This is book 7 in the Dune Island series, I haven't read the others but from what I can work out they are standalone stories set in the same location rather than a series that needs to be read in order. As such, I didn't feel that anything was missing by not having read the others.

I absolutely loved escaping to Dune Island and meeting some of the wonderful people who live there. I really think I need to move to the seaside, although I don't want to be discovering decades old secrets!

This was a really relaxing read. I could picture the lighthouse, the sea, the waves; and I fell head over heels for Abigail and Cody. What wonderful children, whose trauma at everything they'd experienced was written wonderfully.

I'll admit that I didn't guess what the secret was, I was convinced it was something else. I can't say what, as I like to keep my reviews spoiler free.

If you want to escape to the coast for a few hours, even if only in a book, then you won't go wrong with The Secret of Ruby's Lighthouse.

I love this authors writing. And The Secret of Ruby's Lighthouse did not disappoint!
Harper has written another charming story that hooked me from the very beginning.
The story was very well written I thought and the characters were wonderfully developed and so very real, they almost felt like real people at times, not just characters.
The setting is descriptive and alluring.
It will hold your attention and draw you in, taking you on journey I wished didn’t end so soon!

Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I loved this book. Kristin Harper has become one of my favorite authors, and this latest book in a must read.
Simon and Meg each find themselves facing life challenges, and for their own reasons they are spending their summer at Dune Island. Meg is helping her Aunt run the Inn and Simon is staying at his family cottage, one he plans to sell. While their friendship blossoms into more, they each have hurdles they need to face and overcome before they can be together. But, what they each need is at odds with what the other needs.
I love the characters, the beautiful setting, and the plot that flowed so smoothly and hooked me from the start.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I am really enjoying the Dune Island series and eagerly look forward to each new release. The setting of the books sounds so beautiful and like such a relaxing place I'd love to visit. I'll admit I've enjoyed the characters I've met in the books as well. Having an older person as one of the main characters makes for a heartfelt and emotional read as well. As with the other books the older character has a secret. Due to some health problems, she is unable to communicate what she needs to her great-niece. I just couldn't put the book down as I was swept away reading, I just had to know what the secret was. Will finding out what this secret is be able to help stop the development of a luxury beach hotel that would put Ruby's little years old and charming seaside bed and breakfast out of business. The tension rises as Simon plans to stay for the summer on the island with his children while going ahead with his plans to build the beach resort.
Meg Carter, despite her wanting to dislike Simon and his children for his plans that will put her Aunt Ruby's livelihood out of business finds herself enjoying her time spent with Simon and his young children. Despite butting heads on many factors could there possibly be a compromise made in the best interest of both parties when the secret is discovered.
I really enjoy the author's heartwarming and unputdownable books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Ruby owns a beautiful coastal inn that has been in her family for many years. It is in much need of renovation. Ruby calls on her great niece Meg Carter to spend the summer with her to help with the renovations. Simon, the former owners grandson, decides he wants to sell his land to a resort developer. The new development will eliminate the amazing views of the lighthouse, and that will put Ruby’s beautiful inn out of business.

The renovation might not even happen, if the resort succeeds, then there will be no new guests and the renovation wouldn’t be needed. Ruby has discovered a secret about Simon and needs to let Meg know about it. But Ruby is taken ill and Meg’s focus changes from the inn to her beloved great-aunt Ruby’s health. Meg must decide between her aunt Ruby, the family inn and Simon. She has to find a way to make it all come together before it’s too late.

The Secret of Ruby’s Lighthouse, written by author Kristin Harper, is a wonderful and captivating story of family, new friends and hope in the future. Dune Island is a place I have always loved to visit through this authors books. It always seems like a magical place that I don’t want to leave.

This wonderful and captivating book hit all the feels I loved Meg and her great-aunt Ruby. I was transported back to Dune Island and it is a place that feels like home. Although this is part of a series it can be read as a standalone, but my suggestion is read the entire series it is phenomenal. I highly recommend this book.

Kristin Harper delivers another heartfelt and engaging novel with The Secret of Ruby’s Lighthouse, a story that beautifully blends family, romance, and mystery. Set on the picturesque Dune Island, the book follows Meg Carter as she returns to help her great-aunt Ruby restore their beloved inn—only to find its future threatened by a looming luxury resort development. The stakes get even higher when Ruby cryptically hints that the lighthouse holds a long-buried secret, setting Meg on a journey to uncover the truth.

What I loved most about this book was its rich sense of place—Harper paints the coastal setting so vividly that I felt like I was right there, listening to the waves and smelling the salty air. The characters were well-developed, especially Meg, whose determination and love for her family were so easy to root for. The added romance with Simon and the connection with his children brought warmth and depth to the story, making it more than just a fight to save the inn.

The mystery surrounding the lighthouse was intriguing without being overly dramatic, and the pacing kept me engaged throughout. Harper does a wonderful job balancing tension with heartfelt moments, making this book perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about family legacies, second chances, and small-town charm.

Overall, The Secret of Ruby’s Lighthouse is a delightful read that left me feeling nostalgic and hopeful. If you love women’s fiction with a touch of romance and mystery, this one is definitely worth picking up!

This was a outstanding book. Everything about the book was great. I loved the characters and the plot was amazing. I would recommend this to to all of my friends.

This is a lovely book you will want to read from cover to cover. The setting is a charming coastal island with a lighthouse the feature in the book. Atmospheric coastal breezes, warm sun and the sound of waves spring to mind as I read this book. A niece returns to her Aunt's Lighthouse Inn to help her aging Aunt. The Inn and rooms need upkeep her Aunt is not able to provide. When a local Grandson returns to the property next door he wants to sell to developers. The contention is palpable between the characters as the Aunt takes ill leaving a clue to a hidden secret for her niece to find.

I loved this story .The setting, the characters and the story will warm your heart. Its the perfect book to escape with for a afternoon of enjoyable reading. Well done to the author. Thank you to the publisher, the author and to Net Galley My review opinions are my own.

Meg is a great protagonist for this book and a solid lead for a women’s fiction novel. While I appreciated her intentions and loyalty to her great-aunt Ruby, I couldn’t shake the feeling that, as the story progressed, both she and the other characters remained somewhat static. That’s not to say they were poorly written—I liked them—but I struggled to fully believe they reached the final chapters without a more significant turning point or a greater sense of growth. I can’t help but wonder if reading the previous six books in the series would have changed my perspective. Hence, my three-star rating

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I really enjoyed this story.

Meg takes time out of her job and goes to spend time with her great Aunt Ruby and help her to run her inn. Which is in the Misty Point Lighthouse.

Whilst she’s making changes to ensure Ruby doesn’t have much to do when she leaves after the summer, Simon, who is Gordon's grandson arrives with his children to stay in the small cottage nearby the inn.

Then Ruby is taken ill and whilst Meg takes over the running of the inn, she finds out that Simon is selling the cottage and yet they both become more than friends.

When Meg is told by Ruby that the secret is in the Lighthouse, she begins to look for what that could mean.

What is the secret and will Simon sell the property?

I recommend this book.

This was an enjoyable read. I loved the story of the Inn and the lighthouse.
I loved the main character, Meg, and her relationship with Simon and his children. I liked how they started off with a bit of conflict that grew into a blossoming romance.
Ruby's 'secret' wasn't all that surprising to me. It annoyed me how obvious it was and yet nobody guessed it!

This is a lovely story of family ties, gentle romance, and a small town, cosy inn.

A sweet book, with heartfelt characters and an engaging storyline. Not the most radical or surprising book, but a gentle read that hit the spot - secrets, estranged families, ill health, romantic interests and adorable children!

This author spins a good story although a little predictable in places.

3.5* rounded up - although it took ages to read, it didn’t feel slow!

This novel is the perfect warm, scenic, summer escape.
The title of this book immediately captured my attention - I love stories that feature a lighthouse (I also have a lighthouse tattoo!). Lighthouses have played such a significant role in history and they are seen as a beacon of hope, guidance and safety.

The cover of the book is beautiful - a lovely reflection of the story contained within the pages. And what an enjoyable and engaging story it is - with mystery and hidden secrets, but underpinning this is the strength of family, love and restoration.

The setting is glorious. Through the author’s descriptive writing I could really visualise the inn, the beach, the lighthouse and surrounding landscape - and actually capture the essence of what Misty Point represents as a place of peace, healing and unspoilt beauty. The story makes me want to follow in Meg’s footsteps and walk along the beach at Misty Point…..I think I’ll have to settle for reading the rest of the Dune Island series instead!

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the publisher, Bookouture. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The 7th in the Dune Island series. This is a fantastic series, and the books are easily stand alone, too. Wonderful setting and great characters.

Ruby owns a small inn on Dune Island and in her later years is slowing down. Her great-niece, Meg, is spending the summer helping her out. But there is a big surprise that summer - the grandson, Simon, of the past owners decides to sell his adjoining land to developers that will put in a luxery resort and ruin Ruby's magnificent view of the lighthouse.

Ruby decides to share her secret, but has a stroke before she can tell Meg. She left a couple clues to lead Meg to the story, and hopes she shares it with Simon. In the meantime, Meg is trying to run the inn, keep sane and is falling in love with Simon and his children. Ruby's secret will change everything.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

some books come along. you read them and you want to cherish them. you want to read more and more and yet dont, because that means they will end. this book had all that and more. and had me wishing i had a special book fund so that i could buy books to keep forever on a shelf( in a beauty and the beast library would be perfect,please?)
these books are about love,family and a little sprinkle of mystery in there too. they are about so much more than a book of words. they are lessons, they are healing for the reader too, they are reflective and they are perfect. i know im going on but i just loved this book. and it and others of the same ilk and authors are my favorite. top top top tier books and genre that have my heart every time.
they also have those little things we all adore from these books. the romance of course, the great character both central and side. and most will have those special character usually elderly that steal your heart.
i want to live amongst this community. i smelt the air, i saw the colors i felt the homes warmth. some book are almost too good at making you wish you could live amongst them!
This book feature Meg. who has come to the island to help her Aunt ruby to run her inn for the summer. but a shock comes to them both when the man who owns the land next door is going to sell. and this will put her Aunt out of business and possibly then her home for good. Meg is hurt. hurt more that Simon could be the one doing this to them. to her.
when her aunt is suddenly taken ill she leaves Meg the running of the ill and also the whisper of a secret. one Ruby aims to solve in order to save the lighthouse. could this secret be the key. but could it also hurt the building feeling and relationship between Ruby and Simon.

Lovely characters….
Lovely setting….
Lovely romance….
Lovely story….
This story takes you on an emotional journey. A loving story about family, loyalty and unexpected surprises.
I loved how the love of reading books played a prominent part in the story.
All in all, a enjoyable story that kept me engaged.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A really sweet story which I enjoyed reading and I loved the escapism of Dune Island with it's gorgeous beaches and lighthouse.

Meg arrives on the island to help her great aunt Ruby run her quaint inn for the summer, but neither Meg nor Ruby are ready for the shock they get when they find out that Simon, the owner of the land next door, plans to sell to a developer. When Ruby is taken ill, she alludes to a secret and it's left to Meg to run the inn, try to convince Simon not to sell and to solve the mystery of her aunt's secret.

This is a feel good read that transported me to the island's beach, with it's salty air and pretty lighthouse and I could feel the warmth of the sun on my skin as I let myself become absorbed in Meg's world. I loved Aunt Ruby's sayings, they made me chuckle and the connection between Meg and Simon, regardless of how much they tried to pretend it wasn't there, was undeniable, despite his seemingly selfish behaviour when he first arrived on the island. As his story unravelled, my heart went out to him and I was very happy with how the story wrapped up in the end.

4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Kristin Harper and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.

The Secret of Ruby's Lighthouse is book 7 of the Dune Island series. I have read several of Kristin Harper's novels and found that they are a terrific escape from the worry and pain of the world. Harper creates novels about love and loss, about quiet, peaceful moments that heal the people and communities in which they are set. The Secret of Ruby's Lighthouse is about more than romance. It is about the importance of family and the need for family to help heal pain. I enjoyed the descriptions of the land and the story about the Misty Point Lighthouse and the purpose of the colors.

Harper's books are to be devoured and enjoyed. These are novels that transport readers to lovely places of peace and happiness. I enjoyed the characters and the plot, and while happiness and joy are the goal, there is a bit of mystery to be solved, as well. It is nice to take a break from murders and conflict and just read a gentle novel of love and happiness. As is true of most romance and family oriented novels, the ending is predictable, but there is nothing wrong with a happy ending. There are times when readers need that happy ending.

The Secret of Ruby's Lighthouse is a wonderful beach read, and I do recommend it, whether readers are on vacation or just want an escape from the world. Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. I enjoyed The Secret of Ruby's Lighthouse very much.
5 stars

This is my first Kristin Harper read and I absolutely loved it! She not only tells a great story but there is also a bit of a mystery and a lesson. Harper does a great job of showing the basic principal of not judging a book by its cover not only literally but figuratively as well. When I picked up this book I thought it would be like other beach reads that I have loved but I found it was so much more than a summer romance story. Its a story of family and the history of our families and how a misperception of one family member leads to years of anger and resentment. It also prevents future family members from learning the real truth. This book surprised me on so many levels and I am happy to say one of my new favorites! I cant wait to read more of Kristin Harper´s books. Do not miss out on this story of Meg and her love for her Aunt Ruby and Misty Point.

A lovely lighthearted story of a failing inn, a helpful niece, the threatened building of a new resort all centred around a lighthouse and the quest to find a secret.