Cora Miller, a recent widow, moves to St. Augustine in 1875 with her young daughter Emily to start life over as a single mother. She opens a fine millinery shop to court the tastes of the wealthy and become part of the town’s social elite. She succeeds in gaining the hat business of tourists Pamela Worthington and her daughter Judith, as well as, the attention of their family friend, extravagant Sterling Cunningham. But aloof Daniel Worthington, Pamela’s son, is more interested in the Indian captives recently brought to the fort. Daniel Worthington has escorted his mother and sister to St. Augustine. Their trip has coincided with the arrival of Plains Indians being brought to Fort Marion as prisoners. He is sympathetic to the plight of the Indians and seeks to help them learn to communicate through art. Daniel believes Cora Miller is only concerned with unimportant frivolities, but when he sees her with a benevolence group at the fort, his opinion begins to change. Just when Cora’s business is picking up, jewelry from her wealthy customers begins to disappear and then mysteriously reappear in Cora’s shop. What will happen to her when she is accused of theft? Will her reputation and future be ruined? Or will someone else step up in her defense?
Redeeming Light is another winsome historical romance filled with plenty of history, action, romance and faith by Marilyn Turk. I was immersed into the lives of Cora Miller and her young daughter Emily as they made a new start in St. Augustine, FL. Cora was a gifted designer and opened a millinery to support her and Emily. Pamela Worthington was impressed with her work and told Cora she could keep her busy all the time in Boston after she had designed a hat for her that had been trampled on when they arrived. The historical events of Indians being brought to Fort Marion, Lt. Pratt and specific Indians (true to history in 1875) brought history to life in this phenomenal story. I was caught up in the moment whether the scene was with Cora, Daniel Worthington, Sterling (a disputable character at times), the Indians, church gatherings and meetings, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, or teaching the Indians. My heart broke when Cora was accused of thief but in my own mind I thought I knew who was placing stolen items into Cora’s store. I’m not going to spoil this amazing read by giving that away. Readers of Christian historical fiction will want to read Redeeming Light that is filled with adventure, unexpected twists and turns, history, romance, suspense and message of God’s faithfulness will want to read this latest book by Marilyn Turk.
I received a complimentary copy of Redeeming Light. I was not required to write a review but I have expressed all my sincere thoughts for this story. Marilyn Turk has become one of my favorite authors for historical Christian fiction. I will look forward till her next novel is released, knowing it’ll be another compelling tale to be caught up in.
Redeeming Light by Marilyn Turk is a marvellous Christian historical novel. It is the third book in the Coastal Lights Legacy series but can be read as a stand-alone. The novel is set in 1875 in a small Florida town with a fort. The reader witnesses the reaction of the townspeople to the arrival of the Native American prisoners. Some are fearful and do not trust them. Others see the beating heart beneath and reach out with love and care. Clothes and upbringing do not make a man. There is far more kindness and compassion within the Native Americans than within the so-called civilized white people. Souls are seen and connected with as hearts are opened in friendship. The reader is reminded that God looks at our inward character far more than our outward appearances. In contrast to the open-hearted Native Americans the reader witnesses the judgment and under-handed dealings of some of the townspeople. There is a desire to squash the culture and heritage out of the Native Americans to make them confirm to the white way of life. This is wrong as their rich heritage and history needs preserving. Within the tale the characters are well drawn, realistic and welcoming. We see the importance of not judging but getting to know the inner person. Creativity comes in many guises. We need to nurture our creative spirits. I love this Coastal Lights Legacy series. Marilyn Turk writes such delightful tales. I will leave you with my favourite quote: Humans should be treated as humans. These are people not animals. And God loves us all.” I received a free copy of the book from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
St. Augustine, the setting for Redeeming Light, has always been a favorite destination for my family. I have read much on its history, but Marilyn Turk' s Redeeming Light taught me historical facts I had never heard before. The various relationships in the book develop naturally through the course of the story, encouraging readers to root for the main character, Cora. She also grows spiritually through contact with a group not accepted in society. Added to this is a bit of intrigue concerning Cora's business venture. Redeeming Light has it all: romance, history, and mystery.
Redeeming Light by Marilyn Turk Review by Aaron Crews
Insightful Christian Romance - I liked the way Marilyn Turk introduced the characters giving background information and building on it as the story progressed. I was intrigued by the way the Indians, who came into a bad situation at the fort, were able to improve their quality of life through the efforts of Daniel Worthington. I was told growing up that I have Cherokee ancestors, so I have always been interested in Native American history. Since I have visited the St. Augustine Lighthouse, I liked how it played a significant role in the story. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a historical Christian Romance novel.
Another excellent book by Marilyn Turk! Cora and her daughter have relocated to St. Augustine, FL where Cora has set up business as a hat maker. Recently widowed, she's under tremendous pressure to make a living. She quickly becomes a favorite hat maker of some of the wealthy vacationers and this does not go unnoticed by her competition.
A bit of romance, a sprinkling of history, and a little adventure and suspense make this a page-turner.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I just read an advance copy of Redeeming Light. I loved it! The story drew me in right from the start and kept me engaged right through to the last page. Marilyn Turk has such a way of dropping her characters into significant historical events without being distracting or boring. Cora, the main character, was fun to follow through the story. I was rooting for her at every turn. I didn't want the story to end.
Widowed Cora is a newcomer to town with a young daughter and has opened a Millinery shop to support themselves. Joining a Benevolent Society to help Indian prisoners gives Cora a new understanding of herself as she learns to Love two particular Indians with God's Love. The twist her life takes is totally unexpected. I found the book hard to put down til I could finish it!
I enjoyed the characters and the many twists in the story. The setting in St. Augustine was well developed and a perfect setting for the Mother and daughter Emily. The historical novel features suspense and several surprises for the reader. Marilyn is a master at creating great depth in her characters. You will enjoy reading this novel set in St. Augustine.
I really enjoyed this book. It has interesting historical facts about the Indians imprisonment, well developed characters, and a sweet love story. There is even some mystery with a little bit of a surprising ending.
Another great book in this series. I really loved the descriptions of fashion of that time period, especially all about the hats worn back then, such great detail. Loved the mystery throughout. This can be read as a stand alone but all 4 books were excellent.