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Amber Light
Despite everything, Sarah Whitmore still believes in lucky breaks…
A single act of violence left Sarah pregnant, with her cherished plans for the future in ruins. But she grabs her chance to leave her Wisconsin town behind and create a new life on the South Carolina coast, with help from an aunt and uncle she barely knows.
As a single mother, Sarah’s new life includes Amber, who Sarah vows will never learn the truth about her violent father. Over the next years Sarah tries to heal the psychological trauma she endured, but it’s not easy. Sarah includes her job at an island resort another lucky break, along with her unlikely friendship with Woody, who helps her break out of her shell and develop her talent as a portrait artist.
But even Woody can’t help Sarah believe a relationship with a man is possible for her—ever. Then Sarah meets Barly Rhoads, a dad who fought for the right to be with his child. Barly believes in justice and righting wrongs when he sees them, including fixing his own mistakes.
The past refuses to stay buried when Amber’s father threatens the safe, perfect life Sarah has created for herself and her daughter. Barly proves he will go to any length to protect Sarah and Amber, and in the process exposes some deep wounds of his own. Now Sarah must decide if she’s ready for one more lucky break.
Scroll up to buy Amber Light now to experience this romance saga of a single mother willing to do anything to protect her daughter.
It is the story of one woman's hard journey after she is victimized in a sexual encounter.
A single act of violence left Sarah pregnant, with her cherished plans for the future in ruins. But she grabs her chance to leave her Wisconsin town behind and create a new life on the South Carolina coast, with help from an aunt and uncle she barely knows.
As a single mother, Sarah’s new life includes Amber, who Sarah vows will never learn the truth about her violent father. Over the next years Sarah tries to heal the psychological trauma she endured, but it’s not easy. Sarah includes her job at an island resort another lucky break, along with her unlikely friendship with Woody, who helps her break out of her shell and develop her talent as a portrait artist.
But even Woody can’t help Sarah believe a relationship with a man is possible for her—ever. Then Sarah meets Barly Rhoads, a dad who fought for the right to be with his child. Barly believes in justice and righting wrongs when he sees them, including fixing his own mistakes.
The past refuses to stay buried when Amber’s father threatens the safe, perfect life Sarah has created for herself and her daughter. Barly proves he will go to any length to protect Sarah and Amber, and in the process exposes some deep wounds of his own. Now Sarah must decide if she’s ready for one more lucky break.
Scroll up to buy Amber Light now to experience this romance saga of a single mother willing to do anything to protect her daughter.
It is the story of one woman's hard journey after she is victimized in a sexual encounter.
370 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2014
116 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Virginia McCullough
45 books645 followersA writer all her adult life, Virginia McCullough has had the opportunity to write the stories of her heart in her novels, including Girl in the Spotlight, the first book in her Two Moon Bay series for Harlequin Heartwarming. (Book 2 is scheduled for release in January 2018). Her award-winning romance and women’s fiction titles include The Jacks of Her Heart, Amber Light, Greta’s Grace, The Chapels on the Hill, and Island Healing.
Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.
Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.
Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.
Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 3, 2019
Very well written story... An ordinary girl dealing with an extremely bad situation in a very realistic way... I flew through this story to get to the end...
There’s a great line about her dad, after he ended up in the hospital was written as “... was it possible he’d spent so many years trying to keep his heart closed that it had finally obliged?” Wow...
Despite all her challenges, she ends up having a series of lucky incidents happen, which is really nice to see because of what she’s been through. She remains very down to earth, humble, even, which makes the main character very likable.
I was puzzled when Josh finally showed up, since it almost seemed like it was a dream, with the way it was written — I had to go back & double check that it was in fact really happening.
Love the Allports & Woody, along with her aunt, too.. All very likable characters...
The twist for Barly is interesting... He fought to be recognized as a father and have his rights respected, yet he was willing to do whatever it takes to help Sarah with have the rights of the father terminated.
The ending - solution - to the whole Josh situation was a bit predictable, but despite this, I still wanted to read it as I was invested in it...
There’s a great line about her dad, after he ended up in the hospital was written as “... was it possible he’d spent so many years trying to keep his heart closed that it had finally obliged?” Wow...
Despite all her challenges, she ends up having a series of lucky incidents happen, which is really nice to see because of what she’s been through. She remains very down to earth, humble, even, which makes the main character very likable.
I was puzzled when Josh finally showed up, since it almost seemed like it was a dream, with the way it was written — I had to go back & double check that it was in fact really happening.
Love the Allports & Woody, along with her aunt, too.. All very likable characters...
The twist for Barly is interesting... He fought to be recognized as a father and have his rights respected, yet he was willing to do whatever it takes to help Sarah with have the rights of the father terminated.
The ending - solution - to the whole Josh situation was a bit predictable, but despite this, I still wanted to read it as I was invested in it...
July 17, 2019
I loved this book. A really great story about the troubles people can have and how they worked them out.
This book starts when Sarah is a teenager and ends up pregnant. From there it just gets better and better. She has a lot of decisions to make and her life to get on with. Her aunt is a big factor in her life and helps her with so many things
Sarah and Barly eventually meet and become a couple, more or less, with two daughters. Her daughter Amber and his daughter Ellie.
This was a wonderful story about Sarah and Barly and how they each worked out the problems of their own lives. This book showed a healing process for each of them. Something that had to be done before they could become a complete couple.
Read the book, you will know what I mean at the end. You will be so glad you did.
This book starts when Sarah is a teenager and ends up pregnant. From there it just gets better and better. She has a lot of decisions to make and her life to get on with. Her aunt is a big factor in her life and helps her with so many things
Sarah and Barly eventually meet and become a couple, more or less, with two daughters. Her daughter Amber and his daughter Ellie.
This was a wonderful story about Sarah and Barly and how they each worked out the problems of their own lives. This book showed a healing process for each of them. Something that had to be done before they could become a complete couple.
Read the book, you will know what I mean at the end. You will be so glad you did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2024
Amber Light is a heartwarming and expertly crafted story of a young woman overcoming a painful experience and choosing to create a beautiful life for her daughter, and eventually for herself. I found myself inspired by the characters’ courage and their compassion for each other, despite their very human failings and limitations. Each character in the story felt like a fully realized person to me, and although the story ended on a not-unexpected positive note, there were many surprising plot turns along the way, and satisfying moments where you could really see the characters experiencing their growth. The kind of story that makes you want to be honest and hardworking and kind too.
July 4, 2019
Meaningful journey of compassion for others
Sarah’s life was a series of lucky breaks for her and for others who met her. Bad events don’t have to end life. There’s more to it and healing takes courage and effort. This story reminds me how important it is to be gentle with yourself and to listen to the small voices of fear before they overwhelm you because they have been squelched artificially by the expectations of others. I love the cleansing saltiness of the sea with the cool breezes that blow away oppression, where this story is set.
Sarah’s life was a series of lucky breaks for her and for others who met her. Bad events don’t have to end life. There’s more to it and healing takes courage and effort. This story reminds me how important it is to be gentle with yourself and to listen to the small voices of fear before they overwhelm you because they have been squelched artificially by the expectations of others. I love the cleansing saltiness of the sea with the cool breezes that blow away oppression, where this story is set.
August 3, 2022
Inspiring, heartbreaking and captivating story
Amber is the daughter of a woman raped at the age of 18. The story is about how Amber’s mother, Sarah, manages to face her fears and build a life for the two of them. As the adage goes, “it takes a village,” and Sarah has a way of touching the lives of people who become her pillar of strength. This is a story of resilience and the many forms of love that help people evolve from victim to survivor.
Amber is the daughter of a woman raped at the age of 18. The story is about how Amber’s mother, Sarah, manages to face her fears and build a life for the two of them. As the adage goes, “it takes a village,” and Sarah has a way of touching the lives of people who become her pillar of strength. This is a story of resilience and the many forms of love that help people evolve from victim to survivor.
November 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I felt really connected to the characters & their emotions. Sarah was truly blessed to have so many people to help her along the way. I cried with her when Lillian died & Woody was sick for so long. I was pleased when she & Barly decided to take their friendly relationship to another level.
I just felt like the ending was a bit rushed.
I just felt like the ending was a bit rushed.
January 16, 2020
Sarah finds her life is in turmoil after one fatal night. She raises her child with the help of her aunt who gives her a place to stay when she is desperate to get away from her hometown.
The story was one of hope and not giving up but I thought it a bit too lengthy. The tale wasn't difficult to follow and even surmise the ending.
The story was one of hope and not giving up but I thought it a bit too lengthy. The tale wasn't difficult to follow and even surmise the ending.
July 4, 2022
'Above all else. Sarah's story is about all kind of loves". This is a wonderful story and an amazing book. It´s not only about wounded souls and broken hearts. It´s about healing process, hope, love and happy ends. the book is a must read. The characters are incredible and Sarah is a strong woman, a heroin in all of senses.
July 4, 2019
One of the best stories I have ever read.
I loved this book. It's a great story. It makes you feel like you're there with the characters. I will recommend this book and author to everyone.
I loved this book. It's a great story. It makes you feel like you're there with the characters. I will recommend this book and author to everyone.
July 15, 2017
Loved it
Sarah is as strong woman. Loved her character. Recommend for anyone who likes to read a story where the main character is faced with obstacles and learns to persevere
Sarah is as strong woman. Loved her character. Recommend for anyone who likes to read a story where the main character is faced with obstacles and learns to persevere
May 7, 2020
Awesome
This story takes several twists and turns. It keeps you hooked! I loved it! The characters all seemed real! I highly recommend this book!
This story takes several twists and turns. It keeps you hooked! I loved it! The characters all seemed real! I highly recommend this book!
January 25, 2025
Laugh and cry
This is a great and touching story. To watch how Sarah grew and matured to where she could love Barly has been a delight.
This is a great and touching story. To watch how Sarah grew and matured to where she could love Barly has been a delight.
July 27, 2025
Wow!
This is the best book I have read in a long time! A must read! You will not regret it
This is the best book I have read in a long time! A must read! You will not regret it
August 24, 2016
Amber Light is a book about a young woman who is raped and has a baby and years later finds true love. But it is much more than that. It is also a book about her life before and after the rape, and how she dealt with it.
Sarah has lived all her life in fear of her father. He wouldn’t let her date until her senior year of high school. Her best friend fixed her up with this one guy. He raped her on the second date. When she wouldn’t tell her father who the father of her baby was, he kicked her out of the house.
Sarah got a lucky break when her aunt offered her a garage apartment at her house in coastal South Carolina. Sarah begins piecing a family together with her aunt and uncle and her daughter, whom she names Amber Light.
Over the years she gains other friends who help her overcome her fear of people, especially men. This is not a quick process. She meets one young man she thinks she could have feelings for, only to discover that he is gay. Embarrassed that she has made such a mistake, she tries to shut him out of her life. But in the end, he becomes one of her best friends.
More years later she meets another man, a single father with a daughter almost the same age as Amber. Needing a new place to live after the death of her aunt, she moves into the upstairs apartment of his beach house, part of the arrangement being that she helps with his daughter who is staying with him for the summer. They have some good times, but she finds herself still afraid of him and having a hard time trusting him.
This was a very satisfying story – more than just the story of a victim, and more than just a formula romance. The characters were very real, and the setting was beautiful.
Sarah has lived all her life in fear of her father. He wouldn’t let her date until her senior year of high school. Her best friend fixed her up with this one guy. He raped her on the second date. When she wouldn’t tell her father who the father of her baby was, he kicked her out of the house.
Sarah got a lucky break when her aunt offered her a garage apartment at her house in coastal South Carolina. Sarah begins piecing a family together with her aunt and uncle and her daughter, whom she names Amber Light.
Over the years she gains other friends who help her overcome her fear of people, especially men. This is not a quick process. She meets one young man she thinks she could have feelings for, only to discover that he is gay. Embarrassed that she has made such a mistake, she tries to shut him out of her life. But in the end, he becomes one of her best friends.
More years later she meets another man, a single father with a daughter almost the same age as Amber. Needing a new place to live after the death of her aunt, she moves into the upstairs apartment of his beach house, part of the arrangement being that she helps with his daughter who is staying with him for the summer. They have some good times, but she finds herself still afraid of him and having a hard time trusting him.
This was a very satisfying story – more than just the story of a victim, and more than just a formula romance. The characters were very real, and the setting was beautiful.
May 18, 2015
I read this as a NERFA judge, 4.5 stars
At first reading this I was doubting whether or not I really wanted to continue, the first couple of chapters are difficult to read. I think that Sarah is so detached and fighting to figure out what she is going to do that she is just surviving. Once Sarah moves to Beaufort the book starts moving more and some caring people Sarah starts to heal. Woody is a really pivotal person in her life and his support and friendship was important for Sarah to eventually open herself up to Barly, and thanks to the author for not leaving us hanging as to what Woody's fate was.
At first reading this I was doubting whether or not I really wanted to continue, the first couple of chapters are difficult to read. I think that Sarah is so detached and fighting to figure out what she is going to do that she is just surviving. Once Sarah moves to Beaufort the book starts moving more and some caring people Sarah starts to heal. Woody is a really pivotal person in her life and his support and friendship was important for Sarah to eventually open herself up to Barly, and thanks to the author for not leaving us hanging as to what Woody's fate was.
December 13, 2015
Wonderful storytelling!
Virginia tells a great story without huge amounts of backstory. Just enough to fill the reader in on what is happening with the characters. I to was sexually assaulted as a child and had to deal with some flashbacks as I read this book but I rejoiced with every strong step Sarah took to ensure that she and Amber had a good life. I held my breath as she got past the first moments of fear when Barly touched her. I rejoiced when she realized everyone is multifaceted and has things they aren't proud of. Sexual assault is never easy to read about let alone write about but Ms. McCullough has achieved writing a story that is enlightening and life affirming
Virginia tells a great story without huge amounts of backstory. Just enough to fill the reader in on what is happening with the characters. I to was sexually assaulted as a child and had to deal with some flashbacks as I read this book but I rejoiced with every strong step Sarah took to ensure that she and Amber had a good life. I held my breath as she got past the first moments of fear when Barly touched her. I rejoiced when she realized everyone is multifaceted and has things they aren't proud of. Sexual assault is never easy to read about let alone write about but Ms. McCullough has achieved writing a story that is enlightening and life affirming
October 11, 2014
This book was in one word amazing! It shows you that putting up walls isn't always the answer, you have to let someone in and help you take those walls down and fall in love again. The strength that Sarah had to keep going and work so hard when she has been dealt a lousy hand just shows you that you can start over amass love the positive life you want to love. This author brought this town and family to life and showed that not everything will always go your way, but that shouldn't stop you from living your life.
January 10, 2016
A terrible rape left Sarah Whitmore pregnant. She was thrown out of her parent's house by her father and moved in with her aunt Lillian. After having a beautiful baby girl, Sarah meets Barly Rhoads. They both have private problems but throughout the book these problems become worked out. Rape and abused women are crisis that needs to have harsher punishments. Very good book. Sarah was one of the lucky ones.
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December 29, 2015Amber Light was very well written.
Amber Light really hit home for me as I was also a victim of being raped and it is something that you never really get over but you learn how to cope with it. A lot of people don't understand how it affects you and unless it has happened to them they don't really get it.
Amber Light really hit home for me as I was also a victim of being raped and it is something that you never really get over but you learn how to cope with it. A lot of people don't understand how it affects you and unless it has happened to them they don't really get it.
December 6, 2015
AMBER LIGHT
Sarah is a survivor, she puts one foot in front of the other and keeps moving forward. I really enjoyed her character- throughout the book we keep seeing her strength and resilience. I really enjoyed this author's writing, all of the characters came to life.
Sarah is a survivor, she puts one foot in front of the other and keeps moving forward. I really enjoyed her character- throughout the book we keep seeing her strength and resilience. I really enjoyed this author's writing, all of the characters came to life.
October 21, 2014
Amber Light wasn't exactly what I expected, but was an excellent story. Difficult subject matter was covered in a tasteful manner with excellent characters and thought writing.
January 29, 2015
I wish that there was half stars and I would give it another half. It was not a bad book just not my cup of tea.
March 4, 2015
I tried and tried but I could just not get into this book for some reason.
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February 15, 2022This story pulled me in from the first page. Once started, I had a hard time putting it down.Virgina McCullough is a new favorite author.
April 26, 2015
Review to follow
January 7, 2016
Ugh. Could not get through it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews