Kiss River (Mira)

Rating:
Summary: Outer Banks Revisited
Review: Having read the first book of this proposed trilogy - KEEPER OF THE LIGHT - which captured me from the very first pages, I was anxious to return to the locale of the Outer Banks to continue the story. This story comes across in a much slower vein with a female lead, Gina, in her thirties, divorced, with a mysterious diary that switches back and forth along in the chapters. The diary turns out to be written 60 years earlier during WWII and it was written by a 14 year old girl who was the daughter of the lighthouse keeper. Throughout much of the story you have to figure out the mystery of why, Gina, is so intent on raising the Fresnal lens of the partially destroyed lighthouse from the sea, and what the connection is to a small child in India.

The son and daughter of the first book, Clay and Lacey, are the other leads and they each are dealing with issues. Clay is now a widower of less than a year carrying baggage of guilt, etc. Lacey seems to be following in her mother's footsteps after learning 'some' truths about her parentage. Lacey seems to be trying to perpetuate the Saint Anne persona that her mother had acquired yet her promiscuity keeps her at odds with her brother Clay. Although the two siblings have their problems neither seems to be featured as prominently as Gina and the young girl, Bess from the 60 year old diary.

There was very little romance in this book, but more a story of healing, trust, issues and the mystery of why it was so important to have the Fresnal lens resurrected from the sea. This was a good story, a little slow for my taste, but again exquisite writing that gives you a good flavor for the marvelous setting of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Because, the author gave little attention Lacey's problem who by the end of the book was left with a whole new outlook on who her mother really 'was' I would predict that she will give us this story in the last book of this trilogy in order to wrap things up. While the book does stand up alone, you will get more enjoyment from it should you read the KEEPER OF THE LIGHT first.

Rating:
Summary: Very good book
Review: I love "Diane Chamberlain" books so this was no surprise that is was another hit. I found it a little hard to get started but then it just kept getting harder to put down. This is the second book in her trilogy and I can't wait for the last one.

Rating:
Summary: Life at the Outer Banks
Review: There are some books that readers enjoy so much they hope for a sequel or even a trilogy. One book for me was Keeper of the Light by Diane Chamberlain that was published over 11 years ago. Imagine my surprise when it was announced earlier this year that Ms. Chamberlain was not only going to publish a sequel to Keeper of the Light but there would be a third book in the near future as well. This news had me sorting through my keeper books to find Keeper of the Light for a quick reread. And as soon as Kiss River was available I purchased this second book and gulped it down quickly. While no nook of Diane Chamberlains will most likely ever supersede Keeper of the Light as my favorite read from this author, Kiss River is a very good addition to the many books I have read by Ms. Chamberlain.

Kiss River takes place in the same area as Keeper of the Light, the Outer Banks of North Carolina that the author describes beautifully. The wonderful lighthouse, an integral part of the plot of Keeper of the Light has all been but destroyed and the Fresnal lens remains somewhere on the ocean floor. To this beachfront community comes Gina Higgins, a stranger intent on finding and raising the lens for reasons known only to her. While visiting the sight where the lighthouse once stood Gina makes the acquaintance of Lacey and Clay, a brother and sister who temporarily now occupy the home of the deceased lighthouse keeper. Providing Gina to stay with them, She not only becomes involved in their lives but others from the area as well while trying to solve a mystery from World War II. And all the while we as readers are treated to the alternating story of Bess Poor the lighthouse keeper's daughter who at 14 fitted prominently into this mystery.

This is a gripping plot that does an excellent job of blending two stories set 60 years apart. How the story from 60 years ago affects the characters from the book today will have you turning the pages quickly. This book is also filled with grand emotions that center around the love of a young woman for a man, the love of a mother for her daughter and the love of a child for her mother and grandparents.

I do recommend reading this book, perhaps this summer while you might be vacationing on the beach. A word of advice, while this book can and does stand alone, I do suggest reading Keeper of the Light for the beginning of the Kiss River trilogy. Now I eagerly look forward to the third book set at Kiss River.