition to the village is teenager Gilly, a runaway who was sleeping rough. I really enjoyed her story arc and how she matured and developed with the help of the villagers.
The Lighthouse Bookshop also has a historical thread which involves a mystery and secret, adding a fascinating and tragic layer to the story. An engaging and emotional story which also addresses some sensitive issues and encompasses themes such as not giving up, healing, new beginnings and second chances, whatever your age. I enjoyed this very much, and wish Newton Dunbar with its quirky library was a real place.
Rachel had appeared in the village five years ago and has been managing, and living in, the bookshop courtesy of Cullen MacDonald who now owned the building. Rachel is reticent about her past but she’s more than grateful to Cullen as the lighthouse is the place where she feels safe.
Toby Hollingwood is a burnt out journalist suffering nightmares from the terrible things he’s witnessed, who is now looking for somewhere remote and peaceful to write his memoirs. He thinks he’s found the perfect place in Newton Dunbar.
The quiet doesn’t seem to be working for Toby, any inspiration or motivation to begin writing eluding him, but his visits to the bookshop allow him to form friendships and integrate into village life. I love that the bookshop is the hub of the village, with regulars popping in to peruse the books and pass the time of day, with coffee, a cup of tea and a sweet treat on offer, and even a game of chess.
Newton Dunbar may be a small community but it has a fair share of individual, interesting, and in one case nasty, characters. Edie and Ezra, who live next door to each other, have an ongoing feud going back far enough that no-one can remember how or why it started. A recent addition to the village is teenager Gilly, a runaway who was sleeping rough. I really enjoyed her story arc and how she matured and developed with the help of the villagers.
The Lighthouse Bookshop also has a historical thread which involves a mystery and secret, adding a fascinating and tragic layer to the story. An engaging and emotional story which also addresses some sensitive issues and encompasses themes such as not giving up, healing, new beginnings and second chances, whatever your age. I enjoyed this very much, and wish Newton Dunbar with its quirky library was a real place.
July 19, 2024
Un libro bellissimo che rasserena, un libro coccola che consiglio a chiunque di leggere e che racconta di un faro speciale immerso nella Scozia.
Un luogo magico dove non solo si respira aria di mare ma profumo di carta.
Si perché è pieno di libri, originariamente biblioteca privata dallo stile gotico. Dei libri ora si prende cura Rachel che vive in soffitta, circondata da volumi, tomi e romanzi, e dall’affetto di amici che ormai considera la sua famiglia.
Donna riservata dal passato avvolto nel mistero, vive la vita che ha sempre sognato, inconsapevole dell’arrivo di uno scrittore pronto a portare scompiglio nella quiete quotidiana. Come se ciò non bastasse Rachel fará una scoperta sorprendente, una sorta di passaggio segreto che lega il faro a ricordi del passato. Una scoperta che apre a nuovi orizzonti e tante domande.
I libri sono i protagonisti di questo bel romanzo, una storia che emoziona con un pizzico di romanticismo e mistero e che ti fa credere nelle seconde occasioni.
Mi è piaciuto come l’autrice abbia enfatizzato la comunità intesa come insieme di persone unite tra loro capaci di superare ostacoli, pregiudizi e luoghi comuni, quando resta unita e solidale a tutti gli appartenenti.
Comunità che avrà un peso importante per qualcuno di loro.
“Il finale non è certo, c’è sempre la possibilità di scriverlo in maniera diversa”.
Consigliatissimo ❤️
👉Amo i libri dove si parla di libri o con ambientazioni le librerie📚
Un luogo magico dove non solo si respira aria di mare ma profumo di carta.
Si perché è pieno di libri, originariamente biblioteca privata dallo stile gotico. Dei libri ora si prende cura Rachel che vive in soffitta, circondata da volumi, tomi e romanzi, e dall’affetto di amici che ormai considera la sua famiglia.
Donna riservata dal passato avvolto nel mistero, vive la vita che ha sempre sognato, inconsapevole dell’arrivo di uno scrittore pronto a portare scompiglio nella quiete quotidiana. Come se ciò non bastasse Rachel fará una scoperta sorprendente, una sorta di passaggio segreto che lega il faro a ricordi del passato. Una scoperta che apre a nuovi orizzonti e tante domande.
I libri sono i protagonisti di questo bel romanzo, una storia che emoziona con un pizzico di romanticismo e mistero e che ti fa credere nelle seconde occasioni.
Mi è piaciuto come l’autrice abbia enfatizzato la comunità intesa come insieme di persone unite tra loro capaci di superare ostacoli, pregiudizi e luoghi comuni, quando resta unita e solidale a tutti gli appartenenti.
Comunità che avrà un peso importante per qualcuno di loro.
“Il finale non è certo, c’è sempre la possibilità di scriverlo in maniera diversa”.
Consigliatissimo ❤️
👉Amo i libri dove si parla di libri o con ambientazioni le librerie📚
April 2, 2023
”Bokhandeln i fyrtornet” av Sharon Gosling är en charmig bok om böcker, men handlar också om hemligheter, försoning och mystiken kring varför någon byggt ett fyrtorn långt mitt i skotska inlandet. Boken bär på många lager av historier och har flera fina karaktärer som är intressanta att följa. Och så miljöerna i den lilla avlägsna byn nära Aberdeenshirekusten i Skottland.
Det här är en underbar historia fylld av charmiga karaktärer. Jag tyckte väldigt mycket om boken, kanske något lång bara.
Det här är en underbar historia fylld av charmiga karaktärer. Jag tyckte väldigt mycket om boken, kanske något lång bara.
September 12, 2024
Un bel libro coccola.
Con un bel mix di elementi: un mistero, storie d’amore, libri, paesaggi incontaminati, bei personaggi (Gilly la mia prefe).
Anche i temi sono vari: amore, violenza, mistero, amicizia, lutto.
Chi più ne ha, più ne metta!
Con un bel mix di elementi: un mistero, storie d’amore, libri, paesaggi incontaminati, bei personaggi (Gilly la mia prefe).
Anche i temi sono vari: amore, violenza, mistero, amicizia, lutto.
Chi più ne ha, più ne metta!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2023
Rachel Talbot woont sinds 5 jaar in de 200 jaar oude vuurtoren in het Schotse dorpje Newton Dunbar. De vuurtoren is een vreemd gebouw: er is geen haven in zicht. De toren is 200 jaar geleden gebouwd door de voorouder van de huidige eigenaar Cullen MacDonald. Cullen heeft er een boekwinkel van gemaakt, waar Rachel werkt. Rachel heeft een verleden waarvoor ze is gevlucht en waar niemand wat vanaf weet. In Newton Dunbar heeft ze een nieuw leven opgebouwd met als vrienden Cullen, Ron, kunstenaar Edie en de gepensioneerde zeeplatformwerker Ezra. Wanneer de dakloze tiener Gilly komt aanwaaien, krijgt ook zij een plek. Nieuweling en oud-oorlogsverslaggever Toby sluit ook aan. Wanneer Cullen plotseling overlijdt, komen een nieuw en een oud geheim aan het licht waar Rachel en Toby samen onderzoek naar doen.
Echt een niets-aan-de-hand-vakantieboek. Goed geschreven, levendig karakters, beetje geschiedenis, beetje Schotland, vleugje mysterie en een snufje crime, goede research, goede sfeer, wel wat voorspelbaar.
Echt een niets-aan-de-hand-vakantieboek. Goed geschreven, levendig karakters, beetje geschiedenis, beetje Schotland, vleugje mysterie en een snufje crime, goede research, goede sfeer, wel wat voorspelbaar.
Read
September 3, 2024милая и уютная книга со счастливой концовкой
August 19, 2022
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Simon & Schuster for an early copy of “The Lighthouse Bookshop” by Sharon Gosling. It is a fantastic book. I genuinely struggled to put it down. A beautiful setting, intriguing characters, a dab of romance and a mystery or two to solve. I absolutely loved my trip to Newton Dunbar after all who doesn’t enjoy visiting a bookshop? A rainbow of colourful characters frequent the unusual bookshop. l challenge anyone not to shed a few tears & share a laugh with them as they read. I thoroughly recommend this book.
August 24, 2022
After reading Sharon Gosling’s new book, The Lighthouse Bookshop, she has jumped firmly onto my favourite authors list and I know she will stay there for a very long time. I got such a buzz from reading this marvellous heart-warming and life affirming story. I can’t believe this is only the author's second book in this genre as it reads as if she has being writing women’s fiction for years and years so perfectly developed and executed was every aspect of this book. I haven’t read her previous book, The House Beneath the Cliffs, but I will certainly have to rectify that because if it is anything like this brilliant read then I know I am in for a real treat. I’m a sucker for any book that has bookshop in the title and the fact it was a lighthouse made me even more intrigued to discover what awaited me between the pages of a book that has such a stunning cover.
The bookshop in question isn’t actually based in a lighthouse but more of a tower and it is far away from the sea situated in the rural Scottish village of Newton Dunbar. Some would say oh therefore isn’t the title a bit misleading but it’s not at all and the further you delve into the book you’ll uncover why the word lighthouse is so important and this is also where the historical element of the story comes into play. This could have been your usual run of the mill story about a bookshop and its customers of which I have read so many and don’t get me wrong I love books like this but sometimes the story feels as if it has been told time and time again but here Sharon Gosling has added her own unique take on everything and this is what sets The Lighthouse Bookshop apart from all the stories currently out there that are set in bookshops.
There are quite a number of characters to familiarise yourself with but I didn’t find this difficult at all because no character is glossed over with just fleeting attention paid to them every few chapters or so. Instead each character is allowed to share their story although a lot is kept hidden and revealed at just the ideal moment. It never felt like the book was overloaded with characters and therefore each individual wasn’t allowed to shine. In fact, it was the complete opposite but I will say the story was setting itself up nicely in the first few chapters and then Sharon had to go and break my heart when bookshop/tower owner Cullen MacDonald suddenly passes away. This broke my heart as even from a couple of pages I was engrossed and wanted to read more about him. I thought oh how can I read on but this was only the beginning of what developed into a memorable journey that will stay with me for a long time.
Rachel arrived out of the blue to the village over five years ago and has been very secretive about her past. Thanks to Cullen the tower above the second hand bookshop has been her home and refuge. She is calm, collected and unflappable but deep down there is a sense of nervousness and tension about her, that she can never really let go and be herself. As she can be quite reserved no one can fully read her nor have they any idea of her past and the reason why she is the way she is.
The bookshop is a focal point for the village. It has its own little community where people come and go. Rachel, despite her own issues, has a lovely manner about her in that she helps people whenever she can but when Cullen dies her life is thrown into disarray as it’s not quite clear who should inherit the tower and she doesn’t know if her job will be gone. When Rachel finds design plans for the tower a story from the past is unleashed and she is in a race against time to discover the truth of its origin in the hopes that business woman Dora McCreedy won’t get her hands on the land and do the unthinkable and destroy the bookshop which means so much to so many. Dora was an awful character and the baddy throughout. She was horrible to most of the characters and always seemed to have money and expanding her empire on her mind.
Toby Hollingwood has spent his life as a journalist reporting on important stories around the world but now he has come to Newton Dunbar to find some peace and solitude in order to write his own life story. But he has drawn a blank, not knowing where to start and the words are failing to flow onto the page. Toby is haunted by past experiences which may be the key to why he is suffering writer’s block but as he uses the bookshop as a place for inspiration to try and start the words to flow he forms friendships with Rachel and those that frequent the shop. By helping these people with their own issues in small ways maybe in turn he will start to help himself. As he aids Rachel in discovering the history of the tower and uncovering an interesting yet heart-breaking story the pair are drawn closer. But with Rachel being such an enigma and deflecting attention from herself can they each get to know the real person beneath the facades they portray to the world. The historical element of the story that Rachel becomes involved in was fascinating to read about and added such an air of mystery to the story as a whole. It was just one of a number of subplots that flowed aptly from the main strand of the story and I loved the twists and turns that ensued right until the end.
Edie Strang is an artist and lives next door to Ezra Jones. The pair have a feud ongoing for years and Edie can’t stand the sight of Ezra. I hated the way Edie treated him as Ezra came across as having a heart of gold. Edie too was hiding things, she had a fake toughness about her that surely couldn’t last. The reader could guess some of it but towards the end it was a lovely surprise when her story came full circle. Perhaps one of the most important characters alongside Rachel was Gilly. She is a teenager sleeping rough in the village having run away from many foster homes. She was guarded, defensive and rough around the edges not wanting to except help from anyone but Rachel sees a kindred soul in her and hopes the bookshop and its associated friends and customers will work its magic on her. Gilly’s storyline raised a lot of important issues and was also a classic case of the younger generation helping the older. I enjoyed seeing the development of her character and how her storyline melded together so well with everything else that was going on in the book. All these interesting and quirky characters helped in telling this story of giving people second chances and allowed for a community of acceptance and togetherness to develop in the most incredible of ways.
Once you finish The Lighthouse Bookshop you’ll want to go back immediately and read it all over again and believe me it’s very rare that I say that about a book but that just goes to show how good this wonderful read is. I couldn’t find one fault with any aspect of the story. The setting, the varied cast of characters, the themes and messages and the historical element were all just perfect and all the different elements of the story were woven together so well. It was all told so effortlessly but you could see the thought, care and attention that went into every detail and all the subplots. I was gutted when I reached the final page as you become so invested in each of the individual characters stories and you just want to keep reading more and more.
I feel there is definitely room for a sequel and whether that will be the next book the author writes or future books down the line I know I will read anything she publishes this really was a book which deeply reminded me just how much I love reading. This is one of those books that when you finish reading it you look up and realise, oh I am back in the real world and no longer inhabit the books world which is such a pity as I could have stayed reading about Rachel and co for many more hours. The Lighthouse Bookshop deserves to be consumed in one go and it should come with a warning that you will not get any work done whilst you read it. Come the end of the year when I cast my eye back over my favourite reads of the year this will be up there high on my list and it deserves all the praise in the world. It’s an absolute triumph from beginning to end.
The bookshop in question isn’t actually based in a lighthouse but more of a tower and it is far away from the sea situated in the rural Scottish village of Newton Dunbar. Some would say oh therefore isn’t the title a bit misleading but it’s not at all and the further you delve into the book you’ll uncover why the word lighthouse is so important and this is also where the historical element of the story comes into play. This could have been your usual run of the mill story about a bookshop and its customers of which I have read so many and don’t get me wrong I love books like this but sometimes the story feels as if it has been told time and time again but here Sharon Gosling has added her own unique take on everything and this is what sets The Lighthouse Bookshop apart from all the stories currently out there that are set in bookshops.
There are quite a number of characters to familiarise yourself with but I didn’t find this difficult at all because no character is glossed over with just fleeting attention paid to them every few chapters or so. Instead each character is allowed to share their story although a lot is kept hidden and revealed at just the ideal moment. It never felt like the book was overloaded with characters and therefore each individual wasn’t allowed to shine. In fact, it was the complete opposite but I will say the story was setting itself up nicely in the first few chapters and then Sharon had to go and break my heart when bookshop/tower owner Cullen MacDonald suddenly passes away. This broke my heart as even from a couple of pages I was engrossed and wanted to read more about him. I thought oh how can I read on but this was only the beginning of what developed into a memorable journey that will stay with me for a long time.
Rachel arrived out of the blue to the village over five years ago and has been very secretive about her past. Thanks to Cullen the tower above the second hand bookshop has been her home and refuge. She is calm, collected and unflappable but deep down there is a sense of nervousness and tension about her, that she can never really let go and be herself. As she can be quite reserved no one can fully read her nor have they any idea of her past and the reason why she is the way she is.
The bookshop is a focal point for the village. It has its own little community where people come and go. Rachel, despite her own issues, has a lovely manner about her in that she helps people whenever she can but when Cullen dies her life is thrown into disarray as it’s not quite clear who should inherit the tower and she doesn’t know if her job will be gone. When Rachel finds design plans for the tower a story from the past is unleashed and she is in a race against time to discover the truth of its origin in the hopes that business woman Dora McCreedy won’t get her hands on the land and do the unthinkable and destroy the bookshop which means so much to so many. Dora was an awful character and the baddy throughout. She was horrible to most of the characters and always seemed to have money and expanding her empire on her mind.
Toby Hollingwood has spent his life as a journalist reporting on important stories around the world but now he has come to Newton Dunbar to find some peace and solitude in order to write his own life story. But he has drawn a blank, not knowing where to start and the words are failing to flow onto the page. Toby is haunted by past experiences which may be the key to why he is suffering writer’s block but as he uses the bookshop as a place for inspiration to try and start the words to flow he forms friendships with Rachel and those that frequent the shop. By helping these people with their own issues in small ways maybe in turn he will start to help himself. As he aids Rachel in discovering the history of the tower and uncovering an interesting yet heart-breaking story the pair are drawn closer. But with Rachel being such an enigma and deflecting attention from herself can they each get to know the real person beneath the facades they portray to the world. The historical element of the story that Rachel becomes involved in was fascinating to read about and added such an air of mystery to the story as a whole. It was just one of a number of subplots that flowed aptly from the main strand of the story and I loved the twists and turns that ensued right until the end.
Edie Strang is an artist and lives next door to Ezra Jones. The pair have a feud ongoing for years and Edie can’t stand the sight of Ezra. I hated the way Edie treated him as Ezra came across as having a heart of gold. Edie too was hiding things, she had a fake toughness about her that surely couldn’t last. The reader could guess some of it but towards the end it was a lovely surprise when her story came full circle. Perhaps one of the most important characters alongside Rachel was Gilly. She is a teenager sleeping rough in the village having run away from many foster homes. She was guarded, defensive and rough around the edges not wanting to except help from anyone but Rachel sees a kindred soul in her and hopes the bookshop and its associated friends and customers will work its magic on her. Gilly’s storyline raised a lot of important issues and was also a classic case of the younger generation helping the older. I enjoyed seeing the development of her character and how her storyline melded together so well with everything else that was going on in the book. All these interesting and quirky characters helped in telling this story of giving people second chances and allowed for a community of acceptance and togetherness to develop in the most incredible of ways.
Once you finish The Lighthouse Bookshop you’ll want to go back immediately and read it all over again and believe me it’s very rare that I say that about a book but that just goes to show how good this wonderful read is. I couldn’t find one fault with any aspect of the story. The setting, the varied cast of characters, the themes and messages and the historical element were all just perfect and all the different elements of the story were woven together so well. It was all told so effortlessly but you could see the thought, care and attention that went into every detail and all the subplots. I was gutted when I reached the final page as you become so invested in each of the individual characters stories and you just want to keep reading more and more.
I feel there is definitely room for a sequel and whether that will be the next book the author writes or future books down the line I know I will read anything she publishes this really was a book which deeply reminded me just how much I love reading. This is one of those books that when you finish reading it you look up and realise, oh I am back in the real world and no longer inhabit the books world which is such a pity as I could have stayed reading about Rachel and co for many more hours. The Lighthouse Bookshop deserves to be consumed in one go and it should come with a warning that you will not get any work done whilst you read it. Come the end of the year when I cast my eye back over my favourite reads of the year this will be up there high on my list and it deserves all the praise in the world. It’s an absolute triumph from beginning to end.
December 7, 2024
Bellissimo libro! Molto bella la storia e l'intreccio tra le storie dei personaggi. Bella anche la costruzione dei personaggi: ho adorato tutti fin da subito. Bella anche la location, ma qui sono di parte! Un libro che scalda l'anima e che si legge con molto piacere.
June 20, 2024
Змішані враження після читання. Маленьке містечко, друзі які майже родина, книжкова крамничка в особливому місці, таємниці, пов'язані із ним - все це мої квитки до раю. Але тут забракло затишку, забракло самої книжкової атмосфери і, власне, книжок, бо крім двох авторів ніхто й не згадується, якщо не рахувати Тобі, котрий так і не видав мемуарів.
Потішило, чим закінчилась справа зі спадщиною Евеліни. І кросоверу з «Будиночком під скелею» я теж зраділа, та кортіло не лише повернутись до знайомої хатинки й селища, а й побачитись з кимось із персонажів... Цього так і не сталося.
Ще в мене залишилось враження, ніби це більше історія Іді та Джилі аніж Рейчел, і нехай всіх цих персонажів притягнув і об'єднав маяк, все-таки в якийсь момент фокус змістився з жінки, котра, власне, мешкає на маяку... Зрештою це непогана книжка, та якщо порівнювати з «Будиночком під скелею», вона все-таки програє, і я мала зависокі очікування, які не виправдались.
Потішило, чим закінчилась справа зі спадщиною Евеліни. І кросоверу з «Будиночком під скелею» я теж зраділа, та кортіло не лише повернутись до знайомої хатинки й селища, а й побачитись з кимось із персонажів... Цього так і не сталося.
Ще в мене залишилось враження, ніби це більше історія Іді та Джилі аніж Рейчел, і нехай всіх цих персонажів притягнув і об'єднав маяк, все-таки в якийсь момент фокус змістився з жінки, котра, власне, мешкає на маяку... Зрештою це непогана книжка, та якщо порівнювати з «Будиночком під скелею», вона все-таки програє, і я мала зависокі очікування, які не виправдались.
August 24, 2022
I loved Sharon Gosling's previous book "The House Beneath the Cliffs", it was a story on absolutely another level, beautiful and engaging - and so I was thrilled to start reading her second novel. I had some troubles to get into the story, at the beginning. There were many characters introduced to us, each of them with their own story and I really couldn't focus on any of them to be honest. The narration skipped from one to another and I was starting to feel annoyed, as I really didn't know what it is that I should focus on. It's a long book, the introduction was very long, then yes, it started to feel to be a bit quicker, things began to happen and it was easier to read, easier to concentrate on the plot, especially when one got used to the characters and started to know who is who and why. But still, more and more characters were being added and I truly felt overwhelmed with them.
I also think that some of the subplots either stopped abruptly, like with Dora, or were not finished and were left open - for another story, maybe? I have some questions still.
Nevertheless, the story was really well thought - over. It was told effortlessly and all the elements worked together very well, either the present or the past ones. It was more description kind of story, there are not many dialogues or interactions in comparision and it feels very long, however it is written in a lovely way, with care and heart. There is mystery, loss, grief and concern but also love, hope and new beginnings and new chances - a brilliant and captivating read.
I also think that some of the subplots either stopped abruptly, like with Dora, or were not finished and were left open - for another story, maybe? I have some questions still.
Nevertheless, the story was really well thought - over. It was told effortlessly and all the elements worked together very well, either the present or the past ones. It was more description kind of story, there are not many dialogues or interactions in comparision and it feels very long, however it is written in a lovely way, with care and heart. There is mystery, loss, grief and concern but also love, hope and new beginnings and new chances - a brilliant and captivating read.
July 25, 2024
✍️ Шерон Гослін
📚 «Книгарня в маяку»
Книга, яка намагалася охопити забагато різних тем, але до жодної не підступилася грунтовно. Такі книги, як фуршет у невеличкому затишному готелі. Наче і добре, смачно, але все одна чогось не вистачає, а саме - визначеності з ідентифікацією.
Суміш «Різдво з червоним кардиналом» та «Чорних водяних лілій» та ще безліч сучасних книжкових оповідей.
Загадка в комплексі з порятунком пропащої душі; тема нерівності та фемінізму; домашнє насилля та сила підтримки від незнайомих людей; право на щастя в будь-якому віці … такий от книжковий винегрет. Обирайте на власний розсуд де розставити акценти і яким темам приділити увагу та роздуми.
Думала, книга про книгарню, як заявлена у назві, а про книги там фонові згадки майже ні про що.
Ну, для любителей ванільно-оптимістичного навколо життєвого чтива зайде. Легенька та обнадійлива історія про маленьке поселення із стандартним набором персонажів: буркотун, поганець, герой, жертва (можливо не одна), переосмислення життєвих цінностей і щасливий хепі-енд для всіх, окрім поганців, як на мене, забагато інгредієнтів, які перебивають один - одному смак.
2,5/5 ⭐️
📚 «Книгарня в маяку»
Книга, яка намагалася охопити забагато різних тем, але до жодної не підступилася грунтовно. Такі книги, як фуршет у невеличкому затишному готелі. Наче і добре, смачно, але все одна чогось не вистачає, а саме - визначеності з ідентифікацією.
Суміш «Різдво з червоним кардиналом» та «Чорних водяних лілій» та ще безліч сучасних книжкових оповідей.
Загадка в комплексі з порятунком пропащої душі; тема нерівності та фемінізму; домашнє насилля та сила підтримки від незнайомих людей; право на щастя в будь-якому віці … такий от книжковий винегрет. Обирайте на власний розсуд де розставити акценти і яким темам приділити увагу та роздуми.
Думала, книга про книгарню, як заявлена у назві, а про книги там фонові згадки майже ні про що.
Ну, для любителей ванільно-оптимістичного навколо життєвого чтива зайде. Легенька та обнадійлива історія про маленьке поселення із стандартним набором персонажів: буркотун, поганець, герой, жертва (можливо не одна), переосмислення життєвих цінностей і щасливий хепі-енд для всіх, окрім поганців, як на мене, забагато інгредієнтів, які перебивають один - одному смак.
2,5/5 ⭐️
September 10, 2022
Very dis appointed with this book The title sounded brillant but the story was terrible It did not really get going till about the middle of the story Then it just dragged on really boring for me I struggled with this book Though I did finish reading it to the end
March 1, 2024
Найкраща книга із прочитаних мною за останній час. Нарешті жінки описані, як жінки, а не як карикатури. Персонажі живі, не картонні, зі своєю розказаною історією. Дуже подобається, що в центрі уваги жінки: як самодостатні митчині, як жертви домашнього насильства, як діти-сироти, які намагаються побудувати своє життя, як талановиті винахідниці, яких суспільство заклеймило божевільними і приписало заслуги чоловікам. Звісно, не обійшлося без злодійки-жінки, але такі теж бувають, це теж виглядало по-справжньому. Чоловічі персонажі теж хорошо прописані і цікаві. Принаймні, вони не бісять (а це для мене рідкість). І тут описані такі чесні історії, коли через непорозуміння і невміння говорити ротом, люди роками страждають. Втім, історія не позбавлена гумору і легкості.
Я досі відчуваю внутрішній захват від того, що прочитала книгу, яка мені ДІЙСНО сподобалася, не змушувала закочувати очі і вишукувати переваги, які перекриють недоліки. Вона точно варта вашої уваги, якщо ви шукаєте легку ненав'язливу історію, яка не буде змушувати вас бити фейспалми.
Я досі відчуваю внутрішній захват від того, що прочитала книгу, яка мені ДІЙСНО сподобалася, не змушувала закочувати очі і вишукувати переваги, які перекриють недоліки. Вона точно варта вашої уваги, якщо ви шукаєте легку ненав'язливу історію, яка не буде змушувати вас бити фейспалми.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
3.5 - I actually wasn't overly interested in the lead character, Rachel's, story but Edie and Gilly more than made up for that. So sweet. I have another of Sharon's books on my kindle and looking forward to it.
February 22, 2024
Harmonisk och mysig bok, perfekt tempo och bara väldigt trevlig! Har fått måla upp ett fantastiskt landskap i Skottland i mitt huvud, otroligt vackert. Trevliga karaktärer, så fin och vacker vänskap mellan dem.
June 9, 2024
Меньше понравилось, чем про дом под скалой, но тоже неплохо
April 21, 2024
Such a sweet book! Easily read in a day (or two) but still very interesting, a good tale of history.
June 26, 2023
Een mooi vlot lezende roman.
June 12, 2024
Il faro che custodiva i libri è un libro che mi ha molto colpito e appassionato, grazie anche a una trama mai scontata e ricca di tanti personaggi interessanti e originali che diventano elementi fondamentali di una storia che ha tutti gli elementi giusti: l’amore per i libri, il senso di comunità, il non arrendersi mai davanti alle difficoltà e avere sempre il coraggio di affrontare i propri demoni per riuscire ad andare avanti e ricominciare.
In questo libro non troverete solo un protagonista ma tanti personaggi diversi tra loro e tutti fondamentali ai fini della storia. L’autrice ha fatto un buon lavoro nella loro caratterizzazione, a partire da Rachel e Toby i primi due personaggi che l’autrice ci mostra.
La narrazione è in terza persona e l’autrice si sofferma un po’ su tutti i personaggi, alcuni approfondendoli di più, altri un pochino meno, ma come vi dicevo ognuno di loro ha un ruolo importante ai fini della storia e rende questo libro molto corale e pieno.
La trama ha una bella evoluzione e anche se all’inizio ho faticato un pochino a inquadrare bene la storia, molto presto ne sono stata conquistata e mi sono ritrovata a finire il libro in un paio di sere.
Ho apprezzato tantissimo l’aria che si respira non solo dentro il faro, ma in tutti i luoghi di aggregazione della piccola cittadina, le descrizioni dell’autrice sono molto accurate e non ho faticato a immaginarmi il luogo in cui è ambientato il libro. Anche i rapporti sono molto importanti, si sente forte la presenza della comunità nel momento del bisogno, il modo in cui le loro vite si intrecciano. Così come l’amicizia che nasce tra Toby e Rachel o il legame burrascoso tra Ezra e Edie o, ancora, i consigli saggi di Ron che affianca Rachel in un momento difficile per entrambi.
Lo stile di scrittura di Sharon Gosling mi è piaciuto molto; la sua penna è scorrevole, attenta, descrittiva, ironica e coinvolgente. I dialoghi mi sono piaciuti in modo particolare perché mi hanno permesso di conoscere bene i personaggi e le dinamiche che intercorrono tra loro.
Ho apprezzato molto anche il messaggio che l’autrice ci lascia con questa bella storia delicata, profonda, forte e commovente allo stesso tempo. L’aggiunta di un pizzico di Romance, poi, me lo ha fatto piacere ancora di più.
Recensione completa:
https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2024...
In questo libro non troverete solo un protagonista ma tanti personaggi diversi tra loro e tutti fondamentali ai fini della storia. L’autrice ha fatto un buon lavoro nella loro caratterizzazione, a partire da Rachel e Toby i primi due personaggi che l’autrice ci mostra.
La narrazione è in terza persona e l’autrice si sofferma un po’ su tutti i personaggi, alcuni approfondendoli di più, altri un pochino meno, ma come vi dicevo ognuno di loro ha un ruolo importante ai fini della storia e rende questo libro molto corale e pieno.
La trama ha una bella evoluzione e anche se all’inizio ho faticato un pochino a inquadrare bene la storia, molto presto ne sono stata conquistata e mi sono ritrovata a finire il libro in un paio di sere.
Ho apprezzato tantissimo l’aria che si respira non solo dentro il faro, ma in tutti i luoghi di aggregazione della piccola cittadina, le descrizioni dell’autrice sono molto accurate e non ho faticato a immaginarmi il luogo in cui è ambientato il libro. Anche i rapporti sono molto importanti, si sente forte la presenza della comunità nel momento del bisogno, il modo in cui le loro vite si intrecciano. Così come l’amicizia che nasce tra Toby e Rachel o il legame burrascoso tra Ezra e Edie o, ancora, i consigli saggi di Ron che affianca Rachel in un momento difficile per entrambi.
Lo stile di scrittura di Sharon Gosling mi è piaciuto molto; la sua penna è scorrevole, attenta, descrittiva, ironica e coinvolgente. I dialoghi mi sono piaciuti in modo particolare perché mi hanno permesso di conoscere bene i personaggi e le dinamiche che intercorrono tra loro.
Ho apprezzato molto anche il messaggio che l’autrice ci lascia con questa bella storia delicata, profonda, forte e commovente allo stesso tempo. L’aggiunta di un pizzico di Romance, poi, me lo ha fatto piacere ancora di più.
Recensione completa:
https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2024...
December 25, 2023
Meine Meinung:
Ein absolutes Wohlfühlbuch
Dies ist keine Weihnachtsbuch. Aber es braucht wirklich keinen Weihnachtsbaum und Geschenke, um sich bei dieser Geschichte, Keksen und heißem Tee wohl zu fühlen. Ein kleiner Ort in Schottland mit einem Leuchtturm, der ziemlich weit vom Wasser entfernt ist. Das Innere beherbergt einen liebevoll sortierten Buchladen. Cullen ist der Boss des Antiquariats. Vor ein paar Jahren hatte er Rachel eingestellt. Die junge Frau ist mit ihrem kaputten Bulli in dem kleinen Ort gestrandet. Fühlt sich unheimlich wohl bei ihrer Arbeit im Leuchtturm und darf das oberste Stockwerk bewohnen.
Bei Shortbread und Kaffee macht es sich Cullin gerne in einer Ecke des Ladens beim Schachspiel gemütlich. Sein Freund Ron ist ein würdiger Gegner. Besonders gut haben mir die zwei Streithähne Edie und Ezra gefallen. Ezras Ziege tobt sich immer in Edies Garten aus. Das führt häufig zu Streit. Aber man bemerkt sofort, dass nicht die Ziege für den Hass verantwortlich ist, den die Künstlerin Edie gegen Ezra hegt. Ich konnte mir alles sehr bildlich vorstellen. Die gemütliche Atmosphäre im Leuchtturm. Den Duft von Kaffee und alten Büchern. Zwei ältere Herren beim Schachspiel, für deren leibliches Wohl Rachel sorgt. Als es wieder einmal ziemlich heftig regnet, finden zwei Menschen einen Zufluchtsort im Leuchtturm. Der ehemalige Kriegsreporter Toby und die blutjunge Ausreißerin Gilly.
Diese Menschen muss man allesamt lieben. Ihre Großherzigkeit kennt keine Grenzen. Das wird besonders klar, als Cullen plötzlich verstirbt. Es existiert kein Testament. Aber jedem ist klar, hätte eins existiert, dann wäre der Leuchtturm, samt Anwesen und Pförtnerhaus, an Rachel gegangen. Der Anwalt von Cullen macht eine Erbin aus Amerika ausfindig ...
Die Geschichte kommt total warmherzig und spannend daher. Toby recherchiert mit Rachel zusammen, wer genau den Leuchtturm erbaut hatte. Auf dem Sterbebett hat Cullen Rachel was mitteilen wollen. Rachel hat nicht alles genau verstanden. Doch aus den Bruchstücken konnte sie einem großen Geheimnis auf die Spur kommen.
Rachel ist sich bewusst, dass sie ihren Job und das Zimmer im Leuchtturm verlieren wird. Der Zusammenhalt dieser bunt gewürfelten Gemeinschaft kennt keine Grenzen. Fast jeder trägt ein großes Geheimnis mit sich herum. Jeder nimmt den anderen so an, wie er ist. Natürlich möchte jeder wissen, was mit dem jungen Mädchen Gilly passiert ist. Auch die Geheimnisse der anderen machen die Wahlfamilie neugierig. Jedoch hat jeder so viel Taktgefühl, keine Fragen zu stellen. Die Geheimnisse um den Leuchtturm haben mich durch die Seiten rasen lassen. Wie ein Damokleschwert hängt hängt der kommende Verlust des Antiquariats über der Geschichte. Ich habe um den Verbleib dieses kleinen Paradieses gebangt. Wollte beim Lesen nie daran denken, was dies für Rachel und alle anderen bedeuten könnte, wenn so etwas Wertvolles zerstört würde.
Die Geheimnisse von Rachel, Toby und Gilly haben mich sehr neugierig gemacht. Auch die beiden Streithähne haben meine Leselaune auf Trab gehalten. Als dann auch noch Intrigen gegen Rachel gesponnen wurden, konnte ich meinen e-Book Reader nicht mehr aus der Hand legen.
Fazit:
Was macht man, wenn man von Regen und Wind durchnässt wird? Wenn Ihr euch zufällig gerade in Newton Dunbar befindet, sucht den Leuchtturm auf. Dort bekommt ihr Tee oder Kaffee. Es wird nicht nur Eure Kleidung trocken. Wenn Ihr Hilfe braucht, seid ihr in dem wunderschönen Leuchtturm genau richtig.
Von mir eine absolute Empfehlung. Danke Sharon Gosling.
Ein absolutes Wohlfühlbuch
Dies ist keine Weihnachtsbuch. Aber es braucht wirklich keinen Weihnachtsbaum und Geschenke, um sich bei dieser Geschichte, Keksen und heißem Tee wohl zu fühlen. Ein kleiner Ort in Schottland mit einem Leuchtturm, der ziemlich weit vom Wasser entfernt ist. Das Innere beherbergt einen liebevoll sortierten Buchladen. Cullen ist der Boss des Antiquariats. Vor ein paar Jahren hatte er Rachel eingestellt. Die junge Frau ist mit ihrem kaputten Bulli in dem kleinen Ort gestrandet. Fühlt sich unheimlich wohl bei ihrer Arbeit im Leuchtturm und darf das oberste Stockwerk bewohnen.
Bei Shortbread und Kaffee macht es sich Cullin gerne in einer Ecke des Ladens beim Schachspiel gemütlich. Sein Freund Ron ist ein würdiger Gegner. Besonders gut haben mir die zwei Streithähne Edie und Ezra gefallen. Ezras Ziege tobt sich immer in Edies Garten aus. Das führt häufig zu Streit. Aber man bemerkt sofort, dass nicht die Ziege für den Hass verantwortlich ist, den die Künstlerin Edie gegen Ezra hegt. Ich konnte mir alles sehr bildlich vorstellen. Die gemütliche Atmosphäre im Leuchtturm. Den Duft von Kaffee und alten Büchern. Zwei ältere Herren beim Schachspiel, für deren leibliches Wohl Rachel sorgt. Als es wieder einmal ziemlich heftig regnet, finden zwei Menschen einen Zufluchtsort im Leuchtturm. Der ehemalige Kriegsreporter Toby und die blutjunge Ausreißerin Gilly.
Diese Menschen muss man allesamt lieben. Ihre Großherzigkeit kennt keine Grenzen. Das wird besonders klar, als Cullen plötzlich verstirbt. Es existiert kein Testament. Aber jedem ist klar, hätte eins existiert, dann wäre der Leuchtturm, samt Anwesen und Pförtnerhaus, an Rachel gegangen. Der Anwalt von Cullen macht eine Erbin aus Amerika ausfindig ...
Die Geschichte kommt total warmherzig und spannend daher. Toby recherchiert mit Rachel zusammen, wer genau den Leuchtturm erbaut hatte. Auf dem Sterbebett hat Cullen Rachel was mitteilen wollen. Rachel hat nicht alles genau verstanden. Doch aus den Bruchstücken konnte sie einem großen Geheimnis auf die Spur kommen.
Rachel ist sich bewusst, dass sie ihren Job und das Zimmer im Leuchtturm verlieren wird. Der Zusammenhalt dieser bunt gewürfelten Gemeinschaft kennt keine Grenzen. Fast jeder trägt ein großes Geheimnis mit sich herum. Jeder nimmt den anderen so an, wie er ist. Natürlich möchte jeder wissen, was mit dem jungen Mädchen Gilly passiert ist. Auch die Geheimnisse der anderen machen die Wahlfamilie neugierig. Jedoch hat jeder so viel Taktgefühl, keine Fragen zu stellen. Die Geheimnisse um den Leuchtturm haben mich durch die Seiten rasen lassen. Wie ein Damokleschwert hängt hängt der kommende Verlust des Antiquariats über der Geschichte. Ich habe um den Verbleib dieses kleinen Paradieses gebangt. Wollte beim Lesen nie daran denken, was dies für Rachel und alle anderen bedeuten könnte, wenn so etwas Wertvolles zerstört würde.
Die Geheimnisse von Rachel, Toby und Gilly haben mich sehr neugierig gemacht. Auch die beiden Streithähne haben meine Leselaune auf Trab gehalten. Als dann auch noch Intrigen gegen Rachel gesponnen wurden, konnte ich meinen e-Book Reader nicht mehr aus der Hand legen.
Fazit:
Was macht man, wenn man von Regen und Wind durchnässt wird? Wenn Ihr euch zufällig gerade in Newton Dunbar befindet, sucht den Leuchtturm auf. Dort bekommt ihr Tee oder Kaffee. Es wird nicht nur Eure Kleidung trocken. Wenn Ihr Hilfe braucht, seid ihr in dem wunderschönen Leuchtturm genau richtig.
Von mir eine absolute Empfehlung. Danke Sharon Gosling.
August 27, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. Most lighthouses are of course by the sea, but as you'll now have read in the blurb, this is a most unusual lighthouse. It was built in the early 19th century, miles away from the coast in the small village of Newton Dunbar and never intended to be a lighthouse. Instead it's a bookshop and I do love the idea of a bookshop in a lighthouse.
The characters in the book, with one exception, are just wonderful. That's not to say the author has written badly about one of the characters but that this particular character is truly awful! Sharon Gosling has written her characters so well that you can't help but take them to heart, from grumpy artist Edie, to young Gilly, from Rachel who found a home in this community to Cullen the elderly owner of the lighthouse who took her in, from Toby the journalist with his own demons to face to Sylvie his ex-wife. Every single character found a place in my heart - well, apart from one. Even the goat provided some smiles though not always for Edie!
The various different love stories in the book were a joy to read about. There's a slowly developing romance, hints at a missed opportunity and regrets and a love match that needed a large shove in the right direction! I loved the Much Ado About Nothing thread that ran through the book - one of my favourite Shakespeare plays. There's a historical element to the story too as Rachel tries to uncover more about the lighthouse. Some big issues are dealt with very sensitively in the book and the community at the heart of the book are by and large welcoming, caring and supportive.
I loved this book from the first page to the last. It's a beautiful story of secrets, community, friendship and love. The setting of Newton Dunbar and the lighthouse is wonderful. Sharon Gosling has written such a beautiful and memorable story. The Lighthouse Bookshop is a heart-warming and uplifting book and is one of my favourite reads this year.
The characters in the book, with one exception, are just wonderful. That's not to say the author has written badly about one of the characters but that this particular character is truly awful! Sharon Gosling has written her characters so well that you can't help but take them to heart, from grumpy artist Edie, to young Gilly, from Rachel who found a home in this community to Cullen the elderly owner of the lighthouse who took her in, from Toby the journalist with his own demons to face to Sylvie his ex-wife. Every single character found a place in my heart - well, apart from one. Even the goat provided some smiles though not always for Edie!
The various different love stories in the book were a joy to read about. There's a slowly developing romance, hints at a missed opportunity and regrets and a love match that needed a large shove in the right direction! I loved the Much Ado About Nothing thread that ran through the book - one of my favourite Shakespeare plays. There's a historical element to the story too as Rachel tries to uncover more about the lighthouse. Some big issues are dealt with very sensitively in the book and the community at the heart of the book are by and large welcoming, caring and supportive.
I loved this book from the first page to the last. It's a beautiful story of secrets, community, friendship and love. The setting of Newton Dunbar and the lighthouse is wonderful. Sharon Gosling has written such a beautiful and memorable story. The Lighthouse Bookshop is a heart-warming and uplifting book and is one of my favourite reads this year.
August 27, 2022
The Blurb :
At the heart of a tiny community in a remote village just inland from the Aberdeenshire coast stands an unexpected lighthouse. Built two centuries ago by an eccentric landowner, it has become home to the only bookshop for miles around.
Rachel is an incomer to the village. She arrived five years ago and found a place she could call home. So when the owner of the Lighthouse Bookshop dies suddenly, she steps in to take care of the place, trying to help it survive the next stage of its life.
But when she discovers a secret in the lighthouse, long kept hidden, she realises there is more to the history of the place than she could ever imagine. Can she uncover the truth about the lighthouse’s first owner? And can she protect the secret history of the place?
My Thoughts :
Firstly, I have to say this has such a beautiful cover, the cover is one id love to pick out from a shelf in a bookshop.
We meet Rachel, having moved to a small village of Newton Dunbar in Scotland a few years before she now lives in the tower above the second hand bookshop owned by Cullen Macdonald.
When Cullen suddenly passes away, Rachel is is left wondering and worrying if her home and job will be safe and who will take over the Bookshop. She takes Cullen’s death hard and just wants to do him and the Bookshop proud.
As we start to learn more about the history of the village and the Lighthouse we start to open secrets and mysteries and learn that the other characters all have a role to play.
Sharon Gosling brought to life the beautiful Tower that stands as The Lighthouse Bookshop, she makes the reader feel as if we are there in the thick of the story.
Its full of beautiful descriptions of the surroundings and its a heart warming read.
Maybe a little long but its hard to put down once you get started.
At the heart of a tiny community in a remote village just inland from the Aberdeenshire coast stands an unexpected lighthouse. Built two centuries ago by an eccentric landowner, it has become home to the only bookshop for miles around.
Rachel is an incomer to the village. She arrived five years ago and found a place she could call home. So when the owner of the Lighthouse Bookshop dies suddenly, she steps in to take care of the place, trying to help it survive the next stage of its life.
But when she discovers a secret in the lighthouse, long kept hidden, she realises there is more to the history of the place than she could ever imagine. Can she uncover the truth about the lighthouse’s first owner? And can she protect the secret history of the place?
My Thoughts :
Firstly, I have to say this has such a beautiful cover, the cover is one id love to pick out from a shelf in a bookshop.
We meet Rachel, having moved to a small village of Newton Dunbar in Scotland a few years before she now lives in the tower above the second hand bookshop owned by Cullen Macdonald.
When Cullen suddenly passes away, Rachel is is left wondering and worrying if her home and job will be safe and who will take over the Bookshop. She takes Cullen’s death hard and just wants to do him and the Bookshop proud.
As we start to learn more about the history of the village and the Lighthouse we start to open secrets and mysteries and learn that the other characters all have a role to play.
Sharon Gosling brought to life the beautiful Tower that stands as The Lighthouse Bookshop, she makes the reader feel as if we are there in the thick of the story.
Its full of beautiful descriptions of the surroundings and its a heart warming read.
Maybe a little long but its hard to put down once you get started.
September 1, 2023
Een erg fijn geschreven feel good over een boekwinkeltje in een vuurtoren in Schotland.
Rachel werkt en woont in de boekwinkel in de vuurtoren van Cullen. De vuurtoren is al een paar honderd jaar in de familie van Cullen. Na een moeilijke periode in haar leven heeft Rachel al een paar jaar stabiliteit gevonden in de vuurtoren dankzij Cullen.
De vuurtoren is het hart van het dorp, waar bewoners voor een boek, koffie of een praatje graag voorbij komen. Zo heb je Ron, de vaste schaakpartner en oude vriend van Cullen. Ezra, die altijd op de booreilanden heeft gewerkt en al 15 jaar de buurman van Edie is. Ezra en Edie vliegen elkaar voortdurend in de haren voor een reden die niemand kent. Dan heb je Gilly, een dakloos meisje, dat warmte zoekt in de boekwinkel. Toby is een oud journalist die naar het dorp is gekomen om zijn memoires te schrijven en Dora, die wanneer ze de kans krijgt als vastgoedmakelaar het hele dorp opkoopt.
Als Cullen plotseling overlijdt en blijkt dat er geen wilsbeschikking is voor de vuurtoren, lijkt het erop dat de boekwinkel voorgoed gesloten gaat worden. Alle vrienden en betrokkenen zetten alles op alles om de vuurtoren te behouden.
Een mooi verhaal over vriendschap, geheimen en een onzekere toekomst. Als je een feel good fan ben, zou ik je dit boek heel graag aanraden. Ik merk alleen zelf dat ik niet zo overweg kan met dit genre.
Rachel werkt en woont in de boekwinkel in de vuurtoren van Cullen. De vuurtoren is al een paar honderd jaar in de familie van Cullen. Na een moeilijke periode in haar leven heeft Rachel al een paar jaar stabiliteit gevonden in de vuurtoren dankzij Cullen.
De vuurtoren is het hart van het dorp, waar bewoners voor een boek, koffie of een praatje graag voorbij komen. Zo heb je Ron, de vaste schaakpartner en oude vriend van Cullen. Ezra, die altijd op de booreilanden heeft gewerkt en al 15 jaar de buurman van Edie is. Ezra en Edie vliegen elkaar voortdurend in de haren voor een reden die niemand kent. Dan heb je Gilly, een dakloos meisje, dat warmte zoekt in de boekwinkel. Toby is een oud journalist die naar het dorp is gekomen om zijn memoires te schrijven en Dora, die wanneer ze de kans krijgt als vastgoedmakelaar het hele dorp opkoopt.
Als Cullen plotseling overlijdt en blijkt dat er geen wilsbeschikking is voor de vuurtoren, lijkt het erop dat de boekwinkel voorgoed gesloten gaat worden. Alle vrienden en betrokkenen zetten alles op alles om de vuurtoren te behouden.
Een mooi verhaal over vriendschap, geheimen en een onzekere toekomst. Als je een feel good fan ben, zou ik je dit boek heel graag aanraden. Ik merk alleen zelf dat ik niet zo overweg kan met dit genre.
August 20, 2023
Rachel hat vor einigen Jahren Zuflucht gefunden im Buchladen in dem Leuchtturm der mitten im Festland steht. Hier hat sie Freunde gefunden und ihre Vergangenheit hinter sich gelassen. Eines Tages taucht erst Toby, ein Journalist, der seine Memoiren schreiben will auf und dann noch Gilly, ein junges Mädchen, das nichts von sich preisgeben will.
Ein Schicksalsschlag schweißt die Freundesgruppe noch enger zusammen und lüftet ein jahrhunderte altes Geheimnis.
Mir hat das Buch ausgesprochen gut gefallen, es hat eine bedächtige Erzählweise, man wechselt immer mal wieder die Perspektive zu den unterschiedlichen Charakteren der Gruppe. Und obwohl wirklich umwälzende Dinge passieren hat man nie das Gefühlt, das Hektik das Geschehen beherrscht. Die Charakterentwicklung der einzelnen Personen haben mir gut gefallen und auch die Gegend konnte ich mir super vorstellen.
Alles in allem war es ein schönes Wohlfühlbuch mit einem entschleunigendem Faktor. Und diesmal fand ich auch das Ende genau richtig gewählt. Damit ist Sharon Gosling definitiv eine Autorin, die ich auf dem Zettel behalten werde. Bitte gerne noch mehr Bücher von ihr!
Ein Schicksalsschlag schweißt die Freundesgruppe noch enger zusammen und lüftet ein jahrhunderte altes Geheimnis.
Mir hat das Buch ausgesprochen gut gefallen, es hat eine bedächtige Erzählweise, man wechselt immer mal wieder die Perspektive zu den unterschiedlichen Charakteren der Gruppe. Und obwohl wirklich umwälzende Dinge passieren hat man nie das Gefühlt, das Hektik das Geschehen beherrscht. Die Charakterentwicklung der einzelnen Personen haben mir gut gefallen und auch die Gegend konnte ich mir super vorstellen.
Alles in allem war es ein schönes Wohlfühlbuch mit einem entschleunigendem Faktor. Und diesmal fand ich auch das Ende genau richtig gewählt. Damit ist Sharon Gosling definitiv eine Autorin, die ich auf dem Zettel behalten werde. Bitte gerne noch mehr Bücher von ihr!
June 22, 2023
Rachel Talbot werkt al vijf jaar voor Cullen, de man die eigenaar is van een vuurtoren midden op het Schotse platteland. In die vuurtoren drijven ze een boekwinkel en ze wonen er. De winkel trekt dagelijks een vaste groep mensen, naast de vele klanten.
Als Cullen sterft is iedereen in rouw: hij was geliefd. Rachel heeft geen geld om de toren en boekwinkel te kopen. Ze begint op te ruimen en maakt plannen om een andere woonplaats en ander werk te zoeken. Maar eerst gaat ze op onderzoek naar de geschiedenis van de toren. Wat ze vindt is verbazingwekkend en zal haar toekomst veranderen - maar niet die van de toren!
Alweer een boekwinkeltjes boek. Ze blijven leuk.
Als Cullen sterft is iedereen in rouw: hij was geliefd. Rachel heeft geen geld om de toren en boekwinkel te kopen. Ze begint op te ruimen en maakt plannen om een andere woonplaats en ander werk te zoeken. Maar eerst gaat ze op onderzoek naar de geschiedenis van de toren. Wat ze vindt is verbazingwekkend en zal haar toekomst veranderen - maar niet die van de toren!
Alweer een boekwinkeltjes boek. Ze blijven leuk.
September 22, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I thought this book was slow to start but then realised that this is the perfect narrative style for this gentle story of a rural community with strong characters. Each has their own story and they work together well to support each other. The mystery in the lighthouse is unusual, and uncovering it's truth is interesting. The story keep me interested and engaged right to the last page, the only negative being some American spellings - the book is set in Aberdeenshire, this ruins the atmosphere for me, so it lost one star.
I thought this book was slow to start but then realised that this is the perfect narrative style for this gentle story of a rural community with strong characters. Each has their own story and they work together well to support each other. The mystery in the lighthouse is unusual, and uncovering it's truth is interesting. The story keep me interested and engaged right to the last page, the only negative being some American spellings - the book is set in Aberdeenshire, this ruins the atmosphere for me, so it lost one star.
September 5, 2025
3.5 and I round it to 4 starts
The story takes place in a mountain village, where a lighthouse—strangely standing miles away from the sea—was built 200 years ago. Despite its unusual location, the lighthouse holds many secrets.
These secrets begin to unfold after the death of its owner, and the life of the lighthouse manager, Rachel, starts to change as she unravels the mystery.
An entire community’s life revolves around the lighthouse. The story follows these people and shows how deeply the lighthouse is woven into their lives.
I found the author’s writing style to be beautiful, though at times weighed down by unnecessary details that made the book feel a little long
The story takes place in a mountain village, where a lighthouse—strangely standing miles away from the sea—was built 200 years ago. Despite its unusual location, the lighthouse holds many secrets.
These secrets begin to unfold after the death of its owner, and the life of the lighthouse manager, Rachel, starts to change as she unravels the mystery.
An entire community’s life revolves around the lighthouse. The story follows these people and shows how deeply the lighthouse is woven into their lives.
I found the author’s writing style to be beautiful, though at times weighed down by unnecessary details that made the book feel a little long
September 17, 2025
Sono stata attratta fin da subito dalla copertina, un po' meno dal titolo.
Credevo che fosse il classico libro banale dove personaggi banali sono accomunati dalla passione per i libri, ma ho voluto dargli comunque una possibilità.
E ho fatto benissimo.
Cinque stelline meritatissime: mi sono talmente affezionata ai personaggi e alla storia del faro che mi dispiace aver finito il libro così presto :')
Credevo che fosse il classico libro banale dove personaggi banali sono accomunati dalla passione per i libri, ma ho voluto dargli comunque una possibilità.
E ho fatto benissimo.
Cinque stelline meritatissime: mi sono talmente affezionata ai personaggi e alla storia del faro che mi dispiace aver finito il libro così presto :')
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