Hope!

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Quiet Retreat

©Penny Frost McGinnis

A Trip to Put-in-Bay

South Bass Island Lighthouse

I write about finding beauty in every day things. Some days are easier than others. Over Labor Day weekend Tim & I took a road trip to northern Ohio. We'd never been to South Bass Island. From Port Clinton, we hopped on the Miller Ferry and traveled across the choppy waters of Lake Erie. From there we took a golf cart and buzzed around the streets of Put-in-Bay and through some of the natural area. South Bass is a more lively island than Kelley's with more eateries and activities. My favorite part was seeing the lighthouse. I can add one more to my list. South Bass Lighthouse was first lit July 10, 1897. It's now owned by Ohio State University and is no longer a working light.  

Perry's Peace Memorial

I loved all the flags.

Sailboats are always beautiful.

Love this old beauty.

 I'd like to hear the stories the old Victorian homes on the island could tell. The widow's walk at the top probably had women pacing, waiting for their husbands to come home from their boats. I picture summertime on the wrap around porch with wicker furniture, ladies in long skirts and hats and children romping in the yard while lemonade is served. It's fun to dream.

National Lighthouse Day

Today is National Lighthouse Day~
It was on this day in 1789, that Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouse, beacons, buoys and public piers. In Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Act and the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse, Congress passed a resolution which designated August 7, 1989 as National Lighthouse Day.
For me, lighthouses are a symbol of hope and remind me of the beacon of light I follow in Jesus.

My Lighthouse

©Penny Frost McGinnis

Book Review: Hearts Made Whole

Book Description:

1865
Windmill Point, Michigan

Can She Forgive the Hurting Man Who Costs Her the Role She Loves?

After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper--even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he's in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope...and possibly love?

My Review:

I like that Jody Hedlund used a strong female protagonist to set the stage for a story about women who make a difference. There's no doubt that Caroline can do the job of lighthouse keeper, yet she shows her sensitive, caring side to the wounded soldier who is placed in the job she loves. Caroline's two little brothers added a sense of playfulness to a serious situation. I enjoyed the twists, turns, and surprises of this well-written tale of courage. If you like historical fiction with romance, you'll love Hearts Made Whole. Also, I loaned the book to a friend and she absolutely loved it. 

Disclosure: I received a free copy of Hearts Made Whole in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1eN4pC8

About the author:

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling historical fiction author. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.


Find Jody online: website, Twitter, Facebook