The Final Storm

by Fern Michaels

In an exciting and richly moving new standalone page-turner from New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels, an acclaimed photographer who has overcome her difficult past is suddenly faced with a test of all her courage and resilience.

In her award-winning wildlife photographs, Charlotte Gray captures all the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Far better to focus on breathtaking landscapes than to turn the lens on her own painful childhood and the uncaring mother she left behind in Florida. Piece by piece, Charlotte has built a new, independent life, one she’s eager to protect.

A chance encounter on assignment in Las Vegas sparks an intriguing relationship, and for the first time, Charlotte impulsively follows her heart. But along with love and fresh beginnings comes a trove of secrets about her new husband. And someone in his past is determined to upend Charlotte’s happiness by threatening what she cares about most. 

After everything she’s weathered, Charlotte is about to face the task of rebuilding her life yet again. But this time she’s doing it with hard-won strength, experience, and the wisdom to know when to forgive, when to let go, and how to walk into the sunshine and claim the support and love she deserves . . .

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Adult

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

About the author

Fern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.

As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.

Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.

Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.

READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I liked the narrator. I found the beginning hard to figure out and get into. The middle was boring, and I just did not know what this book was trying to do. I did like the ending. I just need more for this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read, but I totally understand some of the comments about being lost!
I was actually going to go back and re-read the beginning, as I felt the same way for a while… like I was reading two very different books… but then, it all came together and made sense!

Charlotte Gray is a wildlife photographer. And,the way that she got into this was just amazing!! She only had her mother, and she was definitely not much of a mother when she was growing up. Charlotte couldn’t wait to run away from her small town at the first opportunity that presented itself…
And that came in the way of a college acceptance and the guidance of her boss… (which was in itself a beautiful and touching story!)

So, she grows up and has a lucrative career that she LOVES!! And then she meets someone… and her whole entire life changes! But honestly, I had my doubts about him from the get-go…

As we watch the two of them face so many problems, you have to wonder if there’s any chance it’s going to ever work out?? And, just hang on to your seat… the answer is coming…

And when we get to meet other parts of his ‘family’, well, all kinds of crazies are here!!

Interesting and NOT AT ALL like I thought it was going to be!!

#TheFinalStorm by @FernMichaels and narrated nicely by @SusanBennett.

This one was JUST RELEASED, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @RBMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!

4 1/2 stars for me, happily rounded up to 5! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷

[Babs Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read every book that Fern Michaels ever wrote. This was not written by Fern Michaels otherwise if it was the editor didn't even read the whole book. It doesn't flow it's choppy and each chapter there's nothing to do with the one prior. Extremely disappointed as this is the last book that will ever be under her name

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte has a tumultuous relationship with her mother Elsie. On her high school graduation, after the ceremony, Charlotte with the help of her employer at the Photo Shop (and his wife), moves to Atlanta to go to post-secondary on a scholarship for her photography skills.

Upon graduation, she accepts a job in New York for a Wildlife publication. While on assignment in Las Vegas, she meets the man who eventually becomes her first husband and father to her first child, Grant Ellington III. Grant keeps several pivotal secrets from Charlotte and after the abduction of their child by his first daughter and her (crazy and jealous) mother, it spells the end of her marriage to Grant.

Eventually, a true romance blossoms between Alex (her longtime friend from Atlanta) and Charlotte, while on assignment in Costa Rica. A friendship that matured into love over the years and her second marriage.

I'm giving it four stars as the number of chances given to Grant was a bit much. First the all-nighter with a male school friend, despite other commitments. Then the trusting of his immature first daughter to babysit his infant daughter, while he went next door for drinks at the neighbours (while Charlotte is out of town on assignment). He still had an immature party side to him, which almost cost them their infant daughter Emma.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Final Storm by Fern Michaels delivers a gripping and emotionally charged conclusion that keeps you fully engaged from start to finish. The narration in the recording brings the story to life, adding depth to the characters and amplifying the tension woven throughout the plot.

The story balances suspense, resilience, and personal growth, with characters who feel authentic and easy to invest in. As the stakes rise, the pacing keeps you hooked, making it hard to pause the recording. The narrator’s performance enhances the drama and emotion, making key moments even more impactful.

Overall, this audiobook is a compelling listen. It is well-written, well-performed, and deeply satisfying for fans of dramatic, character-driven storytelling. Thank you to NetGally, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this arc.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of Fern Michaels, mostly the Sisterhood series. I have to say, I really loved this story - there were a couple parts that were a bit "sketchy / less desirable" but in the grand scheme of things, those parts really added substance to the story. 8 out of 10!

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

In The Final Storm, The Final Storm by Fern Michaels introduces Charlotte Gray, a successful wildlife photographer. That premise is clear, but the novel itself feels disjointed and full of plot holes, leaving the reader wondering what the overall purpose is.

The story opens in the present, with Charlotte and her friend Alex racing through a hurricane to rescue Charlotte’s mother. It then abruptly shifts to Charlotte’s past, focusing on her strained relationship with her mother and her desire to build a better life. The transition feels jarring rather than intentional. Although Charlotte does manage to escape her circumstances, she makes a series of questionable decisions that make it hard to reconcile her supposed intelligence with her actions. Much of the conflict hinges on choices that feel avoidable or unconvincing. The later development of Charlotte’s relationship with her mother is especially confusing and lacks a clear emotional foundation, making it difficult to stay invested in their dynamic.

Overall, this was a disappointing read, especially as a longtime fan of Fern Michaels.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m torn about The Final Storm by Fern Michaels. I enjoyed the overall premise—Charlotte’s life as she navigates a series of figurative storms—but many of the subplots felt unfinished. Grant, in particular, came across as a poorly developed, one-dimensional character, and his so-called “secrets” were more eye-roll-inducing than compelling.

The book is categorized as general fiction and mystery & thriller, but there’s essentially no real mystery or suspense in the story.

That said, the audiobook narration by Susan Bennett was excellent and truly brought the story to life. The overall production quality was outstanding.

Thank you to NetGalley & RBmedia | Recorded Books for letting me read this ARC.

[Dee Dee Chance · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a fan of this book. I pushed through bc it had gotten good reviews by others. Definitely not one of FM’s better books

[Ken Acosta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yawn… this book was a snoozer.

Have read other Fern Michael’s books but this was my least favorite. Red flags from the start and we unfortunately continue to witness the protagonist stumble forward for what seems like forever. Was glad to get to the end to start other novels in my queue..

Simply.. disappointed.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story by Fern Michaels.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need you to imagine me grabbing you by the shoulders mid-sentence going, “Wait, no, because what is this book actually about?” That was my entire listening experience with The Final Storm. Not in a bad way… but in a “why am I suddenly in a different emotional universe” way.

Because tell me why we open with a literal hurricane, like full-on impending doom, evacuation panic, strained mother-daughter relationship dangling in the wind, and I’m sitting there like, oh this is going to emotionally ruin me. I was ready. I had my imaginary raincoat of feelings on. I was prepared to cry about generational trauma in 60 mph winds.

And then the book just… politely exits that storyline and goes, “Anyway, here’s Charlotte’s entire life story.” Ma’am.

Now, here’s the thing. Charlotte Gray? I ride for her. This woman said, “I will take my deeply dysfunctional childhood and channel it into photographing majestic animals instead of unpacking my feelings,” and honestly that is a coping mechanism I respect. Her journey from small-town survival mode to successful wildlife photographer felt like the strongest, most grounded part of the book. That was the version of this story that had me emotionally invested and texting you like, “Wait I love her??”

Watching her find independence, mentorship, and purpose? Chef’s kiss. No notes. That part felt like the book knew exactly what it was doing.

And then… Grant. I’m sorry, but the SECOND this man walked in, my internal alarm system went off like I was in a horror movie yelling, “Don’t open that door!” He had that energy. That “I am charming but absolutely withholding key information that will emotionally devastate you later” energy. And Charlotte, my girl, my resilient queen, just walked right into it like, “This seems fine.”

It was not fine. This whole middle section turns into relationship drama that feels like it wandered in from another novel entirely. Suddenly we’re in secrets, tension, questionable life choices, and I’m sitting there like, I thought we were preparing for a hurricane but now I’m in a marriage I don’t trust? Pick a struggle.

And the wildest part is, it’s not even badly written. It just feels like the book is juggling three different identities and refusing to commit to any of them. You’ve got coming-of-age Charlotte, romance Charlotte, and hurricane Charlotte all fighting for main character energy like it’s a reality show.

Meanwhile, I’m the audience screaming, “Can we please circle back to the literal storm??”

And when we DO circle back, it’s like the book remembered at the last minute. The hurricane, which should have been this huge emotional climax tying together Charlotte’s past, her mother, her growth, all of it… ends up feeling like it’s competing for attention. I wanted devastation. I wanted catharsis. I wanted that big, ugly, messy emotional payoff.

Instead I got, “And also, there was a storm.”

But here’s why I didn’t turn into a full villain about it. Charlotte carries this entire book like she knows the plot is wobbling and she’s personally holding it together out of sheer willpower. Her resilience, her ability to rebuild, her emotional endurance… that all lands. You feel her history. You feel her trying. And that kept me locked in even when the narrative was doing interpretive dance.

Now let’s talk audiobook, because Susan Bennett is out here like a calm, reassuring flight attendant while the story hits turbulence. Her voice is steady, warm, and honestly doing a lot of heavy lifting. There is a slightly sing-song vibe at times, but speed it up a notch and suddenly she’s guiding you through the chaos like, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you,” and I believed her.

This is such a three-star experience it almost hurts. Because there are pieces of a five-star book in here. A phenomenal character study. A gripping storm narrative. A messy, complicated romance. But instead of blending, they’re kind of… politely side-eyeing each other from across the room.

And I’m just sitting there like, “Guys, please talk to each other.”

Would I still tell you to listen? Yes. But I would also hand you a metaphorical emotional map and say, “You’re going to get lost, but Charlotte is worth following.”

Three stars, one identity crisis, and me still thinking about what this book could have been at 2 AM.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Feel Like I Hit Shuffle on Three Different Audiobooks and Just Committed to the Bit

Massive thanks to RBmedia, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for the ALC and ARC, aka the reason I willingly signed up for this emotional rollercoaster and did not, in fact, regret it.

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into The Final Storm by Fern Michaels expecting a high-stakes, storm-driven story… and ended up getting something a little different—but still really enjoyable overall.

The book opens with a hurricane bearing down on Florida, with Charlotte racing to reach her estranged mother. It immediately sets a tense, emotional tone. From there, the story shifts into Charlotte’s past, taking us through her childhood, her journey to becoming a wildlife photographer, and the relationships that shaped her along the way.

Charlotte is definitely the highlight. She’s resilient, driven, and easy to root for. Watching her build a life for herself despite everything she went through was one of the strongest parts of the story, and it kept me invested from beginning to end.

The structure does jump around quite a bit, and at times it can feel like you’re moving between different versions of the story—past, present, romance, and the looming storm. It all comes together by the end, but the transitions can feel a little uneven along the way.

That said, I still really enjoyed the overall journey. The themes of growth, second chances, and facing both literal and emotional storms landed well, and Charlotte’s story made it worth the ride.

The audiobook narration by Susan Bennett was excellent and added a lot to the experience, bringing consistency and emotion to the shifting timelines.

Overall, this is a heartfelt, character-driven story that may not be what you expect going in, but delivers a satisfying and engaging listen.

Thank you to NetGalley, RBmedia, and the publisher for the advanced listening copy.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was unfortunately a miss for me.

I started it before bed and ended up falling asleep without setting the sleep timer, so it kept playing. I woke up in the middle of the night to a completely different part of the story and, being too tired to reset it, just listened until I fell back asleep. It genuinely felt like I had woken up inside a different book than the one I started.

The next morning, I backed it up to where I remembered dozing off and continued from there. But when I reached the section I had heard overnight, I realized there still wasn’t much clarity on how the story got there. There’s a noticeable disconnect between the beginning and the middle that made the progression feel disjointed.

In the end, it just didn’t fully grab me or keep me engaged. I typically enjoy Fern Michaels’ books, but this one didn’t quite jive with her usual style or storytelling flow.

As for the narration, Susan Bennett did a solid job with the voice acting. At 1x speed, the delivery had a slightly sing-song quality, but speeding it up smoothed that out and made for a better listening experience.

Overall, this one just didn’t come together for me the way I had hoped.

I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from RB Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book overall, but felt like I got lost in a change of details at one point.

In her award-winning wildlife photographs, Charlotte Gray captures all the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Far better to focus on breathtaking landscapes than to turn the lens on her own painful childhood and the uncaring mother she left behind in Florida. Piece by piece, Charlotte has built a new, independent life, one she’s eager to protect.

A chance encounter on assignment in Las Vegas sparks an intriguing relationship, and for the first time, Charlotte impulsively follows her heart. But along with love and fresh beginnings comes a trove of secrets about her new husband. And someone in his past is determined to upend Charlotte’s happiness by threatening what she cares about most.

After everything she’s weathered, Charlotte is about to face the task of rebuilding her life yet again. But this time she’s doing it with hard-won strength, experience, and the wisdom to know when to forgive, when to let go, and how to walk into the sunshine and claim the support and love she deserves . . .

[TaleshaReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you RB audio, NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and goodreads for my advanced reader/listener copy!

I was very interested in this story because it sounded like a great suspense with plenty of growth from our main character Charlotte. I believe the main character does go through some growth between her relationship with her mother and being in a relationship that raised a lot of questions for her. I felt like there were two stories being followed though.

On one side we are following Charlotte and her life. We see the difficult relationships she goes through, her passion for photography, and her unconditional love for her child. Then there is another side of the story with suspense tying in with the man she married, but also knew was holding her at arms length. And her trying to get to her mother who is in the middle of a hurricane.

Overall, I feel like if the story chose one specific point to follow it would have delivered better because Charlotte is a very likeable character, and the depth to her made it easy to feel for her circumstances, but it just felt all over the place for myself sadly.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited when I received the notice that I was going to get the new Fern Michaels book, The Final Storm. It is a standalone title. I am a huge Fern Michaels fan and have read several other standalone titles along with all of the sisterhood series and the men of the sisterhood series, so I was anxious for the book to arrive. I am not a fan of books with split time periods so I was slow getting started. But it definitely improved and I got hooked.
As the book starts, we meet Charlotte Gray, a successful nature photographer. She is praised for her work and travels throughout the world for a well-known nature magazine.
In part two, we revert to Charlotte‘s childhood which is depressing and she lives in a difficult household with her mother. In her teen years, she finds a part-time job in a photography shop with two very supportive adults who praise her photography and encourage her to attend college and study photography as a career.
In her adult life, her success and photography give her a chance to see the world and nature and it’s environment. While on an assignment, she meets Grant who she finds intriguing and attractive This leads to a love interest and romance and family. But Grant’s past catches up with them.
Part three takes us back to where part one left us. Charlotte and Alex are racing a hurricane in Florida to find her mother. She learns of circumstances that explain much of her childhood struggles. Charlotte grows through diversity and the changes in life she must face. She is a strong, independent woman who meets turmoil, relationship problems, and one challenge after another as a resilient person.

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Final Storm by Fern Michaels was an interesting read. In some ways it felt like I was reading two different novellas. The first and the last sections seemed to be one story when the main character of Charlotte Gray showed strength and purpose and caring. The middle section was also about Charlotte Gray but it showed a woman enthralled with a person.

Charlotte has built an independent life as a wildlife photographer. Her photographs are renowned for their ability to capture the essence of a moment. Her upbringing was difficult and she escaped as soon as she could, completing college and forging her life in NYC.

Until she had a chance to go to Las Vegas. There she finds herself enthralled by Grant. Later she ended up married to him until a situation occurred causing… well you’ll see.

The last section completes the first section and shows us a strong woman. Fern Michael’s book The Final Storm is not a long book and does come across as jumbled, but once you are willing to get over that feeling, the book is an interesting read.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has split timelines, starting with Charlotte Gray as a talented nature photographer who is well know and celebrated in her line of work.

Then we learn about the young Charlotte who is leaving an unhappy early life and starting to live the life she wants.

Then she's an adult, going around the world to photograph beautiful wild animals in their natural environs. In a chance encounter, she meets Grant. He's a man of mystery, but Charlotte is very attracted to him. He's not always fully honest with her, but each is strongly drawn to the other. Their life isn't smooth, but Charlotte does find happiness and love.

Then the reader moves into part three, which is where the book opened.
I enjoyed the story telling in this book. Charlotte has lived a life full of adventure, fulfillment, and a lot of happiness. However, she's also encountered turmoil, angst, and one challenge after another.

I enjoyed the book a lot. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an early version of the audiobook. The narrator did a great job.

[Mvm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong Premise, but Feels Disjointed: The Final Storm opens in the present, with Charlotte and her friend Alex racing through a hurricane to rescue her mother. It then shifts to Charlotte’s past, exploring her strained relationship with her mother and her determination to build a better life.

I’m a bit torn on this one. I enjoyed the overall premise—Charlotte navigating both literal and figurative storms throughout her life—but many of the subplots felt underdeveloped or unfinished. Her journey from a deeply dysfunctional childhood to becoming a successful wildlife photographer is compelling, especially how she channels her experiences into capturing majestic animals.

However, each “storm” in Charlotte’s life sometimes feels like a separate story, which makes the narrative feel a bit disjointed and lacking continuity. While it’s not a bad book, it’s not my favorite by Fern Michaels.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.

[Kellie (kelliesbooknook) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book from the description, but it fell a little flat. I feel like I started with a slow burn thriller that turned into a slow burn romance and by the end, I was still left wanting more from each part of the story.

We start with an impending category 5 hurricane, okay yes, I'm in! Then after a chapter or two this part starts to fade. Next, I find myself brought back to life with some past relationship drama, and I thought, okay I’m in again! Only to have that become a quick blip, before we pivot back to the storm and way from what I thought was the most interesting part of the story.

I was left wishing this book had been split into two separate stories, which both had the opportunity for a more satisfying ending. Instead, it was an odd mashup of the two with an ending that was fine.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jayna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I used to read a lot of Fern Michaels years ago. But she focused a lot on series, and I got behind, and eventually didn't pick anything up since I wasn't sure if it was part of a series or not. This, unfortunately, was not what I remember of her books.

First, you start with a prologue. A hurricane is coming. Charlotte and a friend named Alex are trying to get to Charlotte's mother before the storm hits. Suddenly, Charlotte is back in high school for part one. So, okay, you get the background of Charlotte and her mother. Then part two comes, and it makes even less sense paired with the prologue. Part three sort of ties it together- but the book as a whole is still all over the place.

I don't know if I've changed as a reader since reading so much of the author's work years ago. Or if the author changed. Or if this is an anomaly. Maybe a bit of it all? Regardless, this was just okay for me.

Susan Bennett narrates the audiobook.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

The Final Storm is a standalone title by Fern Michaels, who once again delivers a story with depth and characters that I want and perhaps even need to know more about. While I enjoyed Charlotte’s journey, there are times when the timeline jumps around a bit more than usual. It might seem jarring to some readers, but it also places events in Charlotte’s lifetime that show how she’s grown through diversity, challenges, and change. It made sense for me, but how you view changing timelines is a deeply personal reading attitude.

Charlotte’s story is well-written, covers a multitude of emotions from pure joy to darkest despair, and shows how one woman faced down those challenges to emerge stronger in the end. There’s a bit of suspense, lots of deep emotions, and a very enjoyable reading experience. I enjoyed The Final Storm and would not hesitate to recommend it to other readers.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Julie Trapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 In her award-winning wildlife photographs, Charlotte Gray captures all the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Far better to focus on breathtaking landscapes than to turn the lens on her own painful childhood and the uncaring mother she left behind in Florida. Piece by piece, Charlotte has built a new, independent life, one she’s eager to protect. A chance encounter on assignment in Las Vegas sparks an intriguing relationship, and for the first time, Charlotte impulsively follows her heart. But along with love and fresh beginnings comes a trove of secrets about her new husband. And someone in his past is determined to upend Charlotte’s happiness by threatening what she cares about most. [amazon synopsis]

Charlotte has to rebuild her life. But this time it will be with strength, experience, and the wisdom to know when to forgive, let go, and how to claim the support and love she deserves. Great read from a great author.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received as a Goodreads giveaway* This book has multiple parts to it, which may be confusing to some readers. Part 1 is present tense, part 2 drops back to the past, and part 3 brings us back to the present. I enjoyed the story, but I would describe this as a cozy book for... reasons... but I don't want to potentially ruin anything. I was a bit frustrated for the same reason, which left situations unresolved.
Charlotte Gray is working in her dream career, a wildlife photographer, capturing images around the world on her assignments. Her trip is cut short by the news of a hurricane headed towards her mom's assisted living home. We come to understand her feelings towards her mom when we visit the past in part 2. Charlotte was definitely a character I cheered on throughout the book. She was focused on being the best she could be, despite her rough start.

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Final Storm by Fern Michaels is a standalone domestic thriller about a woman whose hard‑won independence is threatened when her past and present collide in dangerous ways. Charlotte Gray is an aspiring photographer who leaves her Florida roots to become an acclaimed wildlife photographer. Charlotte meets her husband while on an assignment in Las Vegas and builds her new life with her husband and as a wildlife photographer. Charlotte returns back to Florida to help her mother evacuate from an upcoming hurricane. This is a story of domestic suspense with a strong emotional undercurrents and heroines who fight to reclaim their lives. There are two delicious recipes at the end of the book. A fantastic and fast‑paced mystery thriller that I genuinely enjoyed. I received this free book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Alison Takacs · Rating 2 out of 5]

A generous 2 1/2⭐️
The 2 stories being told didn’t really go together. The beginning & the end were 1 story & the middle was another.
As for the middle story, it was so frustrating to see all the crap that Charlotte let Grant get away with. It’s not like it was an abusive relationship situation where there was empathy to be shown for her. The relationship should have been over the night he blew her off for dinner & showed up at her door drunk in the middle of the night. A 2nd chance? Not me, but ok. How about after he lied about having an entire family that he never mentioned. Hit the road, Grant! And on and on…
And this was not a thriller by any stretch of the imagination. For 3/4 of the book, I thought it was a romance. There was a thrilling chapter or 2 when Emma was missing, but that was all.
Overall, it fell pretty flat for me.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

So... I didn't like this. I LOVED the prolonge. It was setting up a story about a horrific storm and an artist who has to save her aging mother. But then we jump back in time and it took over 175 pages to get back to that story. All the "romance" and drama that happened in the meat of this book really fell flat for me and I just didn't care. Even the climax, I was having to just push through to the end. The way the interesting story was just framing for this character building novel, made this book seem more like a side novella of a larger series than the standalone that its advertised to be. I will try this author once more, but as of right now, I'm not a fan.



***I won a free copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review***

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read many books by Fern Michaels, but I did enjoy this one. Charlotte is an award-winning wildlife photographer who was raised by a single mother, who wasn’t motherly. Yet when Charlotte is away on assignment and there is a hurricane heading toward Florida where her mother is. Alex, a lifelong friend from Atlanta, helps her get back to the states and to go help her mother. I liked how the story progressed, her high school years, college, how she met Grant in Las Vegas and though he was nothing short of wonderful. How their life evolved in New York, what happened with their relationship and then back to now, her and Alex fighting the storm to get back to Florida. The realizations in this book were great. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this advanced copy.

[Laura R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows the life of Charlotte Gray, who overcame a challenging childhood to become an award-winning wildlife photographer. The story starts with the present, then shifts to give some background on her childhood and then how Charlotte built her life after high school. A chance encounter in Las Vegas with Grant is the start of relationship in which she at times ignores some warning signs. But through it all she retains her independence and resilience, which will come into play as the story approaches the end.

There are circumstances from the past that Charlotte wasn't aware of and that change the beliefs that she had from her childhood. She also finds her HEA at the end.