From The New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Came Home comes a historical novel inspired by true events, and the extraordinary female lighthouse keepers of the past two hundred years.“They call me a heroine, but I am not deserving of such accolades. I am just an ordinary young woman who did her duty.”1838: Northumberland, England. Longstone Lighthouse on the Farne Islands has been … Longstone Lighthouse on the Farne Islands has been Grace Darling’s home for all of her twenty-two years. When she and her father rescue shipwreck survivors in a furious storm, Grace becomes celebrated throughout England, the subject of poems, ballads, and plays. But far more precious than her unsought fame is the friendship that develops between Grace and a visiting artist. Just as George Emmerson captures Grace with his brushes, she in turn captures his heart.
1938: Newport, Rhode Island. Nineteen-years-old and pregnant, Matilda Emmerson has been sent away from Ireland in disgrace. She is to stay with Harriet, a reclusive relative and assistant lighthouse keeper, until her baby is born. A discarded, half-finished portrait opens a window into Matilda’s family history. As a deadly hurricane approaches, two women, living a century apart, will be linked forever by their instinctive acts of courage and love.
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This book caught my attention and kept me enthralled.
It was not until I finished this book and came to the author’s notes that I learned the story was based on an actual historic heroine. That added even more impact. I enjoyed the manner in which fact and fiction were artfully woven and spun into an engrossing dual tale, connecting two women, one hundred years apart. Smooth-flowing, well-written and atmospheric.
A masterpiece written by a gifted author! I love all the characters and this story captured my heart and engulfed me in all ranges of emotions and just wouldn’t let go! Thank you Hazel Gaynor for introducing me to Grace Darling!
Hazel Gaynor has done it again.
I did not want this book to end, it is a beautiful story.
Historical fiction.
This author carefully weaves the stories of women and the lighthouses they ‘man.’ It was sad and uncomfortable a few times. After all, we always want everyone to be happy … right. This book, as in real life, has its disappointments. It is a decent read.
Hazel Gaynor is a favorite author, her stories never fail to hold your interest. Each of her novels center around an Historical event, with entirely believable characters
Loved this book and it kept my interest from beginning to end! My first time read for this author but it won’t be the last!
Engrossing historically accurate
Favorite Quotes:
“Mam was at her snoring again. Thought it was the cannons firing from Bamburgh to signal a shipwreck.” He opens one eye. “Don’t tell her I said that.”
I’ve seen how often women marry and become less of themselves, like scraps of pastry cut away and reused in some other, less important way.
She is utterly in thrall of him and I am ashamed to feel a prick of jealousy as I observe her, knowing she will never look at me that way. Daughters never hold their mother’s affection the way their sons do. Daughters are dutiful, dependable and disposable. Sons are brave and admirable, essential to the continuation of the family line.
But it isn’t just her face he can’t forget. It’s the particular sense of purpose and determination that dripped from her like honey from a spoon. So slender in form and yet so immense in personality and character.
She gazes up at me with eyes the color of winter seas and I see in her some greater wisdom; as if she understands that she is not just my daughter, but the sum of generations of strong courageous women who came before her, an echo of them all lingering in her soul.
My Review:
It wasn’t until I had finished reading that I noticed that this epic and poignant book was based on true events, and while I was already impressed by the artistry and quality of the book, that little nugget just blew me away. The writing was beautifully rendered, lushly detailed, and emotively crafted to hit all the feels. The storylines were complex and well woven, yet felt authentic from beginning to end. I cannot imagine the massive amount of research required for such an undertaking. I – am – in – awe.
Such a pleasure to read a story about Grace Darling and 3 other strong women. I loved the storyline of Sarah and the loss she suffered. I’m not always a fan of dual timelines with different characters but this one really worked for me.