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
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.
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?
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.
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.
Demons are Forever by Declan Finn
Marco flees from his fears of hurting Amanda by taking a job to train Vampire Hunters in San Francisco. Should be a quiet job right?
Freeing Tanner Rose by T.M. Gaouette
Hollywood Starlet meets Kung Fu Country boy with a God obsession.
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.
Hold Fast By Spencer K.M. Brown
Will a small rowboat on Lake Superior awaken the stalled lives of a father and son?
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.
Four Catholic Philosophers: Rejoicing in the Truth By: Richard A. Spinello
The rigors of philosophical thought can inspire remarkable physical courage.
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.
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.
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.
The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene
“Virtue, the good life, tempted him in the dark like a sin.”
Why Reading Fiction Made Me a Better Catholic
How reading fiction became a crucial step in my conversion to the Catholic Church.
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?
The Gift Counselor By Sheila M. Cronin
If you’re a fan of Hallmark Channel’s cozy lineup of holiday Rom-coms, this book is definitely for you.
Best of 2020
Yes some good things DID happen this year- Catholic creators have not let turmoil stop their mission.
The Needle of Avocation by G.M. Baker
A match no one wants, except perhaps the groom. A mystery that could destroy everything.
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.
