Title: The Secret of Ruby’s Lighthouse #7 in Dune Island Series

 

Synopsis

 

Ruby rocks in her Favorite chair and tries not to think about the past. This family inn, with views across the grassy dunes to the lighthouse standing against bright blue sky, is all she’s ever known. But Ruby has been keeping a secret all these years… this summer, has the time finally come to share it?

Meg Carter can’t wait to spend the summer with her great-aunt Ruby, helping renovate her charming—if a little old-fashioned—inn by the ocean. But a surprise arrival changes their plans. Simon, grandson of the former owners, is selling his land next door to a luxury resort developer. The plans are certain to ruin the beautiful view of the lighthouse, which has guided lost seafarers’ home for generations… and put Ruby’s inn out of business for good.

Forget sorting through Ruby’s classic book collection and spring cleaning the bedrooms: there might not ever be any new guests if the plans go ahead. Simon may be tall and handsome, with eyes like green sea glass, but he’s stubborn to boot… and Meg’s discussions with him always end in fireworks.

Then Ruby says she has a secret about Simon to share. But the elderly lady only has time to say ‘the lighthouse holds the key’ before becoming desperately ill.

Distraught, all Meg cares about is her beloved aunt’s health. Ruby is in no state to share her secret now: but what if it could save the inn for good? A tour of the lighthouse, with its glittering glass lamp and red-and-white stripes, brings Meg no closer to the truth… and it’s against her better judgment that she takes long walks on the beach with Simon, and even grows close to his sweet children.

But is she wrong to open her heart to the one person who could hold the answers? And will Meg ever solve the secret of the lighthouse – before it’s too late for the inn, and for Ruby?

Review

Meg Carter is in need of a break, so she heads to Dune Island, Misty Point, to spend the summer helping her great-aunt Ruby renovate her charming but slightly dated inn. With a plan in place to attract more guests, everything seems on track—until an unexpected visitor arrives. Simon, the former owner’s grandson, has his own agenda: selling the neighbouring block to developers planning a luxury resort. Not only would this obstruct the stunning lighthouse view, but it could also drive away guests and put Ruby out of business.

Meg tries to make Simon see what’s at stake for Ruby and her inn, but her efforts backfire, leading to heated arguments every time they cross paths. She may be struggling to convince him of Dune Island’s charm and the value of its picturesque views, but that doesn’t stop her from noticing how tall and handsome he is—if only he weren’t so stubborn.

One evening, Ruby confides in Meg that she has a secret to share—one that involves Simon. She manages to begin with, “The lighthouse holds the key,” but before she can reveal more, she suddenly falls gravely ill. Now, Meg is left to uncover the truth on her own. Not that it matters anymore—all she truly wants is for her great-aunt Ruby to recover.

It doesn’t take Meg long to realise that Ruby’s secret might be their last hope of saving the inn once and for all.

With an opening like this—Meg Carter can’t wait to spend the summer with her great-aunt Ruby, helping to renovate her charming, if slightly old-fashioned, inn by the ocean—plus the promise of a long-held secret and the last days of summer slipping away, how could I not be invested in The Secret of Ruby’s Lighthouse?

Meg is a great protagonist for this book and a solid lead for a women’s fiction novel. While I appreciated her intentions and loyalty to her great-aunt Ruby, I couldn’t shake the feeling that, as the story progressed, both she and the other characters remained somewhat static. That’s not to say they were poorly written—I liked them—but I struggled to fully believe they reached the final chapters without a more significant turning point or a greater sense of growth. I can’t help but wonder if reading the previous six books in the series would have changed my perspective. Hence, my three-star rating.

Perhaps if Ruby had played a larger role, I would have felt differently—she was the character I cared about the most. I can’t help but wonder if there will be another story dedicated to her or one that features great-aunt Ruby more prominently in the future.

I appreciated how quickly I became immersed in the book. The promise of a secret, Ruby’s health, and the ocean backdrop kept me engaged, and I think the author did a brilliant job weaving these elements into the story.

The Secret of Ruby’s Lighthouse is perfect for readers looking for a light, enjoyable read. I’m always drawn to female-driven stories, especially those set at the beach in summer—they make this reviewer want to chase the sunshine!

“I’m so giddy I almost feel like I’m falling in love,” she thought, admiring the vibrant blue-green beryl hue of the water in the distance.

—Kristin Harper, The Secret of Ruby’s Lighthouse

The secret of Ruby’s lighthouse may evoke a sense of predictability, but this is not negative. Instead, it provides readers familiar with the genre with a comforting sense of familiarity.

The perfect heartwarming story that will have you longing for summer it’s obvious right from the first page author Kristin Harper really cares for these characters and the location.

Subplots and tropes included in The Secret of Ruby’s Lighthouse:

• Romantic relationship breakdown
• Secrets
• Single parent
• Car accident
• Ongoing injury
• Death of a parent
• Potential new love
• Female friendship
• Medical event
• Self- discovery
• Search for answers
• Small town
• The big reveal
• Motherhood
• Stepparent
• Found family
• New in town

If you’re someone who reads women’s fiction with a dash of romance often, then the closing chapters of The Secret of Ruby’s Lighthouse will no doubt send your heart into a flutter. I too was satisfied with this ending.

If you’ve read and enjoyed authors Sarah Morgan, Tilly Tennant and Gill Paul Kristin Harper is well worth investigating.

 I recommend this book to a mature audience fan of the Literature & Fiction, Woman’s Fiction genre should consider investigating this title further especially if you like a hint of mystery with your romance.

With continued thanks to Bookoture, author Kristin Harper, and Netgalley for gifting a copy of this e-book to read and review in exchange for honest opinion.