Skip to main content

Review: Shadow Light - The Light Rising #1

Shadow Light book cover on blue background

This is the book that I was eager to reread as soon as I received the ARC. Shadow Light by Ivy Emerson is worth dropping everything for in order to meet Declan Cole and Tessa Lockwood in London, England. Honestly, this is Christian fiction that you'll want to have waiting for you as I cannot say enough good things about it (I mean, look at that cover!). Make sure you catch it as it releases on February 1, 2026!

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

I only ever wanted to stay in control.
Run my security firm.
Find the truth about the past I can’t forget.
I told myself feelings don’t belong in this job—
until she hired me.

I only ever wanted to help people.
Start over.
Prove I could stand on my own again.
I was in my brave-face, teach-myself-to-knit, can-do-anything season—
until he walked back into my life.

The shadows are closing in, dragging the past with them.
But the truth we uncover might be the one thing
that finally brings us into the light—
or tears us apart.

Shadow Light is the first book in The Light Rising Series—a sweet Christian romance with a thread of suspense, blending a heartfelt love story with themes of resilience, forgiveness, and healing.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Each time I read a new book by Ivy Emerson, I am blown away. In fact, I'm already smitten with The Light Rising series, making it one of my new favourite series after being thoroughly dazzled by the series opener and wanting to read more. I love that Ivy tackles difficult topics without weighing readers down with despair. It's not to say that her books aren't gritty because they can be, but that her style of writing effuses such hope and joy even during the bleakest moments. It's this juxtaposition that sets us up for Shadow Light, where Declan Cole and Tessa Lockwood are both grappling with the shadows and lights they face in their own lives when they meet as youth at the local art centre. 

Containing just the right amount of suspense, romance, and spiritual transformation, Declan and Tessa's story is riveting and will leave a lasting impression on your heart. The Gospel is faithfully presented as it is intentionally woven into the plot, providing solid truth and deep insights into what God's grace looks like as Declan and Tessa uncover layers of deceit and unsolved mysteries on two continents. If you're looking for a Christian romance that points to so much more than a relationship, this astounding book offers the hope of a new life in Christ and an unforgettable adventure involving a pharmaceutical web.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Christian Book Review Programs

Over time, I've been on the hunt for Christian book review programs that readers can join. As a result, I've been able to compile the following list which may be of interest if you are seeking review copies of Christian books. This list mostly applies to print and ebooks, although some publishers offer audiobooks as well. If further information is available for any of the publishers below (or any missing publishers), please let me know as I am happy to update this list—thank you! Please note that you can also search for these publishers on NetGalley and other review sites in case there are no review programs available or you don't qualify for one 😊 List last updated: June 4, 2026 Christian Publishers 10ofThose Availability: US, Canada, and UK residents Format: Only books published by 10ofThose qualify for review requests so as to avoid impeding with other Christian book review programs Genre: Christian non-fiction, children's books Email for availability and eligibilit...

Review: Pride and Practicality

After reading  Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham , I've been absolutely hooked on how she writes a Regency story! Pride and Practicality follows Simon Reeves' sister, Arianna, as she returns home to her family after escaping a scandal. I love her redemption story and am so thrilled that I've also been able to meet my favourite clergyman, Thomas Bridges. Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis In a world ruled by reputation, compassion may be the most scandalous act of all. Arianna Reeves knows how quickly admiration can turn into exile. One poorly placed trust, one disastrously charming rake, and she is no longer society's darling—but its favorite cautionary tale. Now returned home—uninvited and unmistakably whispered about—Arianna is determined to make amends with her estranged family and do something useful with her thoroughly ruined life. Even ...

Review: Evangelism as Exiles

I felt led to read this book at the beginning of September and it ended up painting a more accurate picture of society than I realized. Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission as Strangers in our Own Land by Elliot Clark is a book that serves as a wakeup call and the push needed to faithfully live for God when others are hostile and in opposition to your beliefs. Book Synopsis The days of cultural Christianity are fading. It's time to rethink normal. Suffering and exclusion are normal in a believer’s life. At least they should be. This was certainly Jesus's experience. And it's the experience of countless Christians around the world today. No matter your social location or set of experiences, the biblical letter of 1 Peter wants to redefine your expectations and reinvigorate your hope. Drawing on years of ministry in a Muslim-majority nation, Elliot Clark guides us through Peter’s letter with striking insights for today. Whether we’re in positions of power or weakness, infl...