The Setting Time

by Fayla Ott

From Fayla Ott, winner of the Redemptive Fiction Award and recipient of the 2026 Illumination Book Award medalist comes

the unforgettable conclusion to the Arledge Hall saga.

The must-read finale to a sweeping Southern historical series, a story for readers who want fiction that faces the

hardest truths with grace and courage.

The war is over. The fight for what comes next has only begun. Joe carries a lifetime of loss and fragile hope. Thomas

must reckon with the past and choose his future. Cissy's love is forbidden by a world that refuses to accept it. And within

the walls of Arledge Hall, old wounds must be confronted if anything new is to be built.As the South struggles to rebuild in the uncertain days of Reconstruction, the people of Arledge Hall find themselves

standing on shifting ground. Freedom has come, but with it questions no one knows how to answer about land, identity,

belonging, and what it truly means to move forward.

Perfect for readers of historical fiction that does not shy away from hard truths, this final installment reminds us that while

the past cannot be undone, it does not have to define what comes next.


What readers are 'Saying this book was amazing doesn’t come anywhere close to describing this book. I literally

didn’t set it down until I finished. I have laughed and cried right along with these characters. I will be reading it over and

over again.'

293 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2026

About the author

Fayla is a southern belle with a strong, southern accent and an even stronger cup of coffee that's always within reach. Living amidst the scenic views of the East Tennessee mountains, Fayla creates tales of American history, mostly set in the south, that capture the heart and challenge the spirit. When she's not crafting stories that time-travel to the days of yore, you can find her teaching college English as a full-time professor, home educating her youngest son, or buzzing around her local church and community, coffee in hand.

Wife, Mom to four boys, and Marmee to her three grandchildren, Fayla is a family-oriented lady who enjoys museums, hiking, music, photography, and culinary experiments. She cherishes her time traveling with her family, exploring new places and creating memories. On weekends, she might be spotted tending to her garden and farm animals, proving that she’s as versatile as the characters in her novels.

So buckle up and prepare to travel with Fayla, as her stories offer you a passport to the past, where you’ll find adventure, suspense, and inspiration on every page.

Be sure to connect with Fayla on these platforms:

Facebook: Fayla Ott, Author

Instagram: faylaottauthor

If you want to contact Fayla, you can email her at fayla@faylaott.com

Reviews

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in a trilogy, so read the first two books first. This book will not make a lot of sense without doing that, and they are excellent books well worth reading. I even went back and re-read the first two books before reading this one, which helped a lot. This is an epic tale with a lot of characters and events.

I feel like I have been waiting for this book forever – I do struggle with patience – and it was worth every moment of the wait. I am in awe of the author’s skill. She does an amazing job of world-building and character-building. I feel like I know these people, and I was so anxious about what was going to happen to them. They go through many terrible trials – this is the Civil War, after all – and some people grow and change, and some don’t. Just like real life. There is so much creativity and, other than the historical details, I had no idea what was going to happen. Definitely on the edge of my seat, and I had trouble putting it down. I especially loved the faith elements that were so natural.

One of my favorite sections was after the war ended. It made me think about what it was like to recover, especially in the South. Some people stayed, and some left. Some adapted to the new reality, and some didn’t. It was very beautifully and tenderly written.

I expect that this is a series I will read again. I heartily recommend the entire series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This finishes a series and shows all the challenges the south dealt with in the period of reconstruction. This family tended to meet the challenges in a bit more creative and accepting way than some.

The various couples had several obstacles (for each couple) to overcome and some were solved in very unique fashion. The family does unite eventually but not without a good deal of conflict.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The story does resolve itself but not unrealistically. The solutions are not all "perfect" but ones that could give the family peace of mind.

[Mindy McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again another amazing book. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Stayed up until 3am reading book, read it in one sitting. The only negative I can say about the book is that the series is done. I have cried & laughed as I got to know these characters. I would say I hate to see them go, but they won’t be leaving, because I’ll be reading this over & over again. Well done, Fayla, you did an amazing job drawing this series to a close!!!!

[Regina Renfro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the absolute perfect ending to this series!! The Arledge Hall Trilogy is such a great read! This author knows how to tell a story in such a way that you feel like you are there!!! I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!!