I picked up this book on a whim, and was drawn to both the topic and unabashedly the cover as well. Having been familiar with a couple of the authors before, I figured it would be an interesting book to try. As an historical fiction novel woven with spirituality, it was an engaging, light-hearted, and interested book, and I wasn't disappointed! Each author's novella was somewhat different in style, yet they all blended together harmoniously.

As far as lighthouses go, I've always admired their stately beauty along the Eastern seaboard, and many of my favorite books and movies have lighthouses in them. So when I had the chance to read short stories that take place in historic light stations, I was intrigued. The work it took to maintain them, the lives of the men and women who did so, and what it meant to the seafarers who used their light to guide them to safety was fascinating. I liked that within each story, there were strong feminine characters whose backgrounds and locales were vastly different, and yet they all faced similar societal issues for the time period, which happens to be about 20-30 days before the era in which I'm currently writing in my own series of books. When I'm not writing, I love to surround myself with other works of fiction that help unclutter my mind, while giving me food for thought. This collection was just the diversion I needed! ( )

I really like reading stories around a lighthouse theme, so having 4 short stories to read in this 'Lighthouse Brides' novella was very enjoyable to me.

In 'When Love Awaits" Fiona is attending a lighthouse on her own when a fierce hurricane strikes the island. Ian, a family friend, stops by to offer his help, but Fiona doesn't think she needs any help. As the storm gets worse though she finds herself appreciating this man who she never regarded as more than just a friend. Love will bloom in the middle of a hurricane.

In "A Beacon in the Storm" Amanda is hoping to inherit her mother's position as keeper of the lighthouse. But there is a lot of opposition to her staying. Will her dreams take a different course when a handsome captain of a ship catches her attention, when he sails into harbor guided by the light from her lighthouse?

In Whispers Across the Blue" you have Jule planning her wedding (while her fiance sails out to sea for one last voyage), and tending the lighthouse for her sick father. When her fiance does not return when thought, he is presumed dead at sea. But Jule never gives up hope and finds peace and purpose as she waits for him to return.

Finally, in "A Time to Love" Eden needs her job at the lighthouse to support her and her young son. As she seeks to prove her worth as lighthouse keeper, she may find that the Lord has another just as important job for her to do. And Dane Bradbury is hoping to convince her that he would like to give her and her son a home with him as man and wife. But will he wait to late to share his feelings?

All these stories were surrounded by the special job of caring for the lighthouse and the importance it was to sailors, especially in the midst of a storm. I enjoyed each story in this novella. ( )

When love awaits/
A Time to Love/
Whispers Across the Blue/ ( )