I enjoyed the setting of this book. The Door Islands are a fascinating place. Having grown up on the other side of Lake Michigan, I found it very interesting to read about the Wisconsin side of the Big Lake. However, I was disappointed in other aspects of this story. I do not like reading about young teenagers having crushes on each other, and sentences like, “I'm sure he's as smitten as you are” or “I think we might be in love” don't set well with me. Also there were several details that did not seem accurate for the time and place in which the story is set. In 1887, people would not have been working up cherries on Sunday, which happens in the first chapter. In Chapter 3, Lainey's mother “indicated that they might think about having another child after they returned from the trip.” That did not seem like an attitude I would expect from the 1880s. Another aspect that jarred me out of the story somewhat was when Lainey decided she wanted to become a journalist, and people were going out of their way to help her. According to what I have read elsewhere, it was very difficult for women to break into that field. On the other hand, the descriptions of life in the lighthouses seemed quite accurate, as well as the stories about shipwrecks. I have read a number of books about lighthouse keepers and shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, and those parts of the book rang true.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

3.5

I found this title to be reminiscent of Anne of Green Gables, which I very much enjoyed. I loved the historical setting and the similarities between our main character and Anne. Both girls are dreamers who see so much potential in the world. Which isn't to say that they are faced with hardships. Lainey has a lot of courage that I think young girls (and boys) will find inspiring. If you or someone you know is looking for a good historical fiction comfort read then you should pick up Lainey of the Door Islands.

Fascinating look at life in a lighthouse over 100 years ago. This young adult book follows Lainey, whose parents die in a shipwreck. Her aunt and uncle can’t keep her, but another lighthouse-keeping family opens its heart to her. A strong Bible message shows Lainey’s growing understanding of the Christian life. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Laney of the Door Islands is a sweet story of Laney's coming of age years. I enjoyed the setting on the islands in Minnesota and the lighthouse. Laney's life isn't easy and she runs into sadness and grief, but with faith, family, and friends she traverses her journey with hope.. From childhood to adulthood, she and her friends share many adventures. If you enjoy a pleasant read featuring an interesting community, you'll love this book.

Though not my usual genre, I found the story to be well written and a nice read. The settings were unique and the characters had depth and were appealing. This is a good clean book for readers from middle school on up. The light house keeping and “life on the coast” aspect made it different from much that is out there for this age group.

Lainey of the Door Islands
by Judy DuCharme
Backlit PR
Christian | Historical Fiction | Teens & YA
Pub Date 23 Jul 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Lainey of the Door Islands through Backlit PR and Netgalley:


Lainey of the Door Islands will take us back into the world of Door County and its islands in the late 1800s, a time of shipwrecks, lighthouses, and strong individuals who never gave up.


As Lainey faces tragedy and heartbreak age becomes on of those rugged individuals. Her Aunt and Uncle has the toughness it takes to survive as the lighthouse keepers on Pilot Island but Lainey takes it a step further with her spunk and grace and becomes a shining light to all those around her. With humor, faith, close friendships and the young man who interferes with her ability to function, Lainey of the Door Islands will capture your heart, and she’ll inspire you to know that no matter what happens, God has a plan to prosper and not to harm.


I give Lainey of the Door Islands five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!