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Shadow Light
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. Each book follows a new couple and a fresh mystery, making it perfect as a standalone or part of the series.
Written from a distinctly Christian worldview, this story combines emotional clean romance, subtle suspense, and faith-filled hope. It celebrates redemption, second chances, and the gentle way God rebuilds what once seemed broken beyond repair.
Perfect for fans
Becky Wade • Pepper Basham • Nicole Deese • Courtney Walsh
You’ll enjoy this book if you
• Christian romantic suspense with themes of forgiveness and redemption
• Clean, emotional love stories about second chances
• Inspirational fiction filled with hope and depth
• Contemporary romance where light conquers darkness
Expect to laugh, swoon, reflect on your faith, and believe again in a love that redeems even the darkest past.
Content
No bad language. No explicit scenes (just kisses). No sexual assault or graphic violence. No terminal illness. The story includes real emotions and mild danger, always through a lens of hope and healing.
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. Each book follows a new couple and a fresh mystery, making it perfect as a standalone or part of the series.
Written from a distinctly Christian worldview, this story combines emotional clean romance, subtle suspense, and faith-filled hope. It celebrates redemption, second chances, and the gentle way God rebuilds what once seemed broken beyond repair.
Perfect for fans
Becky Wade • Pepper Basham • Nicole Deese • Courtney Walsh
You’ll enjoy this book if you
• Christian romantic suspense with themes of forgiveness and redemption
• Clean, emotional love stories about second chances
• Inspirational fiction filled with hope and depth
• Contemporary romance where light conquers darkness
Expect to laugh, swoon, reflect on your faith, and believe again in a love that redeems even the darkest past.
Content
No bad language. No explicit scenes (just kisses). No sexual assault or graphic violence. No terminal illness. The story includes real emotions and mild danger, always through a lens of hope and healing.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 31, 2026
Shadow Light
Ivy Emerson
5/5 stars
Publication date: February 1, 2026
This book is unlike any book I have ever read and I completely loved it!! Tessa is the only child of a family who puts her father’s pharmaceutical company above all else, including her dreams of becoming a social worker working with kids. When strange things begin happening, Tessa has to find a bodyguard for protection.
This is a Christian romance suspense novel taking place in London that literally had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved the way the author wove faith in throughout the story and the growth of both Tessa and Declan. I really liked how it is written from a dual POV. I also loved the imagery in this book and all of the locations around London. I can’t wait for the next one!
I highly recommend this book! Thank you Ivy Emerson for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Ivy Emerson
5/5 stars
Publication date: February 1, 2026
This book is unlike any book I have ever read and I completely loved it!! Tessa is the only child of a family who puts her father’s pharmaceutical company above all else, including her dreams of becoming a social worker working with kids. When strange things begin happening, Tessa has to find a bodyguard for protection.
This is a Christian romance suspense novel taking place in London that literally had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved the way the author wove faith in throughout the story and the growth of both Tessa and Declan. I really liked how it is written from a dual POV. I also loved the imagery in this book and all of the locations around London. I can’t wait for the next one!
I highly recommend this book! Thank you Ivy Emerson for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2026
I loved Tessa & Declan’s story!
Faith filled romance with a bit of mystery and some suspense.
I absolutely loved how colorful Tessa is & the fact that Declan loves her exactly as she is. Declan is the quiet type and Tessa has to work pretty hard to get a smile out of him.. but it’s so sweet whenever he finally opens up to her.
This story also has a strong message of Christ and the fact that we are never too far gone for His love.
Their love story is super sweet and Declan is very protective over Tessa. He takes such good care of her whenever she feels like she truly has no one in her corner.
The art & all the London references were really fun, too!
I am looking forward to the next book!
*No foul language, no spice.
Quotes -
And suddenly, I understand. This must be what grace feels like. Unreasonable. Unearned. Reckless. The kind that doesn’t wait for the mess to be cleaned up—it walks right into it, unafraid of dirt or damage.
I think that’s what gets me. Not the danger. Not the skyline. Not the thrill. The thought that I could be the one to give Declan a reason to smile.
Faith filled romance with a bit of mystery and some suspense.
I absolutely loved how colorful Tessa is & the fact that Declan loves her exactly as she is. Declan is the quiet type and Tessa has to work pretty hard to get a smile out of him.. but it’s so sweet whenever he finally opens up to her.
This story also has a strong message of Christ and the fact that we are never too far gone for His love.
Their love story is super sweet and Declan is very protective over Tessa. He takes such good care of her whenever she feels like she truly has no one in her corner.
The art & all the London references were really fun, too!
I am looking forward to the next book!
*No foul language, no spice.
Quotes -
And suddenly, I understand. This must be what grace feels like. Unreasonable. Unearned. Reckless. The kind that doesn’t wait for the mess to be cleaned up—it walks right into it, unafraid of dirt or damage.
I think that’s what gets me. Not the danger. Not the skyline. Not the thrill. The thought that I could be the one to give Declan a reason to smile.
January 13, 2026
ARC READER REVIEW!! 🥳📚✨
I LOVED this! From the very start, I was completely captured by this story. Like, truly captivated! And I don’t think my heart has ached quite so much just within the first 10 chapters with any other book I’ve read 🥹
(I may have had to put my phone down for a moment just to let everything sink in…)
Our girl, Tessa, was so great! Her ADHD made things interesting in the best of ways! Seeing her quiet strength and both her character and spiritual growth in the story was so beautiful…
Declan was amazing! His artistic side showed so much depth and I loved that he was completely captivated by Tessa… (though he definitely tried to fight it 😂)
I loved getting to see the Spirit move in him, nudging him to ask questions and seeking out the Truth.
The story had a great representation of the Gospel as well that was so refreshing to see!
I think my ONLY complaint would be the lack of British-ness to it (which Ms. Ivy said she did on purpose due to most of her readers being American. You know how they have weird names for everyday items and such…) But when I read the story, I didn’t feel like I was in England. Would’ve liked a smidgen more on that aspect. HOWEVER! It didn’t bother me enough to take a star off 😉 As the plot carried itself through and more…
All in all, I’m VERY happy with this read! It kept me up until 3:30 AM, made me want to drag her parents behind my car and not look back (🙄😅), and now has me looking forward to the next addition to the series! ☺️❤️
📍Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📍Romance: Kisses only (not described in detail and only a couple of them.)
📍Christianity: Strong themes that truly lay out the Gospel message (accompanied by Scripture)
📍Language: No cursing or swearing.
📍Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance (with an awesome dash of Suspense)
📍Tropes
📚Grumpy/Sunshine
📚Second Chance Romance
📚ADHD FMC
📚Ex-Military MMC
📚Bodyguard Romance
📚Strong Finding/Building Faith
📚Yearning
📚Slow-burn Romance
I LOVED this! From the very start, I was completely captured by this story. Like, truly captivated! And I don’t think my heart has ached quite so much just within the first 10 chapters with any other book I’ve read 🥹
(I may have had to put my phone down for a moment just to let everything sink in…)
Our girl, Tessa, was so great! Her ADHD made things interesting in the best of ways! Seeing her quiet strength and both her character and spiritual growth in the story was so beautiful…
Declan was amazing! His artistic side showed so much depth and I loved that he was completely captivated by Tessa… (though he definitely tried to fight it 😂)
I loved getting to see the Spirit move in him, nudging him to ask questions and seeking out the Truth.
The story had a great representation of the Gospel as well that was so refreshing to see!
I think my ONLY complaint would be the lack of British-ness to it (which Ms. Ivy said she did on purpose due to most of her readers being American. You know how they have weird names for everyday items and such…) But when I read the story, I didn’t feel like I was in England. Would’ve liked a smidgen more on that aspect. HOWEVER! It didn’t bother me enough to take a star off 😉 As the plot carried itself through and more…
All in all, I’m VERY happy with this read! It kept me up until 3:30 AM, made me want to drag her parents behind my car and not look back (🙄😅), and now has me looking forward to the next addition to the series! ☺️❤️
📍Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📍Romance: Kisses only (not described in detail and only a couple of them.)
📍Christianity: Strong themes that truly lay out the Gospel message (accompanied by Scripture)
📍Language: No cursing or swearing.
📍Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance (with an awesome dash of Suspense)
📍Tropes
📚Grumpy/Sunshine
📚Second Chance Romance
📚ADHD FMC
📚Ex-Military MMC
📚Bodyguard Romance
📚Strong Finding/Building Faith
📚Yearning
📚Slow-burn Romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
I was swept up by this cozy yet thrilling novel. The characters are well written, and the pacing of the story was perfection.
Declan and Tessa are both wonderful to follow. They each have a uniqueness that is relatable and loveable.
The beauty that truly shines in this book is the amazing way Ivy has woven faith and grace so naturally into the story.
For a truly inspirational read full of
sweet romance
a dash of thrill
Grumpy/Sunshine
Beautiful Gospel message
I highly recommend this be your next read
I was swept up by this cozy yet thrilling novel. The characters are well written, and the pacing of the story was perfection.
Declan and Tessa are both wonderful to follow. They each have a uniqueness that is relatable and loveable.
The beauty that truly shines in this book is the amazing way Ivy has woven faith and grace so naturally into the story.
For a truly inspirational read full of
sweet romance
a dash of thrill
Grumpy/Sunshine
Beautiful Gospel message
I highly recommend this be your next read
July 2, 2026
I picked this up to prepare for my ARC of Wild Light, and I'm so glad I did.
This is one of the few Christian romances I've read, and I thought Ivy Emerson struck such a beautiful balance between faith and romance without relying on spice. The relationship felt genuine, heartfelt, and centered on Christ in a way that was refreshing to read.
I also loved the suspense surrounding Tessa's past and the mystery of who was stalking her. It kept me turning pages as I tried to piece together what had really happened and who was behind everything.
Tessa and Declan's relationship was another highlight for me. They both carry painful histories, and I appreciated that their separation between the past and present wasn't drawn out longer than it needed to be. Watching their relationship unfold was incredibly rewarding.
I'll definitely be picking up more of Ivy Emerson's books whenever I'm in the mood for a cozy, faith-filled, no-spice romance centered on Jesus and hope. 🤍📖
This is one of the few Christian romances I've read, and I thought Ivy Emerson struck such a beautiful balance between faith and romance without relying on spice. The relationship felt genuine, heartfelt, and centered on Christ in a way that was refreshing to read.
I also loved the suspense surrounding Tessa's past and the mystery of who was stalking her. It kept me turning pages as I tried to piece together what had really happened and who was behind everything.
Tessa and Declan's relationship was another highlight for me. They both carry painful histories, and I appreciated that their separation between the past and present wasn't drawn out longer than it needed to be. Watching their relationship unfold was incredibly rewarding.
I'll definitely be picking up more of Ivy Emerson's books whenever I'm in the mood for a cozy, faith-filled, no-spice romance centered on Jesus and hope. 🤍📖
December 21, 2025
I’ve loved every book by Ivy Emerson that I’ve read, and this is no exception!
Usually I have a hard time reading Christian fiction because the way faith is written into the story seems so cheesy, but I loved how faith was incorporated in this novel. This was a great read, and I would definitely recommend it to others!
Usually I have a hard time reading Christian fiction because the way faith is written into the story seems so cheesy, but I loved how faith was incorporated in this novel. This was a great read, and I would definitely recommend it to others!
December 20, 2025
This book by Ivy Emerson is amazing and the perfect mixture of faith, romance, and suspense! Keep an eye out for February 1st and be ready to grab your copy! I wish I could read it again for the first time
January 10, 2026
Such a great read- kept me HOOKED!! Can’t wait for the next one!!
February 8, 2026
Modern-day Christian romance can be surprisingly hard to come by, which made this story such a refreshing find. Tessa and Declan’s relationship beautifully captures the true essence of opposites attract, balancing faith, personality differences, and heartfelt growth in a wholesome way. While the ending was somewhat predictable, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the journey. The sincerity of their story and the gentle, faith-centered romance made this book a lovely and satisfying read. I had the opportunity and pleasure of being part of Ivy’s ARC team :) Thankful and blessed to have read this book before its release. I still purchased a physical copy for my bookshelf. <3
June 18, 2026
41 whole highlights!!! and that’s only because I tried to exhibit self‑control. There were so many lines that had me pausing like, “uhhhhh that’s good.”😌🥹 I fully understand why a lot of people have been talking about the book. Gosh. I loved, loved, loved it. There’s a moment in chapter 35 that completely stole my heart — one of those scenes that etches itself into your memory forever.
I’m a reader girl through and through, but every now and then a book becomes more than a hobby. It becomes an experience. A connection. A whole emotional journey. Shadow Light has officially joined that category for me. The writing? Beautiful. The plot? So engaging. The chemistry? Top tier. And the faith elements? Exactly my cup of tea. This book felt heaven‑sent, and the entire experience was a 100/10 for me 🥰.
Now, over to the couple of the hour: my Tessa and Declan 🫶🏾. I adore them. From their very first meeting, I felt that pull — that meant‑to‑be, soul‑tied, “you and me forever” energy. You can tell they were made for each other, and that right there is what I mean when I say I want romance. Their conversations, their interactions, their quiet moments… I could’ve read an entire book of just them talking, laughing, and being wrapped up in each other. I’m writing this review while still riding the emotional waves of their story.
I also deeply appreciate how the author weaves scripture and salvation into the narrative. You get a great story and a gentle introduction to faith and grace — the kind Christ gives freely. It’s woven in so naturally that someone picking up the book for a cute, wholesome romance might find themselves unexpectedly curious about God. That’s such a beautiful thing.
So yes, if it wasn’t obvious by now, I absolutely adored this book. It makes perfect sense that some BookTok and Bookstagram pages have talked about it. I checked and saw the next book is already out, and honestly… I’m considering dropping everything else I’m reading to start it. We’ll see who wins 😅 Welldone to the author, this was an amazing unforgettable story❤️
I’m a reader girl through and through, but every now and then a book becomes more than a hobby. It becomes an experience. A connection. A whole emotional journey. Shadow Light has officially joined that category for me. The writing? Beautiful. The plot? So engaging. The chemistry? Top tier. And the faith elements? Exactly my cup of tea. This book felt heaven‑sent, and the entire experience was a 100/10 for me 🥰.
Now, over to the couple of the hour: my Tessa and Declan 🫶🏾. I adore them. From their very first meeting, I felt that pull — that meant‑to‑be, soul‑tied, “you and me forever” energy. You can tell they were made for each other, and that right there is what I mean when I say I want romance. Their conversations, their interactions, their quiet moments… I could’ve read an entire book of just them talking, laughing, and being wrapped up in each other. I’m writing this review while still riding the emotional waves of their story.
I also deeply appreciate how the author weaves scripture and salvation into the narrative. You get a great story and a gentle introduction to faith and grace — the kind Christ gives freely. It’s woven in so naturally that someone picking up the book for a cute, wholesome romance might find themselves unexpectedly curious about God. That’s such a beautiful thing.
So yes, if it wasn’t obvious by now, I absolutely adored this book. It makes perfect sense that some BookTok and Bookstagram pages have talked about it. I checked and saw the next book is already out, and honestly… I’m considering dropping everything else I’m reading to start it. We’ll see who wins 😅 Welldone to the author, this was an amazing unforgettable story❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was blessed to receive an ARC of this book, and oh my...I loved it. The love between the characters feels so natural, and their personalities are incredibly real. I absolutely adore Tessa; I wanted to laugh with her and cry for her on almost every page. Watching Declan’s growth throughout the story was especially meaningful.
This is a beautiful story of discovering love of self, romantic love, and love and trust in God. I so deeply loved seeing Tessa find her voice as she learned to trust in Jesus and lean into the strength He gives us.
I can’t wait to see how the series unfolds in future books, even though they’ll focus on different couples, I’m really hoping Tessa and Declan make appearances. This book is beautifully written and offers a thoughtful, genuine exploration of the incredible love and grace of Jesus. It would be a wonderful read for anyone exploring faith or trying to better understand what grace truly means. I just love it so much.
This is a beautiful story of discovering love of self, romantic love, and love and trust in God. I so deeply loved seeing Tessa find her voice as she learned to trust in Jesus and lean into the strength He gives us.
I can’t wait to see how the series unfolds in future books, even though they’ll focus on different couples, I’m really hoping Tessa and Declan make appearances. This book is beautifully written and offers a thoughtful, genuine exploration of the incredible love and grace of Jesus. It would be a wonderful read for anyone exploring faith or trying to better understand what grace truly means. I just love it so much.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first book I've read by Ivy, and I enjoyed it immensely. It had me hooked from Part 1, touching my heart, making me laugh and swoon, and, to be honest, pray as well. Both Tessa and Declan are incredibly endearing; there were several moments when I wanted to give them a hug! 🥺They have their flaws and are hurt, but they grow toward healing and grace. The development of their relationship is literally a light amidst the shadows.
This book depicts grace and faith that speak to you, selfish love (just as it is naturally), friendship, and healing. And for all those (like myself) who need mystery and action in their books... this has those as well! 😌 There is so much more I'd love to say, but I always try to avoid spoilers.
It was a joy to be an ARC reader for Shadow Light, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next story Ivy will tell in this world.
This book depicts grace and faith that speak to you, selfish love (just as it is naturally), friendship, and healing. And for all those (like myself) who need mystery and action in their books... this has those as well! 😌 There is so much more I'd love to say, but I always try to avoid spoilers.
It was a joy to be an ARC reader for Shadow Light, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next story Ivy will tell in this world.
January 13, 2026
I was able to read this as an ARC,
I absolutely loved it. It kept me captivated the entire time and I was able to not worry about any spicy scenes, I’m personally getting away from books with them so this book was a welcome reprieve.
I loved the dual timeline at the beginning to then the present at the end do the first part. Learning about Declan and Tessa before they had a chance to be together was really nice. I never would’ve expected things to go the way they did. It kept me on my toes the entire time.
And then adding the Faith aspect of the story, the way that I’ve seen myself in Declan’s and Tessa’s questions about God and how they believed He is at times and sometimes having questions on “am I doing this right? Do I deserve to pray?” The answer is always extremely simple with God, it’s sometimes just harder. This book honestly has helped me push myself to want to be closer to God and I can’t wait to see others reactions to this book 🩵🩵
I absolutely loved it. It kept me captivated the entire time and I was able to not worry about any spicy scenes, I’m personally getting away from books with them so this book was a welcome reprieve.
I loved the dual timeline at the beginning to then the present at the end do the first part. Learning about Declan and Tessa before they had a chance to be together was really nice. I never would’ve expected things to go the way they did. It kept me on my toes the entire time.
And then adding the Faith aspect of the story, the way that I’ve seen myself in Declan’s and Tessa’s questions about God and how they believed He is at times and sometimes having questions on “am I doing this right? Do I deserve to pray?” The answer is always extremely simple with God, it’s sometimes just harder. This book honestly has helped me push myself to want to be closer to God and I can’t wait to see others reactions to this book 🩵🩵
April 27, 2026
I loved this book so much! This was the bodyguard romance I didn’t know I needed. Add in the faith elements and it was perfect!
Declan was the perfect mmc in my book. Broody, reflective and tough exterior. Tessa was a shining light and the two of them together were perfection.
I loved the suspense/mystery elements and the ending wrapped it up so well. If you are looking for Christian romantic suspense, I highly recommend this book!
Declan was the perfect mmc in my book. Broody, reflective and tough exterior. Tessa was a shining light and the two of them together were perfection.
I loved the suspense/mystery elements and the ending wrapped it up so well. If you are looking for Christian romantic suspense, I highly recommend this book!
January 18, 2026
I LOVED this book!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Tessa and Declan’s story is anchored in second chances, growth, faith, and redemption. There was a perfect balance between banter, tenderness, sass, tension, broodiness, and warmth. I’m so impressed by the way the author used the narrative to spread the Gospel while maintaining fidelity to the plot of the story. Perfection!
I cannot wait to dive into Ben’s story.
Tessa and Declan’s story is anchored in second chances, growth, faith, and redemption. There was a perfect balance between banter, tenderness, sass, tension, broodiness, and warmth. I’m so impressed by the way the author used the narrative to spread the Gospel while maintaining fidelity to the plot of the story. Perfection!
I cannot wait to dive into Ben’s story.
June 23, 2026
Wonderful story about grace, forgiveness, and faith. There's a perfect blend of suspense, romance, redemption- keeping me in my toes. So so good! I love that the gospel was clearly shared and that faith was an important part of the main characters story arc. Clean romance with faith themes, yes please.
January 19, 2026
I was privileged to get a copy of Ivy’s sweet contemporary bodyguard romance as an eARC and enjoyed it so much I raced through in one day! Also I absolutely LOVE the cover.
April 27, 2026
Love love, love love love this book such a good book. I don’t think I’ll ever find another Christian romance better than this one oh my gosh, this book had me kicking my feet and giggling. This is a perfect representation that they are books out there that have Christ Jesus And the perfect amount of romance in them please please please please please read this book.
February 1, 2026
I love this beautiful story sooo much! Super glad that I got the privilege to of getting to be an ARC reader for Ivy (everything expressed in this review are my own feelings and opinions).
The characters she created are so relatable. The suspense was very well written and it made for such a fun book to dive into. Then the sweet, slow-burn romance between Tessa and Declan was just **chef’s kiss**. I love the patience that they continued to give each other when they both enter as broken people. And through it all to see that they both manage to find faith in the God who redeems was amazing!
I’ve absolutely loved savoring this sweet story, and I hope many more people find it and do the same.
The characters she created are so relatable. The suspense was very well written and it made for such a fun book to dive into. Then the sweet, slow-burn romance between Tessa and Declan was just **chef’s kiss**. I love the patience that they continued to give each other when they both enter as broken people. And through it all to see that they both manage to find faith in the God who redeems was amazing!
I’ve absolutely loved savoring this sweet story, and I hope many more people find it and do the same.
February 16, 2026
I was so excited that this was my very first ARC, and I loved that it was a clean Christian romance. I loved our main characters and getting to read their dual povs both in the past and present. The way that faith was interwoven in the story was done so beautifully and it took me back a few years ago when I was still new in my faith. I loved the message that God can work with anything. 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adore this story. Declan and Tessa were so great together. I loved the beautiful imagery and themes woven through out the story.
I was completely hooked, wanting to know what happened next and loving how Declan and Tessa grew together.
The side characters were so much fun aswell. I am so excited to read their stories.
This is a great read if you love swoony, Christian romantic suspense.
Some quotes I liked:
She’s not trembling anymore.
She’s ready to fight.
And God help the people who thought they could silence her.
“Tessa,” I say. “That’s not self-defense. That’s an interpretive dance.”
Or maybe it’s the reminder that light always pushes back darkness, no matter how overwhelming the shadows may seem.
I was completely hooked, wanting to know what happened next and loving how Declan and Tessa grew together.
The side characters were so much fun aswell. I am so excited to read their stories.
This is a great read if you love swoony, Christian romantic suspense.
Some quotes I liked:
She’s not trembling anymore.
She’s ready to fight.
And God help the people who thought they could silence her.
“Tessa,” I say. “That’s not self-defense. That’s an interpretive dance.”
Or maybe it’s the reminder that light always pushes back darkness, no matter how overwhelming the shadows may seem.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am thoroughly impressed with Shadow Light!
Ivy did a great job of giving us captivating characters with an equally interesting plot. Her writing is very easy to digest and I was easily immersed in the story in both perspectives.
I loved that there was a bit of a mystery element to the story! This made it really fun and raised the stakes a bit.
The faith elements didn't feel forced to me. The thoughts of the characters were very relatable and I enjoyed the way that faith themes were explored. I got to learn great examples of interacting with people that have questions about Jesus from these characters.
It was a great read and would definitely recommend!
Ivy did a great job of giving us captivating characters with an equally interesting plot. Her writing is very easy to digest and I was easily immersed in the story in both perspectives.
I loved that there was a bit of a mystery element to the story! This made it really fun and raised the stakes a bit.
The faith elements didn't feel forced to me. The thoughts of the characters were very relatable and I enjoyed the way that faith themes were explored. I got to learn great examples of interacting with people that have questions about Jesus from these characters.
It was a great read and would definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was my first read from this author and the first time I ever received an advanced copy to review.
All that being said, I LOVED this book. Recently, I have grown tired of the Christian Fiction/Historical Christian Fiction genre and wondered if this book would fall flat like others. As I have gotten older, I have found this genre to have shallow plots and the character development to have minimal to no reference to Christ or growth in there relationship with the Lord during the story.
Shadow Light was different from others in its genre in so many ways.
The plot is awesome. I love that the story is focused on more than the attraction the two characters have for one another. I couldn't stop turning the pages, needing to know what was going to happen next.
The chemistry between Tessa and Declan is undeniable. Tessa is the type of person you would want to be friends with. She made me literally laugh out loud several times. Declan is a strong character that desires to love and protect Tessa honorably. He is the type of guy every girl dreams of having as a husband.
I also appreciated that Christ was also a focal point in the story. Both characters have their own difficulties they are working to overcome and both, separately, come to realize they need Christ to meet their needs. Many books in this genre only mention Christ as a passing comment, Someone they can pull out of their pocket when they are in trouble. The author clearly paints a message of salvation and grace in a refreshing way in the pages of this story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and cannot wait to read more from this author.
All that being said, I LOVED this book. Recently, I have grown tired of the Christian Fiction/Historical Christian Fiction genre and wondered if this book would fall flat like others. As I have gotten older, I have found this genre to have shallow plots and the character development to have minimal to no reference to Christ or growth in there relationship with the Lord during the story.
Shadow Light was different from others in its genre in so many ways.
The plot is awesome. I love that the story is focused on more than the attraction the two characters have for one another. I couldn't stop turning the pages, needing to know what was going to happen next.
The chemistry between Tessa and Declan is undeniable. Tessa is the type of person you would want to be friends with. She made me literally laugh out loud several times. Declan is a strong character that desires to love and protect Tessa honorably. He is the type of guy every girl dreams of having as a husband.
I also appreciated that Christ was also a focal point in the story. Both characters have their own difficulties they are working to overcome and both, separately, come to realize they need Christ to meet their needs. Many books in this genre only mention Christ as a passing comment, Someone they can pull out of their pocket when they are in trouble. The author clearly paints a message of salvation and grace in a refreshing way in the pages of this story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and cannot wait to read more from this author.
February 26, 2026
2, this story is a sweet romance and I enjoyed reading the story as a whole, but...
I love Jesus.
I likely would have rated this book much higher if it wasn't considered a Christian romance. However, because it is, there were certain aspects that I found negatively impacted the story from the perspective of a follower of Jesus.
Tessa and Declan's romance is incredibly sweet and is refreshing when compared against secular written romances. Additionally, watching them both grow in their faith really wrapped the story together. I loved how the author included their individual and shared prayers on the pages. The dual perspectives was also well-written.
However, there were moments throughout the story where they are seeking to learn more about God and the other characters have opportunities to impart wisdom. Unfortunately, instead of using this opportunity to speak about Jesus Christ fully, the author asserts specific theological beliefs. This is subtle for those unfamiliar with doctrinal differences, which is likely intentional, but I was incredibly disappointed upon reading it. The worst of this was the awful seatbelt analogy that suggests God's gift of salvation is just waiting for us to grab it and buckle up. I'd be interested to ask the author how someone buckles a seatbelt by themselves when they are spiritually unconscious in the first place. Why write characters so often talking about God's grace and openly admitting needing to trust more in God, to just throw in prideful doctrine specific assertions?
If anyone is a young Christian considering reading this story, I would suggest a different book, and I pray you guard your heart.
I love Jesus.
I likely would have rated this book much higher if it wasn't considered a Christian romance. However, because it is, there were certain aspects that I found negatively impacted the story from the perspective of a follower of Jesus.
Tessa and Declan's romance is incredibly sweet and is refreshing when compared against secular written romances. Additionally, watching them both grow in their faith really wrapped the story together. I loved how the author included their individual and shared prayers on the pages. The dual perspectives was also well-written.
However, there were moments throughout the story where they are seeking to learn more about God and the other characters have opportunities to impart wisdom. Unfortunately, instead of using this opportunity to speak about Jesus Christ fully, the author asserts specific theological beliefs. This is subtle for those unfamiliar with doctrinal differences, which is likely intentional, but I was incredibly disappointed upon reading it. The worst of this was the awful seatbelt analogy that suggests God's gift of salvation is just waiting for us to grab it and buckle up. I'd be interested to ask the author how someone buckles a seatbelt by themselves when they are spiritually unconscious in the first place. Why write characters so often talking about God's grace and openly admitting needing to trust more in God, to just throw in prideful doctrine specific assertions?
If anyone is a young Christian considering reading this story, I would suggest a different book, and I pray you guard your heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
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.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
February 8, 2026
I was completely invested from chapter one when I was introduced to the main characters, Declan and Tessa. They are complete opposites and the perfect grumpy-and-sunshine pair. Both were shrouded in mystery, and I found myself unable to put the book down until I figured out what was happening.
The suspense was beautifully done, and oh my goodness the romance between Declan and Tessa was so special. I loved how protective Declan was of Tessa, not only because he was her bodyguard, but because he truly cared for her. And Tessa the way she continued to be someone Declan could open up to was incredibly sweet.
One of my favorite things about Ivy Emerson’s books is her ability to incorporate Christ into her writing not as a side character, but as one of the main characters. Both Declan and Tessa question grace and faith, and throughout the story you can see God reaching out to them through friends, the Bible, and prayer. The book has a very satisfying conclusion and the cutest proposal. This story has so much depth, and I would absolutely recommend it.
I was honored to receive an ARC of this book; this review reflects my honest thoughts!
♥️ Opposites Attract
♥️ Forbidden Romance
♥️ Grumpy x Sunshine
♥️ Bodyguard romance
♥️ ADHD rep
♥️ Bucket List troupe
♥️Second chance
• Few kisses (no spice)
• No language
✝️ Christian romance
Trigger Warning: ‼️
(I included violence for brief scenes not severe) ⬇️
- Moments of danger
- Emotional intensity
-Overbearing/controlling parents
All handled in a gentle way!
The suspense was beautifully done, and oh my goodness the romance between Declan and Tessa was so special. I loved how protective Declan was of Tessa, not only because he was her bodyguard, but because he truly cared for her. And Tessa the way she continued to be someone Declan could open up to was incredibly sweet.
One of my favorite things about Ivy Emerson’s books is her ability to incorporate Christ into her writing not as a side character, but as one of the main characters. Both Declan and Tessa question grace and faith, and throughout the story you can see God reaching out to them through friends, the Bible, and prayer. The book has a very satisfying conclusion and the cutest proposal. This story has so much depth, and I would absolutely recommend it.
I was honored to receive an ARC of this book; this review reflects my honest thoughts!
♥️ Opposites Attract
♥️ Forbidden Romance
♥️ Grumpy x Sunshine
♥️ Bodyguard romance
♥️ ADHD rep
♥️ Bucket List troupe
♥️Second chance
• Few kisses (no spice)
• No language
✝️ Christian romance
Trigger Warning: ‼️
(I included violence for brief scenes not severe) ⬇️
- Moments of danger
- Emotional intensity
-Overbearing/controlling parents
All handled in a gentle way!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, where do I even begin with describing this beautiful story? Simply put, I absolutely loved it! From the very start, I couldn't help but be drawn into Declan and Tessa's story. They had such a sweet dynamic between them, and the chemistry was undeniable. I'm always a sucker for a good protective MMC, and bodyguard romances always deliver so well on that front. I loved every moment with them. What really set this story apart though is how perfectly it blended that swoon-worthy romance with not just the mystery/suspense, but also the elements of faith as well. The romance was perfection. The suspense elements weren't that high paced action that I tend to see in romantic suspense but still kept a sense of danger lurking throughout and keeping me intrigued to find out what secrets were being hidden. (And boy, are there a lot of secrets!) And finally, the faith... oh, I think this was truly my favorite part! It felt like such a natural part of their story, and I loved seeing both of these characters learn and grow in faith throughout. Truly, this was such a beautifully written story. This was the first book that I have read by Ivy Emerson, but it has me looking forward to more from her and more in this series... I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Shadow Light is a Christian romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Shadow Light is a Christian romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A gentle, faith-filled slow-burn romance about trust, healing, and letting God work in the quiet places. Hopeful, emotional, and beautifully written.
Title: Shadow Light
Author: Ivy Emerson
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Star Rating: 5⭐️
Thank you to Ivy Emerson for providing me with an ARC of Shadow Light. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I just finished Shadow Light, and I’m left with the most overwhelming sense of joy. This story truly stayed with me, and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to be part of this ARC team.
What first drew me to this book was Ivy Emerson’s writing—and it’s honestly hard to fully put into words why. Her storytelling goes far beyond the surface; it gently but powerfully pulls you deep into the heart of the story until you feel as though you’re standing right beside the characters, experiencing everything with them. The way faith and Scripture are woven throughout the story is beautiful, intentional, and filled with hope, adding so much depth without ever feeling forced.
This book kept me completely intrigued and was incredibly hard to put down—be prepared to binge-read, especially if you’re a nighttime reader like me (sometimes far too late!). Declan and Tessa are written in such a believable, thoughtful way. Their dual POV allows you to truly see their hearts, and with each chapter, their chemistry, faith in God, and genuine care for one another grow so naturally and meaningfully.
Shadow Light is a two-part story, and without giving anything away, I’ll just tease that part two includes a scene that had me sitting on the edge of my bed, wide awake and completely invested. Ivy Emerson knows exactly how to build emotion, tension, and connection in a way that keeps you wanting more.
Whether you already have an overflowing TBR for 2026, consider yourself “not much of a reader,” or are simply looking for something fresh, faith-filled, and deeply engaging—Shadow Light is not a book to merely consider. It’s a book you need to get.
A heartfelt thank you again to Ivy Emerson for this opportunity and for sharing such a meaningful, hope-filled story. 🤍📚
Title: Shadow Light
Author: Ivy Emerson
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Star Rating: 5⭐️
Thank you to Ivy Emerson for providing me with an ARC of Shadow Light. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I just finished Shadow Light, and I’m left with the most overwhelming sense of joy. This story truly stayed with me, and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to be part of this ARC team.
What first drew me to this book was Ivy Emerson’s writing—and it’s honestly hard to fully put into words why. Her storytelling goes far beyond the surface; it gently but powerfully pulls you deep into the heart of the story until you feel as though you’re standing right beside the characters, experiencing everything with them. The way faith and Scripture are woven throughout the story is beautiful, intentional, and filled with hope, adding so much depth without ever feeling forced.
This book kept me completely intrigued and was incredibly hard to put down—be prepared to binge-read, especially if you’re a nighttime reader like me (sometimes far too late!). Declan and Tessa are written in such a believable, thoughtful way. Their dual POV allows you to truly see their hearts, and with each chapter, their chemistry, faith in God, and genuine care for one another grow so naturally and meaningfully.
Shadow Light is a two-part story, and without giving anything away, I’ll just tease that part two includes a scene that had me sitting on the edge of my bed, wide awake and completely invested. Ivy Emerson knows exactly how to build emotion, tension, and connection in a way that keeps you wanting more.
Whether you already have an overflowing TBR for 2026, consider yourself “not much of a reader,” or are simply looking for something fresh, faith-filled, and deeply engaging—Shadow Light is not a book to merely consider. It’s a book you need to get.
A heartfelt thank you again to Ivy Emerson for this opportunity and for sharing such a meaningful, hope-filled story. 🤍📚
February 7, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. Shadow Light is one of those stories that stays with you. One you find yourself thinking about in the quiet moments between reading sessions.
The writing is beautiful, thoughtful, and intentional, and you can truly feel the care that went into every chapter. The themes of healing, forgiveness, faith, and second chances are handled with so much grace. The romance is clean, emotional, and deeply satisfying without ever feeling rushed or shallow. There is zero ick in this book (just lovely, heartfelt angst) and I found myself genuinely cheering for them to find their way back to one another.
I also loved the balance of suspense woven throughout the story 👌🏼 Just enough tension to keep the pages turning while still letting my nervous system chill 😅. And somehow, there were even a few real laugh-out-loud moments, which is not easy to pull off!
You can absolutely tell this book was written over time, with purpose and patience. It feels authentically human (crafted, not AI-generated) and that care shows in the depth of the characters and the emotional resonance of the story.
And can we talk about the cover? It’s stunning. One of those books you’re proud to display on your shelf because it’s just as lovely on the outside!
This is a must-read and this author is an autobuy for me!
The writing is beautiful, thoughtful, and intentional, and you can truly feel the care that went into every chapter. The themes of healing, forgiveness, faith, and second chances are handled with so much grace. The romance is clean, emotional, and deeply satisfying without ever feeling rushed or shallow. There is zero ick in this book (just lovely, heartfelt angst) and I found myself genuinely cheering for them to find their way back to one another.
I also loved the balance of suspense woven throughout the story 👌🏼 Just enough tension to keep the pages turning while still letting my nervous system chill 😅. And somehow, there were even a few real laugh-out-loud moments, which is not easy to pull off!
You can absolutely tell this book was written over time, with purpose and patience. It feels authentically human (crafted, not AI-generated) and that care shows in the depth of the characters and the emotional resonance of the story.
And can we talk about the cover? It’s stunning. One of those books you’re proud to display on your shelf because it’s just as lovely on the outside!
This is a must-read and this author is an autobuy for me!
May 21, 2026
I really liked this one, the mystery was on point, it didn't go as deep as it could have on some points - but all the same, it kept my interest up through out. There is no spice, no deep leading up to the slammed door. There is also Christian lessons, yes, I'd consider it proselytizing, and I'm okay with that, because I believe in God, and I worship Him.
Tessa is the only child of parents who are - not good parents (that relationship could have been explored a little deeper, IMO) she was raised in a very posh environment, but was really more a lab rat, than a daughter. She is doing her best to make her own way, but has to answer to her parents who hold the money bags. Declan is an only child, whose parents were killed while he was a young teen, he was put into the foster system, even though he had a (rich) uncle, who did (eventually) give him access to a trust. Now then, the mystery - Tessa is trying to earn her Social Work certificate, and has been advised by her parents that she needs to hire security, there has been a breech in their pharmaceutical company and serious threats are being made. She can hire her own or one from her parents choosing. She chooses her own, which is Declan's company, someone she knew from her past. It kept me on my toes, and interested, I couldn't put it down. This is a series, and I'm onto the next book.
Tessa is the only child of parents who are - not good parents (that relationship could have been explored a little deeper, IMO) she was raised in a very posh environment, but was really more a lab rat, than a daughter. She is doing her best to make her own way, but has to answer to her parents who hold the money bags. Declan is an only child, whose parents were killed while he was a young teen, he was put into the foster system, even though he had a (rich) uncle, who did (eventually) give him access to a trust. Now then, the mystery - Tessa is trying to earn her Social Work certificate, and has been advised by her parents that she needs to hire security, there has been a breech in their pharmaceutical company and serious threats are being made. She can hire her own or one from her parents choosing. She chooses her own, which is Declan's company, someone she knew from her past. It kept me on my toes, and interested, I couldn't put it down. This is a series, and I'm onto the next book.
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