This is a beautifully written book. The author tackled some tough issues in a very caring way. I feel in love with Mia! This is a book that you will remember long after you read the last page. Thank you Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own and I highly recommend this book.

As the Light Fades is set in Nantucket, and we revisit the loveable characters from West's The Things We Knew. I enjoyed connecting to the Carlisle family again. Catherine West does a phenomenal job of capturing Mr. Carlisle Senior's point of view. This is, however, Liz's story. This Contemporary story tackles real issues faced today with grace and delicacy. And then there's the romance thrown into the mix. A character who stole my heart in this story is Mia and when you read it, you'll see why. I just wanted to hug her and tell her she was going to be okay. This was a satisfying read and one I'll not soon forget.

Another great story from Catherine West. And can we all just agree that the cover of this book is stunning?

I was given a copy of this book through Netgalley, my opinions are my own.

I highly recommend this book by Catherine West which tackles subjects such as domestic abuse and other difficult life issues. Forgiveness and grace are central positive themes.

I have really appreciated the opportunity to be part of the advance reader team for Catherine West over her last few books. It is a pleasure that I do not take lightly. And even though the author and NetGalley have provided me an ARC of As the Light Fades, all thoughts expressed in my review are not influenced...they are honest and truly my opinion.

The author does a wonderful job of tackling many issues with such an amazing level of sensitivity. And she manages to include a sense of humor even with such difficult situations.

My thought as I began this book was that the light fades referred to the light of Drake fading with his advancement of Alzheimer's. I'm not sure that's the end result, but I'm going to hold onto that thought and believe it was what Catherine intended.

One of the other things the author manages to do in this book...as well as many of her other books...is relate a story of family relationships, newfound love, and healing. And even thought you met the Carlisle family in The Things We Knew, you will not miss anything by reading this book first. Thought that book is wonderful and is worth reading!

Catherine West writes stories from the heart and her books will take you on a trip through life lessons and experiences that will have you laughing, crying, cheering, and feeling protective. Please get lost in the pages of As the Light Fades for a delightful experience!

As the Light Fades, by Catherine West (2019) https://catherinejwest.com/books/as-the-light-fades/

There are so many positives about this novel.

Catherine West writes with skill and compassion, tackling hard issues with honesty and sensitivity and enough humour that this is not a hard read. She gives us real characters to care about, flawed people who are doing their best and fear it may not be enough.

Her voice is true, whether writing from the late-twenties/early-thirties central characters of Liz and Matthew, 15-year-old Mia, or the elderly Drake.

And Drake… how many novels include a character with Alzheimer’s in a positive light? Drake’s voice opens the novel, and it hooked me from the beginning. This isn’t a victim, but a man navigating a hopeless situation with grim humour. He may be losing his memory, but his will is strong. And despite his limitations, he can still make a difference.

Readers who enjoy stories about family relationships, gentle love stories, and finding healing for past hurts will love this book.

Favourite line:

I see a restlessness in her eyes today, churning like a stormy sea. Like she’s carrying something too heavy but doesn’t have a place to put it down. [Kindle location 3791]

As the Light Fades is a clean contemporary read with a subtle faith thread and a theme of forgiveness and grace. Set on the US tourist haven of Nantucket, it features the Carlisle family readers first met in The Things We Knew.

You don’t have to have read the previous novel, although I highly recommend them both.

Catherine West writes contemporary women’s fiction about hard times and hope. For more about the author and her work, visit catherinejwest.com.

[Review copy provided through NetGalley. My opinions are my own.]

I had a hard time putting this book down! It grabbed me from the start and kept me turning pages. Catherine West is a talented storyteller!

I must say, though, I miss her not being a writer of Christian fiction anymore. (I believe I read that on her blog or newsletter earlier this year.)
To me the faith element enhances the story, not that this was not a great story. I just missed it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via net galley. Thanks!

A developing romance between two people from rich families but that prove riches do not mean a smooth or happy life. Liz retreats to her family home now being turned into a B & B by her brother and sister in law, their boisterous 3-year old twins (who need some discipline now) and the father who has mid level Alzeimers' and recently moved into a care home. Other siblings flow in and out in a jazzy way as the family has always behaved. Liz is escaping an abusive relationship, loss of her savings and job and only wants solitude. Matt has moved back to his grandparents' home bringing with him his ward and niece - a very troubled 15-year old whose mother, Matt's sister, is in prison.. His family was the opposite of Liz' in that they had to be seen to do the right thing in they eyes - including disowning the daughter who became pregnant at 15. Whilst the story is essentially Liz and Matt's romance it has a lot of thought about family relationships, how the past does not necessarily stay there and the issues of coming to terms with life now and for the future. It's a thought provoking and an emotional read that keeps you engrossed. Thanks to NetGalley and the author via Independent Books Publishers Association for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. Having come to the end I now realise that it is one in a series. Whilst it is standalone mostly it does explain the once or twice I thought Who? What? But now we've got this far in the story I'm not sure that I would find the earlier ones that interesting. Pity.

So many of us have issues from our past which color our present life. Sometimes those issues can even keep us from fully living.
In this story, there are two characters whose past have very hurtful dark events. They are ashamed of their past and allow it to overwhelm them, keeping them in a state of overpowering fear. They try to just run away from their issues, but those issues keep coming back until they finally find the strength to stand up and fight.
While reading this book, I felt the deep pain these characters were dealing with. I work with high school students and understand many of the issues presented in this book. It was so well written by Catherine West.
The author, Catherine West also shows the pain which has a ripple effect on everyone. Many times, the hurt and pain can not only be deep for the individual, but also for those in their family. Each person handles this differently and it can take lots of time and care to heal and be able to move on.
The author brought out questions and emotions in me, which I needed to work through.
Even though this book isn’t a “Christian” book, it still brought me hope for my own personal life. Could I really forgive if I was hurt so bad? Would I want to just end my life, or would I reach out to Jesus and draw my strength from Him? Is my faith strong enough to get me through the pain?
Now, there was also a beautiful story of sweet love and willingness to look beyond the pain to see the real person inside.
What I really appreciated in this book, is that Catherine West didn’t just sugar coat things. She was willing to be real and show the ripple effect these things can have on our lives. This story and the lessons I got from it, will live in my life for a long time.
The most important lesson is to find my hope in God and His unending love for me.
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley who gave me this opportunity.
I received this book from the publisher to read. All opinions are my own.

This I presumed was a stand-alone novel. I was caught at times with references to people I've no idea who they were. So, It was a good read, just the flow caught me at times.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy to review.

The good.
It was a sweet book that dealt with many important issues - abuse, bullying, addiction.... The romance was a sweet slow burn. I really liked the characters and the writing.

The not so good
My biggest issue was that this is a stand alone novel, but it's obviously part of a series. It mentions people as if you knew who they were. It was very jarring and interrupted the flow. I really needed more context and background. There was one section where she mentions "after what happened the previous summer". What happened???

I will look for other books by this author, i will just do more research f first to make sure I'm not coming in during the end of a series.

Thank you to the publisher and #netgalley for the advance copy. This didn't affect my review.

Wow what a story it is about second chances and New beginnings but also focuses on today's issues such as domestic violence,bullying,teenagers.
Lovely characters,real live definitely a book on everyone reading list.Hope there is a sequence to the book to see what happens to Mia and Chris,Liz and Mat.

"As the Light Fades" is such a great story about second chances, new beginnings, forgiveness, and grace! It was so easy to connect with the characters and feel empathy towards them. The storyline is great as it twists and turns a bit, but it is also believable and partially predictable, which I enjoy. Being from a big family I could relate to some of the craziness described of the Carlisle's! Great read that I quickly found I had a hard time putting down.

It’s a big story. There is a lot going on in this book. From family stuff to personal strife. It’s a gripping story that has you always looking for the next word.

I like how this book highlights on circumstances. Everyone is placed in the right place at the right time for a reason. Liz goes back to Nantucket when her life doesn't turn out the way its supposed to, she goes to visit her family's estate. Their family is renovating the estate which is kind of in relation to the chaos of Liz's life. Liz is required to testify against her ex boyfriend for assault and he knows everything about her. who she is, her past, and her darkest secrets. I don't know how I feel if i had to testify against someone who knew my darkest secrets. This books is suspenseful, and filled with drama and is a real page turner.