I truly enjoyed this novel and felt like I was right there, in the beautiful southern part of the USA. The writing is sensual and strong with vivid emotional and physical descriptions. I had a hard time keeping all of Edie's grandmother's friends straight, mainly because they ALL had such unusual names! The most interesting part of everyone's story, for me, was the mysterious Jason Touissant, and his connection to the bright silver light that most could see but no one could find the source of. I won't say anything more, but there are some lovely, very subtle spiritual elements to this brilliant novel that I loved.

I also loved how the author beautifully handles different kinds of grief that some of the women are going through.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and publisher, for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is such an enjoyable Southern read! As the chapters went on, I was completely immersed as if I was eating gumbo and hanging out with Edie in southern Mississippi. The food in this book will make you hungry and the wit of grandmother "Punk" and her friends is an absolute delight. There are SO many things going on in this story and quite a few that I didn't see coming. The secondary characters are great and I laughed out loud many times. There is so much heart and humor and love and candor that fill the pages. Edie's character growth is enjoyable to read all while dealing with some tough topics.
At times I thought perhaps the author was cramming in too many things and stories into one book so the ending seemed a bit rushed. But I still really enjoyed this novel and I highly recommend if you are in need of a southern escape!


Four stars.


"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for the opportunity to read The Light on Horn Island by Valerie Fraser Luesse, a sweet novel about the strong ties of three generations of Southern women who befriend a mysterious stranger

Wow! This book took me on an emotional journey! I cried tears of joy and sadness. The setting of the waterfront hamlet of Bayou du Chene is a place where family and strangers are welcome.

The characters are written brilliantly! I can honestly say that each one touched my heart in some way! The 10 spots are super cool, and I'd love to be one of them! Punk is my absolute favorite. She always has comfort food that touches the soul of all who eat it. She gathers up chick's like a mother Henry and offers them peace and sanctuary.

This is the first book that I've read written by this author, but it won't be the last!

I won a complimentary copy of the book from Revell via NetGalley through LibraryThing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Valerie, you did a phenomenal job with this story! The characters were so relatable and the setting was just unheard of. The heartstrings were all pulled throughout the book. And the way it all unfolded was wonderful. Loved it! Highly recommend.

An epic addition to the Southern literature circuit, we get to meet Sugar, Punk, and the gang...and they don't disappoint! The hurricane puts everyone in a pickle, but in true steel magnolia fashion, their quick thinking saves everyone. With mystery, heartbreak, action, adventure, and a setting that is its own character, this book will keep you riveted until the end. It will also remind you that life is so much sweeter when we remember to put others' needs first...you never know, you might be living out Hebrews 13:2.

This will be my favorite book by this author.
I can relate to the characters in this story a lot especially going through three hurricanes myself. They're no fun and the winds are just horrible and scary.
My heart goes out to the survivors of hurricane Camille. Especially with little to no warning at all.
I admired Charley (Charlotte) and Mrs. Nora to name a few for their quick thinking for survival. Wow!
I simply couldn't put this book down! It was very heartbreaking at times. I did find myself rooting and praying that they would find hope at the end of a long dark tunnel.
There was a little bit of mystery in it but I won't say what. This is what made me keep turning the pages.
I loved in getting to know Sugar and the gang. Sugar cracked me up.
5 stars for a scary, hopeful and an ambitious adventure. This story will definitely make you stop and think about what if that happened to me sort of scenario thing.
I highly recommend!
I thank Revell for a copy of this book, which I received through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley.