A Light to My Path

I’ve been wanting to read this book for ages, but never quite got around to pulling it off the shelf and getting into it! I’m sorry now that I put it off so long—what a great story!

I sympathized with Kitty’s plight as soon as I started this story. Her desire for love, acceptance, and appreciation were things I could understand, although I’ve been blessed to have a happy home life and family in a way she never was. Learning about what happened to Grady was heart-wrenching, especially as I remember reading about him in the first book in this series. Although I can’t say any part of this book was particularly beautiful (although there were some beautiful places in the story), the themes of choosing forgiveness over hatred and show more learning to stand up for what is right and find our identity in Christ were all profound and well done.

Of all the stories in this series, I think this one was the most hard-hitting for me. Parts of it were absolutely brutal to read, but even while I was reading them, I was applauding the author for showing life as it likely really was for slaves before the Civil War. This is a beautiful piece of historical fiction, and it also has a strong faith element in it. If you enjoy books with rich characters, strong history, and deep faith, I’d recommend this one. show less

I love a good full circle and that's exactly what this book was. The author took her time developing these characters and you got to actually see them shift and change and grow, which was just really beautiful. Freedom and forgiveness were two big themes in this and it was inspiring to read about.

My favorite quote from the book: "If we could figure out what God was doing, wouldn't that make Him pretty small? Do you really want to serve a God that small?"

I loved this book, as heart wrenching and infuriating as parts of it were to read. Such great character depth and development! Particularly enjoyed Joseph's talks with Grady about the white captains dying so they (former slaves) could be free and how that was like what Jesus did for us. Also fell in love with the Mueller sisters at the end and the dignity they gave to Anna. Everyone needs to read this series!

The story is set in the 1800s as the Civil War is beginning. This was a story that broke your heart, yet showed you strength and hope in the midst of utter despair. I loved the theme of forgiveness and trusting in a God who has a plan even though we cannot see it at times. This was a story that will stay with me long after I have finished reading it.

Kitty is a house slave who has never known anything else but obeying Missy Claire (which was not easy to do as she was very demanding and demeaning). Grady is a slave who was torn from his mother at a young age, sold to a slave trader, and experienced horrible treatment, until he was won in a gambling game to a plantation owner, "Massah Fuller". Grady is full of hate and Kitty is full of show more trying hard to please her master. Eventually these two will meet and later on even work on the same plantation. Romance will blossom, but won't have much time to grow. As the war comes to the South, Grady will see his chance to become free, but it will take some time and a horrible reality before Kitty will see her need to be free. And then there is the slave Delia. She is a gem and has such love and discernment and wisdom. Wish we all had a Delia in our lives.

I was overcome at times to learn how people of different color were treated in the South during this time, but so thankful for a country and a president who saw the evil that was accepted as a way of life, and fought and died to make a difference. show less

Another great book by Lynn Austin! She truly brings her characters to life. I loved the main character Kitty (Anna) and her story brought tears to my eyes.
Anna is raised alongside her owners daughter Claire. Her parents had been killed by white slave owners. Claire is not nice to Anna, even renaming her Kitty. Kitty is very submissive because she doesn't want to be a field slave.
Grady is ripped away from his mother and sold to a slave trader. As a result, he harbors much hatred towards white people. This hatred grows with each master he has. He is won by a gentler man, Fletcher but his anger is not quenched.
The war begins and Claire gets married. Her husband owns several plantations. It just so happens that he's the one who owns Grady. show more Grady likes Anna but is disgusted with how she let's Claire treat her. Claire wants to have a baby and insists that Anna get pregnant. Grady agrees to marry her in name only to protect her. Anna finds herself falling in love with Grady but he refuses to open his heart to her because she won't stand up to Claire. Grady runs away and joins the negro army. He meets a man, Joseph who tries to share God's word with him. Grady hardens his heart. When the war is won, Grady goes to find Anna. To his surprise, he finds out that he has a son. They struggle to live as neither of them has ever needed money before. Anna sells drawings to the newspaper. Grady wants to go to Virginia to see his mother. Once there he confronts his father, a white man. He finally releases his anger. His father gives him a pouch full of gold coins. Grady walks away, a truly free man. show less

Lynn Austin is the author of A Light to My Path. This book is about the path to freedom of a young slave named Anna. Anna is shown what love is by multiple characters. Grady and Deliah are her fellow slaves that teach her the importance of love, independence, and most of all her Savoir. Despite the many struggles and tests with her Missy Claire, Anna stayed strong. I think the cover design is appealing because of the many colors; it made me wonder what was inside. I also think the girl on the front fits the main character perfectly. I would recommend this book and the complete series to any woman, young or old. There is action, love, anger and a struggle of slavery.

I couldn't put this book down. The characters were so interesting to read about. Their hardships as a slave. The love story between them was very moving. This was the third book in a trilogy. About a Negro boy who was sold and what happened to him. I'd highly recommend this book.