Rated of 5
by Mary Lou M. (N Royalton, OH) The Woman at the Light
This books effortlessly pulls one into the ocean breezes of Key West, you can almost feel the ocean mist at times, and smell the salty air. The main character, Emily, feels like a close personal friend who guides you along her life's path. Emily's story unfolds gradually, giving you time to appreciate her choices and meet other characters along the way. Emily's love of family and her undying love for her true-love will remain with me for a very long time. Great book for book clubs, would make an excellent discussion! Would highly recommend this novel to a wide range of people.
Rated of 5
by Malinda N. (Wheeling, WV) The Woman at the Light
This novel was a wonderful historical fiction read. The story dealt with issues of race and love in the early 19th century. I found the love story and its consequences to be quite believable and, while the end leaves the reader happy, the story itself is not trite in that it paints a realistic picture of the realities of unsanctioned romances. Both Emily and Andrew are characters that the reader must admire and those of Dorothy and Tom, while less admirable, are realistic and likeable in their own way. If I could give one criticism to the publishers it would be about the cover of the book. As a librarian I fully realize how ridiculous it might sound to say that but the reality is that many people DO judge a book by its cover when they are browsing. The cover of this books lends one to think they are about to read a poorly written romance novel. One would not even grasp that it is a historical fiction read based upon the clothing of the woman on the jacket. When I received it in the mail I thought to myself..."what the heck did I choose"? Fortunately. I pledged to read the novel and was very glad that I did.
Rated of 5
by Dianne S. (Green Valley, AZ) Emily the Survivor
The Woman at the Light had a great mix of US history and mystery. I was absorbed into the book from the prologue. I love stories that are told from present to past. House at Riverton and Water For Elephants come to mind. It gives the story immediately a certian mystic right off the bat.
I had great admiration for Emily as she moved from situation to situation with ease and grace. In Key West she found herself in abhorrent situation and yet she hung in there till things improved. When her life again changed, she made the best of the situation. She did she time after time throughout her interesting life.
This book is a great read for anyone that enjoys history, mystery and an outstanding heroine!
Rated of 5
by Adelia S. (Livingston, MT) The Woman at the Light
A great story. From the prologue I was hooked. Emily says "I recall the bitter and the sweet, the grief and the rapture--for in my life, the one cannot be chronicled without the other." And so goes the story. I will recommend this one to my book club. .
Rated of 5
by Sandra H. (St. Cloud, Minnesota) The Woman at the Light
Joanna Brady’s The Woman of the Light will take many readers into a period of time and a setting with which they are not familiar: the Florida Keys from 1829 through 1884. Her descriptions of the area, of the way of life, especially for women and slaves, give us a look at life far removed from today and even from the South during the Civil War. She does this well. Unfortunately, her story lacks the depth needed to create believable and well-rounded characters. Emily Lowry is simply unbelievable. Even after all that happens to her, she remains the same as the woman we meet early in the story. Too often the cavalry comes at just the right time. What a shame, because Brady has the makings for a fascinating glimpse into history and a memorable character.
Rated of 5
by Jan T. (Leona Valley, CA) The Woman at the Light
Wonderful! It is easy to be carried away to antebellum Key West. The story is woven around a female lighthouse keeper in the 19th century and the issues of her time. Slavery, feminism, and a forbidden love. Very rewarding book
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