Brendan Talbot lost his father to a heart attack when he was nine years old.  Brendan assumed the responsibility of taking care of his mother, Marybeth and younger sister, Trina.  Brendan buried his own grief as he settled into his role as man of the house. 

When Marybeth begins to date a new man, Steve, Brendan is resentful and feels threatened that his role is being usurped by his mother’s new love interest. 

When Marybeth decides to take the family to Steve’s beach cottage on Cape Cod, Brendan grudgingly begins a friendship with Steve.  The two find that they have much in common—Steve’s son died three years ago—around the same time as Brendan’s father.  As the two cement their bond, Brendan learns to have fun again—the family enjoys boogie boarding and exploring the gorgeous beaches of the Cape.  As the four discover that life can be joyous, the Talbots and Steve begin to believe that maybe, just maybe, they can form a family. 

Their idyllic escape is cut short by an unforeseeable tragedy that changes everything.  What lessons do they learn from one another and will they ever be a whole family again? 

Doyle’s moving narration is about the intricacies of the heart—loss, love, grief, forgiveness, and acceptance.  This first-rate, contemporary novel will resonate with anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.  For children and adults alike, it teaches the importance of family and how life’s lessons, although difficult at times, can result in transformation and healing.

 

About the Author



Christopher Doyle is an elementary school teacher and writer.  Mr. Doyle has published a book, The Silver Creek Secret, and is currently writing another novel set in Gloucester, Massachusetts, in the 1920s.  He lives in Salem, Massachusetts.