Book Review - Lighthouse Point

 

 

Today I'm really excited to bring you a book review of Lighthouse Point, a debut novel by Lisa Poston Murphy.  Recently published in June, this 376 page novel has already logged 4 months on the best seller list.  Lighthouse Point is available in Kindle Edition as well as paperback.  I received the paperback edition for review and I'm glad I did.  I always like to physically feel a book in my hands.  This one is perfectly sized at 7.8" x 5.1", with a striking blue cover depicting the lighthouse on Sanibel Island.  Another huge plus for me was the large font used.  Even though I still had to use my reading glasses, the larger font was easy on my eyes.

I don't want to give too much of the plot away because I think that's for the reader to discover, but I feel safe sharing the blurb from the book jacket...

Twenty-four-year-old Emma Peroni has never been a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of girl, traveling fourteen hours away from her neatly organized life to an island that promises sanctuary and a fresh start . . . until today.

With the weight of the world on her shoulders, and no family to catch her when she crumbles, Emma finds solace on Sanibel Island.

Falling into the arms of Sheldon Barringer, a handsome local real estate investor, was not part of the plan. Emma manages to resist his charms for a time and focus on the reason she came here—to be alone and escape the night terrors. However Sheldon’s intoxicating sense of humor and easy personality eventually captivate Emma, sweeping her into the delightful experience of falling in love for the first time.

As Emma and Sheldon begin to plan a future together, trouble lurks in the shadows, waiting and watching....

As Lighthouse Point begins, the first chapter perfectly nails the idyllic mood of a first day on the island, including a nice description of what it feels like when driving over the causeway bridge.  Just as you're lured in and feeling all relaxed, the author throws in a jolt of reality to mix things up.  Lisa blended a light romantic story with a dark and ominous background and kept throwing punches like waves hitting the shore.

You don't have to be a beach girl or an island lover to enjoy this book.  However, if you're a fan of Sanibel Island, it's an extra added bonus.  I delighted in reading about restaurants, stores and island landmarks that I'm personally familiar with.  It was a nice touch because it really helped to put me inside the book.  I enjoyed reading about restaurants like Jacaranda, Island Cow, Sweet Melissa's and Pinocchio's.  Lisa even went so far as to describe some of their dishes and I actually found myself taking notes for my next visit!  If you've never been to Sanibel, you will most likely want to pack your suitcase and head out immediately!

Lisa did a great job as she accurately described life on the island, biking along the trails, running on the beach, and swimming in the celery colored water.  I could almost smell the sweet scent of the gardenia's floating on the gentle off-shore breeze.

I also liked the character development and their individual traits and personalities.  But my favorite part of the whole book was the conversations that main character, Emma, had with herself.  They were so realistic and in some cases, laugh out loud funny.   Emma was by far my favorite character.  If I take the time to toss a book in my purse so I can read snatches of it throughout my day, then I have a winner.  Let me just say that I took Lighthouse Point with me several times during the week. 

Lighthouse Point is a captivating romantic novel and perfect for spending a few hours immersed in a tropical locale, with a hint of adventure, danger, and of course love, thrown in.  What a perfect way to unwind!

Be sure to come back on Friday because I have an author interview with Lisa scheduled.  She shares a little background on the book, and talks about her personal life.  She is charming and delightful and I think you'll enjoy it.

 Please visit Lisa's blog and her FB page.   And don't forget, Lighthouse Point is available in paperback and Kindle.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.   Get your copy here

I was provided an advance copy of the book for review purposes and asked to give an honest review. All opinions are my own.