In 1938, Matilda Emmerson finds herself pregnant out of wedlock and she is forced to leave Ireland to visit a mysterious aunt in Newport Rhode Island. While in Rhode Island, Matilda begins to uncover long- lost family secrets that will give her the courage when she will need it the most, as well as dare her to live a life far different than parents planned for her.
A century prior to 1938 in 1838, Grace Darling is the lighthouse keeper's daughter and she loves the quiet life she has with her family. However, one night she and her father rescue Sarah Dawson. The rescue of Sarah Dawson will have a lot of repercussions for Grace Darling, repercussions that will test her spirit and soul in ways she cannot imagine.
I have previously read Hazel Gaynor's first novel, THE GIRL WHO CAME HOME, which is a tale about the Titanic and while it was an interesting topic, I felt there was something missing. But I am happy to say that THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER'S DAUGHTER is top-notch storytelling with beautiful attention to detail and very memorable cast of characters, showcasing how much Gaynor's writing has grown since her debut novel. While I did feel the link between 1838 and 1938 wasn't as well tied as I expected, Gaynor paints two vivid stories I desired to keep reading without stopping.
For a reader that is seeking an unconventional tale of history tests the spirit, as well as having an occupation not portrayed in popular literature, THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER'S DAUGHTER by Hazel Gaynor should be a perfect treat for the coming holidays.
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 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.
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy