The Light Before Day

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Historical Romance

"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.

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Reviewer: Connie Brown

I was curious to read this book since it is was historically based in Nantucket MA. The cover was beautifully done. The characters were fun people I got to know through this journey of Quaker life in the early to mid 1800’s. Everyday life mixed with period topics of abolition and segregation, etc. added to the intrigue. My favorite character I related to was Hitty.  

​I would recommend this book that was provided by Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews program.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

If you have been reading this series from the beginning, you will love how Suzanne Woods Fisher finishes it off.

Hitty and Henry Macy have learned that their grandmother Lillian Coffin has left her entire fortune to them. Of course, she is still trying to control everyone from the grave, and her will has rules they have to follow if they want to receive their inheritance. Both of them would rather give up the money until they find out it goes to Tristram Macy, their uncle who duped their father out of his life savings. So they settle in to do good with the money, and both believe everything is fine until it isn't.

There are two separate romances in this book, one for Henry and one for Hitty. Also, for each character, their love stories help them to grow and mature into being the best people they can be. I found myself identifying with Hitty a great deal - unsure of herself, embarrassed about her weight, always wondering if she is right or wrong about someone's intentions. Her love of Isaac remains steadfast, even when another pursues her, but his apparent lack of interest always has her wondering if she imagines that he likes her too. Signals are crossed, signs are missed and much like in real life unless you speak up to someone you never know what they are thinking.

Henry also had some growing up to do. By discovering his passions, he finds where and to whom his heart belongs.

I loved how this story ended, and if you haven't read the whole series, you might not "get it." I did, and I thought it was touching. While each book in this series can be read as a standalone, you miss the precious story of Mary Coffin Starbuck if you don't read them all, so do yourself a favour and read the whole series. You won't regret it!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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