Contemporary Fiction Book Review: As the Light Fades

About the Book

Title: As the Light Fades
Author: Catherine West
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Release Date: September 8, 2019

Publisher's Description

“Sometimes we’re placed in the strangest of circumstances for the most important reasons.

After her carefully constructed life crumbles, Liz Carlisle finds herself back on Nantucket, picking up the pieces. With the family estate under renovations, the solitude she craves seems out of reach.

Matthew Stone intends to steer clear of his new tenant. She’s carrying a load of baggage, but as long as she pays the rent, he’ll let her be. He’s got enough to deal with caring for his wayward niece, Mia.

Liz doesn’t have time for teenagers and her track record with men is abysmal, but an unlikely friendship forms between the three.

When her former boyfriend is charged with assault, Liz is called to testify against him. But he knows the darkest secrets of her life—secrets she’d hoped to keep buried forever, and he’s ready to reveal them. Telling the truth is the right thing to do, but it may cost her everything she’s worked so hard for, and all she’s come to love.”

Click here to purchase a copy of this novel for yourself. 

My Review

As the Light Fades, by Catherine West, is a stunning story of perseverance, second chances, and hope. With authentic and vulnerable characters, a beautiful and integral setting, and a story that is utterly believable and relevant, this novel is genuinely moving and memorable.
 
In As the Light Fades, Ms. West excels at sweeping the reader into the story through extremely well-written, realistic dialogue. The characters think, act, and speak like real people, making the novel incredibly engaging and relatable. Ms. West is also exceptionally gifted at creating characters that are flawed yet sympathetic, wounded yet worthy, and tender yet resilient. The characters persevere as they pursue healing and wholeness. Even despite deep hurts and insecurities, they are ever hopeful that redemption is possible.

Furthermore, brisk ocean breezes, waves crashing on course sand, and vintage homes in quiet neighborhoods vividly immerse the reader in the island setting of Nantucket. In many ways, this Atlantic coastal setting represents a refuge for characters in need of new scenery, new opportunities, and a fresh start. The island itself becomes a haven where heartache can be assuaged by the possibility of hope and renewal.

As the Light Fades is a powerful novel that does not hesitate to explore very difficult issues, emotions, and experiences resulting from abusive relationships, self-harm, and drug addiction. There are no easy solutions for the characters in this book. They must contend with the consequences of their choices, their mistakes, their insecurities, and their fears in order to find the healing and the hope that might arise from the ashes of their heartbreak. But emerging from that pursuit of hope and healing is a remarkable story that is as encouraging as it inspiring.

In As the Light Fades, Ms. West’s talent as a writer is undeniable. With captivating characters in a restorative setting, she has fashioned a story that is undoubtedly necessary and boldly indelible. As the Light Fades is a truly noteworthy novel. It is emotionally stirring, poignant, edifying, and meaningful. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

*I was given a copy of this novel by the author/publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.

About the Author


"Catherine West is an award-winning author of contemporary women's fiction. When she's not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband reside in Bermuda, and have two adult children and two beautiful granddaughters. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America's Faith, Hope & Love Reader's Choice Award (The Things We Knew, 2017 and Where Hope Begins, 2019, and a Carol Award Finalist for Where Hope Begins. Her latest novel, As the Light Fades, released September 2019." –Biography from Catherine West’s author page on Amazon.com.

Click here to visit Catherine West's website.

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