The Girl in the Lighthouse

The Arrington family is hiding a devastating secret. Before long, the secret is uncovered, changing life as young Lillian Arrignton knows it into something vastly different, as well as uncovering a mystery that her parents have long concealed.

The novel is short, intensely gripping and does not turn the reader loose. One is compelled to keep turning pages to find out what happens next. While the first half of the novel extensively develops the main characters (and meny of the supporting characters as well), this part of the story does not move slowly, as happens all too often.

The last half of the novel surprises the reader a bit, dark, ominous and gothic, not what would be expected from the title nor even the first half of the book... show more Yet the transisiton was well done and barely noticible, as Lillian's life changes during the course of the story.

The Girl in the Lighthouse is the first novel in the Arrington series. As such, it sets the stage for things to come, but is, in its own way, a complete story as well... One could read just this novel without pursuing the story further, but after meeting Lillian Arrington, the reader might not wish to stop here... I know I don't.

Recommended to fans of mystery and gothic novels, as well as those readers who just like a short, intense novel. A signed, paperback copy of this novel was provided to me free in exchange for this review. As always, accepting the novel only obligates me to write a review. No promises were made as to what the content of my review would be.

This review has been posted on Dragon Views, LibraryThing, Amazon.com, and wherever else I may deem appropriate. show less

Lillian Arrington’s father is a lighthouse keeper and until the age of nine she lived in an isolated world devoid of friends. Born in 1862 to Ameilia and Garrett she was the epitome of daddy’s little girl. Her mother was not always well, but she and her father were inseparable. When her father is transfered to Jasper Island she abounds with joy when she learns there will be an assistant keeper on the island who has two sons. With hope and anticipation she meets Heath and Ayden, and the trio become instant companions. Lillian’s childhood is carefree and joyous with each day full of promise with a bright outlook toward the future. Her world is flipped on end when her mother’s health becomes critical.

Lillian’s lifestyle turns show more from joy to misery when she is sent to live with her grandmother, Eugenia on her Georgia plantation. Southern to the core with a drive to rekindle the glory of the past, Eugenia Arrington is nothing like her daughter Amelia. Lillian must endure new challenges that are painful, physically and mentally as she uncovers deep secrets from her families past. Wounds of flesh and mind will scar her deeply as she tries to cope with her discoveries.

Taking place in a variety of settings, Sanford depicts each vista with accurate acuity. The details enable the reader clarity and perception as if you were there. Eugenia, hateful and retched juxtaposed with Lillian’s loving and sweet demeanor are both fully developed characters representing good versus evil in imaginative tale of immorality.

Glimmers of Lillian’s past are sparingly uncovered as the author teases you through to the conclusion. A long journey for Lillian, this historical fiction novel is brimming with tension and crescendo like drama that will captivate the reader.

~Wisteria Leigh show less

Lillian Arrigton has always lived isolated in a lighthouse with her secretive parents who never reveal anything about ther past, even to Lillian. Finally, after moving to a new lighthouse, she meets two brothers, whom she becomes friends with, and gets to attend school for the first time. Her mother suffers from a mysterious illness that keeps her in bed for days at a time. Lillian's childhood is happy until her mother gets worse and everything starts to spiral out of control...

I won't give anything else away. But if you enjoy VC Andrews novels you will love this. This is a quick, engrossing read that charms you in, then rips your heart out.

This book is about two parts of Lillian Arrington’s life. She is the narrator and her voice is vibrant but often confused as she tackles what life throws at her. Life certainly does that in the second part of the book. We only see things through her eyes and therefore some of the motivations and experiences of the other characters is not clear. But that seems to be the intention of the author, whose writing holds your attention to the end. This could be book one of Lillian’s story and if it is, I would read the next instalment.

This historical fiction novel of a dark and disturbing family saga that unravels with unexpected twists and turns to reveal long-hidden secrets of a family’s shady past. Now orphaned and with this knowledge, Lillian has to muster her strength to deal with these truths.
I have seen this book recommended as young adult reading, but with the incest, child abuse etc., I am not sure I would agree.

Lillian Arrington is a young girl living with her mother and father at an isolated lighthouse. When her father transfers to another lighthouse as head lighthouse keeper, and she finds herself with friends for the first time in her life.

Her happiness is short-lived; however, as her mother plunges into madness and her father seems to forget about Lillian completely. Her mother begins to refer to people that Lillian doesn't know and when she asks her father about them, he is secretive, not only about the people but about their entire past. What could be so horrible that her father cannot bring himself to share it with Lillian?

As the story progresses, Lillian discovers the twisted Arrington history and uncovers the truth about her parents show more and herself.

V.C. Andrews fans will like this. show less

a bit long winded but a wonderful story I can't wait to read the next one! If you are a fan of V.C Andrews this book is for you