Book Synopsis
Amid 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 hurricane
- A gripping read inspired by true events
- Features themes of resilience, found family, and redemption
- Includes discussion questions perfect for book clubs
Book Details
- Publisher : Tyndale Fiction
- Publication date : August 12, 2025
- Language : English
- Print length : 372 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1496477626
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
My Review
The Cover of Last Light Over Galveston drew me in before I'd even read the synopsis. It weaves a historical tale jumping between New York and Galveston in different time periods. It follows the troubled socialite Kathleen, also known as Annie, as she struggles to endure after a brutal storm. Parts of her hidden past surface bit by bit, stirring up real tension. This is a tale of hanging on, of tapping inner power no one knew was there, and spotting hope amid total gloom. Kathleen's path holds a steady grit that pulled me in. I appreciated how her trust in God builds over the pages, and how she finds her value with divine aid—especially clear by the end of the book.
I knew nothing about the 1900 Galveston hurricane before picking up this book. The vivid sketches of Galveston drew me right in, along with ties to Isaac Cline, the top weather expert at the Texas U.S. Weather Bureau office in 1900. I wished there had been more details about the orphans and nuns from the convent and school because they stole my heart early on, especially the cute Maggie. The book sparked my own deep dive into the 1900 Galveston Hurricane, known as the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. It claimed 8,000 to 12,000 lives. That Category 4 beast hit land on September 8, 1900, with 145 mph winds and a 16-foot surge that drowned the flat island town. All that chaos showed what Kathleen could achieve in her world and helped her believe in herself.
The pace drags in spots, more than I'd like. Still, it's a gripping slice of historical Christian fiction. This true-to-life novel packs peril and shows the storm's full fury. You'll get pulse-racing action mixed with calm, thoughtful pauses that hit home as Kathleen's story is told.
This is a 3.5-4 star read for me.
****Meet Author Jennifer L. Wright****
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.
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).
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