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
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.
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?
Honor at Stake by Declan Finn
If you’re looking for a vampire-romance with a truly unique twist look no further.
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.
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?
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.
Three Last Things or The Hounding of Carl Jarrold, Soulless Assassin by Corinna Turner
The last day of a convicted murderer’s life: Can he save his soul in time?
The Table by Dennis Lambert
A table built by the grandfather of Jesus Christ survives the darkest moment in history to bring peace to a widowed musician
Everything Old: Love in Anadauk Book 1 by Amanda Hamm
Two youth group leaders rekindle their friendship and find love with each other along the way.
Lioness Lost by Susan Brinkmann
Can Ari solve a murder, or will a handsome FBI agent distract her?
Bread from Home by Fr. Stephen Siniari
We all hunger for the same food from heaven. A collection of short stories exploring an Albanian Orthodox church community, their Catholic and Evangelical neighbors, and the hunger for heaven that unites them all.
The Poppy and The Rose by Ashlee Cowles
While abroad in England, Taylor discovers a mystery linking her to an heiress and passenger aboard The Titanic.
My Son, The Father by Jim Moore
The story of a young priest through the eyes of his father and friends.
Anyone But Him by Theresa Linden
What if you woke up one day and didn’t recognize the person you were sleeping next to?
A Changing of the Guard; Three Last Things Book 2 by Corinna Turner
A priest to Death Row inmates, Fr. Jacob must face the earthly consequences of ‘love thy enemy’
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.
Summer at West Castle By Theresa Linden
Is God really leading Caitlyn to bad boy Jarret?
Why Reading Fiction Made Me a Better Catholic
How reading fiction became a crucial step in my conversion to the Catholic Church.
Books for Lent
Deepen your Lenten reflection with these stories of repentance and forgiveness
The Boy Who Knew (Friends in High Places: Carlo Acutis) by Corinna Turner
Faced with his death, a fifteen-year-old learns how to live through the wisdom of Blessed Carlo Acutis.



