Last Light over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

The Book

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 hurricane
• A gripping read inspired by true events
• Features themes of resilience, found family, and redemption
• Includes discussion questions perfect for book clubs

The Author

Jennifer Wright has been writing since middle school, eventually earning a Master’s degree in Journalism at Indiana University. However, it took only a few short months of covering the local news for her to realize that writing fiction is much better for the soul and definitely way more fun. A born and bred Hoosier, she was plucked from the Heartland after being swept off her feet by an Air Force pilot and has spent the past decade traveling the world and, 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.

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Her debut novel, 'If It Rains,' was nominated for a Kipp Award, and her second novel, 'Come Down Somewhere,' was a 2023 Carol Award-finalist. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). 

Book Review

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. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/42vgZQ9