Ellen Trawton is thirty-three years old but she's running away from home. She's had enough of her mother, Lady Trawton and she isn't sure she wants to follow through with her upcoming marriage. Ireland is the one place Ellen knows her mother will never look for her. After all, Ellen has never met her family in Ireland- but all that is about to change. Ireland is initially just a temporary hiding place for Ellen but what happens when it begins to feel more like home?

SECRETS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE is a hauntingly beautifully written story of love, loss, and finding one's place in life. We are drawn into Ellen's story even as we see the parallels with the ghostly presence of Caitlin Macausland. The supernatural element adds the perfect touch to a story set in Ireland, as I can easily envision Caitlin's ghost haunting the lighthouse.

Santa Montefiore perfectly captures the essence of Ireland. I could easily envision Connemara as Ellen takes her long walks. I want to visit the Pot of Gold pub and join in with the convivial atmosphere. Santa Montefiore's vivid descriptions make me want to revisit Ireland again and again as her vibrant descriptions are absolutely delightful.

SECRETS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE is the first book I've read by Santa Montefiore but it definitely won't be the last! Santa Montefiore's spellbinding prose keeps the reader engaged as the family secrets emerge. SECRETS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE is easily recommended.