The Light Between Oceans is a historical fiction that tells the story of Tom Sherbourne and Isabel Graysmark.

Tom is a decorated war hero who made it back to his home in Australia after fighting in World War I. While he is physically spared, Tom suffers from survivor’s guilt and has constant nightmares. He is looking for a job where he can find quiet and peace. That’s when he decides to work as a lightkeeper on Janus Rock. During the days leading up to his posting, he meets Isabel. As he begins his duty on Janus Rock, Tom falls in love with the simplicity of life on the light. His only contact with the outside world happens during the visit from Ralph and Bluey, who visit every three months to replenish the supply. He corresponds with Isabel via letters and visits her during his time off on the mainland. Eventually, they get married and come to Janus Rock to start a new life.

Madly in love, the couple spends the few months happily in the lighthouse. However, when Isabel suffers two miscarriages and one stillbirth, they are devastated. Two weeks after the stillbirth, the couple finds a boat with a dead body and an infant. Tom wants to report it immediately, owing to his duty, but Isabel insists that they keep the baby. Torn between the love for his wife and the commitment to his duty, Tom makes a choice. A choice that alters the lives of many people, both in the lighthouse as well as in the mainland.

How did it make me feel?

What a beautiful, heart-wrenching story. I absolutely loved it! The characters in The Light Between Oceans will make homes in your heart. I was hurting for Tom, constantly swaying from annoyance to profound sadness for Isabel. Author Steadman persistently keeps you feeling a wide range of emotions throughout the book, and I loved every bit of it.

It makes you question what is important in life; doing the right thing? Letting fate take care of everything? What is the definition of ‘right’ when it comes to everything you hold dear? I absolutely loved how this book made my heart skip a beat. The Light Between Oceans made me cry and I’m sure it’ll make you too. Grab a tissue and definitely go for this one.

You can get The Light Between Oceans on Amazon. If you use my link to buy, I may get a small commission at NO additional cost to you! It will help me keep my blog running! 🙂 Thank you for your support!