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Last Light over Galveston
Not yet published
Expected 12 Aug 25Amid the 1900 Galveston hurricane, one woman’s perseverance is tested in this captivating story from the author whose work has been called “intelligent and arresting� (
Foreword Reviews
) and “historical fiction as it is meant to be told� (
Library Journal
).
“Old Galveston shines in this beautifully written tale of a woman’s quest to both lose herself and find herself.�
Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood
Galveston, Texas. September 1900. Only months ago, Kathleen McDaniel returned from finishing school in Switzerland to her family home in New York’s Hudson Valley with a future of promise and privilege set before her. But one horrific event shattered her picturesque life. Now she has fled as far as the train line and a pocketful of money would take her, finding refuge at the St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island, where she helps the nuns care for their young charges and prays her past will not find her. Despite her tenuous standing at the orphanage—and the grief and betrayal that drove her from home—Kathleen slowly begins to make friends. There is Emily, the novice nun she rooms with; Maggie, the tempestuous young girl who only bonds with Kathleen; and Matthew, a kind, handsome man recently employed by Isaac Cline at Galveston’s office of the US Weather Bureau.
Then in one fateful day, Kathleen’s fragile new life begins to crack as it becomes clear that she can’t run far enough to escape the reach of her former life. Meanwhile, as troubling news about a storm crossing the Gulf from Cuba swirls in the Weather Bureau offices, Matthew holds fast to Cline’s belief that no hurricane can touch Galveston. But as darkness falls on the island, Kathleen must gather her courage and reach for a strength beyond her own if she—and those she loves—are to survive.
A stand-alone historical novel about the 1900 Galveston hurricaneA gripping read inspired by true eventsFeatures themes of resilience, found family, and redemptionIncludes discussion questions perfect for book clubs
“Old Galveston shines in this beautifully written tale of a woman’s quest to both lose herself and find herself.�
Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood
Galveston, Texas. September 1900. Only months ago, Kathleen McDaniel returned from finishing school in Switzerland to her family home in New York’s Hudson Valley with a future of promise and privilege set before her. But one horrific event shattered her picturesque life. Now she has fled as far as the train line and a pocketful of money would take her, finding refuge at the St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island, where she helps the nuns care for their young charges and prays her past will not find her. Despite her tenuous standing at the orphanage—and the grief and betrayal that drove her from home—Kathleen slowly begins to make friends. There is Emily, the novice nun she rooms with; Maggie, the tempestuous young girl who only bonds with Kathleen; and Matthew, a kind, handsome man recently employed by Isaac Cline at Galveston’s office of the US Weather Bureau.
Then in one fateful day, Kathleen’s fragile new life begins to crack as it becomes clear that she can’t run far enough to escape the reach of her former life. Meanwhile, as troubling news about a storm crossing the Gulf from Cuba swirls in the Weather Bureau offices, Matthew holds fast to Cline’s belief that no hurricane can touch Galveston. But as darkness falls on the island, Kathleen must gather her courage and reach for a strength beyond her own if she—and those she loves—are to survive.
A stand-alone historical novel about the 1900 Galveston hurricaneA gripping read inspired by true eventsFeatures themes of resilience, found family, and redemptionIncludes discussion questions perfect for book clubs
Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer L. Wright
5Ìýbooks312ÌýfollowersJennifer Wright has been writing since middle school, eventually earning a master's degree in journalism from Indiana University. However, it took only a few short months of covering the local news to realize that writing fiction is much better for the soul--and definitely way more fun. A born and bred Hoosier, she was swept off her feet by an Air Force pilot and has spent the past decade traveling the world and, every few years, attempting to make old curtains fit in the windows of a new home.
She currently resides in New Mexico with her husband, two children, one grumpy dachshund, and a herd of overly demanding guinea pigs.Ìý
She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers Association) and her second novel, 'Come Down Somewhere,' is a semi-finalist for a 2023 Carol Award in the Historical Fiction category.
She currently resides in New Mexico with her husband, two children, one grumpy dachshund, and a herd of overly demanding guinea pigs.Ìý
She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers Association) and her second novel, 'Come Down Somewhere,' is a semi-finalist for a 2023 Carol Award in the Historical Fiction category.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 15, 2025
1900 New York and Galveston, Texas
Spectacular! An engaging fictional story line combined with rich historical details about the devastating hurricane of 1900 that hit Galveston Island. The glimpses at meteorological methods used in 1900 were fascinating.
Kathleen's tale unraveled in stellar fashion and I was equally drawn to both parts of her life: Kathleen as a high society young lady in New York and Annie, an orphan in Galveston. The bridge between the spring of 1900 and September of 1900 offered insight into Kathleen's heart and mind.
Favorite quotes:
"God has to tear down all the distractions, all the lies in our lives, in order for us to see the truth. To see that after everything else is gone, He's still there."
"And yet whatever it was I felt for him was not nearly as strong as my love for myself and my position."
My gratitude to publisher Tyndale House for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Spectacular! An engaging fictional story line combined with rich historical details about the devastating hurricane of 1900 that hit Galveston Island. The glimpses at meteorological methods used in 1900 were fascinating.
Kathleen's tale unraveled in stellar fashion and I was equally drawn to both parts of her life: Kathleen as a high society young lady in New York and Annie, an orphan in Galveston. The bridge between the spring of 1900 and September of 1900 offered insight into Kathleen's heart and mind.
Favorite quotes:
"God has to tear down all the distractions, all the lies in our lives, in order for us to see the truth. To see that after everything else is gone, He's still there."
"And yet whatever it was I felt for him was not nearly as strong as my love for myself and my position."
My gratitude to publisher Tyndale House for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
January 9, 2025
Close to 5 stars for me. This is my first novel by Jennifer L Wright so I was unsure what to expect from her writing. I was pleasantly surprised with her ability to create scenery I could "see" while reading and make me feel the emotions of the characters. In the beginning, I had no idea how the two timelines (about 4-5 months apart) would intersect. Kathleen as part of society in New York and her in Galveston seeking refuge in a convent seem disjointed. By the end of the novel, I was able to see how Wright joined the two together and it didn't seem as unusual as when I started reading it.
I appreciated the pages with actual messages from the weather service at the time of the flood. As someone who lives close to Western North Carolina, this put into perspective what a resident might have felt when Hurricane Helene came through. The unpreparedness for the amount of destruction that would be experienced. The devastation, looting, unrest, and lawlessness after the flood waters receded. It was all so well crafted and pulled on my heart-strings.
I would recommend this to other readers, but the caveat that one should go into the novel knowing that not all of the novel is set in Galveston at the time of the flood.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
I appreciated the pages with actual messages from the weather service at the time of the flood. As someone who lives close to Western North Carolina, this put into perspective what a resident might have felt when Hurricane Helene came through. The unpreparedness for the amount of destruction that would be experienced. The devastation, looting, unrest, and lawlessness after the flood waters receded. It was all so well crafted and pulled on my heart-strings.
I would recommend this to other readers, but the caveat that one should go into the novel knowing that not all of the novel is set in Galveston at the time of the flood.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 25, 2025
I always love it when I read a historical fiction and learn about a major, but not-well-known event for the first time. This book essentially deals with 2 historical events - the dam project on the lower Hudson Valley and the horrendous working conditions and subsequent strike and militia state at the dam, and the Galveston, TX Hurricane which is apparently the deadliest natural disaster in US history.
I’ve often wondered with the weather and how much of a lead on prediction and radar we have, what it would have been like years ago to all the sudden find yourself in the midst of a storm - big or small - and have no idea it was coming. I thought this book did an excellent job of portraying that, as well as what it could have been like to live thru such a catastrophic event. The description and detail was well done and sucked you into Kathleen’s experience.
The Dam, while not quite as focused on and detailed as the hurricane, still gave a transparent look at the workers� conditions and the greed of others that caused them. I thought it was handled well, contrasting how selfishness and greed affects others but also the battle that can be to put aside our own comfort for someone else.
I liked the characters of Kathleen and her friends. She was relatable and had a great progression of finding her footing and learning about herself. And Wesley, Matthew and Emily and their grace for her were well done and endearing.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
I’ve often wondered with the weather and how much of a lead on prediction and radar we have, what it would have been like years ago to all the sudden find yourself in the midst of a storm - big or small - and have no idea it was coming. I thought this book did an excellent job of portraying that, as well as what it could have been like to live thru such a catastrophic event. The description and detail was well done and sucked you into Kathleen’s experience.
The Dam, while not quite as focused on and detailed as the hurricane, still gave a transparent look at the workers� conditions and the greed of others that caused them. I thought it was handled well, contrasting how selfishness and greed affects others but also the battle that can be to put aside our own comfort for someone else.
I liked the characters of Kathleen and her friends. She was relatable and had a great progression of finding her footing and learning about herself. And Wesley, Matthew and Emily and their grace for her were well done and endearing.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
February 22, 2025
This story was deep and moving. The weaving of the story between the time in New York and the time in Galveston was interesting and unique. When all of the stories came together, it left me in awe.
My initial thoughts were: I loved that one part was set in an orphanage; the relationship between Annie and Maggie was so special; I was looking forward to the mystery in the story.
My initial thoughts continued to keep me engaged in the story.
You will enjoy this story if you enjoy historical fiction, mystery and the juxtaposition between the rich and the poor.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
My initial thoughts were: I loved that one part was set in an orphanage; the relationship between Annie and Maggie was so special; I was looking forward to the mystery in the story.
My initial thoughts continued to keep me engaged in the story.
You will enjoy this story if you enjoy historical fiction, mystery and the juxtaposition between the rich and the poor.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
January 7, 2025
Galveston, Texas - the last stop before the Gulf of Mexico and as far as Kathleen McDaniel can run from her former life. The safety Kathleen thought she had found at the St. Mary's Orphan Asylum comes crashing down around her though as a historic hurricane slams into Galveston. Kathleen must do all that she can to ensure her survival from this storm as well as the storm of her past.
I remember watching a documentary on the Galveston hurricane when I was in middle school, so I was really excited to learn that Jennifer L. Wright had written a historical fiction book about it. Let me tell you, this book absolutely did not disappoint. I was holding my breath and sitting on the edge of my seat from the time the storm first started making its way into Galveston up until the final pages of this book. Though this is an event that occurred nearly 125 years ago, the detail and vivid descriptions that Wright provides almost makes you feel like you're there with the characters. Not only did the scenes with the storm itself hold a lot of suspense, but this book was structured so perfectly that even the chapters where more of Kathleen's past is revealed had a high level of suspense to them.
Last Light over Galveston was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025. My only regret with reading it is that I read it so early in the year that I don't get to look forward to reading it this summer!
I remember watching a documentary on the Galveston hurricane when I was in middle school, so I was really excited to learn that Jennifer L. Wright had written a historical fiction book about it. Let me tell you, this book absolutely did not disappoint. I was holding my breath and sitting on the edge of my seat from the time the storm first started making its way into Galveston up until the final pages of this book. Though this is an event that occurred nearly 125 years ago, the detail and vivid descriptions that Wright provides almost makes you feel like you're there with the characters. Not only did the scenes with the storm itself hold a lot of suspense, but this book was structured so perfectly that even the chapters where more of Kathleen's past is revealed had a high level of suspense to them.
Last Light over Galveston was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025. My only regret with reading it is that I read it so early in the year that I don't get to look forward to reading it this summer!
March 18, 2025
I enjoy reading fiction novels mingled with true events. Last Light Over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright is one of those books. The true tragedy of the 1900 hurricane that hit that island was felt all through this book. It pulled at my heart in the calamity and in the courage of the survivors as they dealt with the aftermath. The story of finding God and one’s self when all else is stripped away was beautifully written. I highly recommend this book!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
January 1, 2025
Wow! I'm a bit speechless by this beauty of a story! If you enjoy heart-wrenching WWII novels, you need to read this one! The best thing, is that this heart-wrenching story isn't centered around WWII, it's about the Galveston Hurricane in 1900. Clara Barton gets an appearance, and the story is so beautifully written. Last Light over Galveston is written in a dual timeline, but a short timeline. At the beginning I thought the two timelines were about two different characters, but come to learn pretty quickly, it's the same main character! Character development was great. The romance was subtle, sweet, and clean. The ending though.... yeah, my heart was in a puddle! I can't give anything away because you just need to read and experience it for yourself!!. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 1, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So the first thing that drew me to this book was the setting. Growing up in Texas we learned about the Galveston Hurricane in history but like most kids I don’t think I really understood what the disaster entailed. This book was so engaging and I fell in love with the writing style and the characters. Kathleen or Annie as she’s called for most of the book is such a strong character and I was rooting for her throughout the book. I enjoyed the flashbacks as we were finding out more of her back story and almost wanted more. I devoured the chapters as we were finding out what she ran away from. Overall, I would say if you love historical fiction and finding out about pieces of history that not everyone knows about I would highly recommend this book. So engaging I would recommend to everyone.
So the first thing that drew me to this book was the setting. Growing up in Texas we learned about the Galveston Hurricane in history but like most kids I don’t think I really understood what the disaster entailed. This book was so engaging and I fell in love with the writing style and the characters. Kathleen or Annie as she’s called for most of the book is such a strong character and I was rooting for her throughout the book. I enjoyed the flashbacks as we were finding out more of her back story and almost wanted more. I devoured the chapters as we were finding out what she ran away from. Overall, I would say if you love historical fiction and finding out about pieces of history that not everyone knows about I would highly recommend this book. So engaging I would recommend to everyone.
January 2, 2025
I couldn’t put it down. It drew me in and wouldn’t let go. A story of redemption, perseverance, and friendship through tragedy. It haves lovely faith elements. This isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s based on true events which were devastating.
Engaging Historical Fiction (Christian)
Most Anticipated Christian Fiction 2025
I received a complimentary copy, all the thoughts and opinions expressed are fine. Thank you @netgalley @tyndale
Engaging Historical Fiction (Christian)
Most Anticipated Christian Fiction 2025
I received a complimentary copy, all the thoughts and opinions expressed are fine. Thank you @netgalley @tyndale
March 12, 2025
I always enjoy learning about historical events that I know little to nothing about and LAST LIGHT OVER GALVESTON deals with two of them: the labor strike that occurred during the building of New York's New Croton Dam and the 1900 hurricane that devastated Galveston, Texas. One of them would have been enough to power the book, honestly, but Wright uses the former to explain the main character's presence for the latter (although the fact that Kathleen ends up in Galveston at just the right time to experience its worst natural disaster definitely feels a bit contrived). ANYWAY, it was interesting to learn about both events. The hurricane provides most of the story's action and suspense, so the second half of the novel is more compelling than the first, especially since the first half moves rather slowly.
Kathleen is a likable heroine who longs to live a purposeful live. She's compassionate and kind, devoted and determined. What she's not is terribly complex. For me, she never really feels like a real, three-dimensional person. The other characters are even less developed, with little personality at all. I liked the main characters because there was nothing not to like, but they definitely needed more fleshing out.
As I mentioned, the plot of the novel moves slowly at first, with most of the action happening in its second half. I never felt like putting the book down, but I was never really on the edge of my seat either. There are no real twists in the tale, making it a pretty predictable read. I was expecting Kathleen to have to reckon with what happened in New York, which never happens, which makes the novel's ending feel a bit unfinished and dissatisfying to me.
For the most part, though, I enjoyed LAST LIGHT OVER GALVESTON. Despite its sad subject matter, I found the novel interesting and engaging enough to keep me reading. I appreciate that its content is clean, edifying, and God-positive (without being heavy-handed or preachy). While I didn't love the book, I do plan to read more from Wright.
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
If this were a movie, it would be rated PG for violence, scenes of peril, and disturbing subjects/imagery (corpses floating in floodwater, etc.)
Kathleen is a likable heroine who longs to live a purposeful live. She's compassionate and kind, devoted and determined. What she's not is terribly complex. For me, she never really feels like a real, three-dimensional person. The other characters are even less developed, with little personality at all. I liked the main characters because there was nothing not to like, but they definitely needed more fleshing out.
As I mentioned, the plot of the novel moves slowly at first, with most of the action happening in its second half. I never felt like putting the book down, but I was never really on the edge of my seat either. There are no real twists in the tale, making it a pretty predictable read. I was expecting Kathleen to have to reckon with what happened in New York, which never happens, which makes the novel's ending feel a bit unfinished and dissatisfying to me.
For the most part, though, I enjoyed LAST LIGHT OVER GALVESTON. Despite its sad subject matter, I found the novel interesting and engaging enough to keep me reading. I appreciate that its content is clean, edifying, and God-positive (without being heavy-handed or preachy). While I didn't love the book, I do plan to read more from Wright.
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
If this were a movie, it would be rated PG for violence, scenes of peril, and disturbing subjects/imagery (corpses floating in floodwater, etc.)
Read
February 7, 2025This was the first book that I have read from this author and it won't be the last. Please have tissues handy while reading this book about Kathleen who has been raised in high society. After attending school overseas she comes home and wants to do more than get married to someone whom her father has picked out for her. After some horrible things happen, she takes off and goes as far as she can get, which is Galveston. Nuns at an orphange takes her in until she ages out. She has to let the nuns know whether or not she is leaving or going to go through training to become a nun on the day that a historical hurricane hits the island. Throughout the book there are flashbacks as to the reasons she felt the need to leave everything behind that she has known her whole life. The books goes into details as to the destruction that the hurricane does to the island. Will Kathleen's past catch up to her? What will happen to her and the people around her once the storm hits? I truly enjoyed reading this book of hope and survival in the midst of such devastion. Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read an early copy of this book.
March 23, 2025
Definitely my favorite read of the year so far!
What a beautiful story about loss and hope weaved into historical events of the past in such a way that you feel every event! I live about 1.30 hours from Galveston and have visited many of the spots mentioned in this book. Moody Mansion, the museum about the hurricane, and the strand are all places that I grew up with on our annual trips to Galveston. It made this book come to life even more for me. I did not know much about the Hudson River Dam project and now I need to look that up.
Kathleen was such a great character. As she navigates her feelings and thoughts about her family problems and her life, we learn so much about growth in our faith from her. Her experiences really made you feel as if you were there. The story was woven so seamlessly that I enjoyed both aspects of the story very much.
I can't wait to read another Jennifer L. Wright book as this is the first of her books I have read.
"All opinions are my own. I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review."
What a beautiful story about loss and hope weaved into historical events of the past in such a way that you feel every event! I live about 1.30 hours from Galveston and have visited many of the spots mentioned in this book. Moody Mansion, the museum about the hurricane, and the strand are all places that I grew up with on our annual trips to Galveston. It made this book come to life even more for me. I did not know much about the Hudson River Dam project and now I need to look that up.
Kathleen was such a great character. As she navigates her feelings and thoughts about her family problems and her life, we learn so much about growth in our faith from her. Her experiences really made you feel as if you were there. The story was woven so seamlessly that I enjoyed both aspects of the story very much.
I can't wait to read another Jennifer L. Wright book as this is the first of her books I have read.
"All opinions are my own. I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review."
April 15, 2025
What a fascinating story this was. I don't believe I had ever heard of the Galveston hurricane of 1900, but this story certainly made me curious to know me. While this is obviously a huge part of the book, the story actually has two different timelines, just months apart. The two confused me early on and combined with a slower start, it took me a little longer to get into the story... but once things picked up and it all came together? I was hooked. There were times that this was a difficult read with so much hardship throughout--- both in the horrifying working conditions on the dam project and then in the massive tragedy of the hurricane... but through all of that, there truly was such a message of hope and perseverance that I thought was really beautifully told. I also really enjoyed learning more about meteorology of the time. If you are a fan of historical Christian romance, this is one you'll absolutely want to experience for yourself.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
February 14, 2025
I was captivated from beginning to end with this story!
I live on the South Coast of Texas, only hours away from Galveston and really enjoyed the expressive way the author described life on the coast. Jennifer has a special way of making the reader feel as if they too are facing both the physical and emotional storms alongside the main character Kathleen.
I enjoyed the way the story unfolded slowly revealing more and more of the troubles Kathleen faced and the people placed in her path to help her overcome them.
I enjoyed the true historical aspects of this story so much that my husband and I actually took a trip to Galveston and visited some of the locations mentioned in the story! We visited the marker where St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum used to stand and got to walk along the now raised seawall that protects the city of Galveston from any future impending storms such as the hurricane of 1900.
I highly recommend this book, 5 out of 5 stars!
I live on the South Coast of Texas, only hours away from Galveston and really enjoyed the expressive way the author described life on the coast. Jennifer has a special way of making the reader feel as if they too are facing both the physical and emotional storms alongside the main character Kathleen.
I enjoyed the way the story unfolded slowly revealing more and more of the troubles Kathleen faced and the people placed in her path to help her overcome them.
I enjoyed the true historical aspects of this story so much that my husband and I actually took a trip to Galveston and visited some of the locations mentioned in the story! We visited the marker where St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum used to stand and got to walk along the now raised seawall that protects the city of Galveston from any future impending storms such as the hurricane of 1900.
I highly recommend this book, 5 out of 5 stars!
March 28, 2025
This was such a beautiful and heartbreaking story. While reading I felt every emotion possible. My heart broke for some of these characters. Kathleen is a wonderful main character, so much strength and determination she showed all while overcoming so much heartache. There were such vivid details throughout the book, portraying such a detailed picture. Towards the end I could not put it down, needing to have my questions answered. Why was she running away from home? Who was she running away from? What was in the satchel? Some tears were shed while reading this one. Honestly one of my favorite reads of the year thus far.
If you enjoy historical fiction and possibly learning about some of the horrific events of the past, I highly recommend this one. I would like to thank Netgalley and publisher for sending me an ecopy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
If you enjoy historical fiction and possibly learning about some of the horrific events of the past, I highly recommend this one. I would like to thank Netgalley and publisher for sending me an ecopy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
January 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this free ARC!
"Last Light Over Galveston" is the fourth published novel from Jennifer L. Wright. She writes in my favorite genre, Christian historical fiction.
This novel follows the adventures of a young lady named Kathleen who has run away from a family tragedy to hide on Galveston Island in Texas at an orphanage run by nuns. She has "aged out" of the system, and has been given the ultimatum to either become a nun or leave the orphanage and everyone she knows and loves behind.
The story takes place in September of 1900, and there is a once-in-a-lifetime hurricane approaching. The details that Wright describes makes you feel that you are actually in the hurricane with Kathleen, from the wind and the water, the debris, even the noises and the smells come to life in her writing!
As always, Wright throws in a plot twist at the end that you never see coming. I have enjoyed all of Jennifer's books, and look forward to the next one eagerly. This is a must read for fans of historical fiction, Christian fiction, and guinea pigs!
"Last Light Over Galveston" is the fourth published novel from Jennifer L. Wright. She writes in my favorite genre, Christian historical fiction.
This novel follows the adventures of a young lady named Kathleen who has run away from a family tragedy to hide on Galveston Island in Texas at an orphanage run by nuns. She has "aged out" of the system, and has been given the ultimatum to either become a nun or leave the orphanage and everyone she knows and loves behind.
The story takes place in September of 1900, and there is a once-in-a-lifetime hurricane approaching. The details that Wright describes makes you feel that you are actually in the hurricane with Kathleen, from the wind and the water, the debris, even the noises and the smells come to life in her writing!
As always, Wright throws in a plot twist at the end that you never see coming. I have enjoyed all of Jennifer's books, and look forward to the next one eagerly. This is a must read for fans of historical fiction, Christian fiction, and guinea pigs!
February 6, 2025
I loved Last Light Over Galveston. I’ve read all of the books written by Jennifer L Wright and this is her best one yet! Even though I’ve never been to Galveston or lived in that era, I could feel with all of my senses, the story as it was unfolding. Her characters were believable and well defined. Her descriptions of the varied locations painted a detailed image. The heroine, Kathleen, was endearing as we watched her grow from a protected, privileged young lady, to a woman who rose when faced with tragedy. She deepened her faith in God when living through experiences she had not been raised to expect. Her journey, while not always easy to read, led us to a very satisfying ending. We know that Kathleen’s life will be forever changed in the best way possible.
March 25, 2025
Oh my! I can still feel the power of the storm. The waters rising and crashing, the wind...so strong, the struggle to survive. Jennifer L. Wright's "Last Light over Galveston" reveals the total destruction during and following the hurricane of 1900.
Flashing back about six months before the hurricane, the main female character experiences another struggle and runs for her life, ending up in Galveston. The full extent of Annie's/Kathleen's past is revealed through these flashbacks while showing her current struggles in the present. Resilience, faith, the struggle to survive are all components in this breathtaking novel.
Releases Aug. 12th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Flashing back about six months before the hurricane, the main female character experiences another struggle and runs for her life, ending up in Galveston. The full extent of Annie's/Kathleen's past is revealed through these flashbacks while showing her current struggles in the present. Resilience, faith, the struggle to survive are all components in this breathtaking novel.
Releases Aug. 12th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 9, 2025
I loved the setting for Last Light over Galveston. I have never read anything by Jennifer L. Wright, but I enjoyed myself, despite some sad moments in the book. She worked the ending out really well.
She had me hooked on Annie/Kathleen from the start and I was excited to read both "POV" in the story.
I have to say, a lot of the book did make me kind of sad, although I loved the hopeful relationship with God that grew throughout the book!
Overall, three stars! Really good, but I can't handle death sometimes...I will await Wright's future books!
I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
She had me hooked on Annie/Kathleen from the start and I was excited to read both "POV" in the story.
I have to say, a lot of the book did make me kind of sad, although I loved the hopeful relationship with God that grew throughout the book!
Overall, three stars! Really good, but I can't handle death sometimes...I will await Wright's future books!
I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 8, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. I've not read anything about the hurricane in 1900 that virtually destroyed everything on the small island of Galveston. Her writing was so descriptive and authentic that I could imagine and see the horror of it in my mind. The story of Kathleen's past and the reason she fled to Galveston was also tragic but the love and sense of purpose she found at the Convent and the people that came into her life brought hope and healing to her heart. I can highly recommend this book. The opinion expressed is my own.
January 25, 2025
Love this story.
I am definitely going to look for more novels by this author. It did not end with a perfect bow but was a well told story.
The main character has a massive shock to life and ends up in Galveston TX right before the massive hurricane. It was also interesting to learn about the impact of the hurricane and how everything happened.
She does a great job showing her characters - good and bad.
I am definitely going to look for more novels by this author. It did not end with a perfect bow but was a well told story.
The main character has a massive shock to life and ends up in Galveston TX right before the massive hurricane. It was also interesting to learn about the impact of the hurricane and how everything happened.
She does a great job showing her characters - good and bad.
April 14, 2025
Oh my, this book was intense and so well written! I absolutely loved it. I loved the back and forth of the timelines! I love the characters, both main and supporting! They were well fleshed out and believable. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the places! They were so well explained, with depth and authenticity! A wonderful historical fiction by a new author to me!
Thanks to NetGalley for this story, all opinions are my own!
Thanks to NetGalley for this story, all opinions are my own!
January 15, 2025
This is a great historical fiction book about the deadliest natural disaster in the US. I loved the main character in this book and all her growth. I grew up not far from Galveston and this book made me want to go back and take a historical tour of all the places mentioned! Definitely recommend this book for a sweet and emotional read!
February 11, 2025
Outstanding! Wonderfully written. Characters to care about. Interesting setting .
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