Lighthouse on Tortola

by Dale S. Rogers

Lighthouse on Tortola, also available in paperback, concerns Andra Phillips, a photojournalist on assignment to Tortola--a British Virgin Island. Enamored with the locale, she soon meets Michael--an American who is on the island to start a tour business. But as they spend time together and get to know each other, she learns that he's connected with the theft of a famous diamond necklace. Pulled into his life of intrigue, Andra faces dangers she'd never before thought possible.

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2020

Reviews

[Karen Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell hard for this high-stakes, action-packed romantic-suspense story with plenty of thrills and swoons. The idyllic, paradise setting of the Virgin Islands hides a darker side where modern-day pirates lurk, threatening the budding romance between Andra, a photojournalist on assignment, and Michael, an aspiring tour guide longing to clear his father’s name after a false accusation of jewel theft cost him his FBI job. This book reminded me of Romancing the Stone in the best way, with the unfolding adventure perfectly driving this tender love story. There’s lots of edge-of-your seat action from boat chases, kidnappings, gunfights, near-drowning and even a jaw-dropping vine swing across a chasm that would have made Indiana Jones proud. The faith element in this Christian romance is moving, authentic and never heavy-handed. The characters rely on their faith to help get them through times when all seems lost, finding their way back to each other every time. One of my favorite quotes was, “’’The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ “Very nice. That’s from John, isn’t it?” Andra asked. “John 1:5. One of my favorite Bible verses.” Likewise, Andra and Michael’s love for one another burns bright, illuminating each page of Rogers’ powerful novel. I found myself holding my breath along with the main characters, then finding a sense of peace when they prayed for deliverance, such as when Andra said, “Please protect us all. Thank You, amen.” When they lifted their heads, Andra became aware of a peace she hadn’t known in days. “We’ve done all we can. Now it’s up to God.” This beautiful love story is the perfect escape in these troubled times and an important reminder that we are all in God’s hands and should place our faith in HIM to get us through.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian Romantic Suspense

I would like to think that I could endure anything on an island in the Caribbean--even danger. But...I'm not that brave. Andra and Michael find themselves entangled in a dangerous situation, yet the romance by the sea is what caught my interest.

This story is full of intrigue, romantic suspense, and danger and I think that's what really drove Michael and Andra's relationship forward. I loved the setting and enjoyed the way these characters relied on their individual faith. There were funny little random tidbits thrown in out of nowhere, which always threw me for a loop, wondering how they fit in, but that aside, it was an enjoyable read.

Content: mild romance; moderate religion; mild danger

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Margie Miklas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romantic suspense story that is hard to put down and a quick read. The author’s well-developed characters are so believable I found myself rooting for them as the plot evolved. With such detailed descriptions, I felt as if I was in the Virgin Islands the entire time. Highly recommend this first novel by Ms. Rogers. Hoping more will follow

[James Sitton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Lighthouse on Tortola was a thoroughly enjoyable experience that kept me in constant suspense. The author's descriptive and eloquent details make you feel as though you're actually on the beautiful Virgin Isle with the characters. Excellent read!

[Dottie Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her first novel, Lighthouse on Tortola, Dale S. Rogers has created a piece of work that succeeds in mingling delightful descriptions of nature and food with a riveting life-or-death subplot. Set on lush Tortola, one of the British-owned Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, the novel proves to be informative and entertaining, in addition to holding an appeal for both adults and teenagers, somewhat of a rarity these days. We first meet Andra Phillips, a young photojournalist from Virginia on assignment from a travel magazine, as she arrives by plane on St. Thomas in a pelting rain. As she is taken by boat over to Tortola, where a taxi takes her to a small inn, she is overwhelmed by the beauty she encounters, even in the rain. However, she also begins to detect an undercurrent of desperation amid the lush yellow hibiscus blossoms and pink bourgainvillea as she passes by workers on a ship "glancing over their shoulders from time to time."

In this way, the blend of breathtaking natural surroundings with possible criminal activity makes the story even more intriguing. At her hotel pool a little later, Andra meets Michael Lambert, who has been visiting Tortola for years with his parents. A young man from Maryland, he has bought a boat, hoping to start a touring business. However, is this the real reason he has come to the island?

Amid the evolving mystery, the book's breathtaking descriptions of the island such as: a flock of seagulls "floating in a blanket of white," and an angelfish with "a yellow tail, blue mouth and muted orange shading," make you want to rush out and buy a ticket to Tortola. But, believe me, this book is the next best thing.

Dottie Ashley, freelance writer and former performing arts writer for South Carolina's two leading newspapers, the STATE in Columbia, SC and The Post & Courier in Charleston, SC.

[Kris Mehigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's not to love about touring Tortola, one of the British Virgin Islands, with photo-journalist Andra as she writes an article for a magazine? But she soon realizes that not all is perfect in paradise.

LIGHTHOUSE ON TORTOLA, a Christian romantic suspense novel, is an easy-breezy read with stunning descriptions of this Caribbean destination, plus a crime to be solved. It pairs well with a tall glass of sweet tea.

[Pam Clapton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading the book, and it was a wonderful read. So well written, and kept me on the edge of my seat the last few chapters. Great to read a book with such a good story, no inappropriate language or actions, and Christian centered. Great job, so proud to say “I know a great author!” Highly recommend Light House On Tortola by Dale S. Rogers.

[Grantland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I can relax with and enjoy. It contains elements of romance, adventure, intrigue, and a happy ending. It is a clean read with Christian principles (lead characters). I also enjoyed the more exotic setting of Tortola, BVI. I certainly recommend it.

[Jere Coker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great summer read! LIGHTHOUSE ON TORTOLA is filled with suspense, intrigue, and many interesting facts about the island of Tortola. It's also a story of love and friendship. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to escape for awhile to the British Virgin Islands.