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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A different style book for me, but I really liked it. It was hard to put down, shifting from one generation to another. This author was able to finish the story so you feel you have come to the end of their story.
This was definitely a page turner. I enjoyed going back and forth from the two women and the relationships. The descriptions of lighthouses was interesting and what it takes to maintain and work as a lighthouse keeper.
I finished this book quickly because I couldn’t put it down. I had never heard of the main character, Grace Darling, who was a real person. There is a lot of information on the internet on her. Her dad was the lighthouse keeper and it gives you an insight on family life in a lighthouse, along with the duties and dedication of these people. The book is very well written and one that will stick with you.
This was an interesting story with well defined setting and a good ending.
Hard to follow. Jumping from one generation to another becomes confusing. Poorly written. No, I’d not recommend this bookl.
I enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about light houses and the people who keep them running. I was surprised by the number of women from the past that had “womaned ” the lighthouses.
Interesting story moving between two time periods.
I really enjoyed this book. love light houses anyway and it gave a lot of info. great characters.
This book was so touching and so well integrated between the story of the different characters and different generations ….I loved it thank you
A great page turner. I had a hard time putting it down. Wonderful story.
This is a great historical fiction book. I knew nothing of the great women light house keepers. The author takes you to that place in time.
Great storyline
Keeps you wanting to read more. Hard to put down
I loved this book especially that it was based on true life and not all fictional. A true life heroine, Grace Darling, was truly inspirational.
Glorious technicolor landscapes and seascapes and brilliant characters underpin this compelling read. I’ve read and enjoyed Hazel Gaynor’s books before, and this one I think is perhaps her most inspiring.
I cried
I loved this book. After I was done the story compelled me to look up books about all the women lighthouse keepers in US history. Excellent read.
Love all of her books. This one very interesting and great characters, with a different ending. Very romantic
A good story and the author makes you want to see that lighthouse. While it is a sad love story, it also beckons you to understand the characters, and I loved the span of generations and history created in the writing.
The story is 2 stories in one. One taking place in 1838 and the other in 1938, about 4 women who all some sort of tragedy in their lives. In those times women didn’t really get choices in life styles, either what their families dictated or society demanded. These 4 women did the best they could and helped each other out in their own timelines.
It is well written and moves along nicely with a surprising ending.