Minding the Light ~ Review

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.   


About the Book:

"How could I have expected so much? 

How could I have given her so little in return?"

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship's hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. 

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn't defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and "mind the Light," finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be--honorable, wise, faithful--she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for?