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    The Light Before Day
    The Light Before Day
    The Light Before Day
    Audiobook10 hours

    The Light Before Day

    Written by Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Narrated by Alyssa Bresnahan

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    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 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.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateOct 2, 2018
    ISBN9781980003311
    The Light Before Day
    Author

    Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Suzanne Woods Fisher is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than forty books, including The Sweet Life, The Secret to Happiness, and Love on a Whim, as well as many beloved contemporary romance and Amish romance series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at SuzanneWoodsFisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and X @SuzanneWFisher.

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    Reviews for The Light Before Day

    4/5

    52 ratings22 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This concluding book in the trilogy is a fitting end to the series. Certainly, readers must start the series with book one, since the books build on the characters, though once started, you won’t be able to stop until you finish the series. It is that good. This book centers on the now grown twins of Reynolds and his late wife. They are left a large inheritance by a grandmother who disliked them rather a lot. But there are weighty strings attached, and the twins must decide whether they wish to abide by the dictates of such a controlling grandmother. This book explores several subjects. Discrimination in regards both to race and religion figure into the story. Abolitionists and segregationists butt heads in town meetings. Humanitarianism is also part of tale, as well as some romance. Perhaps the greatest storyline is the clever way in which the author illustrates that it is the love of money, not money itself, that is the root of all evil. This well written series, rich in history and peopled with well developed characters, is highly recommended.
    • 5/5
      This is the third and final book in historical fiction series about Nantucket by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Each book had something that stood out to me. This time it was the historical references and "The Look".The frateral twins Henry and Hitty are the main characters. Henry is the quiet introspective one an Hitty is an extrovert who has no interest in books and dreams of marrying someone who she loves. At the beginning of the story, Henry thinks he will marry Anna Gardner. Anna is a historical figure who was an aboltionist and women's rights supporter. As in the book, she did invite Frederick Douglas to Nantucket to make his first speech. I enjoyed readng about her getting him to speak confidently. And Hitty's friend is the famous woman astronmer, woman's rights supporter.I also did not know of the Great Fire in 1846. I have been to Nantucket in the past and I am glad that the author gave the information on what places were and those not. The cobblestone paving on Main Street were involved in a controversy.Outside of that, "The Look" which referred to the physical traits of the original families at Nantucket really caught my interest and I have wondered where the author found that informtion. I laughed when I realized that i have two physical traits described in this book that would refer me to having "The Look".I bought this book for my own enjoyment since my ancestors lived on Nantucket. My thoughts and feelings in this are entirely my own.
    • 5/5
      This is the third book in the Nantucket Legacy Series. I am happy to say I have read all three! This can easily be read as a standalone but you won’t want to miss reading the other 2! Henry Macy and his twin sister Hitty are summoned home following being gone on a whaling expedition for 3 years. Their cantankerous grandmother has died leaving them her fortune with some very detailed and constraining guidelines. Should they decide not to follow her wishes the fortune would be given to their scoundrel of an uncle that robbed their father of all he had. They don’t want the money, but what about using it to help their community? Their choice is not an easy especially with the other instructions their grandmother has left. This book as with the others draws the characters to Great Mary’s diary. A family heirloom passed down since the 1600’s. Wisdom never is out of date and this treasure continues to guide the family member who receives it. It has been a major part of each book and I couldn’t wait until another page of it was revealed. Nantucket in the 1800’s had greatly grown from its humble beginnings. The whaling industry was still the center of it. But with time and progress come new challenges and struggles. Discrimination and conflict concerning slavery was a major issue. It was interesting to see it from the view point of that era and how the Quakers dealt with it. The story was exciting complex with the plot and characters. I love the unexpected surprises! Definitely a book for your reading list!
    • 3/5
      This is the story of Quaker siblings, Henry and Hitty. It’s a hard book to read if one is not used to Quaker language. The story is about these two inheriting their grandmother’s house and fortune and the restrictions involving the inheritance. I appreciate LibraryThing allowing me to read this book but I would not recommend it.
    • 5/5
      I like this author. I have read a lot of her books, however, I had not read any in this series. I was able to read this last one and really enjoyed it. There was depth and history to the characters. It has romance and a bit of mystery. Thoroughly enjoyable!
    • 3/5
      The Light Before Day is the third book in the Nantucket Legacy series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. I have read all the books in the series, but this was my least favorite. The plot seemed to move slowly. But is was an easy and enjoyable read; I read it in one day. The Light Before Day continues the legacy of "Great Mary" and her diary from the late 1600s mixed in with fresh characters from the mid-1800s. Brother and sister Henry and Hitty learn that their overbearing grandmother left them her fortune after her death. But the will has several stipulations that the two must follow to collect the house, island, cash and other items from their grandmother. They are dejected at the hold their grandmother exercises even from beyond the grave. Henry and Hitty must decide if they will toe the line their grandmother demands, or reject their inheritance and live their lives free. Henry finds solace and answers to difficult questions in Great Mary's diary. The book has several side plots such as Hitty trying to get the attention of local inventor, Isaac, a fire that spreads over the island, and the betrayal of someone close to them.It would be helpful if the reader started with book 1, Phobe's Light. This book does not stand alone well.
    • 4/5
      “Henry, this . . . fortune, this sudden wealth . . . I fear it will change our lives. And I don’t want my life to change.” 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 each should marry and whom—a Quaker in good standing, of course. But if they relinquish the inheritance, it all 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.



      My Thoughts: This is the third book in the series and it doesn't disappoint! Suzanne Woods Fisher has done another incredible job with this series. In this book, it focuses on the twins Hitty and Henry and the inheritance left to them by their grandmother.


      Historians will enjoy the fact that the novel is based on true events that occurred during 1837-1846. The author has done extensive history on Nantucket and the sea captains. This novel does deal with the controversy of integration ( the segregated schools).



      I've enjoyed this series, especially reading Great Mary's journal and I believe readers will enjoy this book as well. The reader doesn't need to read the first two books to enjoy this novel, but it would help with some of the histories of the family.
    • 3/5
      “The Light Before Day” by Suzanne Woods Fisher is Book 3 of her Nantucket Legacy series and can be a stand alone read. My familiarity with Fisher’s work has been limited to a few “Amish” novels. With this series she has created a cast of characters within the Quaker tradition living on Nantucket Island. Billed by the publisher as an historical romance, the story does have a heroine in Hitty, an almost 30 year old, who is seeking the eyes of Issac. When Benjamin, the estate clerk, proposes, Hitty accepts that Issac does not view her with the lens and accepts the proposal of a quick wedding. In typical romance fashion, there are twists to the tale that come to light quickly as the novel draws to a close. Romance aside, I found the setting of Nantucket 1830s to be a time period not overly worked and one that leant strong plot opportunities: Quaker faith, societal changes with segregation and education, down turn in the whaling industry, and a devastating island fire. I enjoyed this novel and plan to seek others in the series. I received my copy through LibraryThings’s Early Reviewer program.
    • 3/5
      I loved this novel at the beginning. It was refreshing to me to read a novel with Quaker characters instead of Amish. I did lose interest around the middle of the book. I will try to get through it at a later date.I received this novel through LT for my honest review.
    • 4/5
      Author Suzanne Fisher has written several historical fiction books about religious sects including her latest series, Nantucket Legacy. Nantucket is an island off the coast of Massachusetts and now a playground for the rich and famous. The descendants of the foundering fathers would be astounded by the contrast of the modern Nantucket and their small village.Nantucket Island's original Native American inhabitants, the Wampanoag people, lived undisturbed until 1641 when the island was deeded by the English to Thomas Mayhew, a merchant. Nantucket's settlement by the English did not begin in earnest until 1659 when Thomas Mayhew sold his interest to a group of investors, led by Tristram Coffin (my ninth great-grandfather). The "nine original purchasers" were Tristram Coffin, Peter Coffin, Thomas Macy, Christopher Hussey, Richard Swain, Thomas Barnard, Stephen Greenleaf, John Swain, and William Pike.The Light of Before Day is a story of brother and sister, Hitty and Henry Coffin Macy. The brother and sister inherit their Grandmother's estate which came with several stipulations including the fact that both of them must marry members in good standing of the Quaker religion. Both Hitty and Henry are modest and humble and do not wish to inherit the money but agree to do so to help the people of Nantucket. Mix with history and romance, the reader will enjoy this read.
    • 4/5
      Hitty and Henry's grandmother leaves them a large inheritance, but there are strings attached. Within six years they must both marry a Quaker from Nantucket as well as keep all the money on the island. Hitty wants nothing to do with the money, but Henry decides that they can help their fellow islanders by agreeing to the conditions.Much of this book is slow-moving as the conflicts between the characters and their society are never completely developed. The interspersion of 17th century diary entries with the mid-1800's concerns with abolitionism and integration issues leads to a satisfactory, but unsurprising, ending. This book will primarily be of interest to those wishing to know more about the history of Nantucket. (It should be noted that I have not read the previous two books in this series).
    • 5/5
      I've read most of Suzanne Woods Fisher 's books, and none of them have disappointed me! I always enjoy her Amish series, but this series about the Quakers has been really interesting. The pages of the journal from Mary Starbuck took you back in time, and these I especially enjoyed reading! It's obvious the author has done a lot of research to present a story so rich in details of the time period, and I learned much that I did not know about the Quaker's history. So much gets lost in the stream of time; so glad there are authors who ferret out the interesting events in history, and bring them alive in a story that takes us there, to 'experience' events from the past. Fisher is a talented writer, and I do feel like I've walked into the story! As an added plus, there are tidbits at the end of each book in the series that tell you what parts are fiction, and what is factual in the book. I always enjoy reading these tidbits! I would recommend this series, of which this is Book #3, to anyone who loves to read historic fiction.
    • 3/5
      This can be read as a stand alone but is much better if you read the first two books in the series. This historical novel takes place in the the mid 1800s. Lillian Coffin has left all she owns to Hitty and her brother-with stipulations. I usually love this author but this book was a bit boring to me. It took awhile to read because I just couldn't get into the book.
    • 4/5
      Change is inevitable, though not always welcome. It’s our attitude that counts. While The Light Before Day may be an historical novel dating hundreds of years in the past, Suzanne Woods Fisher has made this message relevant for modern day. That is one of the strengths of her writing, whether historical or Amish fiction — making the unfamiliar feel real to her audience. In the third book of the Nantucket Legacy series Great Mary’s journal continues to provide insight into the founding of Nantucket Island and wisdom for her descendants (and the reader ). In the 1840s, change is coming to Nantucket and the country as a whole. Society’s view on the rights of man are developing as the whaling industry suffers from over-fishing. Against this backdrop comes the stories of Henry and Hitty Macy, twins who have inherited an overwhelming and unwanted inheritance from their domineering grandmother. The two struggle with controlling the terms of the will while maintaining their own conscience and desires. I found both Henry and Hitty to be engaging characters. Secondary characters such as their grandfather Jeremiah, young but wise secretary Marie-Claire, and 5-year old Bitsy added depth and a bit of fun to the novel. As always the journal of Great Mary was a joy to read as she offers her views on her neighbors, family, and her growing faith in God. There’s a bit of lurking danger and two sweet, sweet romances in The Light Before Day that kept this reader turning the pages. There are also beginnings and endings in the two storylines that compliment each other. And the message of relationship with Jesus and being a light for others is inspiring. I don’t agree with all the tenets of the Quaker faith, but The Light Before Day gave me greater understanding of the Society of Friends.The Light Before Day can be read as a standalone. I had read book 1, but missed book 2 and had no trouble jumping into the lives of the characters. But I do feel like I have missed a treat and am determined to read Minding The Light. So my recommendation is to begin at the beginning of this series for lots of wonderful reading.Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alon
    • 5/5
      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.
    • 5/5
      This is the last book in this series and it was fantastic. I did not want to put this book down. I have loved these characters from book one in the series. I recommend reading books one and two before reading this one. You will understand a lot more if you read these in order. I loved Henry and Hitty. I also loved learning more about the Quaker religion and some of its early roots in the United States. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
    • 5/5
      "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.
    • 5/5
      I have always enjoyed historical books. When I find an author who writes in that genre I am always excited to read their latest book. This author has not disappointed me at all in her vast knowledge of Nantucket and a time period I love to read about. The Quakers were quite intriguing to me. They seemed very strict and kind of stuffy. It was disheartening to read how people were still believed in slavery . I appreciate that the author put this in the book to show how even back in the early days discrimination was prevalent. It is sad to think that because of the color of your skin, you were not allowed to get a proper education. I really liked the authentic language the author used such as thy, thou and thee. I grew up reading from The King James Bible where those words were used throughout the book. It felt familiar to me and I became comfortable as I continued reading.It is easy to get cozy reading the authors books because she has a way of breathing life into the characters. Yes, I felt like I was in Nantucket watching the waves crash against the ships as they headed out. I loved getting to know Hitty and Henry. Their grandmother really must have been a miserable person to write such a horrible will for them to follow. I had to ask if it was worth all the hoops they had to go through to get their inheritance. My answer is absolutely for one main reason. They both decided that they were going to use the money to improve their surroundings and the people who lived there. Did they have obstacles to overcome? I couldn't keep track of all the people, nasty remarks and unwanted relatives that tried everything to stop the good Hitty and Henry were trying to accomplish. The story is quite an adventure with surprises, deceit, loss of life and moments of clarity for people in Nantucket. When tragedy strikes in Nantucket, will neighbors help each other? Is it possible that we get so busy that we forget to look around us? I loved how the story shared wisdom, hope and a light that always shines. The author has given us a story that is rich in history, touches on subjects not many like to talk about and gives us a glimpse into what greed can do to a person. There are heroes in this story that you will discover. They may be the person who speaks out against slavery, or the person who saw beyond looks and found love or it may be the one person who trusted God and was led to the light of freedom and hope.I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
    • 5/5
      This is the third book in this series that I have read, and it can be read alone, but they are all equally enjoyable.If you are familiar with the Grandmother Lilian, if not, you soon will be, and it she at it again, even from the grave. She seems to delight in torment, and she pushes her agenda on her family, or what is left of it. Of course, many of the people of Nantucket go back to the original settlers and have become members of the Quaker Church. Now her grandchildren in order to receive their inheritance must follow her orders from the grave.We are also transported back to Mary Coffin’s time, with the help of her journal, and then back to current day of the book, and wonder if these adult children, Henry and Hitty will be able to accept the wealth and follow all instructions?I loved these books and am sad that they are ending, and yes, I would love to spend more time with these characters! Thank you, Suzanne Woods Fisher!I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 4/5
      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.
    • 5/5
      The Light of Day is the third book in the Nantucket Legacy series. It stands alone but reading the previous books enhances the stories that weave through the pages and years. This book follows Hitty and Henry into adult hood while they decide how they handle their new inheritance, which comes with stipulations. Nantucket is changing through the generations and they will need to make decisions about their futures. But it’s not a simple choice, as they must both accept the rules of the inheritance or it goes to the next in line, their deceitful Uncle Tristram. Without giving away any pieces of the story, I must say my favorite chapters always have the “hidden treasure” by the oak tree weaved into them. Seeing how Hitty and Henry work through their inheritance situation is inspiring and a good reminder of what is important. This book would be a great winter read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. *Thank you to Revell for my copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.*
    • 5/5
      The Light before Day is the astonishing conclusion to Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Nantucket Legacy Series. This is again a split-time story, told through the diary of “Great Mary” (Mary Coffin Starbuck) of the 17th century, and Hitty and Henry Macy, 19th century twins of Reynolds Macy. Two influential ladies of their respective times bestow two very different legacies. One brings blessing, the other curses.Another perspective of this novel is a study of human nature, of the “haves” and the “have nots,” revolving around freedom, money, and religion(Quakerism). Those who think they “have” are not always better off. Certainly Grandma Lillian Coffin never was, for all her wealth. Another small example of “having” but being unhappy is Stephen Hussey, who as a Quaker, “possesses the Light.” According to Great Mary, “he could convince anyone not to be a Quaker simply because he is one.” May this not be true of us as Christians!I highly recommend this book. Full of real-life struggles, well-researched history and a few chuckles, this tale renewed my acquaintance with old friends and allowed me to meet new ones. (Team Anna? Team Marie- Claire? What about Team Isaac vs. Team Benjamin?) This is a series I will be acquiring for my paperback keeper shelf.A wealth of extra material is included at the book’s end, including discussion questions, author’s note, and “What’s True and What’s False in The Light Before Day?” Fisher also refers to quite a list of historical resources.So many great quotes. I am choosing to highlight some unique ones that tickled me.“Decisions were difficult for Henry, small or big. Anna Gardner once told him that he was the only man she knew who could sit on a fence and watch himself walk by.”“Quakers might be hypocrites, but we are not liars.”I gratefully received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, publisher and NetGalley. This in no way influenced my voluntary review. All opinions are my own responsibility.