Historical Fiction Review: The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book Description:

After three years on a whaling voyage, Henry Macy returns to Nantucket to news that his grandmother has passed, bequeathing her vast fortune to him and his sister, Hitty. And it was truly vast. But Lillian Coffin was no fool. The inheritance comes with a steep cost, including when they should marry and whom--a Quaker in good standing, of course. But if they relinquish the inheritance, it all goes to Tristram Macy, their father's thieving business partner.

As Hitty and Henry seek a way to satisfy the will's conditions, they'll be faced with obstacles on every side--and it may be that Lillian Coffin will have the last word after all.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher surprises and delights with this story of hope and renewal, love and redemption, arriving just when most needed.

My Review:
I've read all three books in the Nantucket Legacy series, and I've enjoyed them all. Suzanne Woods Fisher is an excellent historical fiction writer. As her research brought to light the early history of Nantucket, she captured much of the island's original story. In this third book of the series, The Light Before Day, Suzanne touches on the disagreements over slavery and integration in school, as well as other troubling circumstances. She features several people who lived at that time and contributed to society, including Maria Mitchell and Frederick Douglas. But the true stars of the book are the fictional characters Henry and Hitty, twins who have grown up on Nantucket and are now the adults about to change history. As Henry reads Great Mary's journal, passed on to him by his step-mother Daphne, he learns about what is truly important. Hitty, who has a heart full of love, finally finds a way to share it. Times were both wonderful and difficult for these two. Yet, they depended on God through it all. If you enjoy historical fiction and haven't read the first two in this series, I suggest you begin with book one and read the whole set. If you have read one and two, you're in for a treat with book three. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Purchase The Light Before Day and enter your information to receive a free
Amish Christmas novella signed by Suzanne Woods Fisher. 

Historical Fiction Review: Minding the Light (Nantucket Legacy series) by: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Description:

"How could I have expected so much? How could I have given her so little in return?"

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship's hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn't defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and "mind the Light," finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be--honorable, wise, faithful--she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? 

My Review:
Minding the Light is one of the most interesting historical settings I've read. I found the history of the Quakers on Nantucket fascinating. As I read the story of Daphne and Ren and continued following the diary of Daphne's great-great-great grandmother, the smells and sounds of a whaling town came to life from Suzanne Woods Fisher's pen. I could picture every detail. The characters vivid personalities made for an intriguing story. I'm looking forward to reading book three, The Light Before Day. If you are a historical fiction fan, you'll love this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.