by Jean E. Pendziwol
Narrator: Dara Rosenberg, Dawn Harvey, Tom Parks
Length: 9 hours and 45 minutes
Genres: Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups
Though her mind is still sharp, Elizabeth’s eyes have failed. No longer able to linger over her beloved books or gaze at the paintings that move her spirit, she fills the void with music and memories of her family, especially her beloved twin sister, Emily. When her late father’s journals are discovered after an accident, the past suddenly becomes all too present.
With the help of Morgan, a delinquent teenager performing community service at her senior home, Elizabeth goes through the diaries, a journey through time that brings the two women closer together. Entry by entry, these unlikely friends are drawn deep into a world far removed from their own, to Porphyry Island on Lake Superior, where Elizabeth’s father manned the lighthouse and raised his young family seventy years before.
As the words on these musty pages come alive, Elizabeth and Morgan begin to realize that their fates are connected to the isolated island in ways they never dreamed. While the discovery of Morgan’s connection sheds light onto her own family mysteries, the faded pages of the journals will shake the foundation of everything Elizabeth thinks she knows and bring the secrets of the past into the light.
THE LIGHTKEEPER’S DAUGHTERS by Jean E. Pendziwol and narrated by Dara Rosenberg, Dawn Harvey, and Tom Parks shares the story of events that happened twenty years before on Porphyry Island situated on Lake Superior. Pendziwol skillfully brings past and present together brilliantly.
Five reasons to grab your earbuds and listen to The Lightkeeper’s Daughter.
- THE LIGHTKEEPER’S DAUGHTERS is Pendziwol’s debut adult novel, and I found it to be atmospheric, suspenseful and skillfully woven. I loved how she brought a young, troubled teen and elderly woman together. Family, loss, misunderstanding, and art bring closure to a decade old mystery. Her characters are rich, and the tale unfolded in such a way that I quickly became caught in its snare.
- We are given multiple points of view, and the story takes place in present day and the past. In the present, we get to know Morgan and Elizabeth, who is sharp but losing her eyesight. Through her father’s journals and Elizabeth’s own recollection, we learn about events that took place on Porphyry Island where she spent her childhood.
- The story is touching, heart-wrenching at times and filled with slow-building suspense. The author slowly weaves the tale, hinting at things to come and creates this sense of tension all while weaving the past into the present. Each thread is well developed and equally enjoyable. The twists, vivid imagery, and the build up to the reveal satisfied.
- Elizabeth’s story is based in part on actual journals of lightkeepers found on Porphyry Island. I think this lent to a very authentic feel. Combined with the vibrant characters, emotions and exquisite writing style it made for a memorable read.
- When there are multiple points of view I enjoy having more than one narrator. Dara Rosenberg, Dawn Harvey, and Tom Parks did a stellar job. The largest narrations belong to Dara Rosenberg and Dawn Harvey playing the roles of Morgan and Elizabeth. I loved closing my eyes and allowing them to bring the story to life.
Atmospheric, engaging and suspenseful THE LIGHTKEEPER’S DAUGHTERS was an addictive listen. Fans of THE ORPHAN TRAIN will enjoy unraveling its secrets.
Atmospheric, engaging and suspenseful THE LIGHTKEEPER'S DAUGHTERS was an addictive listen. Share on XListen to Elizabeth
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Suzanne
Oh gosh, this sounds like such a beautiful story!
kimbacaffeinate
It really was Suzanne. I hope you get to read it.
Trish
That lighthouse setting is fantastic, and I love that it includes actual journals. It sounds fascinating.
kimbacaffeinate
Right. I didn’t realize that until the end but was impressed by it all.
Debbie Haupt
Beautiful cover and I love atmospheric novels they really speak to me and this one sounds right up my alley. I also love the dual time lines. Thanks Kim
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you get a chance to devour it.
Nadene
This sounds awesome. I love stories that touches the heart and this sounds like it did just that.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too, I also loved the mystery and twists.
Angela Adams
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
You are welcome, Angela!
Carole
I really enjoy audiobooks that feature several narrators. This sounds like a great listen so I will look for it. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the voices of Elizabeth and Morgan Carole.
Heidi
Lighthouses fascinate me. I will have to add this to my library audio list.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy!
Jenea's Book Obsession
I like that this was based on actual journals from a lighthouse, that would be fascinating. Wonderful review, you have certainly piqued my interest.
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Jenea
Stormi Johnson
This sounds interesting and I haven’t really listened to many with more than one narrator.
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the voices of Elizabeth and Morgan.
blodeuedd
Heart wrenching!? My poor heart
kimbacaffeinate
Sadly aspects were. You’ll see.
Rosie
This sounds so good. I already feel like I know Elizabeth and Morgan reading the description. I’d like to read this!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you get to read Rosie. I loved the characters.
sherry fundin
Love that gorgeous cover. This sounds like an amazing story and one I would like to ‘read’. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you pick it up, Sherry!
Laurel-Rain Snow
I love lighthouses! I’ve read books before about people living in them, and there is definitely something atmospheric about the experience. Thanks for sharing! I love that cover, too.
kimbacaffeinate
This was clever, I liked the mystery but also loved the characters and history woven into the tale.
Tyler H. Jolley
I can’t imagine knowing you will be blind soon. That part reminds of The Fault in Our Stars. That scene where Isaac knows he’s going in for surgery the next day to have his eye removed, gut wrenching. Both authors really captured that emotion of not only loss, but continued consequence really well. Wonderful review, Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, she is, of course, elderly but everything is shadows.
Lover Of Romance
oh wow…what an intriguing story this is. I like that there are multiple points of view, probably adds more depth to the story here.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes. I loved both Morgan and Elizabeth’s stories and voice.
verushka
Oh wow, this is based on real journal entries in part? I can’t help thinking how lonely a lightkeeper’s must’ve been. It adds to the intensity of this story.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, the story goes back quite a bit and at the time the lighthouse keeper lived with his family on the island in the keeper’s house. He would also have an assistant. The light had to be kept lit and wasn’t electric like today.
RO
I really enjoy these type of stories because they give so much to think about. Hugs…
kimbacaffeinate
I agree, and suspense aside, I found the details about lightkeepers fascinating.
Sophia Rose
You had me at atmospheric. I love the sound of this multi-generational story.
kimbacaffeinate
I think you would really enjoy this one, Sophia.