Lighthouses have long been the symbol of salvation, warning sailors away from dangerous rocks and shallow waters.

Along the Great Lakes, America’s inland seas, lighthouses played a vital role in the growth of our nation. They shepherded settlers traveling by water to places that had no roads. These beacons of light required constant tending even in remote and often dangerous places. Brave men and women battled the elements and loneliness to keep the lights shining. Their sacrifice kept goods and immigrants moving. Seven romances set between 1883 and 1911 bring hope to these lonely keepers and love to weary hearts.

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Barbour has published several novella collections in the past few years, but this is the first one I’ve read (mostly because I live along the Great Lakes and love lighthouses — I even set my first novel at a lighthouse!). Even though I’m a fan of historical romance, all these authors were new to me, so I was excited for the chance to experience some new authors.

While I wasn’t a fan of all of the writing styles (some of the stories were a little description heavy for me — I prefer deeper character development), overall I enjoyed reading about the different lighthouses, characters, and situations. My favorite two stories were Anna’s Tower by Pegg Thomas and Beneath a Michigan Moon by Candice Sue Patterson. Thomas and Patterson both created characters that I wanted to know and heroes that I may have developed little crushes on.

With the variety of writing styles and stories, I’m comfortable recommending this book to any lover of historical romance — you’re bound to find a novella in here that will make you sigh.