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Finding Home #3
Until the Light Breaks Through
Jack Young’s past comes back to haunt him in the third installment of Heather Wood's Christian family saga as the Great Chicago Fire threatens to destroy everything he loves most . . .
Newly graduated from seminary and on the cusp of taking a pastorate in Kentucky, Jack discovers devastating consequences of the licentious life he put behind him six years ago. To move forward, he must go back. But each encounter with his old life brings lasting reverberations for his future and further chips away at the peace he’s pursued so desperately all these years. The revival of an old friendship sparks feelings he’s worked hard to keep dormant and challenges his determination to reject anything that could come between him and the Lord again. When the city of Chicago burns to ashes, it leaves his family tragically altered—and Jack more unsure of his place in God’s plan than ever.
Newly graduated from seminary and on the cusp of taking a pastorate in Kentucky, Jack discovers devastating consequences of the licentious life he put behind him six years ago. To move forward, he must go back. But each encounter with his old life brings lasting reverberations for his future and further chips away at the peace he’s pursued so desperately all these years. The revival of an old friendship sparks feelings he’s worked hard to keep dormant and challenges his determination to reject anything that could come between him and the Lord again. When the city of Chicago burns to ashes, it leaves his family tragically altered—and Jack more unsure of his place in God’s plan than ever.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2022
10 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Heather Wood
7 books251 followersHeather Wood grew up in the Chicago suburbs, loving history, classic literature, writing stories, and Civil War reenacting. After obtaining her bachelor's degree in Bible/Theology from Appalachian Bible College, she settled in Virginia with her husband, David. Her early passions fuel her writing today, although she spends most of her days now working to infuse her love for God and good literature into the hearts of her four children. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @heather.wood.author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 19, 2022
This is a beautiful and heart-tugging continuation of the Young/Dinsmore family saga, focusing primarily on baby brother Jack Young. I was touched by the redemptive arc to Jack’s story—how he came to see his broken past in a new light and allowed God to use it to help others.
The secondary storyline with characters Luke and Kellie Dinsmore is equally compelling as they face the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire. Wood’s impeccable research shines as she deftly brings to life both the tragic loss as well as the resilience of the city. The two storylines intersect for a powerful and satisfying conclusion.
I love books where the characters’ relationship with God is central to their lives and they wrestle with hard questions, sin and temptation, motives and direction in life. This book has all of that, as well as characters who are delightful in their kindness and forgiveness to others, who are truly living out the gospel in their daily interactions.
The secondary storyline with characters Luke and Kellie Dinsmore is equally compelling as they face the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire. Wood’s impeccable research shines as she deftly brings to life both the tragic loss as well as the resilience of the city. The two storylines intersect for a powerful and satisfying conclusion.
I love books where the characters’ relationship with God is central to their lives and they wrestle with hard questions, sin and temptation, motives and direction in life. This book has all of that, as well as characters who are delightful in their kindness and forgiveness to others, who are truly living out the gospel in their daily interactions.
July 6, 2022
Until the Light Breaks Through is the last book in the Finding Home series by Heather Wood. This is a series that definitely needs to be read in order for the complete story.
I thought book two was my favorite, but Until the Light Breaks Through blew it out of the water for me. The character development and journey that we see from Jack Young starting in book one through book three is beautiful and heart-wrenching. You also get to follow along with Luke and Kelly as they recover from the devastating Chicago fire.
Out of the four siblings, Jack has had the hardest childhood and in my opinion, the sweetest redemption story. We follow him as he follows God's leading to atone for his past mistakes. And believe me, you will weep right along with Jack.
I have never felt such gripping, emotional turmoil from the very first pages of a book. This powerful book will have the reader immediately immersed in Jack's world, feeling what he feels, and seeing what he sees—even when it's utterly heartbreaking. Redemption and faith are woven throughout the story and are the central theme of the book. You won't be able to put this book down and will want to revisit it again and again for the Biblical truth found throughout the pages.
I thought book two was my favorite, but Until the Light Breaks Through blew it out of the water for me. The character development and journey that we see from Jack Young starting in book one through book three is beautiful and heart-wrenching. You also get to follow along with Luke and Kelly as they recover from the devastating Chicago fire.
Out of the four siblings, Jack has had the hardest childhood and in my opinion, the sweetest redemption story. We follow him as he follows God's leading to atone for his past mistakes. And believe me, you will weep right along with Jack.
I have never felt such gripping, emotional turmoil from the very first pages of a book. This powerful book will have the reader immediately immersed in Jack's world, feeling what he feels, and seeing what he sees—even when it's utterly heartbreaking. Redemption and faith are woven throughout the story and are the central theme of the book. You won't be able to put this book down and will want to revisit it again and again for the Biblical truth found throughout the pages.
July 6, 2022
Awhile go, as I was thinking about writing this post, a friend sent me a message and said "sell me on this series." Challenge gladly accepted! 😁
It truly comes down to how Gospel saturated Heather writes. It's not a superficial, "stick a Bible verse in it and call it Christian" series. Christ is the focus throughout the book. Each action, struggle, or outcome is seen through an authentic lens that glorifies Christ as the true source of help.
Heather also found a great balance between a plot or character driven storyline. She is passionate about the the Civil War and Chicago history, so that aspect of the book will all be accurate. (Highly suggest looking through her story highlights for some of the background!) BUT you also get to know the characters through personal struggles and events along the way. She writes about gritty and hard topics, but does it so well. After book 2, and completely falling for Jed's story, I couldn't imagine enjoying Jack's story in Until the Light Breaks Through as much as I did. It was a reminder of God's sovereignty and work in our lives even when His presence may feel distant. A beautiful story of His grace. Loved it and hopefully "sold" you on giving this series a try! 😊
It truly comes down to how Gospel saturated Heather writes. It's not a superficial, "stick a Bible verse in it and call it Christian" series. Christ is the focus throughout the book. Each action, struggle, or outcome is seen through an authentic lens that glorifies Christ as the true source of help.
Heather also found a great balance between a plot or character driven storyline. She is passionate about the the Civil War and Chicago history, so that aspect of the book will all be accurate. (Highly suggest looking through her story highlights for some of the background!) BUT you also get to know the characters through personal struggles and events along the way. She writes about gritty and hard topics, but does it so well. After book 2, and completely falling for Jed's story, I couldn't imagine enjoying Jack's story in Until the Light Breaks Through as much as I did. It was a reminder of God's sovereignty and work in our lives even when His presence may feel distant. A beautiful story of His grace. Loved it and hopefully "sold" you on giving this series a try! 😊
July 1, 2022
There are many things to love about this author’s writing, but a few things that stand out for me as a reader, things I’ve come to expect from her are - characters that feel like real people with messy backstories and brokenness, hope in the midst of that brokenness with the truth of the gospel and the reminder that no one is beyond the redemption found in Jesus Christ, and character’s whose lives and identities revolve around their faith. Her characters struggle and fall, but are pointed back to the cross. Pointed back to the newness found in salvation. Pointed back to the truth of who Christ is and how He never leaves us. Pointed to a God who is always there, working and willing even in the darkness. “He was with me...” That rock scene. So incredibly beautiful. 😭
I was one of those crazed readers asking politely **cough okay, fine rabidly begging **cough for Jack’s story. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the story and “ending” Heather gave the beloved baby of the Young clan. Three books in and these folks feel like family. What a beautiful story.
I was one of those crazed readers asking politely **cough okay, fine rabidly begging **cough for Jack’s story. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the story and “ending” Heather gave the beloved baby of the Young clan. Three books in and these folks feel like family. What a beautiful story.
January 28, 2023
"But that was what made the gospel so beautiful, wasn't it? It was the story of God's grace extended even to the forgetful, to the pious, to the overstivers and the understrivers. It wasn't designed for those who never strayed, for everyone strayed; it was for the returners."
I slowly read this book and savored each character and story. I did not want it to end! I love how the Gospel is intricately woven in each character, each conversation, each minute detail. I'm a returner- every day, over and over.
This third book continues the story of the Young Family, focusing primarily on Jack during the big Chicago Fire. I love how each book I read of Heather's I am going back and researching events. I love how she makes me feel and see what the characters are doing and doesn't just tell me. They challenge me on a spiritual level as well.
This book in particular deals with a heavier subject matter, a personal struggle Jack has. Heather treats it gracefully and tastefully, all the time infusing the Gospel. I've said before I am not a fan of Christian Historical Fiction very much because to me they come across as cheesy and sappy romances. But the romance and the marriages in this book are real and authentic.
"The night had been dark, but there had been no bitter anger, no despondency that might have been expected in such a season. The light coming from insde each of them, sometimes flickering, sometimes dim, had always been there."
May I be this light...
I slowly read this book and savored each character and story. I did not want it to end! I love how the Gospel is intricately woven in each character, each conversation, each minute detail. I'm a returner- every day, over and over.
This third book continues the story of the Young Family, focusing primarily on Jack during the big Chicago Fire. I love how each book I read of Heather's I am going back and researching events. I love how she makes me feel and see what the characters are doing and doesn't just tell me. They challenge me on a spiritual level as well.
This book in particular deals with a heavier subject matter, a personal struggle Jack has. Heather treats it gracefully and tastefully, all the time infusing the Gospel. I've said before I am not a fan of Christian Historical Fiction very much because to me they come across as cheesy and sappy romances. But the romance and the marriages in this book are real and authentic.
"The night had been dark, but there had been no bitter anger, no despondency that might have been expected in such a season. The light coming from insde each of them, sometimes flickering, sometimes dim, had always been there."
May I be this light...
October 22, 2022
I’ve read the first and third of this Christian historical fiction series and am so impressed with the author’s ability to delve into hard issues in a way that gives us all we need to know without going into gritty details. We all have a past, some less pretty than others. Jack is called to be a preacher but carries a weighty past that he’s been forgiven of, but with baggage that can be burdensome. Watching him walk through these trials and temptations is a reminder that God knows us through and through. He knows how we struggle and He wants to come alongside us to help. The faith themes are prevalent and resounding. Though this book can be a stand alone, I think it helps to read the first two in the series because of how you grow to deeply love each of these characters and their different struggles throughout each book. The Dinsmores and Youngs will be characters you want to keep reading stories about. I know I do.
June 17, 2022
Until the Light Breaks Through is Heather’s best work yet! Seriously, this book was SO GOOD, you guys! I’ve always loved Jack and have desperately wanted to see him get his own happily ever after, so this has been a much anticipated story. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint in any way! From the opening pages, I was drawn into Jack’s story of forgiveness and overcoming the past, and by the final chapter, I wasn’t ready to see the book end–though I couldn’t imagine a better ending than what Heather wrote! It was perfection!
I won’t say who Jack’s love interest is, that way you can enjoy the surprise of the discovery like I did! But I will say that his love story was so sweet and pure and I loved every bit of it. I really appreciated how Heather wrote Jack’s love story in light of his past. It felt very real to life without getting icky with the details of his past sins. It was an excellent example of a true, God-centered relationship, especially when those involved are trying not to fall into the same fleshly temptations of their past.
I love Heather’s character development. Her characters all feel so distinct and so real. You can’t help but love them and care about their stories. Reading her books feels like journeying through these characters’ lives alongside them, and I honestly think I could read a lot more books about them. I mean, can I just have a yearly account of what the Young/Dinsmore clan is up to? LOL!
Heather’s writing always touches the heart and provokes deeper thought, but this book really spoke to me in particular. While I don’t have a past anything like Jack, I could still deeply relate to him and his faith journey in many ways. The rock scene… That’s all I’ll say. When you read the book, you’ll understand! **all the tears**
Biblical Truth is present on every page of this beautiful book, making it a light in this dark world. If you’re a lover of true Christian Fiction, this is a must read! So worthy of five stars and MORE!
**I received a copy of this book from the author for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I won’t say who Jack’s love interest is, that way you can enjoy the surprise of the discovery like I did! But I will say that his love story was so sweet and pure and I loved every bit of it. I really appreciated how Heather wrote Jack’s love story in light of his past. It felt very real to life without getting icky with the details of his past sins. It was an excellent example of a true, God-centered relationship, especially when those involved are trying not to fall into the same fleshly temptations of their past.
I love Heather’s character development. Her characters all feel so distinct and so real. You can’t help but love them and care about their stories. Reading her books feels like journeying through these characters’ lives alongside them, and I honestly think I could read a lot more books about them. I mean, can I just have a yearly account of what the Young/Dinsmore clan is up to? LOL!
Heather’s writing always touches the heart and provokes deeper thought, but this book really spoke to me in particular. While I don’t have a past anything like Jack, I could still deeply relate to him and his faith journey in many ways. The rock scene… That’s all I’ll say. When you read the book, you’ll understand! **all the tears**
Biblical Truth is present on every page of this beautiful book, making it a light in this dark world. If you’re a lover of true Christian Fiction, this is a must read! So worthy of five stars and MORE!
**I received a copy of this book from the author for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
August 4, 2022
I felt that this book finished out the Finding Home Series quite well.
Once again, it was very character driven as I have come to appreciate in this particular Author's writing and it did not hide the gospel message contained within it's pages, which is appreciated.
It definitely is the heaviest content wise of the three books, but it was all handled with care.
Overall, this series as a whole makes me excited to see what Author Heather Wood will write next.
Once again, it was very character driven as I have come to appreciate in this particular Author's writing and it did not hide the gospel message contained within it's pages, which is appreciated.
It definitely is the heaviest content wise of the three books, but it was all handled with care.
Overall, this series as a whole makes me excited to see what Author Heather Wood will write next.
February 18, 2023
Wonderful book! I was so wrapped up in the story, it was hard to put down. Heather creates such engaging characters that feel "real" and expertly weaves in God's redemptive work in their lives.
January 7, 2025
This was the perfect end to an excellent series. Jack's story was rich with redemption. Wood painted his struggles with a regretful past with realistic strokes. Her characters are fleshed out and three-dimensional. There are no trite sermons and cliche answers, yet the truth of the gospel shines through each chapter. These characters will stay with me for a long time to come.
September 6, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the entire series. If you enjoy clean, historical books with faith and Christian ideals these books are for you!!
July 14, 2022
A beautiful story of redemption and that no one is too far from the all encompassing grace of Jesus Christ. This book has inspired me on my own walk with the Lord. And, like Jack wearing his white collar, I have started wearing my cross again as a reminder, not just to me, but also to the enemy of Who I belong to.
June 22, 2022
Until the light breaks through.
This is the first book in the series that I read.
It happens to be the last in the series. I really loved it
Jack's story is thought provoking and faith filled.
I loved how God used his broken past and all his mistakes to be the man he desired him to become. His road was long and pain but worth it.
One of the things that makes this book to stood out is that it's scripture centred and the love of God is revealed through the characters
I really loved this quote from the book
"What I mean to say is that our intimacy with God has far more to do with His devotion to us than ours to Him. When a humbled heart responds to God’s outstretched love in light of their own unworthiness, He takes up residence with that person. But when we play at religion out of a desire for self-improvement, we not only miss the point, we miss God as well."
I received a copy of this book from the author via bookfunnel and I am voluntarily leaving a review
This is the first book in the series that I read.
It happens to be the last in the series. I really loved it
Jack's story is thought provoking and faith filled.
I loved how God used his broken past and all his mistakes to be the man he desired him to become. His road was long and pain but worth it.
One of the things that makes this book to stood out is that it's scripture centred and the love of God is revealed through the characters
I really loved this quote from the book
"What I mean to say is that our intimacy with God has far more to do with His devotion to us than ours to Him. When a humbled heart responds to God’s outstretched love in light of their own unworthiness, He takes up residence with that person. But when we play at religion out of a desire for self-improvement, we not only miss the point, we miss God as well."
I received a copy of this book from the author via bookfunnel and I am voluntarily leaving a review
June 2, 2022
This book exceeded all expectations for me in the Finding Home series! Again, I love the redemption and healing through tough situations that Heather deals with in her books. I love the way she deals with everything by bringing you back to the gospel and what The Word has to say about the issue. I loved getting to see more of Jacks’s journey and healing but I also loved how she kept all the other characters in the story! I feel like I got a great amount of info about all the Youngs and Dinsmores again! I still love Jed and his story in book 2 but I just have to put them all together as my favorite book series and I can’t pick a favorite out of the 3!
January 27, 2023
As a long time fan of Heather Wood, I was waiting very impatiently for Jack’s story and boy, did she deliver!
I got the privilege of receiving an ARC and fell even more in love with these families. I rejoiced with them, wept with them, grieved and laughed with them. The characters became so real I feel like I might recognize one them in a history book. They’re friends and fellow faith-fighters.
Their struggles are my struggles in many ways. Doubt, guilt, regret, loneliness and uncertainty- all real issues we all deal with.
But we get to see examples of how Christ can redeem the lowliest of sinners and we watch these characters live out their faith thus inspiring us to do the same.
If you enjoy faith-filled realistic historical fiction with characters that steal your heart and become part of your family, you’ll love this series!
I got the privilege of receiving an ARC and fell even more in love with these families. I rejoiced with them, wept with them, grieved and laughed with them. The characters became so real I feel like I might recognize one them in a history book. They’re friends and fellow faith-fighters.
Their struggles are my struggles in many ways. Doubt, guilt, regret, loneliness and uncertainty- all real issues we all deal with.
But we get to see examples of how Christ can redeem the lowliest of sinners and we watch these characters live out their faith thus inspiring us to do the same.
If you enjoy faith-filled realistic historical fiction with characters that steal your heart and become part of your family, you’ll love this series!
February 6, 2024
1. I’m severely disappointed that I have to wait for the next book. It’s going to be torture. 😩
2. Chapter 44… I LOL’ed multiple times with the conversation of all 4 Youngs together. We need more of this in future books. Jed and Justin heckling Jack was all the feels. 😂😂😂
3. I missed Jed in this book. But I loved all the Jack. But all books need more Jed and/or the 3 Young brothers together.
4. This author is brilliant in making us love all of them, as different as they are.
5. The ending was another laugh out loud moment! Perfectly done.
6. Hurry up with the next book. My human flaw is impatience. 😂
2. Chapter 44… I LOL’ed multiple times with the conversation of all 4 Youngs together. We need more of this in future books. Jed and Justin heckling Jack was all the feels. 😂😂😂
3. I missed Jed in this book. But I loved all the Jack. But all books need more Jed and/or the 3 Young brothers together.
4. This author is brilliant in making us love all of them, as different as they are.
5. The ending was another laugh out loud moment! Perfectly done.
6. Hurry up with the next book. My human flaw is impatience. 😂
November 30, 2025
Until the Light Breaks Through follows Jack and explores the consequences of his past before coming to Christ. It’s heavy at times, but full of grace, healing, and powerful moments of God’s intervention.
September 28, 2022
*sigh* I need more!!!
January 7, 2023
Once again, Heather Wood writes a book that is so full of truth, hope, and light.
I was nervous for this one because I knew it covered the Chicago fire and Jack’s story, both of which have a lot of darkness in them. But I loved how well Heather Wood intertwined the darkness with the light so beautifully. Some scenes were dark, messy, or painful, but then the gospel would be right there on the next page and the light would break through and it was beautiful. This is the main reason I give this book a five star. The truth was continually being proclaimed. The reader could never get too sucked into the darkness, because the light was always shining brightly, there was always hope to be found in the words of this book. So much hope and truth and that is what made me love this book the most, not to mention all of this author’s books.
Jack’s story was indeed rough at times, but once again Heather Wood handles it with so much tact and skill. I never felt uncomfortable by anything that needed to be said about his past or anything that was said about his current struggles and fights. I think what struck me as the most convicting is how hard Jack fought against sin. Yes, his temptations may be different from my own, but his story reminded me of how important it is to fight against any sin or temptation that I may face. One sin is not greater than another. All sin is sin against a Holy and righteous God and should be fought against just as hard as Jack had to fight against his own.
While Jed’s romance will always be my favorite of all the siblings, I did enjoy Jack’s. I was glad he finally found someone and I think I had a suspicion at one point that it would be her. She was a sweet girl and it was interesting to see how God had redeemed her.
Okay, there was one thing that annoyed me in this book and I’m guessing I’m probably alone on this, but I was annoyed with Kellie. I was frustrated that she was portrayed as this perfect all-wise woman whose decisions were always the correct one while her husband’s decisions were apparently always the wrong ones.
There did seem to be a lot of miscommunication/lack of communication with certain characters at certain times and that kind of frustrated me. Because then they would go and talk to someone else about it the way they should have done with the person they had a grievance or misunderstanding with, or they wouldn't talk at all and let the wound fester.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. Heather has a straightforward way of writing. She never gets super flowery or over wordy but keeps the story moving at a moderate pace that I enjoy.
I was nervous for this one because I knew it covered the Chicago fire and Jack’s story, both of which have a lot of darkness in them. But I loved how well Heather Wood intertwined the darkness with the light so beautifully. Some scenes were dark, messy, or painful, but then the gospel would be right there on the next page and the light would break through and it was beautiful. This is the main reason I give this book a five star. The truth was continually being proclaimed. The reader could never get too sucked into the darkness, because the light was always shining brightly, there was always hope to be found in the words of this book. So much hope and truth and that is what made me love this book the most, not to mention all of this author’s books.
Jack’s story was indeed rough at times, but once again Heather Wood handles it with so much tact and skill. I never felt uncomfortable by anything that needed to be said about his past or anything that was said about his current struggles and fights. I think what struck me as the most convicting is how hard Jack fought against sin. Yes, his temptations may be different from my own, but his story reminded me of how important it is to fight against any sin or temptation that I may face. One sin is not greater than another. All sin is sin against a Holy and righteous God and should be fought against just as hard as Jack had to fight against his own.
While Jed’s romance will always be my favorite of all the siblings, I did enjoy Jack’s. I was glad he finally found someone and I think I had a suspicion at one point that it would be her. She was a sweet girl and it was interesting to see how God had redeemed her.
Okay, there was one thing that annoyed me in this book and I’m guessing I’m probably alone on this, but I was annoyed with Kellie. I was frustrated that she was portrayed as this perfect all-wise woman whose decisions were always the correct one while her husband’s decisions were apparently always the wrong ones.
There did seem to be a lot of miscommunication/lack of communication with certain characters at certain times and that kind of frustrated me. Because then they would go and talk to someone else about it the way they should have done with the person they had a grievance or misunderstanding with, or they wouldn't talk at all and let the wound fester.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. Heather has a straightforward way of writing. She never gets super flowery or over wordy but keeps the story moving at a moderate pace that I enjoy.
November 26, 2024
Jack Young lived a tough childhood. He was so alone that his only chance for shelter and food was to join the army. Fast forward some years and the life he spent running from his pain leads him to the unavoidable truth: his salvation does not lie within himself, but in a Savior. Now that Jack Young has recently graduated from seminary, his next life-defining moments will arrive faster than he is ready for, including a visit from an old and very unexpected acquaintance.
Enter Cecily Emerson. I fell in love with Cecily, from the first few pages. Their first meeting didn't go the way I thought it would but better! There is a gentle maturity about her but she also doesn't let things slide with Jack. I smiled every time her bluntness caught Jack off guard. I've since decided that my favorite female protagonists are the feisty ones, and she is perfect for him. However, Jack is still struggling with his past—or more accurately, he’s trying not to repeat it.
I absolutely LOVE Jack's tender heart. I suspect it was always there underneath the tough protective exterior. My favorite part of Jack is how real and genuine his prayers are. You can feel the difference in his character. In the first book, there was an air of helplessness and sadness surrounding Jack, but now he seems lighter and more free—but just as charming as ever. Jack and Cecily together are so cute.
I still love Kellie and Luke but oh my gosh, I was not ready for what was happening with them. I almost found myself rushing parts of Jack's story to continue theirs! Kellie and Luke have such gracious and kind hearts that their emotions sometimes pull them in opposite directions, causing tension between them. I was nervous for several chapters!
But! The one thing (among many) things I love about Heather Wood's writing is that her characters are real. And I don't mean like "Oh they have struggles just like me!" I mean they deal with those struggles just like me. They doubt, they worry, they fret. But they also, lean in, they lament, and they keep their faith, even when it would be easier to give up. Despite everything, they know where their faith lies and trust that it will get them through.
Until the Light Breaks Through, the last in the Finding Home series from Heather Wood, was a tearful yet beautiful conclusion to the series. I can already tell it will be a story I will revisit again and again.
Enter Cecily Emerson. I fell in love with Cecily, from the first few pages. Their first meeting didn't go the way I thought it would but better! There is a gentle maturity about her but she also doesn't let things slide with Jack. I smiled every time her bluntness caught Jack off guard. I've since decided that my favorite female protagonists are the feisty ones, and she is perfect for him. However, Jack is still struggling with his past—or more accurately, he’s trying not to repeat it.
I absolutely LOVE Jack's tender heart. I suspect it was always there underneath the tough protective exterior. My favorite part of Jack is how real and genuine his prayers are. You can feel the difference in his character. In the first book, there was an air of helplessness and sadness surrounding Jack, but now he seems lighter and more free—but just as charming as ever. Jack and Cecily together are so cute.
I still love Kellie and Luke but oh my gosh, I was not ready for what was happening with them. I almost found myself rushing parts of Jack's story to continue theirs! Kellie and Luke have such gracious and kind hearts that their emotions sometimes pull them in opposite directions, causing tension between them. I was nervous for several chapters!
But! The one thing (among many) things I love about Heather Wood's writing is that her characters are real. And I don't mean like "Oh they have struggles just like me!" I mean they deal with those struggles just like me. They doubt, they worry, they fret. But they also, lean in, they lament, and they keep their faith, even when it would be easier to give up. Despite everything, they know where their faith lies and trust that it will get them through.
Until the Light Breaks Through, the last in the Finding Home series from Heather Wood, was a tearful yet beautiful conclusion to the series. I can already tell it will be a story I will revisit again and again.
July 31, 2022
Jack finally gets his book. As the youngest of the Dinsmore siblings, Jack hardly grew up with family at all, other than an uncle who was not supportive at all. Because of lack of consistency in his life, Jack had a lot to make up for later in life as his younger life was in shambles.
This book is definitely written with adults in mind. While the situations are handled with delicacy, they are mature in nature. Jack is having someone looking into women that he was with in the past to see if he happened to have any children. His efforts for making up for wrong relationships is a big part of the storyline. I think it added to his character, but I think there would be too much explaining to do toward anyone who is not at least in high school. This is my opinion.
Besides dealing with his personal past, Jack is adjusting to being a minister. I appreciated how his church was supportive of his personal growth as well as encouraging him to serve others. I liked all of the lessons about integrity and accountability.
The spiritual lessons in this author's book are prominent. Situations that the characters face are tough. Many dramatic situations take place which I say would have been realistic to the time period. Some light moments are intertwined, but mainly this is a serious book. Family is definitely an important part of this book and the series.
I greatly enjoyed this series. I really appreciated the efforts that the author made to achieve historical accuracy. I feel like I have not read a lot of books set in the time period between the Civil War and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. I feel like I learned a lot of details. Fascinating well done fiction!
This book is definitely written with adults in mind. While the situations are handled with delicacy, they are mature in nature. Jack is having someone looking into women that he was with in the past to see if he happened to have any children. His efforts for making up for wrong relationships is a big part of the storyline. I think it added to his character, but I think there would be too much explaining to do toward anyone who is not at least in high school. This is my opinion.
Besides dealing with his personal past, Jack is adjusting to being a minister. I appreciated how his church was supportive of his personal growth as well as encouraging him to serve others. I liked all of the lessons about integrity and accountability.
The spiritual lessons in this author's book are prominent. Situations that the characters face are tough. Many dramatic situations take place which I say would have been realistic to the time period. Some light moments are intertwined, but mainly this is a serious book. Family is definitely an important part of this book and the series.
I greatly enjoyed this series. I really appreciated the efforts that the author made to achieve historical accuracy. I feel like I have not read a lot of books set in the time period between the Civil War and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. I feel like I learned a lot of details. Fascinating well done fiction!
July 6, 2022
As an older sibling, I’ve always felt some extra level of protection for Jack (the baby of the Young family). Growing up without his siblings or anything that resembled a family, he had no guidance and that led to some terrible decisions on his part. I want to protect him from the repercussions of his past, but I can’t. Nobody can. Now as an adult, he wrestles with how to pay for the consequences of his actions, while not living in the past of those mistakes. I challenge you to dig into his story with this 3rd volume of the Young family’s saga (with scattered visits from each of his siblings appearing in the book as well!) and find the everlasting grace and forgiveness that Jesus is always ready to impart! Fascinating writing, with incredible attention to historical detail, this book will grab your attention from the the first chapter to the final page!
March 24, 2024
What a wonderful ending to the Finding Home series! Jack's redemption arc through these three books is absolutely beautiful. I love the themes of forgiveness in this story, both from God and for/with one another. Jack's journey with seeking God's will and discerning His place was challenging and encouraging to my own faith. The historical detail of the Chicago fire made it feel so realistic and I loved the tidbits of history about Moody and Revell. The Young family, the lives that intertwined with theirs, and the rich faith woven through these stories will stick with me for a long time!
June 5, 2023
I was less invested in this book than in the previous two in the series, but I still quickly flew through it and was happy to return to these characters and their world. I enjoy seeing how far Jack has come in his journey from a lost teenager to a strong man of God.
As always, I enjoyed the historical tidbits scattered throughout. Hats off to all the historical research that went into this novel!
As always, I enjoyed the historical tidbits scattered throughout. Hats off to all the historical research that went into this novel!
November 24, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed picking this up to read every night, which is something I can't often say about a book! The way the author wove Christian truth into the book was so well done: never heavy-handed, just plain truthful! I especially enjoyed the subtle references to light throughout the book, drawing out the title's depth of meaning. Hoping the series will go on to include a fourth...
July 8, 2022
Have you ever read a book where the characters are so relatable that you feel like you are part of their family? This is the first book I have read by this author and I’m hooked. This is the third in the series and now I am going to read the first two and likely re-read this book.
The author has such a wonderful ability with developing her characters and allowing the characters story come to life. Each characters storyline of their unique heart break, as well as their daily struggles of being human are raw and unfiltered. The beautiful part is that she uses Scripture and the redemption of the cross through out the story, and not just a scripture reference. There are several parts in the story that you can feel the healing and atonement as characters wrestle with their past or current challenges with God. One of my favorite quotes comes when Jack was struggling with his past and how it might be received by the church board and he was gently reminded “Our testimony is about our journey to Him, how He rescued us on our way to hell, and how He continues to change us into His Image. We already know that as a human being, you were born into sin. The board will want to hear your testimony to see evidence of Jesus. Anytime a testimony focuses on sin, it misses the point of the story.” (Page 17)
The author has masterfully written a story that neither hides from or shirks the truth about the Civil War era or the Great Chicago Fire, all in the light of God’s grace, sovereignty, and unconditional love.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
#untilthelightbreaksthrough #heatherwood #heatherwoodauthor #christianfiction #christianhistoricalfiction #newchristianfiction #greatchicagofire #findinghomeseries
July 26, 2022
Absolutely loved this final book for this series. From book one, Jack stole my heart and I couldn’t wait until I got to read his book. Heather takes you on a journey with his rough upbringing but shows how through the grace of God one can change into who they were meant to be all along.
September 25, 2023
Wood has a true gift for delivering realistic historical fiction that points readers to Christ. This is the sweetest redemption story, packed full of wisdom, truth, and immense research. Her writing is always such a pleasure to read!
November 1, 2025
Wonderful books
It was wonderful to read about this family through all their ups and downs--learning to trust and grow more ❤️. I found times I couldn't put it down! It's interesting to add the Chicago fire to see triumph over loss!
It was wonderful to read about this family through all their ups and downs--learning to trust and grow more ❤️. I found times I couldn't put it down! It's interesting to add the Chicago fire to see triumph over loss!
July 26, 2022
Beautiful story! The perfect conclusion to the Young Family saga! My favorite of Heather’s books so far!
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