LAST LIGHT OVER GALVESTON by JENNIFER L WRIGHT is a very well written novel in which the author describes, not only the characters and their emotions and the setting in Galveston, but also the hurricane, which takes on a hideous character of its own……
Kathleen McDaniel, a privileged young woman, comes back to her father at McDaniel Manor in New York, after two years at finishing school in Switzerland, a changed person due to her friendship with three European women, Louisa, Marguerite and Hazel, who have ispired her to think for herself and live purposefully, making a mark in the world. This does not go down well with her father or the society to which she has returned.
Something terrible happens and she escapes to Galveston to a Catholic orphanage where she calls herself Annie Odell, always looking over her shoulder to see if her father has sent someone to find her. She is living a lie but the friendships she makes there and her experiences in the storm gradually change her…….
Matthew Richter works under Joseph Kline at the Galveston office of the US Weather Bureau and believes implicitly in his boss and their scientific calculations that prove that a hurricane will never reach Galveston. Matthew is a good friend to Annie, as are Emily and Maggie, but she is afraid of being honest with them…..
It is a sad story of devastation, but there is definitely hope and a strong message of the Fatherhood of God.
I highly recommend this wonderful read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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

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 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 those 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.

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.