Scan barcode
bookworm1858's review against another edition
4.0
The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble
Thomas Nelson, 2011
288 pages
Christian Historical Romance Mystery
4/5 stars
Source: A free e-copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in Mercy Falls Series and it features both of the couples from the first two who are expanding their families. But the focus is Olivia Stewart who is coming to Mercy Falls from New York City in order to discover the answer to many questions. Did her sister Eleanor, who's terrified of water, really drown herself? Could Eleanor's fiance Harrison Bennett have something to do with it? And
could Olivia bring herself to marry Harrison in order to help the Stewarts recoup their money?
First things first: Harrison Bennett is a fantastic hero! He is an honorable man of God, skilled at numbers and management as well as the mechanics that would enable an aeroplane to fly, thoughtful gift-giver (diamonds!), and eager to love and cherish a prospective wife. I loved reading about him!
Unfortunately his mate and main character of this book Olivia Stewart is much less to my liking. She spends most of the book masquerading as Lady Devonworth, her title true, but she ought to have told Harrison the truth much sooner especially because they're engaged for much of the book! Originally it is a sham but once it is revealed to be made of love, she should have bit the bullet and told him. Instead he suffers from the inevitable feelings of betrayal that might have been lessened had she told him earlier instead of hearing it from someone else. After the troubles with Eleanor, Harrison had some (completely understandable) trouble with the Stewart family, so Olivia feared his reaction.
She also struggled with a woman's place in society; she had been trained from birth to be the "perfect" wife who plans parties and socializes. But Harrison helps her to see that Jesus values her for who she is and that she can be much more than just a wife. With his love and support, she can do anything. Additionally Olivia is a remarkably clumsy heroine as she manages to sprain her ankle and a wrist in addition to other bruises; it got to a point where I just wanted her to sit so she could protect herself.
The mystery was less engaging to me than the romance although Harrison's efforts to help warmed my heart. Basically Olivia thinks her father is dead but then finds a letter suggesting he may not be. Plus it turns out he left most of his fortune to her illegitimate half-brother about whom she had known nothing. And it seems that someone is trying to kill her. The machinations by the villain(s) overwhelmed me. I was much more interested in the romance, the friendships Olivia develops with Addie and Katie, and Olivia's growing understanding of God.
Overall: A good historical romance; definitely recommended for those who have enjoyed the previous Mercy Falls books and for those looking for a GREAT hero!
Cover: GORGEOUS-I love covers with a big, bold dress capturing the eye.
Thomas Nelson, 2011
288 pages
Christian Historical Romance Mystery
4/5 stars
Source: A free e-copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in Mercy Falls Series and it features both of the couples from the first two who are expanding their families. But the focus is Olivia Stewart who is coming to Mercy Falls from New York City in order to discover the answer to many questions. Did her sister Eleanor, who's terrified of water, really drown herself? Could Eleanor's fiance Harrison Bennett have something to do with it? And
could Olivia bring herself to marry Harrison in order to help the Stewarts recoup their money?
First things first: Harrison Bennett is a fantastic hero! He is an honorable man of God, skilled at numbers and management as well as the mechanics that would enable an aeroplane to fly, thoughtful gift-giver (diamonds!), and eager to love and cherish a prospective wife. I loved reading about him!
Unfortunately his mate and main character of this book Olivia Stewart is much less to my liking. She spends most of the book masquerading as Lady Devonworth, her title true, but she ought to have told Harrison the truth much sooner especially because they're engaged for much of the book! Originally it is a sham but once it is revealed to be made of love, she should have bit the bullet and told him. Instead he suffers from the inevitable feelings of betrayal that might have been lessened had she told him earlier instead of hearing it from someone else. After the troubles with Eleanor, Harrison had some (completely understandable) trouble with the Stewart family, so Olivia feared his reaction.
She also struggled with a woman's place in society; she had been trained from birth to be the "perfect" wife who plans parties and socializes. But Harrison helps her to see that Jesus values her for who she is and that she can be much more than just a wife. With his love and support, she can do anything. Additionally Olivia is a remarkably clumsy heroine as she manages to sprain her ankle and a wrist in addition to other bruises; it got to a point where I just wanted her to sit so she could protect herself.
The mystery was less engaging to me than the romance although Harrison's efforts to help warmed my heart. Basically Olivia thinks her father is dead but then finds a letter suggesting he may not be. Plus it turns out he left most of his fortune to her illegitimate half-brother about whom she had known nothing. And it seems that someone is trying to kill her. The machinations by the villain(s) overwhelmed me. I was much more interested in the romance, the friendships Olivia develops with Addie and Katie, and Olivia's growing understanding of God.
Overall: A good historical romance; definitely recommended for those who have enjoyed the previous Mercy Falls books and for those looking for a GREAT hero!
Cover: GORGEOUS-I love covers with a big, bold dress capturing the eye.
lauraoinak's review against another edition
4.0
This was a delightful novel to read. I loved the blend of romance, mystery and historical setting. Knowing that this is not the first novel by the author is comforting to me as I can try to get other books from the Lightkeeper series and others she has written.
As for content… the romance is handled in a modest fashion with the longing for closeness being admitted by characters, but no sinful actions are taken. This tension was handled wonderfully and helped really bring the relationship to life.
As for content… the romance is handled in a modest fashion with the longing for closeness being admitted by characters, but no sinful actions are taken. This tension was handled wonderfully and helped really bring the relationship to life.
teeread_it's review against another edition
2.0
This was hard to finish. I enjoyed the first two books, the prose was not complex and sometimes stumbled over itself. This book felt rushed in its story telling and had a few too many near death experiences for the female MC. I just wasn’t as interested in what happens or the people this time around and it took me a while to finish.
holly2kidsandtired's review against another edition
3.0
Like The Lightkeeper's Daughter this is a light, entertaining story. There is nothing deep or profound in it. The premise is rather implausible. I liked Harrison well enough, but I never did like Olivia, unfortunately, as she was selfish and annoying. I found her pretense of being Lady Devonworth to be rather dubious and I couldn't believe that Harrison fell for it, even to the point of asking her to marry him without ever knowing her first name or, really, anything about her.
The villains are appropriately villainous caricatures and everything works out in the end.
Third in the Mercy Falls series, I read the first one, The Lightkeeper's Daughter when I received this one and realized it was part of a series. I've been on the waiting list at the library for the second one, The Lightkeeper's Bride, but I haven't received it yet. Characters return here from both previous novels, but each book seems to stand alone well.
Fans of Colleen Coble will enjoy it, I'm sure. I found it to be an entertaining diversion, nothing more.
The villains are appropriately villainous caricatures and everything works out in the end.
Third in the Mercy Falls series, I read the first one, The Lightkeeper's Daughter when I received this one and realized it was part of a series. I've been on the waiting list at the library for the second one, The Lightkeeper's Bride, but I haven't received it yet. Characters return here from both previous novels, but each book seems to stand alone well.
Fans of Colleen Coble will enjoy it, I'm sure. I found it to be an entertaining diversion, nothing more.
abbieday01's review against another edition
5.0
I had picked this book up several times at the bookstore but had not yet purchased it, so I was glad to get it as a review copy from B&B Communications!
This book is engaging from page one, drawing readers into another world. After the sudden and tragic death of her father and then the mysterious and untimely death of her sister Olivia Stewart vows to find answers. She is being asked to marry the man that was supposed to marry her sister in order to secure her family's social status and bankroll. This journey turns out to be more than she expected. Falling in love with the one man she has vowed never to love and finding an unexpected sibling. The twists and turns are great. The reader is always on edge trying to figure out who the murderer is and hoping that Olivia's secret identity is not blown. I loved this book. Often I found myself holding my breath and then only moments later laughing at the couple that are falling love.
Thank you for this review copy.
This book is engaging from page one, drawing readers into another world. After the sudden and tragic death of her father and then the mysterious and untimely death of her sister Olivia Stewart vows to find answers. She is being asked to marry the man that was supposed to marry her sister in order to secure her family's social status and bankroll. This journey turns out to be more than she expected. Falling in love with the one man she has vowed never to love and finding an unexpected sibling. The twists and turns are great. The reader is always on edge trying to figure out who the murderer is and hoping that Olivia's secret identity is not blown. I loved this book. Often I found myself holding my breath and then only moments later laughing at the couple that are falling love.
Thank you for this review copy.
loki728's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0