A Light to My Path (Refiner's Fire, Book 3)

This was the first book I've read by Lynn Austin and I just finished reading another one by her called Hidden Places. Both books are excellent. In a Light to my Path, she really shows how only God can take a horrible situation and use it for good. The characters were very well developed, especially as you continued to discover more and more about them. Grady's character was wonderful in that I felt his rage, his anger, his unbelief and Kitty (Anna)'s character made me cry. Although the end could have been a little bit more...something, the book was an enjoyable read. I would recommend her books to anyone who is looking for a fresh and unique voice in the Christian book world.

It took me a while to get into this book in the beginning because I hate reading how a slave is being torn away from his family and being sbused by his owner. It got better as I kept reading when the story start to show some hope for the slaves. It's amazing to see how ignorant America was back then and how we still are today!

This book is one of those that can be easily read in one sitting. It's the 3rd in a series, depicting slaves' perspectives living through slavery and the civil war. I was gripped at the abuse and portrayal of what it was like to be owned by someone. The realization that one could be ripped away from loved ones or because of the whim of an owner be whipped and/or sent down to "slave row". Mercy was rarely received, and was truly a gift when given. The sovereignty of God is weaved throughout the pages, as the reader can see how seemingly cruel events were used later to save and protect. God's unconditional love and faithfulness were also portrayed. I liked how the author used kind-hearted, loving, God-fearing white people in this series to show that not everyone from the white race, or down south were hateful towards the slaves. The author did a great job of ending this 3 book series. One of the main characters, Grady, was introduced in the first book. The ending was sweet. It could have extended further for additional reunions from others from the first book, but it still is an excellent read.

It can be a common occurrance for people to think that God has deserted them in times of need, or to blame God for their station in life. Lynn Austin's A LIGHT TO MY PATH, the latest of her books about the Antebellum South, examines this while detailing the coming of age of two young slaves, Anna and Grady, who have given up hope that "Massa Jesus" hears their prayers or cares what becomes of them. Anna's first memory is the day her parents were recaptured after an attempted escape from slavery. Since that day, she has had little faith that God could do anything to help her situation. While she was spared from death or the auction block, Anna's life is, nevertheless, one of biting criticism, harsh servitude, and endless longing. A glimmer of hope for something better comes along when she meets Grady. Grady hates all white people after experiencing a tortuous auction where he was torn from his mother's care and later a stint as the assistant of a slave trader. Grady's stark reality leads him to believe that all white people are evil and that the only way to progress in life is to exact his revenge upon them someday. Once a ladies' man, Grady is stunned by Anna's beauty and he begins to change his ways. But Anna and Grady come in contact with numerous obstacles, including the Civil War. They must put their trust in God's plan in order to victoriously emerge from the battles. A LIGHT TO MY PATH is historical Christian fiction at its finest, spanning time periods from Antebellum America into Reconstruction. The story never became dull, nor did it ever read like a sermon. Lynn Austin introduced all of her characters, both primary and secondary, and followed them through until the end, each lending a significant voice and contribution to this heartbreaking and divine saga. I was impressed with this book and hope to go back through the series and read all of the earlier installments. (RAW Rating: 4.5) Reviewed by CandaceK of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

In 1862 South Carolina, Confederate soldiers warn Missy Claire that 6000 Yanks are marching towards her Plantation and arming slaves. Missy is angry and panicking as she orders her slaves but talks down to them as if they are cattle or pets, which is how she sees them. Field slave Grady informs house slave Kitty that he plans to run away and would like her, the woman he loves, to come with him to freedom. Kitty hesitates as she has lost the ability to make decisions having spent her life having her massahs tell her what to do. As Kitty struggles whether to run off with Grady or stay with Missy, she reflects back to the early 1850s when she as a child met her young mistress. Kitty, called Anna, back then, had some kittens that Missy wanted, but her mother said no that anything owned by a darkie is diseased. So Missy tells her mom that she wants the darkie as her kitty. Since then Kitty has always done whatever her owner tells her to do, but now with war everywhere can Anna be resurrected from the dead? This deep look at the lives of slaves and to a lesser degree their owners in the decade just before and during the Civil War is an insightful historical tale. Readers will be stunned by the incredible characterizations inside of a world turned upside down for so many people. The story line rotates between Anna-Kitty and Grady, but fans observe how others in their circle read. Fans of the Antebellum South will want to read the latest Refiner's Fire tale as Lyn Austin hits on all cylinders with a fantastic novel. Harriet Klausner