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12th out of 61 books
—
46 voters
The Girl in the Lighthouse (Arrington #1)
by
Roxane Tepfer Sanford (Goodreads Author)
From the time Lillian Arrington was born, 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 o
...morePaperback, Revised edition (2012), 250 pages
Published
December 16th 2011
(first published June 11th 2009)
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by, Tracy Moore Apex Reviews,
"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...more
"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...more
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11 likes · like · see review
Let me begin by saying I enjoyed this book. But it is deeply flawed. A novel consists of many parts. The writer should be able to write. The characters should be believable. The narrative should flow along to hold the reader's interest. And the story must be consistent. The first three parts are pretty much okay in the book. I read it with interest, got the characters, and it moved along nicely. But then the last part got me. The book is not consistent. Now, what do I mean by that. First, let me...more
5 likes · like · see review
Lillian Arrington, born in 1862, had lived on a remote, isolated island ever since she was born, her father was a lighthouse keeper. Then when she is 9 years old, her father is transferred to a new station, where there is an assistant lighthouse keeper with a family. She had never met other children her age before, or even had a friend.
She is welcomed by Heath, a handsome teenage boy who wants to become a doctor, and his younger brother Ayden, who does not like her at first; Lillian has to strug...more
She is welcomed by Heath, a handsome teenage boy who wants to become a doctor, and his younger brother Ayden, who does not like her at first; Lillian has to strug...more
THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAN SOME SPOILERS
The story was rapidly paced and gave enough foreshadowing to keep you turning the pages, although 80% of the twist at the end wasn't such a surprise anymore because of all of the foreshadowing. I found this book to be an interesting read but in the end I can say that there were many things I didn't like about the book, enough to keep me from recommending it to friends.
In the beginning of the book, the main character, 9-year old Lillian, is pining for a 14-year...more
The story was rapidly paced and gave enough foreshadowing to keep you turning the pages, although 80% of the twist at the end wasn't such a surprise anymore because of all of the foreshadowing. I found this book to be an interesting read but in the end I can say that there were many things I didn't like about the book, enough to keep me from recommending it to friends.
In the beginning of the book, the main character, 9-year old Lillian, is pining for a 14-year...more
Okay here are the pros:
This book captivates the reader from the start. The characters unfold quiet nicely and although told from the point of view of the protagonist, who is only nine years old when the book begins, the reader is able to connect and relate to, or at least understand the other characters. The author's writing is enjoyable; descriptive, without being too wordy. The emotions are believable and raw. The scenery vivid and highly imaginable. The first half of the book is definitely a...more
This book captivates the reader from the start. The characters unfold quiet nicely and although told from the point of view of the protagonist, who is only nine years old when the book begins, the reader is able to connect and relate to, or at least understand the other characters. The author's writing is enjoyable; descriptive, without being too wordy. The emotions are believable and raw. The scenery vivid and highly imaginable. The first half of the book is definitely a...more
1 like · like · see review
While I was truly interested in some of the characters in this story and I enjoyed the New England, lighthouse setting in the first half of the book, I had a lot of problems with The Girl in the Lighthouse.
The narrative is tedious, uneven, and the big "shocks" were not very shocking at all because of the slow build-up. I was frustrated by the narrator's voice because it seemed an older Lillian told the story (since she alluded to things not yet to happen), yet sounded immature and childish. The...more
The narrative is tedious, uneven, and the big "shocks" were not very shocking at all because of the slow build-up. I was frustrated by the narrator's voice because it seemed an older Lillian told the story (since she alluded to things not yet to happen), yet sounded immature and childish. The...more
Book 1 of the series in which Lillian is growing up with her parents on a remote lighthouse station. When they are transferred to a new station, for the first time, Lillian has friends her own age group. Life is idyllic even though very sheltered - but of course, she knows no other. Very soon though, her life starts to change as her mother is taken ill. When she gets the news that her mother died, she has no idea that her idyllic life - the only life she knows - will never be the same again....
W...more
W...more
I started out enjoying this book which I would consider light reading as opposed to good literature. The further into the story I got, however, the more farfetched and ridiculous it became. It follows main character Lillian from the age of nine to sixteen. She starts out obsessed with an older boy and later in the book is obsessed with a man old enough to be her father. She is abandoned by her "loving" father to the care of her hateful, cruel grandmother who keeps her locked up with starvation r...more
3.5 stars
I've been kicking this book around for a few weeks now after seeing it pop up on various Kindle freebie/near free sites. I love lighthouses and am a fan of VC Andrews type novels so I finally pulled the trigger. In the beginning I was really glad that I finally purchased this novel. I immediately became involved in Lillian's life at the lighthouse and while I think that her infatuation was a bit over the top, I remember being her age and having my own infatuations so I got it. However a...more
I've been kicking this book around for a few weeks now after seeing it pop up on various Kindle freebie/near free sites. I love lighthouses and am a fan of VC Andrews type novels so I finally pulled the trigger. In the beginning I was really glad that I finally purchased this novel. I immediately became involved in Lillian's life at the lighthouse and while I think that her infatuation was a bit over the top, I remember being her age and having my own infatuations so I got it. However a...more
I downloaded this book free for my kindle so I can't complain about it having cost too much. If you read nothing further in my review than this paragraph though, this book had promise but some very strange elements including a twisted and unfulfilling end make me wish I hadn't wasted my time.
**Warning: The remainder of this review may contain some references to events in the book**
My first clue that this book might end up having some major problems was the first ghost (there was more than one b...more
**Warning: The remainder of this review may contain some references to events in the book**
My first clue that this book might end up having some major problems was the first ghost (there was more than one b...more
The Girl in The Light house (Roxane Tepfer Sanford) was an excellent read.
Roxane Sanford writes with passion. She grabs the readers by the heart and pulls you into her story. Filled with emotions, shocking secrets, young love and family betrayal, makes for a page turner and all night read.
Lillian Arrington lived a secluded life as the daughter of a Lighthouse Keeper and beautiful loving mother. When her father is relocated to Jasper Island he life changes. she is excited to meet the assistant ke...more
Roxane Sanford writes with passion. She grabs the readers by the heart and pulls you into her story. Filled with emotions, shocking secrets, young love and family betrayal, makes for a page turner and all night read.
Lillian Arrington lived a secluded life as the daughter of a Lighthouse Keeper and beautiful loving mother. When her father is relocated to Jasper Island he life changes. she is excited to meet the assistant ke...more
Lillian Arrington is a young girl living with her mother and father at an isolated lighthouse. When her father transfers to another lighthouse as head lighthouse keeper, and she finds herself with friends for the first time in her life.
Her happiness is short-lived; however, as her mother plunges into madness and her father seems to forget about Lillian completely. Her mother begins to refer to people that Lillian doesn't know and when she asks her father about them, he is secretive, not only abo...more
Her happiness is short-lived; however, as her mother plunges into madness and her father seems to forget about Lillian completely. Her mother begins to refer to people that Lillian doesn't know and when she asks her father about them, he is secretive, not only abo...more
Aug 20, 2012
Sue
rated it
1 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
no one
Recommended to Sue by:
it was cheap on Kindle
Awful. Take my advice and don't read it. While there are some plot elements and ideas there that are worthy of a story (in the hands of a better writer), I could barely get through this one. I decided I wouldn't waste my time reading the sequel, and I wish I hadn't finished this one. I just have that instinct that if I start something, I must finish it. The writing is really what's so awful - stilted, no sense of good dialog, no real sense of narrative voice. And honestly, the subject matter is...more
Lillian's mother has her good days but those are becoming more rare. She suffers from mental illness while Lillian and her father cope as best they can. Whether mother is struggling to forget something, that is the cause of her troubles, it's difficult to say. Lillian has found friends in brothers Heath and Ayden but is hoping for something more in Heath and is quite the drama queen when he doesn't respond in kind. It seems a stretch though that at 9 years of age, she could be wanting more than...more
This historical fiction novel of a dark and disturbing family saga that unravels with unexpected twists and turns to reveal long-hidden secrets of a family’s shady past. Now orphaned and with this knowledge, Lillian has to muster her strength to deal with these truths.
The writing starts off well with the story of Lillian's life in the lighthouse interesting, but when the storyline shifted to Sutton Place - home of the unknown grandmother - the writing lost shape and the storyline became less pal...more
The writing starts off well with the story of Lillian's life in the lighthouse interesting, but when the storyline shifted to Sutton Place - home of the unknown grandmother - the writing lost shape and the storyline became less pal...more
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The beginning of this book was decent. It was set up nicely and gave a nice background story on Lillian and the family. I enjoyed reading about her adventures with Heath and Ayden while on that tiny island.
I did not envy her for having to live so far away from society. As holidays came and went I just felt sorry for her. She had no idea what any of the holidays were and it was clear she was intensely sheltered. She had no clue about her parents' pas...more
The beginning of this book was decent. It was set up nicely and gave a nice background story on Lillian and the family. I enjoyed reading about her adventures with Heath and Ayden while on that tiny island.
I did not envy her for having to live so far away from society. As holidays came and went I just felt sorry for her. She had no idea what any of the holidays were and it was clear she was intensely sheltered. She had no clue about her parents' pas...more
This book was terrible. The writing was extremely repetitive and elementary. All the men in the book "mumbled" everything they said. The characters were flat and uninteresting. Plus it seemed as though the author had no idea of American history. The grandfather was supposed to have fought in the War of 1812, while the father was a Confederate veteran. Yet Lillian, his daughter, was 10 years old in 1911. The time line doesn't seem to add up. Also the whole story was just unbelievable. Prepubescen...more
2 likes · like · see review
Jan 25, 2011
Jo
marked it as to-read
Downloaded the free sample for my kindle 3, which contains the first two chapters and part of the third. A promising start. Great story & writing. The writer drops us in the time period easily and captures the young girl's voice convincingly. I definately would like to read the entire book, except for one problem -
the sample on my ereader had
a format
problem. Where one line contained only one or two words followed by a
full line.
This went on and on, mid-sentence, providing a huge distraction...more
the sample on my ereader had
a format
problem. Where one line contained only one or two words followed by a
full line.
This went on and on, mid-sentence, providing a huge distraction...more
Oct 09, 2011
Heather
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommended to Heather by:
free download
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
kindle
First half period piece of 19th-century little girl, daughter of lighthouse keeper, hints of family weirdness. Midway through, abrupt turn to VC-Andrews-style evil grandmother, and a Series of Unfortunate Events from there.
Which makes the childhood part just an intro, which means it was way too long.
Also there's not a whole lot of redemption at the end of the book, and apparently the next book gets even worse. No thanks.
Oh, and I almost forgot. The writing was awful. At least at first. Either i...more
Which makes the childhood part just an intro, which means it was way too long.
Also there's not a whole lot of redemption at the end of the book, and apparently the next book gets even worse. No thanks.
Oh, and I almost forgot. The writing was awful. At least at first. Either i...more
1 like · like · see review
I did guess the "twist", but I liked it. (there were plenty of clues to point to both real identities) Yes, it did remind me of "Flowers In The Attic". I did feel like there should have been more to wrap up at the end, but I see that it must be continued in the next book.
As for her age and "falling in love" with every man she meets... I think it's believable for a 9 year old to have a crush and definitely as she grows older. She has not met very many people in her isolated world and I could see...more
As for her age and "falling in love" with every man she meets... I think it's believable for a 9 year old to have a crush and definitely as she grows older. She has not met very many people in her isolated world and I could see...more
I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways & was pretty excited to dive into it after reading the summary. My expectations were high and I was definitely not let down. The Girl in the Lighthouse is a historical fiction novel packed with plenty of action. I couldn't help but feel my heart breaking for the main character, Lillian Arrington, as she suffered through all of the pain and strife in her adolescence. As the story came to an end, there were many surprising twists that left me wanting...more
Lillian Arrington lives a very isolated life with her parents who are Lighthouse keepers. The book is told from he POV and she is extremely naive and innocent. However, when tragedy strikes she evenutally finds out why her parents lived such a secretive life.
But one thing which REALLY bothered me was time setting in the book. Lillian's friend's grandparents die on the Titanic but yet Lillian's father was in the Confederate Navy. Then at the end of the book it's supposed to be 1878 and Lillian i...more
But one thing which REALLY bothered me was time setting in the book. Lillian's friend's grandparents die on the Titanic but yet Lillian's father was in the Confederate Navy. Then at the end of the book it's supposed to be 1878 and Lillian i...more
This was absolutely not my kind of book.
It was written as a first person book with the narrator being a naive young girl (ages 9 through 15). You really never gained an understanding of the other characters. And personally, I found her quite annoying. I think this should have been in the Young Adult genre. Maybe teens can relate to her.
The time jumps forward at odd points. It feels more like the author was tired of writing about the current time or did not have enough to fill in the blanks. All...more
It was written as a first person book with the narrator being a naive young girl (ages 9 through 15). You really never gained an understanding of the other characters. And personally, I found her quite annoying. I think this should have been in the Young Adult genre. Maybe teens can relate to her.
The time jumps forward at odd points. It feels more like the author was tired of writing about the current time or did not have enough to fill in the blanks. All...more
This book is a historical novel (fiction). It is packed with lots of twists concerning the main character, Lillian and her family. The book is set in the late 1800's after the Civil War. The reader learns about the lonely life at a lighthouse in Maine and then also life in the south. The book starts with Lillian at age 10 or so and stops at about the age of 15 or 16. She lives a lonely life with her parents in a lighthouse for the first 9 years of her life and then moves to another island that h...more
This was a very V.C. Andrews-esque, dark victorian, sometimes depressing, romantic drama. I wanted to stop reading it at times, thinking either that it was either too depressing or the main character was too naive and whiny. I also could not stop reading it. I am almost through with the sequel and hopes it comes to some sort of happy conclusion, even though I don't have my hopes up. Lillian can't seem to make up her mind as to who she loves and what she will do to gain that love. If you like the...more
I read this in two days! The storyline was very compelling and I kept wanting to know what the hype could be about comparing it to Flowers in the Attic. While I felt very invested in the character of Lillian, the book left me feeling kind of disappointed. Not sure why. So much of what happened to her seemed contrived and in the end the history she didn't know about just was kind of mediocre or obvious. No big wow for me. I do notice there is a sequel that I would like to read but from the descri...more
This book was surprisingly good. I say that because I'm one to get all the free books whereever I can and then never actually stop and read them. This was one of those books...that I just received, loaded onto Kindle and then on to the next book I could get.
It was very fast-paced for me and while there were a few times I had to roll my eyes, this book was pretty good. (I always forget how the things were in earlier times.)
Anyway I enjoyed the book...a few things I saw coming or predicted but i...more
It was very fast-paced for me and while there were a few times I had to roll my eyes, this book was pretty good. (I always forget how the things were in earlier times.)
Anyway I enjoyed the book...a few things I saw coming or predicted but i...more
The Girl in the Lighthouse was really gripping. And the final was amazing! I didn’t see it coming! And the atmosphere was really magnificent; all the parts about the Jasper Island and especially the south. I will definitely read the second book. The Girl in the Lighthouse was a real page-turner; I couldn’t keep my eyes away from the book especially towards the last pages. You can’t put the book aside and you want to know much more about Lillian and the Arringtons. The drama was spread throughout...more
Yuck! I was engrossed in the story at first. A young girl who has been sheltered from the world, loved by her parents alone. She has so many questions about her family and is never told a single thing. She makes friends with two boys who are opposites from each other. All of a sudden her world is flipped upside down and the story becomes twisted and strange and scary and disgusting. I wish I had stopped reading and just lived to enjoy the part on Jasper Island. P.S. What happened to Victor the g...more
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Roxane Tepfer Sanford is the author of The Girl in the Lighthouse, All That is Beautiful and Sacred Intentions (the Arrington series). Her writing style has been compared to that of well known gothic fiction author, V.C. Andrews.
Roxane is the very busy mother of six children and whatever spare time is left, she dedicates to writing novels.
For more information on Roxane Tepfer Sanford, please vis...more
More about Roxane Tepfer Sanford...
Roxane is the very busy mother of six children and whatever spare time is left, she dedicates to writing novels.
For more information on Roxane Tepfer Sanford, please vis...more
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