Book 3 in a masterful what-if series in which global catastrophe puts a family’s very survival at risk—and both reveals the darkness in human hearts and lights the way to restoration. Now eight months into a global blackout, the residents of Oak Hollow are trying to cope with the deep winter nights and a gnawing hunger from a food shortage. The struggle to survive can bring out the worst in anyone. A teenage friend of the Brannings’ has been found shot while hunting, and his slain deer is gone. Suspicions immediately fall on Mark Green, the son of a convicted murderer. Before he can prove his innocence, vigilantes force the sheriff to arrest him. Deni Branning is growing closer to Mark, and she sees him as a hero, not a traitor. She and her family set out to find the person who really pulled the trigger. But clearing Mark’s reputation is only part of the battle. Protecting him from the neighbors who ostracized him is just as difficult. New York Times bestselling suspense author Terri Blackstock weaves a masterful what-if novel in which global catastrophe reveals the darkness in human hearts—and lights the way to restoration for a self-centered world. Full-length suspense novel - Part of the Restoration series: Book 1: Last Light - Book 2: Night Light - Book 3: True Light - Book 4: Dawn’s Light - Also by Terri Blackstock: If I Run, Cape Refuge, Intervention, Smoke Screen, Aftermath - Includes a note from the author and discussion questions for book clubs The darkness deepens in a world without power. But, daring to defend a young outcast, one family strikes a light. In the face of a crisis that sweeps an entire high-tech planet back to the age before electricity, the Brannings face a choice. Will they hoard their possessions to survive?or trust God to provide as they offer their resources to others? Number one bestselling suspense author Terri Blackstock weaves a masterful what-if series in which global catastrophe reveals the darkness in human hearts?and lights the way to restoration for a self-centered world. Now eight months into a global blackout, the residents of Oak Hollow are coping with the deep winter nights. But the struggle to survive can bring out the worst in a person?or a community. A teenager has been shot and the suspect sits in jail. As the son of a convicted murderer, Mark Green already has one strike against him. Now he faces the wrath of all Oak Hollow?except for one person. Deni Branning has known Mark since high school and is convinced he is no killer. When Mark finds himself at large with a host of other prisoners released upon the unsuspecting community, Deni and her family attempt to help him find the person who really pulled the trigger. But clearing Mark's reputation is only part of his battle. Protecting the neighbors who ostracized him is just as difficult. And forgiving them may be the hardest part of all. Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention , Vicious Cycle , and Downfall , as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series. Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com; Facebook: tblackstock; Twitter: @terriblackstock. True Light A Restoration Novel By Terri Blackstock ZONDERVAN Copyright © 2007 Terri Blackstock All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-310-33780-5 CHAPTER 1 The buck fell with the first shot, and Zach Emorycouldn't help being impressed with himself. From his deerstand, it looked like an eight- or ten-pointer. If the weatherstayed cold, he'd be able to make it last for several weeks'worth of meals. He climbed down from his deer stand and pulled up thecollar of his jacket. It was so cold his ears were numb, andhis fingers had begun to ache. But it was worth it. Even inthe pre-outage days, Zach had spent many mornings sittingin a deer stand freezing to death, just for sport. Now it wasa matter of survival. He jogged toward the animal that lay dead twenty yardsaway. His brother Gary would be crazy with envy. They hada competition going, and Gary was two up on him. Zachhoped Gary had heard the gunshot and would come to helphim move the deer. It would take both of them to lift it intotheir rickshaw. He bent over the buck. Ten points. And a perfect shotright through the heart. His dad would finally be proud,and if he was lucky, his mother would drag herself out ofbed to get a look. He heard footsteps behind him and turned to see aman emerging from the trees, walking toward him. Zachsquinted, trying to place him. He'd seen him before, but hecouldn't remember where. "Did I score or what?" he asked as the man came closer. "He'sa ten-pointer. Got him in one shot, right through the ticker!" The man didn't look like he'd come to celebrate. He stoppedabout thirty feet away ... and raised his rifle. Was he going to shoot? Zach's hands came up, as if tha