Minding the Light (Nantucket Legacy Book #2)

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 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 divide 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.

Minding the Light Nantucket Legacy #2 By Suzanne Woods Fisher Minding the Light is the second book in the Nantucket Legacy which further explores the beginnings of Nantucket and its Quaker roots. This book like the previous one takes place in two different times, in this case, it takes place in the 1660s and the 1820s. The 1660s portions are excerpts taken from Mary Coffin Starbuck's journal which amongst those living in later Nantucket generations is the stuff of legends. Mary is settling into married life with Nathaniel and having to adjust to her new living situation. When slavery comes to the island Mary and the other residents must decide where they stand on this issue. The 1820s finds Mary's descendants still living on Nantucket and though life has changed and progressed the same basic issues plague those who call it home. Daphne Coffin has been there for her sister Jane while her husband took to the sea following the whales whom would enrich him. For six long years, Captain Reynold Macy has been away, anticipating his return to Nantucket and to his Jane. But life has continued without him and he has missed much to both his regret and his surprise. But rebuilding his life is no easy task and he will need the help of Daphne to do this. I really enjoyed this book - the characters have their faults (some more than others) and these make them more believable and relatable. Both time periods find the people struggling with the issue of slavery. I found the Quaker stance on slavery and social interaction with persons of color to be an interesting one. To champion freedom while ignoring the very people they were championing seems a little out of whack in my opinion. And Jane and Daphne's mother is quite a disagreeable individual whom I can honestly say I can't see myself ever being able to be in a room with. If you like historical fiction I would highly recommend this one. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own.