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Refiner's Fire #3
A Light to My Path
Shackled in a world where authority is not questioned, where the will is battered as surely as the body, hope will not be denied. But broken chains bring daunting choices: The way of revenge or the way of the Spirit.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
430 people are currently reading
3219 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Austin
47 books5,470 followersFor many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 523 reviews
January 4, 2016
These books are amazing! I love how Lynn Austin does the three books: Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, and A Light to my Path, each in a different perspective during the Civil War- A white woman from the South, a white woman from the North, and a male and female slave living in the South. They all impacted me in different ways because I saw different ways of thinking, whether they were for slavery or not. They all also did something for the cause, whether it be nursing, spying, making uniforms, or fighting.
A Light to My Path probably impacted me the most, being from the perspective of slaves. I knew slavery was wrong and that they weren't treated well, but I had no idea of just how cruel the Masters/and or Masters' wives could be. I never thought about how big the consequence was for the littlest mistake, and it ripped my heart out every time one of them was punished.
I liked how, even though Lynn showed how terrible the Owners could be, she also showed how they weren't all the same- that they didn't all treat their slaves so poorly. That there were really nice southerners that treated the slaves with respect.
Another thing that I liked was how the people from each of the books were connected in some way, and I was expecting a happy reunion at the end of this book. Unfortunately, I was disappointed when I didn't get the reunion I was looking forward to.
The message in this book was great! Throughout the whole book you had Grady, who had grown to the age of nine knowing God, but then he was taken from his family and thrown into the worst conditions, that he practically gave up on life and even more- his Faith. Then you have Anna who never had time to grow a back-bone because she had been treated unkindly practically her whole life. The message from Grady was basically to not let your anger control you until it completely consumes everything about you, but to put God in control, because in the end it is God who will send judgement.
Romans 12:19 (NIV)
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
The message that I get from Anna was to not let people walk all over me. That I do have to be kind and a servant to others, but that their are also times when I will just have to say no. I can't think of a verse for this right now, but I completely believe it.
All in all, I HIGHLY recommend this series to everyone! I don't think this is a series meant just for women, but that men can totally read these as well.
Go to my blog at: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/
A Light to My Path probably impacted me the most, being from the perspective of slaves. I knew slavery was wrong and that they weren't treated well, but I had no idea of just how cruel the Masters/and or Masters' wives could be. I never thought about how big the consequence was for the littlest mistake, and it ripped my heart out every time one of them was punished.
I liked how, even though Lynn showed how terrible the Owners could be, she also showed how they weren't all the same- that they didn't all treat their slaves so poorly. That there were really nice southerners that treated the slaves with respect.
Another thing that I liked was how the people from each of the books were connected in some way, and I was expecting a happy reunion at the end of this book. Unfortunately, I was disappointed when I didn't get the reunion I was looking forward to.
The message in this book was great! Throughout the whole book you had Grady, who had grown to the age of nine knowing God, but then he was taken from his family and thrown into the worst conditions, that he practically gave up on life and even more- his Faith. Then you have Anna who never had time to grow a back-bone because she had been treated unkindly practically her whole life. The message from Grady was basically to not let your anger control you until it completely consumes everything about you, but to put God in control, because in the end it is God who will send judgement.
Romans 12:19 (NIV)
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
The message that I get from Anna was to not let people walk all over me. That I do have to be kind and a servant to others, but that their are also times when I will just have to say no. I can't think of a verse for this right now, but I completely believe it.
All in all, I HIGHLY recommend this series to everyone! I don't think this is a series meant just for women, but that men can totally read these as well.
Go to my blog at: http://kissedbooks.blogspot.com/
October 4, 2016
I had to read the last book in the series, even though I didn't really have high hopes for this book. Good thing about that? My hopes were raised. The first half read like a completely different author. It was riveting. Definitely my favorite from the series, and I was SO happy to see what came of Grady!!
Grady and Anna were realistic characters. Their hopes and their sorrows felt real. I love how different Grady and Anna were. Grady's hatred toward slavery and being different from white men is revealed in all his words and actions, while Anna lives content with her lot as maid to Claire (don't get me started on her!!!).
I love how you see wicked black and white people, and then on reverse good black and white people. It goes to show that all mankind is accountable before God; no race is inferior to another! And Grady, as much as he hated the racism against his race, had the same issues in his heart against the white people.
The battle scenes were fascinating, although a lot of them were told instead of shown which at times didn't make it as interesting. I didn't like the middle as much as the first and last parts. I felt the romance was better in this book, although there was one scene in particular that insinuated sexual activity, but only between a married couple and it was not detailed (you just get the idea :)).
I LOVED the end and how Grady returned to his former home. My only gripe there is that you don't see him meeting his mother again. But I'm so glad he found forgiveness and freedom!
There were so many good characters in this book. Delia, Joseph, Grady, Anna, Mr. Fuller (he is my favorite Southern character. He owned slaves, but he was reasonable to them, although I'm not condoning his actions), Claire (Like I said, don't get me started. She drove me nuts), and many others.
If you like a good historical fiction about the slavery and Civil War, read this. The only thing I will mention to Civil War lovers...a couple times I felt like the author seemed to think the only reason why there was a war was because of slavery. But don't let that stop you from reading this as it wasn't a big issue.
Grady and Anna were realistic characters. Their hopes and their sorrows felt real. I love how different Grady and Anna were. Grady's hatred toward slavery and being different from white men is revealed in all his words and actions, while Anna lives content with her lot as maid to Claire (don't get me started on her!!!).
I love how you see wicked black and white people, and then on reverse good black and white people. It goes to show that all mankind is accountable before God; no race is inferior to another! And Grady, as much as he hated the racism against his race, had the same issues in his heart against the white people.
The battle scenes were fascinating, although a lot of them were told instead of shown which at times didn't make it as interesting. I didn't like the middle as much as the first and last parts. I felt the romance was better in this book, although there was one scene in particular that insinuated sexual activity, but only between a married couple and it was not detailed (you just get the idea :)).
I LOVED the end and how Grady returned to his former home. My only gripe there is that you don't see him meeting his mother again. But I'm so glad he found forgiveness and freedom!
There were so many good characters in this book. Delia, Joseph, Grady, Anna, Mr. Fuller (he is my favorite Southern character. He owned slaves, but he was reasonable to them, although I'm not condoning his actions), Claire (Like I said, don't get me started. She drove me nuts), and many others.
If you like a good historical fiction about the slavery and Civil War, read this. The only thing I will mention to Civil War lovers...a couple times I felt like the author seemed to think the only reason why there was a war was because of slavery. But don't let that stop you from reading this as it wasn't a big issue.
March 13, 2014
I would say this is the best book in the series. It was touching, very real and taught so much about God's love through slavery. It is easy to pick on the bad things people have done to you but we never realise how much we've done to others, most especially God, yet we are forgiven everyday. Amazing Grace was key in this book and I'd say this book is top followed by the first in the series.
I hope to read more from Lynn Austin. She really has a talent.
I hope to read more from Lynn Austin. She really has a talent.
September 30, 2017
I started this series loving book one. I found it well-balanced between both Northern and Southern views and it packed a lot of Scripture. As the series progressed, though, I found that all of that diminished until it seemed like there was only a Northern/abolitionist viewpoint portrayed with weak Scriptural content. I know that sounds harsh, but maybe in essence... I was disappointed.
Before I go into detail, though, I did like reading about Anna and Grady. I felt like it portrayed a realistic view of slavery in that families were separated. At the same time, I felt like it also gave a biased slavery viewpoint. They mentioned that some slave-owners were kind to their slaves, but what stood out to me was the beatings and killings of slaves. Delia, the storyteller, proclaims that the history of slaves is when white men came to Africa, capturing villages and bringing them to America. With just a little research, you'll find that often, slaves came from African victors who sold the villages they had plundered to the white man. I'm not saying that I think white men never capture the Africans on their own; just that the balance of both sides were not there. Actually, that would be the entire reason I didn't care for this book. There was no balance. And for me as a history-lover, balance is important. Yes, tyranny happened. Yes, slaves were mistreated. But that is only half of the story! One could leave this book thinking that nothing good happened in slavery. That is not a balanced view.
Okay, enough of my rant.
Before I read this, I was warned that there was a bit of discussion about procreation of slaves, a mistress wanting to force her chambermaid to have a baby so she can be a wet-nurse. Because of all of that content, I do not recommend this to conservative readers under twenty. There seemed to be a much stronger emphasis on the marriage bed than the other two books in the series.
Spiritual content... I really don't like books when I don't know if the characters were born again or just turned over a new leaf. Delia constantly points to Jesus Christ as the answer, that bitterness and unforgiveness is a curse, etc. (which, I fully agree with!) But it's never clear that Grady or Anna actually accept Jesus Christ as Savior. Anna prays to Jesus and gets answers, Grady learns that not all white men are evil and he has to forgive, not kill... but did they actually accept Christ as Savior, repenting of their sins, and trusting in Jesus alone for salvation? I really don't know. It was very unclear.
I really wanted to like this book. And I wasn't intending to write a rant-review; I've even waited a few days before writing it (mainly because of time constraints). It's probably not a book I would re-read because of the aforementioned issues. I like how Austin is able to put facts into her stories, it's just my personal opinion that some of her facts are faulty and biased. But feel free to read it for yourself and see what you come up with!
Before I go into detail, though, I did like reading about Anna and Grady. I felt like it portrayed a realistic view of slavery in that families were separated. At the same time, I felt like it also gave a biased slavery viewpoint. They mentioned that some slave-owners were kind to their slaves, but what stood out to me was the beatings and killings of slaves. Delia, the storyteller, proclaims that the history of slaves is when white men came to Africa, capturing villages and bringing them to America. With just a little research, you'll find that often, slaves came from African victors who sold the villages they had plundered to the white man. I'm not saying that I think white men never capture the Africans on their own; just that the balance of both sides were not there. Actually, that would be the entire reason I didn't care for this book. There was no balance. And for me as a history-lover, balance is important. Yes, tyranny happened. Yes, slaves were mistreated. But that is only half of the story! One could leave this book thinking that nothing good happened in slavery. That is not a balanced view.
Okay, enough of my rant.
Before I read this, I was warned that there was a bit of discussion about procreation of slaves, a mistress wanting to force her chambermaid to have a baby so she can be a wet-nurse. Because of all of that content, I do not recommend this to conservative readers under twenty. There seemed to be a much stronger emphasis on the marriage bed than the other two books in the series.
Spiritual content... I really don't like books when I don't know if the characters were born again or just turned over a new leaf. Delia constantly points to Jesus Christ as the answer, that bitterness and unforgiveness is a curse, etc. (which, I fully agree with!) But it's never clear that Grady or Anna actually accept Jesus Christ as Savior. Anna prays to Jesus and gets answers, Grady learns that not all white men are evil and he has to forgive, not kill... but did they actually accept Christ as Savior, repenting of their sins, and trusting in Jesus alone for salvation? I really don't know. It was very unclear.
I really wanted to like this book. And I wasn't intending to write a rant-review; I've even waited a few days before writing it (mainly because of time constraints). It's probably not a book I would re-read because of the aforementioned issues. I like how Austin is able to put facts into her stories, it's just my personal opinion that some of her facts are faulty and biased. But feel free to read it for yourself and see what you come up with!
May 22, 2013
I just finished this book and i really enjoyed it. I loved how the different characters and their circumstances drew them closer to God and all of the courage and encouragement was shared in ways that could be understood by everyone. There were true testimonies of how even though it was hard to believe God was with everyone even in the struggles they were going thru I love how Grady forgave Massa Fletcher and accepted the money for his son's benefit. Freedom changed everyone accept Missie Clarie but God will handle that situation would be neat if 1 more book could be added to this series to see how and where everyone finally ended up and families got reunited and heart attitudes changed.
November 2, 2014
A Light to My Path is the third book in the Refiner's Fire series. For the series overall, I really liked how the author focused on a different aspect of the civil war in each book. The first book is about a southern woman that is a Union sympathizer. The second book is about two women and their role near/on the battlefield and this final book was the perspective of two former slaves.
A Light to My Path tells Grady's story that had a limited amount of time in the first novel. Grady is very angry and wants to kill every white man. To provide another perspective, the second main character in the book is Anna. Anna knows no other life than to serve her mistress and lacks the confidence to imagine something else for herself. It was a compelling contrast and I very much enjoyed this final book of the series. I would have liked a stronger ending to the book. I would have closed the loop on one part of the story.
Of all the books in this series, I found book two to be the strongest and most enjoyable. This third book is not far behind though. It was a good book too.
I recommend this series for those that enjoy historical fiction.
A Light to My Path tells Grady's story that had a limited amount of time in the first novel. Grady is very angry and wants to kill every white man. To provide another perspective, the second main character in the book is Anna. Anna knows no other life than to serve her mistress and lacks the confidence to imagine something else for herself. It was a compelling contrast and I very much enjoyed this final book of the series. I would have liked a stronger ending to the book. I would have closed the loop on one part of the story.
Of all the books in this series, I found book two to be the strongest and most enjoyable. This third book is not far behind though. It was a good book too.
I recommend this series for those that enjoy historical fiction.
August 28, 2019
This is the 3rd of Austin's Civil War Trilogy. It is the war in the perspective of slavery in South Carolina. It not only involves how the slaves were treated, but how Christian faith continued with many of them as they learned to forgive the whites that treated them badly. I take to heart that aspect of the book - forgiveness - which the world so needs today. We will never be able to get along together if we don't forgive each other.
April 2, 2017
The second book of the series is definitely my favourite of the three, but I loved this one too. The series concludes with a very powerful message: that true freedom comes from God and through His forgiveness.
December 10, 2019
A beautiful, heartbreaking story about the civil war told from the point of view of several slaves. It was so hard to read at times but the story really was captivating.
March 26, 2012
Story Description:
Refiner's Fire Book # 3. Kitty, a house slave, always figured it was easiest to do what she'd always done--obey Missy and follow orders. But when word arrives that the Yankees are coming, Kitty is faced with a decision: will she continue to follow the bidding of her owners, or will she embrace this chance for freedom? Never allowed to have ideas of her own, Kitty is overwhelmed by the magnitude of her decision. Yet it is her hope to find the "happy ever after" ending to her life--and to follow Grady, whom she loves--that is the driving force behind her choice. Where will it lead her?
My Review:
This book was very difficult for me to read because of the terrible inhumane and disturbing persecution the Negro people received from their white owners during the American Civil War. For the slightest thing these poor souls endured physical punishment that was so undeserved. The emotional abuse they suffered was equally as horrifying but their unwavering “faith” carried them through these dark times.
The story centers mostly around Kitty and Grady. Kitty was a house slave to a white, spoiled, brat, named Missy Claire. Kitty figured it was easier to obey Missy’s every command no matter how trivial, that way she wouldn’t be given “40 lashes” or sent back to the deplorable conditions on “Slave Row”. She wasn’t allowed to learn to read or write, to have any thoughts or ideas of her own as she was “too stupid” and as a result found it impossible to make any type of decision on her own. Eventually, Kitty is faced with a decision that SHE MUST make for herself—a chance at freedom! Will she stay with Missy Claire where she is comfortable with her surroundings, knowing what each day would bring, or will she take a chance on freedom and never have to be “owned” or “obey” again in her life? Is familiarity and oppression less scary for her than her own freedom?
Grady is only nine-years-old when he is ripped away from his mother and sold at a slave auction. His life is filled with beatings that bring him to his knees in pain, lashings that rip the skin and muscle open on his back exposing bone and almost bleeding to death. His first master is a violent slave trader named, Coop. But by the time, Coop loses Grady in a poker game, Grady is already filled with such rage, anger, and hatred all the time. Although the other slaves often tried to instil a faith and love for God in him, Grady wouldn’t have any part in religion whatsoever. If this God was supposed to be so loving and caring, He sure didn’t feel that way about Grady, or so he thought. Will Grady ever have a chance in life to experience freedom and be able to exact the revenge on white people he so deeply desires, or because of his deep-seated anger and hatred will he stay locked in a life of perpetual abuse?
This novel broke my heart and made me cry in agony for the suffering of people just because their skin was a different colour. However, the book is also filled with many examples of deep faith, courage, strength, and an undying hope for a future that is filled with determination and freedom.
The last in the “Refiner’s Fire Series”, A LIGHT TO MY PATH, is not a historical fiction novel I will soon forget. The amount of research that went into the writing of this novel is amazing as the details are extremely accurate. I would highly recommend this series to anyone but especially those whose favourite genre is ‘historical fiction’.
Refiner's Fire Book # 3. Kitty, a house slave, always figured it was easiest to do what she'd always done--obey Missy and follow orders. But when word arrives that the Yankees are coming, Kitty is faced with a decision: will she continue to follow the bidding of her owners, or will she embrace this chance for freedom? Never allowed to have ideas of her own, Kitty is overwhelmed by the magnitude of her decision. Yet it is her hope to find the "happy ever after" ending to her life--and to follow Grady, whom she loves--that is the driving force behind her choice. Where will it lead her?
My Review:
This book was very difficult for me to read because of the terrible inhumane and disturbing persecution the Negro people received from their white owners during the American Civil War. For the slightest thing these poor souls endured physical punishment that was so undeserved. The emotional abuse they suffered was equally as horrifying but their unwavering “faith” carried them through these dark times.
The story centers mostly around Kitty and Grady. Kitty was a house slave to a white, spoiled, brat, named Missy Claire. Kitty figured it was easier to obey Missy’s every command no matter how trivial, that way she wouldn’t be given “40 lashes” or sent back to the deplorable conditions on “Slave Row”. She wasn’t allowed to learn to read or write, to have any thoughts or ideas of her own as she was “too stupid” and as a result found it impossible to make any type of decision on her own. Eventually, Kitty is faced with a decision that SHE MUST make for herself—a chance at freedom! Will she stay with Missy Claire where she is comfortable with her surroundings, knowing what each day would bring, or will she take a chance on freedom and never have to be “owned” or “obey” again in her life? Is familiarity and oppression less scary for her than her own freedom?
Grady is only nine-years-old when he is ripped away from his mother and sold at a slave auction. His life is filled with beatings that bring him to his knees in pain, lashings that rip the skin and muscle open on his back exposing bone and almost bleeding to death. His first master is a violent slave trader named, Coop. But by the time, Coop loses Grady in a poker game, Grady is already filled with such rage, anger, and hatred all the time. Although the other slaves often tried to instil a faith and love for God in him, Grady wouldn’t have any part in religion whatsoever. If this God was supposed to be so loving and caring, He sure didn’t feel that way about Grady, or so he thought. Will Grady ever have a chance in life to experience freedom and be able to exact the revenge on white people he so deeply desires, or because of his deep-seated anger and hatred will he stay locked in a life of perpetual abuse?
This novel broke my heart and made me cry in agony for the suffering of people just because their skin was a different colour. However, the book is also filled with many examples of deep faith, courage, strength, and an undying hope for a future that is filled with determination and freedom.
The last in the “Refiner’s Fire Series”, A LIGHT TO MY PATH, is not a historical fiction novel I will soon forget. The amount of research that went into the writing of this novel is amazing as the details are extremely accurate. I would highly recommend this series to anyone but especially those whose favourite genre is ‘historical fiction’.
December 13, 2018
Lynn Austin continues to amaze me as a writer. This book is no exception. I finished it today, last book in the series. I was disappointed to have it end, and I don't want to read anything else. I'm still in the aura, wanting to savor it. Hoping the pressure upon my soul will be creating some permanent alteration to this lump of clay the Potter is shaping.
Book 3 of the Refiner's Fire Series covers the years of the Civil War from the perspective of slaves in South Carolina. Each installment of this series has developed themes that run deep in the human experience. In this book, Austin tackles a question theologians and agnostics alike have debated among themselves and with others for centuries: Why does a good God allow suffering? The backdrop of the horrors of slavery is a real life environment in which to discuss such a question, and Austin doesn't spare us by focusing on slaves with good, benevolent "ahead of their time" massa's, which makes the early pages of the book difficult to read.
But as she develops her characters and draws us into the struggles of their hearts and lives, she is not only weaving an exceptional story, she is letting the Word of God and the Spirit of God penetrate our souls.
I mentioned in my review of Book 1 "Candle in the Darkness" that I've been going through an extended, difficult season. In truth, I've been trying to make sense of some of the same questions Austin's characters are struggling with, though I must confess my issues seem so trivial in comparison to the ravages of slavery - and perhaps therein lies some of the power of the book?
After struggling with doubt on one side, and trite 'name it and claim it' exhortations on the other, Austin's book stirred the breath of God upon me. I added a quote to my section that was the turning point for my thinking. I was humbled. I couldn't pray about my concerns the same way. I recommitted myself to Jesus as my Massa (my perfect, loving, all-knowing, in-control, Massa). I envisioned myself as willing to be His obedient slave, trusting Him with the big picture, leaving all my questions at His throne, able to loosen my hold on my plans, willing to follow His dreams for my life.
For a different, and unique approach to the Civil War, see
With Lee in Virginia, Henty, 1890
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Refiner's Fire Series, Austin, 2004
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 3 of the Refiner's Fire Series covers the years of the Civil War from the perspective of slaves in South Carolina. Each installment of this series has developed themes that run deep in the human experience. In this book, Austin tackles a question theologians and agnostics alike have debated among themselves and with others for centuries: Why does a good God allow suffering? The backdrop of the horrors of slavery is a real life environment in which to discuss such a question, and Austin doesn't spare us by focusing on slaves with good, benevolent "ahead of their time" massa's, which makes the early pages of the book difficult to read.
But as she develops her characters and draws us into the struggles of their hearts and lives, she is not only weaving an exceptional story, she is letting the Word of God and the Spirit of God penetrate our souls.
I mentioned in my review of Book 1 "Candle in the Darkness" that I've been going through an extended, difficult season. In truth, I've been trying to make sense of some of the same questions Austin's characters are struggling with, though I must confess my issues seem so trivial in comparison to the ravages of slavery - and perhaps therein lies some of the power of the book?
After struggling with doubt on one side, and trite 'name it and claim it' exhortations on the other, Austin's book stirred the breath of God upon me. I added a quote to my section that was the turning point for my thinking. I was humbled. I couldn't pray about my concerns the same way. I recommitted myself to Jesus as my Massa (my perfect, loving, all-knowing, in-control, Massa). I envisioned myself as willing to be His obedient slave, trusting Him with the big picture, leaving all my questions at His throne, able to loosen my hold on my plans, willing to follow His dreams for my life.
For a different, and unique approach to the Civil War, see
With Lee in Virginia, Henty, 1890
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Refiner's Fire Series, Austin, 2004
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
September 2, 2017
This is a moving story of redemption and freedom set during the Civil War.
The story follows the lives of two slaves, Grady who experiences the darker side of slavery with the slave auction, and Anna who keeps her position in the house by doing everything cheerfully.
Here's my admission-- I had to take a break because both stories made me so sad. It makes me want to weep just thinking of the lack of control slaves had, and the mistreatment/abuse in big and small ways. Painful. Something as simple as renaming a slave, to physical harm. And tearing families apart.
What I liked--the characters ask the hard questions. How do we have faith in God when life hurts? Does God care about me personally? Why have good, believing people been hurt/killed--does it help to believe, if that happened to them?
I also like the contrast of how people respond to the circumstances. Deadly vengeful to forgiving. Amazing that people could live nobly in such belittling circumstances. So many different circumstances and reactions. Amazing character growth for Grady and Anna. The story is powerful. A few things are left open to our best guess at the end, but it works fine for me because so many changes were happening at the close of the Civil War.
One more thing: I loved the extra stories - the historical details about the ship captain with a straw hat, the first all-black army regiment made up of former slaves, the impromptu singing during the regiment's program, the reaction of the officer when he saw the shackles and holding cell, the extra risks the officers and freedmen took. Wow.
The story follows the lives of two slaves, Grady who experiences the darker side of slavery with the slave auction, and Anna who keeps her position in the house by doing everything cheerfully.
Here's my admission-- I had to take a break because both stories made me so sad. It makes me want to weep just thinking of the lack of control slaves had, and the mistreatment/abuse in big and small ways. Painful. Something as simple as renaming a slave, to physical harm. And tearing families apart.
What I liked--the characters ask the hard questions. How do we have faith in God when life hurts? Does God care about me personally? Why have good, believing people been hurt/killed--does it help to believe, if that happened to them?
I also like the contrast of how people respond to the circumstances. Deadly vengeful to forgiving. Amazing that people could live nobly in such belittling circumstances. So many different circumstances and reactions. Amazing character growth for Grady and Anna. The story is powerful. A few things are left open to our best guess at the end, but it works fine for me because so many changes were happening at the close of the Civil War.
One more thing: I loved the extra stories - the historical details about the ship captain with a straw hat, the first all-black army regiment made up of former slaves, the impromptu singing during the regiment's program, the reaction of the officer when he saw the shackles and holding cell, the extra risks the officers and freedmen took. Wow.
December 27, 2013
Amazing!! A fantastic conclusion to this trilogy. I loved reading every single word of all three of these books and would recommend them to everyone.
October 28, 2016
Buddy read with Aerykah! :D
May 29, 2022
This third of Lynn Austin's "Refiner's Fire" trilogy, all set during the Civil War, has been one of my favorite reads this year. It also tops the list of surprising reading pleasures!
The setting is South Carolina, in Charleston and its surrounding areas. I frequently visit, tour and read about this beautiful southern city, but I learned so much history as I read this third novel. The perspective is that of a young slave girl who was given the name Anna by her mother but was inhumanely changed to Kitty by her cruel mistress who treated her slave like a pet cat.
The author's research of the battles and events of the war was stellar. She masterfully pulls her readers into the agonies experienced by the enslaved. I was startled by what I read and how deeply I was impacted. I found myself thinking about these characteres as though they were my own friends. Really, I wanted them to be! I loved them, especially Dehlia, an older slave who had known much tortuous pain and heartache. Read how she responds to young Anna's questions of why God allows such pain because we all have struggled with grasping the seeming incongruence of these truths...
"I don't know, honey, I just don't know. The hardest thing of all to understand is why a loving God keeps letting us suffer... I don't know all the answers myself. I seen my share of suffering, believe me. But there two things I do know for sure. One is that God loves us... And the second thing is that God's always in control of everything that happens. When bad things come our way and it starts looking like He don't love us, all I can say is that maybe we ain't knowing everything He knows."
We all need to hear this on repeat and in such simple terms because most of us have not reconciled the dichodomy of God's total control in all things in light of his goodness.
Lynn Austin, artfully intersects the narrative of these characters with those of the first and second novels. This adds depth and breadth to the story but it is not neccessary to read the first and second in order to enjoy the third.
The setting is South Carolina, in Charleston and its surrounding areas. I frequently visit, tour and read about this beautiful southern city, but I learned so much history as I read this third novel. The perspective is that of a young slave girl who was given the name Anna by her mother but was inhumanely changed to Kitty by her cruel mistress who treated her slave like a pet cat.
The author's research of the battles and events of the war was stellar. She masterfully pulls her readers into the agonies experienced by the enslaved. I was startled by what I read and how deeply I was impacted. I found myself thinking about these characteres as though they were my own friends. Really, I wanted them to be! I loved them, especially Dehlia, an older slave who had known much tortuous pain and heartache. Read how she responds to young Anna's questions of why God allows such pain because we all have struggled with grasping the seeming incongruence of these truths...
"I don't know, honey, I just don't know. The hardest thing of all to understand is why a loving God keeps letting us suffer... I don't know all the answers myself. I seen my share of suffering, believe me. But there two things I do know for sure. One is that God loves us... And the second thing is that God's always in control of everything that happens. When bad things come our way and it starts looking like He don't love us, all I can say is that maybe we ain't knowing everything He knows."
We all need to hear this on repeat and in such simple terms because most of us have not reconciled the dichodomy of God's total control in all things in light of his goodness.
Lynn Austin, artfully intersects the narrative of these characters with those of the first and second novels. This adds depth and breadth to the story but it is not neccessary to read the first and second in order to enjoy the third.
July 28, 2017
**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 didn't think that I could love any book in this series more than I did the first. Lynn Austin sucked me into the story from the first page and never let go. I absolutely loved this book and cannot fathom why Austin's writing in some of her other books falls so short of the high standard she set with this trilogy. If I didn't know better I'd be tempted to think that someone else wrote these books, that there's another Lynn Austin published by Bethany House.
Austin writes of the slave perspective in stunning color and with striking vibrancy that easily avoids the many stereotype pitfalls that often trip up other writers who attempt to set their story in the midst of the American Civil War. (Margaret Mitchell for one, I'm also reading Gone with the Wind...stay tuned for that review in a few days.)
I have nothing negative to say about this novel. Characters, plot, vocabulary, historical accuracy-all brilliant! Absolutely loved it.
I heartily recommend this book and the entire series. (I also with that Austin's other books were as masterfully crafted as this trilogy. Fiction this well-written feeds the soul. Yes, that's kind of corny/cliché but there really is no better way to say that.)
I didn't think that I could love any book in this series more than I did the first. Lynn Austin sucked me into the story from the first page and never let go. I absolutely loved this book and cannot fathom why Austin's writing in some of her other books falls so short of the high standard she set with this trilogy. If I didn't know better I'd be tempted to think that someone else wrote these books, that there's another Lynn Austin published by Bethany House.
Austin writes of the slave perspective in stunning color and with striking vibrancy that easily avoids the many stereotype pitfalls that often trip up other writers who attempt to set their story in the midst of the American Civil War. (Margaret Mitchell for one, I'm also reading Gone with the Wind...stay tuned for that review in a few days.)
I have nothing negative to say about this novel. Characters, plot, vocabulary, historical accuracy-all brilliant! Absolutely loved it.
I heartily recommend this book and the entire series. (I also with that Austin's other books were as masterfully crafted as this trilogy. Fiction this well-written feeds the soul. Yes, that's kind of corny/cliché but there really is no better way to say that.)
September 22, 2013
Gifted, amazing and talented - this is author Lynn Austin. This series had me completely enthralled throughout the whole series. It was one of those incredible storylines that stays with you long after reading the book. When I was reading this series I completely forgot I was even reading, this author pulls you right into the storyline as if you were there. When I forget I'm reading and feel like I'm living the story... THAT's a Great book!
*** Kitty, a house slave, always figured it was easiest to do what she’d always done -- obey Missy and follow orders. But when word arrives that the Yankees are coming, Kitty is faced with a decision: will she continue to follow the bidding of her owners, or will she embrace this chance for freedom? Never allowed to have ideas of her own, Kitty is overwhelmed by the magnitude of her decision. Yet it is her hope to find the "happy ever after" ending to her life -- and to follow Grady, whom she loves -- that is the driving force behind her choice. Where will it lead her?
*** Kitty, a house slave, always figured it was easiest to do what she’d always done -- obey Missy and follow orders. But when word arrives that the Yankees are coming, Kitty is faced with a decision: will she continue to follow the bidding of her owners, or will she embrace this chance for freedom? Never allowed to have ideas of her own, Kitty is overwhelmed by the magnitude of her decision. Yet it is her hope to find the "happy ever after" ending to her life -- and to follow Grady, whom she loves -- that is the driving force behind her choice. Where will it lead her?
December 28, 2020
O lumină pe cărarea mea este o carte sfâșietor de emoționantă, o încheiere superbă a unei serii excepționale. Citind cartea, am trecut printr-o întreagă gamă de sentimente, cel mai puternic fiind revolta. Instituția sclavagismului este o pată în istoria omenirii. Este incredibil cum au putut să se poarte niște oameni cu semenii lor.
Sunt multe evenimente condensate în carte, pe măsură ce urmărim pas cu pas desfășurarea războiului, din mai multe unghiuri. Autoarea a dovedit o foarte bună documentare, având acum ocazia să aflu mai multe informații despre regimentele de culoare care au luptat în Armata Uniunii.
Ultima parte a cărții este încărcată de mesaje profunde, iar mai multe personaje își vor regăsi spiritul și identitatea.
Mi-a plăcut mult povestea de dragoste dintre Grady și Anna și m-am bucurat că ea a avut, în cele din urmă, un final fericit.
Recenzia mea:
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/o-l...
Sunt multe evenimente condensate în carte, pe măsură ce urmărim pas cu pas desfășurarea războiului, din mai multe unghiuri. Autoarea a dovedit o foarte bună documentare, având acum ocazia să aflu mai multe informații despre regimentele de culoare care au luptat în Armata Uniunii.
Ultima parte a cărții este încărcată de mesaje profunde, iar mai multe personaje își vor regăsi spiritul și identitatea.
Mi-a plăcut mult povestea de dragoste dintre Grady și Anna și m-am bucurat că ea a avut, în cele din urmă, un final fericit.
Recenzia mea:
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/o-l...
October 25, 2022
This series set during the Civil War was flawless and I enjoyed every bit of it. I read all three novels in one month, thanks to audiobooks. They all kept my attention. Romance was present but not overdone. The novels are clean. These are Christian novels but again, the religion aspect was present but not overdone. Each main character had motivations, feelings, talents and flaws that were believable and usually admirable as they navigated their way through the difficult years of the Civil War.
In this last novel of the series the main characters are all slaves from the southern states of (mainly) Virginia and South Carolina. The protagonist, Anna (Kitty) remembered her parents' failed attempt to escape very early in her life and the devastating consequences. This set her up for years of abuse as playmate and then lady's maid to Missie. Some slave owners were worse than others, but they were all complicit in the mistreatment of slaves.
This was my first experience of the work of Lynn Austin, and I definitely intend to read more of her books in the future.
In this last novel of the series the main characters are all slaves from the southern states of (mainly) Virginia and South Carolina. The protagonist, Anna (Kitty) remembered her parents' failed attempt to escape very early in her life and the devastating consequences. This set her up for years of abuse as playmate and then lady's maid to Missie. Some slave owners were worse than others, but they were all complicit in the mistreatment of slaves.
This was my first experience of the work of Lynn Austin, and I definitely intend to read more of her books in the future.
June 22, 2020
I thought this was an excellent trilogy! The characters were so well developed and I have never read anything that gave me such a feeling and understanding about what the Civil War and slavery may have been like. It was very thought provoking and emotional to live it through these characters. Throughout the trilogy stories were told from the perspective of people living in the North and the South, soldiers, slaves and slave-owners, and nurses and doctors who worked at the military hospitals. There are also stories of faith woven throughout that give a sense of hope during difficult times.
October 30, 2024
Wow, this book was an emotional rollercoaster!
A Light To My Path was such a great contrast to the first two books. Portraying the war from the perspective of slaves really complimented the other books and added a fresh take on the war. The character development was amazing! I won't deny that it brought tears to my eyes more than once! :) Grady and Kitty were sweet, and I loved reading how each of them found God. There was a little more sexual content in this book because of their relationship and some of the things slaves were forced to do, but it was nothing too detailed. Also, I felt like the ending could have been a little better, and a connection with some characters from previous books would have been nice. I'm still left wanting to know what happened to Robert! Overall, I enjoyed the other two more, but this one was still good. I would definitely recommend this series!
A Light To My Path was such a great contrast to the first two books. Portraying the war from the perspective of slaves really complimented the other books and added a fresh take on the war. The character development was amazing! I won't deny that it brought tears to my eyes more than once! :) Grady and Kitty were sweet, and I loved reading how each of them found God. There was a little more sexual content in this book because of their relationship and some of the things slaves were forced to do, but it was nothing too detailed. Also, I felt like the ending could have been a little better, and a connection with some characters from previous books would have been nice. I'm still left wanting to know what happened to Robert! Overall, I enjoyed the other two more, but this one was still good. I would definitely recommend this series!
January 29, 2025
I loved listening to this book. The author is amazing. It really touched my heart.
April 19, 2024
Oops, I accidentally read the third book first.
October 26, 2018
This book was told in the point of view of 2 slaves during the Civil War time. Grady is out for vengeance and finding God. And Anna discovering herself and what she is capable of. Love the characters. Finding faith and preserving to the end. Loved it!
October 2, 2017
A Light to My Path by Lynn Austin
Time Frame: 1849-1865, prior to and during Civil War
Location: South Carolina and Virginia
Main Characters:
Anna AKA Kitty, slave/parents killed trying to run away
Grady, slave sold as a child later becoming coachman
Missy Claire, Anna's owner as a child
Edward Coop, Slaver who because of his cruelty turned Grady into a hater
Missy Claire, Anna's owner as a child
Massa Fuller, Grady's new, kinder owner
Missy Claire, Anna's owner as a child
Delia, Older slave, mother figure to both Grady and Anna
A wonderful historical fiction book that was so gripping I could barely put it down.
Synopsis.
An absolute engaging story from start to finish. I love the way Ms Austin add historical events into the lives of the characters without sounding like text from a history book. I do believe Lynn Austin and Lori Benton at the top of my favorite authors.
Time Frame: 1849-1865, prior to and during Civil War
Location: South Carolina and Virginia
Main Characters:
Anna AKA Kitty, slave/parents killed trying to run away
Grady, slave sold as a child later becoming coachman
Missy Claire, Anna's owner as a child
Edward Coop, Slaver who because of his cruelty turned Grady into a hater
Missy Claire, Anna's owner as a child
Massa Fuller, Grady's new, kinder owner
Missy Claire, Anna's owner as a child
Delia, Older slave, mother figure to both Grady and Anna
A wonderful historical fiction book that was so gripping I could barely put it down.
Synopsis.
An absolute engaging story from start to finish. I love the way Ms Austin add historical events into the lives of the characters without sounding like text from a history book. I do believe Lynn Austin and Lori Benton at the top of my favorite authors.
July 18, 2008
The third book in the Refiner's Fire series by Lynn Austin. Each book tells the story of the Civil War from a different viewpoint. This book is told through the eyes of Anna and Grady, house slaves on a plantation in South Carolina.
Anna was born into slavery and knows nothing else. She doesn't understand that she is a person in her own right and not a possession. She has always followed orders and obeyed her spoiled, selfish mistress. Grady was born into slavery, but his father was the white plantation owner who sold his young son to a slave trader.
As the war progresses, Anna and Grady fall in love. When he finds the chance to escape to freedom, Anna is overwhelmed with what that could mean for them. She is torn between the life she has always lived and the unknown, but long-desired chance for freedom. As Anna comes to terms with her life and her desires she also comes to find herself and her faith. As Grady escapes to the north, he joins the Union Army and comes to terms with his hatred for white people, and finds himself and his faith.
The lives of slaves are not sugar-coated here. What I find so interesting is the portrayal of different "massas." Some were truly compassionate, or as compassionate as they could be to these people who were their "possessions." Others were intolerably cruel and heartless. For example, Anna is known as Kitty though most of her life, because her young mistress made her pretend to be the kitten her mother wouldn't let her have.
Austin has a masterful way with her character development. As these characters grow and progress, we the readers are caught up in their lives, just as we have done with the characters in her previous novels.
Some of the characters in this book have been mentioned previously and their stories will be resolved here.
I think this is my favorite book of the series. It's a compelling, thought-provoking read.
Anna was born into slavery and knows nothing else. She doesn't understand that she is a person in her own right and not a possession. She has always followed orders and obeyed her spoiled, selfish mistress. Grady was born into slavery, but his father was the white plantation owner who sold his young son to a slave trader.
As the war progresses, Anna and Grady fall in love. When he finds the chance to escape to freedom, Anna is overwhelmed with what that could mean for them. She is torn between the life she has always lived and the unknown, but long-desired chance for freedom. As Anna comes to terms with her life and her desires she also comes to find herself and her faith. As Grady escapes to the north, he joins the Union Army and comes to terms with his hatred for white people, and finds himself and his faith.
The lives of slaves are not sugar-coated here. What I find so interesting is the portrayal of different "massas." Some were truly compassionate, or as compassionate as they could be to these people who were their "possessions." Others were intolerably cruel and heartless. For example, Anna is known as Kitty though most of her life, because her young mistress made her pretend to be the kitten her mother wouldn't let her have.
Austin has a masterful way with her character development. As these characters grow and progress, we the readers are caught up in their lives, just as we have done with the characters in her previous novels.
Some of the characters in this book have been mentioned previously and their stories will be resolved here.
I think this is my favorite book of the series. It's a compelling, thought-provoking read.
July 16, 2018
First of all, I love how in each of the three books in this series the title is tied in to the story. Also, A Light to My Path kind of concludes the story of the first book Candle in the Darkness while also including a character we learned about but did not meet in book 2.
I also LOVED the characters of Delia and Anna, but to be honest, Grady kind of got on my nerves in the second half of the book Nonetheless, I highly recommend all three books to fans of historical Christian fiction.
I really feel like I need to thank the author for characters like Eli (Candle in the Darkness) and Delia (A Light to My Path). I felt like they were sharing their wisdom and faith with me instead of with the other characters. I wanted to hide all of there words and advice in my heart as Eli told Grady to do when he was a child.
I also LOVED the characters of Delia and Anna, but to be honest, Grady kind of got on my nerves in the second half of the book Nonetheless, I highly recommend all three books to fans of historical Christian fiction.
I really feel like I need to thank the author for characters like Eli (Candle in the Darkness) and Delia (A Light to My Path). I felt like they were sharing their wisdom and faith with me instead of with the other characters. I wanted to hide all of there words and advice in my heart as Eli told Grady to do when he was a child.
Read
June 15, 2010Loved this third book in the Refiner's Fire series. My favorite character in this book is Delia. She has so much strength! Her story slowly unfolds throughout the book and when you finally realize all that's she's been through you can't help but be struck by her strength of character.
There are a couple of quotes in the book that I just love.
Delia is telling Kitty "Just think of your life as a story. As if you're telling it around the fire someday to your children...Now, how are you wanting that story to end? What would be 'happy ever after' to you?...What are you needing to do right now to get there? Beginning of that story has already been told. Can't change the 'once upon a time.' But you can be making up the middle part that will take you to the end."
Again Delia is speaking to Kitty "People are always thinking they can use the Lord to get their own way - all they have to do is pray and God's gonna take away all their suffering and give them whatever they ask for. But it don't work that way. God's doing His business, and it's up to us to be serving Him, not the other way around...Praying ain't about asking for your own way. It's all about talking things over with God, just like you and me are talking things over. In the end, you have to be trusting the Lord to do what's best."
There are a couple of quotes in the book that I just love.
Delia is telling Kitty "Just think of your life as a story. As if you're telling it around the fire someday to your children...Now, how are you wanting that story to end? What would be 'happy ever after' to you?...What are you needing to do right now to get there? Beginning of that story has already been told. Can't change the 'once upon a time.' But you can be making up the middle part that will take you to the end."
Again Delia is speaking to Kitty "People are always thinking they can use the Lord to get their own way - all they have to do is pray and God's gonna take away all their suffering and give them whatever they ask for. But it don't work that way. God's doing His business, and it's up to us to be serving Him, not the other way around...Praying ain't about asking for your own way. It's all about talking things over with God, just like you and me are talking things over. In the end, you have to be trusting the Lord to do what's best."
May 13, 2017
This book is the third and final installment in the Refiner's Fire series. The voice of every character from 'A Light to my Path' rang true whether they resigned themselves to their fate or responded with anger and frustration. I had mixed feelings about 'A Candle in the Darkness,' which was the first book in this series, and I really enjoyed 'Fire by Night' but for some reason, this last installment really resonated with me.
I had a much greater appreciation for this story as told from the perspectives of two slaves, Grady and Anna. I admire Austin for taking on such heavy subject matter. She made no attempt to gloss over certain aspects of southern life during that time.
"Slaves don't marry Claire. We don't hold weddings for cows and horses do we? Well there's no such thing as marriages for slaves either. Slaves don't have the same feelings we do Mrs. Goodman continued. Part of an owner's job is to direct their breeding to produce the best stock."
Characters were beaten, chained, whipped, stripped of everything including their names, treated like animals, and demoralized. The topic of how a loving God could allow such suffering emerged often and yet this novel was not without hope. I count this among the best of Lynn Austin's works.
I had a much greater appreciation for this story as told from the perspectives of two slaves, Grady and Anna. I admire Austin for taking on such heavy subject matter. She made no attempt to gloss over certain aspects of southern life during that time.
"Slaves don't marry Claire. We don't hold weddings for cows and horses do we? Well there's no such thing as marriages for slaves either. Slaves don't have the same feelings we do Mrs. Goodman continued. Part of an owner's job is to direct their breeding to produce the best stock."
Characters were beaten, chained, whipped, stripped of everything including their names, treated like animals, and demoralized. The topic of how a loving God could allow such suffering emerged often and yet this novel was not without hope. I count this among the best of Lynn Austin's works.
June 2, 2011
I've been processing this book for the past few days after finishing it. I've learned so much from reading this series and I appreciate Lynn Austin writing each book in the series from a different person's perspective during the Civil War. This specific book was the hardest for me to read, but the most important to me as well. It is beyond my understanding how anyone could feel OK about owning slaves. Thank heavens there were clear headed people back then who could see how wrong it was and desired to set the slaves free. It is just sad that thousands upon thousands of lives were lost over an issue that should have never existed in the first place.
I grew up in a generation where a residue of prejudice still existed and of course it still does to some extent. I think racism is something that disappears more and more as the older generations die off. It is refreshing to see false ideas and notions die with those who perpetuate them. This series is a worthwhile read and one that I will go back and read again.
I grew up in a generation where a residue of prejudice still existed and of course it still does to some extent. I think racism is something that disappears more and more as the older generations die off. It is refreshing to see false ideas and notions die with those who perpetuate them. This series is a worthwhile read and one that I will go back and read again.
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