Last Light Over Galveston
Last Light Over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright, published by Tyndale House Publishers on August 12, 2025, is a historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of the devastating 1900 Galveston hurricane. This edition spans 368 pages and is presented in English. The story follows Kathleen McDaniel, who escapes her privileged life in New York’s Hudson Valley after a traumatic event, seeking refuge at St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island. As she navigates her new reality, Kathleen forms connections with the nuns and other residents, all while grappling with her past and the looming threat of an impending storm.
Readers will find a narrative that explores themes of resilience, found family, and redemption as Kathleen’s fragile existence is tested by both personal and natural disasters. The novel delves into her relationships with characters like Emily, a novice nun, and Matthew, a kind man working at the Weather Bureau, as they confront the challenges posed by the hurricane. This stand-alone historical novel is inspired by true events and includes discussion questions, making it suitable for book clubs.
Official synopsis Publisher
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
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