Title: Keeper of the Light
Author: Joann Klusmeyer
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media
ISBN: 978-1649084132
Pages: 200
Genre: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
Reviewed by: Aly Avina
Pacific Book Review
One of my favorite things to read about in any novel is a character who defies and beats the odds, overcomes so many obstacles, and thrives in spite of all of the harrowing situations they find themselves in leading up to this moment. That is a large theme in Keeper of the Light by author Joann Klusmeyer. This is especially true for our main character Emmaline, who goes by Emma, and is an extraordinary person who is destined for great things despite the circumstances of her earlier years or even how she came into this world in the first place.
It was originally thought that Emma wouldn’t even survive after being born, seeing as her mother had not. But she fought tooth and nail to survive, with the help of the midwife and Emma’s family. As she grew up, she faced plenty of obstacles but she also saw her ability to carry the light — a true gift she was blessed with — become stronger and stronger as the years went by. With the help of Big Papa, she honed her gift and even learned to read, which only better served her and the others she would help with this gift. She also wrote many books as she grew up thanks to the teachings she received early on in life.
The story continues to show Emma’s trial and tribulations and the beauty of her holding the light. For her, “it is never dark if you carry the light”. You can see throughout this novel that there are a lot of references and religious undertones to further the story along. This makes us understand Emma’s gift from a whole new perspective. Particularly because there are a lot of mentions of the Angels that help protect and guard the camp where Emma lived growing up. For anyone who either grew up religious or still practices their religion today, this book will immediately be something you connect to when reading it.
The author expertly weaves the story together to show the good and bad times of Emma’s life and how she always overcame the odds no matter what. That the light that she carried would not only be a good thing for her but would help many others as well, as she finds out later on. The writing style is evenly-paced and will intrigue the reader to want to continue on this journey with Emma and her beautiful gift. It has a wonderful message within this book that will leave you breathless. Make sure to pick up your copy of Keeper of the Light by Joann Klusmeyer.
