I chose to read Last Light Over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright, because as someone born and raised in Florida, hurricane season was always a big part of my life each year, especially around September. I added this to my September TBR for that reason. My hometown has, thank God, never experienced a hurricane above a Category 3, and for that I am thankful. Especially after reading this book!

The story pulled me into the world of Kathleen in an early 1900s Texas immediately. It's clear early on that something traumatic happened to her, and she is Galveston to escape whatever happened in her past. Two timelines run throughout the book; one in the current day in Galveston, and one that moves from the present backward, slowly revealing past events as you read. While it was frustrating as a reader to want to know so badly what happened, the slow reveal of every other chapter was a really unique way to unfold the past storyline. That subtle suspense did, however, keep me flipping pages well into the night, and preventing me from sleeping until I knew what happened.

I enjoyed the historical elements of both the Galveston and New York settings. The internal (and sometimes external) conflict of being proper and ladylike with the desire to fully express one's authentic self is one I appreciate in stories from this time period, and personally relate to. For Kathleen, this struggle is real, and we see it play out in the current and past timeline, and it truly drives how she moves through the world and interacts with other characters. Her struggle was well woven into the story arc. I appreciated that this book did not give away its secrets easily, and I did not know what Kathleen's secret was going to be.

In terms of the parts of the plot with the hurricane, it starts off mild, but quickly escalates in intensity, mirroring the way the storm itself escalated in intensity. Parts of the story were hard to read, and they were not light. However, the author did a phenomenal job portraying what it must have been like to experience this extreme weather event. The added layer of conflict with what was scientifically known at the time versus what actually happened with this storm added another layer or appreciation for the historical retelling of this event.

For those who appreciate content warners, without spoilers, here is what to expect:
🌪️ Vivid descriptions of the storm itself and it's effect. If you've been through a storm like this or other extreme weather events, this could be hard to read.
🌪️ Some vivid sensory details of fatalities
🌪️ Child death (no vivid descriptions, but it's mentioned)
🌪️ Scenes where characters are physically fighting the storm (being underwater, being injured by debris, etc.)
🌪️Emotional manipulation and abuse from a loved one

The characters in the book were well written. You'll end up genuinely caring for their wellbeing, and rooting for a happy ending. The author does not shy away from putting her characters through the ringer; they endured multiple traumas, and while it's vividly described, it's done in a way so true to the characters, the setting, and the overall plot. The writing of this book is genuinely fantastic.

There is faith woven throughout the story, and a redemptive arc for the FMC. I've seen reviews saying there was not enough faith, but I think the FMC struggle and doubt with her faith was very true to her experiences.

I gave this book four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐, not because of the writing, but because this is an emotionally challenging read, and one that I may not reread, or at least not for quite some time. Again, not because the writing lacked in any way. If I was rating solely based on the writing, I would probably give it 5 stars. I do factor enjoyment into my ratings, and while I deeply enjoyed reading this book, it wasn't an instant favorite that I will read and reread. However, this in no way takes away from the significance of this story. I recommend you read it, process it, and bring away with you the empathy for anyone who has ever lived through a natural disaster like the one in Last Light of Galveston.

"When we suffer, it reminds us that this life is short, and this world is not our home… Sometimes 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."

If a book can make me cry, it’s an automatic 5 stars & this one did just that. I had never known about the devastating Galveston hurricane that claimed over 10,000 lives, & this novel brought it vividly to life. Jennifer L. Wright’s storytelling is haunting, emotional, & immersive, weaving together heartbreak, suspense, & hope in a way that kept me turning the pages. The narrative shifts between past & present, slowly revealing the trauma of the main character while building a quiet suspense that lingers throughout.

BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN with a strong message of love & resilience, this is NOT a light read, but it’s a powerful and moving one. I devoured it in just a day because I simply couldn’t put it down. A PHENOMENAL work of historical fiction!

Thank you NetGalley & Tyndale House Publishers for the ARC. <3

This book started as a slow burn leaving me to contemplate quitting, but my persistence paid off and I really enjoyed this work of historical fiction. The two timelines, although relatively close together in time, were cleverly woven together in the end. It's obvious that the Galveston hurricane was well researched by the author and it served as a history lesson for me, an event I was aware of but knew little about. The detail given and descriptions of what transpired during the hurricane were shocking and horrific. I look forward to reading more from Jennifer L. Wright and recommend this one to readers of historical fiction. My thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This one was meh and dragged on but I did really appreciate the history! Such a devastating storm for Texas.

Prior to reading this book, I was unfamiliar with the 1900 hurricane that hit Galveston. The author clearly did her research, as this was a very informative, as well as entertaining, story. She seamlessly wove in fictional characters with those based on real people, such as the head meteorologist of the Texas office of the US Weather Bureau, Isaac Cline. I had expected a bit more of a faith element than there was, however. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this would be a good one to check out, and it may make you want to do your own research on this weather event.

What an incredible novel based on a true and tragic event.
I quickly got caught up in the lives of the characters. I wanted their safety and wellbeing.

Iif you are looking for a historical read, look no further and give this one a chance. You won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tyndale House Publishers, and Jennifer L. Wright for allowing me to read and review an eARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Kathleen McDaniel ran for her life and ended up in Galveston, TX hiding in a Catholic Orphanage. She is befriended by her nun acolyte roommate, 1 little girl, and a certain young popcorn vendor from Galveston Beach. It is September 1900 and Galveston is about to be surprised by hurricane after being told they can not be hit by this type of storm. They must try to survive some harrowing hours and conditions.

This book was an interesting look at some interesting historical events that were happening at similar times. Jennifer L. Wright took an event that was the deadliest weather event in US history and told us the story through the lens of a fictional character. She did a tremendous job of weaving fictional characters with real people like Isaac Cline, the head meteorologist of the Texas office of the US Weather Bureau, who thoroughly missed that a hurricane was headed for Galveston. Where the story fell just a tad short for me was in the way the timeline switched back and forth. Another minor thing was the way the ending happened in the epilogue. Also, the faith felt a little bit “in time of need only” or way late in the book. All that being said, this is a well told historical fiction story and it caused me to do more research. As a Gulf Coast resident, who lives only a few hours from Galveston and one who has survived a couple of hurricanes (2 in 1 summer- although not nearly to this degree), this book makes me so thankful for modern weather predictions.

If you enjoy Christian historical books based on real events, you will enjoy this one. If lighter faith bothers you or you are triggered by weather events this might not be the book for you.

#LastLightOverGalveston #NetGalley

The 1900 hurricane that hit Galveston has been well documented but Last Light over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright bring the people who experienced it to life. This historical Tyndale Fiction is Kathleen McDaniel’s story of the hurricane that happened to the island but also in her life. Not a Galveston native but a recent transplant, she is a young woman who wishes to be not found but ends up finding herself with the Lord’s guidance.

I went to Galveston years ago, seeing the water marks on a building. Ms. Wright has brought to life what these terrifying days must have been like. A spellbinding tribute to the real people who found the strength, resilience and fortitude to survive, then flourish with God’s help. Last Light over Galveston is an important and poignant novel, be sure to read today.

"Last Light Over Galveston" was an excellent read. A difficult read, but an excellent read. It hit close to home for me because my parents lost their house when Hurricane Ike hit Galveston in 2007. Driving through the post-hurricane ruins in the weeks after the storm was horrible and heartbreaking. And that was nothing-- NOTHING-- compared to the Hurricane of 1900.

I read "Isaac's Storm" many years ago and some of the images have stayed with me ever since, especially the description of how the nuns and the children at Saint Martha's were found after the storm. I suspect that Wright was haunted by the same imagery, and I appreciate that she honored them as they lived rather than focusing on the macabre details of their deaths. It's clear that she spent a lot of time researching the history of Galveston, the Cline Brothers, and the aftermath of the Hurricane of 1900. (In fact, I assumed she was a local until I read her bio.) In addition, her inclusion of the events surrounding the building of the Croton Dam and the accompanying labor strike provided further historical context of the era.

I'm not a Christian so I can't speak to the religious angle, but it seems like it resonated with other readers and I did not find it to be heavy-handed until the final paragraphs.

I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC. My honest review is my own opinion.

The Last Light over Galvenston by Jennifer L. Wright is set during the devastating hurricane that ravaged the city of Galvenston in 1900 and explores early meteorology. Wright has also anchored the story with a runaway girl named Kathleen, who takes refuge in an orphanage. It is the story of forgiveness, love, and redemption, and finding strength in both a literal and figurative storm. This was my first book by Jennifer Wright, and I look forward to reading other books by this author.

This story takes place in both New York and Texas, from March through September of 1900. Kathleen McDaniel lives a life of luxury thanks to her father, but when she returns home after spending two years at finishing school in Switzerland, she feels like a stranger in her own mansion. Her father is working on a massive dam project that will bring even more wealth and status to the McDaniel name. But Kathleen uncovers some horrific information and begins to question her father, resulting in a tragedy that sends her on the run. When she arrives in Texas, she finds refuge at St. Mary’s orphanage and spends her days helping the nuns with the children but constantly questioning God and living in fear. When an unprecedented storm turns into a deadly and disastrous hurricane, will Kathleen put her faith and trust back in God while fighting to survive?


This was such an emotional and moving story. It’s the second fiction book I’ve read that details the horrific Galveston hurricane. Although the story is heartbreaking, it’s beautiful and redemptive. I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for an advance copy of this book for review consideration.

This book was a powerful look inside walking through a hurricane, right on the heel of our own home being flooded due to hurricanes. No doubt it gave me a different perspective and I was a little skeptical going into it. Wright does an amazing job with the storyline and brings the experience to life in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning pages. The mystery interwoven through about Kathleen and her plight adds to the appeal and keeps the reader invested. Another great book!

What a great book! I read this book in two evenings. It was hard to put down. It had that bit of suspense to it that held my interest the entire book. I hope there is a sequel because I'd love to hear more about Kathleen's journey after the hurricane. I'd like to thank the author, Jennifer L Wright, NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased review!

A heartfelt thank you to the author and Tyndale House for the generously gifted e-book.

What an inspiring journey this story offers as a tale of resilience set against the backdrop of one of Texas's most catastrophic hurricanes.

Set in the tumultuous year of 1900 in Galveston, we follow Kathleen, a spirited young girl escaping from her past. She finds refuge in a small orphanage, where she forges profound connections with the other girls. Just when she begins to feel at home, a devastating hurricane strikes, testing her will and determination in unimaginable ways. Through sheer grit, Kathleen not only survives but also discovers love and purpose in the chaos.

The author's writing is nothing short of breathtaking as we delve deep into Kathleen's journey. The dual timeline expertly weaves together her experiences, returning from finishing school in Switzerland to her father in New York who has plans for her and her harrowing escape to Galveston. As her story unfolds, the revelation of what she's fleeing is truly heartbreaking. The vivid historical setting of Galveston comes to life, particularly during the gut-wrenching portrayal of the storm's progression into a full-blown hurricane. The author masterfully conveys the escalating terror of rising waters and crumbling buildings, along with the haunting aftermath of loss.

Kathleen’s transformation into a resilient woman, finding both faith and a loving family, is nothing short of beautiful.

This remarkable book is a poignant reminder of the strength we find within ourselves to persevere after devastation. I wholeheartedly recommend this compelling story, it will stay with you long after the last page.

Last Light Over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright
4.5 / 5

What a moving, emotional read. This was my first book by Jennifer and will not be my last. I really enjoyed the way she can pull you in to the story and you feel like you are right there in the midst of what the characters are going through. I cried. I felt such empathy. And I learned so much about this moment in history.

This is surrounding the most devastating hurricane that occurred in 1900 in Galveston, Texas. We follow Kathleen McDaniel who returns to New York after finishing school in Switzerland. A horrific event happens and she flees into hiding....she finds refuge and safety at St. Mary's Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island. She makes friends at St. Mary's, Sister Emily, Mother Camillus, Emily and Matthew. Matthew is a handsome man who works for Isaac Cline at the US Weather Bureau.

This is dual timeline so we follow Kathleen's life 6 months in New York with her family before she flees to St. Mary's and then the events during the hurricane in Galveston. This is a survival story through and through. I knew nothing of this hurricane and this taught me so much about what the people of Galveston endured. It was tragic. Heartbreaking. The author really pulls you in and you feel such empathy during those moments. While it's a tough read, it's an important read. No matter the devastation, we still see God at work and Kathleen finds Him in between the heartache.

I did find some of the timeline back and forth pieces took me out of the story sometimes since I was more invested what was going on in the current timelines with the hurricane but by the end, I loved seeing what transpired and what the reasons were for her leaving NYC.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. Be prepared for an emotional journey.

Thank you to TLC Book Tours, Tyndale House Publishers and Jennifer L. Wright for a complimentary copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Content: death, hurricane devastation, hurricane victims, child and parental death, grief, toxic parent situation.

've known for years that there was a devastating, historic hurricane over Galveston in the early 1900's and even have seen photos of the aftermath, but I never looked into the details of the storm. Jennifer's new novel portrays that storm with more detail and power than I ever could have imagined. Kathleen had been raised lavishly on the East Coast, the daughter of a rising businessman. She was even sent to Europe for finishing school, but when she returns she finds her New York life uneasy, and then a labor strike changes her life forever, forcing her to flee and assume a new identity.
That's how she lands in Galveston, seeking shelter at an orphanage. Now going by the name Annie, she often wanders the boardwalk, looking out at the side sea. There she meets a popcorn vendor who also is studying the new science of weather forecasting. Little do the two know that what they believe is a mild approaching storm will soon throw all of Galveston into chaos. This novel comes with my highest recommendation.

I knew I was in for a treat when I saw that Jennifer L. Wright had written a book about a historical event I hadn’t heard of. I thoroughly enjoyed “Come Down Somewhere,” so I was super excited when my request was approved to read this gem of a novel. 🥰

I will admit, Kathleen did get on my nerves from time to time (maybe because she was flawed like most humans are, I don’t know 😅), but besides that, I really did enjoy this book. History was one of my favorite subjects in school, so learning about an event that took place in a state where I live in added to my enjoyment. The faith elements also made me stop and ponder about my relationship with God, and to see what I need to work on to help that relationship flourish. ❤

But, gosh, it’s so sad what happened to the beautiful city of Galveston in 1900. I can’t imagine what it was like to experience something like that. I’ve been in an earthquake and have been near tornadoes, so I know that slight distrust and quaking fear of the power of Mother Nature. But I think Wright did a splendid job capturing the event with imagery and the power of words to move the characters and the plot forward. If I said it once, I’ll say it again: historical fiction is one of the best genres out there.

I highly recommend this book, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. ☺

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. 📕

A dual timeline account of that Galveston Hurricane of 1900, this story follows Kathleen McDaniel, the estranged daughter of a weathly, well-connected New York businessman.

Although I think some people will like this story, I found it flat and unengaging. The setting was vivid, but the characters were majorly lacking development. I couldn't really connect with the story at all, and felt mostly unbothered at the tragedy being described which I blame on the lack of character development.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale for the ARC of this book.

I feel like I just lived thru the Galveston, Texas hurricane. Jennifer L Wright did a beautiful job of transporting her readers back to the 1900’s. The Last Light over Galveston is rich in historical facts. And the fictional storyline surrounding the hurricane was poignant and powerful. Be prepared to read this novel with a box of Kleenex handy. Tension rises with each page.

Not only was this about the hurricane but the plot was about a woman living in a time period where women were to be seen and not heard. Their only purpose in life was to marry well. Katherine wanted more than that and ran from her past seeking a fresh start. But she soon learned she couldn’t possibly run far enough from her past or a God who loved her in the midst of her troubles. I was totally captivated by The Last Light over Galveston. I have enjoyed every one of Jennifer L Wright’s books and think they just keep getting better. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. However, I also purchased an additional copy to share. All opinions expressed are my own.

Last Light Over Galveston is a very original historical fiction book. It is a dual timeline story with the same main character in each timeline. In March of 1900 Kathleen McDaniel was beyond excited to return home to her father after two years at a finishing school in Switzerland. By May, she was a lady on the run with no money and no one to lean or count on. Finding herself in Galveston, Texas, Kathleen throws herself on the mercy of the nuns at St. Mary's Orphan Asylum, where she is given temporary shelter. She avoids thoughts of Croton-on-Hudson, New York and the night she fled from her father and the only home she remembered.

Kathleen's circumstances and personality so differed between her life in Croton-on-Hudson and Galveston, where she used an alias. I frequently had to remind myself that it was the same character. While she and her father are fictional characters, on-line research confirmed that the labor disputes while building a dam in Croton-on-Hudson to provide water to New York City and the 1900 Galveston hurricane were both true events. I was very disappointed that the author had not provided an Author's Notes section informing readers of her research and the basic facts of these two events.

The theme concerning where and how individuals find their personal identity was well crafted as Kathleen struggled to meet the demands of society and her family while attempting to reconcile those values with her longing to do something worthwhile, something to help others, as well as to see the value in those she meets in something other than their financial net worth. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Last Light Over Galveston from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.