My Thoughts:

Chase the Light felt like stepping into one of those windswept coastal stories where every hidden corner carries a secret and every character is searching for something far deeper than they first realize. Suzanne Woods Fisher created such an immersive atmosphere within Acadia National Park that I could practically hear the crashing waves against the rocks and feel the early morning chill rolling in off the water. Between the abandoned lighthouse, the century-old shipwreck mystery, and the hunt for hidden gold, there was always something pulling the story forward, but what truly held my attention was the emotional depth woven underneath all of it.

Scout was such an interesting character to follow because beneath her determination and love for the park was someone quietly trying to heal from abandonment, family wounds, and the pressure of never fully feeling seen for who she truly is. I appreciated that her journey wasn’t rushed or overly dramatic. Instead, it unfolded naturally through the people around her, the choices she had to make, and the truths she slowly uncovered about both herself and others. And while there is technically a love triangle in this story, it never felt overly frustrating to me because the emotional connection between Scout and Naki felt grounded in mutual understanding, trust, and genuine care from the very beginning. Naki quickly became my favorite character because of his quiet steadiness, wisdom, and the way he seemed to truly see Scout beneath all of her walls.

What surprised me most about this story was how much heart existed beneath the adventure and mystery elements. Yes, the treasure hunt itself was clever and incredibly fun to follow, especially with the historical clues and hidden connections tied throughout Acadia, but this story ultimately felt far more centered on identity, forgiveness, reconciliation, and learning how to trust again after disappointment. Suzanne Woods Fisher also handled the themes surrounding the Penobscot Nation, prejudice, and cultural misunderstanding with thoughtfulness and care, which added another layer of richness to the story. The faith thread was woven in gently, offering moments of encouragement and reflection without ever feeling heavy-handed.

More than anything, Chase the Light left me thinking about how easy it is to chase after recognition, certainty, or even treasure while missing the deeper things our hearts are actually longing for. Beneath the mystery, this is really a story about being known, being understood, and learning that healing often happens one small step at a time. By the final pages, I felt both emotionally satisfied and incredibly nostalgic for the journey these characters had taken together, and honestly, it made me want to immediately plan a trip to Acadia National Park myself.