Blurred Fates
A Novel
by Anastasia Zadeik
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Pub Date Aug 02 2022 | Archive Date Jul 06 2022
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Description
“ . .as chilling as it is affecting . . . A hypnotic page-turner about the frightening haziness between past and present.”—KIRKUS REVIEWS
Kate Whittier has it all—a loving, even-keeled husband, two great kids, and a beautiful home in Southern California. But Kate is living a lie. In a desperate attempt to create for her children the safe, happy family she never had, she has been hiding secrets for decades—things she’s convinced make her unworthy of her wellborn husband, Jacob, and the privileged life he has provided.
Then, one ordinary evening, always dependable Jacob confesses to a drunken sexual indiscretion he doesn’t quite remember, and Kate cracks open. Molten memories rise to the surface: hiding in the dark, her brother’s whisper in her ear; crying out, knowing no one will hear. Along with the memories, volatile emotions swirl—a sign, Kate fears, that the mental illness that took her mother has finally come for her.
Stepping in to support Kate and Jacob as their lives fall apart is the guy who brought them together—Ryan McCann, a peripatetic journalist who has recently settled nearby to write his first novel. Ryan was with Jacob on the night of the indiscretion. Ryan is with Kate when Jacob leaves. And when Kate’s malevolent older brother calls with news of her father’s imminent death, it is Ryan who accompanies her as she journeys back to her childhood home looking for closure. Instead, as the past invades the present and relationships collide, Kate discovers complicated truths that could mean redemption—or destroy her entire world.
A Note From the Publisher
Content Warning: This story includes references to past parental death by suicide; sexual violence; alcohol and drug addiction; mental illness; and abuse.
Advance Praise
“A woman’s seemingly perfect life unravels in this debut novel that explores what happens when past traumas resurface. . . . will keep readers glued to the page. . . . The author’s tale is as chilling as it is affecting.. . . A hypnotic page-turner . . .”—KIRKUS REVIEWS
"Mental and emotional health and healing from trauma are the book’s main foci, and it handles them with utmost care....Blurred Fates is a tense, emotional thriller about betrayal and strength."—FOREWORD CLARION REVIEWS
“Zadeik’s piercing, gut-wrenching, and gripping story about a fractured marriage, buried family secrets, and a woman fighting to regain her life is a remarkable debut that will keep you riveted until the last page.”—Jamie Freveletti, internationally bestselling, award-winning author of Blood Run
“…a beautifully written debut novel about love, betrayal, secrets, and the courage to speak the truth...whatever the consequences.”—Sondra Helene, author of Appearances
“A smart, stunning debut. This novel grabbed me on page one, and I simply could not put it down. Look for Zadeik's work on the big screen.”—Carlos de los Rios, Award-winning screenwriter and producer of Diablo, author of Kids in Cages
". . . kept me engaged until the end. The questions raised by Kathryn’s struggles will resonate with all readers: How do we overcome the abuses of our past? Can one ever rise above the circumstances of her childhood? Who do we love, and why? In Blurred Fates, the devastating effects of adultery, abuse, abandonment, suicide, and unrequited love collide to create a gripping, well-told narrative.”—Tabitha Forney, author of Paper Airplanes
“In the haunting and finely-written Blurred Fates, Anastasia Zadek unravels themes of adultery, jealousy, crimes of passion, betrayal, loss, and guilt. It’s impossible to not keep turning the pages, as Zadek’s voice leads us deeper and deeper into a compulsively readable plot that takes the reader from a place of shock and horror to understanding and clarity. Zadek has written a psychological thriller that is touching, troubling, and ultimately a story of redemption."—Donna Brown Agins, author of Maya Angelou, Diversity Makes for a Rich Tapestry, nominated for an NAACP Image Award
“Nothing less than a feast for the senses, Blurred Fates is haunting and lyrical, lush and suspenseful. Zadeik takes the reader on a raw and mesmerizing exploration of the psychological grip that old family wounds and secrets can have on a person's soul. With crisp prose and deep empathy, Zadeik masterfully presents characters you’ll root for as they search for the true meaning of love, safety, and home. This is a book club essential.”—Marni Freedman, LMFT, author of Permission to Roar
“Blurred Fates is at once thrilling and unexpected with twists and turns that will keep you turning the page well into the night. I couldn’t put it down. It’s also an important commentary on mental health and a window into what it’s like to suffer from PTSD. Brava to debut author Anastasia Zadeik for this compelling first novel.”—Jeniffer Thompson, host of The Premise podcast
"Blurred Fates is an unerring portrayal of the realities of trauma survival in an enthralling tale of tragedy, love, and betrayal. Broken family, sexual assault, infidelity, and ulterior motives—turning each page makes you cringe, gasp, then breathe and repeat. Zadeik’s elegance on the page is captivating from start to finish."—Amelia Zachry, author of Enough: A Memoir of Mistakes, Mania, and Motherhood
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781647423797 |
PRICE | $17.95 (USD) |
PAGES | 312 |
Featured Reviews
This book was amazing! I enjoyed every single chapter, and it kept me hooked the entire time, which I loved!
RETAIL
BLURRED FATES
Anastasia Zadeik
Mystery/Thriller
This book is about love and how it can stand the test of time even through trials and tribulations. It is also about closing past doors and opening new ones.
I thought the author did a really good job dealing with some tough subjects that happen in everyday life. I read this book in about 24 hours and it was definitely a 5 star read for me.
Anastasia Zadeik, the author of “Blurred Fates” has written a captivating, intense, and suspenseful novel. The genres are Psychological Thriller and Domestic Thriller. The timeline for this story is set in the author’s present and goes to the past regarding the characters or events. The author describes her dramatic characters as complex and complicated. Betrayals, threats, suspense, dark secrets, untruths, gaslighting, infidelity, and danger are part of this novel.
The protagonist, Kate Whittier has a wealthy husband, two lovable children, and what looks like a perfect life. Unfortunately, it is all a facade for Kate, hidden by dark secrets, omissions, and lies. Kate realizes that the life she has can be over if the past surfaces. Kate comes from an extremely dysfunctional family, and her husband comes from a wealthy and distinguished family.
A mutual friend, Ryan McCann, a journalist, introduced both Kate and Jacob. He is very involved in their lives and the children’s. Ryan confirms the night that Jacob was so drunk that he had a sexual indiscretion. This sexual indiscretion makes Kate question everything about her marriage and her life.
I appreciate that the author discusses important issues such as mental health, rape, sexual and emotional harassment, and stress. I like that the author mentions the importance of honesty, trust, second chances, family, love, and hope. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and memorable novel.
Anastasia Zadeik has me hooked! From the very first page to the last I couldn't put this book down. So much was happening but it all flowed together flawlessly. In this you will follow the main character Kate who seems to have it all until the past is brought up through infidelity, lies and deceit. Amazing first novel and I cannot wait to see what else the author puts out!
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