Kiss River

After reading SECRET LIFE OF CEECEE WILKES, I went on to read BEFORE THE STORM and BAY AT MIDNIGHT. I loved these three novels so much that, based upon recommendations here and at Diane's blog, I purchased the KEEPER OF THE LIGHT trilogy. I am so glad I did. I love the characters and plots in these novels, and I especially love how there were always secrets to be learned in each book. KISS RIVER, the second book in the trilogy, was no exception. My greatest hope is that Diane will continue this excellent series by eventually writing a fourth...

I fell in love with the characters in Keeper of the Light and was looking forward to this book. It did not disappoint me. While having strong characters and storylines that could stand alone, it had an added strength for the reader who already knew the background of the characters, almost like a reunion catching up with old friends. Diane's ability to create lifelike situations and people assures her books will always be superb!

I love "Diane Chamberlain" books so this was no surprise that is was another hit. I found it a little hard to get started but then it just kept getting harder to put down. This is the second book in her trilogy and I can't wait for the last one.

Gina has made it her quest, her very life's work, raise the Fresnel lens that lit up the lighthouse beacon on the historic and beautiful Kiss River, despite the fact that most of the local residents believe it belongs at the bottom of the sea. She does find allies in the form of the O'Neills, Lacey, a troubled artist with a promiscuity problem, and her brother, widower Clay, who is lost in grief for his late wife. Lacey takes Gina into their home, hoping against all odds that she will be the one to light up her brother's darkened soul. Gina's quest to raise the beacon involves not only locating it, but delving into the secrets of the small town's past, that tie in with her own heritage. Long buried truths are to be painfully revealed, and the true nature of her desperate search will bring about pain and healing both. It is a race against time, for a child's life is hanging in the balance. **** Interspersed with the main plot in the present is the diary of a young woman who lived and loved over half a century ago. To some, these entries will be tender and insightful, adding richness and color to the already moving story. Others will find them distracting and hard to integrate into the main story. In either case, the primary characters are ones to agonize with and whose hurt screams across the pages, so vividly are they drawn. No one can be unmoved by the all too real tale herein. **** Reviewed by Amanda Killgore.