But as she pieces together the truth, Dawn’s once-shuttered heart opens up. Despite their attraction, Dawn is reluctant to trust Kip, or any of the close-knit townsfolk. Neither task is easy, especially once her well-meaning parents and the quirky locals-including nautical researcher and Starlight Cove’s most eligible bachelor, Kip Whittaker-get involved. Her plan: remodel and sell the lighthouse while untangling the perplexing family mystery. Hoping to clear his name, Dawn returns to Starlight Cove, her idyllic hometown on Lake Michigan, where the doomed vessel sleeps beneath the beam of a ramshackle lighthouse. Thanks to a mud-slinging exposé, Dawn’s late great-grandfather is assumed guilty of stealing silver from a century-old shipwreck. Ellingsen makes you feel like you there in the story as it unfolds.Dawn Conners’s parents are famous for finding historic treasures, but she has a knack for losing things-her job, her boyfriend, and now, her reputation. Ellingsen makes you feel like you there in the story as it unfolds.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I was captivated… It took everything I had to bookmark a new chapter and get some sleep… I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery, adventure and love stories all in one book… a book I didn’t want to quit reading.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The big screen is calling for this one!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A well-written journey of self discovery and familial redemption.

“Perfectly paced with just enough intrigue, danger & sexual tension to keep you turning the pages late into the night. “Loved Loved Loved… So many laugh out loud moments as well as sweet eye-watering ones.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was a great escape and I enjoyed every minute of it!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Family drama, a very fun mystery, and romance all rolled into one. Finished in two days… the storyline and the rich characters reel you in. What a great story!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Outstanding!… I loved how the story kept you on the edge of your seat with anticipation and mystery all the way until the end. “I loved this book so very much!! I didn't want it to end! It kept me engaged the entire time! Highly recommend!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fans of Mary Ellen Taylor, Barbara O’Neal and This is Not How it Ends will adore Cynthia Ellingsen’s captivating novel. Lose yourself in a life-affirming tale about love, betrayal and finding your true home, from the bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper.

But Margaret has her own reasons for coming to Wood Violet, which threaten to expose a long-buried secret that could tear Julie’s family apart.Īs the summer draws to the close, Julie must make a choice: will she return to Chicago with the man she married, or stay and fight for her family with the man she once loved? The girl, Margaret, seems lost in the world, and Julie takes her under her wing. Then Julie stumbles upon an eighteen-year-old girl hiding out in an abandoned cabin. She has to focus more on saving the business than her marriage, and the appearance of childhood sweetheart Chase throws her into disarray. Away from the pressures of their corporate jobs in the city, Julie hopes she and husband Tristan can start to heal after another failed pregnancy.īut, on arriving home, Julie discovers resort life is anything but peaceful. When Julie’s mother falls ill, she has no choice but to return to her parents’ Wisconsin resort, Wood Violet, for the summer. The most painful choice I’ve ever made, my dearest, was to say goodbye to you. Ones that can tear our heart out and leave us begging for answers. I tell you this now-we all make surprising decisions for love.

One day you will understand that the heart is only as fragile as the choices we make.

The lighthouse keeper cynthia ellingsen