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.