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There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
How do you find love . . . when you have the loneliest job in the world?
This is the story of Gayle and Martin, who fall in love over the course of ten years- over a yearly visit to a tiny, isolated island off the Welsh coast.
Gayle is a teacher and each year she brings her class to the island to see the local flora and fauna, from sea birds to playful seals. Martin, the island's caretaker and only human resident, lives in and maintains the lighthouse, which opens to the public for just this one day a year.
Gayle is effervescent but feels trapped, while Martin is lonely and isolated. As their love slowly builds over time, they both yearn for the annual field trip where they can finally see each other... Until one year Gayle doesn't come back, and Martin has to leave his island hideaway to find her.
This is the story of Gayle and Martin, who fall in love over the course of ten years- over a yearly visit to a tiny, isolated island off the Welsh coast.
Gayle is a teacher and each year she brings her class to the island to see the local flora and fauna, from sea birds to playful seals. Martin, the island's caretaker and only human resident, lives in and maintains the lighthouse, which opens to the public for just this one day a year.
Gayle is effervescent but feels trapped, while Martin is lonely and isolated. As their love slowly builds over time, they both yearn for the annual field trip where they can finally see each other... Until one year Gayle doesn't come back, and Martin has to leave his island hideaway to find her.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2023
18 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
David M. Barnett
13 books18 followersLibrarian's note: There is more than one author with this name
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 18, 2023
4.5 stars
Well, what an absolute delight this was! A refreshing interlude in my usual fare of thrillers and heavier fiction. It’s a wholesome, uplifting read, with engaging characters and some delicious nuggets of social commentary to satisfy your literary tastebuds. I really, really enjoyed it.
I was thrilled to get an early copy of this, as Barnett’s quirky Calling Major Tom was one of my favourite finds of 2020. And here, again, his talent for entertaining storytelling, while exploring serious subjects, is on full display.
It’s the story of former sweethearts Gayle and Martin, whose paths take a serendipitous turn years after they break up. Gayle is now living a life of luxury with her successful property developer partner, while Martin has retreated from the world by taking up the position of lighthouse keeper on the tiny, private island of Ynys Dwynwen. Their paths cross when Gayle accompanies a group of school children on their annual field trip to the island. What follows is a story of second-chance love played out one day a year over the following ten years.
Oh my heart! Barnett has crafted his characters to perfection. We follow Gayle, as her partner stealthily robs her of her sense of self. And we follow Martin, as the island — and a talking seal named Bruce — salve his soul and help him find his peace. Their individual story arcs are captivating, if at times frustrating, but my hopes were always high that the light they held for each other, just like the light on the island, would never go out.
Barnett’s writing is stirringly evocative, the narrative full of unexpected quirks and laugh-out-loud humor. I adored the descriptions of Ynys Dwynwen and its wildlife, as well the glimpses into Martin’s tragic back story and his wacky conversations with Bruce. And I appreciated how skilfully Barnett wove in subtle messages about conservation and the healing power of Nature.
An effortlessly enjoyable, heartwarming read for all fans of up-lit.
Well, what an absolute delight this was! A refreshing interlude in my usual fare of thrillers and heavier fiction. It’s a wholesome, uplifting read, with engaging characters and some delicious nuggets of social commentary to satisfy your literary tastebuds. I really, really enjoyed it.
I was thrilled to get an early copy of this, as Barnett’s quirky Calling Major Tom was one of my favourite finds of 2020. And here, again, his talent for entertaining storytelling, while exploring serious subjects, is on full display.
It’s the story of former sweethearts Gayle and Martin, whose paths take a serendipitous turn years after they break up. Gayle is now living a life of luxury with her successful property developer partner, while Martin has retreated from the world by taking up the position of lighthouse keeper on the tiny, private island of Ynys Dwynwen. Their paths cross when Gayle accompanies a group of school children on their annual field trip to the island. What follows is a story of second-chance love played out one day a year over the following ten years.
Oh my heart! Barnett has crafted his characters to perfection. We follow Gayle, as her partner stealthily robs her of her sense of self. And we follow Martin, as the island — and a talking seal named Bruce — salve his soul and help him find his peace. Their individual story arcs are captivating, if at times frustrating, but my hopes were always high that the light they held for each other, just like the light on the island, would never go out.
Barnett’s writing is stirringly evocative, the narrative full of unexpected quirks and laugh-out-loud humor. I adored the descriptions of Ynys Dwynwen and its wildlife, as well the glimpses into Martin’s tragic back story and his wacky conversations with Bruce. And I appreciated how skilfully Barnett wove in subtle messages about conservation and the healing power of Nature.
An effortlessly enjoyable, heartwarming read for all fans of up-lit.
June 18, 2023
I don't read a lot of contemporary romances but I'm glad that I decided to try this, because this novel checked all my boxes: a heartwarming slowburn second chance romance with a touch of magic, delightful characters, and more "plot" than just people being romancey or smutty lol!
I love so many things about this book! I love the slowburn. The ending was a bit cheesy, sure, but it's the sort of cheesy that I love, and I couldn't put the book down once I got to the last ten chapters or so. I actually loved that there was no stopping the wedding. I love how there's a lot more to the relationship than just "you complete me," and how both Gayle and Martin found their own light in the end. I love the characters. I love Bruce!
I could go on and on, really... TL;DR 5-star read, please check it out!
Please also note that this novel is set in the UK and thus the writer uses British English. I really hate having to say this in my posts, but the author knows how to spell, thank you.
I love so many things about this book! I love the slowburn. The ending was a bit cheesy, sure, but it's the sort of cheesy that I love, and I couldn't put the book down once I got to the last ten chapters or so. I actually loved that there was no stopping the wedding. I love how there's a lot more to the relationship than just "you complete me," and how both Gayle and Martin found their own light in the end. I love the characters. I love Bruce!
I could go on and on, really... TL;DR 5-star read, please check it out!
Please also note that this novel is set in the UK and thus the writer uses British English. I really hate having to say this in my posts, but the author knows how to spell, thank you.
June 29, 2023
Being a Smiths fan I was drawn to this book by the title and I really wasn't disappointed. Beautifully written second chance romance book set in a lighthouse. Another passion of mine. Great character's lovely setting what is there not to like. Thank you netgalley for the advance copy
August 18, 2023
My first book by this author and I absolutely loved it! We meet Martin and Gayle. They are former sweethearts and haven't seen each other for years. When Gayle takes a group of children on their annual school trip to the lighthouse on the Welsh island of Ynys Dwynwen she finds Martin is the lighthouse keeper there The story follows their lives over the next ten years where they fall over in love all over again.
I didn't know what to expect with this book initially. Martin is a very likeable character, but I did feel sorry for him at the beginning with one piece of bad luck after another. Who could blame him for wanting a job where the only person he needed to interact with was himself, but when it came to it and we follow Martin to the lighthouse I want sure I would be as brave as he was! Gayle again was a very likeable character but did feel I needed to warm to her more as the book moved on.
The book follows their lives over the years with it told from their individual perspectives. There is a strong theme of environmental matters running through the book, but there is also a little bit of magical mystery in the form of Bruce the talking seal! I loved not only the slow burning romance between Martin and Gayle, but the whole story of the lighthouse from its location, history, the wildlife and the folklores associated with it. I loved this book so much, crying my eyes out several times throughout it! Would recommend
I didn't know what to expect with this book initially. Martin is a very likeable character, but I did feel sorry for him at the beginning with one piece of bad luck after another. Who could blame him for wanting a job where the only person he needed to interact with was himself, but when it came to it and we follow Martin to the lighthouse I want sure I would be as brave as he was! Gayle again was a very likeable character but did feel I needed to warm to her more as the book moved on.
The book follows their lives over the years with it told from their individual perspectives. There is a strong theme of environmental matters running through the book, but there is also a little bit of magical mystery in the form of Bruce the talking seal! I loved not only the slow burning romance between Martin and Gayle, but the whole story of the lighthouse from its location, history, the wildlife and the folklores associated with it. I loved this book so much, crying my eyes out several times throughout it! Would recommend
July 7, 2023
Well, this is absolutely glorious! I totally love Martin. A wonderfully engaging story of a lighthouse keeper who found himself by being totally isolated on a Welsh island - the keeper of the light. There is so much that is magical about this story. The island, the lighthouse, the history, the stories, the wildlife, the isolation yet the inspiration. David Barnett has created stunning character depth in each and every one of the people in this story. I loved this from start to finish. I had no expectation as to how it might end but the story arc flowed beautifully from first page to last. I became an inhabitant of Martin's island, his mind, his heart, his search for contentment, love. Highly recommend this gorgeous story.
June 18, 2023
I knew from just under ten pages in that I was going to bloody love this book. And that Martin was going to be one of my favourite fictional characters of all time.
This had one of my favourite tropes in it, second chance romance, so I got all the warm fuzzies whilst reading it! And I just loved it so much, it was so captivating and beautifully written. I love the way it was divided into years and then chapters alternating between our two main characters' perspectives. And I almost cried towards the end 🧡
Even the smoking of a certain substance (which usually knocks a book down 0.5 stars for me) couldn't deter me from this one! Although, GOD were our main characters frustrating at times.
Whoever would have thought I'd adore a book about a lighthouse so much??
This had one of my favourite tropes in it, second chance romance, so I got all the warm fuzzies whilst reading it! And I just loved it so much, it was so captivating and beautifully written. I love the way it was divided into years and then chapters alternating between our two main characters' perspectives. And I almost cried towards the end 🧡
Even the smoking of a certain substance (which usually knocks a book down 0.5 stars for me) couldn't deter me from this one! Although, GOD were our main characters frustrating at times.
Whoever would have thought I'd adore a book about a lighthouse so much??
June 28, 2023
Themes Explored:
💡love
💡loss
💡nature
💡money vs love
‘he lets my light shine brightly as his own’
My thoughts:
Firstly I want to say a huge thank you to the team at Compulsive Readers (@thebookdealer ) for allowing me to be a part of such a special book tour 🌞
This book was truly divine. From the very first line until the very final word, I was captivated by Gayle & Martin’s separate worlds & how they combined to create a beautiful story 💐
The whole time, I was rooting for Martin. He had so much love to share & his dedication to his job was second to none. I spent the whole plot warming to him and recognising his strength.
The content of this book was raw & honest. It tackles a range of topics within our world at the moment that are so rarely conveyed this beautifully in literature. Honestly, this book made me think so carefully about my actions and how they have consequences. It also made me recognise the impact that the whole of humanity has on our planet 🌍.
This book was so wholesome. I felt the characters to be so multi-dimensional and relatable & it just made the book come to life so easily. This book would make a ground-breaking movie 💡✨
PR Product
💡love
💡loss
💡nature
💡money vs love
‘he lets my light shine brightly as his own’
My thoughts:
Firstly I want to say a huge thank you to the team at Compulsive Readers (@thebookdealer ) for allowing me to be a part of such a special book tour 🌞
This book was truly divine. From the very first line until the very final word, I was captivated by Gayle & Martin’s separate worlds & how they combined to create a beautiful story 💐
The whole time, I was rooting for Martin. He had so much love to share & his dedication to his job was second to none. I spent the whole plot warming to him and recognising his strength.
The content of this book was raw & honest. It tackles a range of topics within our world at the moment that are so rarely conveyed this beautifully in literature. Honestly, this book made me think so carefully about my actions and how they have consequences. It also made me recognise the impact that the whole of humanity has on our planet 🌍.
This book was so wholesome. I felt the characters to be so multi-dimensional and relatable & it just made the book come to life so easily. This book would make a ground-breaking movie 💡✨
PR Product
November 25, 2023
A protagonist called Gayle and references to Manchester and Alderley Edge - what’s not to like!
June 24, 2023
This book made me laugh, cry and even feel angry at times! The two main characters were wonderfully done and I felt like I was on the island with how beautifully it was described! The parts with Bruce I found a little odd and there were certain things throughout the storyline that annoyed me, but all in all I really enjoyed this read!
June 25, 2023
This was every kind of wonderful and one of my favourite reads of the year!
When Martin takes up his new role as the resident lighthouse keeper at Ynys Dwynwen, he has no idea that a chance meeting with ex sweetheart Gayle is going to change the course of his life in ways he couldn't imagine.
This was one of those stories I wished could go on forever, I loved everything about it...the second chance romance, the characters, Bruce (the talking seal) and the lighthouse magic.
When Martin takes up his new role as the resident lighthouse keeper at Ynys Dwynwen, he has no idea that a chance meeting with ex sweetheart Gayle is going to change the course of his life in ways he couldn't imagine.
This was one of those stories I wished could go on forever, I loved everything about it...the second chance romance, the characters, Bruce (the talking seal) and the lighthouse magic.
June 8, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for gifting me a copy of this book.
If you're looking for a lovely story about a lightkeeper and a woman passionate about helping others, this book is for you!
The short chapters were a very nice surprise. The book was easy to read and the end made me want to hug the characters as I got attached to them and loved both their story and growth.
I thorougly enjoyed it!
If you're looking for a lovely story about a lightkeeper and a woman passionate about helping others, this book is for you!
The short chapters were a very nice surprise. The book was easy to read and the end made me want to hug the characters as I got attached to them and loved both their story and growth.
I thorougly enjoyed it!
September 9, 2024
I love this story
September 13, 2023
⭐️ 5 ⭐️
I loved absolutely everything about this book, and it will definitely be one of my top reads of 2023.
The book is superbly written and the characterisation is excellent, with fully fleshed-out characters that almost jump off the page. I loved the main characters, Gayle and Martin, and Gayle’s filterless friend, Donna, but my favourite character by a country mile was Bruce, the talking seal (yes, really).
The beautiful setting of Ynys Dwynwen, a tiny, private island off the Welsh coast, provides a spectacular backdrop to the story. David Barnett's beautiful, detailed descriptions of the landscape, flora, and fauna made me want to visit the island to see it in all its glory.
It's a love story, but not a fluffy, sickly, overly sentimental one; it’s one with heart, a tonne of humour, and a gentle message about nature and the environment. It’s a truly wonderful book; it made me cry, but it made me smile more.
Perfect!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I loved absolutely everything about this book, and it will definitely be one of my top reads of 2023.
The book is superbly written and the characterisation is excellent, with fully fleshed-out characters that almost jump off the page. I loved the main characters, Gayle and Martin, and Gayle’s filterless friend, Donna, but my favourite character by a country mile was Bruce, the talking seal (yes, really).
The beautiful setting of Ynys Dwynwen, a tiny, private island off the Welsh coast, provides a spectacular backdrop to the story. David Barnett's beautiful, detailed descriptions of the landscape, flora, and fauna made me want to visit the island to see it in all its glory.
It's a love story, but not a fluffy, sickly, overly sentimental one; it’s one with heart, a tonne of humour, and a gentle message about nature and the environment. It’s a truly wonderful book; it made me cry, but it made me smile more.
Perfect!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
December 18, 2023
there were some good moments but genuinely shocked at how high the goodreads rating is. it’s so cliche and genuinely every character sucks. except maybe martin but even then ugh. gayle is in her 30s that is an adult woman have a BACKBONE holy shit. david m barnett please leave the generic one that got away romance tropes ALONE i am HEATED
July 11, 2023
Told through alternating chapters, from Martin and Gayle’s point of views, moving towards them dovetailing on Ynys Dwynwen ( Ynys means island and Dwynwen is the patron saint of Welsh Lovers) over the course of 10 years, ‘There Is A Light…’ is such a joyful read, I was so thrilled to have the chance to read it.
I LOVE lighthouses and their history as emblems of safety and reliability in an increasingly turbulent and dangerous world.
There is a temptation to provide overly tragic and wrought reasons to bring both of the protagonists together, but honestly, each character is drawn so sensitively and beautifully, that they are steered towards their inevitable meeting with a sense of natural progression rather than being shoe horned into it.
Both have expectations piled high upon them, Martin, having nothing left to lose and nothing else to stay for, abandons the battered remains of his life (and believe me, his life is a smoking wreckage which is he is somewhat responsible for) and Gayle is a representative of EnviroMonitor with responsibilities for holding companies to account for their environmental impact. Her family are concerned that she is not getting any younger and should settle down whilst Martin’s friends and workmates feel he should do something to stop his life going into freefall.
It’s gentle, hilarious (there is a funeral scene which had me roaring , not something you normally freely admit to) in the way in which characters interact with each other, and filled to the brim with gorgeous creations like the fearsome Mrs Carruthers, Martin’s upstairs neighbours and Gayle’s best friend Donna, whose investment in Gayle’s life doesn’t preclude being straight with her where she is stepping on landmines.
There are moments which I did not see coming, I am not the kind of reader who looks out for things or predicts plots, I like to be swept away if that makes any sense at all. And this is what I got, a moving book with moments that caught me off guard and a genuine sense of enjoyment on finishing.
How, where and why they meet somehow seems less important than the journey they take getting thee, and it’s a bold move to place this symbol at the heart of a novel which arrives with so much love and affection in the hands of the reader. It’s a funny, moving, meditative piece which deserves to be thoroughly enjoyed by as many readers as possible.
I LOVE lighthouses and their history as emblems of safety and reliability in an increasingly turbulent and dangerous world.
There is a temptation to provide overly tragic and wrought reasons to bring both of the protagonists together, but honestly, each character is drawn so sensitively and beautifully, that they are steered towards their inevitable meeting with a sense of natural progression rather than being shoe horned into it.
Both have expectations piled high upon them, Martin, having nothing left to lose and nothing else to stay for, abandons the battered remains of his life (and believe me, his life is a smoking wreckage which is he is somewhat responsible for) and Gayle is a representative of EnviroMonitor with responsibilities for holding companies to account for their environmental impact. Her family are concerned that she is not getting any younger and should settle down whilst Martin’s friends and workmates feel he should do something to stop his life going into freefall.
It’s gentle, hilarious (there is a funeral scene which had me roaring , not something you normally freely admit to) in the way in which characters interact with each other, and filled to the brim with gorgeous creations like the fearsome Mrs Carruthers, Martin’s upstairs neighbours and Gayle’s best friend Donna, whose investment in Gayle’s life doesn’t preclude being straight with her where she is stepping on landmines.
There are moments which I did not see coming, I am not the kind of reader who looks out for things or predicts plots, I like to be swept away if that makes any sense at all. And this is what I got, a moving book with moments that caught me off guard and a genuine sense of enjoyment on finishing.
How, where and why they meet somehow seems less important than the journey they take getting thee, and it’s a bold move to place this symbol at the heart of a novel which arrives with so much love and affection in the hands of the reader. It’s a funny, moving, meditative piece which deserves to be thoroughly enjoyed by as many readers as possible.
August 1, 2023
What a lovely quirky read- a romance between a lighthouse keeper and a teacher. They are soulmates who for various reasons have remained apart for many years but a magical Welsh island tries very hard to bring them together.
Martin and Gayle met at university but for various reasons they have gone their own separate ways. Martin has not reached his full potential, working at a fulfilment centre in a very boring job whilst visiting his mother in a care home and trying to continue a relationship with his current girlfriend.
When things go very wrong, Martin takes a job as a lighthouse keeper on a remote island off the coast of Wales. He finds he likes his own company and grows to love all the flora and fauna surrounding him.
Gayle is an environmental lawyer doing very well in her career but not so well in her private life. When she meets Tom she thinks she has met the right person but there is something not quite right with her new life.
When she encounters Martin again whilst helping a group of young children visit the island they both feel the spark of something return.
However they cannot contact each other, the island has no phone or internet so they can only meet once a year on the school trip.
Things happen in both their lives and the book switches effortlessly between both their view points culminating in Gayle not appearing on the visit one year.
This is a delightful read, reminding me of some recent romantic fiction such as “One Day” . I was really rooting for Gayle and Martin but it was unclear if anything would materialise.
The title is very clever- referring to both the lighthouse and inner feelings of our two main protagonists.
There are also some wonderful secondary characters, Gayle’s sparky friend Donna, who advises her and amuses the reader as well as Gwyn who brings supplies for Martin.
There is also an environmental theme in the book which is of course very pertinent in today’s world.
A thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming read which I highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Martin and Gayle met at university but for various reasons they have gone their own separate ways. Martin has not reached his full potential, working at a fulfilment centre in a very boring job whilst visiting his mother in a care home and trying to continue a relationship with his current girlfriend.
When things go very wrong, Martin takes a job as a lighthouse keeper on a remote island off the coast of Wales. He finds he likes his own company and grows to love all the flora and fauna surrounding him.
Gayle is an environmental lawyer doing very well in her career but not so well in her private life. When she meets Tom she thinks she has met the right person but there is something not quite right with her new life.
When she encounters Martin again whilst helping a group of young children visit the island they both feel the spark of something return.
However they cannot contact each other, the island has no phone or internet so they can only meet once a year on the school trip.
Things happen in both their lives and the book switches effortlessly between both their view points culminating in Gayle not appearing on the visit one year.
This is a delightful read, reminding me of some recent romantic fiction such as “One Day” . I was really rooting for Gayle and Martin but it was unclear if anything would materialise.
The title is very clever- referring to both the lighthouse and inner feelings of our two main protagonists.
There are also some wonderful secondary characters, Gayle’s sparky friend Donna, who advises her and amuses the reader as well as Gwyn who brings supplies for Martin.
There is also an environmental theme in the book which is of course very pertinent in today’s world.
A thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming read which I highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
December 21, 2024
It’s the lovely and easy to read story of Gayle and Martin. We follow them over a number of years as their individual lives unfold and we find out the reasons why their relationship broke down when they were young, as they start to find their way back to each other again and we learn of their past as well as present.
The story is set on a small island off the Welsh coast where Martin looks after the lighthouse. I googled the setting and realised it was a real location and it was lovely seeing images of the places described in the book. I also realised the purpose of the talking seal, Bruce, which I’m not sure I really took to in all honestly, was to tell of the real life tragedies in that part of the world before the lighthouse was there to guide sailors. If you look up Bruce’s stories, you will find they all happened. Bruce was as the only thing I didn’t really like but I get the idea of the author wanting to build some facts into the story. I think I would have preferred Martin finding these in some books or something. But it certainly didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the main story! And some might enjoy it. I enjoyed the talking fig tree in an Elif Shafak novel, which I know some didn’t take to, so it does vary from book to book when you come across something out of the ordinary.
All in all a very enjoyable light read with an ending to make you smile.
And as I often like to take note of sentences that touch me in a book, my favourite quote from this book was this:
“… after any kind of death [..] there is no such thing as closure. There is only denial, and grief, and eventual grudging acceptance.”
The story is set on a small island off the Welsh coast where Martin looks after the lighthouse. I googled the setting and realised it was a real location and it was lovely seeing images of the places described in the book. I also realised the purpose of the talking seal, Bruce, which I’m not sure I really took to in all honestly, was to tell of the real life tragedies in that part of the world before the lighthouse was there to guide sailors. If you look up Bruce’s stories, you will find they all happened. Bruce was as the only thing I didn’t really like but I get the idea of the author wanting to build some facts into the story. I think I would have preferred Martin finding these in some books or something. But it certainly didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the main story! And some might enjoy it. I enjoyed the talking fig tree in an Elif Shafak novel, which I know some didn’t take to, so it does vary from book to book when you come across something out of the ordinary.
All in all a very enjoyable light read with an ending to make you smile.
And as I often like to take note of sentences that touch me in a book, my favourite quote from this book was this:
“… after any kind of death [..] there is no such thing as closure. There is only denial, and grief, and eventual grudging acceptance.”
July 14, 2023
Love can find you even if you live on a remote island as Martin soon finds out. Gayle is a teacher and visits the tiny island off the Welsh coast where Martin is the only resident and lighthouse keeper (the Keeper). Over a period of 10 years Gayle visits the island once a year and Martin and Gayle fall in love. They look forward to seeing each other for that on day but does absence make the heart grow fonder or will it stop their chances of having a relationship.
The first time I saw a lighthouse I was very young and I was completely enchanted by it and the stories that surrounded it of tragedy, loss and of love. Ever since then I've always been fascinated by lighthouses and that's probably what drew me to this book. I can only describe this book as a heart-warming read filled with emotion. In parts I was laughing and at other times I was sad for the characters.
The story takes place over several years and the moves between the past and present where we learn more about the characters. Martin loses him job and his mother, his only remaining parent. Feeling a bit lost he sees the role of lighthouse keeper on Ynys Dwynwen and is surprised when he gets the job. The sea also holds significance to Martin as he lost his dad at sea and the mystery surrounding his disappearance has never been solved. Although it takes Martin a little while to get use to the solitary life of being The Keeper he does eventually take to it and realises that he doesn’t mind living alone on the island with the yearly visit from the school. It was interesting to see Gayle and Martin interact for the first time especially when it transpires that they were in a relationship many years ago. So the story follows Gayle and Martin rebuilding their friendship and it turning into something more. The spark was always there it just took them time to rediscover it.
When I started to read I was under the impression that Martin and Gayle didn't know each other but as we get further into the story we realise that they have more history than we're led to believe. It was Gayle who ended their relationship. I felt really sad for Martin when his relationship with Gayle ended at university because Gayle made a snap decision believing that Martin wasn’t going anywhere in life without knowing the full facts. The reality was that Martin was going through a tough time. He was trying to write a novel but was using the excuse of the novel to care for his mother whose health was declining. Gayle only finds out the truth when she reconnects with Martin years later and then feels bad about her decision.
I felt very conflicted when Gayle met her current partner Tom because their relationship seemed to move super-fast but he was a character I didn’t like at all. Gayle finds herself being swept off her feet, living a life of privilege where money isn’t an issue and she can have anything she wants. But is Gayle really happy; the answer is no. The highlight of this book for me was Gayle’s best friend Donna because she sees Tom for who he really is. She is vocal about the fact that to Tom, Gayle is another project, that he has spent years moulding her into what he wants Gayle to be rather than accepting her for the person she is. Tom doesn't seem to appreciate that Gayle is a smart and accomplished woman who is a trained lawyer and was practising law before she decided to become a teaching assistant. As far as Tom is concerned Gayle would be better off giving up her role working with children and become his glorified secretary and someone who looks pretty on his arm. There was one scene in particular when Martin realises that an important event is taking place where I was willing for him to say how he felt and found myself shouting at the book. There were also quite a few funny parts in this book and I did get Tom Hanks in Castaway vibes off Martin especially when he refers to a seal who he calls Bruce and the conversations that they have.
This was definitely a thought provoking book and the message that I took away is that it's never too late to find love. It might take a while but it’s worth the wait.
The first time I saw a lighthouse I was very young and I was completely enchanted by it and the stories that surrounded it of tragedy, loss and of love. Ever since then I've always been fascinated by lighthouses and that's probably what drew me to this book. I can only describe this book as a heart-warming read filled with emotion. In parts I was laughing and at other times I was sad for the characters.
The story takes place over several years and the moves between the past and present where we learn more about the characters. Martin loses him job and his mother, his only remaining parent. Feeling a bit lost he sees the role of lighthouse keeper on Ynys Dwynwen and is surprised when he gets the job. The sea also holds significance to Martin as he lost his dad at sea and the mystery surrounding his disappearance has never been solved. Although it takes Martin a little while to get use to the solitary life of being The Keeper he does eventually take to it and realises that he doesn’t mind living alone on the island with the yearly visit from the school. It was interesting to see Gayle and Martin interact for the first time especially when it transpires that they were in a relationship many years ago. So the story follows Gayle and Martin rebuilding their friendship and it turning into something more. The spark was always there it just took them time to rediscover it.
When I started to read I was under the impression that Martin and Gayle didn't know each other but as we get further into the story we realise that they have more history than we're led to believe. It was Gayle who ended their relationship. I felt really sad for Martin when his relationship with Gayle ended at university because Gayle made a snap decision believing that Martin wasn’t going anywhere in life without knowing the full facts. The reality was that Martin was going through a tough time. He was trying to write a novel but was using the excuse of the novel to care for his mother whose health was declining. Gayle only finds out the truth when she reconnects with Martin years later and then feels bad about her decision.
I felt very conflicted when Gayle met her current partner Tom because their relationship seemed to move super-fast but he was a character I didn’t like at all. Gayle finds herself being swept off her feet, living a life of privilege where money isn’t an issue and she can have anything she wants. But is Gayle really happy; the answer is no. The highlight of this book for me was Gayle’s best friend Donna because she sees Tom for who he really is. She is vocal about the fact that to Tom, Gayle is another project, that he has spent years moulding her into what he wants Gayle to be rather than accepting her for the person she is. Tom doesn't seem to appreciate that Gayle is a smart and accomplished woman who is a trained lawyer and was practising law before she decided to become a teaching assistant. As far as Tom is concerned Gayle would be better off giving up her role working with children and become his glorified secretary and someone who looks pretty on his arm. There was one scene in particular when Martin realises that an important event is taking place where I was willing for him to say how he felt and found myself shouting at the book. There were also quite a few funny parts in this book and I did get Tom Hanks in Castaway vibes off Martin especially when he refers to a seal who he calls Bruce and the conversations that they have.
This was definitely a thought provoking book and the message that I took away is that it's never too late to find love. It might take a while but it’s worth the wait.
June 26, 2023
This is a beautiful story of love,loss and what is important to us in the world we currently live in. Although this is essentially a light-hearted easy read if you look carefully below the surface there are hidden messages to the reader as to what is exactly important in relationships of many kinds. At first glance this appears to be a story of boy meets girl, boy loses girl due to not telling her the true reason about why he is not working, boy finds girl again in the future and will he eventually get his girl.
Whether or not I was just reading too much into the sub story or not I just don't know but when I did start looking at the undercurrents I thought it was very cleverly written to include several aspects of modern day life that many of us are concerned about. Also it does get you questioning what are the important elements of what we have and experience.
The story evolves over several years and is certainly not a fast rekindling of passions lost, however, for me, this is one of the intriguing aspects of the way David has written the book, alternating between Gayle and Martin in different chapters and comparing their vastly differing lives and how much in control they are of what influences them.
This is a story that will take a couple of days to read and leave you feeling as though you have got to know Gayle and Martin well in the intervening years.
A lovely 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read that will have you yearning to spend time on your own little island where the lighthouse never goes out.
Whether or not I was just reading too much into the sub story or not I just don't know but when I did start looking at the undercurrents I thought it was very cleverly written to include several aspects of modern day life that many of us are concerned about. Also it does get you questioning what are the important elements of what we have and experience.
The story evolves over several years and is certainly not a fast rekindling of passions lost, however, for me, this is one of the intriguing aspects of the way David has written the book, alternating between Gayle and Martin in different chapters and comparing their vastly differing lives and how much in control they are of what influences them.
This is a story that will take a couple of days to read and leave you feeling as though you have got to know Gayle and Martin well in the intervening years.
A lovely 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read that will have you yearning to spend time on your own little island where the lighthouse never goes out.
October 6, 2023
Picking up the latest David M Barnett book, I kind of knew what to expect - and that was OK, his books are enjoyable and reading them is always fun....
What I forgot, of course, is the hidden depths, the curveballs, the twists, and just HOW bloody good this man is at writing characters.
While I still hanker after the brilliant madness of Gideon Smith or an Angleglass, I tend to forget just how adept Barnett has become at creating an emotional rollercoaster, one that grabs you before you've even noticed and doesn't let you go.
On the surface, this is a story about two people who find each other after many years.
But there's so much more going on.
There's identity, grief, loss, a dubious tale about The Kinks - and Bruce.
In many ways, Bruce is the real star of the show, offering perspective and humour, warmth and insight.
But all the characters are so well drawn, so real, it's hard to pick out the star when they all shine so brightly. The supporting cast almost deserve a book of their own.
Sometimes, when someone does something so well, we can be guilty of taking it a little bit for granted.
It's important, and wonderfully rewarding, to be reminded of the rare skill that is at work weaving a wonderful tale.
What I forgot, of course, is the hidden depths, the curveballs, the twists, and just HOW bloody good this man is at writing characters.
While I still hanker after the brilliant madness of Gideon Smith or an Angleglass, I tend to forget just how adept Barnett has become at creating an emotional rollercoaster, one that grabs you before you've even noticed and doesn't let you go.
On the surface, this is a story about two people who find each other after many years.
But there's so much more going on.
There's identity, grief, loss, a dubious tale about The Kinks - and Bruce.
In many ways, Bruce is the real star of the show, offering perspective and humour, warmth and insight.
But all the characters are so well drawn, so real, it's hard to pick out the star when they all shine so brightly. The supporting cast almost deserve a book of their own.
Sometimes, when someone does something so well, we can be guilty of taking it a little bit for granted.
It's important, and wonderfully rewarding, to be reminded of the rare skill that is at work weaving a wonderful tale.
August 20, 2023
A new David M Barnett book! Christmas has come early! It tells the story of Martin and Gayle over a prolonged period. They had been in a relationship, at university, but went their separate ways afterwards. We meet them again in their 30th year. Martin is drifting, while Gayle has a budding career as a lawyer. Martin’s mother dies on the same day that he loses his job, and his girlfriend. With nothing more to lose, he takes a job as a lighthouse keeper on an isolated island just off the coast of North Wales. Meanwhile Gayle has moved on. She takes a job as a teaching assistant where she reconnects with Martin on a visit to the island. This book is tagged as a romance. Technically, I’m no fan of this genre but I loved this book. I loved the familiar setting (North Wales and the North West of England) and I loved all the characters. Gayle’s feisty friend Donna; raunchy Mrs Carruthers, who lives upstairs to Martin; Gwyn who brings supplies to the island and young George Bentley. A lovely cosy satisfying read. I finished it in one day!
October 3, 2023
Lighthouses are popular subjects for books. Even Alan Partridge is getting in on the act these days. But most of them get it wrong in so many ways. My dad was a lightkeeper, and I grew up at lighthouses all around the coast of Scotland, including Tarbat Ness and Scurdie Ness; if you’re going to appropriate my culture, at least have the decency to do your research. In this review I will list every detail David Barnett gets wrong about lighthouses, including…
Nah, that would be silly. This is a lovely and charming book about a magical place and the effect it has on the broken lives of two lonely people over the course of a decade. There’s also a talking seal called Bruce who communes with the spirits of the shipwrecked dead, if romance isn’t quite your thing, and meditations on humankind’s place in the natural world. The resolution is never in doubt, but it’s the journey, not the destination that’s important, and David Barnett takes us on a magical journey.
Can’t resist just one thing, though. It’s “lightkeeper”, not “lighthouse keeper”. They keep the light, not the house.
Nah, that would be silly. This is a lovely and charming book about a magical place and the effect it has on the broken lives of two lonely people over the course of a decade. There’s also a talking seal called Bruce who communes with the spirits of the shipwrecked dead, if romance isn’t quite your thing, and meditations on humankind’s place in the natural world. The resolution is never in doubt, but it’s the journey, not the destination that’s important, and David Barnett takes us on a magical journey.
Can’t resist just one thing, though. It’s “lightkeeper”, not “lighthouse keeper”. They keep the light, not the house.
March 2, 2024
This was quite simply a delight, especially coming off the back of having just read a far darker fantasy thriller. The story captivated me from the start. Excellent character building, an interesting premise, good pacing, humour, heartbreak and a satisfying conclusion all came together to create a really enjoyable read. This is more than just a romance story, touching on topics including parental loss, coercive control and environmental protection, but all integrated beautifully into the story so they didn't feel out of place or like the author was preaching. I'll definitely be checking out more of Barnett's books after reading this one.
June 24, 2023
What a beautiful story, you are bound to fall in love with not just the story but with all the lovely characters too. The setting sounds idyllic and perfect. It is a tender love story about two lonely souls that are brought together by chance and it showed me if you want something that much, grab the bull by its horns and go for it. If you don't you will regret it. I loved the pace of this read and read it throughout a day, you will go through all the emotions, I laughed, I cried and I felt all warm and fuzzy. It is a beautiful story and I loved it.
August 20, 2023
What a gem of a book! Such a gently written story - don’t know how else to put it - with sharp and very funny moments popping up between the pages. The characters are so human, yet exquisite. This book made me feel every emotion and I found myself crying from frustration and sadness on behalf of these wonderful characters and this incredible island, as well as holding my breath in hope. This book’s light will never go out for me.
July 24, 2024
I would suggest doing a little more work on yourself before getting married at all. Unsurprising but still disappointing that in the 21st century, men are still depicting these pathetic caricatures of women and women are still paying to lap up the caricatures.
I would have given this 0 stars if it were an option.
I would have given this 0 stars if it were an option.
July 25, 2023
I can not describe the beauty of this book. There are stories of long lost love and drowned ships and people who never found their way home. Nature is described magically, and the harmful effects of pollution caused by humans are heartbreaking. I loved Martin and Gayle and talking seal, Bruce. I loved the characters' growth throughout. An uplifting book. Highly recommended.
June 25, 2023
When I read the title I thought about The Smith's song and somehow the characters could sing it, excluding the double decker bus.
It's cute, escapist and a good summer read.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's cute, escapist and a good summer read.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 16, 2023
wow what i can say?! i loved this book. i fell in love with the characters straight away and was so invested in their stories, throw in the mix a magical island and it’s the perfect recipe for a great read. A great story and a great read
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