Why Not? Because I Said So Book Reviews and Author Interviews. : August 2026

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

These Empty Places By Sarah Loudin Thomas-Historical Fiction Review

Book Synopsis

When their worlds are upended, two women brought together by their loss discover what truly matters most.

Claire Roth sacrificed love for a life of comfort on Lake Toxaway--until the dam broke, and the lake washed down the side of the mountain. Fourteen years later, she longs to see the lake restored to its former glory even as the country faces hard economic times on the eve of the Great Depression.

Socialite Lena Hawkins married her first love, who swept her off her feet after skyrocketing from rags to riches by speculating in the stock market. Now penniless and rejected by her family, Lena and her husband have arrived at Lake Toxaway for a fresh start. There, Lena forms an unexpected connection with Claire, who hires her to assist with the personal library Claire is building to provide jobs and education for their struggling North Carolina community. When Claire is given a second chance at love and Lena a tempting chance at a life of independence, both women must release the past to fill tomorrow with promise.

Sarah Loudin Thomas paints a rich Southern historical story of friendship, second-chance romance, and new beginnings set in small-town North Carolina on the eve of the Great Depression. This read is perfect for book clubs and fans of Patti Callahan and Lisa Wingate.

Book Details

Publisher: ‎ Bethany House Publishers
Publication date: ‎ May 5, 2026
Genre: Southern Historical Fiction
Language: ‎ English
Print length: ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764245937
****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

These Empty Places by Sarah Loudin Thomas is such a beautiful story set in an equally beautiful setting. What truly anchors this book is the wonderful, unexpected friendship between Claire, in her 40s, and Lena, in her 20s. Despite their age gap, they find an essential place for each other in their lives. Widowed Claire's daughter is the same age as Lena and has left home, allowing Claire to become a much-needed mother figure for Lena, who grew up with a cold mother and never had a good relationship with her.

Both women face complex romantic hurdles. Claire is being pursued by a man ten years her junior while dealing with her unhappy daughter. Is she ready to finally have true love in her life? Meanwhile, Lena is struggling to adjust to living at a lower income level after quickly marrying Preston below her station. They first had plenty of money, then Preston lost it all. Their marriage starts to fracture as Lena questions whether she can trust him; he has a severe drinking problem and is always scheming to get rich.At times, I really disliked how Preston treated her. While I understand that the historical time period explains why he didn’t want her working outside the home, they desperately needed the money, and Lena had never been allowed to pursue anything for herself. It leaves you wondering: will she give him a second chance?

Woven beautifully through it all is the mystery of the “Toxaway Treasure.” It adds an intriguing layer to the plot without ever taking away from the deep, emotional journeys of these two incredible characters.

If you love a story that perfectly blends deep female friendship, sweet romance, and an intriguing historical mystery, this is an absolute must-read.

****Meet Author Sarah Loudin Thomas****

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her character-driven historical fiction is set in Appalachia, celebrating the region's people, land, and heritage.

Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels The Right Kind of Fool–winner of the 2021 Selah Book of the Year–and Miracle in a Dry Season–winner of the 2015 Inspy Award. She has also been a finalist for the Christy Award, ACFW Carol Award, and the Christian Book of the Year Award.

Sarah’s career includes six years in the PR Department at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, and she served as the inaugural director of Jan Karon’s Mitford Museum in Hudson, NC. She currently divides her time between ministry work serving foster and adoptive families and writing. She and her husband live in western North Carolina.