These Empty Places

Author: Sarah Loudin Thomas
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 368
Release Date: May 5, 2026
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

When their worlds are upended, two women brought together by their loss discover what truly matters most.

Claire Roth sacrificed love for a life of comfort on Lake Toxaway--until the dam broke, and the lake washed down the side of the mountain. Fourteen years later, she longs to see the lake restored to its former glory even as the country faces hard economic times on the eve of the Great Depression.

Socialite Lena Hawkins married her first love, who swept her off her feet after skyrocketing from rags to riches by speculating in the stock market. Now penniless and rejected by her family, Lena and her husband have arrived at Lake Toxaway for a fresh start. There, Lena forms an unexpected connection with Claire, who hires her to assist with the personal library Claire is building to provide jobs and education for their struggling North Carolina community. When Claire is given a second chance at love and Lena a tempting chance at a life of independence, both women must release the past to fill tomorrow with promise.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

I enjoyed this slow paced novel very much.

The lives of Lena and Claire were very realistic and interesting. I couldn’t put this novel down!

Preston I didn’t care much for, but I understood some of what he’s trying to do. Most of us want to do it on our own with no help from anyone. But, sometimes you just have to ask. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong, it’s prideful not to ask.

I loved the setting. Thomas describes it so well that I feel as if I’m really there. It’s a place I’ve never been.

Well paced, and I felt like I learned a little something new along the way.

I loved the faith filled themes throughout this story.

I loved how the lessons learned in this book are for everyone, even in real life.

I took away the real meaning of the word treasure from this beautiful story.

Sometimes you learn to appreciate what or who you have until you don’t. They can disappear in the blink of an eye, so to speak.

I didn’t want this story to end it was so good. I have to wait for a long time for another one of hers. She’s among my favorite authors.

The cover of this book is gorgeous!

5 stars for a job well done and for keeping me interested all the way through.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews and NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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