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Carolina Moon #3.5
Light the Dark
Nine months pregnant, Hope Solomon is on the run and fearing for her life. Desperate for warmth, food, and shelter, she finds what looks like an abandoned house. Inside, she discovers a Christmas that's been left behind-complete with faded decorations on a brittle Christmas tree and dusty stockings filled with loss. Someone spies smoke coming from the chimney of the empty house and alerts Dr. Luke Griffin, the owner. He rarely visits the home that harbors so many bittersweet memories for him. But no one is going to violate the space so near and dear to his heart. Then Luke meets Hope, and he knows this mother-to-be desperately needs help. With no room at any local inn, Luke invites Hope to stay, unaware of the danger following her. While running from the darkness, the embers of Christmas present are stirred with an unexpected birth and a holiday romance. But will Hope and Luke live to see a Christmas future?
- GenresChristmas
156 pages, Paperback
Published January 24, 2017
123 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
338 books1,664 followersChristy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 21, 2016
I enjoy everything Christy Barritt writes. She keeps me glued to the page with her mysteries and keeps repeating characters that I have fallen in love with and love seeing over and over. In her latest novella, Light the Dark, it features two characters that aren't in any of her other novels. The story is about 111 pages, so it is a quick read and took me about an hour to enjoy. Saying that, I did have an issue with wishing the story was longer. Because of the short nature of the plot, it felt quick for the suspense and the romance. The entire story takes place in forty-eight hours and the two characters are in love with each other by the end. Not realistic. Plus, the bad guy shows up with no clue that he was following the heroine. Since this is a Christmas novella, the pregnant woman's birth mirrors the nativity birth, reminding me of the upcoming Christmas season. While the romance and mystery really didn't do it for me in this short story, I really enjoy Barritt's writing style and can't wait for her next books.
November 21, 2019
Touching.
This is a very touching and heartwarming Christmas story that is filled with suspense and redemption. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is a very touching and heartwarming Christmas story that is filled with suspense and redemption. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 25, 2016
I received the e-book version of this book just a couple of days ago, and with traveling over Thanksgiving, I didn't have time to get started. So, after the turkey and stuffing was eaten and the dishes done, I sat down to read this sweet Christmas novella. It was a quick, fun read on a Thanksgiving afternoon while the rest of the family napped. Hope is on the run from someone she thought she could trust, feeling alone and scared since she is 8 and 1/2 months pregnant, and has no money or food or a place to stay. She feels like God is far away and that He doesn't really care about her but He is still working in her life, bringing together two hurting people who could help each other heal. I loved the parallels to the Nativity Story. The only downside was, I wish it were longer! I received a free copy of this book, but the opinions are my own.
June 16, 2017
Great book
Light the Dark is a well-written romance/suspense. A great addition to the Carolina Moon Series. Fast paced plot with great characters. I highly recommend this book
Light the Dark is a well-written romance/suspense. A great addition to the Carolina Moon Series. Fast paced plot with great characters. I highly recommend this book
July 12, 2018
Light the dark
This novels has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of contemporary, suspense , romance stories.
This novels has an easy to follow plot and interesting characters. I recommend this book to all lovers of contemporary, suspense , romance stories.
December 27, 2018
Review for light the dark
The book was very good it kept your interest and wondered what was going to happen next.I would recommend this book to anyone who liked mystery and love😀
The book was very good it kept your interest and wondered what was going to happen next.I would recommend this book to anyone who liked mystery and love😀
April 22, 2019
Womderful
A warm story of Hope and God's protection over his sheep! Can't wait for the next book in this series.
A warm story of Hope and God's protection over his sheep! Can't wait for the next book in this series.
September 30, 2019
I love Christmas stories. They are always so full of hope and leave you with a warm fuzzy happiness at the end. Wonderful book of hope and second chances.
July 31, 2017
She's fleeing danger, he's fleeing loss...
Christy Barritt is one of my absolute favorite authors, whether it's her mysteries or her romantic suspense, and I've really enjoyed the Carolina Moon series in particular. Light The Dark is a great novella, with plenty of suspense and romance, perfect for the cold snowy afternoons that are part and parcel of this time of year. You'll get to check in with some favorite characters from the previous books and get to meet some delightful new ones. I truly enjoyed this little Christmas novella and definitely recommend it to fans of this author or of Christmas suspense stories in general.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Christy Barritt is one of my absolute favorite authors, whether it's her mysteries or her romantic suspense, and I've really enjoyed the Carolina Moon series in particular. Light The Dark is a great novella, with plenty of suspense and romance, perfect for the cold snowy afternoons that are part and parcel of this time of year. You'll get to check in with some favorite characters from the previous books and get to meet some delightful new ones. I truly enjoyed this little Christmas novella and definitely recommend it to fans of this author or of Christmas suspense stories in general.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
February 8, 2018
Good Story - Abrupt Ending
The story was interesting but the ending was rushed. There were a number of details involved in the ending that were left unexplained. Also, for all the concern about the pregnancy, the birth of the baby was vague. 3 stars up for good writing & plot but 2 stars down for a totally unsatisfying ending. (Note: it should have been taken to novel length. There was potential for more character development and more details about the crime.)
The story was interesting but the ending was rushed. There were a number of details involved in the ending that were left unexplained. Also, for all the concern about the pregnancy, the birth of the baby was vague. 3 stars up for good writing & plot but 2 stars down for a totally unsatisfying ending. (Note: it should have been taken to novel length. There was potential for more character development and more details about the crime.)
December 10, 2021
A sweet Christmas tale
With Hope on the run from an FBI agent turned bad guy, and on the verge of delivering a baby, Hope worries that she'll be found & killed by FBI goons. Enter Dr. Luke Griffin, just getting over his wife's death in childbirth, who sees pregnant Hope as someone who needs his help. The story parallels the story of Jesus, complete with a herd of sheep. Christy Barritt has a winner once again.
With Hope on the run from an FBI agent turned bad guy, and on the verge of delivering a baby, Hope worries that she'll be found & killed by FBI goons. Enter Dr. Luke Griffin, just getting over his wife's death in childbirth, who sees pregnant Hope as someone who needs his help. The story parallels the story of Jesus, complete with a herd of sheep. Christy Barritt has a winner once again.
December 28, 2018
Awwww!
I read this in one sitting on a cold rainy day on December 28th. When you read the last page in this thriller you will understand why there is such joy in my heart and delight in the happy ending of this story. Which BTW, I did not see coming. You won't be disappointed but then who could ever be with one of Christy's books.
I read this in one sitting on a cold rainy day on December 28th. When you read the last page in this thriller you will understand why there is such joy in my heart and delight in the happy ending of this story. Which BTW, I did not see coming. You won't be disappointed but then who could ever be with one of Christy's books.
December 18, 2023
she felt like Mary
Trying to find a place to have her baby. But Clint had Died, she found out she was pregnant, and the list continues. She is running for her life and her Baby’s life. If only she she could find a place to rest………..Don’t put the book down or blink. You’ll miss something. Enjoy!!!
Trying to find a place to have her baby. But Clint had Died, she found out she was pregnant, and the list continues. She is running for her life and her Baby’s life. If only she she could find a place to rest………..Don’t put the book down or blink. You’ll miss something. Enjoy!!!
November 30, 2016
This was a clean, fast read. The suspense part was wrapped up really quickly (I would have liked more details) but for a novella it makes sense. I liked the main characters and the happy ending.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
September 17, 2017
Beautiful Christmas story.
It is a bitter time for Luke and Hope. Both are facing Christmas with the loss of their spouses in the near past. And now Hope is on the run from a corrupt FBI agent.
When all seems hopeless, sheep come to the rescue.
It is a bitter time for Luke and Hope. Both are facing Christmas with the loss of their spouses in the near past. And now Hope is on the run from a corrupt FBI agent.
When all seems hopeless, sheep come to the rescue.
March 23, 2020
Love this book! Christy is one of the best writers around. This is a short, sweet and romantic book that you can read very quickly and feel good about it when you're finished. I recommend this and all of Christy's books!
July 18, 2025
Enjoyed this Christmas Novella. There is not alot of suspense as everything happens in about 48 hour span. I did enjoy how the ending mirrored the Nativity. Overall it was a good read. Things may have moved at almost unrealistic speed but still enjoyable.
July 27, 2018
Moon series
This series is amazing good. Storylines and character development been you into the light that shine with lots of love
This series is amazing good. Storylines and character development been you into the light that shine with lots of love
November 20, 2019
Loved it
Oh my goodness I couldn't put this book down. I loved the whole series. Can't wait to see if there is more books in the series
Oh my goodness I couldn't put this book down. I loved the whole series. Can't wait to see if there is more books in the series
April 6, 2020
Outstanding
This book was oh so good! A pregnant woman running from criminals who are after her. A doctor who helps her and the birth of a baby!
This book was oh so good! A pregnant woman running from criminals who are after her. A doctor who helps her and the birth of a baby!
July 23, 2020
Good read
A great little Christmas novella about fear, learning to trust, with a little mystery and love thrown in; what more could you ask for?
A great little Christmas novella about fear, learning to trust, with a little mystery and love thrown in; what more could you ask for?
August 10, 2020
So good!
This novella was an interesting, sweet, mysterious story and I really enjoyed it! As novellas go, it was perfect! I enjoy Christy Barritt books!
This novella was an interesting, sweet, mysterious story and I really enjoyed it! As novellas go, it was perfect! I enjoy Christy Barritt books!
October 29, 2020
Wonderful nativity themed story!
Wonderful nativity themed story with a modern twist! It was a great and easy read. Christy never disappoints her readers.
Wonderful nativity themed story with a modern twist! It was a great and easy read. Christy never disappoints her readers.
December 7, 2020
Another great story
I love how Christy reveals Gods live in her stories!! Turning tragedy, distrust , fear and sadness around to trusting , having Faith in God and new
beginnings!
I love how Christy reveals Gods live in her stories!! Turning tragedy, distrust , fear and sadness around to trusting , having Faith in God and new
beginnings!
April 27, 2020
9 months pregnant, on the run Hope breaks into an empty house to find shelter and food. The owner of the house finds her and wants to help her. But can she trust him? And can she find a way out of danger before her baby arrives. A great short story, but I feel it would have been even better as a full novel?
June 28, 2021
I love the way the two main characters meet and come together to help each other through major tragedies in their lives. This is another of Christy Barritt’s great stories. I highly recommend reading it.
November 30, 2016
Fun short story about a pregnant lady on the run from someone she thought she could trust. She is tired but broke, thankfully she comes across an abandoned house and decides to spend the night there. She meant to leave before daylight, but was more tired than she realized and ends up meeting the homeowner, Luke. At first Luke is angry but as soon as he sees Hope he feels compassion for her and tries to help. Will the pursuer catch up with her? Will she and her baby be safe? The whole story takes places in less than 48 hours, but the message of how God will bring you out of the dark times stands out.
I received an complimentary copy of this book. The views expressed are my own.
I received an complimentary copy of this book. The views expressed are my own.
November 24, 2016
It's Christmas time. She's very pregnant and on the run. A dangerous pursuer with all the right connections is hot on her heels. Hope finds a safe haven and unlikely protector in Luke, but will this get them both killed? Christy Barritt packs scary sweetness in a seasonal suspense which forbids your exhale until the end. Once again, a Barritt tale will be worth your time and leave you with a smile.
I received a copy of the book from the author without obligation. This review and opinion are my own.
I received a copy of the book from the author without obligation. This review and opinion are my own.
November 28, 2016
It's true: the kid will never believe it!
A story so Christmassy you will literally pop stars at the end! I even played "Jesus, Take the Wheel" for the first chapter. I should have ended with what child is this or something equally hokey, but I got caught up in drama.. Right up until the baa-ing. That did me in. Really: how am I supposed to keep a straight face and keep from talking out loud to the book and bemoaning the fact that yes, Christy Barritt indeed has less self control than even I could have imagined and I. Have. None.
A story so Christmassy you will literally pop stars at the end! I even played "Jesus, Take the Wheel" for the first chapter. I should have ended with what child is this or something equally hokey, but I got caught up in drama.. Right up until the baa-ing. That did me in. Really: how am I supposed to keep a straight face and keep from talking out loud to the book and bemoaning the fact that yes, Christy Barritt indeed has less self control than even I could have imagined and I. Have. None.
December 15, 2016
What a Good Story!
This book captures the tensions surrounding a pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the suspense of a murder.
Hope is on the run for her life and that of her baby, Luke is trying to run from his past and the pain of loss. They meet under strange circumstances and soon have to depend on each other to get through the run for their lives.
Christy Barritt has done it again. This is a great book full of action, suspense, drama, and a bit of romance.
This book captures the tensions surrounding a pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the suspense of a murder.
Hope is on the run for her life and that of her baby, Luke is trying to run from his past and the pain of loss. They meet under strange circumstances and soon have to depend on each other to get through the run for their lives.
Christy Barritt has done it again. This is a great book full of action, suspense, drama, and a bit of romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews