Katie Russell enjoys her job as a telephone operator in Mercy Falls, California. She hears many things as she works the lines, but one night, a familiar voice catches her attention. Her friend Eliza disappears shortly thereafter, and Katie soon suspects that the crime may be linked to the new lighthouse keeper, Will Jesperson.

They form an alliance, trying to solve the mysteries that surround Eliza's disappearance, and it slowly begins to blossom into something more. But she is expected to marry well, not a lighthouse keeper with neither name nor fortune. Will she be able to look past society's expectations, as well as those of her parents? Will peace from God be enough for her future, no matter what or who is in it?

Collen Coble has done it again with The Lightkeeper's Bride. The second installment in the Mercy Falls Series, she weaves a tale of suspense, intrigue, mystery, romance, and historical drama. I couldn't put the book down, much like the first one. There was such a character contrast between the inquisitive Katie and Will's irresponsible brother Philip.

All in all, it had a very suspenseful plot and believable characters. There were times I wasn't sure if Coble was going to ever get to the happy ending as everyone was in one fix or another in this wild ride set in 1908, California. I learned a lot about the actual process of a telephone operator in this time period, and the book was a peek into the Progressive Era, of which I know little about. A wonderful book, and one I will recommend!

This is the second book of the Mercy Falls series and it is a super great read. Colleen Coble is probably my favorite writer-especially since she is a fellow Hoosier. You pick up any of her books and you will not be disappointed. She is Thomas Nelson's top writer and after reading her stories you know why. She crafts suspense with believable romance stories and characters that are unforgetable. This particular book takes place in Mercy Falls, California in the time period when there were telephone operators which Katie Russel is. When she is at work one evening, she overhears a conversation between her friend Eliza and a male voice that is very familiar. She soon finds that Eliza has disappeared but the crime seems to be linked to another investigation by the new lighthouse keeper Will. They both form an alliance that blooms into something much more. The problem is as she is attracted to Will more and more-she can't marry for love-she has to marry for money. Money to help her family is what must keep her from loving Will, but will she listen to her family or follow her heart. She see's a peace in Will that is from God and she want's that peace and the trust that God will bring to her also. There are so many plots and twists and I never can figure out her endings and this one really surprised me, as usual. This is her seventeenth book, so start reading all of them-you will not be disappointed in any of them. She will be your favorite author too.

I wondered how Colleen would top the Lightkeeper's Daughter, but Lightkeeper's Bride manages to do just that. The book is set in the fictional town of Mercy Falls, California, during the Gilded Age. The book opens with an overheard phone call and an abandoned one year old.

Katie's curiosity won't allow her to not follow up on the disturbing phone call. When she arrives at the house with her friend, she finds an abandoned baby and Will Jesperson, the new lightkeeeper. He claims to have nothing to do with the missing woman, but won't relinquish the baby who he says must be his brother's. He comes from the lighthouse where he just witnessed some piracy. Katie and Will join forces, for different reasons.

Throw in small pox, more disturbances and threatened harm, and the book is one I couldn't put down. The pages are filled with tension and characters that worm their way into your mind. The hopes of true love seem impossible when outside pressures, financial and parental, force them apart. Ultimately, the book is one of discovery and the courage to reach out and trust others and God.

A very enjoyable read that left me wanting more.

This book actually came out before October 27th. Anyway, its a great book! You want to keep reading to see what happens....its a pull-you-in-page-turner story. Don't miss out! Read it!

The Lightkeeper's Bride

Colleen Coble

Book Summary: When Katie answers the call of duty, she awakens the call of her heart. Katie Russell loves working as a telephone operator in Mercy Falls, California. But since childhood she has been expected to marry well. Her family presses for an engagement to wealthy bachelor Bartholomew Foster and though he doesn't stir her heart, their engagement promises a secure financial future. Working the phone lines one evening, Katie overhears a chilling exchange between her friend Eliza and a familiar male voice. Katie soon learns that Eliza has diappeared, and the crime may be linked to another investigation by handsome new lighthouse keeper, Will Jesperson. Katie and Will soon form an alliance. An alliance that slowly blossoms into something more. Despite the danger surrounding her, Katie is powerfully drawn to Will. But she is not at liberty to marry for love. And though society forbids their growing affection, Katie can't help but notice Will's sense of peace. It's a peace that rests on his trust in God--a trust that Katie has never had to depend on, with her future so clearly mapped out before her. But the more Katie uncovers of the mystery, the more she discovers about herself, her past, and the brilliant future that could be hers if only she has the courage to trust in God and follow where her heart so fearlessly leads.

Review: I love the start of this mystery. It put the mystery right at the center of the storyline. It was a fun book of ignoring the society expectations and the relationship between Katie and Will. I loved the cove which was spectacular and drew me in right away. I love lighthouses and was excited to read the second in the series too.