About the Book

Book: Rebel Light

Author: Marilyn Turk

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: 2018

She ran away from the war only to find herself in the middle of it. Who will protect her now?

It’s 1861, Florida has seceded from the Union, and residents of Pensacola evacuate inland to escape the impending war. But Kate McFarlane’s impulsive act of rebellion changes her life and that of many others in ways she never expected.

As a result, Kate finds herself with an eccentric aunt in an unfamiliar place. Lieutenant Clay Harris, a handsome Confederate officer, offers a chance for romance, but his actions make Kate question his character. When a hurricane brings an injured shipwrecked sailor from the Union blockade to her aunt’s house, Kate fights attraction to the man while hiding him from Clay. She’s determined to warn her sea captain father about the blockade, but needs someone to help her. Who can she trust – her ally or her enemy?

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My Thoughts:

This was an interesting novel during the Civil War, whereas it took place in Florida and also dealt with lighthouses. War is on the doorstep and Kate cannot bear to be away from her merchant father, so she stows away on his ship. She, of course cannot stay when she is found, so he sends her to her eccentric Aunt Sally. In Sally's care, Kate learns a whole different side of life, one that you work for your board and keep. Everyone who wants to eat, works, and this is a bit of a culture shock for Kate who was a bit pampered before.

However, during this time that Kate waits for her father's return, she matures, makes lasting friendships, and two possible romances emerge. Kate also learns who the enemy is and who the enemy isn't. This was an interesting read, and I enjoyed the different atmosphere in Florida concerning the war. There was much at stake and danger abounded, not only for her, but those she loves.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Award-winning author Marilyn Turk writes historical and contemporary novels laced with suspense and romance. She especially likes finding little-known historical tidbits to include in her books. In addition to fiction, Marilyn is a contributor to Guideposts’ Walking in Grace and other anthologies. She and her husband are lighthouse enthusiasts, have visited over 100 lighthouses, and served as volunteer lighthouse caretakers at Little River Light off the coast of Maine.

When not writing or visiting lighthouses, Marilyn enjoys reading, walking, kayaking, fishing, gardening and playing tennis. She also sings in the choir at her church and leads a women’s Bible study group.

She is a member of ACFW, Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers, AWSA, Word Weavers International and the United States Lighthouse Society.

More from Marilyn

When I moved to Florida, I “met” my first lighthouse in person, the Pensacola Lighthouse. I was hooked on lighthouses from then on. I’ve always been interested in Civil War history as well, since so much of it took place in the south where I live, and I’ve been curious about what it was like to live in Florida during the war. Research on the subject got my creative wheels turning, and the story of Rebel Light was born. The book takes place in the beginning of the Civil War in Florida and shows the effects it had on the people living in the area. I loved the story of Katherine, the only child of a seafaring father, as she matures after leaving her familiar home in Pensacola and finds herself in an unfamiliar place where she has to abandon the rigid societal confines of her former life and become an asset to her hardy great aunt in Apalachicola.

These characters are like my good friends, and I love them and their personalities. In fact, I love them so much, I wrote a sequel to Katherine’s story, Revealing Light, and thus the whole series of the Coastal Lights Legacy was born.