The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Nantucket Legacy series)

The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher

“Henry, this . . . fortune, this sudden wealth . . . I fear it will change our lives. And I don’t want my life to change.”

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 each 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.

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About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Phoebe’s Light and Minding the Light, as well as the Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She has also written several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. Fisher lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow her on Twitter @suzannewfisher and Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor.

Guest Post from Suzanne

The Mortgage Button

In each story of the ‘Nantucket Legacy’ series, there’s a reference to a mortgage button in the newel post of a stairway. Phoebe Starbuck, the main character in Phoebe’s Light, made a point to notice it in the captain’s house on Orange Street, the famous residences of sea captains. In Minding the Light, Daphne Coffin touched the mortgage button on the newel post of her horrible mother’s grand house each and every morning. Hitty and Henry Macy were well aware of the absence of their childhood home’s mortgage button—and all that its absence symbolized—in The Light Before Day.

Mortgage buttons meant something to each of those characters. It made a statement to anyone who walked into a house.

Have you ever seen a mortgage button? It’s a very Nantucket-y tradition. In fact, some say the mortgage button originated on Nantucket Island, thirty miles out to sea.

Supposedly, when a house’s mortgage was fully paid and there were no liens against the property, the homeowner drilled a hole in the newel post of the main staircase, rolled up the mortgage document, put it inside, and capped the hole with a decorative plug of scrimshaw.

Scrimshaw is a term for an American folk art developed during the 18th and 19thcenturies. Whaling in New England was an industry that lifted Nantucket Island to become the world’s wealthiest port. After a whale’s oil was rendered, the ship’s captain would give his crew the sperm whale’s teeth or bones to carve during long tedious hours at sea. Whaling had its exciting moments, but they were far and few between. As a pastime, sailors carved all kinds of useful gifts to bring home to their loved ones: needles, combs, games, clothespins, busks…and mortgage buttons.

But let’s jump back to the mortgage button. Some legends say that the actual mortgage papers were ceremoniously burned and the ashes stashed inside the drilled hole before sealed with the button. However, as appealing a thought as that might be, it is most likely a myth. There’s never been any evidence of ashes or even hidden mortgages found in salvaged newel posts. Still, mortgage buttons are common among Nantucket homes, and the tradition has spread to other parts of the country. In southern states, for example, they’re called brag buttons. Whether myth or truth, today it’s more a matter of a charming nostalgic custom than a nod to your healthy (or…not so healthy) net worth.

My Thoughts

The Light Before Day is the final book in the Nantucket Legacy series.  We finally get to find out how the story ends.  The Light Before Day is a well-written and researched novel.  The author captured the era with the language (people spoke in a formal manner) along with the descriptions of the buildings, ships, clothing plus the inclusion of historical events.  The whaling industry is on the decline as the number of whales has greatly diminished and abolition of slavery is a heated issue.  While The Light Before Day can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the trilogy in order.  The book has a gentle pace that suits the story.  Great Mary’s journal sections moved along at a faster clip, and they add depth to the story.  It can be hard to wade through the more formal language (thee, thou, thy), but it is how Quaker’s talked.  The Light Before Day is told from Hitty and Henry’s point-of-view.  I enjoyed seeing each sibling’s perspective. There is romance in the story as Henry and Hitty look for suitable mates (a condition of the will).  However, the heart wants what the heart wants.  I enjoyed getting to know the grown-up Hitty and Henry.  They faced a challenge with the inheritance.  The twins wanted to find a way to help improve the island with the money, but their idea of improvement is not always in alignment with others.  Henry and Hitty may be twins, but they have different personalities.  While one is gregarious, the other is contemplative. The Light Before Day includes drama, mystery, romance, faith, good works, friendship and familial bonds.  I am giving The Light Before Day 4 out of 5 stars.  There are discussion questions, author’s note, and a section on what is true/false included in the book.  If you enjoy historical fiction, you will not want to miss reading The Light Before Day.  The first two books in the Nantucket Legacy series are Phoebe's Light and Minding the Light.

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card.  Be sure to comment on the blog stops (schedule below) for nine extra entries into the giveaway.  Click here to enter and Good Luck! Thank you for visiting today.  Tomorrow I am featuring The Skeleton Makes a Friend by Leigh Perry.  I hope you will stop by to see what I thought about the latest A Family Skeleton Mystery(there is a giveaway).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, November 4

Just the Write Escape, November 4

Texas Book-aholic, November 5

Godly Book Reviews, November 5

Southern Gal Loves to Read, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 7

Among the Reads, November 8

Blossoms and Blessings, November 8

Blogging With Carol, November 9

A Baker’s Perspective, November 9

Mary Hake, November 10

Connies history classroom, November 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 11

Carpe Diem, November 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 12

Simple Harvest Reads, November 12

Inspiration Clothesline, November 13

Janices book reviews, November 13

Captive Dreams, November 14

Bigreadersite, November 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 15

By The Book, November 15

Pause for Tales, November 16

Book by Book, November 16

Have A Wonderful Day, November 17

Bibliophile Reviews, November 17

Phoebe's Light: Nantucket Legacy

Good Morrow!  Lethal Licorice by Amanda Flower will be released on February 27.  It is the second book in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series.  Assaulted Caramel (first book in this series) is currently $.99 on Amazon (I do not know when the sale will end).  

Phoebe’s Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the first book in the Nantucket Legacy series.  On September 8, 1767 on Nantucket Island, Phoebe Starbuck, a Quaker, turns eighteen.  Her father, Barnabas Starbuck presents her with Great Mary’s journal (her great grandmother).  It passes from one generation to the next to the one who would benefit most from Great Mary’s wisdom (it is a shame that Barnabas never read it).  Phoebe is excited to see that Phineas Foulger, captain of the Fortuna, has returned to the island.  Phoebe fancies herself in love with the older widower and hopes to finally capture his attention.  After a short time, Phineas and Phoebe are wed and set sail on the Fortuna.  Phoebe has longed for adventure her whole life, but she soon discovers that life at sea does not suit her (she suffers from mal de mer).  She spends her days in her quarters with the comfort of Great Mary’s journal.  Matthew Macy and Phoebe were once betrothed to one another until Matthew turned away from God.  Matthew, though, has never stopped caring for her.  When Barnabas asks him to join the crew of the Fortuna to keep an eye on Phoebe, Matthew agrees.  Phoebe is in for a life altering journey, and she will soon need the wisdom in Great Mary’s journal and help from Matthew to aid those she loves.

Phoebe’s Light is a captivating historical novel.  It was fascinating to go back to this time period and read about life on Nantucket Island.  The author did a wonderful job at integrating the diary entries into the book.  I was afraid the entries would pull me out of the story, but it did just the opposite.  I kept wanting to know what else was in the diary and what would happen next to Phoebe.  Phoebe’s Light well-written and it has a nice steady pace with vivid descriptions of the island, people, the ships, whales and etc.  I appreciate authors whose words allow me to picture the scenes in my head as I read (just the right amount of detail).  The transitions were smooth between chapters and the diary entries.  I could tell that the author did her research for this novel especially on Mary Coffin Starbuck and the whaling industry (it is terrible how many whales were slaughtered).  She captured the speech of the Quakers and the people of this era (there is a glossary).  The story contains incredible characters that are well-developed and realistic. There are characters readers will love and others that you will dislike intensely (and hope that they get what they deserve).  I like that Ms. Fisher did the book on Quakers.  There are few fiction books that incorporate this religious sect and it was interesting to learn more about their history (how they came to America and the persecution they suffered).  The mystery element added another level to this rich story.  There is a lovely ending that will have you anxiously awaiting Minding the Light (second book in Nantucket Legacy series) which will come out on July 3.

Thank you for visiting today.  I am currently reading A Home for Hannah by Amy Lillard which will be published on February 27.   Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on As Bright As Heaven by Susan Meissner.  May you have a excellent day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Called to Justice: A Quaker Midwife Mystery

Welcome!  Give the Devil His Due by Steve Hockensmith and Called to Justice by Edith Maxwell are out today.  Appetite for Innocence by Lucinda Berry and Murder is For Keeps by Elizabeth J. Duncan will be out on Tuesday, April 11.  I am amazed at the number of books that are being released this spring.  I am adding so many to my TBR list (it will take me years to get through it).

Called to Justice by Edith Maxwell is the second book in A Quaker Midwife Mystery series.  Rose Carroll is a Quaker midwife in Amesbury, Massachusetts.  Rose is watching the Fourth of July parade when she is approached by Hannah Breed, a seventeen-year-old mill worker.  Hannah confides in Rose that she is pregnant, but she is unwilling to reveal the identity of the father.  Rose agrees to help the young woman. Later that evening, Rose is enjoying the fireworks display with her beau, Dr. David Dodge.  There are men shooting off guns nearby and soon screams ring out.  David and Rose run over to find Hannah on the ground (someone took advantage of the chaos).  When the police arrive, the manager of the Hamilton Mill, Lester Colby, makes sure to point fingers at Akwasi Ayensu, an African-American Quaker and local businessman.  Rose is astounded that anyone would accuse Akwasi and is further incensed when he is arrested for the crime.  Rose knows that Akwasi would not harm a soul and sets out to find the true culprit of the crime.  In the meantime, Rose approaches John Whittier to hire counsel for Akwasi.  Rose has to work in a little sleuthing in between her midwifery duties.  Rose’s relationship with David is going along splendidly until his mother decides to interfere (she does not approve of Rose).  This causes a rift between the pair that hopefully can be repaired.  With Akwasi soon going to trial, Rose needs to step up her game if she is to find the real killer.  The villain will not go easily, and Rose soon finds her life in peril. 

Called to Justice is an interesting historical mystery novel.  I liked the time period, the lovely setting, and the Rose’s occupation.  I do wish, though, that the story had been written in the third person to make it easier to read.  With the story being written in the first person, I found it harder to read the Quaker dialogue.  I thought that the dialogue was stilted and old fashioned which suits the novel, but it hard to get through (in the beginning).  The book is well-written, and I liked the mention of historical figures like Louisa May Alcott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony.  There are also some appealing details that help set the time.  Mail is delivered twice a day which aided communication between people living in different towns as well as businesses.  Also, the telephone was just starting to be installed in homes. I give Called to Justice 4 out of 5 stars.  While Called to Justice is the second book in A Quaker Midwife Mystery series, it can be read alone.  The author provides all the necessary background details on Rose, her family, friends, and life.  The mystery was intriguing but not overly complex.  Most readers will be able to discern the identity of the killer before the reveal.  The relationship between Rose and David did not dominate the book.  It was nice, light and romantic which I appreciated.  I will be looking for more of Edith Maxwell's novels to read.  The first book in A Quaker Midwife Mystery series is Delivering the Truth (which is currently $1.99 on Amazon).

I hope you have a satisfying Saturday.  I am hoping to relax, read and watch some television (it will not happen, but a girl can dream).  I will return tomorrow to review Cat Got Your Cash by Julie Chase.  Until then, take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader