Hearts Made Whole (Beacons of Hope Book #2)

This book can be read as a stand-alone story even though it is the second book in the series. There are a couple of brief references to characters in the first book but that is all. I absolutely loved both Caroline Taylor and Ryan Chambers. They both have enormous difficulties to deal with when they first meet. They each have a different way that they are approaching those problems though. Caroline believes in God yet she is so burdened with her responsibilities that she doesn’t really know how to trust Him to take care of her and her siblings. The heartache and uncertainty that she has faced already in her life caused me to just want to reach out and give her a hug and encourage her that she could get through the new problems facing her. Ryan has been wounded both physically and emotionally by the atrocities of the Civil War. These wounds have left him doubting God and his own worthiness as a man. His physical wounds were immediately described. As the story progressed we are then gradually told about the emotional burden that he is carrying. As trouble mounts and dangerous situations are faced they both need to learn how to turn to God for His help and strength. The steps that are taken by each of them were very clearly written and thought provoking. I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

Michigan’s Windmill Point Lighthouse provides the reader with the works involved with running a lighthouse. The story takes place around 1865. The author presents the historical life in this period. The lighthouse keeper drowns trying to rescue a doctor who had been at the lighthouse providing care for Sarah, one of his daughters. His death leaves his oldest daughter Caroline in charge of the lighthouse and all his children. Caroline had already been helping keep the lighthouse but she is a woman and according to the lighthouse board not capable to be named lighthouse keeper. Ryan Chambers is appointed. Ryan is a wounded war veteran. Most of his hand is missing plus he has shrapnel in the remaining part of his hand and arm . Ryan does not know much about keeping a lighthouse. Ryan has a problem with opium and drinking to ease his pain. Can he overcome his addiction? Will he be able to learn how to be a proper keeper? Will he keep Caroline and her family at the lighthouse? Will he and Caroline be able to work together? There were unexplained situations occurring at the lighthouse grounds. Who is behind these happenings? Why are they happening? The author weaves together intrigue, drama, mystery and romance that flows effortlessly. Her vivid descriptions make you feel as if you are there taking part in the story. Her characters are well defined and very realistic. There was undeniable chemistry between the main characters throughout the story. The author addressed many social issues such as loss and grieving, dealing with chronic illness, PTSD, drug and alcohol addiction, gambling, cockfighting and prejudice against woman. But the core of the story inspires the reader with the constant faith in God providing and His goodness that makes a difference in life’s decisions. Thank you to Jody Hedlund, the Influencers, Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House for providing a copy of this book. My opinion is my own.