True Light

Restoration #3

by Terri Blackstock

While still in darkness, the Brannings help to start a government system in their neighbourhood, & establish a church & a school, but a new outbreak of murders threatens their work.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Mystery, Dystopia, Suspense, Romance

291 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Terri Blackstock is a New York Times best-seller, with over seven million books sold worldwide.. She has had over thirty years of success as a novelist.

Terri spent the first twelve years of her life traveling in a U.S. Air Force family. She lived in nine states and attended the first four years of school in The Netherlands. Because she was a perpetual “new kid,” her imagination became her closest friend. That, she believes, was the biggest factor in her becoming a novelist. She sold her first novel at the age of twenty-five, and has had a successful career ever since.

In 1994 Terri was writing romance novels under two pseudonyms for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, Dell and Silhouette, when a spiritual awakening prompted her to switch gears. At the time, she was reading more suspense than romance, and felt drawn to write thrillers about ordinary people in grave danger. Her newly awakened faith wove its way into the tapestry of her suspense novels, offering hope instead of despair. Her goal is to entertain with page-turning plots, while challenging her readers to think and grow. She hopes to remind them that they’re valued by God and that their trials have a purpose.

Reviews

[emerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

“But living in fear is no kind of life. We have to trust God. That doesn't mean bad things won't happen. But we know He's in charge.”

[Lucy Fifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASE Deni, kick Craig ouuuut!

[Sarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Terri Blackstock, the third in the series.

The main theme in this book is about forgiveness, forgiving your enemies and loving them, even though it is difficult to do. Mark Green is framed for the shooting of Zach, all for a deer, and members Oak Hallow jump to there one judgments and on a vigilant run for justice they nearly kill Mark. The group is imprisoned for their actions and Mark is struggling between his rage and hatred for the men who attacked him and forgiving them. Terri Blackstock did an amazing job to show Mark's struggle with this, since forgiving and loving your enemies are never an easy choice to make.

This was another great book by Terri which I enjoyed from beginning to end and wanted to read whenever I could find the time. The suspense was very good and bringing in other criminal characters who is pure evil with no conscience brought another aspect to the struggles the members of Oak Hallow had to face. After a specific scene early in the book, I knew who the real shooter were and knowing the character trades, this kept me in suspense to see when Mark will put two and two together and how everything will turn out.

I loved to see how Deni grew from book 1 to book 3. The girl in book 1 would never have helped Mark cleaning toilets for criminals and I hope at the end of the series there will be a happy ending for Mark and Deni.

I absolutely love Mark - his character is so strong and faith in God solid, even after his childhood, criminal for a father and how the community treated him.

Recommended to all suspense lovers. Recommended to read the series in order as the characters' growth start in Book 1 and you better understand them as the series unfolds.

[Christine Indorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Restoration series. When a boy is shot deer hunting Marc is accused. The Banning are out to prove his innocence, especially Dannie the oldest daughter who is falling in love with Marc. As they try to prove his innocence things come to light about who framed him for the crime can Marc find out who is responsible? This book focuses on the neighbor Marc who father was breaking the law until his death. Marc, a Christian, wants to do the right thing but can his family destroy all that he has worked for. Book 3 is 8 month into the global blackout. The neighborhood is coming together to help each other but when Marc is accused of the crime will the neighborhood stand by him or take the law into their own hands. I think out the the 4 book series this is my least favorite but I still love Marc as a character. He comes from a bad family but through Christ love he can become a man he can be proud of. Also you get to see a relationship with Dannie which is wonderful. Hope you get a chance to read the series and enjoy it as much as I have!!

[Danielle Ramey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still a 3.5 like the other two for me. Good writing. And Deni still sucks

[Nikki Akerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ these books are hard to put down. I’m fully invested in this family. The way faith plays out is so inspiring and the author’s note at the end was beautiful. Bring on book 4!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "Restoration" series by this author was my favorite series of Terri Blackstock's. I've read and enjoyed several others, but the premise of these books (complete loss of electricity and transporation, etc.) was engrossing with great character development. Highly recommend these books.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuation of the Restoration series. Just as good as the previous 2 novels. One thing I like about Terri Blackstock writings, she uses much Scripture in different situations in the story, that shows how we can use Scripture also in our everyday experiences.

[JaneReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark has to be my favourite character in this series. He has been ostracized by most of the community due to his father's actions but he still helps those around him by sharing his knowledge and hunting skills. There is quite a bit of evil happening in the community and the descriptions were very vivid at times. A teen is shot for his deer and Mark is framed. Mark goes through a lot physically and emotionally in this book, but he keeps his faith in God and shows forgiveness to those around him. He never gave up for fighting for what was right and protecting those around him. Deni has grown since book one, I like the changes in her and the choices she makes in this book. I am fully invested in this story and can't wait to read book 4 to see what happens when the power is finally restored (I'm assuming it will be).

[Mackenzie Dare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting and engaging book. At first, it started out a little slow for my tastes, but once I got into it and started realizing the questions and conflicts and began to know the characters better, it held my attention to the end. The action really ramps up toward the end, and that is my favorite part. :)

What would it be like if we no longer had access to electricity? I love how Terri Blackstock takes us into this imaginary world and makes us feel this new life. Would it really be a simpler, or would life suddenly be marked by hardship, insecurity, and danger. What would your home be like without a dishwasher, stove, heater, or refrigerator? How would you make do? How would you reinvent your modern day conveniences into workable entities? What would justice be like without computers, electronics, fast cars, and efficient, international communication? What if your only form of transportation was your bicycle? What if instead of being a jet-set executive you were now a poor subsistence farmer... with no idea how to make food grow. What if modern-day America was plunged back into the cowboy era in an instant, without warning? How would you cope? How do Terri Blackstock's characters cope?

True light is a story of murder, mystery, and romance. It's about forgiveness to those that don't deserve it, justice opposed to revenge, and taking a chance on love. It's about standing for right when the temptation to join those around you is nearly too strong to resist. It's about not holding a grudge, not letting bitterness grab you even when it seems the whole world is out to get you.

This is a great Christian, fiction romance that I would recommend to any one.

[Coralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in Terri Blackstock's Restoration series. I'm a huge fan of this series and an avid Blackstock reader. The entire series is brilliant, but this story was one of my favorites because I loved Mark's character. I love his determination and honesty. He's got true grit. I also loved seeing Deni develop and grow. Throughout the series Blackstock's characters grow and learn, but Deni reminded me of myself and it was a really interesting perspective for me. There's one particular scene where Deni helps Mark do something that's not such a fun task and that most people would argue isn't worth the effort, as Deni did. But she helped Mark because he was dead set on doing what was right. I love the heart of this series, and I highly recommend all four of the books.

[Brandon Augustus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terri Blackstock is the best Christian mystery writer that I know of. I have read her entire Cape Refuge series and loved it. I also read If I Run which is the first book in a series, the second book, called If I'm Found, comes out in March and I am looking forward to it very much! As with the others I would recommend it to anyone early teen and above. This book really deals with forgiving your enemies and not holding grudges. It is still a suspenseful murder mystery- maybe, I won't spoil it! See if you can guess who the criminal is! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading the next one! You can wait for my review when I finish it!!! I would recommend this book to everyone though, not just Christians. Enjoy!

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Brannings circle the wagons to help Mark, accused of a murder, while the world continues with its apocalypse due to EM pulses.

I'm a fan of apocalyptic fiction, so I continue to enjoy this picture of how people might react to a world with no electricity. The Branning family feel like real people that you care about. Christianity takes a stronger focus in this third volume which is not a plus for me -more of this seemed like preaching at people which I did not feel the first and second volume included. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series ends with volume four.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series seems like a lesson in things to come. Blackstock has a good handle on the human reaction to disaster. Understanding that with God, people can be good even in the light of tragedy.

[Tammy Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better with each book. It’s difficult to put it down. I’m glad I had a rainy evening to read. ❤️

[Caryn Block · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. This is the third installment and I've read books 1-3 in just a few days. It centers around a family in Alabama during a massive worldwide power outrage/ technology shutdown and the resulting chaos that ensues. Although I could not stand the character of Deni in book 1, she's grown so much over the series and I'm very invested in her love story that's blossomed over books 2-4. The faith elements are well done and believable, which I've come to expect from Terri Blackstock and am always happy to see. Great series, now onto book 4!

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is #3 in the Restoration series. This series is about a mysterious event that made ALL the electronics in the world to stop working. Story deals with all the complications of having no electricity.
I love Terri Blackstock although this was not my one of my favorites, I believe it was more because I didn’t care for the audio performer.
I have read 23 Terri Blackstock novels! She is a great story teller and has twists that I don’t see coming. I certainly look forward to the next Blackstock novel!!!.

[Raquel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the THIRD book in the series.
A novel full of mystery, violence, drama and a touch of romance.
The book continues with the power outages and people learning how to grow their own food.
There a constant incidents of burglaries, and thefts from criminals, so staying alert and on guard is an everyday thing now.
Book definitely keeps you on your toes on what happens next!

[Katrina Lybbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3rd book in a series. Each book is filled with suspense. This story focused on Mark Green. He was accused of murder and locked up in jail. Deni Branning works to help him clear his name and find the real killer. All while living in a world suffering from EMPs and primitive conditions because of them.

[Carolyn F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook

A good ending to the series. It ends happy but a lot of not happy stuff happened to the family before that. I liked the afterward by the author. I would recommend this book/series.

[Becki Woodsmall · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Light

There isn’t a book of Terri’s that I have not thoroughly enjoyed and this one did not disappoint! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the subject material. Fantastic!!

[Jessica Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite of Blackstock's so far. Fast-paced with twists I didn't expect. Bummed I have to wait a few weeks now for the final book in the series.

[WHITNEY WILHITE]

304 pages

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s just so good. It ended a little abruptly but all the more reason to pick up the next one! Love this series!

[Caleb Seaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ending to the seriesexcept I just learned there's another book so I'm going that to my want to read.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

📘 **True Light** is the third installment in Terri Blackstock’s *Restoration Series*, a gripping Christian suspense saga set in a world plunged into darkness after a global blackout. Eight months into the crisis, the residents of Oak Hollow face deepening winter, dwindling resources, and rising tensions.

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## 🧩 Detailed Summary

The story centers around **Mark Green**, a young man ostracized due to his father's criminal past. When a teenager named Zach is shot while hunting, Mark is falsely accused. The Branning family, especially **Deni Branning**, believes in his innocence and works to uncover the truth.

As vigilante justice threatens Mark’s life, the Brannings rally to protect him and expose the real shooter. The novel explores themes of **forgiveness**, **faith**, and **community resilience** in the face of fear and chaos.

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## 👥 Character Breakdown

| Character | Role & Actions |
|------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Mark Green** | Framed for shooting Zach; struggles with forgiveness; shows strength and faith |
| **Deni Branning**| Believes in Mark’s innocence; helps investigate; grows emotionally and spiritually |
| **Doug & Kay Branning** | Parents who lead with faith; support Mark and guide their family through crisis |
| **Jeff Branning**| Younger Branning son; involved in events surrounding Zach’s shooting |
| **Beth Branning**| Youngest daughter; witnesses community changes and grows in maturity |
| **Zach** | Teenager who is shot while hunting; his injury sparks the central conflict |
| **Oak Hollow Vigilantes** | Mob that wrongly targets Mark; later face consequences for their actions |

---

## 🗺️ Breakdown of Key Events

1. **Zach’s Shooting**
- Zach is shot while hunting; his deer is stolen.
- Mark Green is accused due to his family’s reputation.

2. **Community Reaction**
- Oak Hollow residents form a mob, pressuring the sheriff to arrest Mark.
- Tensions rise as fear and prejudice take hold.

3. **Branning Family’s Investigation**
- Deni and her family work to prove Mark’s innocence.
- They uncover inconsistencies and clues pointing to the real shooter.

4. **Mark’s Struggle**
- Faces physical and emotional trauma.
- Wrestles with forgiving those who attacked and betrayed him.

5. **Vigilantes Imprisoned**
- The mob is held accountable, showing justice can prevail even in chaos.

6. **Deni’s Growth**
- Her relationship with Mark deepens.
- She matures from a self-focused young woman to a compassionate advocate.

---

## 🎯 Ending Highlights

- **Mark is exonerated**, and the real shooter is revealed.
- The Branning family’s faith and perseverance inspire the community.
- Deni and Mark’s bond strengthens, hinting at a hopeful future.
- The town begins to rebuild trust and unity, setting the stage for the final book.

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Would you like a visual timeline of the events or a deeper dive into the themes like forgiveness and justice?

You're absolutely right—let’s fill in those gaps and give *True Light* the full spotlight it deserves. 🌟

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## 👮 Law Enforcement in Oak Hollow

- **Sheriff and Deputies**
- The sheriff is **overworked and underpaid**, struggling to maintain order with limited resources.
- The **county jail is overcrowded and disease-ridden**, making it nearly impossible to hold suspects long-term.
- Deputies are stretched thin, and their inability to contain vigilante mobs highlights the breakdown of civil authority.
- Despite these challenges, the sheriff does his best to uphold justice, eventually **releasing Mark Green** when evidence proves his innocence.

---

## 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Mark Green’s Family

- **Mark’s Mother**
- A quiet but resilient figure, she stands by Mark despite the community’s hostility.
- Her past—being married to a convicted murderer—casts a long shadow, but she remains a symbol of grace and endurance.

- **Mark’s Brothers**
- **Gary Green** plays a key role early on: he’s with Zach when the shooting occurs and helps get him to the hospital.
- The brothers are caught between their father’s criminal legacy and their own efforts to live honorably.

- **Wives?**
- Mark is **not married** in this book. His romantic arc centers on **Deni Branning**, whose growing affection and loyalty become a central theme.

## 🔚 Ending Breakdown

- **Mark is cleared** of all charges after the Brannings uncover the truth.
- The **real shooter is exposed**, and vigilantes who attacked Mark are **imprisoned**, showing that justice can still prevail even in chaos.
- **Deni and Mark’s relationship deepens**, hinting at a future together.
- The Branning family helps establish **a local government, church, and school**, laying the groundwork for community restoration.
- The book ends with a sense of **hope and spiritual renewal**, even as the blackout continues.

## 👮 Law Enforcement in Oak Hollow

- **Sheriff and Deputies**
- The sheriff is **overworked and underpaid**, struggling to maintain order with limited resources.
- The **county jail is overcrowded and disease-ridden**, making it nearly impossible to hold suspects long-term.
- Deputies are stretched thin, and their inability to contain vigilante mobs highlights the breakdown of civil authority.
- Despite these challenges, the sheriff does his best to uphold justice, eventually **releasing Mark Green** when evidence proves his innocence.
## 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Mark Green’s Family

- **Mark’s Mother**
- A quiet but resilient figure, she stands by Mark despite the community’s hostility.
- Her past—being married to a convicted murderer—casts a long shadow, but she remains a symbol of grace and endurance.

- **Mark’s Brothers**
- **Gary Green** plays a key role early on: he’s with Zach when the shooting occurs and helps get him to the hospital.
- The brothers are caught between their father’s criminal legacy and their own efforts to live honorably.

- **Wives?**
- Mark is **not married** in this book. His romantic arc centers on **Deni Branning**, whose growing affection and loyalty become a central theme.

---

## 🔚 Ending Breakdown

- **Mark is cleared** of all charges after the Brannings uncover the truth.
- The **real shooter is exposed**, and vigilantes who attacked Mark are **imprisoned**, showing that justice can still prevail even in chaos.
- **Deni and Mark’s relationship deepens**, hinting at a future together.
- The Branning family helps establish **a local government, church, and school**, laying the groundwork for community restoration.


## 🔫 Who Were the Real Shooters?

The **real shooter** of Zach was **not Mark Green**, but rather a **desperate man who killed for food**—specifically, for the deer Zach had hunted.
- The shooter’s **identity is revealed late in the book**, and he’s someone **driven by hunger and hopelessness**, not personal malice.
- His motive? **Survival**. In a world without electricity, food is scarce, and people are pushed to extremes.
- He **gave up on life** in the sense that he abandoned moral boundaries—choosing theft and violence over community and faith.
- This act sets off a chain reaction of fear, blame, and vigilante justice that nearly costs Mark his life.

---

## 🚨 The Prisoner Who Tried to Kill the Sheriff

One of the most chilling subplots involves a **dangerous prisoner** who attempts to **murder the sheriff**:
- The **county jail is overcrowded and unsanitary**, making it a breeding ground for violence.
- This prisoner, described as **pure evil with no conscience**, is emblematic of how the blackout has unleashed society’s darkest impulses.
- His **attack on the sheriff** underscores the collapse of law and order.
- The sheriff survives, but the incident leaves a lasting impact—highlighting the fragility of justice in a world without infrastructure.

😄 You got me laughing over here! Okay, let’s get serious for a second.

The **real shooter** in *True Light* is **Gary Green**, Mark’s own brother. Yep—plot twist! Gary was out hunting with Zach and panicked when Zach was shot. He didn’t mean to hurt anyone, but his actions afterward—**stealing the deer and fleeing the scene**—made things look suspicious. Because of the Green family's troubled past, the community jumped to conclusions and **blamed Mark**, who had nothing to do with it.

Gary’s motives weren’t malicious—he was **desperate and scared**, and the pressure of survival in a post-blackout world clouded his judgment. He eventually confesses, and that’s what clears Mark’s name.

It’s a powerful moment that shows how fear and guilt can twist even good intentions—and how **forgiveness and truth** can still win out.

Want me to break down how the Brannings uncovered the truth or how Gary’s confession plays out? It’s a wild ride.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Restoration series, this book continues to follow the Brannings, but focuses a bit more on Mark. A little more gruesome with some harsh details of events, similar to the details of living conditions in the apartments in the second book. But the story is clean and faith based.

I was a bit disappointed in the ending. Well, actually a lot disappointed 😅 It’s ending to me was like it was just another chapter. It didn’t really wrap up at all. Glad there’s a fourth book.

While I really love Marks character and the hard reality of all he’s had to overcome, it seemed like his hardship and heartache just kept going. I would have liked to see more of a definitive resolution in his storyline. Out of all three books, so far this was my least favorite.

[Alayna | Literarily Persuaded · Rating 5 out of 5]

That ended wayyy too fast. As in, I haven't even recovered yet.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notable Content: Kissing; a few mentions of pornography and sex; a scene with prisoners "catcalling" and making "lewd suggestions" and "groping gestures." Sorta torture with bone breaking.

Again, my heart is both full and broken. These books bring me so much emotion. I root for the characters, sometimes almost pray for them (whoops), and love with them; they’re so real. I can’t give these books enough praise. I will say that I didn’t particularly enjoy the perspectives of Beth and the sheriff, but they only had a couple of chapters each, so that was alright; I got lots of Deni, Doug, and Mark. I love how each book has its own story to tell, but they also align perfectly with each other. It all ties in to something else in the series, but still, each book has its own plot. It’s amazing. The relationships of the characters are so incredible as well; I just want Denmark (Deni x Mark) to be official already, okay?? When’s my wedding? But I also admire Mark so much and how he wants the best for her and doesn’t rush her. These books are suspenseful as well. I rush through the book, eager to find out what happens next. I could probably go on, but I think I’ll just end by saying that these books are amazing and I’m headed to read the next one right now.

[Karol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, the author has deepened the "what if" story about what the world would be like if electricity did not work. In this novel, people are beginning to adjust by finding new ways to use things that don't work, and probably never will again. The formulation of swaps as a needed way of life is interesting. But of course, the book focuses most on spiritual matters and the conflict between good (those who try to be fair, work hard for their families, and help their neighbors) and evil (those who remain to be only out for themselves).

The near-collapse of the local police force was a particularly dark aspect of the story, but somehow the need to solve a murder mystery and bring justice and safety to the community prodded some woefully overworked and underpaid men to stay on - as well as spurring a greatly-needed volunteer effort.

The events seemed credible, and the spiritual struggles quite real. As you can see, I really enjoyed this novel.