Last Light Over Galveston

Wright (The Girl from the Papers) whisks readers to turn-of-the-20th-century Texas with this breathless tale of a socialite seeking refuge from her past. Kathleen McDaniel’s father has arranged for her to marry a wealthy business associate to solidify a contract. But she wants more out of life, and when she discovers a secret about her father’s business that leads to a shocking revelation about her upbringing, she boards a train and flees New York City. She ends up in Galveston, Tex., where she’s taken in by nuns who operate an orphanage. Eager to stay under the radar, Kathleen adopts a false name and hides the details of her past from everyone, including handsome Matthew Richter, an aspiring meteorologist with whom she quickly bonds. But when a reminder of her former life shows up in town as a hurricane brews off the coast, she must weigh the costs of revealing her true identity. Wright ratchets up the suspense with vivid, atmospheric descriptions of the oncoming storm, and Kathleen’s crisis of faith adds depth. Fans of clean historical romance will be more than happy to come along for the ride. (Aug.)