Light Changes Everything

A Novel

By: Nancy E. Turner

Narrated by: Emily Shaffer

“I adored stepping back into to the world of the Prines through tough-as-rawhide Mary Pearl. 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, number-one New York Times best-selling author of Before We Were Yours)

Best-selling author Nancy E. Turner returns to the world of Sarah Agnes Prine through the wide eyes of her irrepressible young niece, Mary Pearl.

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 daydreams.

In walks old-fashioned old-money suitor Aubrey Hanna, here to whisk 17-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.

©2020 Nancy E. Turner (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"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)

"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 best-selling 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 best-selling author of Orphan #8 and Bachelor Girl)

love it!!

The narrator left some to be desired but she's grows on you. That aside I was so excited to be able to read another story about the Prine family! This book did not disappoint. I loved reading about the Arizona Territory and the times from Mary Pearl's point of view. If you loved the Sarah novels you'll love this!

Light Changes Everything

Loved it. A great Western Woman coming of age. Descriptive writing made it easy to visualize

Nancy E. Turner

I cannot express properly how much have enjoyed this series of books! Ms. Turner tells the story of these wonderful strong women who lived in a time we can only imagine through wonderful works like this. Thank you for making these women come alive like you did. You are a gifted story teller.

Fantastic story full of heart

This story is very well written and the voice of the main character is so authentic. I loved how the author captured the raw beauty of the Arizona territory. My only concern is that the narrator could not pronounce the Spanish words in the story very well and she mispronounced the name of the town of Eagar, Arizona at the end.

True Pioneers

Being an Arizona native of 57 years, this story went straight to the heart. Reminded me of the stories my Grandma used to tell me about growing up in Crown King. The strong family love and the hardships as well as, triumphs and will survival held me. I would find myself sitting in my car 15 minutes after arriving at my destination because I could not break away.

Light changes Everything

I enjoyed listening to this book! I seriously finished listening to it in 2 days after work. The author pulled you into the story and characters right away.

A wonderful story wonderfully narrated

Loved this story. Didn’t want it to end. The narration was excellent. A great listen. I’m a fan of this whole series by Nancy Turner.

One of my all-time favorite authors does it again!

What an amazing story! I am always so impressed with Turner's creativity and spunk when reading! I didn't know that Light Changes Everything was a continuation of These Is My Words until reading into the first couple of chapters. I was delighted though because it was like catching up with old friends. In fact, it was the first book I have ever cried when reading. Well done Nancy E. Turner!!!

Another great read!

Nancy e Turner is quickly becoming a favorite author! This book gave me belly laughs and misty eyes and I was sad when it came to the end. I’m waiting for her next one!

Broken Hearted Teen sees the light

Teen daughter pleads for college art school in preference to early marriage. School is difficult but worth it. Pursued by many men, yet jilted by her Sisters husband. Mary Pearl finds herself in a predicament that ends her dream. Family is top priority when her young brothers are kidnapped. Carrying Granny’s and her own secrets. The Prine family is forced to take sides as plenty betrayals confront her