Chasing happiness and finding joy are two very different things–as Jaynie Highsmith has discovered. Can she give up searching for the one and reclaim the other? Or is she fated to repeat the mistakes her mother made? Jaynie Highsmith grows up in Cub Creek on Hope Road acutely aware of the irony of its name, Hope, because she wants nothing more than to escape from it and the chaos of her … chaos of her childhood. Desperate to leave her past behind and make a new life, she is determined to become the best version of herself she can create. But when she does take off, she also leaves ~ and forgets ~ important parts of her past and herself.
The new life is everything she wants, or so she thinks until she finds herself repeating the same mistakes her mother made. Is Jaynie destined for unhappiness? Is it like mother, like daughter? Did running away only delay the unhappiness she fears she is destined for?
Seventeen years after leaving home, Jaynie needs a new fresh start and returning to Cub Creek is critical, but she promises herself that the visit will be as short as possible and then she’ll be out and free again. However, a longer stay may be vital to her future because if she has any hope of changing her destiny, Jaynie must reconcile the past she turned her back on with her present.
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Readers can always depend on Grace Greene to give them a beautifully written book with well developed and believable characters. Her new book is no exception and is my new favorite book by her.
Jaynie lives in rural Virginia with her mother and older brother. Her father died years earlier in an accident and her mother had never gone on with her life after he died. She has a bad temper and takes it out on her children – especially her daughter. The only person in Jaynie’s world that she feels cares about her is her elderly neighbor Ruth who listens to her and gives her lots of advice for her future. As she planned, Jaynie left town as soon as she graduated and took a job in the city. When she moved, she leaves behind – and forgets – parts of her past. She even takes a new name and everyone calls her Ruth. Her memories of her childhood are that her mother was never a mother to her and that her life was miserable. Seventeen years after leaving, Jaynie returns to her home. She plans to be there briefly, sell her mother’s house and start over again somewhere new. Things have changed and she realizes that she needs to stay longer than she’s planned. A longer stay may be vital to her future because if she wants to change her future and find happiness, she needs to remember her past and make changes to her present attitudes to find happiness.
This is a novel about family and love and forgiveness — not just forgiveness of people who have wronged you but more importantly forgiveness of yourself. You have to know where you came from and who you are right now to be able to move into the future with a good outlook on life. It was very interesting to she Jaynie reconcile with her past and grow as a person. This book has fantastic characters, a bit of mystery and a great romance with the boy next door — what can be better then that.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
This story is told with a reverent beauty that readers have come to expect from Grace Greene. Jayne Highsmith had a difficult childhood and her goal was to leave and never return. Her neighbor, Miss Ruth, was her mentor always sharing bits of wisdom that remain with Jayne long after she leaves home. Years later Jayne reluctantly returns and uncovers pieces of herself and learns the answer to finding peace lies within. Jayne was a relatable character and I found myself reminiscing along with her of the simpler childhood memories that shape us as adults.
A Light Last Seen by Grace Greene is a touching story of a young girl struggling to grow up in rural Virginia. Living with her troubled mother and an older brother counting the days until he can move away, Jaynie spends much time alone at her special place in the woods until a chance encounter with a dragonfly and a grandmotherly neighbor sparks a deep, if unlikely, friendship. Having known Jaynie’s mother since she was a child, Ruth takes Jaynie under her wing, always offering a kind shoulder and often sharing her philosophies on life.
Jayne is to young to understand most of Ruth’s life lessons at the time, but returning home as an adult she comes to understand Ruth’s most important messages : we each interpret a situation based on our personal experiences, and do not get so caught up in worrying and planning for what comes next that you miss the joy in who and where you are right now.
As with all author Grace Greene’s work, this story is beautifully written. Well developed, relatable characters and scenery painted with words that transport you to the countryside have become trademark of her books – as is an uplifting storyline that reminds us that in even the most difficult situations, responding with patience, kindness, and forgiveness is always an option, the best option.
I enjoyed everything about A Light Last Seen and highly recommend for anyone seeking a lovely story of family, forgiveness, and finding joy in your true self.
A Light Last Seen by Grace Greene, published by Kersey Creek Books
A beautifully written, heartwarming book. I highly recommend it!
For an uplifting read, you can’t go wrong with a story by Grace Greene. In A LIGHT LAST SEEN, you’ll instantly relate to Jaynie Highsmith, her struggles, and her ability to rise above her life’s difficulties. A heartwarming, highly recommended book.
This is such an amazingly beautiful story about family, resilience, acceptance, forgiveness, growth, and love. As with all of Grace’s stories, I was immediately swept up in the world she created and became immersed in Jayne’s life.
Jayne had a rough life growing up, with a mother who was not always there for her. So when she had a chance to get out of there, she took it. Years later, she has to come back home and relive some of those bad memories. But she also discovers some of the good from that time as well.
A Light Last Seen captured my heart from the very first lines and let me escape my life for a little bit. I loved everything about this book and loved watching Jayne work through her past to find happiness in her present.
I grew up a little bit like Jaynie, the main character in A Light Last Seen, so I felt a bit of a connection, but by the end of the story I felt as if I had lived the entire thing, that I had experienced everything Jaynie had. That’s how good a storyteller Grace Greene is.
Jaynie’s childhood isn’t happy. It’s chaotic and she feels unloved. She’s not comfortable with herself or her surroundings. No real friends except for her elderly neighbor Ruth and occasionally Ruth’s grandson Wyatt when he comes to visit his grandmother.
So when Jaynie gets the chance to move and start a new life, she jumps at it. Family is forgotten and that’s how she wants it. She’s so desperate to cut all ties with her past that she even tells everyone she meets her name is Ruth. She becomes a business success and meets and marries Justin. But although she’s gotten what she wanted and is now labeled a success, the story suddenly slows down, building a feeling that is almost of dread. Rather than the way she was engaged in the childhood life she despised and needed to escape, she seems almost an observer looking at this life, not living it. And seventeen years after leaving Cub Creek everything comes crashing down and she’s right back where she started.
A Light Last Seen isn’t a second chance story. Jaynie was always drawn to Wyatt but she doesn’t grow up, move away and then come right back to a happy-ever-after reunion with him. There is some work to be done for both of them. It almost feels like an uneasy truce between them when they meet again. She’s mean and mostly unpleasant, ready to move her brother Mitch out of the family home, more the family shack, without a second thought. She’s scared, unsure, and acting almost like her mother. Has she ever been happy? Can she?
She’s going to be stuck in Cub Creek for a while and begins to reflect. She thinks, “Justin and my time with him had faded somehow – as if the time with him had actually belonged to someone else. Had faded as everything here became more real.” And then I got it and once again realized just how good a writer Grace Greene is. The distant feeling of her life with Justin, being on the outside looking in was intentionally written that way. Wow. And now Ruth/Jaynie needs to look even deeper within herself and decide just how much she is going to allow anger and suspicion and fear to control her life.
I was a fan of Grace Green’s books before I read this book. But I think A Light Last Seen is my favorite of all, which is saying a lot. It touched my heart, brilliantly crafted with so many believable characters and a storyline that kept me turning pages. The setting and atmosphere of Cub Creek makes me want to go there.
I was provided an advance copy of A Light Last Seen for an honest review if I chose to leave one. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
A Light Last Seen by Grace Greene was a quick read because I just wanted to keep reading. Jaynie was born into circumstances she couldn’t control and she wanted to escape, but was she only seeing the bad? She was blessed with a mentor next door who stayed with her even when she left, but she fell into the trappings of what looked perfect from the outside. Is it too late to find the joy or will she be able to resolve her past and move into the present?
A Really Good Rock. You know how sometimes you just stumble across a really good rock right when you happen to *need* a really good rock? That’s what this book feels like – that really good rock that you happen to need in right that moment. So stop reading this review and pick this book up and start reading it. You’ll be glad you did. Very much recommended.
Grace Greene never fails to create heartwarming characters who leap off the page and instantly feel like neighbors and family. Jaynie, a young girl struggling to grow up despite her mother’s mental abuse, befriends her neighbor, the very colorful Ruth Berry. From Ruth she learns life-isms that she won’t truly understand until years later when she finally reaches what she thinks is her life’s goal; to leave home and never return. But, life will come full-circle for Jaynie and while her reluctant return home makes her feel like a failure, she will learn the meaning of Ruth’s most important lesson – never lose yourself.
I really liked this story and cared about the characters, I almost felt part of their lives. I really like Grace Greene’s stories and will continue to read them.
Thank you to the author and publisher for may advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own
What kid/teenager can’t wait to leave their blast behind and start a new life. Well, Jayne was no different. Growing up in Virginia with her mother and brother. Her dad died when she was young.
Step into Cub Creek and feel the emotions, wisdom and lessons as you turn the pages of this wonderful story. This book touched my heart as I listened to what Ruth had to say.
Thank you Grace Greene.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions expressed are my own.
I was given an advanced copy of this book, but I am writing this of my own free will. Jayne was a unique character. She was looking for happiness, but leaving a part of her true self behind. Not your usual happy-ever-after book.
Being very familiar with the southern and northern parts of Virginia where Jaynie’s story takes place, this really hit home! Grace has created a magnificent writing of Jaynie’s life. From the down home country feel filled with wisdom from the local elders and nights around the campfire watching fireflies to the inner big city feel filled with cluster and heavy workloads and the busyness, Jaynie’s story takes her to both. It’s the feels I miss from being in those areas and the people that conform them. From folks struggling with life to those who have so much, this story pulled heartstrings! The characters believable, their story resonating with real life, grab tissues as this story is very touching. And to have a grandma such as Ruth, oh how I really enjoyed her! I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Another beautiful book by Grace Greene. Grace set this book in Cub Creek too. Maybe a tie in with her others down the line down the line some time…
Oh what a beautiful book this is. Grace Greene never disappoints with original characters that are real and her lyrical prose.
Jaynie, aka Ruth, and finally Jayne struggles to accept who she is and to be satisfied with herself. Thankfully along the journey she has the help of a wonderful woman and character in Ruth Berry(can I just say I loved her lessons on life).
This is more of making the best of the life you have, rather than a romance, but you do have Wyatt to help with that.
Grace Greene’s books are real, there is no fantasy about them. They deal with real people struggling with real situations, and if you pay attention you might even learn some life lessons along the way.
Cub Creek holds secrets. But it is also full of wisdom, life lessons, forgiveness and love. Grace Greene has captured my heart in this beautiful written book. Cub Creek was home to Jaynie Highsmith and she couldn’t wait to escape for a bigger and better life. Seventeen years later, she returns looking for her inner light. You will be drawn into Jayne’s search for her true self. The author’s way with words will paint you right into Cub Creek and you will lose yourself in the pages of A Light Last Seen. I highly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed!
“In the heart of Virginia, where the forests hide secrets and the creeks run strong and deep” is a place called Cub Creek. A place that has meadows filled with colorful flowers and butterflies to chase. Dirt roads and Cub Creek to jump over and disappear into the woods. A living and rural place that draws the reader to the setting and the characters who have stories to tell. A place with light and darkness and as unique as the characters who live there.
When I opened the beautiful cover of this book I stepped into the Cub Creek world and met the main character, Jaynie Highsmith. This is her story. She wrapped herself around my heart from the very beginning of the book. Jaynie is a little girl growing up with a mom who’s harsh and has her priorities in the wrong order. Jaynie avoids her as much as possible and in that she becomes friends with the grandmotherly neighbor, Ms. Ruth. This sweet lady shares with Jaynie so much love, wisdom and advice. She tells Jaynie she has an “extra strong” light within her. She tells Jaynie, “Most people start with it. The light, that is. Some have the glow stronger than others. But most try to dim their own personal light so they can fit in, finally burying it beneath all the stuff-the rules, the griefs, the hungers of life-and forgetting the light was ever there.” Jaynie loves this lady so very much. Grace Greene weaves these lessons throughout the book as she takes us on Janie’s emotionally touching journey. It’s not always easy for Jaynie as she tries to keep those wise words “in her toolbox” alive in her life.
Grace Greene wrote a story that touched my heart. It is filled with so much wisdom and lessons that I can apply to my life. I appreciated the lesson involving the dragonfly. The characters are real. They have emotions that I can relate to. This book was page turning from the front cover to the back. A true experience I found myself immersed in as I became connected to the characters and the beautiful writing that creates the images that drew me in.
Grace Greene is such a wonderful storyteller and “A Light Last Seen” is a wonderful story. One that has a meaningful message about finding our true selves and letting the light within us shine. Taking what life has dealt us and growing into a better person because of it. Here is a passage of Janie’s thoughts, “Thoughts of the dragonfly and Ruth’s long-ago words seemed to entwine-own it or it will own you. All will be well, I told myself. One way or another. I had the know-how and the tools, thanks to Ms. Ruth.”
I want to thank Ms. Greene for the honor and privilege of reading an ARC of this remarkable work of fiction that I enjoyed so very much. A bright five star read for me. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.
Children are born innocent. They are born with a light in them that us as adults can make shine brighter or put completely out. Some mothers don’t have what it takes to make the light brighter. Some only think of themselves. This is my description of the mother in this story.
Now for some of the things that truly stood out in this awesome book to me:
“Some choices are ours to make, and some are forced upon us. It’s what you do with those choices that turns them into opportunities.”
I felt like Jaynie again, the kid with dirty feet and tangled hair and a mother who thrived on drama. It was proof that no matter how hard you tried, no matter how far you lifted yourself up, or how long you sore that fresh new skin, you could never really shake the stink of where you started.
“One thing I’ve learned through my many mistakes and failures is that you have to come to terms with the past or you’ll never be free of it-you’ll never truly become who you’re meant to be.”
You can’t fix what’s broke with just a snap of the fingers. But you can fix it. The tools are all inside you. You can find them if you try.
Keep your light shining and you won’t get lost. Be true to yourself and you’ll be true in life and to everyone around you.
This is truly an inspirational story. It’s full of wisdom. Life lessons. Something for everyone in this one. The story of a childhood lost and found. A young girl, Jayne, who’s mother seems to not truly care about her as much as she should. Jayne befriends her neighbor, Ruth, and leans many valuable lessons along the way. Things that will help her later in life in ways she never truly expects.
There are a couple of mysteries in this story but all is answered. It’s full of wonderful characters and places. It’s a light hearted story that will leave you breathless and full of hope for everyone. This book touched my very heart in ways that I can never explain. I related to Jayne in many ways. Her childhood was a lot like mine. I do believe that Jayne’s mother had deep problems but that she deep down truly loved her daughter. I think when she lost her husband she lost a big part of herself and didn’t know how to get that back. That is no excuse for some of the things she did but it’s better than her just being a selfish woman who didn’t care at all. She never hit Jayne. She just took her for granted. Her and her brother Mitch. Mitch remembers when their mother truly laughed but Jayne never saw that side of her.
Jayne goes through a lot in her adult life also but she’s strong enough to walk away when she has too. She makes things work in her life. Ruth truly did give her the tools to be strong. I would like to think maybe her mother gave her some strength also.
This book will touch your heart for sure. It’s a great read. Grace Greene is a wonderful author and I have enjoyed several of her books. This one though is now my very favorite. It’s the most realistic story. It’s like stepping into the book and being a part of Jayne and Ruth as they sit around the fire and Ruth gives Jayne so much. Things that help her throughout her life.
Thank you to #GraceGreene for the eARC of this wonderful book. This is my own thoughts and review.
A HUGE 5 stars and a very high recommendation to everyone.
There was not much light in Jayne’s life growing up. What light that might shine through was quickly extinguished by life, it seemed. First Wyatt, her neighbors grandson, whom she found companionship with until rumors kept him away. Then her neighbor, Ruth, a kind, caring confidant whose home she wouid run to to escape a nurture-less environment, suddenly gone – more light turned to darkness. And, later….a marriage once bright, also loses its light.
Grace Greene’s story flows in a way that brings everything back full circle. Along the way you feel Jayne’s worry, despair, hope, strength and finally a touch of happiness when the light shines through again!
I hope there is more to this story in the works…maybe a dragonfly will let me know?