Cape Cod Light

by Maryann McFadden

Everyone needs a dream . . . Claire Noble gave up on her dreams long ago. A single mother and respected history teacher, she has also been caring for her aging parents. But now it's finally Claire's turn. She has fallen in love with Rick Saunders, who is offering her both security and the opportunity to travel. Before their fall wedding, she will be leaving for a summer on Cape Cod, where the fabled light has been luring artists for a century, to study with one of the most noted photographers in the country. But just as Claire is about to step into her new life, her estranged daughter suddenly shows up with a backpack full of problems. Claire's father reveals a fifty-year-old secret that threatens to unravel their family. And her mother confides that at seventy-eight years old, she's still waiting for the love of her life. Caught between her dreams and family demands, Claire is about to make the toughest decision of her life when a chance encounter with an environmental writer causes her to question everything she thought she wanted.

442 pages, Paperback

Published November 27, 2018

About the author

In 2007 Maryann McFadden "won the literary lottery" according to writing blogs when her previously self-published novel, THE RICHEST SEASON, sold at auction to Hyperion Books. It became a Target Breakout Novel and an Indie Next Pick by the American Booksellers Association. Her next 2 novels, CAPE COD LIGHT (previously titled SO HAPPY TOGETHER) and THE BOOK LOVER are also Indie Next Picks. THE BOOK LOVER is inspired by her own journey in the world of books. Her 4th novel, THE CEMETERY KEEPER'S WIFE, is a historical novel set in her NJ hometown and has become a book club sensation. It is a novel she believes she was destined to write. Maryann's books have been translated into multiple languages and her unusual publishing journey has inspired many aspiring authors. You can reach her at maryannmcfadden.com

Maryann is also a speaker and writing coach, and loves to chat with book clubs! Contact her at maryann@maryannmcfadden.com

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clare is a middle aged NJ teacher with a challenging life. She has been estranged from her only child, a daughter who left home after an argument and just returned after 2 years, and no communication. Clare is newly engaged after having been alone for years, and her upcoming marriage to a successful businessman will shortly lead to a move to Arizona, a custom built townhome, and life of travel and time for herself. Clare’s aging parents live nearby and are increasingly dependent on her.

Suddenly Clare is offered participation in a sought after photography course on Cape Cod. Her agreement to go begins a several month period of time where Clare questions her entire life - her family dynamics, the relationship with her fiancé, the possibility of a career change, and more.

Against the backdrop of beautiful Cape Cod, Clare and her family reveal truths about themselves that even others in the family did not know. The months of the photography internship turn out to be challenging, enlightening, stressful and yet a time of growth and new beginnings.

The description of Cape Cod, with the ocean, the dunes, the changing light through the days and the seasons is beautifully written. The character development of Clare’s parents, Joe and Philomena was painful, and yet beautiful as it unfolded. So was the coming of age of Clare’s daughter Amy.

There is a side story about nature photography, and conservation, particularly as it relates to the New England fishing industry.

I loved the book and developed an attachment to many of the characters, particularly Clare. The entire book reflects most families - joys, sorrow, pain, dysfunction, and ultimately forgiveness.
At the end are book club questions, and it would be a wonderful story to discuss.

This is the third book I’ve read by Maryann McFadden, and have truly enjoyed her style of writing, particularly her research into each area where the book takes place. She truly has a gift for depth of description of both people and places. Cape Cod Light is definitely a touching, and recommended read.

[Sally Kelly1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book #3 on my Cape Cod vacation reading list but I ended up not starting it until I returned home and decided I needed the magic of the Cape to continue. Initially, I was disappointed that it didn’t start out immediately at the Cape and then I got drawn into the story and the cast of interesting characters in this flawed family. I believe it’s a good read for today - to remind us that challenges do exist within all of our lives and we can make wise decisions to guide us through the murky waters. THEN the magic of the Cape DID appear and it was the icing on the cake! I have just downloaded another book by her to begin this evening. Great Beach Read for the Summer of 2020

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice multigenerational people story.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

really liked this story told through 3 generations of women. All are struggling, yet all are more connected than they know.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel did a great job covering 3 generations of women as they deal with their lives. The mother daughter bonds are not always easy.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This book is one where three women of different ages from one family go thru life changes to find love.

[bobbie]

Great read

Enjoyed this book ever so much, first time reading McFadden and I am sure I will look for her again!