Susanna never wanted to leave the comfort and security of old England, but her strict Puritan father was determined to leave England for the Massachusetts Bay Colony, where he and his family could worship God as they pleased. Susanna had only one keepsake to bring to the wilderness of the New England: her silver candlestick. But when a gypsy foretold, "The light will show you the way," her candlestick seemed very special indeed.

Susanna carries her candlestick through a long, hard journey filled with danger and excitement in a strange, wild land. She meets kindness and cruelty, understanding and prejudice, until at last she finds in the gypsy's words an unexpected meaning.

Lillie V. Albrecht, the author of many historical books for young readers, has written a story that is both enthralling and authentic in its portrayal of life in the New England of 1663. Her book is an excellent supplement for study of the very early colonial period, but most youngsters will read it for sheer pleasure.