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Hometown Heroes #1
Beacon of Love
He wants to protect the town's secrets. She’s determined to uncover them. Will a 50-year old mystery bring two strangers together or drive them apart?
Lucas Oakes is one of Lindsey Point’s most eligible bachelors. He works construction, volunteers as an EMT, and plays Santa, and that’s more than enough to fill his single life.
Until reporter Sophie Smithwaite arrives in town.
Sophie is only in town for a story. But when she discovers a personal connection to Lindsey Point’s haunted lighthouse, she’ll stop at nothing to uncover the truth – even if it means risking the growing attraction between her and Lucas.
As the mystery deepens, sparks fly and legends crumble. Can two total opposites find lasting happiness despite the odds?
If you like steamy small-town romance with a hint of mystery, then you'll love the first book in the emotional Hometown Heroes series.
Each of the Hometown Heroes books is a stand-alone novel, which means no cliff-hangers and a complete happy ending each time.
*Note: this book was originally published in 2013 by Lyrical Press.
Lucas Oakes is one of Lindsey Point’s most eligible bachelors. He works construction, volunteers as an EMT, and plays Santa, and that’s more than enough to fill his single life.
Until reporter Sophie Smithwaite arrives in town.
Sophie is only in town for a story. But when she discovers a personal connection to Lindsey Point’s haunted lighthouse, she’ll stop at nothing to uncover the truth – even if it means risking the growing attraction between her and Lucas.
As the mystery deepens, sparks fly and legends crumble. Can two total opposites find lasting happiness despite the odds?
If you like steamy small-town romance with a hint of mystery, then you'll love the first book in the emotional Hometown Heroes series.
Each of the Hometown Heroes books is a stand-alone novel, which means no cliff-hangers and a complete happy ending each time.
*Note: this book was originally published in 2013 by Lyrical Press.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2013
135 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Allie Boniface
44 books177 followersUSA Today best-selling author Allie was born and raised in a very small town in upstate New York, which probably explains her fascination with the magic of small town life.
She earned her B.A. in English, with a minor in Education, from the University of Rochester in New York and then moved to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where she earned her M.A. in English Literature.
Since 1997, Allie has enjoyed life in the northern NYC suburbs, where she lives with her husband and teaches high school English during the day. When she isn't teaching, she's writing about small towns (with lots of secrets and spice!). Copy and paste this link into your address bar to sign up for Allie's newsletter and receive notices for upcoming releases, fun giveaways, contests, review opportunities, and more! http://eepurl.com/9TO79
She earned her B.A. in English, with a minor in Education, from the University of Rochester in New York and then moved to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where she earned her M.A. in English Literature.
Since 1997, Allie has enjoyed life in the northern NYC suburbs, where she lives with her husband and teaches high school English during the day. When she isn't teaching, she's writing about small towns (with lots of secrets and spice!). Copy and paste this link into your address bar to sign up for Allie's newsletter and receive notices for upcoming releases, fun giveaways, contests, review opportunities, and more! http://eepurl.com/9TO79
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 12, 2021
Major Plot Spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk
3.5 stars
I can break down this story into two sections with one being the mystery and one being the romance. The one part I really enjoyed while the other I just wasn’t a fan of and think it could have been done better. I have lots of thoughts on that.
The mystery: The mystery for me was that heart and soul of the story. It was what I enjoyed most. It was what made me want to keep reading. It kept me on my toes. It added a bit of an adrenaline that made it for a compelling read. There were all kind of twist and turns that I just didn’t see coming and all the connections that were forming in this small town. The biggest twist that came on pretty early on was the fact that Sophie was doing a story on a lighthouse that was connected to the deaths of her grandparents and left her father wandering around at two years old as the soul survivor. Sophie knew none of this because she didn’t know her father or anything about past. It was as shocking to her as it was to me, but that made the story even more intriguing as Sophie put the pieces together of not only her background but the supposed murder-suicide that was committed by her grandfather and part of this urban legend in the small town of Lindsay Point. I thought it was just really well done and it was just the best part of entire book.
The romance: : However the romance in this story, I just didn’t care for and for so many different reasons. I have a lot of thoughts about the romance between Lucas and Sophie. It was a shame that I didn’t enjoy it more because it started off with so much potential. I just thought it was going to go so differently than the way it did. It was a bit disappointing.
Firstly, I would have liked it better if there was more buildup between Lucas and Sophie. I was expecting this to have an enemies to lovers trope in where they would have been lots of banter, lots of head butting, lots of tension, and just loads of sexual chemistry that they would have fought against until they couldn’t anymore. However the whole enemies to lovers thing didn’t really last that long aside from a couple of scenes where it showed that he was the small town boy and she was the city girl with varying different opinions and views on life. But that I got resolved pretty quickly I think. I wanted more of that cat and mouse game between them for longer. I certainly wanted them to not kiss as soon as they did in the story. It was just too soon and way quicker than I would have liked it to be. I just wanted more anticipation before they gave into their attraction.
Secondly, for the most part their relationship was purely physical at least in my opinion. Yes, they got to know each other and learn each other’s stories along the way, but I just felt like they were missing those emotional intimacy pieces. I didn’t feel like they were getting closer emotionally as they were talking. It was just them telling each other their stories. I know that doesn’t makes sense because that’s what emotional intimacy is, but for whatever reason that wasn’t how it came across. I think a big reason for that was due to the internal dialogue that was presented. Both Lucas and Sophie go on and on and on about how physically attracted to each other they were and how they wanted to basically get it on, which is okay, but there has to be more behind that aside from “oh, he’s hot” or “oh, she so sexy.” And that was all they talked about each other in their minds. It was all physical stuff. It was none of “Oh, she makes smile” or “I want to be around her more.” It was just on they had the hots for each other and that was it. It just felt like there was no substance between them. All they had going for them was physical. It was just too repetitive and too much. I was sick of how they kept describing each other in just those physical terms and nothing more. To top it off, when they got to the love scene, which I thought happened way too soon as well, it was so tame after all the heated thoughts that they had about each other. I was expecting it to be a lot hotter and spicier than it actually was. When they did have the love scene, it felt like it was scratching an itch and nothing really special between them. It was just the physical. I just didn’t like that. I needed more of balance between the emotional and the physical for me to like it. It just didn’t work for me.
Thirdly, I didn’t like the fact that he wasn’t over Sarah. The girl who was his best friend but obliviously had been in love with for a long, long time. It was no secret. Now, I guess then it made sense why he was okay with just the physical stuff with Sophie and nothing more, but it just made weird over all. He wasn’t over it and still had issues, but they never really get resolved in the story. He never dealt with it either. It was just brushed to the side like it was no big deal when that was huge part of his psyche for a majority of his life. Yes, it had to do with his feelings of guilt that Sarah died, and he didn’t. But I think that should have been resolved before even got involved with Sophie both physically and mentally. I just didn’t feel right especially when it seemed like he was still in love with Sarah and wasn’t really over her. I didn’t feel like he was cheating on Sarah or anything, but I did feel like he was being unfair to Sophie because he wasn’t available emotionally. All her really had was the physical. I didn’t like that at all.
Fourthly, I almost wish that the romance wasn’t even in here, or that it went in the route of how cozy mysteries do romance. I wish that Sophie and Lucas just worked together as they tried to unravel this mystery, getting to know each other and just having a steady build that was going to lead to a romance. I didn’t romance between them to progressed as quickly as it progressed in the story. I could took little teases or brushes of hands or something that would show that it was heading in that direction or what the outcome would be in the future for them. It just done either not all or more subtlety. I would more satisfied with that than the romance that was in here.
Overall, I really liked the small town feel. I liked the mystery and suspense that kept me on my toes. I really liked Sophie connection to the town, the lighthouse, and the crime that become infamous in the town that she got to figure out and solve. I liked seeing her journey of learning about her family. I liked the whole discovery of her roots and of herself. Everything with the mystery was great. The romance not so much. I just wish it went in a different direction. I wished that there would have been more build up and anticipation between Sophie and Lucas before they even got involved. I wish their kiss happened later. There was too much emphasis on the physical and not enough on everything else like emotional intimacy and just bonding between them in a meaningful way. It was just the physical stuff that they tended to admire about each other with every time they saw each other it turned sexual with many sexual thoughts that just got really repetitive after awhile. It got to be too much. I just think that they didn’t really have a connection beyond the physical. Plus he was still way too hung up on Sarah to even contemplate on a relationship. It just felt like he was having little fun with Sophie, but that was it. Granted he did save her in the end and started showing he cared, but then it turned sexual again so that kind of negated that for me. For me, the romance didn’t work nor they did they work as a couple for me. I wanted romance to be a lot better than it was.
3.5 stars
I can break down this story into two sections with one being the mystery and one being the romance. The one part I really enjoyed while the other I just wasn’t a fan of and think it could have been done better. I have lots of thoughts on that.
The mystery: The mystery for me was that heart and soul of the story. It was what I enjoyed most. It was what made me want to keep reading. It kept me on my toes. It added a bit of an adrenaline that made it for a compelling read. There were all kind of twist and turns that I just didn’t see coming and all the connections that were forming in this small town. The biggest twist that came on pretty early on was the fact that Sophie was doing a story on a lighthouse that was connected to the deaths of her grandparents and left her father wandering around at two years old as the soul survivor. Sophie knew none of this because she didn’t know her father or anything about past. It was as shocking to her as it was to me, but that made the story even more intriguing as Sophie put the pieces together of not only her background but the supposed murder-suicide that was committed by her grandfather and part of this urban legend in the small town of Lindsay Point. I thought it was just really well done and it was just the best part of entire book.
The romance: : However the romance in this story, I just didn’t care for and for so many different reasons. I have a lot of thoughts about the romance between Lucas and Sophie. It was a shame that I didn’t enjoy it more because it started off with so much potential. I just thought it was going to go so differently than the way it did. It was a bit disappointing.
Firstly, I would have liked it better if there was more buildup between Lucas and Sophie. I was expecting this to have an enemies to lovers trope in where they would have been lots of banter, lots of head butting, lots of tension, and just loads of sexual chemistry that they would have fought against until they couldn’t anymore. However the whole enemies to lovers thing didn’t really last that long aside from a couple of scenes where it showed that he was the small town boy and she was the city girl with varying different opinions and views on life. But that I got resolved pretty quickly I think. I wanted more of that cat and mouse game between them for longer. I certainly wanted them to not kiss as soon as they did in the story. It was just too soon and way quicker than I would have liked it to be. I just wanted more anticipation before they gave into their attraction.
Secondly, for the most part their relationship was purely physical at least in my opinion. Yes, they got to know each other and learn each other’s stories along the way, but I just felt like they were missing those emotional intimacy pieces. I didn’t feel like they were getting closer emotionally as they were talking. It was just them telling each other their stories. I know that doesn’t makes sense because that’s what emotional intimacy is, but for whatever reason that wasn’t how it came across. I think a big reason for that was due to the internal dialogue that was presented. Both Lucas and Sophie go on and on and on about how physically attracted to each other they were and how they wanted to basically get it on, which is okay, but there has to be more behind that aside from “oh, he’s hot” or “oh, she so sexy.” And that was all they talked about each other in their minds. It was all physical stuff. It was none of “Oh, she makes smile” or “I want to be around her more.” It was just on they had the hots for each other and that was it. It just felt like there was no substance between them. All they had going for them was physical. It was just too repetitive and too much. I was sick of how they kept describing each other in just those physical terms and nothing more. To top it off, when they got to the love scene, which I thought happened way too soon as well, it was so tame after all the heated thoughts that they had about each other. I was expecting it to be a lot hotter and spicier than it actually was. When they did have the love scene, it felt like it was scratching an itch and nothing really special between them. It was just the physical. I just didn’t like that. I needed more of balance between the emotional and the physical for me to like it. It just didn’t work for me.
Thirdly, I didn’t like the fact that he wasn’t over Sarah. The girl who was his best friend but obliviously had been in love with for a long, long time. It was no secret. Now, I guess then it made sense why he was okay with just the physical stuff with Sophie and nothing more, but it just made weird over all. He wasn’t over it and still had issues, but they never really get resolved in the story. He never dealt with it either. It was just brushed to the side like it was no big deal when that was huge part of his psyche for a majority of his life. Yes, it had to do with his feelings of guilt that Sarah died, and he didn’t. But I think that should have been resolved before even got involved with Sophie both physically and mentally. I just didn’t feel right especially when it seemed like he was still in love with Sarah and wasn’t really over her. I didn’t feel like he was cheating on Sarah or anything, but I did feel like he was being unfair to Sophie because he wasn’t available emotionally. All her really had was the physical. I didn’t like that at all.
Fourthly, I almost wish that the romance wasn’t even in here, or that it went in the route of how cozy mysteries do romance. I wish that Sophie and Lucas just worked together as they tried to unravel this mystery, getting to know each other and just having a steady build that was going to lead to a romance. I didn’t romance between them to progressed as quickly as it progressed in the story. I could took little teases or brushes of hands or something that would show that it was heading in that direction or what the outcome would be in the future for them. It just done either not all or more subtlety. I would more satisfied with that than the romance that was in here.
Overall, I really liked the small town feel. I liked the mystery and suspense that kept me on my toes. I really liked Sophie connection to the town, the lighthouse, and the crime that become infamous in the town that she got to figure out and solve. I liked seeing her journey of learning about her family. I liked the whole discovery of her roots and of herself. Everything with the mystery was great. The romance not so much. I just wish it went in a different direction. I wished that there would have been more build up and anticipation between Sophie and Lucas before they even got involved. I wish their kiss happened later. There was too much emphasis on the physical and not enough on everything else like emotional intimacy and just bonding between them in a meaningful way. It was just the physical stuff that they tended to admire about each other with every time they saw each other it turned sexual with many sexual thoughts that just got really repetitive after awhile. It got to be too much. I just think that they didn’t really have a connection beyond the physical. Plus he was still way too hung up on Sarah to even contemplate on a relationship. It just felt like he was having little fun with Sophie, but that was it. Granted he did save her in the end and started showing he cared, but then it turned sexual again so that kind of negated that for me. For me, the romance didn’t work nor they did they work as a couple for me. I wanted romance to be a lot better than it was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2013
Sophie is the host of a travel show that goes around to communities showcasing something of interest. She and her crew go to Lindsey Point to focus on the lighthouse. Fifty years ago, there was a murder/suicide ... Petey, the lighthouse keeper, had discovered that his wife, Miranda, was having an affair and killed her and then committed suicide. They say that her ghost is haunting the lighthouse. Sophie is from New York and isn’t used to small-town ways ... everyone knows everyone and their business.
Lucas was born and raised in Lindsey Point. Besides being a handyman, he is also an EMS and former cameraman. When a fella in Sophie’s crew gets sick, Lucas fills in. The attraction between Sophie and Lucas happens instantly and they start hanging out together. But there are a few things at could keep them apart ... the appearance of Shannon (Lucas’ ex-fiancee who wants him back), the tragedy ten years ago when members of the community were killed in a plane crash including Lucas’ best friend, Sarah (Shannon’s sister), and the rumor that Sophie is the granddaughter of Petey and Miranda.
This is the second book I’ve read by the author and I liked it. Not just a romance (Lucas and Sophie do get together in about four days), it also had the mystery of a hidden treasure and was Sophie actually Petey and Miranda’s granddaughter?
I liked the writing style ... it was easy to read. I liked Sophie and Lucas ... they had a good contrast. She was born and raised in the city and is a celebrity and he is a small-town guy who went away to university but came back home afterwards. Sophie has no one in the world (her mother has dementia and lives in a home) and Lucas has never lost a family member. I liked that they lived in the here and now and didn’t worry about making it work for the future.
I found that I still had a question at the end, though ... did Petey really kill Miranda and then commit suicide? They both ended up dead but I found the explanation of this was glossed over ... yes, there was a struggle but I didn’t think it was of the magnitude that warranted their deaths. Or did someone else kill them?
As a head’s up, the language and some activity is for mature readers.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/05...
Lucas was born and raised in Lindsey Point. Besides being a handyman, he is also an EMS and former cameraman. When a fella in Sophie’s crew gets sick, Lucas fills in. The attraction between Sophie and Lucas happens instantly and they start hanging out together. But there are a few things at could keep them apart ... the appearance of Shannon (Lucas’ ex-fiancee who wants him back), the tragedy ten years ago when members of the community were killed in a plane crash including Lucas’ best friend, Sarah (Shannon’s sister), and the rumor that Sophie is the granddaughter of Petey and Miranda.
This is the second book I’ve read by the author and I liked it. Not just a romance (Lucas and Sophie do get together in about four days), it also had the mystery of a hidden treasure and was Sophie actually Petey and Miranda’s granddaughter?
I liked the writing style ... it was easy to read. I liked Sophie and Lucas ... they had a good contrast. She was born and raised in the city and is a celebrity and he is a small-town guy who went away to university but came back home afterwards. Sophie has no one in the world (her mother has dementia and lives in a home) and Lucas has never lost a family member. I liked that they lived in the here and now and didn’t worry about making it work for the future.
I found that I still had a question at the end, though ... did Petey really kill Miranda and then commit suicide? They both ended up dead but I found the explanation of this was glossed over ... yes, there was a struggle but I didn’t think it was of the magnitude that warranted their deaths. Or did someone else kill them?
As a head’s up, the language and some activity is for mature readers.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/05...
February 20, 2016
Lindsey Point is a puzzle waiting to be solved. Sophie wants to be the one that exposes the truth. Lucas will do whatever it takes to prevent it. As all readers of Allie Boniface know, she writes stories that are nostalgic. Full of complex characters and unique storylines, her writing is thought provoking, powerful and easy to follow. I received an ARC of Beacon of Love in exchange for an honest review. There are lessons to be learned from every story Ms. Boniface writes. Lucas and Sophie teach us that pride, ego and fame are less important than listening to your heart.
February 1, 2019
A romantic mystery, with a haunted lighthouse, a murder most foul, treasure, a devestating plane crash and a small town living in the past!
Beacon of love is a story about a reality TV show spotlighting small town mysteries! Quasi-celebrity Sophie is the face of the program and home town "dogooder" Lucas, is asked to use his cameraman skills to replace a sick crewman! A romantic spark brings them together!
As the mystery surrounding the tragic lighthouse story evolves, a deeper darker tragedy is revealed that crushed the spirit of the townspeople! This tale of heartbreak is an emotional ride of tears, confliction and regrets!
Allie Boniface has written a compelling tale that immediately grabs the readers attention and never let's go! The characters seem real, the clues palpable and the story is fascinating! "Unputdownable"(a real word?) And charming small town heroes make Beacon of Love a must read! I couldn't wait to purchase the next book in the series as I grown to love the small town vibe! I live in a large California city and a relaxed, friendly community with uncluttered roads sounds like a delightful escape!
(As a bestselling author, I bet Allie is a stickler about grammar for her English classes)!
Beacon of love is a story about a reality TV show spotlighting small town mysteries! Quasi-celebrity Sophie is the face of the program and home town "dogooder" Lucas, is asked to use his cameraman skills to replace a sick crewman! A romantic spark brings them together!
As the mystery surrounding the tragic lighthouse story evolves, a deeper darker tragedy is revealed that crushed the spirit of the townspeople! This tale of heartbreak is an emotional ride of tears, confliction and regrets!
Allie Boniface has written a compelling tale that immediately grabs the readers attention and never let's go! The characters seem real, the clues palpable and the story is fascinating! "Unputdownable"(a real word?) And charming small town heroes make Beacon of Love a must read! I couldn't wait to purchase the next book in the series as I grown to love the small town vibe! I live in a large California city and a relaxed, friendly community with uncluttered roads sounds like a delightful escape!
(As a bestselling author, I bet Allie is a stickler about grammar for her English classes)!
January 26, 2021
An interesting premise for the story. A filming crew comes into town to do a segment on the murder/suicide that happened 50 years ago at the lighthouse.
Then things get confusing. There's lots of internal dialog a bout how all these people died in the plane crash. You never know where the plane crashed, nor why. Only that about 10 people from the town were on that plane.
Add onto that the secret that everyone but Sophie, the TV shoes reporter, knows about. She fights with herself on if she really wants to know who her father was (he was the son of the lighthouse keeper that died mysteriously 50 years ago).
The chemestry between Lucas and Sophie seems stiff to me. The ending of the story didn't really give closure to a few of the questions that popped up. What of Lucas' mother? What will happen to the land? Does Lucas and Sophie continue their relationship?
I gave this 3 stars because of the mystery surrounding the lighthouse. The writing itself was alright. I didn't really feel a connection to the characters.
Then things get confusing. There's lots of internal dialog a bout how all these people died in the plane crash. You never know where the plane crashed, nor why. Only that about 10 people from the town were on that plane.
Add onto that the secret that everyone but Sophie, the TV shoes reporter, knows about. She fights with herself on if she really wants to know who her father was (he was the son of the lighthouse keeper that died mysteriously 50 years ago).
The chemestry between Lucas and Sophie seems stiff to me. The ending of the story didn't really give closure to a few of the questions that popped up. What of Lucas' mother? What will happen to the land? Does Lucas and Sophie continue their relationship?
I gave this 3 stars because of the mystery surrounding the lighthouse. The writing itself was alright. I didn't really feel a connection to the characters.
November 27, 2017
This is the 1st book I read by Allie Boniface. I'm sorry this story didn't grab my interest.
May 15, 2020
3.75 Across the Never-ending Water Stars. I'll gladly bump this one to 4-stars. If the ending had not been quite as abrupt I would've given it 4 full stars. Now, that being said, this is a cliff hanger that isn't a true cliff hanger. I'm just warning you. You'll have to read it to see if you agree with me. I will admit that I started the second book immediately after I finished the first because I had to make sure of the ending to Beacon of Love. There was room for doubt.
Lindsey Point, CT is a place of mystery, romance, and small-town charm. Sophie Smithwaite is the star of a travel show that focuses on small-town mysteries. She sometimes solves them, but her main purpose is to expose them. There are some in Lindsey Point who do not want their mysteries exposed much less solved. Lucas isn't sure which side he's on. He isn't sure he even believes half of the legend behind the mystery of the lighthouse. He does know there is another tragedy that happened in Lindsey Point ten-years ago that he doesn't want to be exposed again.
Will Sophie be able to figure out what truly happened the night Petey and Miranda Smith died? Or, will she discover an even bigger tragedy in Lindsey Point?
This is an intriguing story with complex characters that have a lot of layers to unfold. The setting is a small CT coastal town and like all small towns, Lindsey Point has its fair share of quirky characters. The people are tight-knit and extremely protective of one another which makes Sophie's job all that much more difficult. This is a story you can become embroiled in and won't want to put down.
Lindsey Point, CT is a place of mystery, romance, and small-town charm. Sophie Smithwaite is the star of a travel show that focuses on small-town mysteries. She sometimes solves them, but her main purpose is to expose them. There are some in Lindsey Point who do not want their mysteries exposed much less solved. Lucas isn't sure which side he's on. He isn't sure he even believes half of the legend behind the mystery of the lighthouse. He does know there is another tragedy that happened in Lindsey Point ten-years ago that he doesn't want to be exposed again.
Will Sophie be able to figure out what truly happened the night Petey and Miranda Smith died? Or, will she discover an even bigger tragedy in Lindsey Point?
This is an intriguing story with complex characters that have a lot of layers to unfold. The setting is a small CT coastal town and like all small towns, Lindsey Point has its fair share of quirky characters. The people are tight-knit and extremely protective of one another which makes Sophie's job all that much more difficult. This is a story you can become embroiled in and won't want to put down.
February 12, 2022
Imagine doing an assignment on a remote small town in Connecticut named Lindsey Point. Filming the town and researching the tale of a lighthouse keeper (Peterson Smith-(Petey) coming home and finding his wife (Miranda) in bed with another man. He flew into such a rampage he killed his wife and threw himself into the sea, taking his own life. There is a rumor that there is a ghost that still haunts the lighthouse looking for the hidden treasure.
Now imagine Sophie Smithweith discovers these were her Grandparents and it was her father who the police found hours later wandering lost on the beach. Sophia's father was killed in an automobile accident when she was six months old and her mother refused to talk about him, so Sophie is broadsided by this information.
Sophia runs into the town alcoholic Tom Allen who tells her she looks very much like her grandparents. As Sophia digs through town gossip, rumors and the old town record books in the small library she is convinced these were her grandparents and her father was the little boy found on the beach.
Things start taking a turn for the worst from here.
Now imagine Sophie Smithweith discovers these were her Grandparents and it was her father who the police found hours later wandering lost on the beach. Sophia's father was killed in an automobile accident when she was six months old and her mother refused to talk about him, so Sophie is broadsided by this information.
Sophia runs into the town alcoholic Tom Allen who tells her she looks very much like her grandparents. As Sophia digs through town gossip, rumors and the old town record books in the small library she is convinced these were her grandparents and her father was the little boy found on the beach.
Things start taking a turn for the worst from here.
February 11, 2020
Pretty good story
This was a pretty easy read with some mystery to it. It started off a little bit slow but picked up and turned out to be a pretty good story. I will read the second in the series.
This was a pretty easy read with some mystery to it. It started off a little bit slow but picked up and turned out to be a pretty good story. I will read the second in the series.
January 15, 2021
What a terrific book! I enjoyed the mystery and the interactions between the characters. It seemed it ended very abruptly. All the closure wasn’t there. So I gave it 4.5 stars because I didn’t feel the ending was clear. I still loved the story.
September 1, 2023
Totally enjoyable
I love how Allie brings the people in small towns to life. Their lives have been so simple and complex at the same time. Really enjoyed every aspect of this book.
I love how Allie brings the people in small towns to life. Their lives have been so simple and complex at the same time. Really enjoyed every aspect of this book.
June 24, 2013
Wow! I didn't see any of this coming! This book is fabulous and had such a great storyline; I couldn't and didn't put it down.
Sophie Smithwaite is the host of a travel show and is in the small town of Lindsey Point to do a story on the famous lighthouse. Once she gets to the small town, everything as she knows it is about to change big. The lighthouse is amazing, but the history of the lighthouse is powerful. Sophie just wants to get her story and leave town, but there is something about this town that just won't let her leave. Either it is the story behind the lighthouse tragedies from years before or the amazing hunky town handyman, Lucas, Sophie knows there is more to Lindsey Point and she is a reporter determined to find out more.
But when her past and her present collide, everything will change.
Lucas steps into the production of the show when they are in town to fill in for an ailing cameraman and suddenly he is in Sophie's life as well. But Lucas has his own past to deal with. He still has not overcome the loss of his one true love and best friend. But the big question with him is will he be able to?
The connection between Lucas and Sophie is amazing and the power they have over each other is remarkable. These two seem to see one another as they really are, beneath the facades that the rest of the town or world may see.
I think more than the connection between Sophie and Lucas is the actual storyline of this book. It was attention grabbing and full of twists and turns and you did not know until the very end how this town was going to be changed. The questions that loomed over Lindsey Point will be answered, well kind of and things will forever be changed for Sophie and Lucas.
Beacon of Love was an amazing tale of a small town with an amazingly hot romance built into it. It tested beliefs, friendship and faith. This book gave me everything a great read could give. It had the romance, mystery, suspense and hot handy man all wrapped into one and I loved it!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Sophie Smithwaite is the host of a travel show and is in the small town of Lindsey Point to do a story on the famous lighthouse. Once she gets to the small town, everything as she knows it is about to change big. The lighthouse is amazing, but the history of the lighthouse is powerful. Sophie just wants to get her story and leave town, but there is something about this town that just won't let her leave. Either it is the story behind the lighthouse tragedies from years before or the amazing hunky town handyman, Lucas, Sophie knows there is more to Lindsey Point and she is a reporter determined to find out more.
But when her past and her present collide, everything will change.
Lucas steps into the production of the show when they are in town to fill in for an ailing cameraman and suddenly he is in Sophie's life as well. But Lucas has his own past to deal with. He still has not overcome the loss of his one true love and best friend. But the big question with him is will he be able to?
The connection between Lucas and Sophie is amazing and the power they have over each other is remarkable. These two seem to see one another as they really are, beneath the facades that the rest of the town or world may see.
I think more than the connection between Sophie and Lucas is the actual storyline of this book. It was attention grabbing and full of twists and turns and you did not know until the very end how this town was going to be changed. The questions that loomed over Lindsey Point will be answered, well kind of and things will forever be changed for Sophie and Lucas.
Beacon of Love was an amazing tale of a small town with an amazingly hot romance built into it. It tested beliefs, friendship and faith. This book gave me everything a great read could give. It had the romance, mystery, suspense and hot handy man all wrapped into one and I loved it!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
June 9, 2013
A romantic mystery is what we encounter when we open the pages of Beacon of Love. I love a good mystery and I am starting to like romance a lot more than I thought I could. This is one I will definitely recommend to my mother, although she doesn't care for mystery as much as I do. But she loves a good romance story, so I'm sure she enjoy this book.
Allie's characters, Sophie and Lucas are both strong protagonists and get under each other's skin immediately. They both feel the physical attraction pulling them to one another without much relief. Sophie has a proclivity to follow her journalism instincts and follow her resulting nosiness into places that could get her hurt or worse. Lucas fortunately is always helping those in need and becomes like a knight in shining armor, rescuing Sophie from herself and other dangers. She is feisty and he is solemn and afraid to entangle himself other than yielding to his physical desires. Both would love a happily ever after.
The storyline was creative, a fifty year old murder of who done its, chalked up to murder suicide, a baby found on the beach afterward, a hidden treasure, and a community hiding secrets and hoping the journalist doesn't stay in town too long....for her own good. Lots of twists and turns and very entertaining!
Allie's characters, Sophie and Lucas are both strong protagonists and get under each other's skin immediately. They both feel the physical attraction pulling them to one another without much relief. Sophie has a proclivity to follow her journalism instincts and follow her resulting nosiness into places that could get her hurt or worse. Lucas fortunately is always helping those in need and becomes like a knight in shining armor, rescuing Sophie from herself and other dangers. She is feisty and he is solemn and afraid to entangle himself other than yielding to his physical desires. Both would love a happily ever after.
The storyline was creative, a fifty year old murder of who done its, chalked up to murder suicide, a baby found on the beach afterward, a hidden treasure, and a community hiding secrets and hoping the journalist doesn't stay in town too long....for her own good. Lots of twists and turns and very entertaining!
February 22, 2014
Beacon of love is a small town romance with a lot of mystery!
Sophie Smithwaite is a Travel show host who spends her time in small town after small town digging into their history. Never in a million years would she expect to find herself so intertwined in the story behind the mystery at Lindsay Point! Upon her arrival Sophie bumps into Lucas, a 6’7 town handyman/part time paramedic/all around good guy! But oh boy this small town hunk has some issues to work through!! Never the less, these two have some major chemistry and the sexual tension is off the charts! As Sophie starts to discover more about the town of Lindsay Point it is very clear that there is more going on here than meets the eye. With ghost’s and murder, plane crashes and infidelity you are really kept guessing throughout this book. Beacon of Love was a little less steamy then I am used too and I did find myself disappointed after all the build-up between Sophie and Lucas only to have their sex scene be non-descriptive and fade to black. This book’s ending was left a little open ended but I do know it is a series so I look forward to reading more about this couple in upcoming books! Overall this was a great romantic mystery and I will definitely pick up the next book in the Hometown Hero’s series.
Dana
Sophie Smithwaite is a Travel show host who spends her time in small town after small town digging into their history. Never in a million years would she expect to find herself so intertwined in the story behind the mystery at Lindsay Point! Upon her arrival Sophie bumps into Lucas, a 6’7 town handyman/part time paramedic/all around good guy! But oh boy this small town hunk has some issues to work through!! Never the less, these two have some major chemistry and the sexual tension is off the charts! As Sophie starts to discover more about the town of Lindsay Point it is very clear that there is more going on here than meets the eye. With ghost’s and murder, plane crashes and infidelity you are really kept guessing throughout this book. Beacon of Love was a little less steamy then I am used too and I did find myself disappointed after all the build-up between Sophie and Lucas only to have their sex scene be non-descriptive and fade to black. This book’s ending was left a little open ended but I do know it is a series so I look forward to reading more about this couple in upcoming books! Overall this was a great romantic mystery and I will definitely pick up the next book in the Hometown Hero’s series.
Dana
March 7, 2015
Wow! What a perfect blend of mystery and romance :)
This book led more to the romance in the beginning, but then by the end, the mystery of the famous lighthouse in Lindsey Point was solved, and Lucas finally got over his mistakes in the past and moved on. Yay!!!
I would never have guessed that the people responsible for the murders and hauntings of the lighthouse were but, all of those things happen for a reason, and I can't get over the fact that all of these events were because of the past. And you have no control of the past, especially if it was your ancestors...
So pretty much a nail biting romantic book. Something I would not catch myself reading, but shared to try out because this was my first book by this author, and the cover looked pretty cool. So that's how I ended up reading this book and loving it :)
I have the next one too, but I'm going to take a break from mysteries for now -sigh- :)
This book led more to the romance in the beginning, but then by the end, the mystery of the famous lighthouse in Lindsey Point was solved, and Lucas finally got over his mistakes in the past and moved on. Yay!!!
I would never have guessed that the people responsible for the murders and hauntings of the lighthouse were but, all of those things happen for a reason, and I can't get over the fact that all of these events were because of the past. And you have no control of the past, especially if it was your ancestors...
So pretty much a nail biting romantic book. Something I would not catch myself reading, but shared to try out because this was my first book by this author, and the cover looked pretty cool. So that's how I ended up reading this book and loving it :)
I have the next one too, but I'm going to take a break from mysteries for now -sigh- :)
January 26, 2016
This is book 1 of the Hometown Heroes series and can be read as a standalone. Lucas has lived in Lindsey Point his entire life and does not see that changing. A tragedy ten years ago haunts him and he cannot move passed the guilt. Sophie is in town to fill the newest segment for her TV series about Lindsey Point's haunted lighthouse and mysterious deaths 50 years ago. As Sophie uncovers more to the story, her life is threatened and Lucas is there to save the day.
Both Lucas and Sophie are holding back; Lucas with his guilt and Sophie with her need to be in control. The 50 year old murders are not what they seem and have a huge impact on present day. Plenty of action in this read and an introduction to Lindsey Point.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Both Lucas and Sophie are holding back; Lucas with his guilt and Sophie with her need to be in control. The 50 year old murders are not what they seem and have a huge impact on present day. Plenty of action in this read and an introduction to Lindsey Point.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was a touch slow to start with, but soon gained in momentum once all the characters were introduced. It's a tale of intrigue and suspense, of the past colliding with the future, of loved ones lost and new love taking root. I never knew quite where the story was going to lead. And I certainly became riveted to the plot and tried to guess, but to no avail.
A wonderful and satisfying ending brought the entire story together, and mysteries became resolved. Thanks to the author Allie Boniface for a delightful read. I highly recommend for those who enjoy some mystery with their romance, to grab their copy of Beacon of Love.
A wonderful and satisfying ending brought the entire story together, and mysteries became resolved. Thanks to the author Allie Boniface for a delightful read. I highly recommend for those who enjoy some mystery with their romance, to grab their copy of Beacon of Love.
February 2, 2016
Beacon of Love begins with a love poem that is beautifully haunting! Sophie Smithwaite arrives in Lindsey Point to film the haunted Lighthouse for her TV show. She is sassy, rolls her eyes a lot and is wanting to unravel the town's secrets. Lucus Oakes is barely surviving his guilt for a tragic accident involving his best friend. He is quiet, helps everyone and is protecting his home towns secrets. Sophie and Lucas are great characters, the plot is interesting and the story is a terrific read! Ms. Boniface is a favorite Author that I highly recommend to everyone who loves a good murder mystery and romance.
June 29, 2013
This book started off a little slow and with so many characters it was hard to keep up. But once I made a character chart I was in love with this book. I liked that it was like a love story mixed up into a mystery, interesting past, and lots of exciting and or creepy moments. I loved that I really got the feel of a small town from all the detail and descriptions. I was instantly interested in this book because it was like a mystery but I also LOVE lighthouses and a haunted one ya that got my attention and I am glad it did because I loved it!
March 25, 2014
Fantastic story! Fell in love at the onset of the story and my warm fuzzies only increased. Romance mystery that kept me guessing and reading. I am pleased to say that I didn't have this one all figured out until the end. Very well developed storyline and characters. Perfect depiction of a small coastal town with everyone's lives intertwined and crossing with many connections. Thrilled to read a truly interesting book with a story that did not have sex as a main focus. I became very invested in the characters and looked forward to what would happen next.
March 21, 2015
This was the first book I'd read by this author, and now I've purchased everything else she's written (and will eventually read and review). Sophie and Lucas are the epitome of the term "opposites attract." At first, you can't even imagine that these two could end up together. However, Ms. Boniface has a delightful way of making the reader get to know the characters as THEY get to know each other--slowly, realistically and so romantically. The romance is hot, the mystery is alluring, and the haunting back story of the town just pulls everything together in such a satisfying way.
July 11, 2016
Beacon of Love is book 3 in the Hometown Heroes series at Lindsey Point. It is by Allie Boniface.
Lucas Oakes is recovering the loss of his fiancé and his best friend so just wants to be left alone and allowed to do his work. When Sophie Smithwaite comes to town to make a movie about the supposedly haunted lighthouse, she finds out Lucas can use a camera and persuades him to step in for her missing cameraman. He takes the job and finds it interesting to work for Sophie. Is it just work or is there a real attraction between them.
Lucas Oakes is recovering the loss of his fiancé and his best friend so just wants to be left alone and allowed to do his work. When Sophie Smithwaite comes to town to make a movie about the supposedly haunted lighthouse, she finds out Lucas can use a camera and persuades him to step in for her missing cameraman. He takes the job and finds it interesting to work for Sophie. Is it just work or is there a real attraction between them.
November 22, 2014
Romance and mystery - my two favorite types of books in one book. Beacon of Love by Allie Boniface was a fun read. I liked the characters and the style of writing. I could never guess what was coming which keep me interested. There must be another book coming because the ending didn't answer all my questions. I recommend this book.
I received this book for free from the Goodreads First Read program in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book for free from the Goodreads First Read program in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
I received this as a gift from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book by this author I have read anf I found it to be enjoyable. At first it starts out slow and I was a little confused because a lot of information is thrown out all at once. As the story went on though I became intrigued. I would have like the ending to be less abrupt. I will be checking out the other books in this series!!
This is the first book by this author I have read anf I found it to be enjoyable. At first it starts out slow and I was a little confused because a lot of information is thrown out all at once. As the story went on though I became intrigued. I would have like the ending to be less abrupt. I will be checking out the other books in this series!!
May 17, 2016
Beacon of Love is a great start to a series. The book is well written with well developed and likable characters. I loved the small town setting and the mystery and twists that Allie Boniface adds to the story. I can't wait to listen to the next one! Barbara Nevins Taylor did a great job narrating Beacon of Love. Between the author and narrator, this book can't be beat!
I was given this audio book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I was given this audio book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
January 24, 2016
Once again, Ms . Boniface doesn’t disappoint us. Beacon of Love is more than just a story about Sophie, a NYC reporter in search of a story in this small town, and Lucas, the town’s handyman who has to deal with his own losses.
This is a story about a small town, it’s mysteries and secrets, taking chances, and love. The characters are well developed and the story will grab you till the end.
April 28, 2014
I was given this book in exchange of an honest review.
I enjoyed this book and its small town setting. It took me a little bit to get into it but once I was immersed I couldn't put it down. There are numerous twists in this mystery. Looking forward to more from this author!
I enjoyed this book and its small town setting. It took me a little bit to get into it but once I was immersed I couldn't put it down. There are numerous twists in this mystery. Looking forward to more from this author!
February 18, 2016
This book was so good I couldn't put it down and lost sleep to finish it! A romance that will make you want to cuddle and lots of suspense to keep you intrigued with a surprising twist. Lucas and Sophie made me fall in love! Book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2014
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