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A Light Last Seen
Chasing happiness and finding joy are two very different things--as Jaynie Highsmith has discovered. Can she give up searching for the one and reclaim the other? Or is she fated to repeat the mistakes her mother made?
Jaynie Highsmith grows up in Cub Creek on Hope Road acutely aware of the irony of its name, Hope, because she wants nothing more than to escape from it and the chaos of her childhood.
Desperate to leave her past behind and make a new life, she is determined to become the best version of herself she can create. But when she does take off, she also leaves ~ and forgets ~ important parts of her past and herself.
The new life is everything she wants, or so she thinks until she finds herself repeating the same mistakes her mother made. Is Jaynie destined for unhappiness? Is it like mother, like daughter? Did running away only delay the unhappiness she fears she is destined for?
Seventeen years after leaving home, Jaynie needs a new fresh start and returning to Cub Creek is critical, but she is determined that the visit will be as short as possible and then she'll be out and free again. However, a longer stay may be vital to her future because if she has any hope of changing her destiny, Jaynie must reconcile the past she turned her back on with her present.
Jaynie Highsmith grows up in Cub Creek on Hope Road acutely aware of the irony of its name, Hope, because she wants nothing more than to escape from it and the chaos of her childhood.
Desperate to leave her past behind and make a new life, she is determined to become the best version of herself she can create. But when she does take off, she also leaves ~ and forgets ~ important parts of her past and herself.
The new life is everything she wants, or so she thinks until she finds herself repeating the same mistakes her mother made. Is Jaynie destined for unhappiness? Is it like mother, like daughter? Did running away only delay the unhappiness she fears she is destined for?
Seventeen years after leaving home, Jaynie needs a new fresh start and returning to Cub Creek is critical, but she is determined that the visit will be as short as possible and then she'll be out and free again. However, a longer stay may be vital to her future because if she has any hope of changing her destiny, Jaynie must reconcile the past she turned her back on with her present.
- GenresFiction
273 pages, ebook
First published February 11, 2020
793 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Grace Greene
78 books953 followersGrace Greene writes fiction with romance, suspense and inspiration ~ The Emerald Isle, NC Stories Series includes Beach Rental, Beach Winds, Beach Wedding, along with the Christmas novellas, Beach Christmas and Beach Walk. Her Virginia books are Women's Fiction with romance, suspense and mystery. Most are set in rural Cub Creek and include her bestselling The Memory of Butterflies and The Happiness In Between which were released in 2017. Three new Cub Creek books were released in 2019 - The Wildflower House Series: Wildflower Heart, Wildflower Hope and Wildflower Christmas, and Wildflower Wedding, A Light Last Seen was released in Feb. 2020. A Barefoot Tide and A Dancing Tide brought a new character from Cub Creek to the beach at Emerald Isle with beloved crossover characters from both settings. Beach Heart and Emerald Heart are single titles set in Emerald Isle, NC. Grace's newest, A HEART BEYOND, will be released on September 3rd, 2024.
Grace is also an artist and photographer and these interests show up on the pages of the stories. She lives in central Virginia. You'll find Grace here:
Website: http://www.gracegreene.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceGreeneB...
Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/gracegreene
Grace is also an artist and photographer and these interests show up on the pages of the stories. She lives in central Virginia. You'll find Grace here:
Website: http://www.gracegreene.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceGreeneB...
Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/gracegreene
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 29, 2020
For an uplifting read, you can’t go wrong with a story by Grace Greene. In A LIGHT LAST SEEN, you’ll instantly relate to Jaynie Highsmith, her struggles, and her ability to rise above her life’s difficulties. A heartwarming, highly recommended book.
May 13, 2021
Beautifully written emotional story. The author created a world that I was deeply invested in. This was a book I wanted to rush through to find out the ending, and at the same time, wanted to read slowly so it would never end.
This was the second book I read by Grace Greene and I will definitely be reading more of her work. Excellent Author!
This was the second book I read by Grace Greene and I will definitely be reading more of her work. Excellent Author!
February 12, 2020
I was hooked from the dedication ( yes, I read those )
Jaynie grows up in rural Virginia, her mother has many mood swings as Jayne seems comfort and friendship from the old woman, Ruth , who lives next door. Ruth’s words of wisdom lay the foundation for Jaynies future.
She leaves Virginia behind as soon as she can.
Seventeen years later, she returns. It’s then the earlier words make sense to her.
Written as beautifully as only Grace Greene can write. I highly recommend this book !
Jaynie grows up in rural Virginia, her mother has many mood swings as Jayne seems comfort and friendship from the old woman, Ruth , who lives next door. Ruth’s words of wisdom lay the foundation for Jaynies future.
She leaves Virginia behind as soon as she can.
Seventeen years later, she returns. It’s then the earlier words make sense to her.
Written as beautifully as only Grace Greene can write. I highly recommend this book !
January 23, 2020
I truly didn't want this story to end. Author Grace Greene has a special way with words. From the moment I began reading, I knew I was in for a heartwarming and tissue grabbing story. Jaynie Highsmith has a life full of ups and downs. Her inner heartbreak tugged at my soul. Each part of the story reminds me how we can choose to let our past define us or we can choose a better way. A truly remarkable story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
January 24, 2020
"In the heart of Virginia, where the forests hide secrets and the creeks run strong and deep" is a place called Cub Creek. A place that has meadows filled with colorful flowers and butterflies to chase. Dirt roads and Cub Creek to jump over and disappear into the woods. A living and rural place that draws the reader to the setting and the characters who have stories to tell. A place with light and darkness and as unique as the characters who live there.
When I opened the beautiful cover of this book I stepped into the Cub Creek world and met the main character, Jaynie Highsmith. This is her story. She wrapped herself around my heart from the very beginning of the book. Jaynie is a little girl growing up with a mom who's harsh and has her priorities in the wrong order. Jaynie avoids her as much as possible and in that she becomes friends with the grandmotherly neighbor, Ms. Ruth. This sweet lady shares with Jaynie so much love, wisdom and advice. She tells Jaynie she has an "extra strong" light within her. She tells Jaynie, "Most people start with it. The light, that is. Some have the glow stronger than others. But most try to dim their own personal light so they can fit in, finally burying it beneath all the stuff-the rules, the griefs, the hungers of life-and forgetting the light was ever there." Jaynie loves this lady so very much. Grace Greene weaves these lessons throughout the book as she takes us on Janie's emotionally touching journey. It's not always easy for Jaynie as she tries to keep those wise words "in her toolbox" alive in her life.
Grace Greene wrote a story that touched my heart. It is filled with so much wisdom and lessons that I can apply to my life. I appreciated the lesson involving the dragonfly. The characters are real. They have emotions that I can relate to. This book was page turning from the front cover to the back. A true experience I found myself immersed in as I became connected to the characters and the beautiful writing that creates the images that drew me in.
Grace Greene is such a wonderful storyteller and "A Light Last Seen" is a wonderful story. One that has a meaningful message about finding our true selves and letting the light within us shine. Taking what life has dealt us and growing into a better person because of it. Here is a passage of Janie's thoughts, "Thoughts of the dragonfly and Ruth's long-ago words seemed to entwine-own it or it will own you. All will be well, I told myself. One way or another. I had the know-how and the tools, thanks to Ms. Ruth."
I want to thank Ms. Greene for the honor and privilege of reading an ARC of this remarkable work of fiction that I enjoyed so very much. A bright five star read for me. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.
When I opened the beautiful cover of this book I stepped into the Cub Creek world and met the main character, Jaynie Highsmith. This is her story. She wrapped herself around my heart from the very beginning of the book. Jaynie is a little girl growing up with a mom who's harsh and has her priorities in the wrong order. Jaynie avoids her as much as possible and in that she becomes friends with the grandmotherly neighbor, Ms. Ruth. This sweet lady shares with Jaynie so much love, wisdom and advice. She tells Jaynie she has an "extra strong" light within her. She tells Jaynie, "Most people start with it. The light, that is. Some have the glow stronger than others. But most try to dim their own personal light so they can fit in, finally burying it beneath all the stuff-the rules, the griefs, the hungers of life-and forgetting the light was ever there." Jaynie loves this lady so very much. Grace Greene weaves these lessons throughout the book as she takes us on Janie's emotionally touching journey. It's not always easy for Jaynie as she tries to keep those wise words "in her toolbox" alive in her life.
Grace Greene wrote a story that touched my heart. It is filled with so much wisdom and lessons that I can apply to my life. I appreciated the lesson involving the dragonfly. The characters are real. They have emotions that I can relate to. This book was page turning from the front cover to the back. A true experience I found myself immersed in as I became connected to the characters and the beautiful writing that creates the images that drew me in.
Grace Greene is such a wonderful storyteller and "A Light Last Seen" is a wonderful story. One that has a meaningful message about finding our true selves and letting the light within us shine. Taking what life has dealt us and growing into a better person because of it. Here is a passage of Janie's thoughts, "Thoughts of the dragonfly and Ruth's long-ago words seemed to entwine-own it or it will own you. All will be well, I told myself. One way or another. I had the know-how and the tools, thanks to Ms. Ruth."
I want to thank Ms. Greene for the honor and privilege of reading an ARC of this remarkable work of fiction that I enjoyed so very much. A bright five star read for me. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.
January 18, 2020
Readers can always depend on Grace Greene to give them a beautifully written book with well developed and believable characters. Her new book is no exception and is my new favorite book by her.
Jaynie lives in rural Virginia with her mother and older brother. Her father died years earlier in an accident and her mother had never gone on with her life after he died. She has a bad temper and takes it out on her children - especially her daughter. The only person in Jaynie's world that she feels cares about her is her elderly neighbor Ruth who listens to her and gives her lots of advice for her future. As she planned, Jaynie left town as soon as she graduated and took a job in the city. When she moved, she leaves behind - and forgets - parts of her past. She even takes a new name and everyone calls her Ruth. Her memories of her childhood are that her mother was never a mother to her and that her life was miserable. Seventeen years after leaving, Jaynie returns to her home. She plans to be there briefly, sell her mother's house and start over again somewhere new. Things have changed and she realizes that she needs to stay longer than she's planned. A longer stay may be vital to her future because if she wants to change her future and find happiness, she needs to remember her past and make changes to her present attitudes to find happiness.
This is a novel about family and love and forgiveness -- not just forgiveness of people who have wronged you but more importantly forgiveness of yourself. You have to know where you came from and who you are right now to be able to move into the future with a good outlook on life. It was very interesting to she Jaynie reconcile with her past and grow as a person. This book has fantastic characters, a bit of mystery and a great romance with the boy next door -- what can be better then that.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Jaynie lives in rural Virginia with her mother and older brother. Her father died years earlier in an accident and her mother had never gone on with her life after he died. She has a bad temper and takes it out on her children - especially her daughter. The only person in Jaynie's world that she feels cares about her is her elderly neighbor Ruth who listens to her and gives her lots of advice for her future. As she planned, Jaynie left town as soon as she graduated and took a job in the city. When she moved, she leaves behind - and forgets - parts of her past. She even takes a new name and everyone calls her Ruth. Her memories of her childhood are that her mother was never a mother to her and that her life was miserable. Seventeen years after leaving, Jaynie returns to her home. She plans to be there briefly, sell her mother's house and start over again somewhere new. Things have changed and she realizes that she needs to stay longer than she's planned. A longer stay may be vital to her future because if she wants to change her future and find happiness, she needs to remember her past and make changes to her present attitudes to find happiness.
This is a novel about family and love and forgiveness -- not just forgiveness of people who have wronged you but more importantly forgiveness of yourself. You have to know where you came from and who you are right now to be able to move into the future with a good outlook on life. It was very interesting to she Jaynie reconcile with her past and grow as a person. This book has fantastic characters, a bit of mystery and a great romance with the boy next door -- what can be better then that.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
February 10, 2020
I grew up a little bit like Jaynie, the main character in A Light Last Seen, so I felt a bit of a connection, but by the end of the story I felt as if I had lived the entire thing, that I had experienced everything Jaynie had. That’s how good a storyteller Grace Greene is.
Jaynie’s childhood isn’t happy. It’s chaotic and she feels unloved. She’s not comfortable with herself or her surroundings. No real friends except for her elderly neighbor Ruth and occasionally Ruth’s grandson Wyatt when he comes to visit his grandmother.
So when Jaynie gets the chance to move and start a new life, she jumps at it. Family is forgotten and that’s how she wants it. She’s so desperate to cut all ties with her past that she even tells everyone she meets her name is Ruth. She becomes a business success and meets and marries Justin. But although she’s gotten what she wanted and is now labeled a success, the story suddenly slows down, building a feeling that is almost of dread. Rather than the way she was engaged in the childhood life she despised and needed to escape, she seems almost an observer looking at this life, not living it. And seventeen years after leaving Cub Creek everything comes crashing down and she’s right back where she started.
A Light Last Seen isn’t a second chance story. Jaynie was always drawn to Wyatt but she doesn’t grow up, move away and then come right back to a happy-ever-after reunion with him. There is some work to be done for both of them. It almost feels like an uneasy truce between them when they meet again. She’s mean and mostly unpleasant, ready to move her brother Mitch out of the family home, more the family shack, without a second thought. She’s scared, unsure, and acting almost like her mother. Has she ever been happy? Can she?
She’s going to be stuck in Cub Creek for a while and begins to reflect. She thinks, “Justin and my time with him had faded somehow – as if the time with him had actually belonged to someone else. Had faded as everything here became more real.” And then I got it and once again realized just how good a writer Grace Greene is. The distant feeling of her life with Justin, being on the outside looking in was intentionally written that way. Wow. And now Ruth/Jaynie needs to look even deeper within herself and decide just how much she is going to allow anger and suspicion and fear to control her life.
I was a fan of Grace Green’s books before I read this book. But I think A Light Last Seen is my favorite of all, which is saying a lot. It touched my heart, brilliantly crafted with so many believable characters and a storyline that kept me turning pages. The setting and atmosphere of Cub Creek makes me want to go there.
I was provided an advance copy of A Light Last Seen for an honest review if I chose to leave one. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
Jaynie’s childhood isn’t happy. It’s chaotic and she feels unloved. She’s not comfortable with herself or her surroundings. No real friends except for her elderly neighbor Ruth and occasionally Ruth’s grandson Wyatt when he comes to visit his grandmother.
So when Jaynie gets the chance to move and start a new life, she jumps at it. Family is forgotten and that’s how she wants it. She’s so desperate to cut all ties with her past that she even tells everyone she meets her name is Ruth. She becomes a business success and meets and marries Justin. But although she’s gotten what she wanted and is now labeled a success, the story suddenly slows down, building a feeling that is almost of dread. Rather than the way she was engaged in the childhood life she despised and needed to escape, she seems almost an observer looking at this life, not living it. And seventeen years after leaving Cub Creek everything comes crashing down and she’s right back where she started.
A Light Last Seen isn’t a second chance story. Jaynie was always drawn to Wyatt but she doesn’t grow up, move away and then come right back to a happy-ever-after reunion with him. There is some work to be done for both of them. It almost feels like an uneasy truce between them when they meet again. She’s mean and mostly unpleasant, ready to move her brother Mitch out of the family home, more the family shack, without a second thought. She’s scared, unsure, and acting almost like her mother. Has she ever been happy? Can she?
She’s going to be stuck in Cub Creek for a while and begins to reflect. She thinks, “Justin and my time with him had faded somehow – as if the time with him had actually belonged to someone else. Had faded as everything here became more real.” And then I got it and once again realized just how good a writer Grace Greene is. The distant feeling of her life with Justin, being on the outside looking in was intentionally written that way. Wow. And now Ruth/Jaynie needs to look even deeper within herself and decide just how much she is going to allow anger and suspicion and fear to control her life.
I was a fan of Grace Green’s books before I read this book. But I think A Light Last Seen is my favorite of all, which is saying a lot. It touched my heart, brilliantly crafted with so many believable characters and a storyline that kept me turning pages. The setting and atmosphere of Cub Creek makes me want to go there.
I was provided an advance copy of A Light Last Seen for an honest review if I chose to leave one. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
March 20, 2022
Jaynie Highsmigh is a girl with a lot of confused emotions and ideas swimming around in her head. With no on in her own house to rely on for emotional support, she ends up creating a special bond with her older neighbour Ruth.
All she wants to do is get away from her current life, and when she gets the opportunity, Jaynie leaves behind her mother, brother, the memory of Ruth, and her grandson Wayne and also, her name.
Change is overrated, though. As she navigates a new life, Jaynie, or Ruth, as she calls herself, finds other obstacles to her idea of a simple, happy life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, as I have done with other Grace Greene books.
Jaynie has a lot to contend with, and it's only coming back to her childhood home that helps her finally come to terms with the past, and be able to lay her demons to rest.
All she wants to do is get away from her current life, and when she gets the opportunity, Jaynie leaves behind her mother, brother, the memory of Ruth, and her grandson Wayne and also, her name.
Change is overrated, though. As she navigates a new life, Jaynie, or Ruth, as she calls herself, finds other obstacles to her idea of a simple, happy life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, as I have done with other Grace Greene books.
Jaynie has a lot to contend with, and it's only coming back to her childhood home that helps her finally come to terms with the past, and be able to lay her demons to rest.
January 20, 2020
What a beautiful story! It will definitely be on my favorites list of Grace Greene's books. I was definitely invested in these characters from Ruth; the wise woman with all kinds of life lessons to share to Jayne who stores these little lessons in her "toolbox" and her family that is broken and needs a little light to shine through. A lot of surprises along these pages with love, humor and finding happiness. I love the dragonfly references. Dragonflies are symbols meant to bring strength and courage for the journey. Thanks to the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
January 20, 2020
I loved A Light Last Seen by Grace Greene. The story of Jaynie, her difficult childhood, the love and acceptance she found with Ruth was heartwarming. The fantastic, down-to-earth, relatable characters are hallmarks of Grace Greene's books and really made the story for me.
This is a story of struggle, starting over, forgiving oneself and others and much more. I was pulled into this story immediately and just couldn't wait to find out how it was going to end.
If you enjoy women's fiction, family sagas / drama and journeys of self-exploration, this author's books and A Light Last Seen are definitely for you.
Thank you to the author for an ARC at my request. All thoughts in this review are my own and happily given because this book is a winner, in my opinion.
This is a story of struggle, starting over, forgiving oneself and others and much more. I was pulled into this story immediately and just couldn't wait to find out how it was going to end.
If you enjoy women's fiction, family sagas / drama and journeys of self-exploration, this author's books and A Light Last Seen are definitely for you.
Thank you to the author for an ARC at my request. All thoughts in this review are my own and happily given because this book is a winner, in my opinion.
January 22, 2020
A Light Last Seen by Grace Green was a happy and sad book. Beautifully written with the descriptions of the places they were. The dragonfly was used in the story. I also always thought dragonflies sting you. I loved Jayne in the story and the spelling of her name was different but fit her character. Read the book and discover Jayne’s character.
April 30, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! Perfect from beginning to end! Grace Greene knows how to pull my heart strings for sure. This was a delightful and relatable read. Highly recommend this book to all! Then go read all her books as I have!
January 18, 2020
Another great Cub Creek book. I felt right there with Jaynie while she was growing up. Her chaos life and neighbor Ruth were well written. We all have dreams growing up and leaving the past behind but you always know that going home needed or not helps heal the soul. She had two great guys waiting for her.
January 23, 2020
Children are born innocent. They are born with a light in them that us as adults can make shine brighter or put completely out. Some mothers don’t have what it takes to make the light brighter. Some only think of themselves. This is my description of the mother in this story.
Now for some of the things that truly stood out in this awesome book to me:
“Some choices are ours to make, and some are forced upon us. It’s what you do with those choices that turns them into opportunities.”
I felt like Jaynie again, the kid with dirty feet and tangled hair and a mother who thrived on drama. It was proof that no matter how hard you tried, no matter how far you lifted yourself up, or how long you sore that fresh new skin, you could never really shake the stink of where you started.
“One thing I’ve learned through my many mistakes and failures is that you have to come to terms with the past or you’ll never be free of it-you’ll never truly become who you’re meant to be.”
You can’t fix what’s broke with just a snap of the fingers. But you can fix it. The tools are all inside you. You can find them if you try.
Keep your light shining and you won’t get lost. Be true to yourself and you’ll be true in life and to everyone around you.
This is truly an inspirational story. It’s full of wisdom. Life lessons. Something for everyone in this one. The story of a childhood lost and found. A young girl, Jayne, who’s mother seems to not truly care about her as much as she should. Jayne befriends her neighbor, Ruth, and leans many valuable lessons along the way. Things that will help her later in life in ways she never truly expects.
There are a couple of mysteries in this story but all is answered. It’s full of wonderful characters and places. It’s a light hearted story that will leave you breathless and full of hope for everyone. This book touched my very heart in ways that I can never explain. I related to Jayne in many ways. Her childhood was a lot like mine. I do believe that Jayne’s mother had deep problems but that she deep down truly loved her daughter. I think when she lost her husband she lost a big part of herself and didn’t know how to get that back. That is no excuse for some of the things she did but it’s better than her just being a selfish woman who didn’t care at all. She never hit Jayne. She just took her for granted. Her and her brother Mitch. Mitch remembers when their mother truly laughed but Jayne never saw that side of her.
Jayne goes through a lot in her adult life also but she’s strong enough to walk away when she has too. She makes things work in her life. Ruth truly did give her the tools to be strong. I would like to think maybe her mother gave her some strength also.
This book will touch your heart for sure. It’s a great read. Grace Greene is a wonderful author and I have enjoyed several of her books. This one though is now my very favorite. It’s the most realistic story. It’s like stepping into the book and being a part of Jayne and Ruth as they sit around the fire and Ruth gives Jayne so much. Things that help her throughout her life.
Thank you to #GraceGreene for the eARC of this wonderful book. This is my own thoughts and review.
A HUGE 5 stars and a very high recommendation to everyone.
Now for some of the things that truly stood out in this awesome book to me:
“Some choices are ours to make, and some are forced upon us. It’s what you do with those choices that turns them into opportunities.”
I felt like Jaynie again, the kid with dirty feet and tangled hair and a mother who thrived on drama. It was proof that no matter how hard you tried, no matter how far you lifted yourself up, or how long you sore that fresh new skin, you could never really shake the stink of where you started.
“One thing I’ve learned through my many mistakes and failures is that you have to come to terms with the past or you’ll never be free of it-you’ll never truly become who you’re meant to be.”
You can’t fix what’s broke with just a snap of the fingers. But you can fix it. The tools are all inside you. You can find them if you try.
Keep your light shining and you won’t get lost. Be true to yourself and you’ll be true in life and to everyone around you.
This is truly an inspirational story. It’s full of wisdom. Life lessons. Something for everyone in this one. The story of a childhood lost and found. A young girl, Jayne, who’s mother seems to not truly care about her as much as she should. Jayne befriends her neighbor, Ruth, and leans many valuable lessons along the way. Things that will help her later in life in ways she never truly expects.
There are a couple of mysteries in this story but all is answered. It’s full of wonderful characters and places. It’s a light hearted story that will leave you breathless and full of hope for everyone. This book touched my very heart in ways that I can never explain. I related to Jayne in many ways. Her childhood was a lot like mine. I do believe that Jayne’s mother had deep problems but that she deep down truly loved her daughter. I think when she lost her husband she lost a big part of herself and didn’t know how to get that back. That is no excuse for some of the things she did but it’s better than her just being a selfish woman who didn’t care at all. She never hit Jayne. She just took her for granted. Her and her brother Mitch. Mitch remembers when their mother truly laughed but Jayne never saw that side of her.
Jayne goes through a lot in her adult life also but she’s strong enough to walk away when she has too. She makes things work in her life. Ruth truly did give her the tools to be strong. I would like to think maybe her mother gave her some strength also.
This book will touch your heart for sure. It’s a great read. Grace Greene is a wonderful author and I have enjoyed several of her books. This one though is now my very favorite. It’s the most realistic story. It’s like stepping into the book and being a part of Jayne and Ruth as they sit around the fire and Ruth gives Jayne so much. Things that help her throughout her life.
Thank you to #GraceGreene for the eARC of this wonderful book. This is my own thoughts and review.
A HUGE 5 stars and a very high recommendation to everyone.
May 23, 2021
A Light Last Seen by Grace Greene is the story of Jaynie Highsmith as she discovers that “the present is never free of the past.” Growing up in Cub Creek in rural Virginia, she wanted nothing more than to escape and the chaos that was her childhood. Desperate to leave her past behind her and make a new life, she leaves and reinvents herself, complete with a new name. Her new life has everything she wanted until she discovers it’s not what she thought it was. Jaynie is convinced that she is destined to live a life of unhappiness, making poor choice after poor choice like her mother. After seventeen years, needing another fresh start, she returns to Cub Creek, to confront her past and finally leave Cub Creek in the past. She soon discovers that she must reveal the secrets she’s kept for so long if she has any chance to find happiness.
This is my first book by Grace Greene and while I heard great things about A Light Last Seen, it wasn’t the story I expected. The story was slow moving with lackluster action. Jaynie was a hard character to like as she often acted more like a child throwing a tantrum than a grown woman. The only characters that I enjoyed were Jaynie’s neighbor, Ruth Berry and her grandson, Wyatt. Ruth has some great pearls of wisdom for Jaynie, some she remembered and others she forgot to live by. My favorite one is the one I quoted above. We are always influenced by the past, it is up to us to determine how much the past influences our present but we are never truly free. Overall, A Light Last Seen was a decent story; however, I expected more. Even though the book didn’t speak to me, I feel there is someone that it will. I recommend A Light Last Seen.
A Light Last Seen is available in paperback and eBook.
This is my first book by Grace Greene and while I heard great things about A Light Last Seen, it wasn’t the story I expected. The story was slow moving with lackluster action. Jaynie was a hard character to like as she often acted more like a child throwing a tantrum than a grown woman. The only characters that I enjoyed were Jaynie’s neighbor, Ruth Berry and her grandson, Wyatt. Ruth has some great pearls of wisdom for Jaynie, some she remembered and others she forgot to live by. My favorite one is the one I quoted above. We are always influenced by the past, it is up to us to determine how much the past influences our present but we are never truly free. Overall, A Light Last Seen was a decent story; however, I expected more. Even though the book didn’t speak to me, I feel there is someone that it will. I recommend A Light Last Seen.
A Light Last Seen is available in paperback and eBook.
January 16, 2020
A Light Last Seen by Grace Greene is a touching story of a young girl struggling to grow up in rural Virginia. Living with her troubled mother and an older brother counting the days until he can move away, Jaynie spends much time alone at her special place in the woods until a chance encounter with a dragonfly and a grandmotherly neighbor sparks a deep, if unlikely, friendship. Having known Jaynie's mother since she was a child, Ruth takes Jaynie under her wing, always offering a kind shoulder and often sharing her philosophies on life.
Jayne is to young to understand most of Ruth's life lessons at the time, but returning home as an adult she comes to understand Ruth's most important messages : we each interpret a situation based on our personal experiences, and do not get so caught up in worrying and planning for what comes next that you miss the joy in who and where you are right now.
As with all author Grace Greene's work, this story is beautifully written. Well developed, relatable characters and scenery painted with words that transport you to the countryside have become trademark of her books - as is an uplifting storyline that reminds us that in even the most difficult situations, responding with patience, kindness, and forgiveness is always an option, the best option.
I enjoyed everything about A Light Last Seen and highly recommend for anyone seeking a lovely story of family, forgiveness, and finding joy in your true self.
Jayne is to young to understand most of Ruth's life lessons at the time, but returning home as an adult she comes to understand Ruth's most important messages : we each interpret a situation based on our personal experiences, and do not get so caught up in worrying and planning for what comes next that you miss the joy in who and where you are right now.
As with all author Grace Greene's work, this story is beautifully written. Well developed, relatable characters and scenery painted with words that transport you to the countryside have become trademark of her books - as is an uplifting storyline that reminds us that in even the most difficult situations, responding with patience, kindness, and forgiveness is always an option, the best option.
I enjoyed everything about A Light Last Seen and highly recommend for anyone seeking a lovely story of family, forgiveness, and finding joy in your true self.
January 18, 2020
A lovely novel of growth, family, love, friendship, and faith.
My first thought while reading this story was the children's song:
“This Little Light of Mine, Yes I’m gonna let it shine,...”
There are so many wonderful messages within the pages of this book about a young girl named Jayne while she is growing up, and her neighbor Ruth. They live in Cub Creek and life is not easy for Jayne.
Her mama is troubled and she often takes her unhappiness out on her daughter. Her Daddy is dead and Mama has boyfriends. There is no time or energy for Jaynie.
Ruth may be elderly, but has the wisdom, strength, devotion and time to listen to Jayne and provide life lessons for this young lady.
Jaynie loves her time with her best friend Ruth.
Jayne grows up and leaves her unhappy memories of home the moment she turns eighteen.
Will she be able to remember the words of Ruth as the years go forward? Will she find and "shine her light"?
When she needs to return to her childhood home after many years, Jayne realizes what she has been missing for so long and that perhaps times were not quite what they seemed so many years ago.
I truly loved “A Light Last Seen”!
You can never go wrong with one of Grace Greene’s Books.
I would love to know Ruth and am quite sure I would love her advice!
Excellent!
My first thought while reading this story was the children's song:
“This Little Light of Mine, Yes I’m gonna let it shine,...”
There are so many wonderful messages within the pages of this book about a young girl named Jayne while she is growing up, and her neighbor Ruth. They live in Cub Creek and life is not easy for Jayne.
Her mama is troubled and she often takes her unhappiness out on her daughter. Her Daddy is dead and Mama has boyfriends. There is no time or energy for Jaynie.
Ruth may be elderly, but has the wisdom, strength, devotion and time to listen to Jayne and provide life lessons for this young lady.
Jaynie loves her time with her best friend Ruth.
Jayne grows up and leaves her unhappy memories of home the moment she turns eighteen.
Will she be able to remember the words of Ruth as the years go forward? Will she find and "shine her light"?
When she needs to return to her childhood home after many years, Jayne realizes what she has been missing for so long and that perhaps times were not quite what they seemed so many years ago.
I truly loved “A Light Last Seen”!
You can never go wrong with one of Grace Greene’s Books.
I would love to know Ruth and am quite sure I would love her advice!
Excellent!
February 13, 2020
A Light Last Seen written by Grace Greene is a poignant story full of pathos and sometimes desolation. The story touched this reader's heart with a lingering sense of sadness and yet with hope. I was drawn into Jaynie's story immediately as the first chapters find her a young teen dealing with the challenges of a fractured family. As the story continues and Jaynie leaves home, she finds life continues to bring challenges that obscure the happiness and kinship she longs for. I loved the characters, each with their strengths and weaknesses. Ruth, the beloved neighbor who loved unconditionally and gave such wonderful advice about life to a lonely young girl. Wyatt, a sometime friend, or was he more? Mitch, the brother who did what he could to keep Jaynie and her mother safe. This is a beautifully written story with the poetical image of a dragonfly scattered throughout the story--a reminder for Jayne through the years that facing one's fears brings growth and peace of mind. Jayne's journey to joy is complicated, and yet one in which she persists and eventually finds the light within. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to readers who love stories about family, friends and forgiveness. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
February 11, 2020
A Light Last Seen is a coming of age story, a story of second chances. Jaynie Highsmith had a difficult childhood. Her father died in a drowning accident before she came into this world, and her mother drowned her sorrows in booze and men. Jaynie's brother, Mitch, looked after her the best he could, but it was her relationship with their neighbor, Ruth Berry that fed her spirit. While Jaynie had things in common with her mother, such as their tempers, she tried to be forward looking rather than living in the resentment of the past as her mother did. Was it possible that while working toward a better future she had missed the good things in the present? There are life lessons to be learned in A Light Last Seen. Grace Greene reveals these through her well-developed, sometimes quirky characters and her genuine dialogue ripe with emotion. She is a gifted author, one that I am glad to have discovered through her Wildflower series and one I highly recommend.
I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Light Last Seen in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Light Last Seen in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
February 15, 2020
Jaynie Highsmith lost her light. Growing up with a mentally ill mother who self-medicated had caused her to dim her light in self defense. Jaynie learned to fly under the radar; retreating to Ruth Berry's home removed her from her mother's chaotic moods and gave her tools for her life's toolbox . Cub Creek was a place of fear and confusion, so Jaynie struck out to the city to make a better life for herself the day she graduated from high school.
With that move, she reinvented herself, even changed her name. The choices she made brought her a temporary happiness, then forced her to flee back to Cub Creek. Yes, Jaynie did go home again, but the neighborhood had changed. Nearby homes were cleaned up and painted, waiting to welcome new occupants. Jaynie's home was a mess, in need of deep rehab, a reflection of her life.
I'm pleased to say Jaynie got her happy ending, found her joy, rekindled her light. Thank you, Grace Greene, for once again taking me home. This Virginia girl still runs barefoot down dirt roads in her heart.
With that move, she reinvented herself, even changed her name. The choices she made brought her a temporary happiness, then forced her to flee back to Cub Creek. Yes, Jaynie did go home again, but the neighborhood had changed. Nearby homes were cleaned up and painted, waiting to welcome new occupants. Jaynie's home was a mess, in need of deep rehab, a reflection of her life.
I'm pleased to say Jaynie got her happy ending, found her joy, rekindled her light. Thank you, Grace Greene, for once again taking me home. This Virginia girl still runs barefoot down dirt roads in her heart.
January 24, 2020
There was not much light in Jayne’s life growing up. What light that might shine through was quickly extinguished by life, it seemed. First Wyatt, her neighbors grandson, whom she found companionship with until rumors kept him away. Then her neighbor, Ruth, a kind, caring confidant whose home she wouid run to to escape a nurture-less environment, suddenly gone - more light turned to darkness. And, later....a marriage once bright, also loses its light.
Grace Greene’s story flows in a way that brings everything back full circle. Along the way you feel Jayne’s worry, despair, hope, strength and finally a touch of happiness when the light shines through again!
I hope there is more to this story in the works...maybe a dragonfly will let me know?
Thank you. Grace Greene, for sharing an ARC with me!
Grace Greene’s story flows in a way that brings everything back full circle. Along the way you feel Jayne’s worry, despair, hope, strength and finally a touch of happiness when the light shines through again!
I hope there is more to this story in the works...maybe a dragonfly will let me know?
Thank you. Grace Greene, for sharing an ARC with me!
January 28, 2020
Being very familiar with the southern and northern parts of Virginia where Jaynie’s story takes place, this really hit home! Grace has created a magnificent writing of Jaynie’s life. From the down home country feel filled with wisdom from the local elders and nights around the campfire watching fireflies to the inner big city feel filled with cluster and heavy workloads and the busyness, Jaynie’s story takes her to both. It’s the feels I miss from being in those areas and the people that conform them. From folks struggling with life to those who have so much, this story pulled heartstrings! The characters believable, their story resonating with real life, grab tissues as this story is very touching. And to have a grandma such as Ruth, oh how I really enjoyed her! I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2020
This is such an amazingly beautiful story about family, resilience, acceptance, forgiveness, growth, and love. As with all of Grace's stories, I was immediately swept up in the world she created and became immersed in Jayne's life.
Jayne had a rough life growing up, with a mother who was not always there for her. So when she had a chance to get out of there, she took it. Years later, she has to come back home and relive some of those bad memories. But she also discovers some of the good from that time as well.
A Light Last Seen captured my heart from the very first lines and let me escape my life for a little bit. I loved everything about this book and loved watching Jayne work through her past to find happiness in her present.
Jayne had a rough life growing up, with a mother who was not always there for her. So when she had a chance to get out of there, she took it. Years later, she has to come back home and relive some of those bad memories. But she also discovers some of the good from that time as well.
A Light Last Seen captured my heart from the very first lines and let me escape my life for a little bit. I loved everything about this book and loved watching Jayne work through her past to find happiness in her present.
June 15, 2021
A light Last Seen was a novel that was based on Jaynie trying to escape from her childhood life and Desperate to leave her past behind and make a new life by moving away. She was determined to become the best version of herself. But when she did take off, she left and forgot important parts of her past and herself. She later came back after going through a divorce with the intention to sell the house and take her share. Her thoughts were to take care of this and move away again to leave her past behind. Few were the memories that she had of her mother, since she was the one who would do the cooking when she lived at home. She remembered her mother as a woman who was always looking from a man's companionship.
January 26, 2020
Oh what a beautiful book this is. Grace Greene never disappoints with original characters that are real and her lyrical prose.
Jaynie, aka Ruth, and finally Jayne struggles to accept who she is and to be satisfied with herself. Thankfully along the journey she has the help of a wonderful woman and character in Ruth Berry(can I just say I loved her lessons on life).
This is more of making the best of the life you have, rather than a romance, but you do have Wyatt to help with that.
Grace Greene's books are real, there is no fantasy about them. They deal with real people struggling with real situations, and if you pay attention you might even learn some life lessons along the way.
Jaynie, aka Ruth, and finally Jayne struggles to accept who she is and to be satisfied with herself. Thankfully along the journey she has the help of a wonderful woman and character in Ruth Berry(can I just say I loved her lessons on life).
This is more of making the best of the life you have, rather than a romance, but you do have Wyatt to help with that.
Grace Greene's books are real, there is no fantasy about them. They deal with real people struggling with real situations, and if you pay attention you might even learn some life lessons along the way.
February 11, 2020
I can relate to some of what Jayne went through. She was a strong child growing up and thank goodness for Ruth. I know her life was much better for having her friendship and guidance. Sometimes life throws us curve balls and I think Bella just didn’t know how to cope with what was thrown her way. This, of course, made Jayne and Mitch’s lives more complicated. It was interesting to see how these two grew and handled their lives. They certainly had some complications to deal with. This was a great story dealing with growth, learning, and forgiving. I very much enjoyed following their lives, and I hope you do too. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
February 12, 2020
This was a beautiful book, doing a great job of showing how your view of your past impacts your life. While I got a little lost in the beginning of the book, I kept reading and fell in love with the characters who cared so much for each other, despite their flaws. I loved how the author showed the character's flaws, but also showed how they loved one another. Many would have made Jaynie's mother out to be the villian, but Greene beautifully showed how she loved Jaynie, even though her "mothering" was not the best. This book left me thinking of wonderful childhood memories of my own and how they impacted me. I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2020
For Jaynie Highsmith life wasn't always perfect. After running away from her old life she was determined for her new life to be everything she ever dreamed of, until it wasn't.
I enjoyed this beautiful story of finding your authentic self and truly living life and enjoying each moment as it comes. I loved watching Jaynie grow and find her way. I enjoyed the relationships that developed and the smiles this story brought to my face.
I did feel the story started off a bit slow, but see why Author Grace Greene took that route to create a full circle story.
I would recommend this story
I recieved an ARC of this story and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and honest.
I enjoyed this beautiful story of finding your authentic self and truly living life and enjoying each moment as it comes. I loved watching Jaynie grow and find her way. I enjoyed the relationships that developed and the smiles this story brought to my face.
I did feel the story started off a bit slow, but see why Author Grace Greene took that route to create a full circle story.
I would recommend this story
I recieved an ARC of this story and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and honest.
February 21, 2020
I loved this book! Grace Greene has an incredible gift of describing her characters and the scenery so well that you feel like you are right there.
This book’s character, Jaynie Highsmith, hasn’t had an easy life. Her mom raised her and her brother on her own after her dad died. Bella, her mom never got over her dad’s death and kept trying to find happiness again at the expense of her children. Life was not easy. Jaynie’s only saving grace growing up? Her caring neighbor, Ruth, who nurtures her and gives her guidance. Once Jaymie graduated from high school, she vowed to leave Cub Creek and start anew.
Once Jaymie leaves, she discovers that life has thrown her yet another curve ball and she finds herself back at Cub Creek where she is forced to deal with her past and come to terms with it...and along the way, repair her relationships with her brother and Wyatt, Ruth’s grandson, who also returned to Cub Creek to heal himself.
This book’s character, Jaynie Highsmith, hasn’t had an easy life. Her mom raised her and her brother on her own after her dad died. Bella, her mom never got over her dad’s death and kept trying to find happiness again at the expense of her children. Life was not easy. Jaynie’s only saving grace growing up? Her caring neighbor, Ruth, who nurtures her and gives her guidance. Once Jaymie graduated from high school, she vowed to leave Cub Creek and start anew.
Once Jaymie leaves, she discovers that life has thrown her yet another curve ball and she finds herself back at Cub Creek where she is forced to deal with her past and come to terms with it...and along the way, repair her relationships with her brother and Wyatt, Ruth’s grandson, who also returned to Cub Creek to heal himself.
January 20, 2020
This story is told with a reverent beauty that readers have come to expect from Grace Greene. Jayne Highsmith had a difficult childhood and her goal was to leave and never return. Her neighbor, Miss Ruth, was her mentor always sharing bits of wisdom that remain with Jayne long after she leaves home. Years later Jayne reluctantly returns and uncovers pieces of herself and learns the answer to finding peace lies within. Jayne was a relatable character and I found myself reminiscing along with her of the simpler childhood memories that shape us as adults.
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