Moving and heartfelt. I enjoyed this beautifully written debut! I would certainly pick up this author's next book.

Margaret, her son Kyle, and his daughter Ally tell this story of Kyle's life- his trauma, his alcoholism, his need for sobriety once he learns about Ally, It moves back and forth in time and between the three to provide views into the lives of this family. This is the sort of novel that makes a book club pick. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read,

The book interested me when I read what it was about. I knew it was going to be a good story, and it was. The book is Kyle's journey, which has its ups and downs, and he discovers he has a daughter. She showed up to see him when she turned 18 and the story tells us the journey that had, In time, she met Kyle's mother, Margaret. I enjoyed reading this book, but I never expected to be shocked and speechless.
Great job, Kristen Kisska. I received an ARC from Lake Union Publishing.

absolutely incredible. heart warming, and just all consuming. this book gave me all the feels and I will be sharing it widely.

Trigger Warning: explicit sexual assault scene

I normally don't care for multiple viewpoints but thought that the trio here (mother, son, and daughter) was really the best way to tell this story. Unfortunately like many other reviewers, the ending was disappointing and ruined the overall experience for me.

This is an intriguing novel about the lengths a mother will go to to protect her child and how a father tries to change his life for his daughter. It's also about the consequences of unresolved trauma and how even with the best of intentions, parents can make decisions that have devastating impacts on their children. This is a heart-breaking story that will keep you turning the pages chapter after chapter and leave you thinking about the character's choices long after you finish the book.

This is an absorbing, heart-breaking read about the lengths a mother will go to protect her child and the consequences of that decision. As the narrative skillfully moves between 'before' and 'after,' the truth of events behind a beloved son's death are revealed to the reader. It's a book that makes you think about your own choices and how you would act in the situations the characters find themselves in - for that reason alone, it's a book that will lodge in your mind long after you've finished it. Perfect for a book club discussion, although some of the events might be triggering to some. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

The Hint of Light is an emotional gut punch of a novel that considers the lengths a mother will go to to protect her child. But Kisska surprised me by going even deeper. What happens when the choices a mother makes aren’t the right ones? How does a child cope with the burden of a mother’s desire for safety at all costs? I’m still pondering these question days after finishing the book thanks to the immediacy of Kisska’s writing and the complex relationships between her characters. She seamlessly switches between dual timelines and three POV characters so that I kept turning the pages late into the night. Highly recommend as a book club read—you’ll definitely want to talk about it as soon as you finish reading!

I found the premise of the book to be Intriguing, especially as the book follows a mother grieving her son. I loved how the story was told in three different perspectives. Kyles love for his daughter was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I was not a fan of the ending, it changed the entire story for me.

I loved the narration by the three key characters, each with a distinctive voice, and whose stories flipped between timelines to keep up the suspense. Definitely a 'just-one-more-chapter' kind of book that kept me reading (way past bedtime!) Powerful themes about love, tragedy, forgiveness and family made painful reading at times, with twists and turns skilfully navigated to an unexpected conclusion.

A heart breaking story of a mother, Margaret, who lost her only son, Kyle to reasons she questions. Kyle who carries a dark secret that has led him alcoholism. As he goes through his journey of recovery, he learns that he has a daughter, Ally. For once, he has a reason why to quit.

This story comes with three different perspectives: Margaret, Kyle and his daughter Ally. I thoroughly enjoyed this part. I loved knowing their perspective in regards to Kyle but also knowing about Kyle and his tribulations. His love for his daughter was life transforming. And I found it to be heartfelt. I could not help to feel so much for the entire family. Would I recommend it? Yes, but be prepared for it to be hard at times. Also, it should be noted that there is a very descriptive sexual assault and that may be hard to read for some.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy.

I so enjoyed this poignant women’s fiction about a mother/son relationship and the secrets they both keep. Perfect for anyone who has known or loved an addict, for anyone who wishes they could get a do-over on some moment in their life. You perceive Kisska’s depth of feeling, get a sense (confirmed in the author’s note) that she has personal experience with some of the topics and themes. On top of that, I didn’t see the ending coming.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

After a lifelong battle with alcoholism, Margaret Dobrescu's son Kyle suffers an accidental death under strange circumstances. Margaret is left struggling to deal with the situation. As well as her profound sense of loss, she is struggling with a sense of guilt over how Kyle lived, as well as how he died.

When Margaret finds out from her husband that Kyle once mentioned having a daughter, she becomes obsessed with the idea of identifying this grandchild, a final link to her lost boy.

The book features three perspectives, depicted before and after the death. We hear from a girl who is grieving the father she barely knew, from a mother who is drowning in sorrow and regrets, and from Kyle himself.

This is a story that will touch the hearts of readers, and lingers in the mind long after the telling of it.

This was an emotionally charged drama about family and the things that are done to protect them. The writing was crisp with a strong plot and an eclectic cast of characters making it easy to follow along with what the author had intended. The author weaved a before and after narrative with mother, son, and granddaughter connecting the story to get a fuller picture of what is happening on the page. Exposed secrets surfaced in her quest to find her granddaughter. And that finale, that I did not see coming. Overall, a satisfying read, and I look forward to reading more stories by this author.

In "A Hint of Light" by Kristin Kisska, readers are immersed in an emotional and gripping tale that explores the depths of loss, love, and the enduring human spirit. With beautiful prose and well-drawn characters, Kisska crafts a story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.

The narrative centers around Margaret Dobrescu, a mother struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of her son, Kyle. Ravaged by grief and guilt, Margaret carries the weight of responsibility for her son's lifelong battle with alcoholism. However, the story takes an unexpected turn when Margaret's husband reveals a long-held secret: Kyle had a daughter.

Fuelled by the possibility of finding a connection to her deceased son, Margaret embarks on a search for her rumored granddaughter, hoping to find solace and redemption. As she delves deeper into Kyle's past, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to unravel her family's foundation. Unbeknownst to Margaret, the truths she unearths in her quest for answers will challenge everything she thought she knew about herself and her son.

Kristin Kisska skilfully explores themes of unconditional love, guilt, and the consequences of keeping secrets. Through Margaret's journey, readers are taken on an emotional roller coaster, experiencing the depths of despair and the glimmers of hope that emerge amidst the darkness. Kisska's writing is evocative and poignant, allowing readers to feel the raw emotions experienced by the characters.

The pacing of "A Hint of Light" is well-paced, with each chapter unveiling new revelations and twists that keep readers engaged. The author's attention to detail and ability to craft believable, complex characters add depth to the story. Margaret's internal struggle is portrayed with authenticity, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist.

While the story effectively captures the essence of the human experience, some readers may find that certain subplots could have been further developed to provide additional depth and resolution. Nonetheless, "A Hint of Light" remains a powerful and thought-provoking read.

Overall, "A Hint of Light" is an exquisite novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate emotionally charged dramas with a touch of mystery. Kristin Kisska's storytelling prowess shines through, presenting a tale of love and loss that explores the complexities of family bonds and the importance of facing one's secrets. This book is highly recommended for those seeking a compelling and heartfelt narrative.

THE HINT OF LIGHT is an entertaining and emotional read. If you're a fan of family dramas, you'll love this one. The back and forth structure works extremely well for this story, and I enjoyed reading the POVs from Margaret, Kyle, and Ally. Ultimately, this story with its themes of motherhood, family ties, and forgiveness, will tug at your heartstrings. I especially appreciated the reminder to share everything (even traumatic experiences) with loved ones. The epilogue adds a twist that feels surprising and yet inevitable. I look forward to more from this talented author. Perfect for bookclubs!

This is a poignant and heartbreaking story about a mother’s guilt after the sudden death of her alcoholic son, a daughter’s love for the father she hardly knew and a sister trying to hold the family together through their grief.

Kyle died after a bad fall while he was drunk. Shortly before his death, he met a daughter that he never knew he had. This story is told in the before and after of Kyle’s death. After his death, when his mother learns she has another grandchild, she spends every waking moment trying to find her. Secrets are uncovered and suspicions are aroused.

I found this story entertaining and interesting. I rate it 3 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy.

The Hint of Light looked like a promising read to me, but, alas, it was not for me.

While the story line - young man who just happens to be the father of a daughter unknown to his family - dies suddenly, leaving his family grieving, not only for his passing but for all his potential missed opportunities (he was an alcoholic) and suddenly the daughter, who had found him after 18 years, appears on the scene. The story is told from multiple points in time by multiple narrators, a literary technique I generally like.

That said, I found the writing simplistic as well as heavy handed and laden with cliches, and the characters were two dimensional and quite boring. I did not finish the book as I generally prefer a more sophisticated writing style.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wow!
This is a heartbreaking story of a mother's guilt over the sudden death of her son and her search to find the truth of a secret discovered after his demise.
Margaret makes this her mission becoming enveloped in Kyle's past and his old belongings as she tries to find the granddaughter that she never knew existed.
It is emotional, sad and definitely at times a tough read,
I absolutely loved the writing of this novel, the details and especially the ending chapters. as it put closure to my questions I had and neatly wrapped it up.
I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Lake Union for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review. Well done!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.

Margaret is struggling with the recent death of her son. She blames herself for his lifelong struggles with alcohol. She then learns that he told her husband that he had a daughter somewhere out there. She is then searching for the granddaughter and so many secrets surface.

This book is told in the present from the viewpoints of Margaret and Ally (the daughter), as well as Kyle in the past. It's really heartbreaking to read Kyle's perspective of all the struggles he was going through and how he would take a step forward and then two steps back. Grief takes so many shapes in the forms of Margaret of what she could have done differently and Ally of the father she barely knew.

I thought the ending was so unnecessary and changed what kind of book this was meant to be.