Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Set in the uneasy hush of pre-Civil War America, Last Stop Freedom by Ann Nolder Heinz is a story shaped by quiet bravery and the kind of hope that refuses to fade. At the heart of the story are Julia, a young woman picking up the pieces of her life and trying to move forward, and Fanny, a true friend whose bravery runs deep. Together, they must face injustice, secrets, and a difficult journey toward freedom. In a world shadowed by fear, this story is really about what keeps us going when we feel like giving up. It shares historical details with key parts of the story involving the Underground Railroad, fugitive slave laws, and the risks people faced when trying to help individuals seeking their freedom. Last Stop Freedom is a suspenseful story about loyalty, strength, and the quiet moments that can change everything.

In Last Stop Freedom, Ann Nolder Heinz paints each scene with such care that I felt like I was right there with them to witness everything. As I turned the pages and kept reading, I found myself drawn to Fanny. Her calm presence stays with you. And while both main characters are authentic and relatable, it was Fanny’s steady voice that I felt most connected to, as seen in her ability to calm Julia’s panic, proving that sometimes real strength can show in quiet ways. I also really appreciated their friendship that defied the expectations society tried to place on them. I was rooting for them, feeling each step of the journey as if I were beside them to show them the way to their new life. In the end, I felt a serene happiness for them. I’ve visited Harriet Tubman’s home in New York and the church she helped found in Ontario, Canada, and this story reminded me of some of the things I learned. The hardships of slavery are mentioned, but not in graphic detail. Last Stop Freedom brings the past to life and reminds readers of the bravery of everyday people. Is it possible for a book to show that strength can come in silence? This one certainly does.