Channel Lights

Caution. I am completely biased as I am friends with the author! This book is a fantastic read for those who have felt the anxiety of career creation after college and the pressure we set to define ourselves with.

I feel as if this book is a warm visit to a beach. Its a vacation that details the blissful redefining that one grows through in the summer. A soft and delicate transition from winters pale skin to summers dewy tan. Although you may be tempted to drift into the lull of a wave or a summer romance, the book begins to sprinkle in a deeper mystery unfolding behind the sunshine.

The romance in the book is a tight rope of tension. An slow and simmering boil between Ryland Powers and Jack Vo. Which perfectly aligns with the tone of the book. Its not about the loud and obvious movements its all about the light touches. The soft way that a heart opens into anothers to reveal more than just passion but a deeper sense of connection. I found myself reading through some of the tension moments thinking that this was the section where everything would start moving, only to realize that the tension was just escalating further.

In a similar fashion, the mystery that begins to brew is lurking behind several small details. It never feels like an outright murder is happening but as the reader you are aware that something larger is coming. The mystery felt very Scooby Doo Gang coded (complimentary) which was a fun journey and the only approach I would take when faced with a similar scenario. I will say that I was surprised at the ending and the reveal. AGAIN very Scooby Doo.

This is a giant love letter to Rhode Island and the author really sets the tone of vacation and beach weather. Just like the main character is capturing pieces of the island through his photography, I felt these vignettes of seashores and lighthouses were crafted in a meticulous way that framed the entire island perfectly.

This is fun and easy reading that demands to be read on the beach or poolside as you sink furhter and furhter into a vacation or into summer. Did I book a trip to beach after reading this... yes.

If you are a fan of TJ Klune or The House in the Cerulean Sea then I would say that this would match up for a good read ( although this book does not have magical kids).