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
My Son, The Father by Jim Moore
The story of a young priest through the eyes of his father and friends.
The Needle of Avocation by G.M. Baker
A match no one wants, except perhaps the groom. A mystery that could destroy everything.
To Crown with Liberty by Karen Ullo
What must you do when nothing you can do will save those you love?
I Hope You Find Joy By Eliza Mae Albano
Can Emma find joy with the man who hurt her?
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 Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt
A deep, honest story of emotional struggle, temptation, and sacrifice.
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.
Misshelved Magic by S.R. Crickard
A non-magical librarian and a student mage discover the secrets of a magical library.
The Iron Door: Book 3, The Casa Bella Chronicles By Liz Calvano
In 1940s Sicily, will four young adults survive the war and find love? Two American women are rescued by an Italian family after their plane goes down in Sicily.
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.
Four Catholic Philosophers: Rejoicing in the Truth By: Richard A. Spinello
The rigors of philosophical thought can inspire remarkable physical courage.
In Pieces by Rhonda Ortiz
Is a marriage without love the only way to save Molly Chase’s reputation?
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.
Hold Fast By Spencer K.M. Brown
Will a small rowboat on Lake Superior awaken the stalled lives of a father and son?
Books to Pray With, March: For the New Martyrs
Every month in 2024 Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention. Every month we will release a book list that will draw your heart and soul deeper into prayer on these topics.
How Sweet the Sound by Courtney Guest Kim
Annette makes all the wrong decisions for her love life—but through Grace finds true wisdom.
A World Such As Heaven Intended
Amara didn’t intend to fall in love with a Union soldier. Is love even possible in her war-torn world?
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 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.
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.
