Finders Keepers

Amazon.com

Jessie Roland always knew that her feelings for her parents--dislike and disgust for her mother, less than love for her father--were anything but what a child should feel, especially for the parents that had given her a privileged childhood filled with private schooling, lavish vacations, and any gift that her heart desired. But try as she might, something always kept her from truly loving the Rolands. Strange dreams of a yellow dog and a stroller hinted at the truth, but Jessie couldn't recall the fateful day when Thea and Barnes Roland had stolen her from her stroller, leaving her pet retriever Jelly to chase after their car for miles, only to return to Jessie's stunned parents without the golden-haired little girl. Now a woman, and armed with a sizeable trust fund, Jessie moves far away from her parents to start a new life in Washington, D.C., where a new job, new apartment, and a new man awaits her. Tanner Kingsley is handsome, charming, and hiding something. Jessie's involvement with him will lead to happiness, heartache, and the full realization of her hidden past--a past she must come to terms with before she can find true peace.

Customer Reviews:

Build Up to A Lackluster Ending.......2007-03-20

I loved this book, so much so that I've read it more than once. My only problem with it is the ending. So as to not give it away, I won't be specific. There is a lot of meat to this story which makes it very believable, but the ending isn't what I expected it to be and I was disappointed.

I liked it.......2005-11-02

This is the 3rd book I have read by Fern Michaels. I liked it a lot. I had a hard time putting it down.

SHOCKER.......2003-08-29

This book was so interesting from the beginning and sad from the start. It has a terrific story line and slyly plotted. While your reading this you'll feel sadness along with happiness. Definitely a novel with a lot of mixed emotions and an excellent must buy must read !!

depressing.......2002-09-17

I hated it, It was a fast read but too many plot changes. I never really got to know the characters. It made me depressed that Jessie never found love, its supposed to be a romance novel right????

not what i would have expected.......2002-05-20

I am normally an avid fan of fern michaels work but this book was a disappointment!! i felt like there was not enough insight into jessie roland's life as a child when being raised by her kidnapper parents and that also it tended to ramble on at times! There are some parts of the book that i enjoyed but this will not be a book i would choose to read again!

Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie (1st Avenue)

Average customer rating:

Great book demonstrating heroines
Great Learning Tool
A Great Example of Children's Historical Fiction
Great Example of Children's Historical Fiction
A great book to remember Abbie Burgess

Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie (1st Avenue)
Peter Roop , and Connie Roop
Manufacturer: Lerner Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0876144547

Customer Reviews:

Great book demonstrating heroines.......2007-05-25

Found this book recommended in
Great Books for Girls: More Than 600 Books to Inspire Today's Girls and Tomorrow's Women

This story is about a real girl who rises to meet a challenge that would frighten any adult. My kindergartner now holds this book near/dear as she sees it as a model of courage/bravery to aspire to. Even more exciting is that this story is based upon a real event in a real girl's life.

Great Learning Tool.......2007-03-25

This book gives you an idea of what it was like to operate a lighthouse in the mid 1800's. Sure doesn't sound fun. In that sense the book is very educational, and it give hero status to a deserving individual that most people have never heard of. The only real flaw it has is in the format of its printing. I can't tell where one paragraph starts and another ends, so if I were trying to narrate this thing I would have a hard time knowing where to stop and start as far as the vocal intonation goes. I also think the introduction gives away the whole story on the first page, so it should really be put at the end of the book.

A Great Example of Children's Historical Fiction.......2002-07-22

Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie is a well-written piece of historical fiction based on Abbie Burgess' own accounts and other historical sources. This information is provided in the note by the authors at the beginning of the book. All incidences appear to be very representative of the life of the time depicted. Abbie's character is developed well. The reader is able to see that Abbie is a strong young girl who does not want to let her family, especially her father, down. She faces the conflict of person vs. self and also person vs. nature is evident in the book. The theme evident in the book is bravery and strength. Abbie had to be brave to keep the lights lit. She needed the strength to overcome her fears and to live up to her father's expectations. The illustrations were beautiful watercolors that set the mood of the story.

Great Example of Children's Historical Fiction.......2002-07-22

A great book to remember Abbie Burgess.......1999-08-15

I remember watching this book on Reading Rainbow when I was little and I had to have it. I got the Audio casatte and Loved it I recommmed this book to anyone! Highy!!

The Keepers of Light: A History and Working Guide to Early Photographic Processes

Average customer rating:

The Keepers of Light: A Review
I've had this book for years . . .
The keepers of light
Worth the Wait!
The best resource for non-silver photographic printmaking

The Keepers of Light: A History and Working Guide to Early Photographic Processes
William Crawford
Manufacturer: Morgan & Morgan, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0871001586

Customer Reviews:

The Keepers of Light: A Review.......2006-03-06

This book is the primary source of knowledge for those who are new to alternative photographic processes. It is a must read for those who wish to know the history of photography, and who wish to dive into alternative processes. It gives a brief history of each process, and then practical knowledge to aid the reader in accomplishing each process. I would recommend this book to all my colleagues and friends interested in photography.

I've had this book for years . . . .......2005-09-26

. . . And it looks it. I can't tell you how many times I've referred to this book. It is one of the most - if not the most - useful book for nonsilver photographic processes I've ever had and I have quite a collection of this type of book.

I don't think you can go wrong owning a copy of this volume.

The keepers of light.......2001-12-19

This is a great book it help me gain notion on the history of photography and alo show me ways to do photography the old way

Worth the Wait!.......2000-01-29

Well, after asking endless questions to some of the "so called" self-acclaimed "experts" in the field of wet plate photography; Crawford's book was a breath of fresh air. I only wish that I could have come across this book early in my search. Instead I had to wade through BBS systems with adults who like to dress up and play "war" (i.e., the Civil War). With this book you will be able to bypass all of the fruitless searches you will have if you ask present day practitioners, who do not want to share the process (or are more likely unknowledgeable themselves). Save yourself the problems, efforts and misinformation. Buy this book!

The best resource for non-silver photographic printmaking.......1999-02-19

I lost my first copy and just bought another. Learn the history and the how-to's of several non-silver printmaking methods. If you're interested in these processes, this book will give you an excellent overview and get you started on making your own prints.

Average customer rating:

Finder's Keepers
Finders Keepers with a Child?
Finders Keepers. Find this book and keep it!
Definitely a Keeper!

Finders Keepers
Sharon Sala
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0061259535
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Book Description

More than anything in the world, Molly Eden wants a child—and then one day she finds one in her backyard! But this is no abandoned toddler. A man has followed the mischievous boy onto her property, a concerned father whose rugged good looks take Molly's breath away, while the sadness about him tears at her heart.

Joseph Rossi never expected to find his tiny son running into the arms of an unknown woman, but Joey craves a mommy and it seems he's chosen one—and Joseph approves of his choice. What chance could a single father possibly have with an enchanting free spirit as sweet and sexy as Molly Eden, who must have a hundred men clamoring for her attention? Still, he knows in his heart what Joey knows: that Molly is the one. Now he must prove it to her and show Molly a man who is more than just a daddy—but also a tender and passionate lover...and, perhaps, the perfect husband.

Customer Reviews:

Finder's Keepers.......2007-08-26

Sharon Sala always provides a good read.
One never knows just what direction her tales
may take and this, Finder's Keepers" is no
exception. The book was received in a timely
fashion and in the condition as advertised.

Finders Keepers with a Child?.......2006-05-15

Since I've only started reading Sharon Sala in the last few months, I'm working my way backward. FINDERS KEEPERS is one of her first books and you can really tell a difference in her writing styles from the present to the past. She has evolved into a dynamite author from a decent writer as shown in this book.

FINDERS KEEPERS centers around Molly Eden, a florist with a secret desire. Molly's a really nice person - one of those rare finds in the world and her past is one in which her naivety has been exploiTed. One day a toddler, Joey, comes into her backyard while she's barbecuing and asks if she's his mom. Huh? Then his panicked dad, Joe, stumbles over and everyone can see where this storyline is headed.

Both Molly and Joe have secrets in their pasts that they want to leave buried, but with the ensuing romance that's impossible. Seems Molly was engaged and pregnant. A horrible auto accident left her unborn child dead and her unable to have future children. The worst part is that her fianc? was actually a married man and his wife paid Molly a visit in the hospital. Nice, huh? And if that's not bad enough, Joe's ex-wife didn't want Joey and was easily bought off and made to sign a contract giving full custody to Joe. Seems like Joe's ex and Molly's ex were a pair meant for each other - too bad they didn't meet in this book, that would have spiced things up a bit.

The book dances around each past while going along the typical romance avenue. It becomes a bit of a bore until Joe's ex shows up trying to figure out a way to extort more money from Joe. This throws Molly into a tailspin, not knowing if she can truly believe Joe. Hmmm... yep, it's a typical romance plot line.

The characters are charming but don't come with a lot of meat to them. There is a bit of humor tossed in - Molly's two employees at the Garden of Eden flower shop reminded me of Fred and Ethel Mertz from I Love Lucy fame. I wish more book time would have been given to them. Joey is adorable and the perfect child. Joe tries his hand at romantic endeavors but falls a bit short, but it's enough for Molly. Molly is a strong character but has glimpses of being an airhead. Overall they were likable even though you won't remember them months later.

The storyline was predictable but enjoyable. It is a nice way to spend a few hours and the book is a fast read, otherwise I may have gotten a bit bored towards the end. It lacked that certain something that grabs you and won't let go.

Finders Keepers. Find this book and keep it!.......2004-03-12

Molly was devastated when an accident caused her to lose her unborn child and left her unable to have any more children. She was barbequing in her garden one day a few years later when a three-year old cherub in red shorts came up to her asking if she was his "momma." The cherub was Joey Rossi, and he was followed a few minutes later by his hunky dad, Joseph, also only in red shorts!
Molly's instant bond with Joey is a sight to behold. Molly and Joseph's feelings took longer to cement but once it does, the author shows us they are really meant for each other. Sharon Sala gets it right once again in Finders Keepers, a tale about second chances at love, finding love again after painful relationships and betrayals.

Definitely a Keeper!.......2002-01-03

This was one of my first Sharon Sala books and I loved it! When litle Joey Rossi stumbles into neighbor, Molly Eden's backyard, she is not the only one thrown for a loop when Joey claims her as his mommy. Single parent Joseph Rossi is attracted to the beautiful lady next door, but can't decide whether she is attracted to him for the man that he is, or for the fact that he has a child, something that Molly can never have. As the two get closer, someone from Joseph's past, that he wants to have nothing to do with shows up to complicates things even more. Molly has to learn to trust and believe that the feelings that she and Joseph have for each other and little Joey can withstand anything. This book kept me glued to it for 199 pages nonstop. Short and sweet. It has made a Sharon Sala fan out of me. Now on to the trilogy of THE JUSTICE WAY!

Average customer rating:

A keeper for me!
Unparalleled Emotional Intensity
Unparalleled Emotional Intensity
A Reread of a Favorite Book
Keeper of the Light is a real keeper

Keeper of the Light
Diane Chamberlain
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1551669595

Book Description

It is Christmas night and a rare snowstorm is blanketing North Carolina's Outer Banks. Dr. Olivia Simon is on duty in the emergency room of the local hospital when a gunshot victim is brought in. Midway through the desperate effort to save the young woman's life, Olivia realizes who she is. And from that moment on, nothing is ever the same.

Annie O'Neil is the innocent victim of a senseless crime. She is also the woman Olivia's husband, Paul is in love with. And when Annie dies on the operating table, her death has a devastating effect on the lives of three people. Annie's husband, Alec, thought she was the perfect wife and mother; her lover, Paul, saw her as everything he always wanted and could now never have, and Olivia believed she was the rival to emulate.

Lost in his grief, Alec throws himself into the effort to preserve the Kiss River Lighthouse, where he and Annie first met. For Paul, too, the lighthouse connects him to Annie, and he joins the fight to hold back the encroaching sea, as does Olivia, who is intent on becoming as much like Annie as possible.

Joined together by their obsession with Annie and the lighthouse project, Alec, Paul and Olivia became caught up in a stormy whirlwind of love, passion and deception that threatens to destroy all their lives. Only one person has the power to help them . . . someone who knows a shocking truth that can set them free. And finally the time has come to reveal it.

Customer Reviews:

A keeper for me!.......2003-10-14

If you are wanting a quick and easy read, this is not the one for you. From the very beginning, the story starts off intense and is like that all the way through the book. A quick review of the story... Christmas night, Dr. Olivia Cole is about to finish up her shift on-duty when a woman is brought in with a fatal gunshot wound. Annie O'Neill was working in a woman's shelter serving supper along with her daughter when an upset husband came in threatening to shoot his estranged wife, shooting Annie instead. Realizing time is against them, Olivia makes the decision to operate, losing Annie on the operating table.

Annie O'Neill was a local stained-glass artist, married to Alec with 2 children, and well-loved through out her community due to her giving heart. When Olivia arrives home from the hospital and tells her husband, Paul of Annie's death, Paul becomes distraught and tells Olivia he has been living a lie and leaves her. Olivia becomes obsessed with wanting to findout what it was about Annie to draw Paul away from her. Through learning about Annie's life, Olivia discovers Paul and Annie went wayyyyyy back. Through her obsession, Olivia gets to know and become important to Alec and his children. There is definitely a triangle going on between Olivia, Paul, and Alec. Secrets come out that have been kept by the Keeper of the Lighthouse, Mary Poor whom Annie had become like a daughter to. Secrets you will never guess!

It's powerful, intense, and was emotional for me. My heart really went out to Olivia but also to Alec- you get to really know him as well. Through Olivia's search about Annie, she gets to really find herself! It is definitely a book to get and read! I highly recommend it. It was a keeper for me!

Unparalleled Emotional Intensity.......2003-08-17

This was an amazing story that quite literally gave me a lump in my throat from the very beginning to the very end - and I am not even a fan of contemporary novels! It starts with an emotional and intense opening as a woman is rushed into a small coastal emergency room suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. It was Christmas Eve as Dr. Olivia Simon was waiting to end her shift and go home to her husband. Sizing up the situation quickly, Olivia realized that there was only one possibility of saving the patient and that was to operate and try to stabilize her then rather than airlift her to a trauma center - travel time that the patient would never survive. It would be later that Olivia would realize that her patient was Annie O'Neill, the woman whom her husband, Paul Macelli, was obsessed with.

From the very first pages the author establishes and introduces you to a woman dubbed in her community as Saint Anne - paragon of virtue, kindness, and generosity of spirit. Annie O'Neill's death changed the course of so many lives, that night; Annie's husband Alec; her two children, Clay and Lacey; Dr. Olivia and her husband Paul. As they each become obsessed with the memory of this woman, they join together to save the lighthouse that she loved. As the months pass by, a complex triangle of passion, love, deceptions and lies begin to emerge into an explosive and emotional confrontation finally brought out into the open by the `keeper of the light'.

The descriptive emotional intensity of the writing by this author is totally awesome. I sincerely hope that any who read this review accept my word that this is an author to put on your list as an automatic buy, and rush out to get a copy of this unparalleled read.

Unparalleled Emotional Intensity.......2003-08-17

This was an amazing story that quite literally gave me a lump in my throat from the very beginning to the very end - and I am not even a fan of contemporary novels! It starts with an emotional and intense opening as a woman is rushed into a small coastal emergency room suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. It was Christmas Eve as Dr. Olivia Chase was waiting to end her shift and go home to her husband. Sizing up the situation quickly, Olivia realized that there was only one possibility of saving the patient and that was to operate and try to stabilize her then rather than airlift her to a trauma center - travel time that the patient would never survive. It would be later that Olivia would realize that her patient was Annie O'Neill, the woman whom her husband, Paul Macelli, was obsessed with.

A Reread of a Favorite Book.......2003-05-11

In 1992, while browsing at the library I came across the book Keeper of the Light by Diane Chamberlain. At the time Ms. Chamberlain was an author I wasn't familiar with but one I was soon to become acquainted with not only through her books but also through an early online book group. I also had the pleasure of meeting with Ms. Chamberlain in person on several occasions. I can still remember vividly how I felt after I read Keeper of the Light and how I felt when I realized that a certain screen name was for the author who wrote one of my favorite books. Now eleven years later I reread Keeper of the Light, something I seldom do, in anticipation of reading the second book in a trilogy Ms. Chamberlain wrote about the people and area known as Kiss River, located in the Outer Banks. And as I hope my thoughts on a second reading of Keeper of the Light was that this book was just as good as the second time and I would be happy to reread it again and again.

Keeper of the Light begins on the Outer Banks on a winter's night in the shadow of an old and grand lighthouse when a woman is brought into a hospital with a bullet wound. Dr. Olivia Cole, new to the area tends to the woman's wound but her injuries are too extensive and the woman dies. Only later does Olivia find out that this woman was Annie O'Neill a stained glass artist, known to the locals as Saint Annie for her many good deeds. What Olivia is soon to learn is that her husband Paul Macelli has a history with Annie which after her death will impact on not only Paul and Olivia's life but Annie's husband and children. While there are many secrets at Kiss River between these two families, the key to what happened many years before and continuing to Annie's death has been held by the lighthouse keeper Mary Poor who has been like a mother to Annie all of these years.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this review I seldom if ever reread a book for fear that I may not enjoy the book as much the second time. In this case I think I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first time which I never thought possible. And the best part is that now I can look forward to reading the second book in the trilogy, Kiss River, and revisit the Outer Banks and find our more about characters I feel as though are part of my family.

Keeper of the Light is a real keeper.......2003-03-23

I bought and read this book when it first came out, and I remember loving it. I must have, because I kept it on my bookshelf. When Kiss River, the sequel, came out I decided to re-read Keeper first, just to be up to date.

The second time was as wonderful as the first. The characters are multi-faceted, sympathetic, but still completely human. You'll be looking for them if you ever visit the Outer Banks, expecting to meet them on the dunes or in a sunset-flooded restaurant.

Customer Reviews:

Alaskan Heritage.......2001-10-10

My grandfather, John DeMan, born in Holland, was enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and stationed at one of the lighthouses in Southeast Alaska. He himself is mentioned and was interviewed by the author.

Thats the way it was........1998-12-02

No one realizes how long a year is untill you have spent one on Cape Hinchenbrook.Try it at 18 years of age,however CHIEF Jackson went back for a second tour and maybe more.Four men eating from a large number 10 can of vegtables, the same can goes on forever.I often wonder what happened to the hundreds of V disc, the goverment sent us .The book,the book is good easy reading,well written and a trip back in time.My story begins on page 55.If you have any intrest in Lighthouses Buy or rent this coffie table book.signed Charles L.Umpstead a 1948 Hinchenbrook suvivor USCG retiredC.L.Umpstead

Guardians of the Lights: The Men and Women of the U.S. Lighthouse Service

Average customer rating:

Great resource for research and human interest.

Guardians of the Lights: The Men and Women of the U.S. Lighthouse Service
Elinor De Wire , and Elinor De Wire
Manufacturer: Pineapple Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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General | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1561640778

Product Description

Stories of the heroism and fortitude of the men and women of the U.S. Lighthouse Service, who kept vital shipping lanes safe from 1716 until early in the 20th century. Vivid tales about the daily work; coping with fog, storms, and other catastrophes; women's and families' roles; lighthouse children and pets; the natural world around lighthouses; and the diverse characters of those who held the job.

Customer Reviews:

Great resource for research and human interest........1998-04-01

I am doing personal research for a writing project. This book was an excellent resource. I would love to be able to read the other DeWire book on Florida lighthouses. I live in New Orleans and hope to tour the lighthouses in the state of Florida and the Gulf Coast. I also would love to talk with the author or know how to contact her. rivkah@worldnet.att.net

Women Who Kept the Lights: An Illustrated History of Female Lighthouse Keepers

Average customer rating:

A unique and informative contribution to Lighthouse history
Women Who Kept the Lights

Women Who Kept the Lights: An Illustrated History of Female Lighthouse Keepers
Mary Louise Clifford , Clifford. J. Candace , and J. Candace Clifford
Manufacturer: Cypress Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Naval | Military | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0963641255

Customer Reviews:

A unique and informative contribution to Lighthouse history.......2001-01-17

Now in an updated and expanded second edition, Women Who Kept The Lights: An Illustrated History Of Female Lighthouse Keepers continues to be a unique and informative contribution to Lighthouse histories and studies. In an occupation dominated by males, Mary Louise and Candace Clifford reveal the names of 141 women who received official keeper appointments in the lighthouse service. More than twice that number received appointments as assistant keepers. Most of this number were wives, widows or daughters of former keepers, beginning with Hannah Thomas at Plymouth Light on the Massachusetts coasts in 1776 (her husband went off to fight the British), and ending with Fannie Salter, who tended the Turkey Point Light on Chesapeake Bay from her husband's death in 1925 until she retired in 1947. It was only with the introduction of automated lights by the U.S. Coast Guard in the 20th Century that the lighthouse keepers became obsolete and passed into history. "Must" reading for lighthouse history enthusiasts and women's studies groups, Women Who Kept The Lights wonderfully details the careers of 30 of these vigorous women.

Women Who Kept the Lights.......2000-04-07

Until I found this book listed by Amazon.com, I never realized women *were* lighthouse keepers. Clifford and Clifford's book will banish forever the image of the lighthouse keeper as crusty old batchelor, and will bring a renewed sense of awareness of the many accomplishments of which women are capable. The careful research done by the authors brings out a rarely publicized image of the women who tended the big lights, carefully pollishing the reflectors and the glass, keeping the lighthouses clean and functional, welcoming and educating visitors and doing their part - often heroically, to keep the vital paths of sea and lake open and safer by running these lights (often operating more than one beacon), running foghorns(either through mechanical devices or by hand), even saving lives. Through each vignette, a larger and more complete image emerges of the lives of the women who tended lighthouses, often while caring for invalid fathers and husbands, as well as bearing and raising children in these often-isolated locations. I must admit, I wish there had been more material on the west coast of America, and hope there might be a sequal. The photographs and sidebars added substance to this excellent publication. This will be a worthwhile addition to any library, especially if the reader enjoys American history and the role of women in American culture.

Average customer rating:

Love in Space
Just Read In English
Please remove that card catalog description!
One of the best science fiction books I have ever read
It's not that easy bein' green

The Keeper Of The Isis Light
Monica Hughes
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Love & Romance | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0689833903

Book Description

It was her tenth birthday on Isis. By Earth years, she would be sixteen. But Olwen Pendennis had never been to Earth. She had been born on Isis. And since her parents' death, she had lived there alone, manning the Isis Light -- a "lighthouse" in space designed to aid ships, and to bring settlers from Earth.

And now, on the day of her tenth year, the settlers are coming at last. Olwen is ready to welcome them, but are they ready for her? She was once human, like them. But the harsh climate of the alien planet has changed her, transformed her into something else -- something the settlers could never be prepared for...

Customer Reviews:

Love in Space.......2007-02-26

Olwen is sixteen by Earth years, but only ten by Isis years, which is more important to her. That makes sense, since she has lived her entire life on the planet Isis, far away from Earth. In a home carved out of the rocks she lives with her Guardian, who gives her everything she ever wanted, and her pet, Hobbit. Olwen's job is to keep the beacon, the light, up to date. It sends out signals to Earth about the planet, in case others from Earth ever want to colonize. Olwen is completely happy with her near-solitary life, and she feels grateful to have the entire beautiful planet of Isis to herself.

Then, shortly after her birthday, the settlers come to colonize. That is when the trouble starts. First of all, Olwen doesn't want anyone else on her planet. She is happy to live there just with Guardian and Hobbit. Then she begins to feel curious about these people, and she develops an attachment to one, a boy a year older than her named Mark. Olwen becomes frustrated with her solitary life and with the protective suit she has to wear whenever she is around any of the colonists. She is falling in love with Mark and would like him to be able to look at her face, rather than at a protective mask.

One day by chance, Mark and Olwen are together when she does not have her protective suit on. But it is not at all like Olwen imagined. Suddenly, she is forced to confront some scary truths about herself and for the first time she questions her Guardian about the reality she has taken for granted.

The descriptions of the planet Isis were really well done. It seemed very peaceful, yet strange that Olwen would not be lonely. I really liked the ending of this book. Olwen didn't do the thing I expected she would do, which pleased me. I was confused about Guardian, though. I wasn't sure who or what he was, since I only got hints about him from Olwen.

Just Read In English.......2006-03-17

Well, my 8th grade middle school class is reading this book,Keeper of the Isis Light. So far I am the only one who has actually finished it. I, personally, thought that it could have been a little better. The romance didn't fit all too well with this type of book. I see where Mz. Monica Hughes was going with the story but I think maybe she could have pulled it together a tad bit more.

Maybe the only reason I didn't like it very much was because I was forced to read it. I had to read Johnny Tremain too and wasn't too fond of it either. I guess this isn't much of a summery but oh well. Well, if you have read this, thanks.

Please remove that card catalog description!.......2005-10-17

Of the many books I have read in my life, a few made a truly unforgettable impression on the way I see the world.
This short novel is a true gem - a simple, entertaining, economically written story that delivers an emotional punch that leaves the sensitive reader reeling.
Unfortunately, if you have read the "card catalog description" above, I'm not sure if I can recommend the book as you will have been robbed of much of the dramatic impact. That awful "description" is more spoiler dense than any almost any other sentence I can imagine.
Ms. Hughes, where are you? Please get them to at least hide that "card catalog description" from this site.
I'm so happy that I read this book years ago in another edition.

One of the best science fiction books I have ever read.......2005-01-30

I got all three of the Isis books about four years ago. My mom reviews books and we get a ton for free in the mail. I never really got into them, partly because mine had terrible drab and depressing covers and next to nothing on the back. The I found the first one at my cottage with an extremely interesting cover and I was hooked emediatly.

I love this book the best out of the first two I've read (I plan to finish the third today so I can't comment on it at present) because it is so unlike your usual romance imbedded in a science fiction or fantasy. Usually the plot is so complicated already that any romance works out perfectly. I not going to give any thing away but lets just say that some of the characters weren't what they seemed. I loved Guardien because he was so eager to please but so determined to do what he thought was right for Olwen at the same time. I liked Jody as well even though he didn't really act like a nine-year-old.

I have placed this book on the shelf with the rest of my absolute favourites and I hope everybody will get to read as good a science fiction as this.

It's not that easy bein' green.......2004-06-29

There are plenty of books out there about powerful young women. In these stories the female protagonists usually either have super powers or were born as magical semi-human beings. "The Keeper of the Isis Light" is a little different than partly because the main character spends much of the book in a complete fog about her life, her capabilities, and who she truly is. The book is as much about overcoming the prejudices of others as it is about the meaning of happiness and its importance. If you're looking for a book that explores deep emotional and spiritual issues in a sci-fi context, I think you've found your match.

Olwen Pendennis was born on the planet Isis ten years ago (sixteen by Earth's sun). Living alone with only her faithful companion Guardian to keep her company, Olwen leads a rich and exciting life on her planet's surface. As the official Keeper of the Isis Light, Olwen's job is to maintain the signal that radios information about Isis's surface to Earth for future colonists. When these settlers appear one day, Olwen finds her world strangely shaken. Guardian has done his best to keep Olwen safe and happy while living on Isis, but now she must deal with other people and all the good and bad things humans can do. Through it all, Olwen discovers truths about herself and her own inner strength and abilities that she might never have found while living contentedly on her own. In the end, the reader is left wondering whether or not it's a good thing Olwen met with these colonists and, if good, how.

I was incredibly disappointed that the book flap accompanying this little novella gave away too many of the book's delightful secrets. My advice to you if you want to read this story is to go into it blind. Don't read any more of the synopsis than the one I've given you above. It'll only ruin the surprises that dot this intricate book. There are many things to love here as well. The plot is tight and well formed. Olwen never questions her happy existence until the moment that things begin to change. In many ways she's like Miranda in "The Tempest". In others, she's Caliban. Author Monica Hughes is particularly good as conjuring up a visual sense of the Isis landscape. In this story you see the planet as the heroine does and you regret (as she does) that settlers have arrived to muck it up. I also loved the Guardian in this tale. A character that professes to not feel emotions, he often belies this idea by growing agitated, touched, or worried at key moments.

Now for my favorite part of any review. The flaws! Actually, there aren't many to complain about in this book. Originally published in 1980, "The Keeper of the Isis Light" suffers from a few pre-P.C. terms. A black child, for example, is referred to as "negroid" at one point. Later, that same child (though supposedly nine years of age) acts far more like a six year old. Thus ends my summary of all flaws this book contains. As you can see, they're few in number.

Great science fiction books use metaphors and grandiose plots to discuss universal ideas. In many ways, "The Keeper of the Isis Light" is very similar to the great Sylvia Engdahl book, "Enchantress From the Stars". Both books talk about prejudice and feature incredibly strong female characters. In this book, however, there are some uniquely emotional moments. The story is written in a crisp approachable style that will never go out of date. If you've a kid interested in sci-fi or just wants a low key introduction to it, this book is the perfect offering. A book that will be well remembered for years to come (I hope).

The Light on the Island (50th Anniversary Edition)

Average customer rating:

A delightful peice of history
Helene was my great aunt
Enchanted Islands
Fun Reading
The Light On The Island Returns

The Light on the Island (50th Anniversary Edition)
Helene Glidden
Manufacturer: San Juan Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0970739907

Book Description

Readers can once again enjoy Helene Glidden's classic, "The Light on the Island" as this 50th Anniversary Edition retells the touching story of a young girl growing up on Patos Island in the San Juan Archipelago. Her parents raised thirteen children while her father served as the Patos Island lighthouse keeper from 1905 - 1913. Helene reminisces about the adventure and heartbreak experienced on a beautiful but remote island where smugglers, old timers, and "God" weave in and out of their lives.

The book was originally published in 1951. This 50th Anniversary Edition has added historical photos and a postscript with biographical information about Mrs. Glidden and her family.

Customer Reviews:

A delightful peice of history.......2003-12-28

Patos Island is a tiny, magical, mystical undeveloped island that only a few fortunate sailors visit. I fell in love with it on my first visit, and only later did I learn of Helene Glidden's book. What a treasure! It brings her family alive in vivid detail--the hilarious, the heartbreaks and the nearly unimaginable hardships. After reading "The Light on the Island" I could not sail in that area without the benevolent company of their ghosts--I could almost hear them singing across the water, as if rowing on their way to a party on a neighboring island. Anyone who loves the San Juan Islands, anyone with a thirst for history will love this little book.

Helene was my great aunt.......2003-12-26

The Light On The Island was written by my great aunt, Helene Glidden. We have enjoyed reading the story over and over, and have spent two nights in Active Cove on Patos Island with our children. The last night we spent there was about 5 years ago, tied up to a bouy in our 29 foot sailboat. It was a terrible night, as Active Cove often lives up to it's name. I spent all night thinking about my aunt and what it must have been like to call that lighthouse home.
...a lovely book. I hope you read it and enjoy it as much as we have.

Enchanted Islands.......2002-11-13

Helen Glidden wrote this gem for the amusement of her children. Lucky for us, she was persuaded to have it published. Now, happily, 50 years hence it's back in print. It's an enchanting story (mostly true) about a large family (13 children) of light house keepers posted to tiny Patos Island in the San Juan Islands of NW Washington State at the turn of the century. It is told through the eyes of the five-year-old, middle daughter and comes complete with smugglers, heroes, a murder or two, colorful characters, whimsy and plenty of humor. Glidden masters the tricky business of writing from the point of view of a youngster growing from five to 13 who, for example, thinks the bushy bearded man living on the lam in their forest and know only to her is God. The author was this girl.

Fun Reading.......2002-07-25

This book if fun to read, Good writing, Makes you laugh and cry. You will have a great time with this book.

The Light On The Island Returns.......2001-12-30

In 1953 as a 10 year old living in upstate New York, I read The Light On The Island and was mesmerized by the adventures of Angie and her family on Patos Island. Living on an island with a lighthouse, surrounded by marine animals and birds, rowing about in boats, exploring the beaches, coves and woods of Patos was a dreamworld away from mine. The book remained one of my favorite childhood books,[ I still have the book---its dustcover in tatters] so imagine how I felt when 16 years later I met my husband, who was from the Seattle area and we eventually moved there and Angie's world was in my backyard. Four years ago we took our sailboat up to Patos and we walked the beaches, "the petticoats" of Patos Island. For young and old alike, The Light On The Island explores the world of a child, the dreams, the harsh reality, the innocence, life and death, and growing up. Read it for the first time, read it again, ---it will light up your day!

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