Another wonderful book by Colleen Coble. Highly recommended author and someone I would read again and again.

Hannah thought she was safe moving to Massachusetts and marrying an older man. But when he dies, it's frowned upon for her, a woman, to be tending a lighthouse. Let alone two. Her own husband's family even disapproves of her. But she needs to support herself to keep her independence.

When Hannah's sister comes to help she thinks that her problems are solved, but more issues open up. When a handsome man washes to shore, she gets to know him but has suspicions about him.

Through the eyes and hearts of these characters you can see how people can sometimes do unthinkable things. It's a time of war, when our country was working for its freedom from England. But each person here was also looking for their own freedom. Well told story of a difficult time in our country's history.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Perfect for all the fans of Colleen cobble novels. Exactly what I would expect! A page turner for sure!!!

I haven’t read much by Colleen Coble and so when I saw this book, I was willing to give it a try. To say the least, the first few lines did not hold my attention at all. I always count on the beginning of the book to really pull me in so that I can have some hope of finishing the book.

It held my attention in the first chapter and then I just couldn’t finish the book. I was hoping to like this book because I love reading historical fiction but it was disappointing.

I’m not giving up on this author because I at least like to give authors two or three chances because I love reading Christian fiction. Overall, even thought the book cover was pretty amazing, this book just wasn’t my cup of tea.



*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.*

Freedom’s Light by Colleen Coble is a story of a man named Birch and a woman named Hannah among other characters. Watching the development of Birch’s surrender to the Lord was hopeful. Hannah’s devotion to the Lord was encouraging and determined. The life of a lighthouse keeper was fascinating and life on the sea for sailors. The war is what it is, a war. And I felt that this is definitely my absolute favorite book by Colleen of all time. Her way of writing, she tends to hold nothing back. Her twisting tales unwind in the most unusual yet freeing ways. If you are a fan of Colleen’s, don’t miss reading this book.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.


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Freedom’s Light by Colleen Coble is historical fiction from a beloved author of mysteries. Here, as she does in all story telling, Ms Coble shines in developing authentic characters and interesting plot lines. Set in the American Revolution, readers of that time period will definitely love this book. It is a great read for anyone. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Hannah Thomas married her husband John out of convenience to get away from her family and the arranged marriage they had planned for her with a wicked man. She moves with her husband to the Massachusetts Puritan settlement, where he is the lighthouse keeper. But the safe haven that she thought that she had found is disrupted when her husband killed and she is left to run the lighthouse by herself.



One day a handsome captain washes ashore in a shipwreck, Hannah believes him to be a Tory, but in fact he is a Patriot spy. Hannah offers sanctuary to Birch while his wounds heal, she challenges his quest for revenge and encourages him to rediscover his faith.



This book covers a large span of time, and multiple characters, with a lot of plots twists, for me it felt like too much was going on and was squeezed into this one book, making it hard to keep track of and a slower read for me.



Hannah is an admirable character, with a big heart and strong faith. She is resilient in the face of adversity.



This book follows a lot of characters, and there is quite a lot going on. I didn't care to read so much about the villain, Galen. And I didn't like how most of the Puritans were portrayed so villainously.



I really wanted to like this book, everything just felt so rushed to me. So it was hard for me to get to know the main characters as much as I would have liked to, and Lydia's story just made me sad. A tough book to get through.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

I have read many suspense books by Colleen Coble and found her foray into historical fiction quite likeable. Obviously well researched into this time period of the Revolutionary War as well as the Puritan church of this time period. Set in 1776 in Massachusetts Tories abound.

The characters were a varied cast. Hannah, an 18 year old widowed lighthouse keeper, is strong and independent. She has a faith background, coming from the South, that sees a more loving God and personal relationship with Christ. Now after her marriage and widowhood, she is foist into a church system that is very law focused and judgmental. Lydia, her 16 year old sister, is immature, strong-willed, and focused only on romance. She makes unwise decisions due to her immaturity which leads her into many troublesome situations. Galen, an old friend from the south, is now a Tory officer. He too is strong willed and wanton. He wants Hannah for his wife and will do anything to obtain her. Birch, a pirate, is working behind the scenes for the Patriots. He is bent on a vendetta against the Tory officer who brutally killed his 16 year old brother.

With plenty of action from start to finish, this was an enjoyable historical read. I hope that Coble will write more historical fiction along with her suspense.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

As always Colleen Coble’s books are awesome! Filled with faith, drama, romance and history this book kept me engaged right till the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Freedom's Light is set during the Revolutionary War. It tells the story of Hannah Thomas a young light house keeper near Plymouth, Massachusetts. When Hannah's husband John goes off to fight for the colonial army it becomes her responsibility to tend the lights in the light house. Soon word comes her husband has died and the full responsibility of tending the lights falls on her permanently.

Lost in loneliness Hannah invites her sister Lydia to come and stay with her. Lydia is obsessed with an old childhood friend who courted her sister Galen Wright who is a Tory. What she doesn't know is the cruelty and manipulation Galen is capable of. Hannah thought she had escaped Galen only to find her sister has invited him back into their life.

One of Hannah's responsibilities is to rescue men when their ships come to close and break apart on the rocks. One night sea captain Birch Meredith is rescued by Hannah and their attraction grows into love.

The storyline of the book is well developed. It includes family secrets, betrayals and necessary secrets due to war time. Their are several plot lines that interweave well and tell a story of love, faith, patriotism, revenge and forgiveness. I just wish this historical novel included more history. Important pieces of history and people of history are mentioned but are not developed at all so I can't honestly call this a historical novel.

Character development is well done. We get to know who all these characters are but I found them to be a cross purposes for no reason except stubbornness and lack of communication. Hannah tries to draw Birch back to God but instead of trying to lead him she tells him it's up to him. I found this beyond frustrating because her guidance and perspective would have accomplished much. Instead he's left to flounder and at times just dismiss her feelings.

This book was just okay. I didn't find it compelling or exciting in any way. If you're looking for a basic love story it's an easy okay read. If you are looking for historical fiction with a deep message about love and faith you will not find it in this book.

Wow! I absolutely loved this story. I am a fan of Colleen Coble's books but this one was especially good. The story takes place during the later part of the Revolutionary War in 1777. Hannah married a man much older than she was to escape the evil intentions of her suitor, Galen Wright. She was a supporter of the American Colonists and Galen fought on the side of the British Army. He was convinced that Hannah belonged to him so he arranged for the death of her husband determined that she would be his now.

Hannah was the light keeper for a lighthouse on the NorthEastern shore during the absence of her husband. During one night, when she extinguished the lights in the lighthouse to protect it from attack, a ship wrecked on the rocks and she went out to rescue those men on the lost ship. Birch Meredith was the captain of the lost ship and Hannah brought him to shore and tended to his wounds allowing him to stay in her home while he healed. While they got to know each other, they discovered a connection they both felt but the fact that Birch was not a God-fearing, God-believing person was something that Hannah could not abide. Birch sought revenge for his brother's murder and until justice was served, he couldn't relax.

There was romance, suspense, tragedy, injustice, war, intrigue . . . this book had it all. It was clean with no foul language or sex scenes, but was realistic about life. The book was well written and characters were fleshed out. I absolutely loved it and lost sleep because I wanted to finish it and couldn't stop reading long enough to get a good night's sleep. (c:

I was given an arc by NetGalley and I wholeheartedly and willingly offer my review.

There are spoilers and warnings for this book.

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction.

My Rating: 1 star.

Recommadtion: 18 up.

My favorite character/s: I didn't like any of the characters, Birch, and Hannah seem childish, underdeveloped, and for them to act like they did when he was leaving was horrible. Lydia was worse than Lydia in Pride and Prejudice and Galen a lot like Geroge Wickham though he might be worse.

My thoughts: I did not read past page 126 because I was under the impression that this was writing as a Historical Christian Romance... But the behavior of the characters was in no way something I want to read; I was tempted to stop reading when Lydia snuck out to see Galen but thought it was because she wasn't making good choices, but after a woman started to try to seduce Birch I stopped reading! I have read other books by Colleen Cobles and even own some, but I'm not sure I will read more.
For all I know though it could have gotten better due to content can only give 1 star even though it pains me to leave a 1-star review on an author's work.

P.S. If anyone has read it and found redemptive qualities, please tell me!

I quite enjoy Coble's ability to toggle between the romantic suspense she continually produces (to bestselling results) and her occasional forays into historical fiction. There was something about Freedom's Light that sparked off the page beyond the expert historical research and the setting and time period that is one of my favourites to read. I believe that this book is infused with the author's own passion and I love being able to read personality and heart in projects obviously cherished by their creators.

Fascinating characters and a readable pace make this the perfect historical retreat. I appreciated the depth of historical detail and the ease in which the author's voice fits in this Revolutionary world.

Colleen Coble does not disappoint with this colonial era novel. From a historical standpoint, the story line is easy to follow and envision. She is such a vivid storyteller!

I truly enjoyed this historical fiction work. The characters were well developed and believable, and although parts were a bit predictable, it had some nice twists. Sort of unnerving, yet I believe historically accurate was the portrayal of the "church crowd." It made me a bit uncomfortable, especially the extremes they observed to keep themselves pure, however, I know stuff like that happened, so I'm glad the author brought it to light. All in all a good read. I highly recommend. - I received this book complimentary in exchange for an honest review.

Freedom's Light is another moving read by Colleen Coble. A story of love, challenge, fear, and vengeance. It's not often you have so many emotions running rampant within a single novel, but this one fits the bill. There are so many characters to contend with that the first few chapters made me sure I would never sort everyone out. That is part of the charm in Coble's books. She never brings you a single perspective when the story can be rounded out so well between multiple characters.

Freedom's Light tells of love in the midst of a land torn apart by war, but it is not the singular love story between man and woman...although, that is the strongest thread. There is the love of sisters between Hannah and Lydia. The kind of love between family where you love them in spite of the differences between you. Since Hannah and Lydia have opposing opinions for both who should win the war and for the handsome Galen, it is only their love of one another that keeps them from falling into hatred. There is the love of self that Lydia embodies. Young, naive, and willful, Lydia can see nothing beyond her own desires.

Then we have the heart of the matter. When Hannah rescued Captain Birch from the wreckage of his ship, she never expected to find love. But Birch's path is set on vengeance, and nothing will sway his course... Not even his love of the beautiful Hannah. Hannah would like nothing more than for Birch to give up his quest of vengeance for his brother. Birch would like nothing more than for Hannah to marry him in spite of his vow for revenge. God's word says that we be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers, and Hannah believes this unyieldingly. Birch's voyage of vengeance keeps him from God, and from Hannah. If he wants to have the love of his life, he must give vengeance to God. It is not up to us to dole out justice for wrongdoing. Vengeance belongs to God. Only Birch can decide which is more important to him.

Hannah must be given due credit. She is the only one with strength enough to stand against the swelling tides of persecution and vengeance. Only she stays close to God and His all-powerful presence. It is up to her to help guide the wayward Captain safely home when his journey for vengeance threatens his very soul. It is up to her to help guide her sister from her destructive path. On top of that, Hannah is given no small task in her duty of keeping the lamps of the lighthouse glowing bright, and though she begrudges the circumstances, Hannah will not neglect her duty. Hannah's strength is a beacon of hope in the darkness of night. She might man the lighthouse for the safety of sailors, but Hannah herself is the lighthouse of God's grace. 

I love that there is not just a single love story within the pages of Freedom's Light. We get the story of no less than 3 women, with each one of them tangled intricately together in the spider web that Coble weaves. Hannah's story is the most prevalent, but they all work within the confines of the plot. Freedom's Light is a perfect example of why we should not chase after vengeance for our own sakes. The history and detail of the war as it was described within the pages was well-thought out and gives a different perspective for people on either side. It actually made me sit back and think for a while before I could fully appreciate all the intricacies. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

History came alive for me in this story!

There was so much about the Revolutionary War I really didn’t realize. I knew the basics but I never realized that there were those who lived in America that believed we should continue being loyal to England.

This story captivated me from the beginning. Hannah has so much spunk and passion for her God and her family. She was a strong woman that was easy to admire. The author did a great job making Birch a character to love as well. He had baggage that he had carried too long and I loved how justice played out in this story. Lydia broke my heart as much as she broke Hannah’s. And I didn’t expect the resolution of her story to go the direction it did.

The thing that really hit me hard with this story was the treatment of Hannah and Lydia by the town’s “religious” leaders, the Puritans. Not to give too much away, but it was truly a sad time in our Christian heritage.

If you enjoy historical fiction or Colleen Coble as an author you’re going to enjoy this story. If you enjoy historical fiction AND Colleen Coble as an author you’re going to LOVE this story.

Disclaimer: I did receive this copy free from the publisher through netgalley.com. I was under no obligation to give a review and the thoughts I express are my own.

As a longtime fan of Collen Coble, it pains me to write this review. I have loved every book of hers I've ever read whether it be suspense or historical fiction. However, this book was just one I didn't enjoy and at times had to force myself to read.

I'm used to historical fiction books having a bit of a slower pace than contemporary fiction, but I found the pace of this story extremely slow and it seemed like the story really went nowhere fast, especially the first half of the book. The second half picked up just a bit and was more interesting than the first half but it seemed like it just took so long to get to the better part of the story. Even the characters in this story seemed one dimensional and blah. There wasn't a single one I really liked or cared about.

While I didn't enjoy this book I'm still a fan of the author and will be checking out her future work. Some may like this story but it just wasn't one for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

Freedom’s Light by Colleen Coble

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Colleen Coble turns her excellent writing skills to the Revolutionary War time period to bring her readers an incredible story of loyalty, secrets, loss and finding real love in the midst of the fight for America’s independence.

Crazy as it sounds, I love the Revolutionary War time period! Yes, while I understand the many losses of men, families and homes amid this very difficult time, still, I love the incredible spirits of the Colonists living then. Their sense of patriotism and desire for freedom puts most “Americans” these days to shame, given the lack of willingness to do and give all to the cause of independence. May we all look back to their courage and seek to embody that as we enjoy the freedoms they first fought for. Collen Coble answers my desire for stories from this time with her latest story, Freedom’s Light. As I began the story, I was afraid for about two pages the story would be a bit slow, but boy, was I ever wrong – and happy to be so! Ms. Coble’s main character Hannah begins the story by seeing her husband of one year off to fight in the Continental army, not willingly but with the understanding that all loyal colonials want to do their part. She is to stay behind at their home which is also a lighthouse and tend the lights until he returns. Hannah despises the duties of light-keeping but knows it is an important task that she must do. Little does she know that the lights will bring her the desires of her heart. Captain Birch Meredith is a courageous Colonial who has given much of his last year to the fight against Britain. His true motives for his grudge against the Red-coats are kept well hidden but drive him on to the next daring encounter. He has certain officers that he intends to make answer for crimes against his family and while he bides his time, Birch will destroy as many ships and supplies as possible. When his latest task lands his ship on the rocks below Gurnet Point Lighthouse, causing him great injury, Birch comes face to face with a woman who will inhabit both his waking and sleeping mind. Caring for Birch as he heals from his injuries, Hannah find solace and purpose beyond her designated duties. Her brother in law, Harlis, had brought her news of her husbands death and her heart is mourning the loss deeply. John was not the husband of love she had desired but he had become dear to her over their year together. As Birch heals, Hannah discovers he is a “loyalist”, and is loath to let him remain in her home. He keeps hidden from her his true ties in an attempt to keep her safe from his enemies. But loyalist or not, Hannah is drawn to this “pirate eyed” captain and her mind and heart will be in for an incredible struggle. When Birch returns to his duties, he carries the memory of their deep conversations with him as he travels. But he cannot put her out of his mind and she will draw him back in spite of his determination to remain aloof. Hannah is saddened to loose Birch, but determines to put him from her mind as she could never consent to marry a British soldier. Besides, her sister Lydia has come to stay and they will have many happenings of their own to deal with. The return of Hannah’s former fiance is one of those happenings, and Galen Wright is not a man to be turned away. He long ago decided to have Hannah as his own and now sees his chance. With the order to hang her husband on account of treason, Galen clears the way to marry her himself, or so he thinks. However, Hannah is no fool, and she is well aware of Galen’s cruelty and abuse. Lydia is not so easily convinced as she has loved Galen since he first came around Hannah. After Hannah’s refusal of him, Lydia determines to gain his affections herself, believing she will be more than enough woman for him. As the fight for independence rages on, Hannah and Birch will find themselves in the middle of personal and public battles that will determine their future together. Whether they will be willing to reach out for what is in front of them and let go of the past will be for them to decide. But as they find themselves thrown together more times than not, their lives will become so interwoven that the courage and strength of one will become what is needed in the other. Now if they can just find a way to move beyond their secrets into a life of peace and love. I greatly enjoyed reading every page of this story. There was enough intrigue and suspense to make the book flow well as well as plenty of good dialogue that allowed me to get to know the characters pretty well. The inclusion of scenes with real life Colonial and British officers gave the story an authenticity that I appreciated. As I read about the exploits of the colonial army, I found myself cheering for them in their victories and heavyhearted in their failures. Ms. Coble drew me in and gave me a true glimpse of what brave and courageous people these men and women were as they stood before the incredible might of the largest and best military in the world. I was pleased to see that while each character had a journey they were on, there were defined moments that had everyone “getting what they deserved”. It also gave a realism to the main characters that their love was not an easy path, rather it required pain, forgiveness and acceptance to move into the love they were both looking for. I will most certainly recommend this book to others and hope they will find as much enjoyment in it as I did. It was nice to see Ms. Coble offer a new time period for her writings while also keeping the wonderful writing style I have come to expect with her stories. Looking forward to her next story (very soon, I hope)!

I received this E-book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Fiction via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

A suspenseful story of love, loyalty, forgiveness, and patriotism. A different sort of book from Colleen Coble, but she shows us that she can write a great story in any genre. There are some adult themes in this book that are handled quite appropriately and keeps it in the Christian fiction category. However, a parent might want to read it first before giving it to a younger teen to read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.