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 … 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.
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Readers may associate Suzanne Woods Fisher with Amish stories, and she writes some of the best, but her historical Nantucket Legacy series is even better … at least in my opinion. Beautifully written, meticulously researched, and just plain entertaining, each book in this trilogy skillfully blends two historical periods and brings the world of the first Quakers on Nantucket to life. Highly recommended.
“Boy, if there is no wind, row.”
What a great Nantucket sea-faring family motto. I’ll be thinking about this quote for many days to come. The quote is often repeated by Jeremiah Macy, Hitty and Henry’s paternal grandfather, when the main characters come up against one dilemma after another. This third installment in Nantucket Legacy series follows twins Hitty and Henry Macy as they navigate their maternal grandmother’s wealth upon her death and try to positively influence the future of Nantucket in the mid-1800s. It is a wonderful tale with incredible characters, real historical events blended seamlessly with fictional embellishments, a well-paced plot in the midst of everyday Nantucket happenings with some surprises thrown in, a nice undercurrent of intrigue and suspense, fun dialogue, and a steady dose of lessons in faith. Though it’s not necessary to read the previous two books in the series, reading them first will give the reader a better understanding of the characters and their family history as well as the history of Nantucket that plays a large role in the story. I really enjoyed the almost dual-timeline aspect of the story with Great Aunt Mary’s journal from the late-1600s into early-1700s coming alive within the story as Henry reads the old faded journal for perspective and wisdom.
I totally fell in love with Hitty and Henry. Such wonderfully connected twins yet so very different. Hitty is a warm, tender-hearted, generous woman who loves the best in each person. She is delightful and full of life but feels unworthy due to her dyslexia. Henry is the thinker who waffles and is indecisive but quite intelligent and loyal. He’s somewhat lost in his purpose in life until he finds his voice as the newspaper editor carefully helping to bring in change to the small island of Nantucket. The author looks at social issues – like racism, segregation, consequences of blind belief in what our ancestors believed without thought and the slippery slope of faith without a formed church or leadership – thoughtfully through the eyes of Hittie, Henry, and Jeremiah.
If you enjoy a well-written historical fiction with a touch of romance, this book will enthrall you.
I was given a copy of the book from Baker Publishing Group via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the third story in Nantucket Legacy series. Henry Macy has returned to Nantucket after being gone on a whaling voyage for three years. He learns that his grandmother, Lillian Coffin has passed away leaving him and his twin sister, Hitty her estate, but she placed restrictions on the vast inheritance. If the twins do not meet the conditions set forth by Lillian, the whole estate will go to their unscrupulous relative, Tristram Macy. Henry and Hitty set out to satisfy the conditions of the will in their own way, but the siblings encounter difficulties they did not anticipate. Henry looks for wisdom and guidance in Great Mary’s journal that Daphne passed along to him before she departed on the Endeavor. Will they be able to claim the full estate? How will their story play out?
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.
Oct 2. Revell
THE. LIGHT. BEFORE. DAY
by Suzanne Wood Fisher
An inheritance came from a grandmother in Boston. Leaving it to Henry who has been on a whaling voyage, and his sister Hitty. With strings attached, they were to marry someone of a Quaker in good standing. Her brother who was brainy and loved to read while she had no patience for books. Neither liked the strict disciplinary of the meetings. Were either willing to except this for the money they would get, Hitty wanted to know what Henry thought. Somehow to convince him against it. His plans of seafaring turned out to be one of
boredom and didn’t plan on returning. So to keep the inheritance was a must, now to convince his sister.A story of so many issues, the one of under
estimating a value of a person. The expectation they want of a person :like
Henry as an editor, what he should be writing. A lot of history of Nantucket
went into this. One wonders if the old oak tree is still there. With the true
treasure that. Henry put there. A deep plot, very well done, the characters of
Henry and Hitty come alive, as the mishaps happens, and they find their way. Given ARC by Net Galley and Revell for my honest option and my voluntary
review. Ellen Oceanside
This was a good conclusion to this series. I love the historical research that Suzanne Woods Fisher did for these books. So many of the issues that the people of Nantucket struggled with during the island’s beginnings have their counterpart in our own time. I’ve also enjoyed the “split-time” aspect of these books, and almost wish that there had been a completely separate book about Mary’s journal.
This particular book follows Hitty and Henry’s stories as they are becoming adults and their struggles to find God’s will for their lives. The storyline was interesting. The Quakers’ religion has been the focus of this series. We may not agree with all their practices or doctrinal positions, but it’s been a good reminder to take everything to God in prayer and allow Him to guide us.
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a great author, and I’m already looking forward to her next book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Is the Nantucket Legacy Worth the Time to Read?
Dumb question, right? Anyone who has read any book by Suzanne Woods Fisher knows that her books are always worth the time to read.
But this series holds something that few others do. Among the pages of these books, you find characters who creep into your heart and build a home there. Like friends and family, you sometimes want to hug them and others wish to shake them.
The settings begin to feel familiar—as if you know which way to turn as you walk down the street. Sometimes, I’m convinced that if I needed one of the series’ famed “pieces of eight,” I could find that tree with no problem. I’d dig, just like Great Mary Coffin did.
It won’t be a popular thing to mention, but I’m going to. One of the things I loved and respected most was that the human rights issues addressed in these books held a strong authenticity that most historical novels do not. The Quaker roots of the people in the series make those human rights attitudes realistic—believable.
Yeah. I’m going to say it.
Too often, modern sensibilities are thrust into historical fiction without regard for the plausibility of it. It’s as if every author thinks they’re the only person making an “unusual” character by giving that person modern ideas regarding “rights” whether racial, gender, or otherwise. Yeah. It’s not believable and irritating.
Because you see, when we rewrite history to make people hold ideals they didn’t, when we sanitize the past with the disinfectant of today’s values, we lose the ability to learn and grow. The few people who really did stand out, no longer do. And the people who were otherwise fine, upstanding, life-changing people in every other way either look too perfect or are ignored because they are insufficiently modern in their ideals.
Suzanne Woods Fisher chose to address the topics she did in a beautiful way—by using what was authentic in a specific group and showing how that played out. And I thank her for it.
Should this series be read? Definitely.
Should it be finished? Absolutely.
When? Well, sooner than later, I always say. I look forward to what she delights us with next.
I loved all three books in this series. I wish there were more!
Oh my goodness! I had no idea what to expect with this story. It’s my first Suzanne Woods Fisher novel and I really enjoyed it! When I began, I was a little afraid it was going to be hard to follow with the thee’s and thou’s, but it wasn’t at all. Normally, I would always read a series from the beginning, but this is the book that was available to me, so I just picked it up and started reading. I don’t know if there are things that I missed from the first two stories, but I didn’t feel as though I was lost in the slightest. This book is very well written, full of actual Nantucket history, adventure, sweet romance, and mystery. Discovering where true peace and happiness lie and helping a land they love so dearly. I truly enjoyed it from beginning to end. Now I think I shall go back and read the first two books in the series! And I will definitely be looking forward to what comes next from Ms. Fisher!
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley…all opinions expressed are my own.
I’m sorry to see this series end. Such a lot of history regarding Nantucket and the inhabitants–readers will see right away the immense amount of research the author has done to give this series credibility. This third book in Nantucket Legacy series deals with the twins Henry and Mehitabel (Hitty) Macy and the sizable inheritance from their manipulative grandmother that had several stringent stipulations for them to realize the bequest or it forfeits to a ruthless relative. The author has given her readers a wonderful story filled with vibrant characters and in the end, reminds readers what is really important is not the wealth that is passed down but the beliefs regarding faith, family, and community. One is never disappointed in reading Ms. Fisher’s books and I look forward to reading more of her work.
As an amateur genealogist and avid reader, I often choose books “related” to our families. Since both my spouse and I are kin to Nantucket founders, I was eager to read The Light Before Day, by Suzanne Woods Fisher.
For the complete review, go to http://www.kindredconnection.wordpress.com/2019/01/08/the-light-before-day/.
I Loved reading these 3 historical books, made me homesick for Massachusetts.
Henry and Hitty have inherited their grandmother’s vast fortune with a few hitches. They must live in her monstrosity of a house and marry a Quaker in good standing within six years. If they do not meet these requests conniving Tristam Macy will inherit all with no conditions. How will Henry and Hitty handle their grandmother’s request and what will they learn of themselves in the process?
I have absolutely loved this series. I found my love of Nantucket through a couple of other writers and it is on my bucket list to visit someday. I jumped at the chance to learn about the early days of Nantucket. Suzanne has taken the time to research and include true occurrences in this trilogy. My favorite is the third book. I know some readers felt the author rushed the ending and left a few things unfinished but isn’t that how life is? Not everything is tied up in a neat little bow. I also want to dream that she might have left it open to revisiting someday.
The trilogy is written in old English with “thee” and “thy” used very frequently. Once you get used to that you will find yourself falling into the story and not realizing the language difference. For this alone, I would say it is more appropriate for a mature audience. There is no sex or obscene language in the books.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Revell through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
I enjoyed this story but since I’ve been sick, I’m not sure how much it actually dragged at first or was me. I received this book for free and I’ve voluntarily chose to review it. I’ve given it a 4.5* rating. There was a lot going on in this story, including going back and forth in time. Lots of interesting facts that are around the time of the civil war starting and a lot of immigration going on. Mix religion, and women’s rights into this and you pretty much have a boiling pot. A very interesting ending.
Will they make the right decision…?
I have to confess that Nantucket Island is not a place that I have ever given much thought to. But as I’ve read the Nantucket Legacy series I’ve found myself enjoying the story and fascinated by the history, the people, and the culture, albeit an odd one at times. And in the spirit of confession I have to admit that I also didn’t know much about the Society Of Friends, or Quakers, since the history books that I read for school only touched lightly on them and their history.
The Light Before Day is the final book in the series and I’m a bit sorry to say goodbye to the intertwined and often quirky Macy, Starbuck, Coffin, and Foulger families. I’m especially sorry to say goodbye to Great Mary as we have watched her from girlhood to grandmotherhood. Her wit and wisdom benefiting generations of family members as they face trying times. One must also not forget the hero and heroine of this book, Henry and his twin Hitty, who will leave readers applauding them and shaking their heads as the two find their purpose…and maybe love…
I think one of my favorite elements of the story is how Suzanne Woods Fisher wove a thread of suspense into what otherwise would have simply been a historical romance. Add in the fascinating historical details and some weird and wonderful characters and you have a pretty good story.
If you like to be entertained while learning a little bit about history this book, and series, would be a good one to check out.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Hetty and Henry Macy’s waspish and irascible grandmother left them a huge inheritance-with many stipulations-which both surprised and dismayed the twins. They didn’t want the inheritance, but the alternative to refusing was even worse than if they accepted.
The Light Before Day is well-written and exceptionally well researched, shedding light on the early Quaker religion in our burgeoning country. Fisher conveys a vivid legacy of Nantucket as shown through the eyes of many resident’s love for the island. Nonetheless, life on the island wasn’t idyllic; there was a deep undercurrent of poverty, racism and bigotry. The novel sheds light on problems inherent in a changing and growing time and her use of Great Mary’s journal juxtaposed with the lives of the twins helps set the tone for the book.
As I read the story, I could see the island, smell the ocean and feel its mighty strength and reflect on parts of our country’s legacy. I came to understand and appreciate the challenge intrinsic in whale hunting, and the fear of the loss of livelihood as the whale population was diminishing. I could empathize with everyone trying to make a better life for people perceived to be of a lesser value than others. Although there is a romantic aspect woven into the story, there is so much to digest and reflect on that I feel one reading doesn’t do the story justice.
The Light Before Day completes the Nantucket Legacy Series. The book could be read as a standalone. Yet, to truly appreciate the storyline, I would suggest reading the first two books in the series, Phoebe’s Light and Minding the Light.
I received the book from NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
The light before day
I have to say the ending was a lot different than I expected and I love book like that. I love it when I get surprised. Henry and his sister. Hitty returns to Nantucket to claim their unexpected inheritance from their grandmother. They find out there is requirements to the will before they can get the inheritance. Will they be able to meet their requirements?
The book is an historical that is actually set in two time periods. One is by what Mary Coffin Starbuck had written in a journal. I enjoy books that are written like that and love how the two time periods intertwine together.
I received an complementary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
*My Thoughts*
This series was so good! I loved the quaker/Nantucket setting and even though dual time period novels can be tricky, Suzanne did a wonderful job with this one.
The series is very in depth and jam-packed with great information. That being said, it is definitely not a light read. Where normally I could finish a 300-page novel in about 4 hours of straight reading, this one took me a few days to fully grasp everything going on.
This was just what the series needed to finish it out strong. Suzanne wrapped it up with sweet love stories, suspense, and returning characters in true Fisher style. This series is a must-read for this time period!
_______________________________________________________
*My Rating*
I give The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher…
5 stars!
*I received this book free of charge from the author.
Will a rich inheritance change them?
My rating is 4.5 stars
Marie-Claire is introduced to the story as a teenager. Despite her youth, she is trustworthy in her role as a law clerk. I admired the way she quietly and confidently handled the interfering and greedy relatives hoping to benefit from the inheritance Lillian Coffin left her grandchildren. She had such wisdom and a gentle way of sharing it. Henry and Hitty found themselves relying on her and trusting her judgement. What a great example of faith!
The Light Before Day tells the story of the twins we met in Minding the Light. Hitty and Henry are now adults. The dilemma that Henry and Hitty faced about what to do with the inheritance they didn’t even want was handled quite well. The idea they came up with to foil their grandmother’s plan while staying true to the conditions of the will was perfect!
Hitty was in love with a man who appeared to not even know she existed outside of the care she gave to his daughter. Her family and friends advised her against pinning her hopes on him. So when a handsome law clerk began paying attention to her, she was torn about what to do. I was so impressed with the way this storyline played out. At any given moment, I wasn’t sure how things would be resolved and my loyalties flip-flopped between the men as more details were revealed. There have not been many love triangles I have read about that have been handled so well so the outcome wasn’t obvious from the beginning.
I liked the way that Henry started out floundering about what to do with his life, regarding a career, and regarding Anne, and slowly found the path he should walk. He gradually grew into an admirable man who had found his calling and his voice.
There was a host of interesting characters in addition to the twins. Many of the people and situations in the book are taken directly from history. The story was enjoyable and the historical tidbits shared were interesting. While I disagree (strongly) with the doctrine of the Quakers, learning more about them did not detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Lovers of historical fiction will want to read this.
Read with a Preview and Guest Post at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a
favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All
comments and opinions are my own.
“The Light Before Day”, is Suzanne Woods Fisher’s 3rd & final story in her great Nantucket Legacy series. Twins, Henry & Hitty Macy’s romance stories are the focus. They were introduced in the 2nd story as children; now they’re adults.
They unexpectedly come into a financial windfall. What do they do with it? How does it change their lives? Does the money draw them closer to God & their community, or further away? Does their inheritance affect their romantic relationships? How does racial discrimination show itself, & affect the twins? You’ll need to read SWF’s wonderfully, engrossing, Historic Christian Romance, to find out how she weaves all these things together. I Highly Recommend you do! #TheLightBeforeDay
“God lifted the clouds so that we may walk clearly. Think, Mary. Think of the fog that drenches our island, and how it feels when the sun breaks through and the fog disappears. He miraculously lifts clouds . . . clouds of depression, of aimlessness, of helplessness, of inferiority. It’s as if . . . as if we move to a new atmosphere.” – from Great Mary’s journal.
The author has penned another fabulous book set in Nantucket. From Grandmother Lillian’s will with all its codicils to a young black girl getting the highest scores on tests to enter high school, the story confronts the tenets of wealth and segregation. Once all the clouds were lifted and the smoke was gone, the opportunity was there to quit striving and realize that everyone was the same on the inside regardless of financial status or color of their skin. Only then could they step into the Light!
I received this ebook through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.