About the Book
Book: The Light Before Day
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: October 2, 2018
“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.
Click here to purchase your copy!
Find out more about this amazing deal at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/thelightbeforeday
My Perspective
Readers, be ready to be transported back to Nantucket in the latest in this wonderful series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. You will truly feel as if you are right there next to Henry and Hitty. Suzanne Woods Fisher is able to write in a way that juts really makes you feel a part of the story, not just a reader. Every time I read one of her books I am even more amazed at her ability to do this. I have enjoyed her Amish stories for years, but I really think she has made her mark in the historical fiction world! Here’s the thing – she writes as if she lived in the time period, which obviously is impossible, but that’s how plausible and believable it is. Not just in the way the characters speak, but in the way she tells the story. I cannot imagine the hours of research she did in preparing to write this book. And bravo to her for making it true to the time period.
Yes, the characters are wonderful. Yes, the story line is interesting, and you want to read into all hours of the night. But the true thing that hits me with this series is being brought back in time. If for no other reason, read it for that. If you’ve ever wanted to jump in a time machine, now is your chance. I know all good things must come to an end, but this is one series that I hope is around for a while more. I’m not ready to give up my time hopping just yet!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Phoebe’s Light and Minding the Light, as well as the Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She has also written several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. Fisher lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow her on Twitter @suzannewfisher and Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor.
Guest Post from Suzanne
The Mortgage Button
In each story of the ‘Nantucket Legacy’ series, there’s a reference to a mortgage button in the newel post of a stairway. Phoebe Starbuck, the main character in Phoebe’s Light, made a point to notice it in the captain’s house on Orange Street, the famous residences of sea captains. In Minding the Light, Daphne Coffin touched the mortgage button on the newel post of her horrible mother’s grand house each and every morning. Hitty and Henry Macy were well aware of the absence of their childhood home’s mortgage button—and all that its absence symbolized—in The Light Before Day.
Mortgage buttons meant something to each of those characters. It made a statement to anyone who walked into a house.
Have you ever seen a mortgage button? It’s a very Nantucket-y tradition. In fact, some say the mortgage button originated on Nantucket Island, thirty miles out to sea.
Supposedly, when a house’s mortgage was fully paid and there were no liens against the property, the homeowner drilled a hole in the newel post of the main staircase, rolled up the mortgage document, put it inside, and capped the hole with a decorative plug of scrimshaw.
Scrimshaw is a term for an American folk art developed during the 18th and 19th centuries. Whaling in New England was an industry that lifted Nantucket Island to become the world’s wealthiest port. After a whale’s oil was rendered, the ship’s captain would give his crew the sperm whale’s teeth or bones to carve during long tedious hours at sea. Whaling had its exciting moments, but they were far and few between. As a pastime, sailors carved all kinds of useful gifts to bring home to their loved ones: needles, combs, games, clothespins, busks…and mortgage buttons.
But let’s jump back to the mortgage button. Some legends say that the actual mortgage papers were ceremoniously burned and the ashes stashed inside the drilled hole before sealed with the button. However, as appealing a thought as that might be, it is most likely a myth. There’s never been any evidence of ashes or even hidden mortgages found in salvaged newel posts. Still, mortgage buttons are common among Nantucket homes, and the tradition has spread to other parts of the country. In southern states, for example, they’re called brag buttons. Whether myth or truth, today it’s more a matter of a charming nostalgic custom than a nod to your healthy (or…not so healthy) net worth.
Blog Stops
The Avid Reader, November 4
Just the Write Escape, November 4
Texas Book-aholic, November 5
Godly Book Reviews, November 5
Southern Gal Loves to Read, November 6
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 6
Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 7
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 7
Among the Reads, November 8
Blossoms and Blessings, November 8
Blogging With Carol, November 9
A Baker’s Perspective, November 9
Mary Hake, November 10
Connies history classroom, November 10
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 11
Carpe Diem, November 11
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 12
Simple Harvest Reads, November 12
Inspiration Clothesline, November 13
Janices book reviews, November 13
Captive Dreams, November 14
Bigreadersite, November 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 15
By The Book, November 15
Pause for Tales, November 16
Book by Book, November 16
Have A Wonderful Day, November 17
Bibliophile Reviews, November 17
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d773/the-light-before-day-celebration-tour-giveaway
Sounds like a good read.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review–you gave me such a big smile today! I appreciate that you brought out the aspect of all the historical research. When I finished the series, I packed up three huge boxes of books and notes! Felt sad putting Nantucket away…it seemed so real to me (19th century-style!).
Truly…I am very, very grateful to you for such a lovely review of my work. Warmly, Suzanne
This sounds really good! I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series.
This sounds like a wonderful book with a beautiful cover.