‎In The Light on Horn Island, Valerie Fraser Luesse has penned another introspective story. It is full of heartache, love, laughter and romance. The love of the bayou and its beauties shines through. So many things go oh so well and then there are others that just don’t quite seem to fit.

The book is not a fast-paced race to the end, but rather a slow amble through emotional difficulties and memories. This works well for the book, but the part that didn’t feel quite right was the use of the character Jason. It felt like someone tried to fictionalize God and the people he sends to help us. It felt more like a hokey ploy to convince readers there is a God. If this had been done a bit differently, it might have worked, but it felt contrived.

If the reader can get past that, then hold onto your heart for the story of Charly. Wow, this was powerfully done. The emotional depth and subsequent stories from those who survived a massive storm are heartbreaking, hopeful, and potent.

Review of an Advance Reader Copy Provided by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore:  Report of a character with blood on him from a serious injury. Mention that a character had attempted suicide in the past with an implication that they might have attempted it again.

Sex/Nudity: Characters kiss and embrace.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of close friends and family members, suicide.

Alcohol/Drug Use: 

Mention of moonshine.