Tuesday, September 3, 2024

About the Book

Book: Libby’s Lighthouse

Author: Susan G Mathis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: July 16, 2024

When a lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she uncovers may change her life forever.

Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her mother, on her deathbed, reveals a long-buried secret. Now Elizabeth’s world has been turned upside down, making her question if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing young sailor appears on her shore, wounded and disoriented, she finds purpose in helping him recover. Although the man knows nothing about his past or or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. If only she knew his full name.

When Owen awakes on the shore of Lake Ontario with no knowledge of who he is, or where he was headed when his ship wrecked, he has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. But as Owen works to repay their kindness, and his relationship with Libby turns into something more, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past.

With each passing day, Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has twelve in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House and Libby’s Lighthouse, the first in her three-book lighthouse series. Book two, Julia’s Joy, comes out in October, and book three, Emma’s Engagement, releases in January 2025. Her book awards include three Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, three Indie Excellence Book Awards, five Literary Titan Book Awards, two Golden Scroll Awards, and a Selah Award.

Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands.

More from Susan

A Character Interview with Libby, the heroine in Libby’s Lighthouse.

Good day, Libby! Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me. Could you please share a little about yourself?

Good day to you as well! My real name is Elizabeth Eliza, but I’ve always gone by Libby. I’m twenty years old, born on February 2, 1874. I must say, my journey through life has been quite an interesting one so far.

I hear you’ve been raised as a proper upper-class woman. Could you elaborate on that?

Certainly! My mother was well-educated and came from an upper-class background. She passed on her knowledge to me, teaching me etiquette, manners, and all the skills expected of a lady in society. I’ve learned to sew my own clothes, play the piano, and entertain guests with grace. But I haven’t always been ladylike, and that vexed my mother something fierce.

Your desire for family and a sense of belonging is quite strong. Can you tell me more about that?

Above all else, I long for a sense of family and belonging. Before my mother died, she revealed to me a terrible secret. I’ve kept this knowledge a secret from my father, as I’m unsure of how he would react. That uncertainty, combined with my fear of always being alone, fuels my desire for a family of my own.

How has your faith has been shaken after learning about your true heritage?

The secret has shaken the foundation of what I believed to be true about myself and my identity. It made me question my place in the world and my connection to my family. It’s been a struggle to reconcile this new information with my faith, but I’m working through it, hoping to find a sense of peace and acceptance.

Can you share more about your love for poetry and playing the piano.?

Oh, how I adore poetry and music! Poetry has a way of touching my heart, making me laugh or cry, and connecting me to the deepest emotions. I’ve memorized many beautiful poems over the years, and they bring me great joy to recite and share. As for the piano, it’s as if my fingers dance across the keys, expressing emotions that words alone cannot convey. It’s a form of artistic expression that brings me immense fulfillment.

Thanks for stopping by, Libby. It was great getting to know you!

MY REVIEW

This story has been filled with many tears shed from me as I walked beside Libby. Her adventure begins with a simple life as she helps the family with the lighthouse. I loved learning how a lighthouse is a beacon of light for those who are lost. I started collecting lighthouses a long time ago. Each one is a treasure and it brings hope to me in my daily life.

I could go on and on about the characters because they brought me to a place where forgiveness was illustrated so beautifully. When I found out the secret Libby had been keeping, I wanted to give her a hug and remind her that “God has a plan for her life.” Her sweet spirit was evident as she encountered trials that strengthened her.

This story is not only about a beautiful relationship between Libby and Owen but reconciliation between strained family members. Throughout the story a beautiful thread of faith was in every scene. Owen became such a great character as he finds his way to remembering his past. I love that he didn’t show bitterness towards his father but reached out to him with honor and unconditional love.

I recommend this story to everyone who wants to experience what true forgiveness means and how the past can be healing. The author leaves me with a hunger to walk in compassion and truth everyday.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.