*Please note: This post contains affiliate links.
Earlier this month, one of my favorite middle grade authors, Anna Rose Johnson, released her new historical middle grade novel. It’s called The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, and I’ve been excited to tell you about it ever since I read an advanced reader copy in December.
But first, a little background. Anna Rose’s debut novel, The Star that Always Stays, was published in 2022 (read my book review for that one here!). The Star that Always Stays is compelling, hope-filled, inspired by true family history—and I fell in love with the story.
So, when I saw Anna Rose had a new novel coming out, I knew I had to read it. But honestly, I didn’t think I could possibly love it as much as I had loved The Star that Always Stays.
But Anna Rose Johnson has crafted another beautiful, heartwarming tale with The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry (Amazon Affliate Link).
The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry is the story of Lucy, a French-Ojibwe orphan with a big imagination who is sent to live with a family of lighthouse-keepers on Lake Superior after her guardian passes away.
While Lucy deals with her fear of the lake and tries to find her place in a new family, she also embarks on a quest to find the treasure her father had searched for—a priceless ruby necklace.
Lucy was such an easy-to-love main character, with her big heart and imagination and clear Anne-of-Green-Gables vibes. And she is surrounded by a large cast of characters who are all important and distinct and lovable in their own ways, coming to life on the page. Plus, the setting of the island was so charming.
But perhaps one of the things I loved most about Lucy’s story was the way it showcases courage.
Courage to do the right thing, even when it’s hard. Courage to step into something new and unexpected. Courage to be generous, even when it hurts. Courage to be who God has created us to be.
And most of all, courage because of the One who created us.
When we are standing on the shores of our own Lake Superiors, staring out at the stormy waters ahead, will we have the courage to trust in God? To do what He is calling us to do?
I love that readers can look at Lucy, even with all of her mistakes and her struggles, and see a girl who was brave. Brave in her adventures, and brave in her search for belonging.
And I am so thrilled to be able to recommend this book to readers and to say . . . it’s finally available to purchase! You can get your copy today (Amazon Affiliate Link)!
Never forget . . . you are wonderfully created.
Love,
Becca
