Lynn Austin

Book 1 in the Refiner's Fire series. The daughter of a wealthy slave-holding family from Richmond, Virginia, Caroline Fletcher is raised in a culture that believes slavery is God-ordained and biblically acceptable. But upon awakening to the cruelty and injustice it encompasses, Caroline's eyes are opened for the first time to the men and women who have cared tirelessly for her. Her journey of maturity and faith will draw her into the abolitionist movement, where she is confronted with the risks and sacrifices her beliefs entail.

Candle in the Darkness

Jeni Enjaian

**Update** I enjoyed this book the third time around as well. For some reason, whatever makes this book and the rest of the series so special, Austin fails to capture in her other books. This book survives round two of the purge from my personal collection.

I was nervous when I started reading this book. I remember absolutely loving it the first time around. At the same time, I remember several other books that I have read by this author have been stunning disappointments the second time around.

I was not let down this time. Although there was a slight hiccup when Austin transition's Caroline's voice from that of a twelve year old child (which she is at the beginning) to a girl in her late teens and early twenties, that passed quickly.

Other than that, I loved the way that Austin wove the history into the story. Austin wrote about these historical events, that many people know from history class, as if they were current events. (which to Caroline they were, of course.)

Some details are skimmed but it wasn't in a sloppy manner. Instead, it fit the idea that Caroline was writing memories of important events and hitting the highlights. Some leaps were made but they were logical leaps that fit with the story.

Additionally, the dilemmas Carolina faces (and there are many, be they political, spiritual, romantic or a combination of all three) are easily relatable. Austin draws the solutions (usually in the form of Caroline's slave and dear friend, Eli) from Scripture without preaching or turning Eli into a stock, Uncle Tom copycat.

I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Candle in the Darkness

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