Andrea Boeshaar is our guest today.

She wrote a book called Love’s Guiding Light. She’s here to share the story behind her story.

Amanda Lewis is about to lose the only home she’s ever known—the cottage at the North Point Light in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her mother had received the commission to operate the lighthouse, but tragedy rips away that commission.

the cottage at the North Point Light in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her mother had received the commission to operate the lighthouse, but tragedy rips away that commission.

Captain Ezra Danfield is new to the city. He plans to give his daughter stability, which includes a home and proper schooling. But a violent storm on Lake Michigan threatens their lives on the night of their arrival, and it’s Amanda Lewis, operating the North Point Light, who guides them safely into Milwaukee’s harbor. He makes a point to thank her, and when she asks for his help, Ezra cannot refuse.

However, Amanda has a few cockamamie ideas that could ruin her life, so Ezra must put a stop to them—even if it means shedding light on the darkest recesses of his heart and soul.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

What inspired you to write this book?

Prior to 1888, the original North Point Light and cottage (built in the mid-1850s) were located too close to the cliffs. Terrible erosion had eaten away at the front yard, threatening the structures, so plans were made in the late 1880s to build the present-day lighthouse and cottage. The work was completed in 1888.

In 1999, when I researched the lighthouse, it stood vacant and in disrepair. The Coast Guard owned the structure, and when I called to ask if I could have a quick look around, my request was politely refused. There was concern that since the lighthouse and adjoining cottage might be unsafe. Carefully, I peeked into tiny spaces of boarded up windows, but couldn’t see much. Finally, I just imagined what the inside of the cottage might look like.

In January 2002, the North Point Lighthouse Friends, Inc. was incorporated to advance a restoration plan. Funds were raised, the lighthouse repaired, and it’s a gorgeous place now.

For me, it’s a favorite spot to visit. I find peace and inspiration, looking over the lake from the front yard. I marvel at God’s handiwork as I take in Lake Michigan’s many shades of blue. I knew even back in the late ‘90s that I had to write a story about the lighthouse.

And my story itself has some history. It was first published under the title A Beacon in the Storm and reprinted several times. I regained the copyrights and now my story has undergone some major reconstruction.

On September 21, 2018, Love’s Guiding Light will release. An old story made new.

Ironically, this short novel is much like the North Point Light in many ways. It’s withstood the test of time and has emerged a shining light of victory.

For more information about the history of the North Point Light, go to its website: http://northpointlighthouse.org/learn/history/

What an intriguing story! Thanks for sharing your inspiration. 

Andrea Boeshaar has been married for more than 40 years. She and her husband have three wonderful sons, one beautiful daughter-in-law, and five precious grandchildren.

Andrea’s publishing career began in 1994 when her first novel was released by Heartsong Presents book club (Barbour Publishing). In 2007, Andrea earned her certification in Christian life coaching and she’ll soon earn her bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Meanwhile, Andrea continues to write. Her latest novels include: Give Me Thine Heart and Love’s Guiding Light (Steeple View Publishing). In 2019, the long-awaited third installment in her Shenandoah Valley Saga will release.

For more information and to sign up for her newsletter, log on to her website, https://andreaboeshaar.com/.

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Andrea is giving away a copy of Love’s Guiding Light. Follow the directions below to enter.

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