Freedom's Light by Colleen Coble is set during the Revolutionary War. Hannah Thomas is a lighthouse keeper's wife whose life is rocked when her husband is executed as a spy by a former romantic pursurer. She defies stereotypes as she continues to run the lighthouse alone while being engulfed in a suspicious climate of not knowing who to trust as neighbors are Revolutionaries and Loyalists. Will she be able to remain steadfast in her faith and find love once again? Coble interjects spies, sea captains, scandals, and secrets to create an engrossing tale. Fans of Coble will find the suspense occuring at much slower pace but still filled with her characteric strong writing.

A story showing the strength women had to show when their husbands went off to war. Hannah watched as John left to fulfill his duty to fight knowing it would be a long year. Follow her journey through the hardship she endures but in the end she becomes a much stronger person. A must read. I was given a free copy by Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for my honest review.

I have been a big fan of Colleen Coble's mysteries for a long time, but this is the first of her historical novels that I have read. While her voice is different in this genre, it is just as delightful.
Freedom's Light takes place during the American Revolution. Hannah Thomas has fled an distressing situation in her hometown in South Carolina, married an older man, for whom she has great respect but little passion, and moved to the coast of Massachusetts. When her husband answers the call to serve in the military, Hannah finds herself as a young widow and keeper of a lighthouse. She has no friends in the legalistic Congregational Church and no support from her late husband's family. Only her deep love for God sustains her during long, lonely days and from the repercussions of her nontraditional attitudes. God provides for Hannah in some very unexpected ways. The reader will easily become immersed in Hannah's story, feeling the “waves” that batter her like the ocean waves batter the ships off the coast from her lighthouse.
I recommend Freedom's Light to historical fiction and romantic fiction fans. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Bestselling author Colleen Coble has released yet another thrilling historical fiction tale set during the War for Independence. Weaved through the narrative of a light keeper, an American spy, a young, naive woman in love, and a dastardly British captain, this new tale spins many point of views throughout the birth of the great new nation, America.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Freedom's Light is a rich historical story of the Revolutionary War and how it affected families, friends and neighbors - how some chose to side with Britain instead of fighting for freedom of the new country.
Hannah Smith became keeper of the lighthouse on the rocky Massachusetts coast when her husband left to fight with the Continental Army against the loyalists, who are fighting for Britain. Her troubles are many, mostly not of her own doing but the consequences of others - in particular her wild sister and her improprieties. Her husband is falsely accused of burning New York City by an old friend Galen, who is now fighting on the side of Britain. John was hung because Galen still has feelings for Hannah and wanted to get rid of her husband. Hannah's sister Lydia has feelings for Galen and throws herself at Galen.
When a ship is broken up on rocks, Hannah rescues Captain Birch Meredith from the wreckage. Part of the job of a light keeper is to care for people injured by shipwreck, so Birch stays with Hannah and Lydia while his broken leg heals. Birch and Hannah are attracted to each other but he appears to be on the side of Britain while Hannah's allegiance is with the colonists. Hannah has a strong faith while Birch is seeking revenge for his brother's death at the hands of a Major Montgomery with the British military. Birch is really a spy for General Washington but cannot let Hannah or anyone else know.
This is a touching and heartbreaking story of the trials of wartime but also of how selfish people can be when they see only their own desires and wishes without a care of how their actions can affect others. Hannah and Lydia are charged of sins by local church men and while Lydia was guilty of their charges, Hannah is accused unfairly and endures harsh treatment. Hannah is only eighteen but has the faith and soul of someone older and so unselfish, someone with a servant's heart. She tries to get her faith message across to Lydia and also to Birch. I enjoyed this touching story of history, faith and romance.
I received a complimentary ARC from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions are mine only.

I hate speaking ill of a book by one of my favorite suspense authors, but Freedom's Light misses the mark. First of all, let's talk about tea. An American Rebel wouldn't be caught dead drinking the dread beverage (especially not after the Boston Tea Party). If Hannah was a true Patriot, she would drink a herbal substitute. Other things strike me as historically inaccurate, as well. For example, how could a petite woman handle a heavy coble? From what I could tell, they weighed upwards of 75 pounds dry weight. It stretches the immagination for a small woman to launch and beach a craft like this and be able to expertly handle it in rough seas during numerous rescue attempts during treacherous conditions. I have a rough time moving our 85lb canoe around on land by myself, and I'm not petite.

While Coble does a decent job of fleshing out the primary protagonists, Hannah seems a little too good--especially for one so young. She forgives everyone without a second thought--and seems incredibly spiritually mature for someone of such tender years. It would have been nice to know how she arrived at a point in her walk with Jesus to forgive evil done against her. Birch has a bit more depth of character, but he seems almost too modern in his willingness to 'help around the house.'

The one-dimensional antagonists and their tidy demise also seem a little melodramatic. But hey, not every reader will love every book by their authors--even if they're favorite authors! Coble's body of work merits attention from all lovers of historical inspirational suspense!

At the back of this book, Colleen writes that this book has been on the "shelf" for 18 years! It certainly is a departure from her recent works, but I enjoyed the step back in time getting to know the life of a female lightkeeper during the revolutionary war. She was an excellent example of a strong lead character when times are tough and you just have to keep going. There were several twists and turns I didn't expect and enjoyed the suspense of the spies working for the other side and what might happen.

Unfortunately, there were parts I had a hard time stomaching. First, the punishments of the time by the church on people based on how they judged people with what little evidence they could gather. I'm sure similar events did actually occur and it enlightened me, but in this story, the way it happened and it's graphic nature turned my stomach.

Second, there were multiple sexual indiscretions and while the characters' thoughts seemed very realistic in how they might have rationalized their actions, it lent a very warped vibe to the book and was never dealt with well. It was quite tragic and odd. I certainly wouldn't want any daughters of mine to read this book because of it. Also, while trying not to give anything away, I feel I must mention that there is a suicide.

Although I really did like the story aside from the above issues, I can't fully recommend the book. You'll have to make your own choice.

My favorite quote: "Your light led me to freedom, my love. What need have I of a lighthouse when you are by my side?"

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this book! It looks like it will be a standalone, rather than part of a series. Until the end, I thought that maybe it'd be a first in a new series, but it becomes clear that it isn't. There are twists and turns, lots of spies and double agents, wartime changes to gender roles, and the strictest post-Puritanical church I've ever seen. Without giving too much away, one of the main characters is just naive and silly, and I couldn't connect with her...I didn't like her. Another takes on much more than she should bear, and does it with grace. Another must come to an understanding about his faith and his beliefs, while grappling with a need for vengeance. Finally, there is the character whom you can't help but despise, and you truly hope that he will have a change of heart by the story's end. The combination of these four personalities, along with their supporting cast, brings a sense of realness to the book that makes you root both for and against everyone!

Freedom's Light by Colleen Coble is a good read! It is full of espionage, danger and romance during the Revolutionary War. When Hannah's husband John dies fighting for his country Hannah is left in charge of the twin lighthouses. Her willful sister comes to stay. There is a shipwreck bringing a and injured, handsome sea captain whom is believed to be the enemy. There is danger, persecution and romance. Ms. Coble writes a great book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have read several of Colleen's books. I like her style of writing. She writes a suspense story with just enough of a love story, to keep it on the lighter side for me. Colleen has written other stories about a lighthouse keeper that I have enjoyed, so I was very excited to read this one. It is a little different, in that it is a historical fiction Christian romance about the Revolutionary War.

The story-line was interesting and her historical parts were right on point. If this was not labeled a Christian romance, I would not have a problem. I feel it should have a warning for adult content. There are some situations that are definitely facts of life now as well as back then. But I am wondering about them being a part of a Christian romance. I think Colleen is a fantastic writer and I will continue to read her books. It was not my favorite book by her, but I did enjoy Freedom's Light. I just feel if Colleen want's to write books with this content, maybe she should branch out with her genres.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this book are my own.

Freedom's Light was definitely a drama with lots of ups and downs and characters that were good and some that were seedy.

Hannah Thomas is a young widow. She lives in a lighthouse and now that her husband has died fighting the British, she holds herself to the promise she made to him, to take care of and run the lighthouse. Hannah finds herself feeling lonely so she asks her younger sister, Lydia, to come and stay with her. The only contention between the two of them is Lydia's obsession with an old family friend, Galen, who is fighting with the British. Hannah has experienced his evil first hand, but Lydia refuses to believe anything bad about him. Lydia reaches out to him in an effort to get him to come to the lighthouse, she uses Hannah as the carrot. Galen's intentions all along were to have Hannah to himself, but he couldn't as long as she was married. Galen has remedied that so that she can finally be his. But Hannah rejects Galen.

A shipwreck brings an injured sea captain to Hannah's doorstep. Birch Meredith claims to be a merchant ship that is loyal to Britain. Even though Hannah and Birch are on different sides of the war, she and Birch become friends and fall in love with one another. Once Birch heals, he heads back to the war. Despite continuing his work and his quest for vengeance, he cannot escape his feelings for Hannah.

Lydia has plans of her own to capture Galen and show him she is the right choice for him. This act spirals her down a steep staircase of poor decisions. Hannah continues to man the lighthouse but her heart remains with a sea captain that is everything she should not love.

I received an ARC of this book and his is my honest feedback.

I highly recommend this book for historical fiction and Christian readers because the author skillfully weaves a compelling story surrounding 18 year old Hannah, the lighthouse keeper of Gurnet Point, Massachusetts during the war for independence. Hannah is a sympathetic character who has great faith, fortitude and determination to do her part for the Continental army while facing constant criticism from her sister, her husband’s mother, the townsfolk and the Christian elders in her church, especially when she rescues and nurses to health a British sailor who will become both her greatest strength and her greatest weakness. Hannah and Birch Meredith are fascinating characters living in an uncertain and dangerous time and their story is filled with passion and conviction that makes for a highly entertaining and unforgettable read. I read an early copy of this book provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

Freedoms light by Colleen Coble. A historical love story set during the revolutionary war. I like reading historical romances because they give you so much information about the time. Religious values were tough during these times.

This book is different from Colleen Coble's other books, but equally as good if not better than the others I've read by the same author. This book takes place in Maine during the Revolutionary War and features a lighthouse keeper. Spies, family problems, marriage, romance....many different topics intertwined in this hard-to-put-down book. Great read!

I love Ms. Coble’s books (historical or contemporary)! Freedom’s Light is a historical Christian suspense novel. This book is set during the Revolutionary War. After a turn of events at the beginning of the book, the main character, Hannah, is solely responsible for the upkeep of the lighthouse. Hannah faces a lot of hardship and difficulty, but the reader is drawn to her character of strength and forgiveness. Hannah’s sister visits and Lydia’s story is interesting as well. Hannah meets Birch when his ship wrecks at the lighthouse. There is a great deal to Birch than what meets the eye. This book‘s plot is laden with suspense and intrigue due to the times in which it was written. The secrecy, plotting, and spies during the Revolutionary War makes for an intriguing storyline. I highly recommend you read this book! The book was very entertaining. Ms. Coble does an excellent job of showing readers an example of God’s grace and how we can extend that to others as well. I enjoyed reading it!!!

***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.

Colleen Coble is one of my favourite authors. I love her suspense. This was my first historical novel by her, and though different to her suspense novels, I enjoyed it.

Now, this book will not be for some readers, due to the more adult content, but for me there was so much lessons to be learned through these characters. Consequences of not trusting God and taking matters into your own hands, making wrong choices because you desire love from a man instead of searching for that love from God and the difference between religion (judgment and criticism) vs a relationship with God (love, forgiveness, peace).

The historical facts about the Revolutionary war was interesting but not overbearing. I enjoyed the story of the war and learning a few things. Lydia's story was heartbreaking, but also such a prefect picture of a lot of girls today in their search for love. Hannah's story was not the focal point which I expected, but so strong. To me her relationship with God drove her actions. She loved first, which was clear in her caring for a Tory. She was also not afraid to confront Lydia and Birch with biblical truths. She was a light for spiritual freedom, which fit perfectly with the title of the book.


*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

FREEDOM’ S LIGHT by Colleen Coble. Thomas Nelson
Keeping the lights in the lighthouse for the sailors, and stay at home is what her husband wanted. He was older, and she was use to speaking her mind, and wanted to follow him. A year here, she hated the sound of crashing waves, was endless., the lonely coastline. Galen wants what John has, Hannah, John reply’s "God will protect her"and Galen stated that John was a spy.
To her sister, Galen plied with love, still wanting Hannah. Would the British man they rescue from the shore, would he be allowed to live. Or in hate, and a vow to have Hannah, not. A plot that showed the mercy of woman when the men were off, fighting. Strong, deep emotions, of what women had to do. The duties of home, and families, unable to go to war, was up to women to tend to. Given ARC by Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

2 stars

I have recently become a fan of historical fiction and I adore Colleen Coble's books, so I was eagerly looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, Freedom’s Light was a great disappointment to me. I am not entirely sure why either. The historical accuracy was completely on point, so that was not the issue. I just feel like this book just missed the characteristic feel of a Colleen Coble book, I so look forward to and love.

I really struggled to get into the book or to even care about the characters in the story. This whole book was such a miss for me. I am really surprised too because this is the first book by Coble that I did not enjoy. I am sure there is a market and fans for this book. Sadly, I am just not one of them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#Freedomslight #NetGalley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Not my favorite Coble novel. I love all things Revolutionary War, but this one just offered up two people who were so selfish and hateful it totally overshadowed the hero and heroine. The romance between Birch and Hannah seems unrealistic, when we are supposed to believe that Hannah is so patriotic. We are just told some things happen without any buildup or explanation. Sorry…just a 3.

I used to read this author but I fear I have outgrown her style of writing. I recommend her to more of the YA crowd.