Lighthouse Bay by Kimberley Freeman

About the Book:

From the author of Wildflower Hill, this breathtaking novel travels more than a century between two love stories set in the Australian seaside town of Lighthouse Bay.

In 1901, a ship sinks off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The only survivor is Isabella Winterbourne, who clutches a priceless gift meant for the Australian Parliament. This gift could be her ticket to a new life, free from the bonds of her husband and his overbearing family. But whom can she trust in Lighthouse Bay?

Fast-forward to 2011: after losing her lover, Libby Slater leaves her life in Paris to return to her hometown of Lighthouse Bay, hoping to gain some perspective and grieve her recent loss. Libby also attempts to reconcile with her sister, Juliet, to whom she hasn’t spoken in twenty years. Libby did something so unforgivable, Juliet is unsure if she can ever trust her sister again.

In these two adventurous love stories, both Isabella and Libby must learn that letting go of the past is the only way to move into the future. The answers they seek lie in Lighthouse Bay.
(from Goodreads)

My thoughts:

Wildflower Hill was one of my top favorite reads in 2011, so Kimberley Freeman's new release was a highly anticipated read for me this year. I'm happy to say she did not disappoint -- another 5 star read!

Two stories......two women one hundred years apart.......both have had their lives affected in different ways by the rich and powerful Winterbourne  family.

Set on the beautiful Australian coast, Lighthouse Bay is a story of survival from heartbreak, with mystery, secrets, and adventure. Loved every minute of this time slip novel!

5/5 stars

*This book is from my personal library.

Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman

SPANNING THREE GENERATIONS AND HALF THE WORLD, WILDFLOWER HILL IS A SWEEPING, ROMANTIC, AND COMPELLING STORY OF TWO WOMEN WHO SHARE A LEGACY OF SECRETS, HEARTBREAK, COURAGE, AND LOVE.

Emma, a prima ballerina in London, is at a crossroads after an injured knee ruins her career. Forced to rest and take stock of her life, she finds that she’s mistaken fame and achievement for love and fulfillment. Returning home to Australia, she learns of her grandmother Beattie’s death and a strange inheritance: a sheep station in isolated rural Australia. Certain she has been saddled with an irritating burden, Emma prepares to leave for Wildflower Hill to sell the estate.

Beattie also found herself at a crossroads as a young woman, but she was pregnant and unwed. She eventually found success—-but only after following an unconventional path that was often dangerous and heartbreaking. Beattie knew the lessons she learned in life would be important to Emma one day, and she wanted to make sure Emma’s heart remained open to love, no matter what life brought. She knew the magic of the Australian wilderness would show Emma the way.

Wildflower Hill is a compelling, atmospheric, and romantic novel about taking risks, starting again, and believing in yourself. It’s about finding out what you really want and discovering that the answer might be not at all what you’d expect.

my thoughts:

I just loved this book to pieces!

From the very first page, the story of the indomitable Beattie just captured my heart and wouldn't let go. Her journey from an unwed mother to a successful businesswoman is such a bittersweet and courageous struggle and I experienced such a range of emotions! Her life is filled with challenges and overwhelming obstacles from bigotry and sanctimonious hypocrites, but no matter how hard life knocked her down, she brushed herself off and forged ahead. The love for her child spurred her on to make a life for themselves (difficult as this was for a woman in the 1920's) and I cheered for her every difficult step of the way.

Intertwined in Beattie's story is the life of her granddaughter, Emma. Once a famous ballerina, an injury forces her to give up her career and reevaluate her life. With time on her hands and an inheritance of Wildflower Hill from Beattie, she travels to Australia to prepare the estate for sale. But once there, Emma begins sorting through Beattie's personal belongings and it seems that Beattie kept painful secrets from her family. As Emma examines the heart and life of her grandmother, she learns about her own confused and unsettled life. Sometimes pain can cause you to take risks and find the courage to do what brings you peace.


5/5 stars Beautiful, just beautiful!

Title: Wildflower Hill
Author: Kimberley Freeman
Touchstone Book
2011
526 pages
genre: literary fiction

Giveaway Time! Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman

I am fortunate to have an extra copy of the lovely new release, Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman and I would love to share it with the wonderful followers of my blog!

To enter, you must be a follower of this blog (or become a follower) -- please leave a comment with contact information, and one lucky winner will receive a copy of Wildflower Hill. Open to U.S. residents only.

Here is the book synopsis:

Spanning three generations and half the world, Wildflower Hill is a sweeping, romantic, and compelling story of two women who share a legacy of secrets, heartbreak, courage, and love.

Emma, a prima ballerina in London, is at a crossroads after an injured knee ruins her career. Forced to rest and take stock of her life, she finds that she's mistaken fame and achievement for love and fulfillment. Returning home to Australia, she learns of her grandmother Beatrice's death and a strange inheritance: a sheep station in isolated rural Australia. Certain she has been saddled with an irritating burden, Enma prepares to leave for Wildflower Hill to sell the estate.

Beattie also found herself at a crossroads as a young woman, but she was pregnant and unwed. She eventually found success -- but only after folloiwng an unconventional path that was often dangerous and heartbreaking. Beattie knew the lessons she learned in life would be important to Emma one day, and she wanted to make sure Emma's heart remained open to love, no matter what life brought. She knew the magic of the Australian wilderness would show Emma the way.

Wildflower Hill is a compelling, atmospheric, and romantic novel about taking risks, starting again, and believing in yourself. It's about finding out what you really want and discovering that the answer might be not at all what you'd expect.

***Winner will be randomly chosen and announced October 15, 2011. Good luck!***


THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU. 10/15/2011