The Lightkeeper's Ball (Mercy Falls, #3)

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The Lightkeeper's Ball (Mercy Falls #3)

by Colleen Coble (Goodreads Author)

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 862 ratings · 165 reviews

At the elegant Mercy Falls masquerade ball, Olivia's hidden identity will be revealed.

It is the dawn of a new century and Olivia Stewart is heiress to an empire. Her family numbers among the Four Hundred--those considered the wealthiest and most distinguished in America. Unfortunately their wealth has nearly disappeared, and now their security rests upon the Stewart daught...more

Paperback, 304 pages

Published April 19th 2011 by Thomas Nelson (first published January 1st 2011)

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Jun 17, 2011 Tammy Doherty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'd give this 4 1/2 stars if I could figure out how to do the half star!

Of the 3 Mercy Falls books, this is definitely the best one. Each gets better, so I'm hoping there are more in the works :-) I absolutely love Colleen Coble's writing; the only time I've ever been critical of any of her novels it's been about editing errors. I did find one little edit-type thing in this book...at the very beginning there's an explanation of why Harrison is part of Bennett & Bennett that confused me. But...more I'd give this 4 1/2 stars if I could figure out how to do the half star!

Of the 3 Mercy Falls books, this is definitely the best one. Each gets better, so I'm hoping there are more in the works :-) I absolutely love Colleen Coble's writing; the only time I've ever been critical of any of her novels it's been about editing errors. I did find one little edit-type thing in this book...at the very beginning there's an explanation of why Harrison is part of Bennett & Bennett that confused me. But it's something that is easily dismissed, really didn't need to be in the novel; I think it was there to tell us Harrison doesn't want to be part of his father's business. But Colleen Coble goes on to show this fact quite succinctly by Harrison's actions as the story progresses.

The thing that stands out to me as to why Colleen Coble is a great author is her suspension of disbelief. Throughout this novel, Olivia Stewart keeps her real name secret from Harrison. He knows her only as Lady Devonworth, even after their engagement. Every time I set the book down, I thought about the improbability of that plot. Especially considering that Olivia tells 3 people in Mercy Falls her real name. And servants - well, they talk & I can't believe this truth would really have been kept hidden. But whenever I started reading again, the spell caught me and my disbelief was thoroughly suspended.

The story is that Olivia's father lost his fortune and forged an agreement with another diamond mine owner, a Mr. Bennett. Olivia's sister, Eleanor, was to wed Mr. Bennett's son, Harrison, in order for the Stewarts to get any monies from the joint mine venture. But then Eleanor dies, tragically and in a manner that Olivia immediately suspects murder. Now Olivia must marry Harrison to keep her father's bargain. Before she'll agree to this, she travels to Mercy Falls using only her family title, Lady Devonworth, in order to look into her sister's death. A letter sent the day before Eleanor died has Olivia suspecting Harrison of foul play.

Even before setting foot in Mercy Falls, an attempt is made on Olivia's life. She is in danger throughout most of the book. Though Harrison rescues her from that first murder attempt, Olivia still doubts the quality of his character. For his part, Harrison is attracted to Lady Devonworth though he does not care for the society snobs she represents. They forge a tentative friendship that grows as the novel proceeds, each wishing to find the truth behind Eleanor's death.

Two mysteries in this book surprised me: I did not expect the true identity of Mr. Stewart's illegitamate son nor that of the murderer. The man I did suspect of evil deeds turned out to be innocent - of murder, at least. I do so love it when an author manages that kind of surprise. The truth was not shocking, either. No characters tossed in out of the blue. All the key players are presented early in the story (the first 1/3) so the reader sees all the same clues as the heroine and hero.

If you're looking for a good book to bring to the beach or on vacation, this is a good choice. (less)

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Mar 19, 2011 Claudette rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galley, historical-fiction, read-in-2011, series, romance

Actual rating: 2.5

I was disappointed by this book, even though I quite enjoyed it. I really liked the premise and I expected a good mix of mystery and romance, but The Lightkeeper's Ball was not exactly a masterpiece.

Olivia was probably the main reason: she was too irritating for her own good with her spoiled ways and her rudeness (in some parts, I was internally begging her to shut. up.) and, most of all, the way the author constantly tried to make her appear as "an admirable clever woman that...more

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Jul 20, 2011 Damla rated it 5 of 5 stars

It took me a long time to start it, but when I started, I couldn't keep off myself from reading it! It is very easy to follow, but very exciting too.
"The Lightkeeper's Ball" by Colleen Coble is the third book of the series and it's a romance blended with mystery and suspense. You can see how the hate between the young man and woman turns into very strong love (although this happens somehow quickly). While sharing the deep emotions of the two young people, you also feel the horror, because there...more

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Jul 14, 2011 Megan rated it 3 of 5 stars

The third installment of the Mercy Falls novels is as enjoyable as the first two. The Lightkeeper's Ball centers around Olivia Stewart, who travels to Mercy Falls to find out what really happened to her sister, Eleanor. Eleanor had been in Mercy Falls to marry Harrison Bennett, a marraige arranged by their fathers; however, while she was there, she drowned. People assumed suicide, but Olivia knew Eleanor too well to believe that. On the way to Mercy Falls, Olivia finds that she is in danger as w...more

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Jun 20, 2011 Jolene rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Historical Romance

Finding a husband for Olivia is very important to her mother. Using a possible suitor as an excuse, Olivia travels to Mercy Falls, California, in search of the truth regarding her sister's untimely death. Unfortunately, Olivia meets Harrison Bennett, her late sister's fiancée and possible murder suspect, during an attempt on her own life. As a precaution Olivia assumes the title of Lady Devonworth to ensure her safety and anonymity. In an effort to uncover the truth, Olivia spends time observing...more

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Jun 17, 2011 Jill Williamson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Olivia Stewart, heiress to an empire, is living a lie. Her family’s money is gone, and she must marry a man named Harrison Bennett—a man she’s never met—in order to keep what little they have. But when news of her sister’s death reaches her, Olivia only wants to learn the truth of how her sister died. She sets out to Mercy Falls, California under a different name, hoping to learn more about her sister’s death and the man her mother intends for her to marry.

What she discovers about both surprises...more

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Jun 16, 2011 Sunflower rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-book-reviews, audra-jennings-of-b-b-media

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble, is a sweet, light, filled with intrigue and a summer's tale of romance that continues the Mercy Falls series.

Centered around Olivia, the daughter of a well to do family out in the East, she travels to Mercy Falls, California, to investigate the mysterious circumstances around her sister's death.

In Mercy Falls, Olivia discovers a life she could never dreamed of, herself falling in love, and answers to what happen to her sister.

Summer time, is a time for va

...more

The Lightkeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble, is a sweet, light, filled with intrigue and a summer's tale of romance that continues the Mercy Falls series.

Centered around Olivia, the daughter of a well to do family out in the East, she travels to Mercy Falls, California, to investigate the mysterious circumstances around her sister's death.

In Mercy Falls, Olivia discovers a life she could never dreamed of, herself falling in love, and answers to what happen to her sister.

Summer time, is a time for vacation, a little bit of easing of the daily routine of life as families use this time to travel, to take vacation and to catch up on what an otherwise busy life keeps them distracted from.

With, "The Lightkeeper's Ball", readers will find a beautiful written historical romance fiction to take them away, to another time, and another place, and makes a great summer read to throw in the tote bag or download on the e-reader.

Some of the distractions that I found, was that being this is a book in a series, I found myself a bit lost with otherwise familiar characters, for those who have read the series, but there is a quick character bio that will help keep the reader a little bit more flowing with the story and also intrigued to read the rest of the series, but for me, one of the downsides of reading series out of order, is not being able to grasp on the continuity of a theme, or focus of a place in a book.

This doesn't make,"The Lightkeeper's Ball" a bad read, but for those who are unfamiliar with the series, this is, well, a series that is based on Mercy Falls, so be prepared to find yourself caught up in wanting to read the rest of the books, to fully embraced the romance of Mercy Falls.

The writing is very even-flowed and the characters are easy to develop an emotional relationship that plays on the emotions as one reads and follows Olivia as she struggles with her growing emotions for Mercy Falls and its residents while trying to discover what happen to her sister.

Whether you read this via the e-reader or buy the book, if you are looking for a light and romantic book for this summer, this is a must read for those who enjoy historical romance and/or Christian romances.

There aren't questionable scenes for the more discerning reader to feel uncomfortable and yet still holds all the elements of a light romance novel while capturing a snapshot of the era for the historical fiction reader whose not looking for a heavy historical fiction, but rather just something that is light, entertaining and heart filled.

[disclaimer]litfuse[/disclaimer]

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Jun 11, 2011 Patty LeBlanc rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Mercy Falls series. I haven't read the first two, but after reading this one I definitely will have to go back and read them.

The cover is the first thing that draws me to this novel. The gown is absolutely beautiful and the room she is standing in just makes you want to know why she is in such an opulent setting.

Olivia Stewart has always been known for her wealth. Unfortunately, this draws unwanted attention from suitors who only want to be with her for her money....more

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Jun 08, 2011 Nora St Laurent rated it 4 of 5 stars

The dazzling cover of this book made me stop and stare – then pick it up to see what was inside. I was so thankful for a review copy so I could discover the mysteries this book held! I’ve enjoyed several of Coleen’s books and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest book.

The Lightkeeper’s Ball is the third book in A Mercy Falls series; I was worried I’d be lost because I didn’t read the first two. As I read I didn’t feel like I was lost at all, but it did make me want to read the f...more The dazzling cover of this book made me stop and stare – then pick it up to see what was inside. I was so thankful for a review copy so I could discover the mysteries this book held! I’ve enjoyed several of Coleen’s books and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest book.

The Lightkeeper’s Ball is the third book in A Mercy Falls series; I was worried I’d be lost because I didn’t read the first two. As I read I didn’t feel like I was lost at all, but it did make me want to read the first two books in this series called, The Lightkeeper’s Daughter and The Lightkeeper’s Bride.

Eleanor is dead! Drowned! (I was gripped by this books dramatic beginning) Olivia and her mother can’t believe their ears. Olivia doesn’t believe she drowned- Eleanor hated water how could she have drowned? Something’s fishy about all this and Olivia was going to get to the bottom of it but how? She comes up with a plan to go to Mercy Falls using her official title “Lady Davenworth.” No one in Mercy Falls has met her so using this identity would allow investigating her sister’s death a lot easier.

Olivia – “Lady Davenworth” meets up with Harrison Eleanor’s fiancé in order to discover more clues to this mishap. Harrison is in the aviation business telling people that this is the transportation of the future. Harrison’s father and others think he’s crazy but his investors think he’s onto something. It even catches the attention of Olivia. I really enjoyed the aviation aspect to the story; it was fun. I liked reading about a time of innocence, when everything was fresh, new and exciting.

Colleen Coble pens a engaging, suspenseful murder mystery I couldn’t put down. Colleen’s characters grabbed my heart, attention and made me smile. It also had a believable spiritual thread I liked. I loved all the behind scenes preparation as the reader saw how Lady Davenworth orchestrated a grand Ball event as a fundraiser for a worthy cause. I felt like I was at the Ball when the event finally happened. It was exciting!

Looking for a good summer read, or a monthly book club pick? I highly recommend The Lightkeeper’s Ball. It won’t disappoint!

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
Finding Hope Through Fiction www.psalm516.blogspot.com
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Jun 05, 2011 Virginia Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, inspirational, mystery

"The Lightkeeper's Ball" by Colleen Coble was a true pleasure to read. This book reminded me again of why I fell in love with reading so many years ago. The story takes place at the beginning of the 20th century, a time in history when Victorian societal strictures were battling the oncoming radical changes of the modern world. When New York socialite Olivia Stewart learns of her sister's suspicious death, she travels to California to investigate her sister's fiance, Harrison Bennett. Olivia and...more "The Lightkeeper's Ball" by Colleen Coble was a true pleasure to read. This book reminded me again of why I fell in love with reading so many years ago. The story takes place at the beginning of the 20th century, a time in history when Victorian societal strictures were battling the oncoming radical changes of the modern world. When New York socialite Olivia Stewart learns of her sister's suspicious death, she travels to California to investigate her sister's fiance, Harrison Bennett. Olivia and Harrison are both pressured to accept marriage to each other as a financially and socially rewarding merger for their two families. However, Olivia at first keeps her identity a secret in order to observe Harrison and learn more about the circumstances of her sister's death. The more that Olivia discovers about Harrison, the more attracted she is to him, and her mistrust of him slowly lessens. Harrison does not know what to make of the mysterious "Lady Devonworth" who claims to be a friend of his late fiancee's family. Both Olivia and Harrison are repressed by family and society demands, and both long to be themselves and find happiness. They discover in each other a mutual adventurous streak and a shared love of flying. Harrison builds flying machines, and Olivia loves the idea of flying. Mishaps, mistrust, murder, and mayhem threaten to keep them apart. Faith plays an important role in this story, and Olivia and Harrison learn that taking a leap of faith is like flying without the need of wings. The greater their love for each other becomes, the higher they soar! Colleen Coble is a skilled storyteller who creates interesting, dimensional characters and a vivid, richly detailed story line. "The Lightkeeper's Ball'' is the third book in the "Mercy Falls" series. I haven't read the first two books in the series yet, but I plan to remedy that as soon as possible. I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Coble's work, and I look forward to much more genuine reading enjoyment!

Review copy provided by Amazon Vine(less)

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May 27, 2011 Ibjoy1953 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Since Colleen Coble is one of my very favorite authors, I just had to review this book. And she certainly did not disappoint! This story is full of romance and suspense, love and secrets that kept me on the edge of my seat until I finished the book. I really like the way Colleen Coble blends everything together making the story so believable and real. The unique characters were well researched and thought about, they fit very well together, complimenting each other’s personality. I love books wi...more

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May 14, 2011 Cheryl rated it 3 of 5 stars

Olivia Stewart is almost past marriage age. Though, she is only twenty-five, which is not that old, when you live in a society like Olivia, twenty-five is considered a spinster. Olivia and her mother are in desperate need of money. When they learn that Olivia’s sister, Eleanor has drowned prior to marrying her fiancé, Harrison Bennett, this is bad news. Both that Eleanor has died and without Harrison being married, Olivia’s mother has lost rights to part of the diamond mine. Before Olivia can st...more

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May 13, 2011 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Olivia Stewart has always had her name, in fact she was often wondering if her name was the only thing that attracted her friends to her, and she was sure that was why most men wanted to court her. Marrying a Stewart was a boost to any man's business and life. So when her father suddenly died, and the money dried up, she didn't really know why, but knew that her mother was pushing her to make a good marriage. Olivia just wanted to marry for love. When her sister who was engaged to Harrison Benne...more

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May 13, 2011 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Back at the dawn of a new century, Olivia Stewart and her family were numbered in the Four Hundred–allegedly the most wealthy and distinguished in America. The Stewart family’s wealth had deteriorated, however, leaving the family to rest their security on the Stewart daughters marrying well.

Eleanor Stewart went West to marry Harrison Bennett, but she died before the marriage took place. So the pressure to marry well was shouldered by Olivia Stewart, aka Lady Devonworth, her English title. Using...more Back at the dawn of a new century, Olivia Stewart and her family were numbered in the Four Hundred–allegedly the most wealthy and distinguished in America. The Stewart family’s wealth had deteriorated, however, leaving the family to rest their security on the Stewart daughters marrying well.

Eleanor Stewart went West to marry Harrison Bennett, but she died before the marriage took place. So the pressure to marry well was shouldered by Olivia Stewart, aka Lady Devonworth, her English title. Using the latter title, she went out to Mercy Falls, California, to put to rest her suspicions of Eleanor’s death being caused by Harrison Bennett, only to find it was no accident. But when she personally meets Harrison Bennett, she finds that he is not the man she thought him to be.

When Olivia holds a charity masquerade ball to raise funds for a new lighthouse, secrets and long-hidden truths are fully exposed. Will she lose Harrison’s love? Her desire is to be loved for herself, not for her wealth status. Can she loosen her ties to money to find God’s unconditional love?

Wow! Colleen Coble, in her book, The Lightkeeper’s Ball, rocks you with fast-turning twists and plots from page one to the very end of the book! About the time you think you’ve figured out the culprit, she’d throw in another twist for you to untangle. The fast-paced plot twists kept me intrigued in a way that I haven’t been challenged for some time.

The smoldering romance with all its bumps and twists keep you wondering if Olivia and Harrison will keep their eyes and hearts open to God and each other. Lies and innuendos abound, causing assumptions that could destroy their relationship. Plus the deadly attempts on Olivia’s life up the ante of suspense, safety and fear. Who is behind all these attacks and sabotage? Colleen keeps the action moving at such a fast pace, you are ‘forced’ to continue reading to find the culprit!

I find that the historical era made it easier for the characters to continue to address Olivia as Lady Devonworth. The circumstances seemed to hide the upsets. The relationships between the maids and servants seemed appropriate for the time and wealth, as did the propriety between the many characters.

I haven’t read any of the previous books in this series, but I found it easy to follow along with these characters. You will find Colleen’s book a great read! But I do want to read the previous ones if this book is any indication of their complexity and suspense!

Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.(less)

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May 11, 2011 Tamara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: colleen-coble

THE LIGHTKEEPER’S BALL, the third book in the Mercy Falls series by Colleen Coble, was a romance/suspense book with more than your average twists and turns.

Olivia Stewart is determined to get to the bottom of her sisters untimely death. Some say it was suicide, but Olivia is convinced it was murder. Suspecting her sister’s fiancé, Harrison Bennett, she decides the only way to get to the truth, is to get close to Harrison. She soon finds out Harrison is not the man she thought him to be, and her...more

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May 02, 2011 Kristine Coumbe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, highly-recommended, lds-christian, history

When heiress Olivia Stewart finds out her sister Eleanor died from drowning, Olivia becomes suspicious and leaves for Mercy Falls to investigate. Olivia's mother wants her settle down and marry Harrison Bennett the son of her father's business partner. The Stewarts wealth is in decline and the Bennetts are in need of entrance into ultra high society. Olivia decides to go to Mercy Falls to investigate her sister's death as well as better know Harrison her sister's intended fiance'.

As Olivia arriv...more

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Apr 25, 2011 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Book Synopsis :

Olivia seems to have it all, but her heart yearns for more.Olivia Stewart’s family is one of the Four Hundred-the highest echelon of society in 1910. When her sister dies under mysterious circumstances, Olivia leaves their New York City home for Mercy Falls, California, to determine what befell Eleanor. She suspects Harrison Bennett, the man Eleanor planned to marry. But the more Olivia gets to know him, the more she doubts his guilt-and the more she is drawn to him herself.When s...more

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Apr 21, 2011 Norma rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It does say that it is the third book in the Mercy Falls series. I have not had the chance to read either of the first two books. However, I did not feel lost because of it. And I really didn’t feel that there were spoilers from the first two in this one.

The characters were really great. I love Olivia’s headstrong attitude. She did not want to necessarily go along with societies views of women for that time. And thankfully, Harrison encourages her instead of demeanin...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Angelc rated it 4 of 5 stars

This historical Christian romance had a little bit of everything, and I loved it all! I will admit, the book started out a little slow for me. I thought it was going to be a typical run of the mill Christian romance. I was even a little confused by the two characters named Mr. Bennett. But I encourage you not to quit reading if you're feeling the same way. This book turns into a quick-paced, modern-thinking mystery and romance.

My favorite thing about the book was the positive message about women...more

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Apr 14, 2011 Melissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Set in the early 1900’s, "The Lightkeeper’s Ball" tells the story of Olivia Stewart, a young woman from a prominent New York family whose fortune is nearly gone. Pressured to better her family’s circumstances by accepting an advantageous proposal of marriage, Olivia travels incognito to California hoping to learn more about Harrison Bennet, her possible future husband, and to investigate the questionable circumstances surrounding her sister’s death.

To be perfectly honest, I found this book diffi...more

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Apr 13, 2011 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2011

Can an arranged marriage bring love? The year is 1910, and Olivia Stewart's sister, Eleanor, has gone off to marry a wealthy man in hopes of securing her family's future. But, when Eleanor drowns before she is married, that obligation falls on Olivia. With her father and sister dying under mysterious circumstances, Olivia needs to be careful, especially after almost drowning herself. Harrison Bennett is the wealthy man Eleanor was supposed to marry, and the one who rescued Olivia from drowning,...more

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Apr 11, 2011 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

Eleanor Stewart leaves her home in New York to marry Harrison Bennett, but when her mother gets word that Eleanor is dead, a drowning no less, Olivia, Eleanor's sister thinks something isn't right, her sister was afraid of water so why would she have drowned. She thinks the fiance might have had something to do with it and decides to take hop a ship to Mercy Falls to get some answers. When she is pushed off the ship before arriving at Mercy Falls she begins to think someone is out to get her. Th...more

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Apr 08, 2011 Lynnda Ell rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: mystery romance fans

Recommended to Lynnda by: BookSneeze

Juggling All the Balls

When the juggler comes on stage, I watch to see if he can successfully keep the balls in the air. While I read The Lightkeeper’s Ball, I watched to see if Colleen Coble could keep all the elements in her plot going without dropping one—or more! This book is a (1) Christian (2) historical (late 1800s) (3) mystery (4) romance.

Just like a professional juggler, Ms. Coble made it look easy. She kept the flow of all the elements in balance, sometimes highlighting one, then anoth...more

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Apr 06, 2011 Edna Tollison rated it 5 of 5 stars

This just the type of book that I love, historical, romance, mystery what else could you ask for. Colleen Coble always writes a good read and I have enjoyed her books before.

In a New York brownstone just a half block from the Astor mansion lived Olivia and her mother, the father had died in a mine accident in Africa. The other daughter Eleanor had went west to marry and Olivia and her mother just received the word that Eleanor was dead and had died from drowning. She was afraid of the water and...more

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Apr 05, 2011 Karie Hall rated it 3 of 5 stars

In 1910, the Stewart family is one of the upper crust Four Hundred who own New York City High Society. Olivia Stewart rejects the notion of a marriage of social convenience, but knows she needs an excuse to escape the pressure from her family. Her alibi is not what she would have wanted, as her sister Eleanor died in Mercy Falls, California.

Olivia heads to Northern California to investigate the death of her sibling; her only suspect is Eleanor’s fiancé Harrison Bennett. Accidents begin to hamper...more

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Apr 09, 2011 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, christian-historical-fiction

Olivia and Eleanor Stewart were heiresses to a large diamond mining fortune, only to be multiplied if they joined hands in marriage to the Bennett Family of Mercy Falls Calif. Eleanor's engagement to Harrison is arranged, loveless but crucial to Mr Bennet Sr's dynasty. Eleanor is killed, suppossed suicide, Olivia is not convinced. Olivia travels to Mercy Falls under the name Lady Devonworth, to get to the bottom of her sister's and her fathers untimely death. Ready to hate Harrison, and uncover...more

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Jan 04, 2012 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, christian

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The Stewart family - upper class, old money, family in Boston. The Bennett family - new money, dad looking for entry into the upper class. Father Bennett wants his son Harrison to marry into the Stewart family, and holds his business as the carrot to Mr. Stewart - but daughter Eleanor, looking for adventure, is happy for the engagement, and travels to California to meet spend time with him. In the meantime, her father dies in the joint diamond mine in Africa - leaving the Stewart's short of cash...more The Stewart family - upper class, old money, family in Boston. The Bennett family - new money, dad looking for entry into the upper class. Father Bennett wants his son Harrison to marry into the Stewart family, and holds his business as the carrot to Mr. Stewart - but daughter Eleanor, looking for adventure, is happy for the engagement, and travels to California to meet spend time with him. In the meantime, her father dies in the joint diamond mine in Africa - leaving the Stewart's short of cash - and dad Bennett is withholding their contracted share... And then Eleanor dies in California - and it is thought a suicide... and dad Bennett is holding out for marriage (wants older daughter Olivia to marry his son) & is holding onto their share of the mine money. Olivia decides to go to California to find out what happened to her sister - and leads her mom to believe she is wanting to meet harrison to see if they mesh.

And before she disembarks from the boat, she is pushed overboard - and rescued by Harrison... when he leaves her to find help, she makes her way to the light house and meets the Jephersons, who take her in... and she is suspicious of Harrison, and hides her full name from him (and most townspeople) going by her title of Lady Devonworth, but as she spends time with him she begins to trust him, and then to fall in love with him...

Harrison is fascinated by airplanes - and is working on various designs, and testing them out himself... His father is an unscrupulous businessman, and they often butt heads. Harrison is anchored in God, and his valet, Eugene, is his closest friend. Olivia is unhappy with comply with her parent's wishes, with balls and gowns being the focus of her talents. When the lighthouse falls in a storm, she decides to have a masque ball, inviting many of her Bostonian friends, to rise money to rebuild it; and invites the Jephersons to stay with her in the house her father built until their home is restored.

And Harrison sees her excitement about planes, and takes her up, but as they are heading home, the plane sputters and crashes- having been sabatoged. Olivia's ankle is hurt, and it takes 2 days for a rescue party to find them - and she has been compromised - her fair weather friends withdrawing from the balll before checking with her about the facts. her new friends counsel her to look for God's plan - to be the woman God wants her to be...

And a letter in her father's handwriting shows up - saying he is alive and to not trust the Bennetts, and then a will shows up naming a Richard Pixley, his illegitamate son as his heir... and Richard is actually harrison's valet, and he has no interest in his father's money... but his aunt (who raised him), who is the California Stewart's house maid & her son Jerry (a forger), want all of the Stewart money - killing Eleanor, trying to kill Olivia - using the forged documents, trying to make them believe their father is alive to manipulate them, etc.

Harrison resigns from his father's business when his father ignores his 'no' to renting a building to an unsavory lawyer - but forcing him to give Mrs Stewart her due from the mines or else he would turn it over to the police & devotes himself to airplanes, the design, the flying, and building an investment group... and though engaged to Olivia, harrison is angry and hurt when he finds out she lied to him about who she was - but when his heart tells him she needs help, she rescues her and her mother from the carriage house where Jerry has tied them down and started a fire... and he realizes his love is greater than any anger... and Olivia is in full support of his plans, excited by the planes, excited to work with him and marry him... ahhhh(less)

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Feb 01, 2012 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-club-read, chick-lit, christian, historical-fiction, love, mystery, victorian-romance

This actually turned out better than I thought it would be. All I knew about it was the blurb from the back. I had no idea that it was a “Christian Romance.” So, after thirty or so pages of rolling my eyes at the insta-attraction to a guy who may have murdered her sister, I almost gave up. The things I don’t generally like about Romance novels are the instant infatuations and the predictability of plot. However, I’m glad I persevered. The romance aspect was somewhat of a roller coaster and the m...more

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Apr 30, 2011 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Julie by: Audra Jennings

Shelves: 2011-reads, thomas-nelson, historical-fiction, christian-fiction

Olivia and her family have received word that her sister, Eleanor, has died. She was betrothed to the wealthy Harrison Bennett and now it's on Olivia to marry him to keep the family fortune going. Olivia sets out instead, to find out why/how her sister died, and not to marry Harrison. Afterall, he's nothing but a nob (or so people say). While in route to Mercy Falls, California, she is shoved off the boat. Who else will save her except for Harrison himself. Suspicions immediately are aroused by...more

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May 19, 2011 Evangeline Han rated it 4 of 5 stars

There were right amounts of mystery, suspense and romance in The Lightkeeper’s Ball to keep a reader continually turning the pages. Colleen Coble cleverly weaves the story in such a way no one will suspect or guess who the murderer is and readers will never know the truth behind the murder mystery until the final chapters. The Lightkeeper’s Ball is the third book in the Mercy Falls Series and it can be read as a stand-alone. There is hardly any hint that this book is part of a series and nothing...more

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Genres

Historical Fiction

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Christian Fiction

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Romance

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Christian

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Mystery

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Romance > Historical Romance

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Romance > Christian Romance

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Adult

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Christian Fiction > Christian Historical Fiction

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Inspirational

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About Colleen Coble

Carol Award winner Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 2 million books in print.

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Books by Colleen Coble

The Lightkeeper's Daughter (Mercy Falls, #1)

Lonestar Sanctuary (Lonestar Series, #1)

Blue Moon Promise (Under Texas Stars #1)

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The Lightkeeper's Ball (Mercy Falls #3)

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