First off, I kept thinking, “Six years? He was out whaling for six years?” And yes, they really did that as research shows. Author Suzanne Woods Fisher does a great job of researching the whaling trade. I learned a lot from this book.

The characters are strong and well written. Of course you love some and dislike others. Some are misguided in their faith. I don’t know much about Quakers so found several interesting facts.

I enjoyed the way Fisher interspersed an old diary into the story. It really helped to pull it all together. All in all, it was an enjoyable read, with enough tension to keep my interest.

And what an ending! It sure surprised me. But no spoilers here. You’ll need to read the book and I do highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Minding the Light is the second installment from Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Nantucket Legacy series. I was so excited to have the opportunity to read this one for review. I loved Phoebe’s Light and could not wait to read this one. I loved the character of Daphne. She was likable and I found her strength admirable. Her and Ren were a good fit to the story.
My favorite part of the book was the journal entries of Mary Coffin Starbuck. Which, I thought was fascinating glimpse of her time.
I give Minding the Light four stars. I look forward to what Suzanne Woods Fisher comes up with in the next installment of the Nantucket Legacy series. I recommend it for readers who love Historical Fiction and Quaker life in history. I do advise readers to read Phoebe’s Light, the first of the series, before reading this one.
A good story of love, faith, forgiveness, and inspiration.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

I did not read the first book in this series, but I believe this book is a standalone story that doesn't depend on the first book. In the beginning I was put off because of the Quaker speech. It grated against my mind to hear 'thee' and then 'is' instead of 'are', like we would say if using the word 'you'. I'm still not sure what the correct grammar is, but that bothered me. And because it is woven throughout the book it was annoying.

I liked the main female character, Daphne, as she was a woman of action, and she was kind and nurturing, but not afraid to stand up for herself. And she was nothing like her horrible mother. So many period books have mothers in them that only care about status and themselves. It has become a little tiring to read, honestly. So many of the daughters rebel against the expectations of the time or their class, and it sometimes just doesn't feel realistic, as there are never any true consequences for their decision.

I felt sorry for captain Ren, as his circumstances upon returning home quickly became very sad. I am not sure how well mail was delivered back then, especially with him having been out to sea, but it seems that he would have received a few of his wife's letters, if she had written him weekly. I cannot imagine the shock of returning home and realising you have two children! I also felt sorry for him in putting his trust in someone he obviously should have kept a tighter reign on.

I liked the interweaving of Patience and Abraham into the story, and was very glad to read in the end notes that Abraham was based on a true story, and that most of the events throughout the book were, indeed, based on true history. So many authors weave fiction into their historical novels, where tiny details are true, but the major events are made up. I love that this author kept true history as a main part of the book.

I did not enjoy Tristram as a character. His name, for one, is clunky. I called him Tristan in my head every time I read it instead. He was obviously sketchy, and the way he carried himself, and the deals he made in Ren's absence angered me. I am hoping he had to pay for what he did, but I don't plan to read the next book, so I may never know.

The buried treasure bit from the diary seemed so far fetched to me. No one else ever saw them dig it up, or realised the dirt had been moved or anything? And no one who used it ever thought to take all of it at once and keep it somewhere safer like a bank? I find that very hard to believe. Especially when their family was struggling so much, it could have really helped them.

Another thing that bothered me that was not addressed biblically, was the Quaker belief that the Light is in everyone. That is not what the Bible teaches. The truth is through Jesus Christ. We don't have the answers in ourselves which is why we need a Saviour. Ren rejected the Quaker faith years ago because of the hypocrisy he found there, but he never found truth. Not that everyone comes to Christ, but that part bothered me.

The ending of the book was a shocking revelation with absolutely no resolution afterward. No recording of Daphne's reaction, no idea of how they changed the way they lived, nothing. Just end of story, jump right into the bit of the next book. That was disappointing. I wish we could have known how Daphne reacted, and at least a little of how it affected their family relationships. At least it SHOULD have affected their relationships.

Overall the story was enjoyable, if not totally realistic. I will read other books by this author, but not in this series.

Very interesting story. Captured me on the first page. The characters are brought to life with strong emotions and devotion. Loss, love, hope, faith and more are all in this special story. I received a copy of this book and this is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.

It is very interesting to read a book of two time periods and both were still historical. I wondered as I was reading it if both time periods were written at the same time or separate and then combined together. This book must of taken a while to write. This is one of those books that has a surprise ending and no way I am giving any hints, I love books like that. When I got to the end I wasn’t ready to leave the characters. I felt bad for Daphne’s mother, she missed out on so much by the way she felt about things. I received an complementary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit and the publisher. I was not required to write an positive review and this is my own opinion.

Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the second book in the Nantucket Legacy series and, having read the first, I was eagerly anticipating reading this one and was not disappointed. Fisher is an expert storyteller and she does not disappoint with Ren and Daphne's story. The characters are strong and vibrant. Daphne is a selfless woman who has chosen to care for her sister's children and faces life head-on with a confident faith. Ren has little regard for the Quaker faith for all its religious trappings and yet he is not unteachable and seems willing to learn what it means to mind the Light within. It was such a pleasure to get to know these characters and others in this book. Some twists to the plot were expected but there were a few that were 'wow, I didn't see that coming!' The story is full of secrets and hypocrisy, deceit and vengeance, and as one character mused, "was nothing on this island like it appeared to be?" The author has written a dual story in this book as she uses Daphne's great (times 3!) grandmother's diary to allow readers to see Nantucket life from years earlier in the 17th century. A parallel story in the diary gives Daphne information and courage to right a wrong. Lots of history and interesting facts about Nantucket and the whaling industry in the early colonial years of Quakers in Massachusetts help to keep the pages turning. At the end of the book, the author adds an enlightening section of historical notes that gives further insight into some of the scenes and situations that she has used in the book. Minding the Light is a wonderful book of learning to recognize love and to trust God, knowing that ultimately He is in control of our lives and we need not fear the future, but can embrace it because we are not alone on this journey called life.

Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the second novel in the Nantucket Legacy series. Jane Macy is thrilled that her husband, Captain Reynolds “Ren” Macy is returning home after being gone on the Endeavor for over six years. They had been married less than a month when he departed. Ren is thrilled to see his wife, but he is unprepared for the twin children by her side. As Ren settles back into island life, he is surprised by all the changes that have taken place in his absence and not ready for those to come. After being greeted by Jane, she collapses. Daphne Coffin, Jane’s sister, will need all of her strength to help Ren and the children through the trying times ahead. Daphne trusts that God will help her guide Ren and that He will speak to his heart. She finds the journal of Great Mary in her sister’s bedside and begins reading it. It provides comfort, wisdom and guidance. Abraham, a sailor from Ren’s ship, is loyal, smart and kind and he is falling in love with Patience, their Indian maidservant. Then a bounty hunter shows up to take Abraham back to his master. What can Ren and Daphne do to keep Abraham safe? Great Mary experienced a similar situation and her insight will prove invaluable to Daphne. Come along for the voyage to Nantucket in Minding the Light.

Minding the Light is a well-written novel that pulled me into its world. I was pulled into the story and my attention was held by this dual timeline story. Ms. Fisher did a wonderful job at incorporating her research (of the area, people, whaling industry, the two time periods, the Quaker beliefs). The author’s descriptive writing brought the book alive. I could imagine the waves hitting the island, the smells (which had me wrinkling my nose), the homes lit by candles, well--you get the picture (pun intended). Daphne is a good character with strong faith. She was the perfect counterpart for Ren as she guided him on the path to be a father, responsible businessman, and a man of faith. It was fascinating to learn about the Quaker customs and beliefs as well as the Cent School. I liked that the author provided a glossary of nineteenth century Nantucket words at the beginning of the book along with a cast of characters. While Minding the Light can be read alone, I recommend reading Phoebe’s Light (just to read and enjoy). The two stories (Daphne and Great Mary’s) are equally fascinating, and I like how they complimented each other. In Minding the Light, we get to see relationships develop, a man grows in his faith, a rift divides a family, secrets revealed, and two children get acquainted with their father. Minding the Light is an intriguing historical novel. I cannot wait for the next novel in the Nantucket Legacy series.

Once again we visit the Quaker Island of Nantucket and the world of whaling. Captain "Ren" Macy has been away whaling for six years when he returns to Nantucket to an ailing wife and six year old twins. He is extremely grateful for his wife's sister, Daphne, when it comes to acclimating back in to the world of family. It is an unspoken agreement that Daphne will marry Tristam, Ren's cousin and business partner but as she spends time with Ren she finds her feelings changing.

I have been anticipating my return to early Nantucket since reading the first book in the series, Phoebe's Light. One of my favorite aspects of both novels is the 17 century diary each generation reads and learns from. Mary's story is one of compassion and love. Daphne finds comfort and understanding in reading the diary.

Minding the Light is a book for all historical fiction lovers and clean Christian romance readers. It is written in the language of "thee" and "thy" but it does not take long to get into the rhythm of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

What an incredible second book in the Nantucket Legacy series! Minding the Light can definitely be read as a stand-alone, especially since this book features characters one generation removed in time from the first book. But if you haven’t read Phoebe’s Light, you must read it!

Suzanne Woods Fisher combines great writing with wonderful dialogue, sprinkles intrigue and mystery within a well-plotted and well-executed storyline, enchants with beautifully real and lovable characters, and convicts with reminders of what faith is really about. She addresses difficulty issues like racism and addiction which are so prevalent today as they were back in 19th century Nantucket. And to realize that the author used many historical facts and people to craft this story is astounding! The fictional diary of Mary Coffin Starbuck (though she indeed was a real person on Nantucket), Daphne’s ancestor, from 17th century provides a semi-dual timeline of sorts within the story and correlates well with Daphne and Ren’s story in 19th century.

Daphne is an outspoken, intelligent, loving, compassionate, insightful Quaker who lives under a pretentious mother. Ren is a kind, generous whaling ship captain who is married to Daphne’s older sister, and the story begins when returns home after a six year whaling voyage. Ren is bereft when he returns home and faces emotional, financial, and spiritual crises simultaneously. His sorrow, pain, and desire to do right are palpable and he’s such a strong, dependable yet vulnerable hero. Ren’s twins are amazing and fun and the secondary characters add depth and dimensions to the story.

Anyone who enjoys a historical romance would totally love this book. If you’re a fan of Suzanne Woods Fisher, this is a must read!

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

There is nothing better than being transported back in time by an author's talented writing skills. I love how the author has included historical facts about Nantucket and placed it in the story with realism. I have never been to Nantucket, but after reading the book, I feel like I know about its history better. It's interesting to read about the Quakers and their lifestyle during the early 19th century. It must have been very hard to live during this time period as the characters seemed to struggle with finances. To say that whale hunting intrigued me would be an understatement. The men were brave to fight the waves and live at sea for long periods of time.

I was saddened by the abruptness of the demise of a beloved character at the beginning of the story. What I did like was how the author once again uses her historical knowledge to introduce readers to laudanum. Many people during this time period used it for different ailments, but as we find out it can be harmful as well. I liked Daphne a lot and loved her fierce protection of her niece and nephew. It surprised me that their father, Ren returns after six years to think his children would welcome him with open arms. He sure has a lot to learn about children and one of them should be to put their needs first.

Being a captain does have its responsibilities but being gone for so long, would put a real strain on any relationship. I wonder if he will step up and care for his children ? Maybe he can take a lesson from his friend Abraham who tells him, "There is no secret , sir. Children require time." The story is quite a journey into the workings of a ship and what a sacrifice it can be on families that are left behind while their family members are at sea. Daphne is not quite sure where Ren stands when it is discovered that a new ship has been bought that was not approved by him.

I appreciate how the author shows us the different ways that people lived and how slavery was a way of life for some. I could feel the pain as Patience shared about her past. She is very loyal to the family but doesn't share much of her past. It leads me to believe her life has not been easy but she is very humble. She reminds me to be thankful for what I have and not be envious of others.

There is so much to like in this story from the intrigue of a possible poisoning, peace, revenge, hate, prejudice, the high seas and lessons that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned. I learned a lot about the Quakers and their traditions thanks to the brilliant writing of the author. The story flows with ease and I kept wondering who Daphne would end up with. I absolutely loved the surprise ending and can't wait for the next book in the series. Thank you for reminding us to see through the darkness and be set free in the light.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and Baker Publishing Group. The review is my own opinion.

History, suspense, love, and loss enrich the powerful story presented in this true-to-life novel. I think this is the best of the series so far, and it can stand alone. Suzanne Woods Fisher takes readers back to early Nantucket and life among the whalers. Mixed in with the continuing story are excerpts from Great Mary Coffin Starbuck’s diary, which has been handed down through the generations. She was a real person in history. Based on actual life at the times portrayed, the author has done a masterful job weaving events and struggles into a compelling plot. From Mary’s days when Quakers were suspect to the setting of the main story where most islanders are Quakers, the characters seek their way and a livelihood for their families. The tale holds a strong tow to stay afloat amidst all the drama and land safely on the shore, with issues resolved and hearts mended. But some relationships may not endure. I enjoyed the book and trying to figure out who was guilty of provided tainted laudanum. There were plenty of surprises along the journey. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Ren has been off whaling for six long years, and his return is heralded with joy by the wife he married only just before he left, the son and daughter he never knew he had, and his wife's younger sister. But things quickly go downhill. His wife falls ill, and he learns that his business partner and cousin has wreaked financial havoc by a most reckless purchase of a new ship. Ren's attempt to take vengeance on the person responsible for his wife's death have their own unforeseen consequences, and when he grows close to his kids and realises that he can't leave them to captain the new ship, plans change drastically. Also in the mix is an escaped slave, a bounty hunter and an old journal.

The story presents an interesting and informative picture of life in Nantucket in the early 1800s, where everyone was related to everyone else, many men spent weeks, months or years at a time away from his family, and most people were Quakers ('Friends'). Woven in with the overall picture are threads of romance, betrayal, conviction and humour, reminding the reader that people are still people, even when they live under completely different conditions. I enjoyed the story: the characters felt real, the storyline well-crafted, the language good and the content clean. The historical note is also helpful, letting the reader know what of the story is fact and what fiction (I was surprised how much of the background was at least based on fact).

My main quibble would be that the diary entries scattered throughout didn't feel particularly relevant, and (with the exception of one point) could easily have been dropped completely without anything feeling like it was missing. As it was, it merely broke up the main storyline, because you don't hear enough about the journal's author to feel like they are another character or story.

After reading the book, I realised that it was book 2 of a series - but I didn't feel that I had missed out on anything critical to the storyline not having read book 1. Possibly the journal forms a connecting thread between the books in the series and you get the full story of Mary if you read the full series, but otherwise the individual books can stand alone.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I'm a planner. I've always planned out my life as much as possible. Yes, I seek God's direction, but within that, I have always planned and organized my life carefully. In college, I even had spreadsheets planning out when I would take all of my classes and graduate on schedule. Well, planning is great, but I've learned that sometimes life doesn't go exactly as you planned. That's what the two main characters in Minding the Light have learned, too.

Ren is back home in Nantucket after 6 years at sea as the captain of a whaling ship. He returns to a life he didn't expect and difficult circumstances beyond his control. Daphne plans to marry a handsome young man. She's busy helping her sister's family and plans to start her own in time. Neither of them planned on the lives they have now. And neither of them planned on finding each other.

Suzanne Woods Fisher's Minding the Light is a fascinating novel. It deals with significant topics like faith and hypocrisy, slavery and prejudice, substance abuse, and love and justice. The characters are incredibly realistic and relatable. I never thought that I would be able to relate so well to a Quaker woman living in nineteenth century Nantucket. Those who love history will be fascinated with this novel's historical details and will want to read some of the sources that Ms. Fisher includes at the back of her book. This book can easily be read as a standalone novel. Minding the Light is well researched and beautifully written with such depth of insight that could be applied to even today's current issues. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves good storytelling and history. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. These opinions are entirely my own.

I was excited to continue the voyage with Suzanne Woods Fisher in the second book of the Nantucket Legacy series, Minding the Light. Featuring a dual timeline we continue to read about Mary Coffin Starbuck's life in the 17th century ,that was written in a journal that was found, while also reading about the 19th century in the main story. Read about the beginnings of the Quakers in America on Nantucket Island. You will get your fill in this story with love lost and found,hope,betrayal and shocking revelations that come to the light of day. I loved reading the true facts in the back of the book that this story is based on. Very compelling read you will want to come back to more than once.
Pub Date 03 Jul 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book for Revell through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

Minding the Light is one exceptional story!
Five masterful storytelling stars!

I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second book in the Nantucket Legacy series after reading Phoebe's Light. I was anxious to see if Suzanne Woods Fisher would be able to recreate the same fascinating story in this book has she had the first, and was so impressed that it was every bit as amazing. I was totally enamored with it.

Minding the Light has stories from two time periods and I'm hard pressed to say which story captivated me more, the 1800's story with Ren, Jane, Daphne and Tristram or the 1600's story as told through the journal of ancestor Mary Coffin Starbuck. I love that the journal and it's contents once again are providing those chosen to inherit it with wise council. I loved the addition of six year old twins Hitty and Henry too, so opposite in personality, yet equally charming and adorable.

This story held my rapt attention and I was so caught up in it I didn't want it to end. It has everything I like about a story in it, a well thought out plot with characters both inspiring and hard-hearted, a bit of mystery and suspense, and a love story combined with a faith in God that was pure triumph!

There are so many terrific quotes in this book! A few of my favorites:
"So this...this was minding the Light, he supposed. Guidance from above, in the nick of time."

"What might shift in my heart if God were to unveil my eyes and show me that despite my fears and uncertainties, I'm actually surrounded by his powerful protection and presence?"

I simply can not wait to get ahold of the third book in the Nantucket Legacy series, The Light Before Day, out in October, and catch up with the next generation of Macys and find what pearls of wisdom Mary's Journal has to offer up next! This series may be one of my very favorites ever and although I rarely have time to reread books, I have no doubt I'll be revisiting Nantucket Island and it's founding families again!
I appreciate Revell making a copy of Minding the Light available for review.

Minding the Light is the second book in the Nantucket Legacy Series. I enjoyed returning to Nantucket Island and the whaling village. The life for the women and children was extremely hard. Having my husband or father be gone for six years at a time, I don't think I could have managed. I may have turned into A Nantucket Hen. “A Nantucket hen? That was an insulting name given to sailor's wives who were considered dotty after spending so much of life alone.” It was also hard on Captain Reynolds Macy. When he returned, so much had changed. Six years is a long time to be away.
Suzanne researched her subject well, which was evidenced in the way she honored the rich Quaker heritage. Her characters are brought to life as she sheds Quaker customs and beliefs. I enjoyed learning the origin of so many words and phrases we still use today, which was listed at the beginning of the book. I thought I had the story figured out, but Suzanne adds twist and turns that were not expected. I received this book from Nevell Publishing through Net Galleys. The opinion expressed in this review is completely my own.

Minding the light is a well written inspirational romance. I am not a huge fan of historical novels but much to my surprise I throughly enjoyed this book. I have read many Amish books but I don’t recall reading a book involving Quakers, a new experience for me. I recommend to fans of historical fiction.

I love Christian historical fiction. Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my favorite authors and I’ve enjoyed many of her books. Although both of those things are true, I almost passed over reading this book because it’s my least favorite time period and I have very little interest in Quaker history. Wow—would that have been a huge mistake! This book is terrific. By the end of the first chapter I was completely invested in the story. There are many things that impact this storyline: Love, romance, faith, hope, treachery, bigotry, revenge, compassion. All blend together to create a book that compelled me to keep reading and finish it quickly.

The historical research the author did for this book is accurate and adds much to the story. The author describes the setting so well that you can almost hear the sounds of the waves as you read. Every character is unique. Daphne and Ren hold center stage in the story, but each supporting character played a crucial role, too. The Quakers’ core beliefs are challenged all throughout the story, and as is true in our own time, each individual had choices to make that had a crucial impact on others.

I also loved the “split time” feature of the story. As Daphne reads through her ancestor’s diary, she finds help for her own pressing dilemma and solidifies her faith.

One note for Christian readers: The Quakers’ belief in “minding the light” might bother some readers, but I thought it fit well with this story
and the Quaker history of the time period.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Minding The Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher is an epic Christian historical novel with its dual timeline and its continuation of the story of Mary Coffin and her ancestors.
Once again I was completely engrossed in this second book of the Nantucket Legacy series. Big hearts that see people reigned. Family is important for some, but for others they prefer to try to rule the roost. "She was quite fond of her grudges, nursing them like little pets." Grudges change us from open hearted to closed fisted and are best avoided.
Life was hard. People died. She "was gone from this earth, yet life carried on as if it were an ordinary day." We feel that the world should stop turning when a loved one dies, but that is never the case.
There is the theme of slavery. No man should be kept by another nor judged by his skin colour. Some unscrupulous bounty hunters only see the colour of the money. Other people see people to love, protect and cherish. The Quakers spoke of equality but practiced segregation. "They [the Negro] deserved God's love but not social equality with their white neighbours."
God longs for us all to know Him. When we have faith it displaces our fear. We get a peace that passes all understanding. "The presence... it took away my fear."
Nantucket was a community built on whaling. It was a hard life but necessary for survival. There were still pockets of the poor. Big hearted sisters opened a cent school to educate those less fortunate. With education comes freedom.
Minding The Light is partly based on fact, so the reader is educated as well as being entertained. I am loving these epic tales from Suzanne Woods fisher and cannot get enough of them.
A marvellous read.
I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

What a great book Minding the Light, by Suzanne Woods Fisher, is for a book club! Chock-full of little-known history from whaling Nantucket Island, this split- time novel contains an enticing and clean romance and an insider’s look at the Quakers on the island. This book will weave its magic around your heart while challenging your sensibilities. Frankly, I wish I were a high school English or history teacher in a parochial school, who could use this book as a wonderfully fun teaching tool.

I often love novels that divide their time between narrators of different time periods. It is interesting to see how Great Mary’s life affects individuals of future generations on the island who are fortunate enough to receive her diary and learn from it.

This book really made me think about so many issues. Daphne made Ren want to be a better man. How do I make my husband want to be a better man?

Tristram says, “And the only islanders who end up getting hung are Wampanoags.” The Quakers were guilty of social injustice while preaching racial equality. Every society seems to pick another culture to abuse and subjugate.

Patience, when asked about her life and family, replied it was complicated and things are not as they seem. Truly, a lot of things in this book were surprising and not what one might have expected. The novel is full of incongruities lived out in people’s lives: some flaunted, some hidden as long as possible.

While richer for being read as part of the series, enough backstory is provided that one will enjoy this story by itself. I gratefully received a complimentary copy from the publisher, NetGalley, and CelebrateLit. This in no way affects my opinions, which are freely given, and for which I am solely responsible.