Secrets of the Lighthouse

By: Santa Montefiore

Narrated by: Susan Riddell

Ellen Trawton is running away from it all. She hates her job, she doesn't love the aristocratic man to whom she is engaged, and her relationship with her controlling mother is becoming increasingly strained. So Ellen leaves London, fleeing to her aunt's cottage in Connemara. Cutting ties with London society, Ellen gives in to Ireland's charm and warmth, thinking her future may lie where so much of her past has been hidden. Her imagination is soon captured by the ruins of a lighthouse where, five years earlier, a young mother died in a fire. The ghost of the young wife, Caitlin, haunts the nearby castle. Unable to move on, she watches her husband and children, hoping they might see her and feel her love once more. But she doesn't anticipate her husband falling in love again...

©2014 Santa Montefiore (P)2014 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Critic reviews

Nobody does epic romance like Santa Montefiore. Everything she writes, she writes from the heart.. (Jojo Moyes, author of The Girl You Left Behind.

Wanted to give it 3

This is the second Santa Montefiore book I've listened to, and although charming, just not as good as The Beekeeper's Daughter... until the epilogue! I was dropping chick flick tears on my commute home!

My only complaint was every now and again the narrator sounded like she had a head cold, which was a bit distracting.

A Very Dear Story

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The narrator was wonderful, and the story line was clever. I wish the story continued with the many characters introduced in the book

Couldn't stop listening to this book.

it started out very sad and I almost stopped listing. but once I got past the first few chapters I was hooked. the narrator was absolutely amazing. the story line very intriguing.

Worth the time

I love the story. Very detailed and descriptive. Great performance. Easy to see/imagine the characters. Absolutely worth the time!

good story line

narration and story good. Characters are developed and complex. some surprises and plot twists. good read.

Secrets of the Lighthouse-not so secret

I loved the location and narration of this story.

There was there was some suspense, as well as romance in it, even if it was predictable. but the description of the Irish village was enjoyable, and maybe a little more stereotyped then it should have been, but still the descriptions were great, and the story was enjoyable.

Beautiful love and ghost story

A perfect story to listen to in March. I finished it on St. Patrick’s Day. Amazing story of love and forgiveness along with a vengeful turned emphatic ghost.

A Disappointing Read with Limited Appeal

Taking a moment to express dissatisfaction with the novel at hand. While it may serve as a passable choice for those seeking a brief diversion, it falls short of delivering a compelling narrative. The story line lacks depth, leaving readers longing for more substance and coherence. Regrettably, the book often meanders, making it challenging to maintain a steady engagement with the plot. Furthermore, its predictability diminishes the sense of intrigue that readers often seek in a captivating tale.

It is evident that this book fails to leave a lasting impression. While it possesses a few redeeming qualities, it struggles to offer a truly satisfying experience for those with discerning literary tastes.

Nothing in this plot is a "secret"

What disappointed you about Secrets of the Lighthouse?

Like another reviewer, I got this because it was recommended in People (surprisingly, People usually chooses well. Usually.) I was extremely disappointed. You can see every twist and turn in the plot coming from a mile away.

I think what was most disappointing, though, was the romance. Every romantic scene was gag-inducing. Not to mention totally unrealistic. And if I ever hear the words "mischievous grin" or "lascivious gleam in his eye" again...

Add to all of this that the main character in the story, Ellen, is completely unlikeable, and listening to this audiobook becomes more of a chore than a source of enjoyment.

Would you ever listen to anything by Santa Montefiore again?

No.

Which character – as performed by Susan Riddell – was your favorite?

The narrator was quite good! I liked Peg and Dylan.

What character would you cut from Secrets of the Lighthouse?

The protagonist, Ellen, which gives some insight into how bad the book was.

Any additional comments?

Spend your money on another audiobook. And don't trust People reviews!

Could get into it

I didn’t mind the British accent but wow get on with the story. I couldn’t do it and moved on with a different book.