Last Light over Galveston
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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Last Light over Galveston
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
18.99 In Stock
Last Light over Galveston

Last Light over Galveston

by Jennifer L. Wright
Last Light over Galveston

Last Light over Galveston

by Jennifer L. Wright

Paperback

$18.99 
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Overview

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

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781496477620
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Publication date: 08/12/2025
Pages: 372
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.10(h) x 1.00(d)

What People are Saying About This

Amanda Cox

In Last Light over Galveston, Jennifer L. Wright links arms with her readers to guide them through the fury of a hurricane, of both the literal and metaphorical variety. This page-turning historical tale probes deep and tender places where every heart and every foundation are tested.

Katie Powner

Last Light over Galveston packs a powerful punch from the first page to the last.

Jamie Ogle

An unforgettable tale of redemption, perseverance, and friendship in the midst of unspeakable tragedy. . . . a novel not to be missed.

Lisa Wingate

The seaside beauty of old Galveston shines in this beautifully written tale of a woman’s quest to both lose herself and find herself. At land’s end, a place of faith offers friendship, hope, and a fresh start, but with her past and a hurricane pressing in, Kathleen’s newly reconstructed life will be threatened in ways she could never have imagined.

Patricia Raybon

A triumph of historical storytelling amid human conflicts, Jenn Wright’s latest is a tense, taut, gripping, satisfying success.

Donna Everhart

Historical fiction fans, get ready to fall in love with Last Light over Galveston! The early days of weather forecasting, the progression of photography, and a major weather event are the backdrop as Kathleen McDaniel’s privileged life is upended. . . . A superb, compelling read.

Michelle Shocklee

Last Light over Galveston is a gripping tale of endurance through storms beyond our control, both personal and natural. With historical accuracy, Wright crafts a captivating story that sweeps readers to the balmy beaches of Texas at the turn of the twentieth century.

Amanda Barratt

A profoundly moving portrait of a historical tragedy, Last Light over Galveston explores both the ravages of disaster and the resilience of hope. . . . Poignant and powerful, this is a tale readers of Jocelyn Green and Cathy Gohlke will treasure.

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