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
The Book of Jotham by Arthur Powers
Experience Christ through the eyes of Jotham, his disabled disciple.
Lance and the Veil by Kevin Rush
She was Christ’s comforter, he, his executioner. Can the two find love in each other’s arms?
Anno Domini 2064 by Jacob Clearfield
Mark is happy serving the Party of the Golden Republic, but when he discovers God, he risks losing everything.
Misshelved Magic by S.R. Crickard
A non-magical librarian and a student mage discover the secrets of a magical library.
Rachel’s Contrition by Michelle Buckman
After the loss of her child, Rachel goes insane but she must pull her mind back together to solve a murder and save her own life.
Ornamental Graces by Carolyn Astfalk
A great romantic drama about how authentic love can restore life to two people who have been hurt in the past.
Making a Better World By Michael Lacoy
Can Oscar be the man he wants to be to his family and friends?
Playing by Heart by Carmela Martino
In this historical drama, Emilia longs for a love as beautiful as her sonata, but the ambitions of her father put her and her sister in great danger. Winner of our 2018 Best of the Year Awards.
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.
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?
A Distant Prospect by Annette Young
Lucy has been broken by the horrors of polio and the war for Irish Independence. Can Australia offer her a new life and a new home?
Earthquake Weather by Kevin Rush
The mist that settles over San Francisco hides the ugly parts of her world. Can Kristine find the courage to see with unclouded eyes?
Finding Grace by Laura Pearl
Amidst the Free-love Women’s-lib culture of the 70’s how can one young girl find her path to sainthood?
Beneath Wandering Stars by Ashlee Cowles
A young girl goes pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago on behalf of her brother and finds her place in the world.
Gifts Visible and Invisible
If you are looking for a cozy read to get into the Christmas cheer, this collection has it all.
Celtic Crossing by Len Mattano
Relic lost, and faith found.
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.
Why Reading Fiction Made Me a Better Catholic
How reading fiction became a crucial step in my conversion to the Catholic Church.
Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman
An intriguing story that will enchant with a sweet romance and take you on a thrill ride through the Gothic version of modern-day New York City.
680 Miles Away By Tara J. Stone
Will Evie run away for good, or will she fight for Finn?