The Last Lighthouse Keeper

by Alan Titchmarsh

From the presenter of 'How to be a Gardener' comes this entertaining novel.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, British Literature, Modern

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a fan of Romances in general and there is no denying that this is one, but it has a bit more to it than just boy meets girl, falls in love, overcomes some sort of obstacle and ends up happily ever after.

Firstly it is written by a male author which always gives things a different slant. Secondly it is set in Cornwall which is one of my favourite places in the world. And then it is written in such a pleasant, easy way which makes reading it a pleasure. It does go a bit crazy at times with a rather outrageous mystery involving smuggling and a very unlikely pair of criminals but it is all entertainment and a very nice way to spend a few hours.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alan Titchmarsh gained fame in the UK as a gifted and knowledgeable gardener on TV, so, I was very surprised to discover that he also writes romantic novels. The setting is the rugged and beautiful Cornwall, a favorite place for vacations when we had a young family in the latter half of the 1980s, and now famous for the TV show Doc Martin! The story was interesting and overall, it was a very pleasant read and a nice change from my usual fare. There was even a bit of humor here and there, and some colorful characters including the awful McDermott's with their fancy boat, which the author described as "Titanic tupperware!"

[Fern A · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read for rainy days and Sunday afternoons. A fairly predictable romance storyline that I didn’t really feel too bothered by one way or another however I did like the scenery descriptions of Cornwall.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author’s books. Light hearted and enjoyable. Set in beautiful Cornwall. Characters are fun and believable.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and lively little read with good character studies and lovely descriptions of Cornwall and the sea. A bit predictable but a good read.

[Jaza42 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very comfortable novel (not in a bad sense at all!) to read when you feel you need a simple tale of new beginnings. I loved the main character except for a while near the end. There's an effort to properly characterize the protagonist's love interest, but it's not always achieved completely. The small-town environment contributes to a sense of coziness; and if you like boats, you're in for a treat.

I agree with the cover: this novel is indeed nautical but nice.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, though it was predictable etc. Love the Cornish setting and Characters.
A nice, quick, don't have to think too much read.

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Während der letzten sechs Jahre hat Will Elliott als Leuchtturmwärter auf Prince Albert Rock gearbeitet. Als der Leuchtturm automatisiert wird, verliert er seine Stelle und sieht sich seinem großen Traum ein großes Stück näher. Schon immer wollte er um Großbritannien herumsegeln. Was ihm fehlte, waren ein Boot und ausreichend Zeit. Beide hat er jetzt, denn er hat sich direkt in das Boot verliebt, das er sich eigentlich nur unverbindlich ansehen wollte. Eigentlich könnte er aufbrechen, aber sein Boot ist nicht das Einzige, in der er sich verliebt hat.

Ich gebe zu, ich habe mich vom Wort Leuchtturm im Titel blenden lassen und nicht auf den Inhalt geachtet. Sonst hätte ich gemerkt, dass das Buch eigentlich nichts für mich ist. Ich sage "eigentlich", weil es mir überraschend gut gefallen hat. Dass Will und die Malerin Amy sich mehr als nur sympathisch finden, war bei ihrer ersten Begegnung schon klar. Aber beide haben ihre letzte Beziehung nicht überwunden, deshalb ist der Weg in eine gemeinsame Zukunft nicht einfach.

Aber der Autor erzählt nicht nur eine Liebesgeschichte, auch in diesem Jahrhundert treiben immer noch Schmuggler an der Küste von Cornwall ihr Unwesen. Dazu kommen noch ein paar bunte und ein paar undurchsichtige Charaktere, ein dramatischer Sturm und fertig ist die nette Lektüre für zwischendurch. Ein wenig vorhersehbar, aber nie langweilig.

[Janhmmn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lighthouse is being automated, so Will and the other lighthouse keepers are out of a job. Will has an ambition to sail around the coast of the UK, so he buys a boat and does her up. But other events take over his plans.
I really enjoyed this book; it's a light read, with some suspense and a few interwoven storylines to give it some depth and substance. There are some great characters and a few surprises.

[Rho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story. Found it by accident at a used book sale. Boats, English coast, smuggling and the search for contentment and happiness

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great little page turner! I love the story and I was able to imagine myself being in Cornwall, away from the big cities and close to the coast. Great for a Sunday afternoon read.

[Helen Birkbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted an easy, enjoyable light mystery to read while my husband was in hospital and this was it. The characters were a bit predictable but all reasonably interesting and the Cornish setting was lovingly drawn. It's a little clichéd having the tragic handsome hero swept off his feet by the impossibly beautiful damsel in distress, but sometimes it's what you need. As I love boats and cats I enjoyed those elements, even if the horror of drug smuggling didn't quite fit with the idyllic, romantic storyline. I was glad to find few spelling and grammar howlers as well.

[Lisa Lotter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m usually a fan of Alan Titchmarsh and I love listening to him narrate but this book was just so meh .
I kept drifting off because the whole storyline was just so dull. It was a lacklustre romance with some boating references thrown in.
Some of the characters were likeable but the protagonist, Will, was so dull I couldn’t even visualise him.
I’ll read more of Alan’s books but this one fell flat for me.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this book quite unique, I'm a romance reader so I've read lots of romance books before but this is totally different. I learned a lot about boats and stuff and the nautical terms too. It also contains a bit of mystery but overall I really loved how this story differs from the rest. It's not predictable and the story is simple but heartwarming.

[Julie Dunnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light frothy and enjoyable. I liked the idea that Boy Jack was one of the Dunkirk small boats but I would have liked that to be made more of the overall story. Bit too neat and tidy an ending though!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book with all its twists and turns. The characters are finely drawn with much depth from their life experiences. The boat was described perfectly in her shaby to rehabilitated state. The cat added a nice touch. Extremely likeable book!

[Karen wadey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little book, with nice people and a nice storyline. My only criticism there is not enough seafaring.

[Tracey- Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read

[Angela Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will, former lighthouse keeper prepares to sail around the British coastline and fulfill his lifetime ambition. He finds a boat but then life in Cornwall stalls him.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Alan book. Liked it. A Nice easy read.

[Sammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. The first two-thirds were all right, but the final third was pretty rubbish. I usually adore anything to do with the seaside, but this fell pretty flat on its face by the end. Shame.

[Michelle Wiles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable romantic novel, with a bit of mystery thrown in. I would definitely recommend.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, relaxing read.

[charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice holiday read, enjoyed all the boaty bits. Bit weird reading sex scenes knowing Alan Titchmarsh wrote it... felt awkward, like your grandpa had written it and embarrassed to be reading it!

[Aruna Kumar Gadepalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy and quick read. Life after a lighthouse is automated.

[RJC · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute tripe. It didnt even get to the 'Bad Sex' bit.

[Janey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Alan's best novel. Good story well told.

[Mark Rudd · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very light read. it is no suprise that love wins in the end.

[Anna Tjepkema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retired lighthouse keeper buys a boat to sail around England, but falls in love.

[Jenny Winder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read