Product Description
Stories of the heroism and fortitude of the men and women of the U.S. Lighthouse Service, who kept vital shipping lanes safe from 1716 until the early 20th century. Vivid tales about the daily work; coping with fog, storms, and other catastrophes; women's and families' roles; lighthouse children and pets; the natural world around lighthouses; and the diverse characters of those who held the job. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Well organized lighthouse keeper facts
While this book may remove the romantic notions we have of lighthouse living it will educate and entertain and make you much more appreciative of the keepers of lights. You may even wish to dig in your pockets to help save and restore some of the remaining lights.

The book is very well organized and an easy enjoyable read. It includes useful resources as well. A must buy for lighthouse lovers.

Informative, enlightening, well-written
Elinor DeWire's book is a page turner, and that's saying something for non-fiction!As an author researching lighthouses for my next novel, I found this work to be a pot of gold.It got the creative juices flowing.Elinor's writing style is very readable and fast paced.She doesn't bog you down with gory, technical details you'd just rather not read about.It is the first work I've read so far in my research, and certainly not the last thanks to the interest this book sparked.I was sucked headfirst into the waters of the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Gulf, the Great Lakes and the Chesapeake Bay, and Guardians of the Lights never failed to illumine my mind with fascinating facts and tenderhearted tales of real people that took their jobs seriously.It's obvious Elinor does the same.You won't be disappointed with this one.

Well researched and written.Lots of photos, mostly B&W.
This is a great book for lighthouse lovers.The accounts of the brave keepers of U.S. lighthouses will inspire respect for all the men and women who took up the service.I enjoyed reading this book and appreciated the photographs throughout ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Lighthouses and Keepers - The US Lighthouse Service and
This is a publication of the Naval Institute Press and it deservesrecognition.I found the book to be accurate and informative - not a lotof romancing, just facts - but written in a very captivating way.Thereare nine chapters, maps, and a glossary of nautical terms.I was somewhatdisappointed in that only one chapter is devoted to the keepers, but overall I am very happy to have this book in my collection.It has become oneof my favorites. dce ... Read more

Product Description
After ferrying supplies to thirty-nine space stations, First Commander Taylitha Basil of the UAV Stardancer is ready to move on to something less dull... but it turns out the station commander at their final stop is a great sword-fighter, funny, handsome, interesting...

...and also human, one of the species that engineered her own race long ago. What do you feel about the people who played God? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Short and sweet
This is the first story I've read in this world setting, and it left me wanting more!I'm definitely going on to read more in this series.

It reads like an out-take
This was my first introduction to the author's world, and unfortunately it reads to me like an out-take from a much longer work.There's are tantalizing hints of this world, although I wonder if I'd have been as curious if I'd been more familiar with the setting.
The fencing scene is lovely, although I admit in something like this I skimmed the fencing to get back to the character development.
Still, it's enough of a hint to make me want more of the story.

Magnificent episode in a longer story
Dark Lighthouse is set in what's my favorite of all of Ms. Hogarth's fictional worlds, the Alliance. This world has several spacefaring civilizations, and the people we meet here are the ones we view her (as usual) richly detailed world through.

This story is slightly unsatisfying simply in that it's so very short. It feels like there should be more, and yet we are told everything we need to know in it. Taylitha meets someone she likes -- but can't get past the awareness that this is someone from the species that /created/ her own folk, the Pelted (uplifted animals). She is left feeling as confused as we probably would upon meeting our maker, and Micah expertly shares that with the reader.

There is also a magnificent scene involving fencing and swordsmanship that feels simultaneously like a very erotic dance and a for-real bit of swordsmanship. Ms. Hogarth is a fencer herself. She knows her swords and it shows. That alone makes this one great to me. And if this story about Taylitha and her ship isn't enough (it wasn't for me!), then check out the 'Alysha' stories which cover far more of this setting and the people, Pelted, alien, and human, within it. You won't be sorry.

Good supporting story for the universe
This book is a good addition to the Stardancer stories -- another snapshot in the universe whose overarching theme is humanity, as seen through the lens of humanity's bioengineered creations. In this one, the focus is another aspect of how the Pelted and their creators relate to one another.

The setting is, obviously, detailed beyond what we see in the story. Likewise the characters -- especially Taylitha, the viewpoint character -- are also far more detailed than the story can show. The theme, the attraction between human and Pelted, is a powerful one.

Unfortunately, the story is too darn short. More unfortunately, I don't only mean that in the "I don't want to stop reading!" way (though I *also* mean that...). The shortness of the story is a significant flaw, because the characters don't have enough space to unfold their complexities and nuances, that are only hinted at. I'm sure that there are fully-formed characters there, but I don't get to see enough to know them. The pace is too fast; does what happens happen because of hasty choices, or are actions driven by deep-seated character motivations? Even the set-up suffers because there's not enough narrative time to discern if the attraction is for an evening, a longer pair-bonding, or if those involved aren't even sure which, yet.

I reiterate, Dark Lighthouse *is* a useful addition to the universe; the background-building of the past-that-created-the-present, as well as hints about the society, are fascinating. And the price is a bargain! But the powerful theme is weakened by brevity, turning what could have been an excellent or great story into a merely good one -- a supportive work more than a standalone. If you liked In The Line of Duty, then Dark Lighthouse is definitely worthwhile. ... Read more

Product Description
Mr Grinling loves a jolly good snooze, but he keeps on waking up too late to switch on the lighthouse light. It's not long before the lighthouse inspectors pay him a visit and they are not happy at all...Whatever will become of Mr Grinling? ... Read more

Product Description
On 26 November 1703, during the worst storm that Britain had ever seen, Henry Winstanley died in his pioneering lighthouse as it was blown apart. He had defied incredible odds to build the first Eddystone Lighthouse in 1698, saving the lives of many sailors from the fate of the thousands who previously died upon the rocks. The Great Gale not only destroyed the man and his lighthouse, but also saw complete devastation throughout the land. And at sea, some 8000 sailors were drowned that night, within yards of the land. Winstanley was an ingenious man. He owned a house of gadgets which was one of London's foremost attractions for decades. In 1695, two of his five ships were lost on Eddystone. He was determined that no more ships should founder and, though thwarted by weather and politics, he built a lighthouse, the first of its kind. It survived terrible winters and withstood devastating storms, guiding ships away from the treacherous rocks that lay ahead with its dim candlelight. After the great storm it was as if the lighthouse had never been.Ultimately, Winstanley's lighthouse led to the building of others on the Eddystone rocks and beyond, thus transforming the safety of shipping. This illustrated work vividly recreates the story of the Eddystone Lighthouse, the character of the man who built it with grim determination fighting against all odds, and the power of the elements that finally destroyed them both. ... Read more

Product Description
Mrs Grinling is the best cook in the world and Mr Grinling likes nothing better than to taste her delicious treats. But when he over-indulges at the village picnic, he finds himself in a pickle and suddenly wishes he hadn't eaten quite so much. ... Read more

Product Description
The Golden Days Crafts Fair comes to Hatteras West, and Alex couldn't be more excited.His new maid, Elise Danton, is working out better than he could have hoped, and things are finally looking up for Alex.That is until the town's blacksmith is murdered at the fair, and Alex must solve the murder to clear the name of his inn. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

This Series Has Run Its Course
Unfortunately after the second book, this series has run its course with me.No real spark or endearing characters that make you want to dive into the next one.

Alex Winston runs a bed and breakfast that has the distinction of having a replica of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and its outbuildings.What's so curious about that, well, there is no water around just a lighthouse sitting in the foothills of North Carolina.

While embroiled in the daily duties of running the inn and trying to bring the lighthouse back to its glory, Alex agrees to let Shantana run the Golden Days Fair on his property. Things seem to be going smoothly, that is until a local blacksmith is found impaled with a very unique piece of metalwork and everyone seems to be a suspect.

This story quickly bogs down and by the time the killer is revealed, it really doesn't matter because my attention is no longer on the book.My mind has wandered and I was trying to figure out what I was going to read next.Not a good sign.

Inn With Death
Alex Winston is an inkeeper who runs the remodeled lighthouse known as Hatteras West in a small town rife with secrets and jealousies.One of those secrets spills over into murder and Alex, ever curious, gets involved with the murder mystery.A craft show on the inn's grounds attracts a lot of locals as well as out-of-towners, so when blacksmith Jefferson Lee ends up impaled by one of his own creations, there are plenty of suspects.Alex follows the trail with the reader close on his tracks, searching through jilted lovers, secret lovers and jealous tradesmen.

Tim Myers is the author of three different mystery series.The Lighthouse Inn series was the first, followed by Candlemaking mysteries and Soapmaking mysteries.

Myers is a fine craftsman.His mysteries are well-thought out and constructed soundly.Some might complain about the lack of characters but MURDER, SHE WROTE was character-lite too and ran successfully for 11 years until the star chose to end the series.His books are meant for a lazy afternoon at the beach, a winter night when the reader is in the mood for a short, effective test of wits.

Although Myers is more informative in his Soapmaking and Candlemaking series, it would have been good to see more history about the area and lighthouses in general.Or maybe it's just because he made it all so appealing and interesting.

RESERVATIONS FOR MURDER is a nifty little mystery that will only take a couple hours to read.The setting and characters immediately feel comfortable.

Suprisingly Campy
Tim Myers follow-up to his enjoyable Innkeeping With Murder
finds Alex Winston with murder at his doorstep once again.
Myers does a nice job with the small town characters giving each
chapter the right amount of homey touches to convey the
"Mayberry" cliches needed for this light read.However,
I do wish he gave his lead character more conviction and
development.We never get to know Alex Winston.He seems
to exist just to connect the dots between suspects, ex-girlfriends and current love interests.In addition, Myers
doesn't provide the reader with enough clues to the murder,
so the conclusion seems to come out of nowhere. What elevates
this so-so mystery to four stars is the campiness Myers creates
with his murderer.The last fifteen pages are pure camp and
comedy.The cat and mouse between Alex and the murderer is
over-the-top and played for laughs.This is the most
unintentionally funny murder suspect since Mrs. Voorhees took
revenge on camp counselors twenty-four years ago in Friday The
13th.If they get the right actors, this could be a hoot as
a trashy TV movie.Is this a one time comic rush or can we
expect more of the same from future Innkeeping Mysteries?
Let's hope so.

Gossip spread like kudzu
The preface notes a manuscript of the author's was plucked from a slush pile.Alex's housekeeper, Elise, for his Hatteras Inn, a replica of the Hatteras Light, situated in the foothills of North Carolina, argued with him that the inn needed to attract a wealthier clientele.She said that friendship should not get in the way of the goals for the inn.The conversation arose because a fair was scheduled to take place on the property.

Someone killed one of the blacksmiths.Alex persuaded the sheriff to let the fair continue.Alex called his former girlfriend, a lawyer, to the scene in case any of the fair participants needed to be defended as they were being questioned by the sheriff.

The fair attracted a huge crowd, more to see the crime scene than to see the artisans at work.The victim was trying to drive another blacksmith out of business.Everyone in town knew that the sheriff depended upon Alex to help him solve mysteries.

Gossip spread like kudzu in the town.Elise the housekeeper had to leave because her father was to have a heart operation.Everyone thought that she was gone for good.

Many people had hated the victim.Next a Marilyn Baxter is believed to have been kidnapped and is then found-- her absence caused by an overdose.I don't want to give away any more of the plot of this well-written story.

Another death at the lighthouse puts Alex in the thick of it
...Alex is a likeable character.I like the relationship he has with Elise, but hope it will grow.I think that's the only thing I would say negative about this book is that I missed that.With Elise gone, all he did was miss her, but yet he's not sure what type of relationship they have.There was too much of that in this book.

This series is very enjoyable.I always look forward to the next book coming out. The descriptions are very enticing.I would love to stay at The Hatteras West Inn.

I highly recommend this book and the whole series. ... Read more

Product Description

Katherine is the daughter of the lighthouse keeper. She dreams of becoming a painter. But in 1905, a girl can't grow up to be a famous artist -- can she?

Rose just moved to the town of Cape Light. She wants to fit in with her new friends, but Rose has a secret she can't share with anyone ...

Lizabeth is Kat's rich cousin who always gets what she wants. But Lizabeth soon finds out that money can't keep her from losing the most precious thing of all ...

Amanda's mother passed away, and now Amanda keeps house for her minister father. When she meets a very special young man, can she find the courage to be friends with him in spite of her father's disapproval?

The quiet New England town of Cape Light never seems to change. But starting in 1905, the lives of these four friends will be transformed in ways they never could have imagined ...

Customer Reviews (7)

Amanda's Story
I purchased this book to complete the series. I was not disapointed. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in the same day. Now I can't wait to read the series to my daughter. Thanks so much!

Eeh, so-so
Not my favorite Ligthhouse Lane book. The whole time I was reading it I was screaming in my head, 'You idiot, Amanda, stand up for yourself!' It got annoying how she finally realizes it at the end of the book.
Also, I'm not suer this book was well reserched. It seemed like what they said when conversing and stuff was too.. different then the time period (1905-06).

Very Good
This book is a very good one and you won't want to put it down. One-fourth of this book is full of letters. Amanda is nice. Her friends are nice. Amanda's sister is cool. That is all.

OMG Its so good
I love this book when Jed (her boy friend) and her write in be tween each other. it gets hard for them when he leaves. i want to tell u more but then whats the point of reading it?

I love it
In this series Amanda writes to Jed (her boyfriend)after her father said no seeing eachother!This book is vary cool! Read it! ... Read more

Product Description
Take your understanding of To the Lighthouse to a whole new level, anywhere you go: on a plane, on a mountain, in a canoe, under a tree.Or grab a flashlight and read Shmoop under the covers.Shmoop's award-winning website is now available on your Kindle. Shmoop on the Kindle is like having a trusted, fun, chatty, expert literature-tour-guide always by your side, no matter where you are (or how late it is at night). You'll find thought-provoking character analyses, quotes, summaries, themes, symbols, trivia, and lots of insightful commentary in Shmoop's literature guides.Teachers and experts from top universities, including Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, and Columbia, have written content designed to engage you and to get your brain bubbling. Shmoop is here to make you a better lover of literature and to help you discover connections to other works of literature, history, current events, and pop culture. These interactive study guides will help you discover and rediscover some of the greatest works of all time. For more information, check out http://www.shmoop.com/kindle ... Read more

Product Description

Katherine is the daughter of the lighthouse keeper. She dreams of becoming a painter. But in 1905, a girl can't grow up to be a famous artist -- can she?

Rose just moved to the town of Cape Light. She wants to fit in with her new friends, but Rose has a secret she can't share with anyone. . . .

Lizabeth is Kat's rich cousin who always gets what she wants. But Lizabeth soon finds out that money can't keep her from losing the most precious thing of all. . . .

Amanda's mother passed away, and now she keeps house for her minister father. When Amanda meets a very special young man, can she find the courage to be friends with him in spite of her father's disapproval?

Customer Reviews (6)

The Girls of Lighthouse Lane: Rose's Story
In New York City in 1905, Rose Forbes desperately tries to fit in at her exclusive all-girl school. When her mother's support of the suffragist movement becomes common knowledge, the other girls treat her as an outcast. Her father's medical practice also suffers after Rose's mother is arrested during a protest. Rose's parents decide that a change of scenery would be beneficial and settle on Cape Light as their new home.

Rose is excited about the possibility of new friends and a chance to start over. Kat, Amanda and Lizabeth welcome Rose warmly, but Rose lives in fear that they will shun her if they discover her mother's involvement in the women's rights movement. Rose is more interested in horses than politics and doesn't understand her mother's dedication to the suffragist cause. Rose begins working with an abused race horse, Midnight Star. When she's barred from participating in a jumping competition because of her gender, Rose finally understands and embraces her mother's political views.

While the plot is predictable from the start, Rose's love of horses will resonate with many young readers.

Good book
This is one of a set of four books written for girls.They have some funny elements that my daughter enjoyed, but some serious ideas as well.We enjoy reading them.

Books
These were purchased as an early gift.Can hardly wait to give them to my special person.

i loved it
This book with all the others all was so great i loved it from the beging to end. I couldn't put it down.

READ IT
IT'S HART WARMING SERIES I LOVE!I couldn't put it down.You would love it to. ... Read more

Product Description
When Mr Grinling locks himself out of the lighthouse, he tries everything to get back inside. Not only is Hamish the cat trapped inside, he also needs to switch on the light to warn the ships that they're near the rocks on the coast. Luckily Mrs Grinling has an ingenious plan to get back in...but will it work? ... Read more

Product Description
Mr Grinling and his great-nephew, George, find themselves stranded in the lighthouse on a stormy Christmas night. With no Mrs Grinling, no food or no presents, they wonder if this will be the worst Christmas ever. ... Read more

Product Description
Mr and Mrs Grinling are throwing a fancy-dress party to celebrate the lighthouse's 200th birthday and everyone is invited. But when the Grinlings take to the high seas, they get more swashbuckling than they bargained for. ... Read more

Product Description
When Mr Grinling decides he needs a hobby, he tries everything from baking to bird-watching. But one morning a stroll along the beach inspires Mr Grinling to take up a most unlikely pastime. ... Read more

Product Description

Katherine is the daughter of the lighthouse keeper. She dreams of becoming a painter. But in 1905, a girl can't grow up to be a famous artist -- can she?

Rose just moved to the town of Cape Light. She wants to fit in with her new friends, but Rose has a secret she can't share with anyone ...

Lizabeth is Kat's rich cousin who always gets what she wants. But Lizabeth soon finds out that money can't keep her from losing the most precious thing of all ...

Amanda's mother passed away, and now Amanda keeps house for her minister father. When she meets a very special young man, can she find the courage to be friends with him in spite of her father's disapproval?

The quiet New England town of Cape Light never seems to change. But starting in 1905, the lives of these four friends will be transformed in ways they never could have imagined ...

Customer Reviews (7)

The Girls of Lighthouse Lane: Lizabeth's Story
Thirteen-year-old Lizabeth Merchant comes from the richest family in Cape Light and, as such, leads a very privileged life. Her biggest worry is that she might not be crowned Strawberry Queen in Cape Light's upcoming Strawberry Festival. She has little patience for her four-year-old sister, Tracy, who often seeks Lizabeth's attention.

Lizabeth is sent to stay with her cousin Kat's family when Tracy contracts scarlet fever. For Lizabeth, who is used to servants doing all the work in her own home, seeing Kat's entire family pitch in to maintain the lighthouse is an eye-opening experience.

Lizabeth worries that she won't be allowed to go back to her home before the Strawberry Festival. Her dress for the festival is still in her room and the house is under quarantine. Lizabeth sneaks out of Kat's bedroom one evening and returns to her home for the dress. While she's there, she checks on Tracy and is startled to see how sick her young sister has become. Suddenly the Strawberry Festival doesn't seem so important any more. The events that follow Tracy's illness will drastically change Lizabeth's view of herself and the people around her.

In the previous Lighthouse Lane books, Lizabeth was the character I liked least, but her story turned out to be my favorite of the series. She's a very self-centered character, but also a very insecure one. She doesn't feel that she has anything to offer beyond her good looks and privileged upbringing, but her sister's illness teaches her a difficult lesson. She realizes that money and material possessions cannot bring her happiness or prevent bad things from happening, and she's a better person for this realization.

Great Value
The book I purchased. The Lighthouse Girls-Lizabeth's Story is in great shape and I thought the price was very reasonable.I will continue to check Amazon for books in the future. By the way, this series is very good, not only for teens, but adults too!

A kids review.
Lizabeth Merchant's family is one of the richest in Small town of Cape light new england. Lizabeth is very spoilt and hardly pays attention to her little sister Tracy. When the strawberry festival is coming. She enters for the chance to win the Strawberry queen pagent. All of a sudden her little sister Tracy comes down whith scarlet fever. Now she has to make a choice between staying by her little sister or winning the pagent.

This book was amazing. I would suggest to anybody who has any siblings

I loved it so much
this series is the best ones i have ever read in my life. It is so exiting. i want to tell u the story but then whats the point of reading it?

WONDERFUL BOOK
I can't believe how wonderful this series is.Lizabeth is kind of selfish, but she learns a lesson about being happy with what u have while u have it.You should read it. ... Read more

Product Description

Not for the schmaltz-allergic crowd, this nostalgic feast of emotion andsincerity could warm up your heart on an arctic vacation. Like NicholasSparks, James Michael Pratt knows where the heartstrings are, and playsthem with all the subtlety of Tchaikovsky. But go ahead--no one iswatching. Pull up the covers and let the sappiness seduce you! --NancyR.E. O'Brien ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Terrible
Sappy, predictable and boring.One of the worst books I have read in a while.It reminded me of what my teenage niece use to say:"Gag me with a spoon".I had to force myself to finish it and I am sorry I bothered.

One of the best books I've ever read or listened to.
"The Lighthouse Keeper" by James Michael Pratt is one of the best books I've ever had the privilege of reading or listening to. It's one of those books that, once you start reading it, you find it almost impossible to put down. It is written in such a way that makes you fall in love with the characters, and feel their every feeling. Personally, I felt like I was losing a lifelong friend when the audio-book ended. I recommend it to everyone, young and old.

Lighthouse Keeper
The price on this book was right, the quality great and the service prompt!What more can I say?

A Real Man's Romance Novel
The Lighthouse Keeper is the first book by James Pratt that I read.I became an immediate fan of this author.No one does a better job portraying how a man thinks and loves than James does.I've since bought every other book by Jim.Every book is a treasure.Jim is a moral compass in a world that knows only shades of gray.What Jim does best is to wrap a story around the principles of character.

I must admit that The Lighthouse Keeper is my favorite.It ought to be made into a movie.I understand that Hallmark is producing Jim's "The Last Valentine" for a TV special in 2010.I hope that they do his book justice and don't mess with the 'heart' of the story.It was perfect as written and it would be refreshing to see Hollywood produce a movie that was as good as the book.Jim is a very talented, very humble, very committed author.People need to discover all of his stories.Some may change your life!

A love story that's also a page-turner!
Another great book by Pratt!You'll like this book if you enjoy stories about TRUE romance, love the way it was designed to be.If you enjoy stories that keep you turning pages until you've discovered "what happens next."If you're ready for an uplifting tale by a great author.Much recommended! ... Read more

Product Description
Miles off the coast of northern California lies a mariner's nightmare. Concealed by roiling sea and thick fog, the jagged edges of a submerged volcanic mountain chain await approaching vessels like predators in the mist. This is one of the most hazardous reefs off the West Coast. And for over a century, it has been home to the most remote, most expensive, and most dangerous lighthouse ever built in America.

Called "Dragon Rocks" in 1792 by British explorer George Vancouver, the area became known as St. George Reef in the hope that its namesake might slay the dragon. But the beast claimed its greatest victim in 1865 when the side-wheel steamer S.S. Brother Jonathan sank on one of the rocks with the loss of 225 souls, inspiring an extraordinary effort to make the waters safe. The result took ten years to construct and cost as much as twenty conventional lighthouses.

In Sentinel of the Seas, Dennis M. Powers chronicles the heroic stories of men and women who have gone where land and sea collide. To build the St. George Reef Lighthouse, Alexander Ballantyne--probably the only man alive who was qualified and brave enough to supervise such a project--faced incredible hurdles, including the haul of six-ton granite blocks onto a spit of washed-over land from a quarry seventy-five miles away. In 1937 George Roux, the tough, longtime head lighthouse keeper, was trapped for two months by howling winds and stories-high waves with his crew on the verge of mutiny. In 1951 a rogue wave capsized a Coast Guard launch being lowered from the lighthouse, challenging keeper Fred Permenter to attempt a nearly impossible rescue that would win him a place in Coast Guard history.

Based on five years of research drawing on the National Archives, original journals, and personal interviews, Sentinel of the Seas is the first book to capture the tumultuous history of this astounding engineering feat and the lives that have been influenced by it. The author takes readers back to the dawn of lighthouse design, charting the dramatic moments and the courageous people who have shaped a struggle against the oceans that culminates in the singular experience of St. George Reef. A vivid, comprehensive work of history that reads like the best adventure writing, this portrait of human tenacity and the raw fury of nature solidifies Dennis M. Powers's reputation as one of our finest chroniclers of the sea. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Sentinel of the Seas
Dennis Powers is a great story teller!And "Sentinel of the Seas" is another great example!OK, I could be biased, Dennis is a dear friend of mine.But it also gives me insight into how he can weave such a good story.Dennis is one of those people you just like talking to and I think that comes out in his books.It is also how he gets people to tell him interesting things while he is doing the research.In "Sentinel of the Seas" he captures what it must be like to live in this remote lighthouse.A really fun read!

Just imagine...
I loved this book!Dennis Powers's "Sentinel of the Seas..." is thoroughly captivating.Each chapter is filled with fascinating descriptions of the men---and there were heroic women too---who risked everything in order to secure the west coast.There are tales of immigrants who could only find work that no one else wanted, so those men took brutally hard jobs. Powers ties together the social, economic, and political scenes to portray life at a time when if a man was out of a job for whatever reason, he was simply out of luck.
Before the Oregon Territory was settled, a few hardy pioneers ventured west via wagon train, but that kind of travel was inefficient.It took months and it was full of hardships and hazards.There were no railroads or other methods of transporting goods to the developing west coast, so ships were essential to transport men and materials.And the stormy, rock-strewn Oregon coast caused too many ships to go down; that was expensive in terms of lost lives and lost fortunes as well.So the lighthouses were essential.But imagine building one amidst the raging, murderous sea with thunderous tides that could--and did--carry off men along with tons of desperatly needed goods.
This book is is a thriller.

Brilliantly written
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (5/07)

"Sentinel of the Seas" reads like a novel.Dennis Powers has written another classic masterpiece which chronicles man battling the sea.As in his earlier works "Treasure Ship" and "The Raging Sea," Powers has thoroughly researched his work. He spent five years in preparation, searching archives, original journals, dairies, ship logs, Lighthouse Board Reports, and doing personal interviews of survivors, and their families. The lighthouse was built on St. George Reef which is one of the most hazardous reefs off the West Coast.

Powers recounts the history, engineering and construction of the lighthouse.He also explains the various lighting and sound warning devices used over the history of the lighthouse. Powers masterfully weaves into the record heroic stories of the men and women who designed, built, and maintained the St. George Reef Lighthouse from it's completion in 1892 until it's abandonment in 1975, and renewal in 2002.

"Sentinel of the Seas" heralds the career of Alexander Ballantyne, who supervised the project, as well as the careers of George Roux, and Fred Permenter the lighthouse keepers. Powers details the work of the "wickies," lighthouse life, the history and the development of other U. S. lighthouses. He shows a deep appreciation for the courage the lighthouse keepers demonstrated in the midst of crashing waves, tumultuous storms, and hurricane force winds which they faced on a recurring basis.

Turnover among the personal was significant.Powers explained it this way: "This station was one of the least sought-after assignments in the service.Potential wickies had already heard what duty would be like on Dragon Rocks.It had earned its reputation."I personally enjoyed the insight into the contrast between routine work and boredom of the assignment with hazardous way of life of the lighthouse keepers.Powers uses descriptive phrases that made me feel "the enveloping curtains of cold mists" or hear the "barks of the seals, cries of the seagulls, and the crashing surf."

This is great adventure reading, brilliantly written. I highly recommend "Sentinel of the Seas" to everyone who loves epic adventure stories of the adventure of the sea, shipwreck, and nautical history.

An other great book from Dennis Powers
Really enjoyed this book, Keeps you interested and the tale of building St. George Lighthouse is amazing. A harrowing tale of perseverancefor ten years in all kinds of weather.
Also included is Lighthouse keepers at other lighthouses and a chaper on Women Lighhouse keepers. Mr Powers really does his homework when he writes his books and I have enjoyed working with him on three of his books at the Del Norte Conty Historical Society Museum in Crescent City California where three of his books have their roots.
Sandra Nuss
Researcher, Del Norte Co. Historical Society ... Read more

Product Description
In this passionate, stirring novel from award-winning author Kimberly Cates, two former lovers, reunited by chance, discover that the love they shared nearly a decade ago is as strong as ever

LIGHTHOUSE COVE

Keeping a promise to her mentor, international photojournalist Jacqueline "Jack" Murphy takes time out from her jet-setting lifestyle to photograph a lighthouse in Maine. To her shock, her new assignment brings her face-to-face with Tom Brownlow and his daughter, Lucy. He's the man who broke Jack's heart nine years ago and though she has traveled the world ten times over, she never stopped thinking of him.

Tom never expected to see Jack again -- but as they get to know each other for a second time, he realizes that leaving her was the hardest thing he ever had to do. And now, though Tom tells himself he's just staying at the lighthouse to fulfill his daughter's greatest wish, he's falling more in love than ever. Somehow -- for Lucy's sake and their own -- Jack and Tom must embrace lasting love...the most daring adventure of all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A psychological romance
Not much happens in this novel.When they meet at a Maine lighthouse eight years later, one-time lovers Tom and Jacqueline ("Jack") each spend a lot of time thinking about what was, what might have been, and what could be.Eventually they get brave enough to talk about it.Some action surfaces when Tom's daughter Lucy gets into a difficult situation, but the result is predictable, as is the main plot's resolution.Confusion sometimes arises when the third-person narrative viewpoint switches abruptly in mid-scene, and questions that end in periods are difficult to read as well.An average diversion.

warm heart wrenching contemporary romance
Jacqueline "Jack" Murphy promised her photojournalistic teammate that she would complete his book on the Mermaid Lost Lighthouse in Maine just before her partner died.Jack still grieves her partner's death and feels guilty for causing it.As she struggles with taking the Lighthouse pictures, she feels lonely and begins reminiscing back to her only love affair.Nine years ago Jack almost married Tom Brownlow, but he wed someone else.

Suddenly Tom arrives at the lighthouse with his daughter Lucy, whom he promised to take her anywhere she wanted to go because she is losing her sight.Lucy selected this lighthouse because her mother is writing a book about it and the child has an early manuscript.Lucy hopes to find a way to see her mother who she has not seen since she was a baby before her sight goes.Tom told Lucy that Laura is writing a book, but her mother is in prison for vehicular homicide while driving under the influence.As Jack and Tom battle demons including the fact they still love one another, Lucy steals her heart.Lucy tries to bring these two deserving, but stubborn souls together.

Though a coincidence on the location gets the novel rolling, LIGHTHOUSE COVE is a warm heart wrenching contemporary romance.The audience cannot help, but care what happens to the appealing key characters.Kim Cates' latest contemporary romance should include a box of tissues for fans are going to turn emotional from observing the courage of Lucy, who steals the show from the adults.That is not an easy task as Jack and Tom are wonderful protagonists.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Product Description

Meet The Girls of Lighthouse Lane. . .

Katherine is the daughter of the lighthouse keeper. She dreams of becoming a painter. But in 1905, a girl can't grow up to be a famous artist -- can she?

Rose just moved to the town of Cape Light. She wants to fit in with her new friends, but Rose has a secret she can't share with anyone. . . .

Lizabeth is Kat's rich cousin who always gets what she wants. But Lizabeth soon finds out that money can't keep her from losing the most precious thing of all. . . .

Amanda's mother passed away, and now Amanda keeps house for her minister father. When she meets a very special young man, can she find the courage to be friends with him in spite of her father's disapproval?

The quiet New England town of Cape Light never seems to change. But in the year 1905, the lives of these four friends will be transformed in ways they never could have imagined. . . .

Customer Reviews (9)

Katherine's Story
In 1905 New England, thirteen-year old Katherine Williams loves life in the quaint village of Cape Light. Known to her friends as Kat, she dreams of one day being a famous artist living in a big city.

Kat's father is a lighthouse keeper and Kat helps with many of the lighthouse duties. Each night she takes the first watch from dusk until midnight. When the light fails during a storm, Kat is instrumental in helping a Boston couple avoid a shipwreck. The couple is so grateful for Kat's help that they arrange an invitation to a prestigious art school in Boston for the girl. Tuition is expensive, though, and Kat's parents cannot afford it. However, if Kat can come up with half of the tuition fee, her parents will pay the other half.

With the help of her friend Amanda and her cousin Lizabeth, Kat tries to earn her half of the money. After two failed entrepreneurial attempts, Kat has success selling hand-painted wrapping paper to several local shops. This allows her to earn her half of the tuition fee. When an unexpected expense leaves her father unable to pay the rest, Kat is furious at her parents. She makes a rash decision that could cost her something far more precious than just the chance to attend art school -- it could cost her her life.

Erika Tamar captures the ups and downs of teenage emotions very well, unfortunately this meant that Kat's character irritated me for most of the book. With each poor decision that she made, I found her more difficult to like. However, Cape Light is a very charming setting and the friendship between the three girls seems genuine. Inspired by the paintings of Thomas Kinkade, this entertaining and wholesome series will likely appeal to young girls.

A satisfying start to a delightful new series!
The year is 1905. Twelve-year-old Katherine "Kat" Williams leads a content life in Cape Light, along with her family, tending the town's lighthouse. But Kat's true passion is art. She eats, sleeps, dreams, and breathes art, and would do anything to have the opportunity to earn enough money to buy even more art supplies to fuel her hobby. But after a life-changing decision, Kat may just be able to do more than purchase art supplies.

Weather is unpredictable in Cape Light, which is why Kat and her friends Lizabeth and Amanda take advantage of every spring breeze, autumn pile of leaves, and ice-covered lake. Unfortunately, since the girls are nearing thirteen, it is unladylike of them to indulge in such childish behaviors. Luckily, Kat has a separate hobby. One that is proper, and keeps her imagination flowing - art. It is while she is creating her latest masterpiece, during her lighthouse watch, that a storm hits Cape Light, and Kat is left on her own, trying to direct a boat safely to shore. As traumatic and harrowing as the experience is, Kat is gifted with the opportunity of a lifetime - to attend art school in Boston. The only problem is that it costs fifty dollars to attend, and her family certainly can't afford such an exorbitant fee. So Kat comes up with a compromise. If she can pay half of the money, her father will pay the other half, and she'll be on her way. But earning twenty-five dollars isn't as simple as it sounds - even when you have your best friends helping you along the way. And when her father breaks his promise, and doesn't hand over his share of the money, Kat is furious. She refuses to accept the fact that she can't attend the school of her dreams, and does the unthinkable - she runs away. Now, it's only her faith in God that will lead her back home, safe and sound.

I have been a huge fan of Thomas Kinkade's paintings ever since I saw them for the first time many years ago; so I was absolutely thrilled to learn that he had teamed up with Erika Tamar to create a historical book series that featured his art, paired with Tamar's wonderful writing. KATHERINE'S STORY is very reminiscent of Lois Gladys Leppard's MANDIE book series. The tragedies Kat must overcome as she attempts to follow her dreams are quite original; while, overall, she is a very resourceful character, determined to find any way to earn the money that she needs. I found Kat to be quite enjoyable; however, at times she displayed such selfishness, that I found myself taken aback, and fed up with her attitude. Tamar's descriptions of Cape Light, and the faith undertones were wonderful. And the cover illustration by Kinkade was absolutely beautiful to look at; though it would have been nice to, perhaps, see some sketches by him throughout the story. Even so, KATHERINE'S STORY was still fairly fun. A satisfying start to a delightful new series!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Girls of Lighthouse Lane
Join Kat on her adventure as a stowaway on a boat only to find the water rising around her feet. Katherine's Story by Erika Tamer is from the series The Girls of Lighthouse Lane. The main characters are Kat who is adventerous,and friends Rose,Lizabeth,and Amanda who are encouaging to Kat. Kat lives in the New-England town of Cape Light and the story is set in the fall of 1905. Kat wants to be a famous artist but she was told that most famous artists are men. She needs to earn [...] to go to an art school.Her father said he would pay [...] if Kat paid the other half.

In the beginning of the story on a stormy night Kat was on duty at the lighthouse. She saw a boat trying to follow the light to shore when the guide light went out. Kat had to grab a lantern and go to the shore and guide the boat to shore. In the middle of the story the couple Kat saved gave her a chance to go to art school in Boston. Now she earns half of the money, but her father doesn't have the other half. To find out what happens read the book.

The theme of this book is follow your dreams but still listen to your parents. This book reminded me of when I toured the St. Michael's Lighthouse. It looked cozy and I thought it would be fun to live in it. Girls in 4th-6th grade who enjoy figuring out how to earn money and enjoy adventure would love this book.

B.V. in Annapolis

I Love This Book!
I found Kat's Story to be a very interesting story.She lives in a beautiful setting, where it seems to be a comfortable place to live. Her cousin and her two best friends did a lot together, and showed how much of best friends they are.I love books that are based on the old times.Kat is a determined young girl to be an artist.She went through many disappointments, but didn't let them stop her.Her determation to be an artist, took her through a loophole which woke her parents up, and made them realize how serious she was.I don't understand the one who gave it a one star rating.It's a good book for young girls starting at age 9 to 15. I'd love to get a hold to the other three books by Erika Tamar & Thomas Kinkade

OMG It was better then i dreamed
I got the book from the libray and didnt want to read it but then i read it an d couldnt put it down.lol ... Read more

Product Description
While exploring the first house on his list of possible haunts, Edgar and his two grandchildren, Audrey(11)

and Garrett(9), stumble upon a young ghost in need of help. To save her they will have to rely on what they know plus the lessons they learn along the way to piece together the clues, solve the puzzles, and break a dark spell. If they fail, they could be trapped in the lighthouse forever.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

a delightful summer mystery for the young, and the young at heart
Patrick Doyle's "The Castle Tower Lighthouse" is a delightful summer mystery for young readers.Patrick Doyle presents the tale of Edgar Font's Hunt for a House to Haunt (making the full title of the book a real mouthful, but a fun one).The book is fun through and through, down to a puzzle at the end for the reader to solve on their own.It's cleverly illustrated, and its tale-within-a-tale is engaging.

Doyle uses the conceit that the story has been given to him by Edgar Font, as recorded by Edgar Font's two grandchildren, Audrey and Garrett.Edgar Font is a capricious adventurer, somehow past his prime yet ready to take on anything--including his two grandchildren, who are precocious but overall _unadventuresome_ children.Edgar's answer to that is to drive them into the waters of adventure by making them integral to his summer's quest.

Edgar introduces them to the world of ghosts, as he outlines their intended journey--while not dead yet (and it's hard to imagine such a formidable person "passing on"), he wants to find a singular place to live out his eternity.The grandchildren are appropriately skeptical to begin with, but by the end of the book they're reasonably well converted--all in the span of a day.

It's a quick read, much more fluid than "wandering around the house and picking up clues" might suggest.The characters are fleshed out, for the age range, and I expect we'll learn much more about them in further installments, as they learn more about themselves.We're not told where they'll adventure to next, but there's a photograph marked, "Exploring the site for Adventure Two" in the back, and an arrow showing that it's "just over yonder".(And a glimpse at Amazon tells us that Adventure Two takes us to The Fakersville Power Station; and that that will be available July 1st!)

I heartily recommend this for the young (it's marked ages 9 and up), and the young at heart.

Start Your Adventure Today
If I told you this story began with an old man pointing the way to a secret door in a dream, what would you say? Yet, that is exactly how Patrick H.T. Doyle discovered the leatherbound journal in the attic of his home. Inside he read the most wonderful stories, each describing the adventures of a trusted grandpa and two adoring grandchildren, Audrey and Garrett. Through his imagination and incredible storytelling abilities, Doyle has delivered a new kind of adventure book, that is destined to be a favorite for young and old alike.

The last time the kids had seen grandpa was three years earlier, at their Mother's funeral. Garrett remembered his bushy moustache and that he lived in a tree house on an island somewhere. Audrey recalled the fantastic stories he had shared during their visits. How he explored pyramids in Egypt, surfed waves in Australia and climbed Mount Everest, twice. Yes, Grandpa was a true explorer. Now everyone referred to him as eccentric. Which of course to the kids simply meant he was weird. Now they would be spending the entire summer with him at his apartment in The Sterling Oaks Retirement Village. Translated into kids english - "boring, boring, and boring." But, they could not have been more wrong. This would be a summer they would never forget.

Sir Edgar Font has lived an exciting life and certainly intends to continue his quirky ways after he passes from this world into the next. So begins his search for the perfect house to haunt. The Retirement Village was filled with lonely, bored ghosts and that was no place for him. As grandpa explained his plans to his wide eyed grandchildren he was met with skeptisim and questions.
Later that night after having seen a ghost at the dinner table, they exited down the emergency steps and made their way to the "Adventure Wagon." This wagon will take us anywhere we want to go and our first destination will be the Lighthouse, grandpa told them.

The Castle Tower Lighthouse holds many puzzles, secrets, and mysteries, each waiting to be discovered. Beyond all the games there are life lessons being taught through out this book. Dealing with the loss of someone you love, like the death of Audrey and Garrett's Mother and learning to look beyond that which seems obvious, are only two of the many wonderfully woven stories that both entertain and teach. As a companion and beautifully complimenting the adventures within the book, the website offers many hours of fun and puzzle solving.

Patrick H.T. Doyle has delivered a truly new and refreshing alternative to the books currently available.This could easily be a review filled with all the raving adjectives, because each and every one has been earned. Excellent, engaging, suspense filled, action packed, I could list them all. However, it is far more important to point out that this is not just a children's book or for young adults. For all the parents out there who have searched for a great story to read to your children before bed, this is it! I have no doubt, children everywhere will be asking, "is it bed-time yet"? For all the children looking for an affordable book that is entertaining and fun, here it is! And lastly for all the adults who enjoy discovering a new author that has truly created something different, look no further, you have found it! And with the second book in this adventure series available in July, this is the perfect time to get introduced to Sir Edgar Font.

Happy Reading!
RJ McGill (3Rs)
Real Reader Reviews

A treasured collection for readers of all ages!
An enchanting story that introduces Garrett and Audrey to some pretty wondrous adventures that delivers a positive message to children everywhere.Garret and Audrey are brother and sister, and as they head to China to join their father they have no clue of the great adventure that lies ahead.The children usually stay with their aunt while their father is off on his trips as an architect but this year the children's aunt is asked to join their father for the summer in China.The children end up spending most of their time with Edgar Font, their grandfather.Edgar is on a quest of finding the perfect place to haunt when he passes away, and their summer adventures begin, their adventures will be remembered a lifetime.Their first adventure begins at an abandoned lighthouse which is full of puzzles, ghosts and mystery.As their adventure continues through the lighthouse they must rely on everything they know and the lessons that they have learned along the way to ensure they will make it out without being harmed.

The Castle Tower Lighthouse is a children's book that everyone will fall in love with no matter your age.The author writes with such skill that lights an imaginitative spark in the reader.The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and the message the story delivers is of a positive one.This is sure to be a series you will want to keep and treasure for years to come.I intend to collect each in the series for my grandson to enjoy, which I am sure will ignite another book lover in our family.I cannot wait until Edgar Font's Hunt For a House To Haunt Adventure Two: The Fakersville Power Station comes out in July.I am ready to enjoy another great adventure with Edgar Font on his search for the perfect place to haunt.

You will not want to miss the website and blog devoted to Edgar Font, they will add to your enjoyment, check them out at:

http://edgarfont.com

http://edgarfont.blogspot.com

The blogspot gives you so much informative information, which includes how the author came up with the story.Here you will find the information about Edgar Font, Audrey and Garrett.Be sure to read the top 10 questions that are asked relating to the story as you will find some very interesting facts.

The Edgar Font series is highly recommended for everyone.It has been such an honor and a pleasure to be able to review such a treasure that will be added to my collection to pass on from generation to generation.A message to the author: not only have you created such a great story for children, you have accomplished reaching readers of all ages with this series and need to be commended.I personally thank you, Bravo!

The author has created a treasured collection for readers of all ages!!!!!

Great!!!
I came across this book by chance, so my wife and I bought a copy for our neice.We read it first and absolutly loved it, with that said we kept the copy and bought another just for her...
We can't wait for the next adventure!!

Excellent Adventures with Grandpa
My family and I enjoyed this book immensely. I bought several as gifts for kids (and their families) ranging from 8 1/2 to 13 years old - everyone loved it! Can't wait for the next big adventure. ... Read more