Spotlight on The Lighthouse by Christopher Parker

 

Lady Celeste is thrilled to focus the spotlight on The Lighthouse by Christopher Parker. 

Enchanting, mysterious, and deeply romantic, The Lighthouse follows a young woman's breathtaking journey far from home to discover where she truly belongs.

Something strange is happening in Seabrook. The town's lighthouse–dormant for over 30 years and famously haunted–has inexplicably started shining, and its mysterious glow is sparking feverish gossip throughout the spooked community. Amy Tucker is only visiting for the night, but then a chance encounter with a man named Ryan turns into an unforgettable weekend, forging a deep and inexplicable connection. But as they grow closer, and as the lighthouse glows ever brighter, a startling discovery about Ryan leaves Amy questioning everything. To uncover the truth, Amy will need to enter Seabrook’s ominous tower, where she will not only find the reason why fate has brought them together…but a shocking secret that will change the course of their lives forever.

Christopher Parker was born in Takapuna, a seaside suburb in Auckland, New Zealand, where he currently lives with his daughter. Having loved writing stories growing up, it was a walk along Takapuna beach and a chance glimpse at a distant lighthouse that made him want to revisit his childhood passion and try his hand at producing a novel. Nearly 10 years on from that fateful stroll, he is proud to finally share his story. You can find him on his website at https://www.christopherparker.com. 

Follow Christopher Parker on social media:

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Three Questions with Christopher Parker. 

1. How did you come up with Amy and Ryan? Are they inspired by anyone in your own life?

Amy and Ryan aren’t inspired by anyone in particular. The idea began with the concept of the lighthouse and then the characters were brought to life to serve the building’s pivotal role in the story. However, once I began writing Amy and Ryan and spending time with them, they took on a life of their own and I became quite attached. Over the years, they’ve become like extended members of the family. Even though the story has been written, I still think about them often and know everything that happens after the final page.

2. What were some of your personal goals with writing this story?

To finish the thing! On a personal level, I simply wanted to do the best job I could and publish something my daughter could one day look back on and be proud to say, “My dad wrote that.” The book is dedicated to her, and she’s the reader I want to impress the most.

3. Without any spoilers, can you talk about the significance of the lighthouse?

I’ve always been fascinated by lighthouses and long admired them. It was never my intention to write a novel featuring one, but when I thought up the central idea of the story, there was no other building better suited to play the part. There is also an obvious strong echo between a lighthouse’s role in being a guiding light for sailors out at sea and the part it plays in being a beacon for Amy and Ryan. In my story, it is a symbol of light and hope, both literally and metaphorically. 

The Lighthouse is available in ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook everywhere that books are sold. Find all the buy links at :

https://christopherparker.com/

Susan's Review of Home for the Holly Days by Cindy Kirk-Holly Pointe Series

A model who lost the limelight. A hockey star benched from the game. Will a small-town Christmas celebration reveal a most unexpected gift?

Going “Holly” Wood isn’t what America’s sweetheart, Krista Ankrom, had in mind when she made her annual Christmas trip to Holly Pointe, Vermont. Frustrated after losing another job to a younger rival, and fearing she’s walked her last runway, she’s hoping the happy site of her childhood Christmas pasts will be the perfect hideaway. But when asked to team up with NHL superstar Dustin Bellamy to save the town’s weeklong holiday celebration, how could she say no?

Dustin Bellamy is devastated that his days on the ice could be over. Needing distraction after suffering a career-ending injury, he agrees to be the celebrity host for his hometown’s Christmas celebration. But when his beautiful co-star—and former high school sweetheart, Krista Ankrom--shines a light into his bleak world, he worries his jingling emotions will distract him from his next professional move.

Beneath a sky of softly falling show and twinkling lights aglow, will Krista and Dustin share a yuletide fling? Or will the magic of the season bring them the real thing?

Cindy Kirk’s Home for the Holly Days is a heartfelt novel of second chances. Dustin Bellamy and Krista Ankrom’s families next door to rented cabins each other during the Holly Point holiday season for many years. Dustin and Krista are given a second chance to explore their feelings towards each other. Their story takes place during the town’s annual Holly Days festival where all things Christmas are celebrated!

After losing an important account, Krista and her friend Desz Presley decide to escape the glitz and glamour of New Your City to spend Christmas in Holly Pointe, Vermont. Krista describes Holly Pointe to Desz as “A picture postcard of how life can be.” Krista understands that she needs to make a career pivot and a visit to Holly Pointe will give her the time and space to plan her next step.

Dustin Bellamy has spent 20 years pursuing an NHL career. He lives and breathes hockey; he can’t imagine life without competing. An injury has forced him to sit out the season and may have ended his career. He’s returned to Holly Pointe to regroup and come up with a plan.

Loved that Dustin and Krista decided to work together to help promote the Happy Holly Days festival. Loved the interaction between the fans and Dustin and Krista and that the couple enjoyed working together. They realized that their presence drew people to the festival and that helped the crafters and artisans sells their work. Loved that the couple embraced the holiday spirit and enjoyed the winter activities.

The romance between Krista and Dustin is perfectly paced. Cindy Kirk creates characters that engage and intrigue me. As the Holly Days ambassadors, Krista and Dustin are trending on social media. But, that’s on the surface; as behind the scenes they are falling in love while dealing with huge career path decision. Krista and Dustin approach their career pivot differently; Krista thought process is logical while Dustin’s approach is emotional. Dustin offered support to Krista when he was having a hard time deciding on his future; he was torn and is being influenced by others. Cindy Kirk does not shy away from conflict between her characters—this added a lot of emotion to the story line. Loved the secondary character of Desz as she immersed herself in the Holly Days celebration and offered friendship and support to Krista. I hope to read her story soon!

The town of Holly Pointe embodies the true Christmas spirit- the sense of a community coming together to bring joy and the Christmas spirit to all. I adored this novel and can’t wait for the next Holly Pointe book from Cindy Kirk.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased on Amazn


Check out my reviews the Holly Pointe series:

Holly Pointe and Mistletoe 

Holly Pointe and Candy Canes

Susan's Review of Nobody Does it Better by Samantha Chase-Magnolia Sound #9

A billionaire hell bent on transforming a sleepy coastal town.

The hometown girl determined to do whatever it takes to stop him.

Peyton Bishop has big plans and big dreams when it comes to leaving her mark on Magnolia Sound. Her great-grandfather founded the coastal town and every generation before her has left their stamp. Now it’s her turn. But just as she takes the leap and makes plans to build her own restaurant, a sexy business mogul buys her dream property right from under her.

Ryder Ashford knows a good thing when he sees it, and he knows he’s found a gem with Magnolia Sound. He just needs to get the small town up to his standards first. He’s received nothing but praise from the locals so far, but that’s about to change because the bratty and beautiful café owner whose property he just snatched isn’t shy about calling him out on his plans. He should be annoyed she’s getting in his way, but he enjoys their verbal sparring too much.

Ryder’s a man who goes after what he wants, and what he wants is the best.

He never thought that would turn out to be the one woman standing between him and his dreams.

“Peyton Bishop! What a nice surprise! Did you get my flowers this morning?”

“Do you know what you can do with your flowers? She said menacingly. “You can take them and shove them right up your ass!”

To his credit, Ryder’s initial reaction was a raised eyebrow.

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done? She went on, thankful to be able to unload directly on him now. “You just swooped into our town and you are trying to change everything! You think you can go wherever you want and throw your money around to get whatever you want. Well…newsflash, buddy! We don’t want you changing things! Magnolia Sound was doing just fine before you came along."

Nobody Does it Like You is the ninth book in Samantha Chase’s Magnolia Sound series and it features a savvy billionaire and a hometown girl with big dreams of her own.

Peyton Bishop’s desire is to be recognized for her business acumen, not her family connections or pretty face. She has transformed the Magnolia Café from a sleepy, old fashioned restaurant to a popular lunch and dinner bistro which features a mix of comfort and tavern meals with a twist.

Ryder Ashford is buying property all over Magnolia Sound; he’s renovating beach houses, buying businesses and has plans to build a huge resort. But, he’s made a huge mistake –he’s purchased a piece of property that Peyton had been saving up to buy. Ryder is all business; he’s a spreadsheet and suit and tie kind of guy. Feelings are not his forte.

Love Samantha Chase’s voice; I could feel the sexual chemistry between Ryder and Payton each time they talked to each other. Their verbal sparring sizzled with emotion. Loved that Ryder had feelings for Peyton but second guessed himself and truly had no clue how to go about romancing her. Grand gestures didn’t impress Peyton; I loved that she was able to get Ryder out of his comfort zone, to enjoy being together in the moment and to appreciate family and friends. Ryder was a black and white character until Peyton added color to his life.

Nobody Does it Better is filled with charming, insightful characters. Samantha Chase adds depth to the novel and she introduces a new story thread when she adds Ryder’s parents into the mix—I loved this plot choice. I rooted for this couple from the very beginning of the novel when Peyton sends Ryder home to change into normal clothes! I just love this stubborn, unpretentious, down to earth heroine!

Nobody Does it Better contains all of the story elements I adore— a small town setting, sensuous romance and complex family drama. Like a meal from the Magnolia café, this novel should be savored for its dynamic characters and well-paced story line!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author