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 Wistful and the Good by G. M. Baker
Two weeks after the sacking of Lindisfarne, Norse traders aren’t welcome in Northumbria. But they’re here. Does a Viking really have a chance with an English noblewoman?
Sydney and Calvin Have a Baby by Adrienne Thorn
Sydney writes romances but living her own romance will require more courage than anything yet required of her.
Rightfully Ours by Carolyn Asfalk
When Paul & Rachel discover a hidden treasure they wrestle with the responsibility of it– even as they face similar questions in their relationship.
Messina: Book 1, The Casa Bella Chronicles By Liz Galvano
Romance blossoms in the midst of chaos. A historical romance set in 1901 Italy as a young American doctor proves herself to the haughty Italian lord who has forgotten his faith.
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?
Freeing Tanner Rose by T.M. Gaouette
Hollywood Starlet meets Kung Fu Country boy with a God obsession.
The Needle of Avocation by G.M. Baker
A match no one wants, except perhaps the groom. A mystery that could destroy everything.
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?
Unclaimed, Nameless, & Vanished by Erin McCole Cupp
Jane Eyre re-imaginged in a world where cloning, and genetic manipulation have returned us to a class system.
Anyone But Him by Theresa Linden
What if you woke up one day and didn’t recognize the person you were sleeping next to?
For Eden’s Sake by T.M. Gaouette
Life is precious whether it’s planned or not.
Aurora and God by G.M.J.
After her boyfriend’s death, can Aurora forgive God?
My Son, The Father by Jim Moore
The story of a young priest through the eyes of his father and friends.
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
Why Reading Fiction Made Me a Better Catholic
How reading fiction became a crucial step in my conversion to the Catholic Church.
The Academy Saga: Book 1 By C.J. Daly
A thrilling, yet clean, high school romance.
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.
The Book of Jotham by Arthur Powers
Experience Christ through the eyes of Jotham, his disabled disciple.
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.
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.
