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    Phoebe's Light
    Phoebe's Light
    Phoebe's Light
    Audiobook9 hours

    Phoebe's Light

    Written by Suzanne Woods Fisher

    Narrated by Alyssa Bresnahan

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    A young Quaker woman has everything she wants until a secret in her great grandmother's journal threatens her future as a Nantucket captain's wife. Phoebe Starbuck has always adjusted her sails and rudder to the whims of her father. Now, for the first time, she's doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, her father gives her two gifts, both of which Phoebe sees little need for. The first is an old sheepskin journal from Great Mary, her highly revered great-grandmother. The other is a "minder" on the whaling ship in the form of cooper Matthew Mitchell, a man whom she loathes. Soon Phoebe discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary's journal and finds herself drawn into the life of this noble woman. To Phoebe's shock, her great-grandmother has left a secret behind that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially her husband the captain and her shadow the cooper. This story within a story catapults Phoebe into seeing her life in an entirely new way--just in time. In this brand-new series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings her signature twists and turns to bear on a fascinating new faith community: the Quakers of colonial-era Nantucket Island.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateFeb 6, 2018
    ISBN9781501966026
    Phoebe's Light
    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 Phoebe's Light

    4.5/5

    64 ratings27 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This was quite the story. Once one wraps their head around the era of the story, it becomes very enjoyable to read.
    • 5/5
      This first book of the Nantucket Legacy introduces Great Mary and Phoebe, Mary’s great granddaughter. Phoebe has inherited Great Mary’s journal, and she soon learns that the journal holds more than just family folklore. Chapters vacillate between Mary’s life in 1661 and Phoebe’s in 1767. Both are rich in history, with details concerning the setting and time periods. Phoebe longs to marry a whaling ship’s captain and sail away. She gets what she hoped for, but her hoped for adventure turns disastrous, in more than one way. Ironically, it was the secret in Great Mary’s journal which figured in both Phoebe’s unhappy marriage and her salvation. What an intriguing and exciting start to this trilogy!
    • 5/5
      Ancestors from my mother's side of my family were in the original group of settlers in Nantucket, I know lot of the early history of my family who settled there and some about the second and the third group. I felt lacking in knowledge of early Quaker history and the author provides a much better understanding than I had before and I craved more information on the whaling history. There were many sea captains in my family and ship owners, at least one was a woman.I devoured this book. I have decided to buy the remaining two books in this series. I loved the fictional story of Phoebe Starbuck because of the historical details and the feeling that the author put into Phoebe's character. Many parts of the fictional story blend in with Nantucket history.Phoebe was a big contrast to Matthew Macy, they were two different kinds of Quakers. Phoebe took everything as the truth without any questioning but the Matthew character is more like me, finding God or the Light in other places than the traditional. I am 74 years old but like my fraternal grandmother, I have always been searching religious questions and have felt uncomfortable in settling down like Phoebe did in the book. This book is very inspiring and engaging on religion. I feel much more at home with the Quakerstory of Phoebe Starbuck because of the historical details and the feeling that the author put into Phoebe's character. Many parts of the fictional story blend in with Nantucket history. Phoebe was abig contrast to Matthew Macy, they were two different kinds of Quakers. Phoebe took everything as the truth without any questioning but the Matthew character is more like me, finding God or the Light in other places than the traditional. I am 74 years old but like my fraternal grandmother, I have always been searching religious questions and have felt uncomfortable in settling down like Phoebe did in the book. This book is very inspiring and engaging on religious thought.Besides the story, a mystery is included which is tied to the Great Mary Coffin whose diary starting in 1658 and part of is in the journal that was given to her on her birthday in 1767.I bought this for my own curiosity which will never be completely satisfied about the island where my ancestors lived there for many generation.
    • 5/5
      Phoebe's Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the first book in the Nantucket Legacy series and I, for one, am glad to note that it is a first in a series as I cannot wait to read the next one. Fisher is an expert storyteller and she does not disappoint with Phoebe's story. The characters are strong and vibrant. Phoebe is determined, perhaps a bit naive and yet she faces life head-on with a confident faith. Matthew has abandoned his faith for all its religious trappings and though he hides behind cynicism, he is a faithful friend. Barnabas, Phoebe's father, is a man who keeps on trying; despite failures, he never gives up and he loves his daughter. It was such a pleasure to get to know these characters and others in this book. A few twists to the plot were expected but there were a few that were 'wow, I didn't see that coming!' The author has written a dual story in this book as she uses Phoebe's great-grandmother's diary to allow readers to see a parallel life from years earlier. Lots of history and interesting facts about Nantucket and the whaling industry in the early colonial years of Quakers in Massachusetts help to keep the pages turning. Phoebe's Light is a wonderful book of regret--if only one could live life backwards--, the troubles that pride can bring and of learning to recognize love and to trust God in the dark, knowing that He is the Light to bring one through whatever difficulties might arise.I received a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
    • 5/5
      I enjoyed this part of the Nantucket Legacy. I received this for free and I voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 4.5* rating. As long as you can keep the journal part straight from the story, it goes pretty fast. There is some adventure and not some nice parts to whaling. There is also a little bit of mystery in this. What a lonely life for some of these families.
    • 5/5
      Phoebe's Light is the first book in suzanne Fisher's Nantucket Legacy. In this first book, we find our main character Phoebe Starbuck a Quaker on her 18th birthday; September 8th, 1767. Her father Barnabas decides it is time to pass along Great Mary's journal. Great Mary was Pheobe's great-grandmother and was well known for her wisdom.

      Not only excited for her birthday, but the ship Fortuna has arrived in port. Phoebe has always imagined that she loved older widowed captain and she hopes to finally capture his attention. When Phoebe runs into the captain he is very interested in Phoebe's birthday gift and wants to read this journal for himself.
      Soon Phoebe finds herself married to the captain Phineas Foulger and on a voyage with two things, her great grandmother's journal and a man sent by her father to mind her; Matthew Macy a cooper whom she once loved until he turned away from God.
      Pheobe soon finds that life at sea is not the trip she envisioned. Seasick and disillusioned, she turns to the pages of great-grandmother Mary's journal and she finds a secret that has consequences for everyone on the ship.
      This is a book that the reader will find hard to put down. Full of history and mystery; the plot takes the readers on many twists and turns and keeps your interest going.
      I truly enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down. Anyone who loves historical fiction will love this book. The author has done her research well and brought this research to life in her novels. I look forward to the next book in the series "Minding the Light".
      I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction.

      I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”






    • 2/5
      This is the first book in the Nantucket Legacy series. The Quaker setting and whaling profession are different than most historical Christian fiction. That being said, I found it difficult to connect to the characters and story. I will probably not continue with the series, but I will recommend this book to others who I know will appreciate it.
    • 5/5
      I knew where Nantucket was and of course I had a general idea about the whaling industry in the past, but I knew NOTHING about the actual life and facts this vocation entailed! Ms. Fisher’s talented writing made me feel as if I was on Nantucket Island watching the people and on the ship experiencing the work of the crew and captain. Amazing! Phoebe Starbuck was an 18 year old teenager in the 1760’s. Upon her birthday she was given a much coveted diary of her great-grandmother, Mary Coffin Starbucks who wrote it 100 years earlier. The wisdom of “Great Mary” as she was called was legendary. Throughout the story pages of the diary are shared, giving the reader glimpses into the founding of Nantucket Island. Most of all Phoebe’s great-grandmother’s experience and faith helped her face insurmountable odds. I loved great Mary’s wise writings. Some of them I wanted to write down and keep!Her childhood sweetheart, Matthew Macy had turned away from God and Quaker church so she ended relationship with him that was to end in marriage. She shows that young teens 350 years ago in many ways are not different than they are today. She had a crush on the dashing and wealthy Captain Phineas Foulger and just KNEW he was the one for her to marry, not even bringing God into the equation! Suddenly he asks for her hand and after a hurried she on cloud 9. She convinces him to let her sail with him on his next whaling expedition, something totally unheard of. Surprisingly he agrees! This is where the adventure and suspense begins. The descriptiveness of the living and working on a whaling ship were incredible! I was riveted to the book! Poor Phoebe’s dreams and life were overturned, especially her stomach. Her suffering with sea sickness and the harsh environment made me think I was going to have to go take some Pepto-Bismol at some points! She learned that seeking your own way instead of God’s will not work out like you think. But her story also shows that He will take care of us even in our foolish choices. Another incredible read from Suzanne Woods Fisher. I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series!
    • 4/5
      This is a very interesting work that takes place during the heyday of Nantucket's Whaling industry in the early years of America's birth. A young woman named Phoebe is struggling to find herself and her place in this community. Phoebe struggles with helping her father and herself survive ends meet, struggles with her feelings for 2 men in her community, and also struggles to survive. A very good book, though it did take awhile to sort out the early American language and the characters.
    • 5/5
      I love Suzanne Woods Fishers Amish stories.... and while this is a little different than her other books, it was every bit as enjoyable to read. Some of my favorite reads are historic novels like this that bring the past alive, and you get a feel for what it must have been like living back then. The blending of a story within a story is another author's ploy that I really enjoy, so Phoebe's reading of her great grandmothers journal was so interesting! Books that blend the events of the past with what is present day in the story always fascinates me! And getting to 'hear' from your ancestors through their journals would be amazing! The details about journeys by ships in that time period was interesting, and so were the details about Quaker beliefs. The attention to detail and research done is evident. I had trouble putting this book down....looking forward to the next book in the series!
    • 2/5
      I believe in giving honest reviews, and this one will be the same as all my other. Honest. My thoughts on this book? Ugh. That’s right. Ugh. I was very disappointed in how this book turned out. I am usually a big fan of all of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s novels but this one was……well, frankly, bland. Very bland. I could not get into it easily. It took me many tries to actually get to the end of the story and by that point I was so frustrated with the way it was written that it lost all appeal to me.That said, I personally can not give this book more than 2 stars. However, just because I found the characters lacking and the story line flat, does not mean that you or someone you know may feel the same way, so I do still encourage you to give it a try. It’s just not a book for me. Does this mean I have given up on reading Suzanne’s books? Absolutly not. Sometimes, an author goes through down times just like every person in life. I will definitely give the next book in this series a try and hope that it’s not quite so bland.*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
    • 5/5
      Wow, I loved reading all the different paths that this story took. From wanting a new take on life to finding out that it wasn't as expected. I can just imagine Phoebe being one who wanted her own way and then when she got it having to turn to an unwanted gift to get her through her new life at sea. She has to depend on things that she never expected to make it in her new life. I received a copy of the book from the publisher, the review is my own.
    • 5/5
      What a book to get lost in, and thank goodness there is a sequel, I didn’t want to leave, and yet I did want a conclusion.This book is a perfect blend of history, romance, adventure and mystery, and boy do things explode when facts begin to unfold, and surprises sure abound.Can you imagine reading the thoughts of your Great Grandmother, you never met, it would be such an irreplaceable treasure, and this is the gift that Phoebe is given. Now why would the Captain be interested in the thoughts of a young girl? Thank goodness it is very hard to read, but we get to peruse it, and I enjoyed reading it, and then it is a story in itself.This is a new series that you really don’t want to miss, and I am glad I was given the chance to enjoy.I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 5/5
      Wonderful story. I love the story within a story. Phoebe learns a hard lesson while on a whaling ship. I love the history of the whaling ships and the Quakers. I did not want to put the book down. I had to find out how Phoebe would get through her trip on the whaling ship. I received a copy of this book from Revell and Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
    • 4/5
      The author ventures into the stories of the Quaker movement and from the Amish stories for which she is so well known and writing with such excellence. In Phoebe's Light we get a taste of what life was like in the 1660s and 1770s in the Massachusetts area and specifically on the island of Nantucket which lies offshore of Massachusetts.While the Quakers had come to America's shores from Brittany to escape persecution and the freedom to seek faith as they believed, they soon found that persecution was in the newly formed colony as well.Life revolved around the boats and what could be gleaned from the ocean leaving the islanders dependent on the shipping industry to provide their support. Whaling soon became their means of livelihood but such a dangerous occupation it was.This story follows two interwoven timelines. Reading from a journal written by a Quaker woman in the 1660s, Phoebe as a descendent of this woman, comes to understand much of her own life.The author's careful research and treatment of historical information is excellent. Characters are well fleshed out and you can really get into what they are thinking and feeling as you read. The descriptions of the sea voyages and life aboard a whaling ship captivate. I believe that Phoebe's light is that inner light that the Quakers believe is in man and comes from God. While our faith might differ from that which these Quakers believed, the book is good reading and a good story for Christians to read.I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell, to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
    • 4/5
      Fans of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s contemporary and historical Amish books are going to love the new direction this author is taking. Phoebe’s Light is an historical romance novel featuring the New England Island of Nantucket. I loved the setting, the creatively told dual story lines, and the characters that found a way into my imagination and heart.Phoebe Starbuck, descendant of the hardy settlers of Nantucket Island, is a determined young woman — determined to turn her family’s fortunes around and determined to have her heart’s way. She has faith in God, but only as far as it goes along with her own plans and dreams. Matthew Macy left the Quaker fellowship years ago. He also left behind his belief in God’s goodness. Danger and secret betrayal are companions on the two’s journey. But so is God’s provision revealed in a forgotten journal from the past.I loved the dual story lines Fisher weaves together. The main story is told in a straightforward third person style, but is supported through the journal entries of an early Nantucket settler, Mary “Great Mary” Coffin. Fisher deftly adds historical details and figures to create a fictional story that is believable and riveting. Her portrayal of colonial Nantucket and its whaling trade are spot on. She sprinkles the narrative and dialog with phrases from the day and industry that is long gone. But you won’t be lost, there is a great glossary included at the beginning of the book. I also learned a great deal about the Quakers as Fisher naturally includes their beliefs and practices within the novel. Characters are real and relatable with their struggles, doubts, fears, hopes, and dreams. The two main characters’ faith journey is realistically portrayed as well. The romance is sweet and satisfying, as is the epilogue that brings the reader closure on all the doings on the island. Fisher’s signature voice shines through. The only complaint I have is the use of a few modern phrases that jolted this reader from the story. But those were few and didn’t spoil the overall reading experience.Phoebe’s Light is just the first book in the Nantucket Legacy series. It’s a great start, and I look forward to many more visits to Nantucket!Recommended.Audience: older teens to adults.Thanks to Celebrate Lit and Revel for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
    • 5/5
      Phoebe's Light starts by showing the severe persecution the Quakers endured when they first came to Massachusetts. This led to a small group leaving the mainland for a small island they called Nantucket.Generations later, we meet Phoebe Starbuck. She is tired of her landlubber father's losing ways and enamored of two very different men, one a whaler and one a landlubber. Her choice leads to an adventure quite unlike her expectations. She finds three things to help her. Her faith, the diary of a great-grandmother, and the faithfulness of a good friend.This story includes some very sobering moments. I was thankful to find that Suzanne Woods Fisher lightened some of those with a great and timely sense of humor.This is a novel of dual timelines that fit together perfectly at the end. This was one of the best-woven tie-ins I've seen in this genre. With this book, Suzanne Woods Fisher is cementing her place in my list of favorite authors. I cannot wait for the next installment!
    • 5/5
      If you like historical books like I do, you are in for an adventure. The author takes us back to the late 1700s where we will set set on the high seas. What a treat it is to read about captains that everyone looks up to. Captain Phineas Foulger is quite a catch and he catches glances from those who wish to be noticed by him. I’m not sure I trusted him and sensed that maybe his feelings for Phoebe were not as sincere as he has led her to believe. Phoebe is so taken with the captain that she kind of pushes herself on him. Does she want to be with him because she loves him? Is the adventure on the sea what intrigues her? She does try her best to get her way at times but the author gives us glimpses of her softer side. I could feel the anxiousness of Phoebe as she began her journey on the ship. Whaling was a huge profit during this time and it was hard work. Does Phoebe realize what she has gotten herself into? The first clue that something wasn’t right should have been when the entire crew quit. Phoebe I hope you know what you are doing. What must it feel like to be on a large ship, sailing out into unknown waters? What awaits Phoebe as she starts a new chapter in her life? The author gives us a story filled with suspense, secrets and unrequited love. I loved the journal from Phoebe’s great-grandmother. I learned so much about the Quakers and how mistreated they were during the 1600s. It would be so exciting to find a diary from one of my ancestors. Phoebe has a treasure that will become very important as the story progresses. Why was the Captain so insistent that Phoebe bring the journal with her? I think the captain is arrogant, mean and selfish. The things he does is horrible. I have to say the author has really written a wonderful story of a high sea adventure that has all the makings of a wonderful movie. It is a vivid portrayal of the days long ago where people had to struggle to survive while others took advantage and took what wasn’t theirs. I love this book and how realistic it is. Thank you for taking me on a journey where I could picture the howling winds as it tossed the ship around. I love the emphasis on faith and how God protected people and opened their eyes to untruths. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The book is my own opinion.
    • 4/5
      “Phoebe’s Light” by Suzanne Woods Fisher is a unique story set on Nantucket Island during the 1600s and 1700s when whaling was prevalent. I used to read a lot of books about the Amish, Quakers and Mennonites. It has been awhile now since I’ve picked one up and I was especially excited that this book is about Quakers since I don’t know as much about them.Ms. Fisher weaves history and detail deftly into her story. I love the setting of Nantucket, especially since I have visited there before. I learned a lot about whaling, ships, Quakers and Nantucket during this time period. The author obviously put a lot of research into her book. It is fascinating to learn about the Quakers and their faith, and what sets them apart. It is helpful that Ms. Fisher includes terms and a character list in the beginning of the book.I really enjoy the way Ms. Fisher writes the characters in this story; especially Phoebe, Matthew and Great Mary. All three of them have wonderful character arcs, and their characters undergo transformations throughout the book. At the beginning of the story, I did not like Phoebe and thought the choices she made were unwise. By the end, the author made me admire the way Phoebe handles certain situations and she really becomes a stronger and much more likeable person. I loved reading the journal entries of Great Mary, and laughed at how she sometimes crosses out her real feelings (which you could still read).“Phoebe’s Light” is an inspiring and original story that will hopefully help us each examine our faith. Ms. Fisher explores what it means to truly be a Christian and the difference between religion and true Christianity. Content: I would give this book somewhere between a PG and PG-13 rating for some content. Examples: Some graphic descriptions of violence against Quakers and sailors; indicates a man is a drunkard and fights a lot; a man smokes tobacco; reference to the wedding bed; says a man curses, but the actual curses are not written; a woman mentions a demon is the cause of her low spirits and there is thought that a demon possesses a baby; a short scene where a man tries to force his wife to fulfill her marital duty, but they are interrupted; a woman uses opium to escape, becomes addicted and goes through withdrawal.Rating: I give this book 4 stars.Genre: Christian fiction; Historical; Romance.I want to thank Suzanne Woods Fisher, Revell and Celebrate Lit for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
    • 2/5
      I found this book only mildly interesting. Phoebe was good; yet I had to warm up to her. In the beginning, I found her to kind of act childish. While, I understand that everything that Phoebe was experiencing was for the first time but still she could have acted more grown up. As the story progressed, Phoebe did emerge from her shell. She grew more bold. Kind of call it tough love. Her marriage to Captain Phineas was loveless. He was a jerk. While the story was to show that Matthew was a nuisance in the beginning, I actually found him charming and inviting. Of course, the story was obvious as it went along who Phoebe would end up with at the end. The parts that I enjoyed the most were reading Mary's journal entries. They were full of life. The location of the high sea and Nantucket were lovely. They were great settings for this story. This book was not a favorite showing by this author for me.
    • 5/5
      Phoebe’s Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the first book in the Nantucket Legacy series. On September 8, 1767 on Nantucket Island, Phoebe Starbuck, a Quaker, turns eighteen. Her father, Barnabas Starbuck presents her with Great Mary’s journal (her great grandmother). It passes from one generation to the next to the one who would benefit most from Great Mary’s wisdom (it is a shame that Barnabas never read it). Phoebe is excited to see that Phineas Foulger, captain of the Fortuna, has returned to the island. Phoebe fancies herself in love with the older widower and hopes to finally capture his attention. After a short time, Phineas and Phoebe are wed and set sail on the Fortuna. Phoebe has longed for adventure her whole life, but she soon discovers that life at sea does not suit her (she suffers from mal de mer). She spends her days in her quarters with the comfort of Great Mary’s journal. Matthew Macy and Phoebe were once betrothed to one another until Matthew turned away from God. Matthew, though, has never stopped caring for her. When Barnabas asks him to join the crew of the Fortuna to keep an eye on Phoebe, Matthew agrees. Phoebe is in for a life altering journey, and she will soon need the wisdom in Great Mary’s journal and help from Matthew to aid those she loves.Phoebe’s Light is a captivating historical novel. It was fascinating to go back to this time period and read about life on Nantucket Island. The author did a wonderful job at integrating the diary entries into the book. I was afraid the entries would pull me out of the story, but it did just the opposite. I kept wanting to know what else was in the diary and what would happen next to Phoebe. Phoebe’s Light well-written and it has a nice steady pace with vivid descriptions of the island, people, the ships, whales and etc. I appreciate authors whose words allow me to picture the scenes in my head as I read (just the right amount of detail). The transitions were smooth between chapters and the diary entries. I could tell that the author did her research for this novel especially on Mary Coffin Starbuck and the whaling industry. She captured the speech of the Quakers and the people of this era (there is a glossary). The story contains incredible characters that are well-developed and realistic. There are characters readers will love and others that you will dislike intensely (and hope that they get what they deserve). I like that Ms. Fisher did the book on Quakers. There are few fiction books that incorporate this religious sect and it was interesting to learn more about their history (how they came to America and the persecution they suffered). The mystery element added another level to this rich story. There is a lovely ending that will have you anxiously awaiting Minding the Light (second book in Nantucket Legacy series).
    • 4/5
      Phoebe is a young Quaker woman living in Nantucket. The book tells of her life on land and onboard a ship as the captain’s wife. Phoebe struggles with lack of funds, her father’s new enterprises, illness, and a new and unfamiliar life. She survives with the help of others and trust in her faith. The story juxtaposes excerpts from her great grandmother’s diary with the story of Phoebe’s life. The Christian message in the book is visible without being preachy. The glossary of unfamiliar terms helped, although several words were left out that needed to be included. Discussion questions and historical information also supported understanding of the story. I received this book as part of the Early Reviewers program.
    • 4/5
      Pheobe Starbuck had at one time thought she would marry Matthew Macy but he has changed since his father’s death and is no longer a Quaker so Phoebe is determined to marry Captain Phineas Foulger instead. At first it seems like all her dreams have come true but reality steps in when Phoebe becomes seasick and Phineas isn't one the one who helps her. Instead he seems far more interested in the journal she inherited from her great-grandmother’s Mary Coffin. Just what is in the journal that Phineas wants so badly?“Phoebe’s Light”, the first book in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Nantucket Legacy series, is an interesting blend of real and fictional people and events – Phoebe is fictional; Mary Coffin was a real person but her journal in the book is fictional. This blend of fact and fiction makes for an interesting book with not one but two strong female characters. Of the two I liked Mary the best even though we only see her through her journal entries. It isn't that I disliked Phoebe - in fact I came to really like her by the end of the book - it is just that her inability to see what Foulger was up to frustrated me. Once she realized what was going on, she became a strong resilient her. Mary (the fictional one at least) had her own set of struggles - even though they never met she ends up helping Phoebe in several important ways. The rest of the characters are as equally well-written as Phoebe and Mary - you may not like some of them but you won't forget any of them. While this isn't quite a mystery novel there is a mystery towards the end of the book that will have readers riveted as they turn the pages to find out what happens next. All in all, this seemingly quiet novel actually has quite a bit of action in the background and is full of surprises.“Phoebe’s Light” is a nice first book in what looks to be a promising historical series.
    • 5/5
      I asked Revell Publishing for the chance to read and review this book and was chosen to do so.This book is a Historical Christian Fiction book. It goes back and forth between the mid-6500s and the mid=1700s. It is actually two stories in one. It works very well. There is a glossary at the beginning of the book. I did read it, but even if you didn't, you wouldn't be lost as the words are pretty self-explanatory. I enjoyed this book so much that I finished the book in three days. That is doing well, for me as it usually takes a week. I did not want to put the book down, nor did I want it to end.You know I do not provide a synopsis of the book as you can read that for yourself on the book. cover I give you my opinion. I think that Suzanne Woods Fisher did an excellent job on this first book in the new series. She portrays the community well. You feel like you are right there. She shows how areas were settled and turned into communities. She gives a look at a whaling community also. She does both of this without being like a textbook, full of description and interest.The characters in this book are very well developed. You feel that Phoebe could be you or your close friend. You see the community and the other main characters through her eyes. Even the minor characters are quite well developed and you feel you know something about them, at least would recognize them if you lived in that community.The story flows very well. Even the moving from one story to the other and back is done very skillfully. It is not jumpy or choppy in any way. The editing was also superb. Poor editing can ruin a perfectly good book in my opinion. This is a Christain book, but it is not preachy. It gives a nice look at the Quaker religion. It also shows how religion and religious persecution were some of the reasons we became our own nation. It also gives a glimpse of what whaling was like and why it was done.I would recommend this book and give it five stars. You will not be disappointed if you enjoy Christian historical fiction.
    • 5/5
      Suzanne Woods Fisher has made a name for herself writing "Amish novels". Here, she has branched off and included the Quakers in her sphere of authorship. Not surprisingly, the main character is named Phoebe, and "light" of the title plays off the Quakers' belief in listening and seeking the inner light from God. Phoebe lives on Nantucket Island off the coast of Massachusetts in the 18th century. The book also features fictional diary entries from historical person Mary Coffin Starbuck. Phoebe is a teenage girl who falls in love with a much older sea captain, Phineas Foulger, who is a fictional ancestor of the real-life Folger coffee clan. Whaling is the main business on the island at the time, and Foulger has his own ship. He and Phoebe marry and immediately leave for an unusual early winter whaling run on a ship filled with green crew, the previous crew having resigned due to the perceived bad luck that a woman on board would cause for the ship. Phoebe's former fiancee, cooper Matthew Mitchell, also sails on the ship in order to look after Phoebe. The trip is full of adventure for all involved. As someone who has numerous Quaker ancestors in her family tree, I very much enjoyed the fictional, yet realistic portrayal of early Quaker life in this country. I look forward to the sequel.
    • 4/5
      I really enjoyed reading Phoebe's light. It is the first book in a new series called Nantucket Legacy by author Suzanne Woods Fisher. I have read several of Suzanne Woods Fisher's Amish novels in the past. I think she has done a better job with historical fiction. Her characters are described with great detail both physically and personality. I knew who I liked and didn't like right away. Her plot lines are good and flow easily. The book is intertwined with journal entries from Phoebe's great-grandmother, Mary Coffin.Phoebe Starbuck is a young Quaker woman living with her father on Nantucket Island. She is hopelessly in love with Captain Phineas Fougler and hopes that the captain will see her a woman now that she has turned eighteen. She wants to leave the island and find adventure as a captains's wife. For her birthday, her father gives her the legendary diaries of her great-grandmother, Mary Coffin. Mary was well known during her life for being a righteous woman like Deborah in the Bible. Phoebe is elated when Captain Phineas asks for her hand in marriage. Against the advice of her father and friends, she marries him and sets sail for adventure. But life on a ship is nothing like she imagined. The man she married is nothing like she imagined. She is comforted only by the presence of an old friend, Matthew Macy. She and Matthew has once been in love years ago, but when Matthew lost his faith, he was kicked out of the Quaker gatherings. Matthew signed on as the ship's cooper at the insistence of Phoebe's father to watch over her. What happens to Phoebe over the course of book, brings her to the realization that she had love and a home on Nantucket all along.I would definitely recommend this book. It's a good read!
    • 4/5
      In Phoebe's Light, Suzanne Woods Fisher weaves a story based on the early settlers of Nantucket Island. The story is one of adventure, intrigue, romance and deception told by a Great Grandmother and her her Great Grand daughter. As an Early Reviewer, I requested this book because my 9th Great Grandfather, Tristram Coffin was one of the founding settlers and was delighted to learn that he and his family are key characters in this novel. My branch of the Coffin family stayed on the North Shore of Boston. If you are lover of Historical Fiction, Romance and Faith based book, I highly recommend this book. I am now awaiting the next book in the series not to see who Mary Coffin marries but to follow her life and my ancestors.