Review of 'The Lighthouse Keeper of Anglesey' by Caroline Young

Review of 'The Lighthouse Keeper of Anglesey' by Caroline Young

Release date: May 2, 2025

Publisher: Storm Publishing

REVIEW

Oh my, Book 4 of the Anglesey series, is another impressive winner! This tear-laced family saga moved me beyond words. The Lighthouse Keeper of Anglesey by Caroline Young is a beautifully written, believable and heart-warming tale that I could not stop reading. It carried me along on its ocean of charm and tenderness. The plot flows at a perfect pace. Though it is filled with tragic circumstances, it is also blooming with timeless love, restoration and new beginnings. The beauty of the land and seascape brings about emotional healing to those who escape to Anglesey. The caring community spirit also offers a giant warm hug for those in need. The main characters are unforgettable. They really captured my attention and heart from the start. I loved watching them grow and heal as they work out their problems and overcome their obstacles. Illness, abandonment and abuse are a sample of the horrors written across these pages. The pain is very real and although there are some very sad experiences for sure, there are many joy-filled, freeing and fulfilling ones, too.

Seren Evans has had a rough life. Thirty years earlier, when she was a child, she was removed from her father’s care. He was so devastated after losing his wife, he could not function. Seren was brought up by her Aunt Alice and Uncle Neil and although they provided a good home for her, she feels something is missing in her life. Pieces of her past continue to haunt her and her desire to reconnect with her father, Lloyd, increases. On top of this, Seren’s very toxic relationship and major health issue puts things into perspective. Once she gets the courage to flee with her daughter from this violent man, she tries to pick up the pieces of her life and explore her roots.

Seren’s aunt, initially, is not keen to share Lloyd’s whereabouts but eventually provides the contact information and a box of letters. Seren needs to know why her mother left her and her father, without a word. Her mother’s disappearance has affected Seren’s sense of worth and she even wonders if she was to blame? Seren spends a good portion of her time trying to unlock secrets that have been kept by her mother’s friends and aunt. She reunites with her father in hopes the road to healing can begin. It becomes important to both of them to understand why the woman they both adored, left— and then met a tragic end.

I loved the reunion with Seren and Lloyd and to see the daughter - father relationship resume. It is a gentle and loving experience that has some ups and downs. I had tears more than once over Lloyd as he is described in such an endearing way. I truly enjoyed getting to know him, his quirkiness and point of view. And the interactions between father and daughter and granddaughter. I loved that poetry is important to him— and Dylan Thomas is quoted many times to reflect the circumstances, the emotions and the wisdom drawn upon.

There are some other wonderful characters such as Seren’s little girl, Enya, who adds sparkle to the story. She is a joy to watch while her life is transformed in a new setting. And to see her effect on her grandfather was priceless. She blossoms and begins to trust again after being traumatised by her own father. Jamie, also, has a positive effect on her. He is another wounded person whose backstory is quite a difficult one but he is gentle and caring. His escape to Anglesey and friendship with Lloyd offers him much comfort and support. I loved learning about him and how he fits into Seren’s, Enya’s and Lloyd’s lives. There are other wonderful villagers important to the healing of these three. Good things happen amid the setbacks: remarkable journeys that will take the reader on numerous wild rides over waves of surprises.

This is an enthralling tale in an atmospheric setting. You will need the tissue box as Caroline Young knows how to write moving characters that enter your heart, become like friends and stay with you forever. I truly cared about these people and longed to see positive solutions for them—in short— a happy ending. And this one delivers on all counts. I highly recommend this emotionally charged, tender story that has been respectfully and lovingly delivered. Check out the previous books of the series, too. It will do your soul good and remind you of the important things in life. This deserves nothing less than 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.