Anybody who knows my story, knows that Colleen is my mentor and a dear friend. She’s also a fabulous writer, one who sweeps me into her story world. The Mercy Falls series has been no different, and The Lightkeeper’s Ball is a wonderful addition.


The setup is elaborate with Olivia Stewart finding herself backed into a position where she must marry a man she doesn’t know — and one she fears killed her sister. She agrees to cross the country to see him, but only if he doesn’t know she’s coming. Then Harrison Bennett is even less interested in marrying her. He’s convinced her sister used him, and has no intention of committing to marry another Stewart. From her first moment near Mercy Falls, Olivia’s life is threatened and makes a decision that could protect her life, but cost her love. The intensity of the story doesn’t falter as Olivia and Harrison work from opposite ends to solve the mystery. Add in romance and a fascinating historical timeperiod, and the book was one I couldn’t walk away from. 


For those who have read the earlier installments, you will delight in seeing former lead characters play supporting roles. But for those who this book would mark your first foray into Mercy Falls, you will find the book a delightful stand alone.

What do I have to offer this world?  Can I really be loved for who I am on the outside and not for how others view me?  Where does my true significance come from?  In her third installment of the Mercy Falls series, The Lightkeeper’s Ball, award-winning author Colleen Coble will answer these questions while leading her readers down a path of betrayal, desire and ultimate fulfillment.

  The Mercy Falls series centers on a small town in California and its lighthouse.  Coble uses the lighthouse as a reminder that Jesus is our lighthouse always leading us home.  In her latest addition to the series, the main characters must wrestle with their desire to find fulfillment in more than their work and money while being hunted by those who are holding on to resentment and unforgiveness.

With murder, suspense and desire, readers will enjoy peeling back the layers and discovering that this is more than your average romance novel.  They will be perched on the edge of their seats trying to solve a mystery while discovering that the true worth of an individual never comes from a name or accomplishments.  True worth can only be found in Christ.
 
Q: What inspired you to write a historical series based in the early 1900’s?  What would you have enjoyed about living in that time period and what would you have found the most difficult?

I happened to read an article about the Gilded Age and it mentioned how that era was so similar to today’s.  I was intrigued with that, plus I wanted to choose a time period that wouldn’t be too much of a departure from my contemporary books.  In that era, there were still cars and telephones!

I would have loved the simpler lifestyle.  However, I would miss my jeans!  How vain.

Q: Society at the turn of the century was very preoccupied with appearances and impressing other people.  How is that not so different than our society today and how can we keep from falling into that same trap?

That’s exactly right! The parallels between the two eras are astounding.  I’ve been at the cancer hospital this week with a dear friend, and it was a reminder of how fragile this life is.  We seek THINGS when God wants us to seek Him. We need to keep our eyes set on eternity and remember that THIS life is the real dream.  When we reach heaven, we will finally start to really live.
 
Q: What do you hope that your readers will take away from reading The Lightkeeper’s Ball?

I hope the readers who feel they have to earn love will take away the realization that their true worth is that Jesus loves them and died for them.  They are valuable beyond comprehension.  When we can step into the role of daughters and sons, we can realize our true potential.