Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher Genre: Contemporary Romance Series: Three Sisters Island #3 Release Date: May 4, 2021 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. Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the coast of Maine for a story that reminds you to release what doesn't matter and cling to what does: faith, family, and friendships. Reviewer: Connie Porter Saunders At Lighthouse Point is the third book in the Three Sisters Island series, and it's a wonderful way to catch up with the lives of the Grayson family. It's been two years since Blaine Grayson left Three Sisters Island to attend culinary school in Paris, and there are many changes, but the biggest change may be in Blaine herself. She's back in Maine and she plans to never leave this island again! This is such a lovely book, and author Suzanne Woods Fisher has once again created a story filled with faith, trust, love, and family. She realistically shows both the strengths and weaknesses of her characters, and I would love to be friends with Paul Grayson and his three daughters. Since this book is Blaine's chance to shine, we're also given a glimpse of the two interesting men in her life. Loving and kind Jean-Paul is a new friend that she found in Paris, and Artie Lotosky is her oldest friend from home, but he now seems distant and indifferent. Is one of them destined to become more than just a friend in Blaine's future? Engaging characters, an intriguing plot, and a beautiful setting. What more could you ask for in a book? At Lighthouse Point is an inspiring and entertaining read, and I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction. This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Marie Edwards "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." This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Marta Aldrighetti Three Sisters Island, state of Maine, New Jersey. Blaine comes home after two years in Paris, learning how to cook. Many things are different on the island—her family, the Camp Kicking Moose, Peg diner, and her friend Artie. Will she be happy to be back home? What about her future? These and other questions popped into Blaine's mind. "You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." It's a pleasure to meet the Three Sisters Island characters again. They were so friendly and realistic! This book was provided courtesy of Revell through NetGalley & Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Abigail Thomas Ever since I read the first book in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Three Sisters Island series, I was hooked. I was introduced to the Grayson family back in 2019, and to the quirky residents who lived on the island Paul Grayson purchased and renamed Three Sisters Island after his three daughters. Since then, I had to wait patiently for the next book to release (once a year). Each book in the series focused on a specific daughter, and At Lighthouse Point was no exception. At Lighthouse Point, focuses on the youngest daughter, Blaine Grayson. Blaine was a sort of drifter in the way that she wouldn’t see something through before dropping it and starting something new. The one constant, though, was her love of cooking. And she cooked amazingly well. This story followed Blaine as she returned from France as a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu cooking school and showed the struggles that awaited her, especially as the youngest Grayson. I loved how the author showed Blaine’s internal struggle and how Blaine had Scripture at the ready, knowing this would happen. Such a simple thing that many of us forget to do: Before reacting, take a breath, bring a specific Scripture to mind, then do the right thing. Throughout the book, Blaine kept certain things hidden from her family, but Peg Legg was always there asking the right questions, offering an understanding that Blaine needed at that time. Other characters were necessary for this story, and I felt that they were used well. Jean-Paul was a wonderful addition, and I loved the struggle between Blaine and her best friend Artie (not a new character, but we get to see a lot more of him). The main theme of the entire series seemed to focus on dreams, and though Blaine realized her dream a little later in the game when she found it, she worked hard for it. None of the Graysons were ever untouched in the series, which I appreciated. Though the main focus was on one of the daughters, each Grayson (and any addition to the family at that time) had something they needed to work through. It was a melody with perfect harmonies. At Lighthouse Point had its fair share of this, and I felt it made the story whole. Though I’m sad to say goodbye to the Grayson family, I would happily read any contemporary fiction Suzanne Woods Fisher writes next. If you love contemporary fiction with a family who is broken but loving, quirky characters, and a beautiful Christian message, then this book is one to pick up. This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Trixi Oberembt “Three Sisters Island is a special place because of the very things you call backward. On this island, time slows down. It gives folks a little space in their life to think and reflect, and to treasure how precious their life is. (Peg to Cam) ~pg 282.” With great anticipation, I read the last installment of the Three Sisters Island series by Suzanne Woods Fisher! I've been waiting so long for Blaine's story. She was the one I was really rooting for from the very start. Younger sister to two sometimes overbearing sisters Cam and Maddie, she has struggled to find her place in the family and life. When the author peeled those layers back that made Blaine who she was, oh my heart, it broke for her! I'm so glad that God sent her an angel in the form of her friend Jean-Paul from Paris. He was exactly what she needed at the lowest point of her life. “Jean-Paul had given her the best gift in the world—he'd helped Blaine believe she was worthy of love, care, and respect. ~pg77” Jean-Paul, how can I describe him? It's as if he was the very essence of what God is; loving, gentle, patient, encouraging, kind, but so much more too. It's as if he can see right to a person's heart and know the exact things to say that make a difference. I think we all need our own Jean-Paul in our lives, reminding us of the heart of God and His infinite love for us. What encouraged me the most as a reader and reminded me of a truth I need to practice more is this line here: “We trust God to do his work. His work. His time. Our work is to pray...and release." ~pg 85 Let's not forget Artie, Blaine's long-time best friend and confidant....and the one she's been in love with forever. Something happened between them when she went to Paris and can't figure out what it is. When she comes back to Three Sisters Island two years after she left, the change in him is shocking. Not only is he a full-fledged doctor for the Maine islands, but he has given her the cold shoulder. Of course, you know I was rooting for them all along too because, in my mind, they belonged together! If only they would just stop to listen to each other, they could work out what went wrong and finally have the happily-ever-after that I wanted to see. It was frustratingly funny to watch these two....but that blissful sigh, in the end, was so worth it. I hope you've had a chance to read all three of these books, because really, once you start, you won't want to miss a minute of the Grayson family. They tend to get under your skin and embed themselves in your heart. Sure each book can stand alone, but I think a reader will have a richer, better understanding if they read from the first one. Each of these characters has to work through some tough things, but Fisher shows that through their faith and reliance on God, leaning on each other, and strong friendships, they can overcome anything. Sometimes God takes our dreams, sifts them, and makes new ones even better than we can think or imagine! That is exactly what happened, and I loved watching each one unfold and change. “Most things work out in the end if you leave them in God's hands and don't try to meddle. 'Pray and release'”. (Jean-Paul) pg 284 I received a complimentary copy from Revell and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. Reviewer: Raechel Kelly "Pray and release, pray and release." This book continues the story of the Grayson family and their life on Three Sisters Island. Blaine is the primary character of At Lighthouse Point, and her story was such a sweet and inspiring one. She had to work through grief and figure out how she fits into her family now that she has returned home from cooking school. The characters have become so familiar. It was enjoyable getting to sort of "visit" with all of the Graysons again. And along with the family, we got to know a couple new faces, too. One being Jean-Paul, Blaine's French friend who accompanies her back home. He was a gem - I loved all the godly advice he gave to each family member, how uplifting and encouraging he was. And prone to accidents, poor thing. But truly, he was such a wise and light-hearted character with deep truths. I specifically liked the quote I mentioned at the beginning - it is simple but so true. When we release our cares and worries to God, He can work in so many ways. The romance was not the central theme of this book, but I must say I loved every time Artie showed up. And fair warning... two kisses were really sweet. At Lighthouse Point is a charming read, with gentle truths and great characters. I'm glad I got to revisit their little Island. This book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group (Revell) through Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Marilene VE Suzanne Woods Fisher has written another fabulous novel with At Lighthouse Point. I really enjoyed returning to the Three Sisters Island and meeting old friends. This book tells the story of the youngest sister: Blaine. After returning from Paris, she is eager to give the camp her father bought a better life by providing meals. But her sister, who manages the camp along with her father, has not renovated the kitchen properly and all Blaine seems to encounter is setback after setback. But even her best friend Artie is not the same as when she left for Paris. He's a doctor now, so he has his own pursuits. And then Jean-Paul, the man who came with her from Paris. Why is he eager to stay on the island? The first sentence immediately sets the tone of the story. Although I found it occasionally annoying to read Jean-Paul's accent in it every time, the story kept gripping me until the last page. The story flowed very well, and the characters came off well. The faith portion was also well written. The cover also fits the story perfectly. A nice extra was the recipe from one of the many recipes Blaine uses in her kitchen. Suzanne has outdone herself in writing this novel. I look forward to reading more in this genre from her. This book or series (Three Sisters Island) is intended for readers who enjoy contemporary romance. Those who like Irene Hannon, Denise Hunter or Nicole Deese will surely be able to appreciate this novel as well. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through NetGalley and Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Rebecca Maney "Honey, life doesn't always turn out the way we plan." Isn't that the truth? In other words, could God possibly have an even better plan in store for Blaine Grayson? Her French house guest Jean-Paul seems to think so, telling her that "He has dreams for you that you could not even imagine" . . . . and hopefully he is right, because Blaine is already trying not to question her return home to Three Sisters Island, Maine; where nothing, and everything has changed. Blaine's notion of returning to her family's island property, Camp Kicking Moose, with a coveted degree from a French culinary school, led her to believe that she could remodel the camp's kitchen in order to offer fine dining for the many guests visiting the camp during peak season. Finding out that her father and older sister, who never cook, have done a terrible job of putting in what they considered upgrades to the old kitchen, has effectively ruined that idea. As if the sister dynamics weren't frustrating enough, the one person whom she considered her best friend is giving her the cold shoulder. In fact, Dr. Artie Lotosky is doing a fine job of totally ignoring her, putting another dent in her tender heart. Digging deep into her faith, and quoting many precious Proverbs to herself, ("a fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control . . . ") Blaine dares to believe that God may have a new dream in store for her. But in order to reach for it, can she truly, "pray and release"? This lovely series conclusion has only one flaw . . . . it ended far too soon. I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews and Reviews. Leave a Reply. |
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5/20/2021
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