FAVORITE QUOTE:
“The little knife thrust into her heart when she learned he was a mine owner twisted a half-turn. All his kindness was merely a favor for his aunt. Eldora sagged onto the sofa and chided her reflection in the dark window across the car. She’d been silly to spin daydreams. Her would-be hero had feet of clay.”
The beautiful Christmas vibes in Light to My Path by Erica Vetsch are just one of the many things I liked about this book. Following Sam, David’s younger brother from the first book, turned into quite the emotional ride. Though different from the first book, I found this one just as captivating.
The characters, with their endearing qualities, brought the hardships of orphanhood in those times into sharp focus. The surge of protectiveness, a silent roar in the heart of our hero, warmed my heart when the vulnerable faced hardship in the book. Endearing, the story served as a gentle whisper, urging readers to consider the value inherent in all life, mirroring the welcoming embrace of Christian hospitality.
Though it was a quick read, it definitely left its mark. As you read through the chapters, the theme of looking at the heart instead of appearance becomes increasingly apparent. The plot thickens with action toward the end, as the beloved characters face perilous circumstances. Though the orphans’ plight takes center stage, a tender romance unfolds with a constant, understated energy. The ending was sweetly satisfying and humbly convicting, leaving me with a warm feeling and a lot to think about. And yes, it was enough to promote a single tear or two. Erica Vetsch consistently delivers, and this historical romance is another captivating story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own. Click on the book cover for purchase link.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.
About the Book
Book: Light To My Path
Author: Erica Vetsch
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: February 10, 2026
A determined orphan caretaker and a wealthy mine owner—brought together by circumstance, tested by tragedy, and transformed by love.
Sam Mackenzie learned the hard way not to trust a beautiful face. After breaking his engagement to a fortune-hunting socialite, he’s focused solely on his family’s mining business. But when his aunt asks him to help escort three orphans and their caretaker across the country, he finds himself drawn to the selfless young woman tasked with the children’s care.
Eldora Carter has spent her life depending on no one but herself. As a former orphan now caring for three unwanted children, she knows better than to dream of a different future. When a journey by rail turns perilous, she must rely on Sam’s help to keep the children safe. Yet accepting his assistance means risking her heart to a man who could never want someone like her. As danger forces them to work together, Eldora discovers that sometimes the greatest risk is refusing to love at all.
To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway!
Final Thoughts from Erica
Trains. I love trains. I got this love from my father, who is fascinated by all types of trains. When writing Light to My Path, I asked my dad lots of questions, and I relied heavily upon the things I learned at the train museums he took me to see.
One of our favorite train museums is in Duluth, MN. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum, in what was the former depot of the Gilded Age boomtown, is home to one of the most beautiful trains I have ever seen.
It’s name is the William B. Crooks, and it is a steam locomotive.
The William Crooks, the first train engine of any kind in Minnesota belonging to the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad by railroad tycoon James J. Hill of St. Paul. The William Crooks pulled its first train cars full of passengers on June 28, 1862. The William Crooks retired from passenger service in 1897.
Isn’t it beautiful? When the train retired from passenger service, it became the personal train of James J. Hill, The Empire Builder and owner of The Great Northern Railroad.
James J. Hill dreamed of pushing a railroad from Minnesota to the West Coast, through the Rocky and Cascade Mountains. It was along the Great Northern Railroad in March of 1910 that one of the worst train disasters in US history occurred. An avalanche took out two trains, killing 96 people.
This historic event inspired part of the story in Light to My Path. A train, trapped by snow, unable to go forward or back, and with an avalanche imminent. It’s the kind of book that calls for a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea!
You can read more about both the William Crooks and the Cascade Avalanche Disaster at these websites:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Crooks_(locomotive)
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/march-1/trains-buried-by-avalanche
Devoted Steps 