This was not one of my favorite Colleen Coble books.

First, there were things that I think were historically inaccurate (the amount of tea they drank, for instance. Tea was very unpopular amongst the revolutionaries before and during the war) that made me question the validity of other historical aspects of the book.

Second, I felt that the relationship between the hero and heroine was not developed at all. At one moment they didn't like or trust each other and the next moment they were in love with each other. There was no build up to it at all in my opinion.

Third, the conclusion was too easy and, quite frankly, rather unbelievable for me.

I was disappointed in this book. I've read other of Coble's books and quite enjoyed them, so I was very disappointed in this one.

Unfortunately, Freedom's Light was not my favorite read by Colleen Coble. I can honestly only give it two stars.

I loved Colleen Coble's new book, Freedom's Light! It has all the elements for a good story; a lonely woman, a hero, a villain, and an unforgettable plot. I didn't want it to end!

Freedom's Light begins with Hannah Thomas, a young woman content with her husband and lighthouse. She hopes she has seen the last of a childhood friend named Galen. She has seen him grow into a worldly, immoral, and dangerous man. But when her husband is hanged as a traitor, Galen comes calling again to woo and marry Hannah.

To combat the loneliness of a lighthouse keeper, Hannah invites her high-spirited sister, Lydia to stay. But Lydia is determined to have Galen for herself, and makes many disastrous decisions to gain his attention.

In the midst of this love triangle, Hannah helps save the life of ship captain, Birch Meredith. Even though Birch is on the opposing side of the Revolutionary War, Hannah finds him to be an irresistible combination of kindness and honor. Not to mention handsome.

I loved every aspect of Freedom's Light. Even George Washington makes an appearance! I wish the author would write a prequel novel, exploring Hannah's childhood and the events before her marriage.

Though the author presents a rousing, romantic tale set at the dawn of my nation, her novel is bedeviled by bits of jingoism, blind patriotism, and self-congratulating white liberalism. All that being said, it's an enjoyable read if you like simple historical romances with strong female leads, which I do. I simply urge the author to muddy up and problematize her historical vision just a little bit more.

Let me start by saying that Colleen Coble is one of my go-to authors. I truly have a shelf in my library dedicated to her works alone. Freedom’s Light sets the scene from a lighthouse on the Atlantic Ocean and takes you back to the Revolutionary War. The main character is young Hannah, married to a lighthouse keeper who leaves to fight in the war, while she is left to tend the lights for the ships passing by. Though she has many troubles, most are not consequences from her own actions but that of others. Her husband meets his demise after being deemed a spy. Her sister is determined to marry a Tory and not just any Tory, but one that Hannah despises. A shipwreck occurs on her watch that injures Captain Birch, who then comes under Hannah’s care. Hannah clings to her faith to see her through each struggle and burden she faces. This story is about faith, love, revenge and history. Although many of the themes are deep-rooted, somehow Coble manages to illuminate the positive and it does not feel heavy. Historical fiction that was suspenseful with a touch of inspiration and romance. Although not my favorite book by Colleen Coble, it is worth the read.

A young lighthouse keeper must navigate the dangerous waters of revolution and one man’s obsession with her to find safe harbor with the sea captain she loves.
Hannah Thomas believes she’s escaped Galen Wright’s evil intentions by marrying an older lighthouse keeper. Seemingly safe in faraway Massachusetts, her world is upended when John is killed in one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Hannah is allowed to continue the difficult task of tending the twin lighthouses in John’s place, though she faces daily disapproval from John’s family. She thinks her loneliness will subside when her younger sister arrives, but she finds Lydia’s obsession with Galen only escalates the dangerous tides swirling around her.

A stormy night brings a shipwrecked sea captain to Hannah’s door, and though he is a Tory, her heart is as traitorous as the dark-eyed captain. Even though she discovers Birch Meredith isn’t the enemy he seemed at first, Hannah isn’t sure their love will ever see the light of freedom.

A very interesting story about the Revolutionary War era. It also depicts the narrow mindedness of some of the church leaders of the time. Overall it was a very good story. There was no great mystery, but there was times when I had to continue reading to find out what happened next.

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

I loved the character, Hannah. She was such a strong Christian woman who put up with the impossible judgement of the Puritan elders. Consequences for any infraction were swift and brutal. The author's descriptions throughout the book made the story very real. This Revolutionary War period novel rings true. Recommended!

Young Hannah marries an older man, John. While there is no heart stopping feelings of love, she does have respect and admiration for him. He tends the lighthouse, but feels it his duty to go fight in the Revolutionary War. Hannah is so lonely, as John's mother has never approved of her, so she is alone tending the lighthouse. She sent for her sister, Lydia, for company and Lydia wished to get far from her alcoholic father. Unfortunately, the sisters are on opposites sides of the war, as Lydia is in favor of the British. While Hannah is responsible, Lydia is not and yearns for a life full of riches no matter the means she must go to acquire it.
Upon discovery of a shipwreck, Hannah pulled a man from the wreckage. Birch Meredith, a Tory. But, she feels a responsibility to take care of him while his broken leg heals. They begin to develop feelings for one another, but how can it be when he is a British and he has no love for God?
Lydia is determined to marry Galen who wishes to wed Hannah. Hannah fears and despises Galen. Galen is an evil, wicked man who stops at nothing to get what, and whom he wants. Lydia is so silly she is blind to who he really is and believes she can make him forget all about Hannah and want her. Lydia gets herself into trouble and has to leave Hannah. Once again, Hannah is all alone tending the twin lighthouses.
You must read this book to discover how God provides for Hannah's every need.
I normally do not care for historical fiction, but I am a big fan of Colleen Coble, and knew this just had to be a great story and I was not disappointed.
I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this book are my own.

This book was full of suspense, and intrigue. I love Colleen Cobles books and this one didn’t disappoint. The story takes place from a few different viewpoints which makes the story that much more interesting. I loved every page.

In the author’s notes at the end, Colleen Coble mentions that this story has been written and sitting around for something like 18 years. I can completely understand why. Nothing about the story strongly caught my interest. Not the love story, not the war, not villains. Everyone is either awful, or obnoxiously holier-than-thou.

To call this a love story would be a mistake. It’s a story about Hannah and Birch and Lydia and Galen. (And Montgomery and Molly Vicar). It tries to be this grand epic or saga, but falls rather short of the mark.

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

To escape her past, Hannah married John and joined him far from the South where she grew up. When he dies, she takes over his duties as a lighthouse keeper and endures the censure of the strict Puritan neighborhood. A shipwreck brings a Tory captain to her home, and she must decide whether to follow her loyalty to her country or the leadings of her heart.

The most interesting part of this story was the setting: the Revolutionary War. As in other wars, there were supporters for both sides sometimes even in the same household. The question of what a woman would do when she is attracted to a man on the other side of the conflict is a fascinating one. However, I don’t feel like the author showed it very well. Yes, Hannah was conflicted but in the end didn’t have to choose because of the truth about the captain.

A lot of time is covered in this novel, and the narrative is split between four people. Hannah was overshadowed by her sister, Lydia, who was a vehement Tory supporter. Many events were told to us, and we were never really showed why Hannah was attracted to the captain only why she feared Galen. Because of this, it was difficult to be invested in the romance.

Overall, it was a clean book (though adult situations are mentioned, they are never shown in detail). I would recommend it to readers who have an interest in the time period.

Freedom's Light, by Colleen Coble, is Christian historical fiction that takes place in Massachusetts in 1776.  I enjoyed reading the history of the setting of this book. A time when our country was fighting to be independent from the mother England.                               Hannah's husband John was a lighthouse keeper and when he went to fight in the Revolutionary War, Hannah was left with the responsibility of keeping the lighthouse going to warn the ships from the rocky shore.  John was killed in a battle at the beginning of the war and she now feels she must do her duty to help with the war by keeping the light going for the sailors.  Hannah is only eighteen years old and mistreated by her in-laws and shunned by the pious church elders, she takes in her rebellious sister who is sixteen and does her best to live by her faith and keep the lighthouse going.  This is such an interesting read with many surprises, I can certainly recommend this enthralling read...........I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was an amazing book! I liked the characters and wanted the best for them. It was interesting about the British wanting to sabotage the lighthouses when they too benefitted from their light. I also was intrigued by the church having such power in the community. I thought most of New England had let go of the strict guidelines by that time.

This was a great book. Of course when I read something by Colleen Coble I expect nothing less. She has a reputation of keeping me on my toes, and making it impossible to stop reading. Freedoms Light was one of those books. I usually try to spread a book over a couple days, but this book had me hooked. The characters were all so unique, and I enjoyed seeing their relationships change and grow. Thinking about how life was back then amazes me. I felt transported to another place and time and enjoyed every moment. Even when those moments ranged from sad and nerve wracking to joyful and expectant. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and Netgalley. I was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

**thanks as always to the publisher for this advanced copy. All opinions are mine**

A beautiful historical romance as only Colleen Coble can deliver. Set in the Revolutionary War, Hannah Thompson is widowed and now lighthouse keeper to not one, but two of the East Coast lighthouses. Her former husband's family disapproves of her abilities and the new addition of her younger sister to the equation has Hannah wishing for some help. However, a violent storm blows in more than maybe even her heart can take.

A gorgeous fluid story met with suspense and a craving to dive deeper into the lore this book is set in. I loved the pictures Mrs. Coble paints in our minds and the love stories that progress over time. Another winner and am excited to read her next adventure....

I love Colleen Coble’s novels and have read several, usually fast-paced, modern-day, psychological thrillers, so I was intrigued by the change of pace with Freedom’s Light. Set in the American civil war, the story draws the reader near to Hannah, who is walking the fine line of duty and passion. Her husband murdered in the war, her sister running amok and a loyalist living under her roof, she definitely faces challenges! The overall arch, of the freedom of forgiveness through Christ, is beautiful. However, Colleen paints a visual so graphically, I found several of the war scenes and interactions with Galen difficult to read particularly those including the death penalty.

Galen is one of many villains in the novel but definitely the most chilling! His complete lack of empathy or compassion plays a elegant contrast of a darkness to the lightness of Hannah and Birch. Lydia reminded me so of a different Lydia, the one from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, frivolous and willfully naïve to the point of dangerous!

Whilst I, overall, enjoyed the book, it’s a four out of five on en-JOY-ment because of the moments I tried reading with my eyes closed to avoid the pain described!

I really loved this Freedom’s Light by Colleen Coble. Set during the American Revolution it drew me in right from the beginning. The story was complex and engaging. The characters were realistic and compelling. I didn’t want to put this one down and was sad when it was finished. I recommend this book if you enjoy historical Christian fiction.

When Hannah Thomas' lighthouse keeper husband joins up with the American Revolutionaries, it's not long before Hannah is left a young widow. Ostracized by the Puritan community in New England, Hannah pours herself into the lighthouse, keeping the coast safe for Patriot vessels. When her sister Lydia comes to keep her company, the foolish girl falls for a nefarious Redcoat officer, leaving Hannah powerless to halt her sister's folly. And when a shipwreck throws Birch Meredith--ostensibly a Tory ship captain--ashore by the lighthouse, Hannah herself is torn in her loyalties. As much as she yearns to reciprocate Birch's interest, she will not give up her devotion to freedom or her devotion to God.

This book shed an unexpected light on the historical occupation of lighthouse keeper during the Revolutionary War. It also explored the themes of revenge, a good reputation, legalism, and love. Birch is out for revenge, determined to exterminate the British officer who murdered his fifteen-year-old brother. Hannah, despite all her best efforts, can never measure up to the standards of her village. The Puritan elders not only humiliate Hannah but they drive Lydia further into sin with their harsh judgments. Lydia's name is very apt, calling to mind the youngest Bennet sister in Pride and Prejudice whose behavior Lydia mimics. 

The beginning of the book was somewhat frustrating as Birch and Hannah's burgeoning relationship is only described and never really shown. It felt as if there were 30-40 pages missing of character development to make me care about the romance. But although the characters were never fully rounded out, the plot was enjoyable enough to keep me engaged.

Interestingly, the Author's Note shares that this was one of the author's first books from two decades ago which never found a buyer due to the unpopularity of Revolutionary era books at that time. This made me wonder how much the author's style has developed over the subsequent years. I enjoyed this look at the American Revolution and would read more by Colleen Coble.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Freedom's Light is a Historical Romance, unlike Colleen Coble's usual Suspense novels, set during the time of the Revolutionary War. Hannah leaves home to marry John, a lighthouse keeper, only to have him die in one of the first battles of the war. She's lonely taking care of the lighthouse in his place and not receiving support from her mother- and sister-in-law. So, she asks her younger sister, Lydia, to come stay with her. Lydia has other plans, to use the trip to contact Galen, the man Hannah was supposed to marry and she's always been in-love with. This relationship causes several hardships throughout the book and both women heartache.

One of Hannah's responsibilities as Lighthouse Keeper is to sound the alarm and attempt to rescue any survivors of shipwrecks. This is how she meets Birch. Their relationship, although a bit rushed, is very sweet and refreshing. This story is one of comparisons...love vs lust, sacrifice vs selfishness, true friendship vs using someone for your own gain.

I enjoyed this tale from Colleen Coble and am glad she held on to her manuscript all this time!

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 by Colleen Coble is set during the Revolutionary War. Hannah Thomas is a lighthouse keeper's wife whose life is rocked when her husband is executed as a spy by a former romantic pursurer. She defies stereotypes as she continues to run the lighthouse alone while being engulfed in a suspicious climate of not knowing who to trust as neighbors are Revolutionaries and Loyalists. Will she be able to remain steadfast in her faith and find love once again? Coble interjects spies, sea captains, scandals, and secrets to create an engrossing tale. Fans of Coble will find the suspense occuring at much slower pace but still filled with her characteric strong writing.