Lighthouse Beach

by Shelley Noble

[Lynn]

4.5 stars

I found the beginning of the narrative a little slow as it struggled to hold my by attention as I began my first Shelley Noble novel. However, by the time I reached Chapter Three, Lighthouse Beach had more than piqued my curiosity. Especially as the bride of the society wedding along with Lillo and two other friends make a dash from their hotel to escape the wedding!

Lillo Grey was surprised when she received an invitation to the wedding of a friend she'd not seen in years. Yet, she somehow thought it would be a good idea to attend. It isn't until after the ensuing dramas have receded that she fully appreciates how she needs Jess, Diana and Allie friendship as much as they need hers.

Diana, CEO is a no-nonsense and matter of fact woman. Jess is easily led, especially by her possessive family. Allie is a widow living with her in-laws and Lillo has issues she hopes no one will realise about until after they have left her haven at Lighthouse Beach. Somehow, these four unique women find a renewed perspective on their lives as they descend into the small town where Lillo sought refuge amongst people who have their own individual reasons to live there too.

While the focus is on Lillo and her guest, an abundance of colourful, supporting characters add a wonderful community spirit to the proceedings. They are a mix-matched bunch of people who invade the lives of the unsuspecting outsiders and slightly irk our heroine Lillo when their interference is too much to handle, even when it is heartfelt.

By the end of the novel, I was invested in all the characters. Whilst I appreciate it when the author writes a 'happy for now' ending; encouraging the reader to ponder about what happens next in the lives of the characters. There's an abundance of scope to unravel the loosely tied endings for a sequel. I sincerely hope Ms Noble will write more about Lillo as she goes off to pursue unfinished business and fulfil her potential and to know if Lighthouse Beach did change the lives of Jess, Allie and Diana for the better.

A heart-warming and somewhat humorous novel about the power of friendship. Written exquisitely, the overall feeling of this novel is positive and uplifting with waves of melancholy woven into the narrative. It's definitely a wonderful book to relax with on the beach or by a pool.



***arc generously received courtesy of William Morrow Paperbacks via Edelweiss+***