From the bestselling author of The Kindness of Strangers comes a poignant and life-affirming novel about our connections to the past, and the promise for the future during the least promising of times. Grieving but feisty widow Vivian Laurent is at a late-in-life crossroads. The man she loved is gone. Their only daughter is estranged and missing. And the assisted-living facility where her husband died is going into quarantine. Living in lockdown with only heartache and memories is something Vivian can't bear. Then comes a saving grace. Luna, a compassionate nursing assistant and newly separated mother, is facing eviction. Vivian has a plan that could turn their lives around: return to her old home and invite Luna and her two children to move in with her. With the exuberant eleven-year-old Wren in her hot-pink motorized wheelchair and Wren's troubled older brother, Cooper, the new housemates make for an unlikely pandemic pack, weathering the coming storm together. Now it's time to heal old wounds, make peace with the past, find hope and joy, and discover that the strongest bonds can get anyone through the worst of times.
Katrina Kittle Book order
This author crafts novels that are met with high acclaim, but her approach to reviewing stems from a philosophy that life is too short to finish a book one does not love. She finds more comfort in recommending works she admires than in criticizing something she did not enjoy. Her writing often explores themes that resonate deeply with readers, offering a unique perspective. Each new work solidifies her position as a significant voice in contemporary literature.






- 2023
- 2017
The Blessings of the Animals
- 464 pages
- 17 hours of reading
Exploring themes of resilience and the journey to rediscover love, this beautifully crafted novel resonates with both animal lovers and those who have faced heartbreak. It highlights the courage required to open oneself up to new relationships, emphasizing the transformative power of love and the healing process that follows emotional pain.
- 2008
Traveling Light
- 336 pages
- 12 hours of reading
The story explores the poignant journey of Summer Zwolenick as she returns to Dayton, Ohio, to reconnect with her brother Todd, who is terminally ill. Once a promising ballerina, Summer grapples with her past and the impact of her brother's strength on her life. As she faces the impending loss, she seeks to absorb the vital lessons Todd has to offer about love, life, and acceptance. Their bond highlights themes of family, resilience, and the importance of cherishing fleeting moments.
- 2007
The Kindness of Strangers
- 400 pages
- 14 hours of reading
Struggling to maintain her family after losing her husband, Sarah Laden faces new challenges when a crisis strikes her best friend's family. As she opens her home to another troubled boy, Sarah must navigate the complexities of grief, motherhood, and the impact of unexpected revelations on her already chaotic life. This poignant story explores themes of resilience, community, and the bonds formed through shared struggles.