Wild Light: A Clean Christian Romantic Suspense Novel Set in South Africa

by Ivy Emerson

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 28, 2026

Reviews

[Paige Ealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Light completely swept me away. From the very first chapter, Lia and Ben felt so real that it was easy to forget I was reading fiction. I’m usually hesitant about dual POV—especially getting the guy’s perspective—but Ivy captures Ben with such authenticity that his voice never once feels forced. His internal conflict, his confusion over his growing feelings for Lia, and his instinct to protect her as her bodyguard all come across as genuinely masculine without slipping into cliché. His faith is woven in with a grounded, steady strength that never feels preachy or “cushiony,” just honest.

The emotional depth in this story is incredible. When the characters are surprised, the reader is surprised. When they’re curious, you find yourself piecing things together right alongside them. Ivy trusts her readers—nothing is spoon‑fed—and that makes the experience so much richer.

Her writing style is immersive in the best way. I could hear the birds and cicadas in Africa, feel the heat, and see the landscape through Lia’s eyes. The supporting characters are just as vivid, each with distinct personalities that shine through naturally.

This book is beautifully written, emotionally layered, and full of moments that linger long after you stop reading. I absolutely loved it, and I can’t wait to read more of Ivy’s work.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this romantic suspense! It was so unique - I haven’t read anything with this kind of plot in this type of location and I appreciated all the work Ivy must have done to research it. The added humour was also top notch - Ben and Lia’s banter at the beginning and the scene on the plane with Percy Pigs (iykyk) was so funny!

The suspense was so well done - I was kept guessing about “who did it” till it was revealed. I loved the romance and the faith aspects were so beautifully and naturally woven into the story. The lessons both Lia and Ben learned, and how they grew in their walks with God, was so good.

Lia, the FMC was so endearing. She never had physical affection growing up and didn’t really have friends so she’s socially awkward. And she loves her animals. It was so sweet, especially when Tiny Tank, her little stuffed rhino, made an appearance :) Ben was so drawn to her and her unpredictability and I loved watching that.

Also, no spice needed to feel all the swooniness with their first hand holding moment 😍

Overall, I really enjoyed Ivy’s writing style. Lots of short paragraphs, lots of dialogue and short sentences made it so easy to read. This was book 2 in the series but a standalone. Already looking forward to the next book!

Thanks to the author for an early complimentary copy.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy is my auto-buy author. She writes beautiful stories that feel like a refreshing retreat for me. I’ve loved all her books and this is a favorite for me. The characters were so well developed and the humor was also perfectly woven in. I loved the faith aspect too. Normally authors slap a little Bible verse in the second last chapter and call it Christian fiction but this really takes you on a journey on growth in the best way. The romance was lovely. Zero ick and a perfect amount of swoon. I enjoyed Ben and Cordelia’s story and look forward to all Ivy’s future books 🤩

[Gina Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of two imperfect people with walls up whose lives intersect and that changes everything. Faith plays an important role for the 2 main characters and was so relatable. For me this book had the right amount of suspense, romance, and faith plus it was a fascinating setting.

I literally couldn't stop reading I was fully invested!

Thank you to the author for an ARC.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Light is a sweet, suspenseful, faith filled romance that was absolutely amazing. Ben and Cordelia's story kept me hooked from start to finish. It made me laugh at some parts, and the romance between them was really sweet. I loved the setting and the baby rhinos that were mentioned. This is a terrific book, and I would totally recommend it. 🤗

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

💚Bodyguard MMC
💚Socially awkward FMC
💚Rhino Sanctuary in South Africa
💚Christian Romantic Suspense with lovable side characters

Wild Light is a clean, romantic suspense filled with faith and tearing down walls. Bonus - baby rhinos!