🌊 🏖️ 🏘️ "At Lighthouse Point" (Three Sisters Island Book #3) 🏘️🏖️🌊 (2021)
MY REVIEW
Paperback: 352 pages
Series: Three Sisters Island (Book #3)
Publisher: Revell (May 11, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800735005
ISBN-13: 978-0800735005
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Blaine Grayson returns to Three Sisters Island with a grand plan--to take Camp Kicking Moose to the next level. Her dream starts to unravel when she discovers Moose Manor's kitchen has been badly remodeled by her sister, Cam, who doesn't know how to cook. Added to that blow is the cold shoulder given by her best friend, Artie Lotosky, now a doctor to the unbridged Maine islands.
As old wounds are opened, Blaine starts to wonder if she made a mistake by coming home. Little by little, she must let go of one dream to discover a new one, opening her heart to a purpose and a future she had never imagined.”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through Interviews & Reviews. A positive review was not required or requested, all words are my own.
It is hard to believe that this is the last book in the Three Sisters Island series. The cover is just as beautiful and serene as the previous two.
While each one can act as a standalone, I found it was much easier to follow the storyline from where Camp Kicking Moose begins in book #1 (On a Summer Tide). I definitely recommend readers start with that one and On a Coastal Breeze before reading this one. A lot of the plot points from the previous two are mentioned, but not in enough detail to get the entire background and history. It is also essential to see the dynamics of the sisters from their youth to current.
The same characters from the previous novels return and not just in cameos or mentions – Camden, Seth, Madison, Rick, Paul (the girls’ father), Peg Legg (owner of the Lunch Counter), Artie (mentioned in book #2), and a few others. Each has a significant part. The two thieves from the previous two books do not return nor is there any mention of them.
Readers will also get to see what happen between Peg and Paul which was hinted at in book #2.
Also, the issue with Maddie and her business from book #2 seems to have vanished and was not mentioned at all in this book.
This is written with short chapters, vivid descriptions, and multiple plots; mostly from Blaine’s POV. Fisher brings the story to life – at times endearing, emotional, reflective, and inspiring. She still maintains the complex dynamics of the sisters that readers have come to know.
There are also POVs from Maddie, Paul, and Cam.
There are references to depression and attempted suicide. Nothing too graphic, and Fisher touches on it in a discreet, yet informative way to decrease the stigma and show that it can happen to anyone. There is also mention of alcoholism.
It has been two years since the events of On a Coastal Breeze and there are multiple storylines going on, each interconnected to the other.
This time around, Cam is now focused on a cell tower to provide reliable cell coverage and WiFi (internet). Given the remoteness of the island, I definitely saw her point. But, like before, she is facing strong opposition, and it is understandable – who wants an ugly cell tower on a gorgeous island? Despite having Cooper and his issues, and being pregnant – Cam is Cam. If you’ve read the first book, you understand.
As stated, Blaine has returned from Le Cordon Bleu with grand plans for Moose Manor. But, she isn’t alone – she as someone with her – Jean Paul. Her family gets the wrong idea right away, and Blaine does nothing to dissuade them.
But, JP isn’t the only unexpected visitor – Walter Grayson, Paul’s father shows up. And, Paul isn’t too happy to see his father.
Cam has also remodeled Moose Manor’s kitchen,, a disaster even before it gets going. Blaine wanted it to be her project, but says nothing about the fact she wasn’t even consulted, a testament to her maturity.
Immediately I thought Blaine should’ve told the family her issues with the kitchen instead of dragging it out. It isn’t a miniscule reason either, especially given what they want to do.
As a result, she heads back to the Lunch Counter which she left in great shape, yet it too has declined. I honestly felt sorry for Blaine as she was trying to improve things and it seemed those around her were neglecting her work. And, she was chastising herself for her reactions being childish.
Artie is also cold and distant towards Blaine who has no idea why. It was unfortunate that Artie didn’t even want to talk to Blaine.
JP, despite his misfortunes, picks up on everyone’s issues. He is truly an angel and the reader soon sees that he has a deeper purpose. It is a heart-breaking, yet realistic moment in the entire book. But, it becomes clear that he has a gift – and it has nothing to do with cooking.
Maddie is dealing with Rick’s health and I will state I was so reserved in reading this as I had my doubts and worries throughout most of the story. This particular storyline really had me on edge, and was definitely the biggest stressor of the whole story. Those who’ve read book #2 will understand what I am referring to.
Blaine sees another opportunity which ends up highlighting a bigger problem with Camp Kicking Moose and Moose Manor. And, as I was reading it, I was cringing at everything done wrong. Even Peg tried to warn Cam and Paul.
This comes to a head when an inspector, nicknamed “Dr. Doom” visits the property and it is clear that he has a history with it as well. I about laughed as I LOVED Fantastic Four, the 2005 version. Sorry, but this guy was NOWHERE close to my Dr. Doom.
But, Blaine proceeds on towards her project guided by JP’s wisdom.
After a while, I was beginning to dislike Cam and didn’t remember her being as annoying as she was in the first book. To be honest, I really didn’t like her and felt she still hadn’t grown from the first book either. My heart broke reading about how she felt towards Cooper and motherhood.
I wasn’t the only one who didn’t like her – Peg even sets her straight about how the rest of the folks on the island see her. It was a bit cruel, but completely understandable.
Blaine’s dream about the lighthouse is put into jeopardy as the story heads to the end.
It then becomes clear why Artie is distant towards Blaine, and since this is a romance – it is clarified and rectified before the end. It finally becomes apparent why JP is there and what he wants for his future.
Fisher does a remarkable job with trying to craft an original story with multiple subplots while wrapping up some of the previous storylines.
I was trying not to laugh at poor Jean-Paul’s misfortunes. Which, while entertaining, towards the end it became less of a joke. How many accidents could this guy have? After a while, I would’ve left the house and stayed elsewhere.
At times I didn’t want to put it down, and there were times I needed a break from all the realistic family drama. I did laugh about a “Most Wanted” line on page 63. As a fan of the series, it was amusing.
As this is distributed by Revell, a predominantly Christian/faith themed publisher, there will be strong themes of faith and second chances. Jean-Paul’s faith in God, reliance on him, and bible quotes are essential parts of his role in the story.
Fans of the author and those who’ve read the first two books should definitely pick this up.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
Other books in the series:
Cam's full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island--a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals--and one in particular. Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.”
And then Ricky O'Shea drops in. Literally. Floating down from the pure blue sky, the one man in the world she hoped never to see again--the one who'd been her archnemesis from kindergarten through her senior dance--parachutes into town, landing on Boon Dock, canopy draping behind him like a superhero. Ricky O'Shea. Now Pastor Rick, the new minister on Three Sisters Island.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including On a Summer Tide and On a Coastal Breeze, as well as The Moonlight School and the Nantucket Legacy. Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, The Deacon’s Family, and the Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the author of nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.
You can also find her on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/suzannewoodsfisher/
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