"Light Changes Everything is a novel as gritty and authentic as the women of the Arizona Territory. Nancy E. Turner brings the west and its people fully to life.” —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours
It’s the summer of 1907 and the sun is scorching down on Mary Pearl in the Arizona Territory. Mary Pearl and her sister Esther take their minds off the heat by sneaking banned Jane Austen novels from Aunt Sarah Elliot’s lively bookshelf. Whispered read alouds preoccupy their nights, and reveries of getting hitched to their own Mr. Darcy à la Pride and Prejudice swirl through their day dreams.
In walks old-fashioned old-money suitor Aubrey Hanna, here to whisk seventeen year old Mary Pearl off her feet with a forbidden kiss and hasty engagement. With the promise of high society outings and a rich estate, Aubrey’s lustful courtship quickly creates petty tension among the three generations of Prine women.
As autumn approaches all too quickly, Mary Pearl’s Wheaton College acceptance counters quick marriage preparations. Days of travel by horse and by train carry her deep into a sophisticated new world of Northern girls’ schooling. Seeking friendship but finding foes, Mary Pearl not only learns how to write, read, and draw, but also how to act, dress, and be a woman.
Light Changes Everything is the story of a resilient young feminist a century ahead of her time. Full of gumption and spirit, Mary Pearl’s evocative coming of age is destined to be the next American classic.
About the Author
Nancy Turner was born in Dallas, Texas, and currently resides in Pinetop, Arizona with her husband, John. She started college when her children were full-grown. With a degree in fine arts from the University of Arizona with a triple major in creative writing, music, and studio art, Turner went on to become the bestselling author of many novels including These Is My Words, Sarah's Quilt, and The Star Garden.
Industry Reviews
"Nancy E. Turner (of the wildly popular Sarah Agnes Prine series) returns with her signature warmth and an Aunt Sarah to boot. I dare you not to be charmed by this sweet tale of a woman finding her way at the dawn of a new century. Light Changes Everything illuminates the heart of an American family and highlights its historic glow."
Sarah McCoy, New York Times bestselling author of Marilla of Green Gables
"I was captivated from the start by Mary Pearl's independence and grit, and I loved the strong thread of family loyalty that knits together her far-flung adventures throughout the Arizona territory, up to Chicago for art school, and down to Mexico for revenge. I was thrilled by her moments of bravery and moved to tears by her losses. As I turned the last page, I felt I was saying goodbye to a real friend rather than closing the book on a fictional character, so vividly did Nancy Turner portray her remarkable heroine."
Kim van Alkemade, New York Times bestselling author of Orphan #8 and Bachelor Girl
"The key characters of this lovely family saga are even more compelling than the story's title. The real, regional voice pulls the reader right into an emotional read that is poignant and ultimately wise. Light Changes Everything is a story that stays with you for all the right reasons."
Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author
"Turner's satisfying, immersive, and often heart-pounding tale of one indomitable young woman's frontier life, touched by tragedy and hope, is realistically drawn, and readers will warm to her portrayal of Mary Pearl's chaotic but loving family life. Fans of the popular Sarah Agnes Prine novels and new readers alike will fall in love with the smart and spirited Mary Pearl."
Publishers Weekly
