The Lightkeeper's Ball
by Colleen Coble
April 19, 2011 by Thomas Nelson
Paperback, 320 Pages
Review Copy
Olivia seems to have it all, but her heart yearns for more.
Olivia Stewart's family is one of the Four Hundred-the highest echelon of society in 1910. When her sister dies under mysterious circumstances, Olivia leaves their New York City home for Mercy Falls, California, to determine what befell Eleanor. She suspects Harrison Bennett, the man Eleanor planned to marry. But the more Olivia gets to know him, the more she doubts his guilt-and the more she is drawn to him herself.
When several attempts are made on her life, Olivia turns to Harrison for help. He takes her on a ride in his aeroplane, but then crashes, and they're forced to spend two days alone together. With her reputation hanging by a thread, Harrison offers to marry her to make the situation right. As a charity ball to rebuild the Mercy Falls lighthouse draws near, she realizes she wants more than a sham engagement-she wants Harrison in her life forever. But her enemy plans to shatter the happiness she is ready to grasp. If Olivia dares to drop her masquerade, she just might see the path to true happiness.
Mini-Review
The Lightkeepers Ball is the third book in the Mercy Falls Series. The story surrounds Olivia Stewart who is traveling in from New York to seek many questions about the death of her sister. Traveling under a different name and to no clue of her sisters fiancé (when she was alive) Harrison, Olivia is determined to discover foul play. But when Olivia finally does meet Harrison she is astonished to discover a man far from what she had conjured up in her mind. Harrison pretty much falls head over heals for Olivia (aka Lady Devonworth) and Olivia in return falls for him, yet pretends to be someone else for a majority of the novel. Certain drama, betrayals and torn emotions surround the couple as Olivia digs deeper into her sister and fathers story, mixing a tale of romance, historical settings and mystery to enthrall readers.
I wish I would have started at the beginning of this series, I’ve heard that each book can stand alone, but having more information may have helped me understand the family better. Olivia was a very hard character to relate to and I ended the book not really liking her, I think the manipulation and her lies even after falling in love with Harrison was just low-down. I had a hard time feeling any warm and fuzzies to the sometimes snotty socialite. Perhaps that was Cobles intent, for me as the reader to want better for Harrison due to the fact that his character was so honorable. I think it challenged me to try and see the same forgiveness Harrison showed Olivia could easily be the same forgiveness I would show someone I loved. Overall TLB was a pleasant read, the romance was enough to make up for character flaw and meeting Harrison was a great reminder of the rare gem a man can be.
Rating
The Lightkeeper's ball is recommended to adult and mature teen readers and for those who love faith-based Historical Romance. Contains: Scandal (murder, money, blackmail) romance, friendships and issues over lying.
3.5/5- CF- Historical Romance
Thanks to Audra Jennings and Thomas Nelson for review copy
Thanks to Audra Jennings and Thomas Nelson for review copy
Hm. I think Olivia's manipulation and lying would bother me as well, but it sounds like the romance was pretty strong if you still gave it a 3.5:) It's got a gorgeous cover though!
ReplyDeleteGreat honest review. Sounds a bit more scandalous that usual.
ReplyDeleteI liked the romance in this one. The thing that I couldn't get past was proposing to someone without actually knowing their first name. That part pushed the bounds of realism for me.
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good to know that reading the first in this series might be best. will do as i'm so attracted with the premise and its covers.
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