Love Is…

Tempest At Annabel’s Lighthouse by Jaime Jo Wright is a gripping Christian dual timeline novel that I just could not put down.

The action is set in present day, 1874 and twenty years earlier.

Once more Jaime Jo Wright has presented a dark and brooding novel where the elements mirror the action.

Obsessions dominate lives as they travel down the generations. Greed grips hearts. “Greed… it’s the root of … mankind’s problems.” The love of money is the root of all evil. When pound signs are all one sees, one is in trouble.

Greed and jealousy dominated a life who then inflicted cruelty on an innocent.

There is the difficult topic of domestic abuse. In the nineteenth century characters needed rescuing from their situations. We witness love stepping in. “Love meant giving oneself for another.”

In present day we also see love in action. A character does not appreciate what she has until it is almost too late. Love is not all hearts, flowers and grand gestures. Love is a steadfast love that stands by when we are ill, that does the practical things for us, and love rescues us. Love is perfectly described in 1 Corinthians: 13.

We see that there are times when we need to call on God’s strength. “Summoning courage from God.” When afraid, we can rest in Him.

Prayer is important. “Funny she hadn’t prayed in weeks, but suddenly today it seemed as if praying was all she was doing.” When life is tough, we go on our knees more often than when life is good. We need to practice an attitude of gratitude more. In stormy seas, we call on God to rescue us. We must not forget to praise when the sea is calm.

A lighthouse is a beacon of hope. A light in the dark. Jesus is the hope of the world. His love shines in our lives. He illuminates all the dark places.

All the characters were well drawn. Some were definitely shady. All were realistic.

Jaime Jo Wright drew me in from the start. Tempest At Annabel’s Lighthouse was dark and creepy at times but God’s love illuminates lives.

I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON