Shine His Light

Revealing Light by Marilyn Turk is a delightful historical Christian novel. It is the second book in the Coastal Lights Legacy series but can be read as a  stand-alone. I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces. This book is set in 1883, twenty two years after book one and follows Sally Rose who was just a baby in the previous book.

There is the theme of identity. Jim Crow laws forbids mixed race marriages in the South. This forces a character to hide who she truly is. It is also an alien concept to her as she was brought up in the North. “Colour didn’t matter where she grew up.” It is also plain wrong and was one of the issues the Civil War was fought over.

Life has been hard and a character has drifted from God. “I thought God had forsaken me… so I decided I wouldn’t bother Him anymore.” God never leaves us but walks with us through all the seasons of life. In times of desperation, a character decides calling out to God really is the only option.

We are called to live out God’s Word. “Both men knew the Word. And lived it.” To truly walk in the way of Jesus is very beautiful to witness.

There are some very dear and loving characters in the novel. Their hearts shine from within as their warmth radiates outwards. Some of my favourite scenes were set in the kitchen.

When we don’t know what to do – pray. “You gotta pray. God will tell you what’s right.” God’s plans and God’s timing are perfect. He has a solution for every problem we will ever face if only we will trust Him.

There are some delightful children in the novel whose mannerisms were perfectly captured by Marilyn Turk.

An air of suspense hangs over the story as a sinister character prowls around. We need the light to illuminate dark deeds.

There is the theme of rescue from a dark place. We see this figuratively as well as literally. We need God to rescue us from our dark lives. He needs to illuminate the sin in us as He lovingly bends down to rescue us.

I loved Revealing Light. It was another charming read from Marilyn Turk. I am loving this Coastal Lights Legacy series.

I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON