Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Toward the Light

Rate this book
Nothing is as it seems—and no one is telling the truth

Luz Concepcion returns to Guatemala to murder Martin Benavides, the man who destroyed her family. Benavides, who rose from insurgent fighter to president, controls a major drug network. Richard Clement became Luz’s resettlement officer when she was evacuated to the U.S. He now works for the CIA, which has its own reasons for eliminating Benavides. Richard’s team persuades Luz to pursue a job as nanny to Benavides’ grandson, Cesar, a lonely child with an absentee playboy father.

The Guatemala contact for her mission is Evan McManus, an expat painter who pursues Luz, hoping to persuade her to model for him—and more. Luz initially spurns his advances, but her first terrifying encounter with Martin Benavides propels her into his arms.

Complicating matters, Luz conceals from all sides her clandestine contact with her surviving cousin, Antonio Torres, a guerrilla leader fighting the government propped up by the Benavides and their drug money.

Her plans unravel as, bit by bit, Luz learns that nothing is as it seems—and no one is telling the whole truth.

Perfect for readers who appreciate a novel female protagonist, an "everywoman" confronted with an overwhelming moral dilemma and crushing physical danger

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2020

23 people are currently reading
445 people want to read

About the author

Bonnar Spring

3 books35 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
41 (50%)
4 stars
24 (29%)
3 stars
9 (11%)
2 stars
7 (8%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Kylie D.
464 reviews612 followers
January 6, 2020
I asked for a copy of this book as the premise sounded interesting, but not sure what to expect, however I have to say I certainly wasn't disappointed. This book sucked me in from the start and I barely looked up until I finished it.

We have Luz returning to Guatemala to avenge her father's death. With the help of CIA agent Richard she gets a job in the household of the man who murdered her father, a man who happens to be the former President and now runs a huge drug network. Helping Luz on the ground is Evan, an expat artist who is her go-between with Richard. As Luz moves towards her goal, she starts to find things out that will shock her to the core, and push her into things she did not expect when she started out.

I really don't want to give too much away, but this book is one hell of a ride. Just when you think you've got things sorted, something else pops up to change your perspective. I literally couldn't put this book down I was so absorbed. Realistic characters for the main part and a plot that seemed feasible. Yes, this book had it's flaws, the ending was probably not so realistic, however in this case I'm more than prepared to overlook that for the entertainment I got out of it, and I would happily read anything this author writes. Recommended.
Profile Image for Shruti.
133 reviews125 followers
January 3, 2020
Rating: 2.5

Toward the Light was tedious.

Luz Concepcion arrives in Guatemala to kill the former President of the country—Martin Benavides—the man who murdered her father. Benavides is also involved in helping drug cartels distribute their drugs in the United States, which is the reason Luz is sent on this mission by a US government official, Richard Clement, a man she has known for the past seventeen years. Her plan is to get a job as a nanny to Benavides's grandson, thus helping her gain access to his highly secure house. While in Guatemala, her communication channel to Richard is established via Evan McManus, a painter. Evan realizes that he can't get Luz out of his mind because he desperately wants her to be his muse. And so begins a long and boring thriller that is anything but.

Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the damsel in distress trope (uh, okay, I am kidding. I get really annoyed at the implication that a woman needs a man to solve her problems), but when the summary of the book starts with—"Luz Concepcion returns to Guatemala to murder Martin Benavides, the man who destroyed her family."—there is no way I'm going to tolerate her being categorized as a damsel. Maybe it was my fault for not having read the entire synopsis before requesting this book because another line, toward the end, talks about her relationship with the male protagonist, Evan—"Luz initially spurns his advances, but her first terrifying encounter with Martin Benavides propels her into his arms."

Eek.

What drew me to this book was the concept of a female assassin exacting revenge by murdering one of the most powerful men in Guatemala. So I was understandably not prepared to read statements like—"An insubstantial, wispy wraith released from imprisonment as though by some magic incantation, reached from her center, hands outstretched, supplicating: Save me."

I mean, seriously?!!

Bonnar Spring is a pretty good writer but the story itself is plodding. The romance (I don't think you can even call it that) blossoming between Evan and Luz was forced, unnecessary and unconvincing. The big reveal at the end was definitely surprising but it didn't make up for the tiresome chapters that led up to it. It almost seemed like all the mystery and action that this book lacked in the first eighty percent was clumped together and dumped into the last twenty percent. I wouldn't recommend reading this one.

[I'd like to thank NetGalley, Oceanview Publishing and Bonnar Spring for this ARC. Expected Publication Date: 7 January 2020]
Profile Image for 3 no 7.
751 reviews24 followers
January 14, 2020
“Toward the Light” by Bonar Spring is the tale of an uncommon hired gun. Maria Luz Concepción is returning to Guatemala, her childhood home, but she is there to do more than scatter her mother’s ashes; she is there to kill a man.

Readers find that Concepción is an assassin but also a paradox in both personality and behavior. She is going to kill her target with a smile on her face, and yet she bargains with God for her safety. She is ruthless, a professional trained to kill, and at the same time just an amateur with a personal vendetta.

The story details everyday events and normal people but in reality, things are far from ordinary. At the start, the pace is slow and deliberate, setting up the personalities and the everyday situations. Readers become familiar with the neighborhoods and markets in Guatemala City, but behind it all is Concepción, arranging things, setting things, preparing for her personal crusade. Then, when all is in place, the action is fast and frantic with a surprising twist.

“Toward the Light” is an action thriller with international intrigue with varied and complex characters, but it is also a personal story. There is a hint of romance, but focus is Concepción and her journey. I received a review copy of “Toward the Light” from Bonar Spring and Oceanview Publishing. It is a quest for personal justice with a startling ending.
93 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2019
Great pacing and beautifully written! This is much more than an action thriller of foreign intrigue. It reminds me some of Martin Cruz Smith's stories with its balance of character development and action. The writer really makes you feel like you're in the neighborhoods and markets of Guatemala City, but the real action is in the central character's head.

It all seemed so sensible at the beginning. Returning to her native country, Luz Conception has the opportunity to right the wrong that has overshadowed her life - but from her first hour on the ground, things happen that threaten her mission and even change her basic understanding of it. In this debut novel, Bonnar Spring gives us a thriller with heart,a trusted journey through darkness toward the light. I look forward to more from her.
Profile Image for Amy Ray.
Author 3 books9 followers
December 4, 2019
I was lucky enough to read this novel prior to publication and can recommend it enthusiastically. The characters have depth and are so well drawn that the reader either cares deeply for them (ie: Luz) or despises them (won’t name anyone here—no spoilers!) I have never been to Central America and the descriptions bring the setting to life. The plot propels readers on an exciting journey sure to delight mystery/thriller enthusiasts. I’m looking forward to Bonnar Spring’s next book.
Profile Image for Patricia Gussin.
Author 15 books95 followers
November 27, 2019
I love everything about Toward the Light by Bonnar Spring. From the first sentence "On a breezy autumn afternoon, Maria Luz Concepcion returned to Guatemala to kill a man" to the stunning and twisted conclusion. All is not as it seems in Luz's world, growing up as a Guatemalan immigrant in the United States, and ultimately presented with an overwhelming moral dilemma. Luz is not a "superwoman" but rather an "everywoman" who despite crushing physical danger faces the evil that is trying to control her life. Toward the Light is aptly titled to highlight Luz's extraordinary journey toward truth and light.
Highly recommended for readers who appreciate strong female protagonists.
Profile Image for Bonnye Reed.
4,713 reviews110 followers
January 24, 2020
I received a free electronic ARC of this modern novel on January 8, 2020, from Netgalley, Bonnar Spring, and Oceanview Publishing. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend Bonnar Spring to friends and family. Bonnar Spring writes a compelling tale with lots of twists and turns and word pictures that take you there.

Luz Conception, a political alien in the U.S. for about 20 years, has had an awful year. Her beloved mother had a slow, lingering death, and her last wish is to have her ashes buried in the resting place of her cherished husband, a victim of the revolution. Then Lux is diagnosed with ALS and has to give up her job as a nanny at a daycare. Knowing her time is very limited, she resolves to honor her mother's wish - and with the aid and encouragement of Richard Clement, re-settlement agent and later friend who helped her and her mother adapt to life in the U.S., Luz decided to return to Guatemala inter her mothers ashes in her father's grave, and kill the man who murdered her father and many of the citizens of their mountain community. To make what would be most likely her last year count for something important to her and her family.

Richard is able to get her a position as the afternoon nanny to the grandson of Martin Benavides, the man Luz believes killed her father. Martin was the rebel leader and later President of Guatemala until his retirement a year or so back. Under the fictitious name of Luz Arada, fake passport and papers in hand, Luz flies into Guatemala City and flows into the rhythm of the Benavides household, which is very seriously defended, both with many levels of locked sections of the household, and several wandering armed guards. Cesar Benevides is a sweet kid, six or eight years old, isolated in this household and tutored by a Priest who comes into the Benevides stronghold several mornings a week. Cesar's older sister was sent to Spain a year ago to a boarding school after an attempted kidnapping from her school, but Cesar is too young to be sent so far away.

Luz has a small apartment set up by Richard, and Richard's nephew, Evan McManus, is her local contact. Evan quickly and becomes a friend and intimate to Luz. Her hands are full - and unbeknownst to Evan and Richard, she has a Guatemala City contact with her mother's sister Juana in the food market in town. Her mother had always told her that to contact family back home, go to the orange seller in the GC market. And through Juana, she has contact with her cousin Antonio Torres, who, just a teen, was responsible for getting her and her mother on an evacuation helicopter on the night her father died so long ago. Antonio is now the outlaw commander of the Frente Popular de Liberacion, leader of the civil war, a war still being fought in her country. Even Evan should not know about her contact with Tonio - which is hard to insure after Tonio is injured in the City and works his way to her apartment, where she is able to patch him up and keep him hidden until his mother can arrange to have him moved.

Martin is now a frail old man with a wheel-chair-bound wife and they obviously love their grandson Cesar. Their son Robert, father of Cesar, is a man without empathy or conscience. Luz knows personally that Bobby Benevides is a bully and danger to women in general, living the grand life of the privileged. Most of Cesar's problems rest at the hands of his father, neglectful and finding no time for his son while showering him with expensive gifts. Just as she learns to adore Cesar, so do Martin and wife Dominga lose their devil's horns as she gets to know them personally. Luz is having a hard time separating the truth from fiction, and just who ARE the bad guys in Guatemala? The incumbent government? The Revolutionaries? The cartels? Seems like the casting list is changing almost daily. And then Richard arrives in Guatemala City. Luz is having trouble keeping all the balls she is juggling in motion. Is Richard going to be helpful? Or just another personality to keep in motion?

pub date Jan 7, 2020
received Jan 8, 2020
Oceanview Publishing
Reviewed on Goodreads, Netgalley, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo and GooglePlay on January 24, 2020.
Profile Image for Joel.
Author 7 books85 followers
September 23, 2021
I very much enjoyed Bonnar Spring’s Toward the Light. The novel is set in Guatemala and Ms. Spring places not only her characters there, but also the readers. We feel, smell and taste Guatemala’s cities, jungles, and outdoor markets as the story progresses. We learn on page one that Luz Concepcion, the main character, has returned to Guatemala “to kill a man.” Deception is piled on top of deception and nothing is as it seems. The book is both psychological thriller and action thriller, so Ms. Spring invites us into Luz’s mind and life as she plots the assassination of the former president of Guatemala, who happens to be a drug lord. Don’t worry, I’m not giving anything away. We learn all of this in the opening chapters. Ms. Spring expertly makes us sweat in the planning and telling. The suspense escalates to a surprising—and believable— action-packed finish. Well done, Ms. Spring. I’m looking forward to more novels from you.
Profile Image for Maria Beltrami.
Author 52 books73 followers
December 20, 2021
The best thing about this book is the journey of growth of the heroine, who goes from a concentrate of anger ready to involve anyone she meets on her path to a mature woman, capable of forgiving. In literature this is not trivial, since you often meet characters who have never left for the famous "hero's journey", and that's all that sustains this novel, since the story, in order to concentrate all the evil and the worst, in some places is not very credible, and the other characters often have behaviors without any foundation. When they do have a purpose in the plot, because there is at least one that seems put there on purpose for the reader to wonder what it's for.
Profile Image for Diane Griffiths.
198 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2020
Giveaway winner!!

This book is the story of Luz who goes back to Guatemala with the intention of murdering a man who she has a vendetta against. The character development is necessary in the beginning to learn who is who and what the roles are. There is a lot of suspense in the story and it pulls you in and the action increases. There are a few twists at the end that keep you thinking.

It is a good action thriller that has some good characters and a hint of romance. I enjoyed this book very much!
Profile Image for John Sloan.
118 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2020
I was a little hesitant to read a book based around the questionable things the CIA get into in Latin America, but I always have time for a good thriller. I was ready to be transported to a Latin American world, but I never really felt that.
This book failed to pull me in, I feel like it didn't have that draw of a good thriller. Far from being unable to put it down I found it hard to force myself to continue.
All in all a disappointing read.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of this book from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
730 reviews7 followers
August 12, 2021
This is a wonderfully developed plot that really brings the characters to life. You become quite attached to Luz as she tries to figure out her feelings and who to trust in this cat and mouse game she is caught up in. you are hoping that the romantic interest works out. Though the romance and involvement of Evan is not quite as clearly spelled out. You can picture the colorful market with the fresh fruits and vegetables Luz goes each morning, The different factions of guerrilla fighters are clearly explained.
Profile Image for Kay.
Author 11 books120 followers
February 28, 2020
You feel the hot tropical air for real

This is a twisted tale of guerilla politics and revenge in Guatemala. The writing is good and fluid, the atmosphere is hot and dramatic, the relationships are passionate and complex. This is a very satisfying read about a young woman with supposedly nothing to lose working with a CIA agent to avenge her father's death. But nothing is what it seems.
Profile Image for Helaine Mario.
Author 8 books169 followers
September 17, 2020
From the very first sentence, Bonnar Spring sweeps you into a world of vengeance and betrayal, courage, redemption and love.

Intelligent and gripping, rich with fluid prose, a vibrant sense of place, heart-stopping action and compelling characters who will resonate long after the last page, this story has it all. I didn’t want it to end.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,588 reviews47 followers
December 28, 2019
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win

A woman returns home seeking revenge after many years away. Will she be able to get justice and in the end heal when all is said and done? An alright thriller with the usual action and plight
1,268 reviews29 followers
January 13, 2020
This book has great characters and a great plot, but as the first part is rather slow, readers have to hang in there to get to the good parts. Not everything is very logical action-wise, but this is very good entertainment.
9 reviews
April 15, 2020
What a beautifully written, masterful first novel for Bonner Spring. Suspenseful twists and turns kept me reading late into the night. Loved the colorful descriptions of the hustle, bustle, sites and sounds of Guatemala City. Looking forward to more from this new author!
65 reviews
August 14, 2021
Great story!

Revenge will be sweet! Liz returns to Guatemala to passionate her father's murderer. It will be suicide, but then, she is dying anyway. But the truth keeps leaking out and the suspense grows as the plot is exposed!

A great couldn't put it down read!
1,565 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2020
Good characters and plot - great entertainment. Looking forward to the next book by Bonnar Spring.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,653 reviews
January 23, 2020
Once I began to read this book it kept my attention throughout
104 reviews
February 14, 2020
Great story that keeps you turning the pages. A few twists that I wasn’t expecting and that added to the enjoyment!
Profile Image for K-BRC.
1,027 reviews
February 15, 2020
An excellent book; don’t let preconceived notions, loyalty, or hatred blind you to truth. Five star. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Wendy.
349 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2020
Enjoyed the plot twists that this story offered. Things are not always as they appear is represented well in this.
25 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2021
Engrossing

Well written, great storyline that keeps you guessing and doesn't get bogged down in the love angle. Very enjoyable and a good read.
49 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2025
A little slow to start, but the last half I flew through. Several twists that I didn't see coming.
Profile Image for Jon.
283 reviews2 followers
Read
March 3, 2024
A combination thriller and romance novel.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.