This book was a great disappointment to me. The author is obviously a talented writer and I love the cover, but I found the book very confusing as to the characters and events going on.
That is not where the problem lies for me though. There is no way I can qualify it as Christian fiction. The story refers to angels and the tree of life but not in a biblical sense and that was the first thing that came to my mind when seeing those words. God, Christ, and everything associated with such terminology was never mentioned. I felt that the sacred things of God and His Word were used as part of something dark, even evil. To me this was a sacrilege. I was unable to finish the book I found it so offensive. I do not believe you can associate the Holy things of God with demonic, sinful ideas. Sci-Fi and the Lord just do not mix.
I hate to leave negative reviews but this book was not for me.
I received this book from Revell Publishers for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

I was so happy to get to read this second book in the Nantucket Series! I must admit I was thinking, “How can the author top Phoebe’s Light?”, but she did! It is now the 1800’s and the story of Mary Coffin Starbucks family continues as does her mysterious and treasured diary from 1660.
The last book was such an interesting wealth of information about the life of whalers. This books shares another side of their story, what their families faced while they were out to sea earning a living.
Daphne and Jane Coffin Macy are Mary’s great-great-great granddaughters. Great Mary’s diary has been passed down through the years and falls in to the hands of Daphne. As with the last book, pages of her diary are shared throughout the book.
I cannot imagine having my spouse away for that long of a time, not knowing if he were dead or alive or even to return. The hardships financially and emotionally of the wives, children, and family was incredible as Ms. Fisher so deftly draws the reader into. Look at it from the whaler’s view. How much as his home and family changed in that time? I saw Ren struggle with adapting to home and the difficulties he was presented. After all, the challenges on a ship are far different than those among family and at home. There are so very many adjustments for everyone even though they are blessed to be back.
I always like how Ms. Fisher’s characters, no matter how small, are fleshed out that you feel as you know them and have met them. No matter how many years pass, man’s shortcomings never change nor does virtue and character. Daphne was so sweet and kind, always putting others needs before hers. Her faith and reliance on God was inspiring. You can’t even begin to believe, that she is Lillian’s daughter. Lillian is her opposite, a very bitter, dishonest greedy woman. I think my favorite character was Abraham; Ren’s extremely loyal black officer and friend on Ren’s ship. He had more character in his pinkie than some of the wealthy, “upstanding” citizens of the island.
This story holds more surprises and intrigue than the other book, especially concerning Great Mary’s diary. I even more anxious for the next book to come out!!!
I received this book from Revell publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

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!

Novella’s are such a wonderful change of pace in reading. While a good long book is really to get into is great, I love how novella’s allow you have a have a “snack” and the treat of moving on to the next story! Hearts Entwined is exceptional as are all the authors! This collection of historical romances is top notch!
The Love Knot by Karen Witemeyer, has an unusual plot which I thoroughly enjoyed. Misunderstanding drove Claire and Pieter apart years ago but a surprising event brings them back together. This is a beautiful story of forgiveness and what true love really is. It can overcome the strongest stubbornness and pride.
The Tangled Ties That Bind by Mary Connealy, was a delightful read, filled with so much humor. Conner has been gone from home for 5 years but returns with big plans for his future to marry his childhood love Maggie. After 5 years she has quit waiting and has moved on with her life. He definitely took her for granted. Both are equally set on pursuing their dreams and it doesn’t set well with each other. Conner is determined not to give up. Through his deep love and sacrifices for Maggie, God brings about amazing things.
Bound and Determined by Regina Jennings. Ms. Jennings books are hard to put down so this story was a page turner too! This novella had a lot of humor in it too. (Love that!) Bradley Willis is a private in the cavalry. His youthful impulsiveness though with good intent has him “punished” with a mission to carry out. To his surprise it is escorting a Captain and is very attractive daughter, Ambrosia, across the scorching Texas plain. Oh and the captain’s beloved camels! Bradley and Ambrosia’s feisty personalities were fun to watch play out. Learning about the camels was fascinating and their usefulness to the Texas Calvary in the mid 1800’s.
Tied and True by Melissa Jagears kept me turning pages. It is the story of poor boy falls in love with rich girl but with a twist to it. Marianne’s parents had her life planned out for her up to the detail of whom she would marry, an equally wealthy childhood friend, David. Her heart though had made other plans as she fell in love with his poor secretary, Calvin. He returned her feelings but strongly believed it would not work. The things she did to prove her love were incredible! I liked her compassion and true servant’s heart in the Lord. Not only her family’s bank account stood in the way of convincing Calvin but memories of a difficult childhood. Marianne truly displayed the motto, “Actions speak louder than words” to show him that her love was what was important, not rich lifestyle was all she wanted. My what spunk she had! A sweet love story.
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I hav

The Appalachian Mountains are as much a part of Judd Markley as the blood that flows through his veins. They were his beloved home but, that all changed when the mine collapsed where he and his brother, Joe, worked, badly injuring him and taking the life of his little brother. The grief and the memories are to strong and he can’t bear to stay. He flees to South Carolina and is hired by a timber company. There he throws himself it to work and tries to make sense of his scattered future without Joe.
When he first meets the boss’s beautiful daughter Larkin, all he sees is a superficial bratty rich girl. But as they say you can’t judge a book by its cover, even a pretty, wealthy one. Always running into each other, they begin to develop a friendship and Larkin is not what she had judged her to be. Joe was running from the past and Larkin wanted to run into the future she felt God had for her. That is to serve with her disowned brother, Ben, who was a pastor in the woodlands of Kentucky, helping the poverty stricken. Both find themselves in need of God’s strength. Ben needs His strength to turn back to Him and trust Him again. Larkin needs His strength to go against her father and his worldly plans for her even if it means hurting him. Larkin pulls some real doozeys to have her way, catching Judd in the middle. In spite of all the internal and external conflicts they find themselves falling in love.
I can understand Judd’s grief and wanting to run from it. I admired his fortitude and gumption to put all he had into a new and very unfamiliar job. His work ethic was amazing. I loved Larkin’s faith and determination to follow God’s plan no matter what obstacles stood in her way. Even when faced with the reality of her naivety she wasn’t deterred.
The Appalachian people and their lifestyle has long been great interest to me. The community and people that Ben worked with were wonderful! Their personalities, behavior and customs were intriguing. The contrast between their lives and Larkins were startling especially as she tried to integrate herself into their mountain home. I think my favorite character of all was Granny Jane. She was such fun and her patience Larkin and wisdom were refreshing. I was caught up in her way of thinking and sayings! An excellent book that truly drops you into the time and place right along with the characters. Another terrific book by Ms. Thomas.
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.