Lighthouse Bay

I found this a book I kept hurrying back to so I could see what was going to happen, and also so I wouldn't lose track of all the threads. It was a complex and engaging story, set in two time frames. I thought the interweaving of the two stories was very well done. I found myself drawn into both Libby and Isabella's stories. Though there were similarities in their characters, they were excellently differentiated by their historical time frame. I found both women engaging, flawed enough to be real, and endearing enough to have me longing for a resolution to their search for peace of mind, happiness, and love, and their freedom from the men in their lives who had used and abused them. The story raises issues of morality, and the show more consequences that flow from choices and behaviours. I did think it ended a little too abruptly, and that some of the lessons Libby and Isabella had to learn could have been explored more thoroughly, but these were there for the reader to reflect on. show less

What a lovely story! There are two strands: in 2011 Libby Slater has returned to Lighthouse Bay from Paris after 20 years. She has suffered a loss and has bridges to build with her sister; and in 1901 Isabella Winterbourne is the only survivor of a shipwreck but her late husband's brother is looking for her and more importantly, the treasure that he thinks she has stolen.

The two strands weren't as interlinked as in some dual time narrative stories, but they still fitted together nicely. I loved Lighthouse Bay and the lighthouse itself, which added a sort of romantic edge to the story, particularly Isabella's parts and her meeting the keeper, Matthew.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It completely kept my interest and Isabella's story show more had me rooting for her. show less

Libby Slater comes back home to Lighthouse Bay, after her married lover dies and she does not know what to do. She comes home to a sister that still holds a twenty year grudge and is weary Libby. This is also the story of Isabella Winterbourne, the only survivor of a ship wreck at Lighthouse bay in 1091. Isabella has own problems; still mourning the death of her son some three year earlier, she is hoping to disappear and run of to find her sister in America. But she the Winterbourne family is determined to find her and the secret she may know of their missing cargo.

What these two stories have in common; is that both women have to move their pasts to enjoy their futures. I wasn’t sure that I was going to enjoy what is definitely a show more woman’s novel and a historic romance at that, but I found myself intrigued by Isabella’s story and how the author intertwines their stories around the lighthouse. Very entertaining indeed. show less

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 show more 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. show less

A pleasant, light read that moves back and forth between 1901 and 2012 and the troubled stories of our two protagonists. The characters are complex and are just slightly unlikeable, which makes them interesting. Still, the reader ends up rooting for all of them, and breathes a sigh of relief at the happy endings.

In 1901, Isabella Winterbourne is struggling with grief and a cruel husband. The Winterbourne family own a renowned jewellery making business and have been commissioned by Queen Victoria to create a ceremonial mace and deliver it to the Australian government. Isabella and her husband Arthur decide to deliver the mace personally. The sea journey presents many challenges for Isabella.

In 2011 in the Australian coastal town of Lighthouse Bay, Libby Slater has returned after a 20 year absence. She has important decisions to make about home and family. With another returned local, Damien, Libby becomes interested in solving the mystery of the lighthouse keeper's diaries.

The two stories are put together really well. Both Libby and Isabella are show more interesting characters. The family dynamics for both of them is challenging.

One of the things I really loved about this book is that it is set in my local area. My local towns are mentioned and visited. It was really interesting to read descriptions of them in the 1901 time period. This was a good book and I would read other books by this author. show less

Kimberly Freeman's Lighthouse Bay is a fabulous read. I loved the dual time periods, and the dual stories of sisters who in different ways are separated and have to make their way back to each other. Beautifully written and put together, and the atmosphere is wonderful. I loved the Australian landscape, past and present. A great way to mix your history with a bit of romance!