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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At first I wasn’t sure- then the more I read, the more the characters and events grabbed me. By the end, I was in tears and didn’t want to let go. Could have lived in this book for a long, long time. Highly recommend!
Love dual time lines
I enjoyed this book a great deal. I did feel bad for the protagonist that her life grew out of her control. Some was self inflicted other things were family obligations and the feelings of overwhelming attention. She missed her opportunity for real happiness which was heartbreaking. I would recommend this book.
Strong, courageous women. Great read.
Great characters. Kept me up late. Couldn’t put it down till was done. Yes-I cried. Wonderful informative story.
Stunning novel. Broke my heart with its authenticity. Characters so well developed.
A romantic and well written Historic novel based on a real historic heroine.
Began this book because I was desperate for something to read. Found myself sucked right on into the story! WOW!
A wonderful story involving Rhode Island, my favorite place to visit.
What a great book! The story of two courageous young women, one hundred years apart, but related to one another.
Grace Darling is the lighthouse keepers daughter; but she is so much more! She is an integral part of the lighthouse and keeping people safe. After the loss of a ship in a horrific storm, Grace and her father rescue the handful of survivors, at great risk to themselves. Among them is Sarah Emmerson, who has just lost her husband, and loses her two children in the shipwreck. For her courageous efforts Grace becomes famous, and the target of unscrupulous men who would like to use her fame for their own uses.
100 years later, Mathilda Emmerson lands in Rhode Island, pregnant and alone. She stays with Harriet, a relative and a lighthouse keeper. At first angry and confused, Mathilda finds the rhythms of the lighthouse and Newport comforting. As she reads the the lighthouse keepers manual that has been handed down from generation to generation in her family, she finally finds out who she is, descended from Sarah Emmerson and ….I can’t say anymore!
Beautifully written, impossible to put down, The Lighthouse Keepers Daughter is an amazing read!
B\\good book not great entertaining
Great read
Very enjoyable story.
Very informational
Great book! We all take for granted light house keepers but this described the challenges and dangers of maintaining the lighthouse and the loneliness. Grace’s daring and struggles bring the characters to life.
Loved it! I found myself going and researching Grace Darling’s life.
I loved this book and all the Graces!
It was well defined writing and a bit romantic but not too much.
Sad with no possible happy ending.
A good read with great characters to fall in love with