Misinformation spins out-of-control and becomes a web of deceit, taking on spirals and turns that no one saw coming.
Abbie is a devoted granddaughter to her grandfather who suffers from dementia. She must run the lighthouse, because his days of being able to are pretty much gone. Abbie would do anything to help him, and her love for him knows no bounds.
Nathaniel's life has been filled with money, women, booze, and careless living. When Abbie saves him after his boat capsizes, his memory is gone. Her grandfather mistakenly thinks he is her dead husband, and Nathaniel overhears their conversation just as he is waking up. Abbie, knowing how prone her grandfather is to temper tantrums, lets him believe that this stranger is her husband, so Nathaniel believes they are married.
While Abbie knows it is wrong to deceive Nathaniel, she sees how much her grandfather likes him. Nathaniel's presence is a balm to him. She also knows having a husband will protect her position as keeper of the lighthouse. So Abbie thinks she'll let the deceit go just a little bit longer...
Meanwhile, Nathaniel is mesmerized by this beautiful woman whom he thinks is his bride. He can't remember his past, but he has a feeling he wasn't a great guy. He determines to win her and woo her, be a better man, and have a new start. While Abbie knows the truth, she can't help but admire this man who tries so hard to please her.
But we all know that the truth must come out eventually. How will Nathaniel react? How can his rich, fancy world mesh with Abbie's? Will he forgive her? Will both of their pasts come back to haunt them?
Jody does a great job showing how two people realize they are sinners in need of God's forgiveness. She shows how no matter the sin, we can all have a fresh start. This is one of Jody's strengths as a writer, and I see this theme through many of her books, though the journeys of the characters are completely different. She also describes the characters receiving the contentment from the Lord alone, apart from the person they love so much.
I like Jody's writing style. She pays great attention to detail, especially with physical description. She has a wonderful way of writing about the ever changing range of characters' emotions.
I do think she sometimes writes a bit too much description as far as physical affection, because in my opinion, in the world we live in today, we don't need to stoke the flames any further. I thought some of the flirting at the end, while not inappropriate at all, was a bit overboard. However, that is just my opinion, and Jody is still a wonderful writer. She clearly has done her research on lighthouses and settings!
A quick note on the cover: That is Jody's daughter! I recently read a blog post of Jody's, and she described the process for making the cover. Normally, professional models are chosen for covers of books, but her twin daughters were graduating high school and having a photo shoot, right on the water. After their regular photos were taken, both girls wore borrowed period dresses, and a batch of photos was sent to the publishing team. This photo was chosen! Jody is quite proud, to say the least. You can read her story here: http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/something-very-special-about-the-cover-of-my-new-book/
