Petra, youngest daughter of a British lighthouse keeper, is about to have her world turned upside down by World War II. She and her sister Magda have always loved their cozy home in the cottage attached to the lighthouse, near a small seaside town. However, their German-born mother is sent away to an internment camp at the start of the war, under suspicion of having passed maps and charts to the enemy. Somebody in their village is a traitor, and all Petra knows is that her mother would never do such a thing. But who would? If she can figure out the mystery, will she get her mother back?

I found this a compelling read. The lighthouse setting is intriguing and the mystery element is strong. There's some adventure and some tragedy, though many of the horrors of war are kept at a distance. It doesn't quite have the warmth of The War that Saved My Life, but readers who enjoy British home-front stories would do well to consider this one. ( )

Very enjoyable and compelling all the way through, possibly even more so than The Secret of Nightingale Wood. Only one slight grumble: the villain unnecessarily making a full confession instead of just getting on with the nefarious deeds was a little cliched and had a Scooby Doo feel to it. "And I would have got away with it too if it hadn't been for you pesky kids!" ( )

Historical fiction with a twist of legend. Petra, or "Pet" has always loved the legend of the Daughters of Stone, four pillars standing by the lighthouse where her father is the keeper. But she also fears them, and knows that she is destined to become a part of the legend. Happy living in the cottage below the lighthouse, "First Mate" to her beloved father, apprentice to her mother's artistry, and admirer of her strong older sister, Mags, Pet's world is shattered by World War II. First, Mags comes home with a split lip. Then her darling Mother is accused of being a spy because she was born in Germany. Lucy Strange expertly weaves historic fact with legend, telling the tale of one family's struggles and one girl's growing courage during tumultuous times. Readers will relate to Pet's fears as the war closes in on her coastal community, as she is forced to endure enemy aircraft bombings, the deterioration of her community's support, even division in her family. I was particularly drawn to the analogies between the standing stones and the name Petra meaning stone, and how this affects and motivates her. The author's lyrical writing and poetic descriptions of the sea and coast elevates the story to fine literature. Includes an Historical Note. ( )

http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/2019/03/12/lucy-strange-vilagitotorony-legend... ( )

Beautifully written and touching story of a young girl with a British father and German mother at the beginning of WWII. Excellent and multi-layered. Can be read as an adult novel, I believe. ( )