The Lightkeeper's Bride by Colleen Coble

January 4, 2011 Tobe Buffenbarger

Title: The Lightkeeper's Bride (Mercy Falls #2)

Author: Colleen Coble

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 2010

Genre: Historical Fiction; Christian; Romance

Pages: 284

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Historical Fiction; Support Your Local Library; A to Z Titles: L

Katie Russell loves working as a telephone operator in Mercy Falls, California. But since childhood she has been expected to marry well. Her family presses for an engagement to wealthy bachelor Bartholomew Foster and though he doesn't stir her heart, their engagement promises a secure financial future.

Working the phone lines one evening, Katie overhears a chilling exchange between her friend Eliza and a familiar male voice. Katie soon learns that Eliza has disappeared, and the crime may be linked to another investigation by handsome new lighthouse keeper, Will Jesperson. Katie and Will soon form an alliance. An alliance that slowly blossoms into something more.

Despite the danger surrounding her, Katie is powerfully drawn to Will. But she is not at liberty to marry for love. And though society forbids their growing affection, Katie can't help but notice Will's sense of peace. It's a peace that rests on his trust in God—a trust that Katie has never had to depend on, with her future so clearly mapped out before her.

But the more Katie uncovers of the mystery, the more she discovers about herself, her past, and the brilliant future that could be hers if only she has the courage to trust in God and follow where her heart so fearlessly leads.

The second book in Coble's Mercy Falls series reads just as well as the first. I find that I am really enjoying the mix of Christian romance and mystery/thriller. The second novel's heroine makes a brief appearance in the first novel as Addie's new friend. Katie Russell is a great character, full of stubbornness but a caretaker's heart. I really connected with this character. of course, the male interest is also intriguing. I could exactly picture Will Jesperson in my mind throughout the story. His quiet strength and determination are a perfect match for Katie.

Of course, Coble packs the novel with red herrings and obvious suspicions, leading the reading on a twisting and turning ride to the truth. The revelations of the villains didn't fail to satisfy and surprise. I enjoyed the ride. And I heard there's a third Mercy Falls novel coming out this year. I look forward to it!

Mercy Falls