We are continuing our reading in the South with a classic — Lighthouse by Eugenia Price. Many of Price’s novels are being reissued right now, having been out of print for years. Have you read this one? Let us know what you think.
First Novel in the St. Simons Trilogy
A compelling, vibrant saga of conflict, love, and a young man’s search to fulfill his dreams.
In this enthralling first novel of the St. Simons Trilogy, Eugenia Price shares the compelling story of James Gould, a young man with a passionate dream. Raised in post-Revolution Granville, Massachusetts, Gould could only imagine the beauty and warmth of lands to the south. It was there that he longed to build bridges and lighthouses from his very own design and plans. The gripping story unfolds as Gould follows his dream to the raw settlement of Bangor on the Penobscot River, to St. Simons Island off the coast of Georgia, to lawless Spanish East Florida, and back—at last and finally—to St. Simons. Along the way, he encounters hardship, peril, failure, and success, but it is the unwavering love of Janie Harris, an especially beautiful and strong-willed young woman, that fulfills his deep need for someone who can share the dream and the life he has chosen.
Eugenia Price — Beloved New York Times bestselling author of 39 books, with over 40 million copies sold. Best known for her historical romantic antebellum novels.
Beckie, my mom read all of these books back when they were written and loved them. I want to find time somehow to read some of the family sagas that she enjoyed so much.
I thought The Beloved Invader was the first book in this series, though. The order I have is The Beloved Invader (1965), New Moon Rising (1969), and The Lighthouse (1972).
Let me know what your group thinks of this book.
Lighthouse was written last, but is chronologically the first book in the series. Kind of like a prequel, I guess. It follows the life of the man who built the lighthouse at St. Simons and starts following the Revolutionary War. I have not read any of these books. We are planning a trip to St. Simons after we read the book. Depending on how we like book 1, we may be reading the others.
I looked at how the series is set up. Beloved Invader was the first book written by Price, but is the last book in the series if read chronologically. Beloved Invader is after the Civil War. New Moon Rising is prior to the Civil War. I guess it doesn’t matter how they are read, since they would really be considered standalone novels set in the same locale and with characters that are related, but not of the same eras. I think that’s right ;).
Eugenia Price has written outstanding books. I am thrilled that they will be available again for another generation to absorb her fascinating stories.!
I am looking forward to reading this one. And we are taking a field trip to St. Simons this fall! Thanks for stopping by.