Lighthouse Bay

Lighthouse Bay

Kimberley Freeman

Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary (from Goodreads):  From the author of Wildflower Hill, this breathtaking novel travels more than a century between two love stories set in the Australian seaside town of Lighthouse Bay.

In 1901, a ship sinks off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The only survivor is Isabella Winterbourne, who clutches a priceless gift meant for the Australian Parliament. This gift could be her ticket to a new life, free from the bonds of her husband and his overbearing family. But whom can she trust in Lighthouse Bay?

Fast-forward to 2011: after losing her lover, Libby Slater leaves her life in Paris to return to her hometown of Lighthouse Bay, hoping to gain some perspective and grieve her recent loss. Libby also attempts to reconcile with her sister, Juliet, to whom she hasn’t spoken in twenty years. Libby did something so unforgivable, Juliet is unsure if she can ever trust her sister again.

In these two adventurous love stories, both Isabella and Libby must learn that letting go of the past is the only way to move into the future. The answers they seek lie in Lighthouse Bay.

Review: This is one of my favorite kinds of books - a light and captivating read about women and their relationships.  It made me want to cozy up on the couch with a blanket and a cookie and read the day away.  I enjoyed the Australian setting, as well as the stories of life on a ship, in a lighthouse, and owning a B&B.  I was tempted to give this 5 stars, because it really was fun to read, but I realized that I just didn't like either of the main characters that much.  I could have overlooked some of their personality flaws, like Isabella's obsession with Xavier and Libby's lack of consideration for her sister, as instrumental parts of their growth during the novel, but they each made questionable moral decisions that weren't really addressed. 

Rating: 4 stars