Blog Tour – As the Light Fades

As the Light Fades

By Catherine West

Women’s Fiction

Paperback & ebook, 362 Pages

September 10th 2019 by KDP

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.

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My Thoughts

This is another incredibly heartwarming and thought provoking story.
One of those at which Catherine West is so good at writing. (Every time I read a book by Ms. West, I am amazed. I think they can’t possibly get better, and yet, they do!)
The Carlisle family is back, and we get to know more about them and their history.

I especially liked the different character voices in this one. Each one was portrayed so well.

I liked reading about Liz and her story.

I liked seeing things through Drake’s eyes.
What I really liked, though, was how Mia was written so authentically.
The setting, Nantucket, was absolutely charming. I loved all the details. It made me want to go there.
Although not necessarily Christian fiction, this book does have a strong faith element.
This author has once again given us a look at some hard things in life, and shown us a picture of how someone can face those things and deal with them.
I highly recommend this one!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

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And now, for a special treat — an Author Interview!

(and just a little side note–I had the privilege of meeting Catherine West in person back in August! 🙂 Here’s the selfie we took!! )

What is a memorable childhood experience?

My mother was from South Africa. When I was young, she and I would travel there once every few years. It was a long way from Bermuda! The last trip I can remember well, I must have been about ten. One evening we went to a party at this sprawling home, all lit with candles and outdoor hanging lights, and the family had a pet monkey! It made friends with me, and when I went to sleep in one of the guest rooms that evening, the monkey curled up right beside me!

What is a favorite food, and a memory associated with it?

Well, I have many favorite foods! But I love Caesar salad, and beef stroganoff. As a teenager, my favorite restaurant served this, and it’s where my parents would always take me to celebrate a birthday or just for a nice evening out. Romanoff’s was a bit of a swanky place so I enjoyed dressing up to go there, and then ordering this meal, every time! I can still see the fine linen and crystal and china. Of course I think this ruined me for anything less than a truly fine dining experience!

What is a dream vacation?

Any place that I can really relax, and see new things! Last year we went to France, and that truly was a dream vacation! We were on a river cruise in Bordeaux for about a week, and then we rented a car and drove from Bordeaux to Provence. It was simply spectacular! The history, the beauty of the surrounding countryside and small villages, the food, the culture, everything was just a dream come true! We’d love to go back again, but there are also many places we’d love to visit. Italy is next on the bucket list I think!

Tell me how you and your husband met?

We actually met climbing a mountain in upstate New York. (We were on a Young Life trip staying at a camp there). Actually I believe we were coming down the mountain. And by coming down I mean I was stumbling and tripping my way down, and he gallantly offered his hand! We were sixteen and seventeen at the time, and of course I thought my knight in shining armor had arrived, minus the white horse. I was right though, he definitely was that knight in shining armor, and 33 years of marriage later, he still is!!

How did you begin your writing journey?

I’ve always loved to write fiction, and I think I was mostly just dabbling, writing fun little stories now and then. I wrote my first ‘romance’ when I was around thirteen! It was pretty unforgettable. It wasn’t until I was much older, and a stay at home mom, that I decided to get serious about writing fiction. Friends and family encouraged me to pursue publication, so I did. I had a lot to learn about writing, but I studied, went to conferences, joined critique groups and took online courses, and eventually I found my agent! And it’s been a wild and exciting ride ever since! But one I would trade for the world.

What is the most unusual job you’ve had?

I haven’t had a lot of jobs, so this is a bit of a hard question! But I worked a few summers as an intern at our local newspaper, and I interviewed a tiger. Well. Not actually. I believe it was Ringling, Barnum and Bailey Circus, that sent a smaller version of their show to Bermuda, and my assignment was to write about it. My most vivid memory of that day was seeing a tiger, up close and personal. I think I was a little terrified they were going to bring him out, but he stayed in his cage, thank goodness! I also got to do an interview with one of the stars from The Young and the Restless, that summer! The soap opera was huge here at the time, so I was pretty pleased about that assignment!

Catherine -thanks so much for taking the time to answer each of these questions!! I enjoyed getting to know you a little bit better!!

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 one beautiful granddaughter. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award (The Things We Knew). Where Hope Begins released May 2018, and her latest novel, As the Light Fades, releases September 2019.

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