The first novel in the spellbinding Arrington series, The Girl in the Lighthouse is the haunting story of Lillian Arrington; a beautiful daughter of the lighthouse keeper, whose once blissful, sheltered childhood turns haplessly tragic. Set in the late 19th century, the unforgettable saga is immersed in chilling betrayals, shocking family secrets, lost love and shattered lives.
From the time Lillian Arrington was born in 1862, she lived an isolated life on a remote lighthouse station with her father Garrett and her young mother Amelia. But Lillian has wishes and dreams far beyond her years.
When her father is transferred to a new station, Lillian is anxious to meet the assistant keepers and their two sons, Heath and Ayden. She had never met children her own age, had playmates, or made a friend.
Heath, the handsome teenage boy who desires to become a doctor someday, welcomes Lillian. However, his younger brother, Ayden, doesn’t like her and she struggles to win him over. Before long, a secret bond amoung the three is forged and to Lillian’s delight, they become close friends.
After so many years, Lillian’s childhood resembles that of a normal girl. No longer is she lonely and isolated from the rest of the world by over-protective parents. Instead, she experiences new adventures, attends school, and falls in love for the first time.
However, her glorious days on Jasper Island are short-lived as her beautiful young mother begins a tragic descent into insanity and passes away. Lillian is left in the care of her sinister grandmother Eugenia Arrington, who, since the end of the Civil War, continues to steadfastly hold onto the once glorious Georgia plantation known as Sutton Hall. It is there that the immoral secrets of Lillian’s parents are revealed, and she is left to pick up the pieces of her scandalous past, and somehow, find her long way home.
Professional Reviews
Similar style to V. C. Andrews
"While reading Roxane Tepfer Sanford’s "The Girl in the Lighthouse" I found her writing style to be very similar to V.C. Andrews’ earlier books. "Flowers in the Attic," in particular, echoed in the back of my mind as I was reading the novel. As Andrews was one of my favorite authors, I really enjoyed Sanford’s style and I think that all fans of Andrews’ earlier works should give Sanford’s writing a try. I believe that you will be pleasantly surprised with the similarities.
The plot is very intriguing and full of surprises and twists. "The Girl in the Lighthouse" is certainly a page turner, especially the last part of the book. It is a very easy book to finish in one sitting. I look forward to reading more of Sanford’s novels in the future and I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fast-paced, engaging read."
by, Kam Aures RebeccasReads, October, 6, 2009
Enlightening And Entertaining
All too familiar with a life lived in isolation, young Lillian is thrilled when her father is transferred to a new lighthouse station; the reason being: another family is stationed there, and she gets the chance to make the acquaintance of their young two sons. With the opportunity to finally start enjoying somewhat of a normal social life, Lillian couldn't be more pleased with the promising new direction her life has taken.
However, she soon finds her newfound joy to be quite short-lived when her mother begins a long, painful descent into what appears to be insanity. As her mind slowly wastes away, Lillian's mother begins recounting people, places, and experiences that all come as a complete surprise to her - but not as surprising as the long-hidden family secrets that they're soon revealed to be. Now, with full knowledge of her parents' seamy past, Lillian struggles to come to grips with the difficult truths of her family's shady history...
Surprisingly fast-paced and engrossing, The Girl In The Lighthouse is quite the engaging read. With a rich tapestry of characters, author Roxane Sanford paints a vivid picture of a life filled with unexpected twists and turns, the unpredictability of which is sure to hold the interest of any reader. Furthermore, her central storyline is taut and compelling, and her ability to keep the reader guessing at the real truth until the very end is quite masterful.
A highly rewarding, entertaining literary treat, The Girl In The Lighthouse is recommended reading for lovers of imaginative, well-crafted stories with the superb balance of action and character development. Be on the lookout for more from this promising new storytelling talent.
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