Genre
Audience
Adult
Author’s Worldview
Catholic
Year Published
2016
Themes
Reviewed by
M.S. Ocampo
Katherine “Kate” Middleton (not to be mistaken for the Duchess of Cambridge)’s life changes with a single phone call from a woman she has never met. The man she thought was her husband has a whole different life apart from her, including another wife and kids. Her marriage is not even valid.
Subscribe to our Newsletter & Get Weekly Catholic Books for as little as $1
Longing to escape this false life and start fresh, Kate leases a house on Chincoteague Island, off the coast of Virginia. She takes on a new job writing for the local paper, a step up from selling advertisement space for a Washington D.C. magazine. Kate quickly makes friends within the Chincoteague community. Sparks start flying between her and Aaron Kelly, a member of the Coast Guard.
Unfortunately, Kate quickly discovers that she’s pregnant with her ex-husband’s baby. She never considers abortion as an option, in spite of not being religious. However, she avoids the responsibility of telling her former husband about it until well into the pregnancy.
Motherhood brings on many new responsibilities. Lucky for Kate, the people of Chincoteague Bay as well as her family are ready to help her. Even her brother, who has been on tour with the Army, eventually arrives to help her out. But Kate still has to face the responsibility of telling her former husband and dealing with whatever consequences come from it.
A few interesting subplots revolve around the burdens other characters are carrying. One of Kate’s friends deals with single motherhood and the stigma of being married to a man who ended up murdered. Kate’s brother and Aaron Kelly are both processing major trauma from the time they served in the military. The story has an overall theme of everyone having skeletons in their closets, but being able to overcome their pasts with the help of a supportive community.
Subscribe to our Newsletter & Get Weekly Catholic Books for as little as $1
I would recommend this novel for fans of Lifetime movie dramas as well as Hallmark Channel’s romantic comedies. Kate starts out not being a religious person, but finds comfort in the local Catholic community. This novel also handles themes of past trauma in a very relatable way.
Join Here for FREE to Never Miss a Deal
Find new favorites & Support Catholic Authors
Big in Heaven by Fr. Stephen Siniari
In this inner-city Orthodox parish, there are no easy answers—only the transformative power of God’s love.
Saving the Statue of Liberty By Andrea Jo Rodgers
Can John save the Statue of Liberty and keep from getting kicked off the team and out of the Academy?
Good to the Last Drop by Declan Finn
Marco thought his problems were over when he took on the vampire council, until he gets bit by a werewolf. Will this ruin things with his vampire girlfriend?
My Son, The Father by Jim Moore
The story of a young priest through the eyes of his father and friends.
North Pacific: A Story of Life, Love, Suffering, and Grace by Michael Steffan
Joseph & Miku’s love was already illegal. Then WWII began. Now home, disabled, and questioning God’s love, he still searches for her.
The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch by T.M. Gaouette
A foster kid learns that sometimes the scariest part of life is accepting love.
Ghosts of the Faithful by Kaye Park Hinckley
The O’Murphy family gets help from beyond the grave as they deal with long held secrets.
The Grace Crasher by Mara Faro
The Grace Crasher is the ecumenical romantic dramedy that everyone who has ever had family members in split churches needs to read.
How Sweet the Sound by Courtney Guest Kim
Annette makes all the wrong decisions for her love life—but through Grace finds true wisdom.
Julia’s Gifts by Ellen Gable
A story of love and God’s providence in times of war.
680 Miles Away By Tara J. Stone
Will Evie run away for good, or will she fight for Finn?
Blink and We’ll Miss It by Ginny Kochis
Back amongst her estranged best friends and former love, Mae tries to hide her time-hopping secret.
Lying Awake by Mark Salzman
A cloistered nun confronts her faith when she realizes that the private revelations she has been given might be the product of epilepsy.
The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas
Would you die for a flower? Would you kill for one? Providence, romance, and danger rule in this tense, heart-warming prison romance.
The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt
A deep, honest story of emotional struggle, temptation, and sacrifice.
Interview with Ashlee Cowles, of The Poppy & The Rose
A mystery novel aboard The Titanic.
Making a Better World By Michael Lacoy
Can Oscar be the man he wants to be to his family and friends?
Absence by Kaye Park Hinckley
Absence will chill you with the stark reminder that human beings are not just bodies, but souls whose spiritual influence cannot be suppressed, even when the bodies have gone missing.
A Hero for the People by Arthur Powers
Stories from the front lines of the Church’s mission to protect Brazilians farmers from theft and greed.
A Life Decision by Laurie M. Lamb
When Joe and Peyton find out that their unborn baby may have Down Syndrome, they are faced with a devastating decision.