My Review: The Lightkeeper's Daughter (A Mercy Falls Novel) by Colleen Coble

The Lightkeeper's Daughter
(A Mercy Falls Novel)
by Colleen Coble

Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Thomas Nelson
Copyright 2009
Pages: 311
ISBN: 9781595542670

(from Christianbook.com):

At a lavish estate in Mercy Falls, California, Addie Sullivan finds danger-and quite possibly the love of her life.
Growing up as the lightkeeper’s daughter on a remote island at the turn of the century, Addie Sullivan has lived a hardscrabble life. When a long-lost and wealthy relative finds her and enlists her to work as a governess at a lavish estate, she hopes to discover the truth of her heritage. But at Eaton Hall, nothing is as it seems. Not the idyllic family she hoped for, not the child she was hired to help, not even the aloof man she’s immediately attracted to. Soon she must turn for help to Lieutenant John North, a man who views her with suspicion.
As Addie edges closer to the truth, danger threatens even as her romance with John blossoms and together they unravel a decades-old mystery. As Addie faces down her enemy, she discovers that faith in her one true Father is all she needs.


My Thoughts:

In my opinion, this book is actually a Romantic Suspense, as well as a Historical Romance. And, I absolutely loved it! The Lightkeeper's Daughter will keep you guessing until the very end! There really were no slow parts in this book, and I could have read it in one sitting if everyday life didn't interfere. If you've never read any of Colleen's books, this is a great place to start. I also recommend that you read her Rock Harbour series.

There isn't much I can say about this story without giving away the important parts, but I'll try. We meet Addie Sullivan just as her life is turned upside down by the shocking news that she is not at all who she thought she was. She is actually Julia Eaton, daughter to Henry and Laura Eaton, and was lost at sea in a shipwreck at two years of age.

Addie agrees to go to her biological father's home under the guise of being a governess for his grandson, Edward. She enjoys getting to know her "real" family, but isn't comfortable hiding her true identify from them. After a couple of life-threatening experiences, she feels the need to confide in someone, and spills the entire story to her boss, Edward's father, Lieutenant John North. John was married to Addie's half sister, Katherine, and is still very much a part of the family. He feels responsible for Clare, Katherine's mother, plus he wants Edward to have a relationship with his grandfather.

As tender love starts to bloom between John and Addie, they face much interference from Addie's father, who is determined that his daughter, Julia, will marry into royalty and cement his monetary reign over the city he has created.

Addie is still curious about her mother, but no one seems willing to discuss her mother's death with her. While living in her father's house, Addie starts searching for information concerning her mother's life, before the shipwreck. She finds some disturbing clues that lead her on a perilous search for the truth. This was my favorite part of the story...trying to piece together the last days leading up to her mother's death. I enjoy a fast-paced mystery from time to time, and this one was executed perfectly!

To find out more about Colleen Coble, or her books, please visit her at:
* Her website
* Her blog

*I would like to say a big "thank you" to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy of The Lightkeeper's Daughter.*