Friday, February 16, 2018

Phoebe's Light | FLF, Blog Tour, Review, Giveaway


Who likes seafaring journeys and tales of whaling? I definitely do! I also like trying new-to-me authors, which is Suzanne Woods Fisher. So I was excited to get my hands on this book. This book ended up not being in line with my tastes, but some of you may enjoy it!


First Line:
Phoebe Starbuck flung back the worn quilt, 
leapt out of bed, and hurried to the windows.

There are some fun things with this blog tour, so keep reading!
But first!
Comment with a first line from your current read!
Have you read Suzanne Woods Fisher? If so, which of her books is your favorite?



 Connecting with Hoarding Books for First Line Friday! Hop over and connect with your first line!


About the Book

Title: Phoebe’s Light

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical romance

Release Date: February 6, 2018

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 Marcy, 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.


Click here to purchase your copy!


My Review
This was my first time to read Suzanne Woods Fisher. The era and setting intrigued me: whale-hunters in 1776? Definite yes! In ways, this book made me think of Elizabeth George Speare’s “Witch of Blackbird Pond”—likely because it hinted a lot about the superstitions and injustices done toward the Quakers in the 1600’s.

While most of the story was written from Phoebe’s perspective in 1776, she received her great-grandmother’s journal from 1658 and beyond. At the closure of each chapter, a portion of Mary’s journal was shared. I found her story to be quite intriguing.

The mystery in these pages was also interesting. I like a good mystery, and though at times you didn’t realize there was actually a mystery abroad in the community, as the pieces began falling together, I enjoyed it!

I really tried my hardest to like this book. I’ll admit I was a bit turned off on the first page when the main character used “Drat!” in her thoughts. Not only did this phrase not emerge until the 1800’s, a strict Quaker lass would not have used such a strong euphemism (if it had been used in her time). But, I seriously tried to push that away and enjoy the book… but so many cliché phrases kept bringing me back to the 1900’s, and my history brain just has a hard time with that.

There were also a lot of unanswered questions, but I realize it could just be my over-curious mind. Questions such as: if great-grandmother Mary wasn’t Quaker (and was suspicious of them) and was persuaded by other Christians to be baptized (Anabaptist), then how is it that Phoebe is strict Quaker? When in the family line did that major switch happen?

I suppose if you really like romance stories, this might appeal to you. Most people know I’m not a huge romance fan, but I can tolerate a good bit of it. The part that was just “okay” for me was Mary’s journal, where she is in love with and pining after one man while keeping company with and nourishing a friendship with another (though it is resolved that she didn’t mean anything by the friendship, the whole “I want this man and I will get him, but I don’t know how” really bothered me). But what I really had a hard time with was this book’s love triangle. I don’t dislike a love triangle, but when it is between a married couple and a third person…yeah, no. Sorry. Once a person is married, they shouldn’t be pining after their first love. The married girl shouldn’t be falling in love again with her jilted childhood love—or realizing that she never stopped loving him—while she’s married and her husband is still alive.
 *SPOILER*
There were two scenes in which the captain began undressing or started undressing Phoebe and talking of the marriage rights. A little too suggestive for my tastes. And back to the love triangle, wonderfully for Phoebe, the captain is killed, so now she can marry the man she loved since childhood. Oh, and also, the captain was already married to another woman and Phoebe is his second wife, which she discovers mid-book. I just have a problem with all of the above. I realize terrible situations happen in real life, but this is not the type of stuff I find pure and righteous for entertainment purposes.
*END OF SPOILER*

 The spiritual side of this book was really confusing. Given that it’s Quakers and Anabaptists and an era in which they were at each others’ throats and stuck on rules rather than following God, I suppose it should make sense. But it was all very vague. “Follow the Light” and “the Light is within you.” There was a casual mention of Scripture, but it was more the “wisdom of Great Mary” that was followed rather than the wisdom of God’s Word.

Like I said, I did give this book an honest go. I was prepared to like it, and I did try to. But it just wasn’t really for me.


*I received this book from Celebrate Lit and happily provided my honest review*


About the Author
Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Anna’s CrossingThe Newcomer, and The Return in the Amish Beginnings series, The Bishop’s Family series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.



Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grand prize of a Kindle!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c9e0


Blog Stops

Aryn The LibraryanFebruary 15
With a Joyful Noise, February 16
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 16
A Greater Yes, February 16
ASC Book Reviews, February 17
Locks, Hooks and BooksFebruary 17
Book by Book, February 17
Texas Book-aholic, February 18
The Power of Words, February 18
Splashes of JoyFebruary 18
A Reader’s Brain, February 19
Karen Sue Hadley, February 19
Blossoms and BlessingsFebruary 19
All of a kind Mom, February 20
Baker Kella, February 21
Mommynificent, February 21
Janices book reviews, February 21
Lighthouse Academy, February 22
Readers cozy corner, February 22
Mary Hake, February 22
Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 22
Pause for Tales, February 23
Have A Wonderful Day, February 23
Faery Tales Are Real, February 23
Blogging With Carol, February 24
Among the Reads, February 24
Carpe Diem, February 24
Red Headed Book Lady, February 25
Just the Write Escape, February 25
By The Book, February 26
For The Love of Books, February 26
Margaret Kazmierczak, February 26
Simple Harvest Reads, February 26 (Guest post from Mindy)
Maureen’s Musings, February 27
Bigreadersite, February 27
Bibliophile Reviews, February 28
Pursuing Stacie, February 28

12 comments:

LeAnne said...

It sounds like a great book!

Nicole Santana said...

Happy Friday!

Today on my blog I am sharing the first line from the new novella by Bell Renshaw, As Easy As Riding A Bike. It's a really fun read.

I am currently reading The Captain's Daughter by Jennifer Delamere. I am LOVING this story so much. I am just beginning chapter 7, so I will leave that first line here:

"Rosalyn drew the blanket around her to ward off the chilly night air as the carriage moved briskly down the near-empty streets."

englishmysteriesblog said...

I'm pretty sure I have read this author before, but I'm going to have to check my bookshelves to see which books of hers I own. :) Happy Friday Amanda!

Yvette said...

Happy Friday! I haven't tried anything by Suzanne Woods Fisher yet, though I have at least one of her books waiting on my e-reader.

I’m sharing from the Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers Romance Collection (read through NetGalley) today. Here’s the first line from Partners in Crime by Vickie McDonough: “Run, Laurel. Run!”

Betty Louise said...

Reading your review I feel I wouldn't like it. Thanks for sharing. On my blog today I am showcasing Elaine Orr's Jolie Gentil series located con the Jersey Beach. I am reading TILL DEATH DO US PARTY "Landing in Las Vegas was somewhat akin to touching down in Oz.

Trixi said...

She's an excellent writer! Love the books I've read by her :-)

My first lines is from Treacherous Trails by Dana Mentink--her almost ready to be released Love Inspired Suspense--

"Ella Calhill rubbed her eyes as she climbed behind the wheel of her old van and sipped tea out of her thermos to revive herself. The pounding behind her temples was growing more and more painful. Probably fatigue."

I can assure you folks,...IT'S NOT FROM FATIGUE and that's all I'm saying ;-)

MeezCarrie said...

i can't wait to read this one!

My current first line is from Missy Tippens’ new novella “Her Valentine Reunion” (in the Back to You collection) – "In a preemptive strike against the Valentine’s Day funk that hit her every year in February, Abbie Rogers had been working on her latest craft project she’d dubbed Operation Kill Cupid.”

Anneliese Dalaba said...

The book I'm featuring on my blog is Rumors and Promises by Kathleen Rouser. Since I'm on chapter 14, I'll share the first line from that chapter here. "I insist that you stay here and rest today, Sophie." Have a wonderful weekend!

Becky said...

I know I’m late but yesterday was busy! Happy Weekend! My first line is from A Langhorne Romance (which is in Right Where We Belong collection) by Deborah Raney.

“No sooner had Lily O’Neal plunged her hands into the sticky bread dough than the doorbell rang. Why did it always work that way?”

Becky said...

I'm really looking forward to reading this book!

Kristin Joy said...

I was put off by Phoebe's behavior as well. She was very self-centered. I felt an undercurrent of violence in Foulger's undressing of her as well that I think some people may be triggered by.

Amanda Tero said...

@ LeAnn – I hope you can read it!

@ Nicole – I love fun reads. And I have seen Delamere’s book everywhere! Need to try to get my hands on it!

@ English Mysteries – I know she has a lot of books. :)

@ Yvette – it’s always fun to have books waiting for you. ;)

@ Betty – you’re welcome!

@ Trixi – I’m glad you enjoy them! Ooh… sounds like an interesting first line…

@ Carrie – hope you enjoyed it!

@ Annelise – fun!

@ Becky – haha! Very identifiable first line. ;)

@ Kristin – definitely agree with you on those points.

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