Donna Walo Clancy

What a lovely story! I’m delighted that I came across this book. It has wonderful characters along with plenty of drama and romance. It started off with domestic violence and I wasn’t certain I was ready for that. But Sophie had me hooked and the story flowed easily. The domestic violence did cause me a few twitches as I remembered my own experiences while pregnant with my oldest daughter. But the author didn’t get too graphic or violent though there were consequences. I like that she kept it real, especially with Sophie and her memories. The book held a few surprises and took some twists and turns. I absolutely adored Riley. I recommend this book especially if you are looking for something a bit dark set partially at Christmas time. I was expecting something kind of light and was delightfully surprised with a deeper story.
This is a page turner that normally would have taken me a few hours to read; I’m thinking about 4 hours max. I was being treated for severe pain though so it took much longer.… (mer)

This book is now at the top of my favorite books for 2017. The author has talent that surpasses many famous well known authors with her details, and inspiring story. There was no way I could put the book down until I finished it. It has everything that makes a book a best seller. The characters are relatable and the storyline is emotional and intriguing. If you haven’t read one of the author’s books yet, I encourage you to grab them all. I recommended you start with this Christmas story that will leave you in tears. I’m not a big crier, but this story reached deep into my emotions and allowed me to feel every painful words and hurt that the main character endured.

You never know when you choose a path in life, where you will end up. Sophie thought she had the perfect husband but her dreams were shattered when the abuse started. The verbal abuse was just as painful as the physical abuse and Sophie knew she needed to get away. The scene where her mother -in -law verbally shamed her was powerful. I wanted to scream at Sophie to stop arguing and run as fast as she could. Sometimes people with money become power hungry and Sophie has married into a family that will do anything to keep up appearances. My heart broke as Sophie seemed to have no way out of her situation.

The story follows Sophie as she begins a new life far away from her past. Her desire to have a child overwhelms her at times. I really liked how vulnerable the author made her as she slowly became what she hated the most. She was at times rude and judgmental which was so out of character for her. Did her anger for not having a child make her a bitter person? Her journey takes her to a small town that she hopes will become her saving grace. I have to mention Parker because he is very important to the story. He is a good man and starts to have feelings for Sophie. I found their relationship to be a bit shaky because they each had secrets they were hiding. The author explores how secrets can destroy people and how hard it is to earn a person’s trust again.

Riley is an adorable child who longs to have a mother. Sophie and Riley have a connection right away and I loved how Sophie opened her heart to him. I loved how Sophie reached out to God and prayed for a child but also prayed for forgiveness. The cradle in the story was described so vividly that I could see it sitting in front of me. The cradle has special meaning and as you read the book, you will discover how it represents hope and love. The most important thing I took away from this book is that when you open your heart, your dreams can happen. Being a caring and loving person is easy when you love unconditionally.… (mer)

Oh my goodness this is an amazing start to a series that promises to be action packed. I am so in awe of the authors writing style. She is precise in descriptions that help readers visualize scenes with clarity. I have always loved lighthouses and even collect them. The author made me want to go visit one and just take in the history of the beautuful symbol of safety for ships.

Jeremy worked as a high powered lawyer in a very prestigious firm. When he does something unethical, he realizes he needs to leave. He returns to his hometown of Anchor Point on Cape Cod. I loved how the author gave a vivid account of the town and I was ready to pack my bags and move there. Jay as he goes by now has made a huge purchase that he hopes will bring many jobs to the people in town. He is now the proud owner of a haunted lighthouse and the land around it. The town is buzzing with excitement when they learn Jay is opening The Shipwreck Cafe. There is a lot of work and renovation to be done and the author made me feel like I was right there watching workers as they hammered away. Will someone try to stop Jay from opening the cafe?

Robbie is a fun character. He is Jay's brother and seems to have an easy life. He surfs everyday and lives off his mother. Things sure do change when he is offered a job by Jay. I liked how they interacted with each other and felt their determination to make the cafe a success. The highlight of the menu is their moms famous chowder. The recipe is a guarded secret and no one has ever been able to duplicate the delicious dish.

My favorite character is none other than Roland. He is the resident ghost of the lighthouse and only a very few have seen him. I can't imagine seeing a ghost. I would scream and run as fast as I could. Jay is shocked when Roland starts talking to him. I have to say the author did an extraordinary job of making Roland so vivid. I would love to have him around to warn me of danger. Can Roland keep Jay and his family safe?

The story is surrounded in mystery and murder. There is a rumor of buried treasure and someone is willing to kill to find it. I was shocked when the first person was murdered. I didn't see it coming and it was a little sad . I won't give away the story, but I can say without a doubt this is one story you will not be able to put down. We have ghosts, pirates, buried treasure , sinister people and murders that start stacking up. The action never ends and with the gifted writing I was unable to figure out who the killer was. I love when I'm surprised at the end of a book and this one did not disappoint. The author brilliantly takes readers on a journey of deceit, danger, and a ghost who still protects the sea. Thank you for a story that captivated my attention and left me anxiously awaiting the next book.… (mer)