Sometimes secrets underlay the very ground we stand on. Such is the case in Dinkel Island when the old lighthouse goes on the market and the purchaser wants to turn it into a spiritual retreat center.
There are times when things beyond your control can test even your best intentions. Just when Gracie Love and Marty need a break from the gospel music circuit, Fanny Grayson calls with a challenge that takes them back to Dinkel Island. Fanny needs help launching a spiitual retreat center on the old lighthouse property.
They soon find themselves in the center of gossip as volatile as a thurderstorm's challenging winds. Secret activities at the lighthouse begin to be exposed. Gracie and Mary question their commitment. Pastor Kate Sheppard helps them stay on course. A crime syndicate surfaces when a loca businessman suddenly disappears.
Will the secrets ever end? Secrets at Lighthouse Point is a story of intrigue, challenge, and teh ultimae triumph of faith.
Excerpt
The mid-afternoon humidity was becoming oppressive with the sun baking the moisture out of the foliage. Insects buzzed around as they walked through the tall grass toward the abandoned structure. A heavy, badly rotted door teetered on one remaining hinge so that when they moved it to enter, it fell off in a dusty cloud. The opening where the door had been allowed sunlight to cast a patch of light across a section of the dirt floor that was muddy from the rain that had fallen through the open top of the tower. The air was suffocating inside from both the heat and mildew.
"Oh!" Gracie said, covering her nose at the musty odor. She jumped aside as her footsteps stirred up some yellow jackets that suddenly swarmed around them.
"Don't swat at them," said Marty. "Try to back away They won't bother us if they don't feel we're a threat. We've just entered their space uninvited."
Gracie wasn't convinced. "I think I'd just as soon leave. This place stinks."
"It's just rotting wood, mold, and mildew." Marty drew her attention straight up. "There's nothing to keep moisture out. Look how the weather has affected those crumbling walls." They knew the story of the lightning strike and fire back in the seventies that had destroyed the light cabin and wooden inner structure. They could see remnants of where the wood staircase had wound itself up to the top. Mortar was missing at many places in the circular wall.
"Are you sure we can save this place?" said Gracie. "I've been in some old barns that were in better shape than this."
Marty nodded. "The footings must be pretty good or it would have fallen down by now." He pulled on a pair or work gloves they had brought with them and motioned for Gracie to do the same. "Let's see what this stuff is," he said pointing to a pile of debris in one section of the rounded interior.
"It looks like somebody tried to tidy up at some time, although I can't imagine why," said Gracie. "I can't even imagine anyone coming in here."
They pulled away some rotted boards lying atop the pile of rubble. "Hey, what's this?" A dirty piece of black plastic became visible under where some old wood had been lying. Pulling it away they found some beer cans and soiled debris that had once been fast food fare. "I think somebody's stayed here at some time. Can you imagine?"
Marty nodded. "That is strange. I wonder who and when? You'd have to be desperate to stay in a place like this." He saw Gracie put her hand to her mouth and suck in her breath. "Are you alright, honey? What's going on?"
"I...I'm not sure." She lunged for the doorway and once outside gulped air and bent over. She seemed to be out of breath. "I don't know why, but I almost threw up."
Marty had never seen Gracie exhibit any allergy symptoms, but that was what came to his mind. "Do you think you're allergic to something in there?" He enfolded her in his arms. "You said you wanted to make this into God's Lampstand, to shine the light of grace in a place where darkness and evil have lived. Do you think that's part of what you felt back there"
Gracie looked at him. "Oh, yes! We need to pray about whatever is or has been going on in there."
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Reviews for "Secrets at Lighthouse Point, Book 3, Dinkel Island Series, 2nd Ed"
Reviewed by E Harris
10/20/2019
Secrets at Lighthouse Point is third book in the Dinkel Island Series and can be read as a stand alone book. I have read the first two books, Forgiven and Return of Bliss, and I can recommend reading both of them as well. In Secrets at Lighthouse Point readers meet a large cast of well developed characters living in a small community. When a historic piece of real estate went up for sale, Fanny Grayson bought it. She asked her husband's son Marty and his wife Gracie to turn the lighthouse on the property into spiritual retreat center. What followed was a complete surprise. The village became embroiled in rumor and malicious gossip. Then a tragedy occurred which created even more chaos. It became evident there was something sinister going on at Lighthouse Point and answers were needed.
There is a great deal that happens in this well crafted novel. The characters draw upon their faith to cope with their personal struggles as well as those of their community members. The author has skillfully created a community of caring and welcoming people who are not afraid to help and support each other. From the back cover of the book this is stated "Secrets at Lighthouse Point is a story of crime, intrigue, challenges and the ultimate triumph of faith." I agree. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through AuthorsDen. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I couldn't wait to start this book because I knew I was in for a treat and I wasn't disappointed. 'Secrets at Lighthouse Point' is another wonderful "Christian mystery" in the Dinkel Island series. This one involves the landmark lighthouse of Dinkel Island that has many unknown secrets and mysteries attached to it. The seller is having "seller's remorse" and wants to back out, but the Lord has other plans. The potential buyer has big plans for the lighthouse and can't wait to get started. There were outside influences also trying to thwart the sale behind the scenes. Catastrophe after catastrophe happens to and around the lighthouse, but in the end God, like a lighthouse, shines through!
This novel has wonderful characters and many side plots and storylines feeding off the main theme that the author nicely ties altogether in the end. This book is a quick, easy read that truly is a page-turner. 'Secrets at Lighthouse Point is a love story, drama, and mystery all wrapped up in one. If you are looking for a nice, warmhearted story to read in a day, this is your book. I loved the book and I love the writing style of Hugh Harris. Definite thumbs up...a big 10 out of 10!
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