Rated of 5
by Mary B. (St Paul, MN) The Woman at the Light
I enjoyed this book because it captured an era and setting not that familiar to me. Very strong female character added much to story. The first person narrative was well done. Going back and forth in time also made it very interesting. Details of people, feelings, weather and location seemed very real. I feel I learned much about a time and place I had not read about in other novels.
Rated of 5
by Sue Z. (Mooresville, NC) Has everything that makes reading a good book so enjoyable
This lovely story, based on real life characters, has everything that makes reading a good book so enjoyable. The woman, for whom the book is titled, grows throughout the entire story, becoming stronger and more her own person with every page. The other characters are equally interesting being adventurous pioneers who have come to the very tip of the country, Key West, to seek fortune and fame (or infamy in some cases).
This is the perfect book for book club discussion as it has everything, star-crossed lovers, villains, hard scrabble lives, incredible wealth and a wonderful tropical setting
Rated of 5
by Wendy F. (Kalamazoo, MI) Woman at the Light
Really enjoyed this book. Good story with love, loyalty and deception. After recently visiting Key West, it was interesting to get a bit of the history of the area. The Heroine, Emily Lowrie, shows so much strength in taking over the lighthouse and running the family. All of the trials she and her family endures and she continues to over come are engrossing to read. Joanna Brady gives us the gamut of emotions and adventure in this one for sure.
Rated of 5
by Kimberly A. (Hannibal, MO) In the World of Wickies and Wreckers
Set in pre-Civil War southern Florida, The Woman at the Light ensnares the reader into the lives of unforgettable characters, whose courage and determination defy their prescribed place in society and history. At one point in the novel, Emily, the main character, describes herself as "a child of my time and place." Through Andrew, "the one man I truly loved," she grows beyond that time and place and gives the reader a reason to applaud the tireless human spirit. The author's mastery of character development made me truly care for the people of this novel.
For book clubs, this historical novel opens a treasure trove of discussion starters: lighthouses, wreckers, slavery, Indian raids, isolation survival, and Florida's history (especially eclectic Key West!).
I really liked this book!
Rated of 5
by Barb W. (Mechanicsburg, PA) A great summer read
I love historical fiction books, and lighthouses are a passion of mine, so this book caught my eye from the moment I first heard about it. I got caught up in the story almost immediately, and had a hard time putting it down. I liked the characters, the setting and the story itself, and will happily recommend this book to friends, family, co-workers and our library patrons.
Rated of 5
by Phyllis R. (Rochester Hills, MI) Lighthouse Keeper
I began reading "The Woman at the Light" as I watched an intense red orange sunset over Lake Michigan at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Northpport, MI where my husband volunteers as part of the Keeper Program. I know very little about the Florida Lighthouses except to know that. Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state!
This historical novel set in 1889-1883 captures the hardships of lighthouse keepers, the unpredictability of the weather and their courage. Also the reader learns about the colorful Key West history, the wrecking and salvaging industry, cigar factories, miscegenation, status of women, slavery and abolition preceding the Civil War, and the harsh life without electricity and running water. Two thumbs up for this rewarding and enlightening novel by Joanna Brady who certainly did her research. Phyllis, MI
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of 5
by Mary B. (St Paul, MN) 
of 5
by Sue Z. (Mooresville, NC) 
