Where the Light Shines

By: Kathryn Andrews

Narrated by: Hannah Chiclana

Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

From best-selling author Kathryn Andrews comes a deeply emotional story about starting over, learning the true meaning of happiness, and finding love.

With a broken heart and a desperate need to hide from the spotlight, Chicago socialite Rylie Crest flees to a small town on the west coast of Florida to start over. On a winding crystal-clear river, under the tall pines and aging oaks, she buys an old abandoned home in hopes of restoring it, only to find that a specter of the past seems to haunt the river's edge. Filling her days by stripping wallpaper, sanding floors, and discovering the secrets her house has left behind, she fills her nights by imploring the river to take her sorrows and set her free.

But that’s the thing about hiding and secrets; whether we want them to or not, they always have a way of coming into the light.

Amid the heat of the summer and an unexpected chance at love, Rylie must learn to let go of the past and reveal what she's been hiding—only then can she discover what happiness truly is.

Fans of The House on Tradd Street, Under the Tuscan Sun, and Where the Crawdads Sing will fall in love with the descriptive Southern charm laced with secrets and mystery and romance in Where the Light Shines.

©2023 Kathryn Andrews (P)2023 Kathryn Andrews

Love story with a ghost in it? Why, yes please!

Having never read any books from this author, I didn’t know what to expect. However, I truly enjoyed it. The story kept me interested and was not predictable. The narration was spot on. Loved it.

Wonderful story, better narration!

What a sweet, adventurous, profound, sometimes bittersweet roller coaster. I loved this super emotional story, lots of twists and turns, made even more delicious by the sumptuous narration by THE Hannah Chiclana. You’ll enjoy this one.

Love!!

Great story!! The male voice is no the best but I got used to it!!

A journey of the heart! Loved it!

First, as a Florida girl who grew up going to an old family vacation home in Homasassa Springs, I have been so excited for this book to release! It did not disappoint! I love all of Kathryn’s books, but this one was different, it was a passion project for her. While staying true to her southern landscapes & locations, and a beautiful love story that slowly develops, she reached into other genres with this one, and did so magnificently. Bringing in the history of the area, Ryla’s “new” old home & an old love story, she weaved in a ghost story that fit Ryla’s journey perfectly. Speaking of Ryla’s journey, Kathryn took us through a heart pulling tale of rediscovery, exploring one’s own truths, finding happiness again and fearlessly starting over.

While making a fresh start, Ryla also has to learn how to face the secrets she has tried so hard to run from. Through all of this, though it was the last thing she was looking for, Ryla finds love again. And, oh, how heart stoppingly wonderful this new love is. I would call this a subtle romance book, as that is not the main focus of Ryla’s story, but the author weaves it in perfectly.

You truly feel like you are there with Ryla, in the quaint southern town of Chuluota Springs, a name the author thoughtfully picked, as it means Beautiful View in the Seminole Indian language. I love that she paid homage to our native Florida Seminole Indians, if you are from old Florida you know that Floridians believe this land is protected by the Native American spirits.

I just love how this story has such flowing words and colorful writing skills by the author. It brings you there visually, sitting on the dock looking out into the peaceful inlet with a friendly manatee (aka chubby mermaid) popping up to say hi. It draws you into the historic neglected antebellum style home and let’s you feel the love Ryla pours into restoring it. As she discovers the secrets of the house, her own secrets surface & as she brings the house’s beauty back to life, board by board, she rebuilds her own life & puts her heart back together, piece by piece.

For lovers of Kathryn’s writing, I must mention that she didn’t leave out the occasional mention of amazing southern foods! If you know, you know…and if you don’t…go now, right now, and start her Starving for Southern series! 😉😋

Ryla is as compelling a protagonist as any in a fiction book. There are so many very human and real emotions that you can’t help but feel a connection to her. The author gave a perfect depth to the characters and left me always wanting more….hint hint to Kathryn Andrews! A sequel is most definitely wanted by this reader!

Its hard to pick my favorite part of this book; the story, characters, setting, descriptions of the southern Gulf Coast town…they all combine to make a memorable and enjoyable experience. The narrator did a great job capturing the characters personalities & keeping a steady, enjoyable pace throughout the book. If you love nature, you will love this book. If you love mystery, you will love this book. If you love romance, you will love this book.

Left my light shining!

This was such a delicious blend of mystery, romance, and self discovery. The blossoming love story kept my heart a flutter and craving for more. The hidden secrets of the beautifully described house created such intrigue and excitement. Following along with Riley’s journey to starting anew and learning who she is and wants to be brought such comfort through every chapter. As someone who lived in Florida for a long time, the home references were such a nice delight as well! One of my faves so far read by the ever glorious Hannah Chiclana.