Last Light Over Galveston

Last Light over Galveston
By Jennifer L. Wright / Tyndale Fiction

This is an excellent novel you’ll love to read! Jennifer Wright always delivers stories with unforgettable characters in captivating settings. This book based both in Galveston, Texas and Hudson Valley, New York delivers a story with a powerful punch. One plot line is tied to the devastating hurricane that brought its wrath down on Galveston in 1900. The population was unaware since the Weather Bureau was in its infancy. Wright displays her master level writing skills when she describes the sights and sounds of Galveston before and after the hurricane. Her prose grabs our senses. The hurricane’s catastrophic nature comes to life with each paragraph and page turn.

The book has a strong Christian theme that is stated overtly at the conclusion. In life people are often disappointed by family and friends. In Last Light Over Galveston, our main character, Kathleen Ann McDaniel, experiences emotional pain inflicted by her father who blurts out hurtful words just as the plot takes a treacherous turn. Her father is her only remaining parent. All his actions are driven by his greed and self-centered agenda. The disappointment he causes in Kathleen’s life leaves a gaping hole in her heart. At this point, she flees her upscale Hudson Valley home and eventually arrives at an orphanage in Galveston. She assumes a new identity and tries to hideout in this sheltered community while caring for orphans. The hurricane touches down just as she is making preparations to go on the run once again.

Kathleen eventually builds authentic bonds of friendship and mutual respect with most of the supporting characters. Wesley’s point of view shines a light on the poor working conditions and exploitation of immigrant labor at this point in history. Matthew and Maggie are characters to love. Readers will cheer for the future path Matthew, Kathleen and Maggie choose when the wind dies and the flood waters subside.

Non-fiction Christian writers encourage people to fill their broken heart’s gaping hole with faith and a personal relationship with the Lord; the One who is steadfast in love and mercy and is always for us. In Last Light over Galveston, Jennifer Wright’s novel arrives at the same conclusion. Kathleen’s earthly father disappointed her, but she finds healing for her heart through faith and trust in the Lord. This is my honest review in exchange for receiving this ARC from NetGalley and Tyndale Fiction. #LastLightoverGalveston, #NetGalley