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In Search of True North
She looked to the sky for true north but found that home is where the heart is.
When heartbroken Mallory Carter leaves home at graduation to live a free-spirited life at the beach, she decides to never burden her family or God with her choices again. She suffers twelve long years of loneliness and shallow relationships, comforted only by the homemade telescope she uses to stargaze. Then she receives a call that her sister has died, leaving behind a son—the son Mallory gave up at the tender age of seventeen. When her family pressures her to raise Samuel, she agrees, despite the fact that he’s unaware of their true relationship. Handsome architect, and Samuel’s uncle, Brady Donaldson welcomes Mallory to the family, but she doesn’t know how much she can trust him. Brady has a bond with Samuel that Mallory has only been able to dream of for the last twelve years. Not only that, but Mallory holds secrets that could ruin her new life. As threats surface from Mallory’s past, the relationship she is building with her son is endangered. She realizes she desperately needs someone to trust, and Brady seems determined to fight for Mallory and Samuel. Searching for true north has never felt so hard. Will Brady’s steady love be enough to guide Mallory home, and to the God she abandoned long ago?
When heartbroken Mallory Carter leaves home at graduation to live a free-spirited life at the beach, she decides to never burden her family or God with her choices again. She suffers twelve long years of loneliness and shallow relationships, comforted only by the homemade telescope she uses to stargaze. Then she receives a call that her sister has died, leaving behind a son—the son Mallory gave up at the tender age of seventeen. When her family pressures her to raise Samuel, she agrees, despite the fact that he’s unaware of their true relationship. Handsome architect, and Samuel’s uncle, Brady Donaldson welcomes Mallory to the family, but she doesn’t know how much she can trust him. Brady has a bond with Samuel that Mallory has only been able to dream of for the last twelve years. Not only that, but Mallory holds secrets that could ruin her new life. As threats surface from Mallory’s past, the relationship she is building with her son is endangered. She realizes she desperately needs someone to trust, and Brady seems determined to fight for Mallory and Samuel. Searching for true north has never felt so hard. Will Brady’s steady love be enough to guide Mallory home, and to the God she abandoned long ago?
- GenresChristian Fiction
272 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2021
9 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Neely
8 books32 followersKathleen Neely is a retired educator, wife, mother, and grandmother. After teaching elementary school, she moved into administration, serving as principal at Eden Christian Academy in Pittsburgh, and then at Shannon Forest Christian School in Greenville, SC. Kathleen's desire is to write wholesome fiction that honors Christ.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 6, 2021
3.8 stars.
This contemporary story has many themes related to the complexities of modern life. I wonder though if maybe there were too many threads to the story, leaving me with a feeling that I wasn't drawn deep enough into the primary triangle of relationships.
I particularly appreciated the look at self-pity and playing the victim/not taking responsibility.
I look forward to more books from this author.
As always, the story kept me reading.
This contemporary story has many themes related to the complexities of modern life. I wonder though if maybe there were too many threads to the story, leaving me with a feeling that I wasn't drawn deep enough into the primary triangle of relationships.
I particularly appreciated the look at self-pity and playing the victim/not taking responsibility.
I look forward to more books from this author.
As always, the story kept me reading.
May 1, 2021
Once again Kathleen has written a wonderful story with twists and turns that keep the reader interested and loving the characters. Mallory is a young woman with a past that has hurt her but she has grown to know what she really wants. I loved how surprised I was with some of the story line.
Kathleen writes beautiful, creative well developed characters.
Kathleen writes beautiful, creative well developed characters.
June 6, 2021
This is a novel I’ll remember fondly years from now. The author’s distinct and refreshing voice hooked me a year ago when I read her novel, “The Street Singer.” This year, “In Search of True North” surpassed my already high expectations.
The opening page, set in a colorful gift shop on a steamy North Carolina boardwalk, reeled me in and set up suspense. By the end of page three, I’d felt a genuine jolt of emotion when the protagonist, Mallory, got an earful of upsetting news about her family. It’s not easy for an author to elicit that degree of true emotion so early in a book when the characters are first getting introduced, but Ms. Neely accomplished this feat. Additional surprises seized my heart as layer after layer of the story continued to unfold. Families are complicated. One of the characters explained, “Lies require more lies until you’re tangled in them.”
The plotline flows beautifully, tugs at the emotions in all directions, and scatters little nuggets of truth to ponder along the way. Many times while reading, a quotable line nudged my heart to pause and linger on its beauty and insight.
Starry night skies are exquisitely woven from the novel’s start to its stunning ending, through the lens of a telescope Mallory built as a child and shared with others. “In Search of True North” led me through phases of delight, despair, wonder, and ultimately, focused my heart on true hope.
I received a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my feedback. All reviews and opinions are my own.
The opening page, set in a colorful gift shop on a steamy North Carolina boardwalk, reeled me in and set up suspense. By the end of page three, I’d felt a genuine jolt of emotion when the protagonist, Mallory, got an earful of upsetting news about her family. It’s not easy for an author to elicit that degree of true emotion so early in a book when the characters are first getting introduced, but Ms. Neely accomplished this feat. Additional surprises seized my heart as layer after layer of the story continued to unfold. Families are complicated. One of the characters explained, “Lies require more lies until you’re tangled in them.”
The plotline flows beautifully, tugs at the emotions in all directions, and scatters little nuggets of truth to ponder along the way. Many times while reading, a quotable line nudged my heart to pause and linger on its beauty and insight.
Starry night skies are exquisitely woven from the novel’s start to its stunning ending, through the lens of a telescope Mallory built as a child and shared with others. “In Search of True North” led me through phases of delight, despair, wonder, and ultimately, focused my heart on true hope.
I received a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my feedback. All reviews and opinions are my own.
October 26, 2021
This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in Library Journal.
Mallory Rose Carter is an amateur astronomer competing for high school valedictorian, until one lapse in judgment knocks her future off course. Twelve years later, her sister is killed in a tragic accident; and Mallory returns home to help her mom with early on-set Alzheimer’s and raise her pre-teen nephew, Samuel.
Desperate for approval and nursing bitterness over crushed dreams, Mallory makes another rash decision in her search for a guiding north star. In a genteel Southern family where appearances reign, Mallory wonders if she can ever really come home. With her homemade telescope pointed heavenward, Mallory realizes that perspective is essential for stargazing and for life.
VERDICT: With matter-of-fact writing, Neely (Beauty from Ashes) explores messy families, single parenting, and forgiveness for believers in the modern world. Readers of character-driven Christian fiction will appreciate Mallory’s character and her struggle to not be defined by her mistakes. Fans of Cynthia Ruchti and Jennifer AlLee will want to put Neely on their watch list.
Mallory Rose Carter is an amateur astronomer competing for high school valedictorian, until one lapse in judgment knocks her future off course. Twelve years later, her sister is killed in a tragic accident; and Mallory returns home to help her mom with early on-set Alzheimer’s and raise her pre-teen nephew, Samuel.
Desperate for approval and nursing bitterness over crushed dreams, Mallory makes another rash decision in her search for a guiding north star. In a genteel Southern family where appearances reign, Mallory wonders if she can ever really come home. With her homemade telescope pointed heavenward, Mallory realizes that perspective is essential for stargazing and for life.
VERDICT: With matter-of-fact writing, Neely (Beauty from Ashes) explores messy families, single parenting, and forgiveness for believers in the modern world. Readers of character-driven Christian fiction will appreciate Mallory’s character and her struggle to not be defined by her mistakes. Fans of Cynthia Ruchti and Jennifer AlLee will want to put Neely on their watch list.
May 1, 2021
Ms. Neely has done it again! In Search of True North is a wonderful story. I’ve loved every one of Ms. Neely’s books I’ve read, and this one was no exception.
Mallory has isolated herself from her family, from God, and from the son she gave up when she was a teen. We follow Mallory through complex family relationships and feel what she is feeling. The characters are full of deep emotion. My heart went out to Mallory’s son, who had so much to deal with in his short life. The story wound through unpredictable twists and turns, and I loved watching Mallory’s journey toward God and toward her family, even though it wasn’t a straight line, since life rarely moves in a straight line. Mallory’s family life is complicated for many reasons, and it is easy to see why she ran away, but you can’t help rooting for her to find a way to make peace with her family. The writing is powerful, and I found myself unable to put the book down.
Mallory has isolated herself from her family, from God, and from the son she gave up when she was a teen. We follow Mallory through complex family relationships and feel what she is feeling. The characters are full of deep emotion. My heart went out to Mallory’s son, who had so much to deal with in his short life. The story wound through unpredictable twists and turns, and I loved watching Mallory’s journey toward God and toward her family, even though it wasn’t a straight line, since life rarely moves in a straight line. Mallory’s family life is complicated for many reasons, and it is easy to see why she ran away, but you can’t help rooting for her to find a way to make peace with her family. The writing is powerful, and I found myself unable to put the book down.
April 30, 2021
a lovely story that shows how one decision can impact so many lives in various ways. Mrs. Neely does a wonderful job of ironing out the wrinkles of dysfunction of a family suffering from such a decision while God is behind the scenes working all things together for the good of everyone concerned."
April 29, 2021
Wonderful read! Didn’t want to put it down! I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read good, clean books. This would be wonderful to make into a movie. If you enjoy Karen Kingsbury or Lori Wick, you will love this author! I highly recommend it!
June 29, 2021
Kathleen Neely does it again. She drew me into her story with complex characters and a storyline that reels you in on page one. I cheered for Mallory and Brady to begin a home of their own. Neely shows how past decisions in the gray areas of life can come back with consequences. When the child Mallory gives up at birth suddenly becomes hers again, the blurred lines of parenting add twists and turns to Mallory's life. Samuel stole my heart as an orphaned teen who discovers love for a new mother. Enter Uncle Brady, a caring friend and relative to Samuel, and a perfect match for Mallory, and you have a story that lingers in your mind and heart. Don't miss Neely's latest story filled with emotion and a hard earned happily ever after.
July 10, 2021
Mallory Rose Carter already knows about loss. She’s crafted, or fallen into, a life without challenges or surprises. The alternative isn’t worth contemplating, until the day her estranged father contacts her at her dead-end job in Cape Fear, NC. She’s summoned home to be with her family at the death of her sister Jolene. The event throws her into the same past she’s run from. Savannah, her other sister, is estranged from her and critical; her mother is slipping away from dementia; and her father wants to make up for the lost years. But the biggest plate she has to spin is a 12-year-old nephew, bereaved of both his parents. Mallory is in no shape to take care of a young teen, especially this one: the son she gave up at his birth.
Mallory’s pregnancy, a one-night stand with a high-school jerk, threw the family into turmoil 12 years before. Her desperate sister Jolene and her husband Mark wanted a baby, and they built lie upon lie to keep hers. She had the baby secretly and falsified the birth certificate to say the child was Jolene’s and Mark’s. Then she got out of their lives. But now Samuel needs her. The estate, administered by her critical sister Savannah, provides for Samuel’s private school, other expenses and college, along with use of Jolene’s house and expenses for Mallory. The estate is to the tune of $18 million.
She establishes a rapport with Brady Donaldson, Samuel’s uncle on his father’s side. He’s attractive and caring, and in another place, another time it might have worked. But Mallory is consumed with guilt and fear, even as she takes over the raising of the son that was hers to begin with.
Can Mallory tell the truth about what really happened, and bear the consequences even if it means losing Samuel – and Brady?
Kathleen Neely really delivers in this women’s fiction novel. She delves deeply into the emotions Mallory feels, including the guilt, and does a masterful job of “getting inside” her heroine. She does not neglect the spiritual element. She shows Mallory’s shift from a life of “growing accustomed to shifting the blame” to willingness to take the consequences. The reader feels every emotion, from heartbreak to fear to peace, at last, in Christ.
Brady is an engaging and likeable hero. The rest of the characters are well-drawn, including critical Savannah, and the sisters’ journey toward reconciliation is realistically portrayed. Liam and Chloe, her Cape Fear buddies, lend color and life to the story. And Samuel’s reactions to losing his parents is sympathetically and realistically portrayed.
Neely is good at using metaphors. She threads the story with Mallory’s love of astronomy, and the “True North” concept informs Mallory’s progress.
This is a good summer read, or a good “winter read” with a fire and hot beverage. Check it out!
“In Search of True North”
Kathleen Neely
Iron Stream Media
2021
October 26, 2021
This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in Library Journal.
Mallory Rose Carter is an amateur astronomer competing for high school valedictorian, until one lapse in judgment knocks her future off course. Twelve years later, her sister is killed in a tragic accident; and Mallory returns home to help her mom with early on-set Alzheimer’s and raise her pre-teen nephew, Samuel.
Desperate for approval and nursing bitterness over crushed dreams, Mallory makes another rash decision in her search for a guiding north star. In a genteel Southern family where appearances reign, Mallory wonders if she can ever really come home. With her homemade telescope pointed heavenward, Mallory realizes that perspective is essential for stargazing and for life.
VERDICT: With matter-of-fact writing, Neely (Beauty from Ashes) explores messy families, single parenting, and forgiveness for believers in the modern world. Readers of character-driven Christian fiction will appreciate Mallory’s character and her struggle to not be defined by her mistakes. Fans of Cynthia Ruchti and Jennifer AlLee will want to put Neely on their watch list.
Mallory Rose Carter is an amateur astronomer competing for high school valedictorian, until one lapse in judgment knocks her future off course. Twelve years later, her sister is killed in a tragic accident; and Mallory returns home to help her mom with early on-set Alzheimer’s and raise her pre-teen nephew, Samuel.
Desperate for approval and nursing bitterness over crushed dreams, Mallory makes another rash decision in her search for a guiding north star. In a genteel Southern family where appearances reign, Mallory wonders if she can ever really come home. With her homemade telescope pointed heavenward, Mallory realizes that perspective is essential for stargazing and for life.
VERDICT: With matter-of-fact writing, Neely (Beauty from Ashes) explores messy families, single parenting, and forgiveness for believers in the modern world. Readers of character-driven Christian fiction will appreciate Mallory’s character and her struggle to not be defined by her mistakes. Fans of Cynthia Ruchti and Jennifer AlLee will want to put Neely on their watch list.
July 4, 2021
Oh, my! Where to begin? (And how to do so without giving this wonderful story away?!)
Years ago, Mallory's life was set on a course that she would rather not have taken. A choice she made in her teen years has cost her so incredibly much. Then she receives a phone call that sends her (and her family) reeling.
Can this hurting young lady, who loves the ebony sky with it's constellations and the great north star, find True North in her life?
She is blessed with two dear friends, Chloe and Liam. She finds comfort and strength in Brady. But, can she find love.... acceptance... forgiveness? For herself? For others? Will the precious boy, Samuel, be lost to her forever?
Kathy is a 'Master Storyteller'. From the first page to the last, I did not want to stop reading! She also reminds us of some very important life lessons, including, "Every day we give up is a day we can never have back." and that "God is right where you left Him."
You will love this story of sacrificial love and redemption!
Thank you, Kathy!
Years ago, Mallory's life was set on a course that she would rather not have taken. A choice she made in her teen years has cost her so incredibly much. Then she receives a phone call that sends her (and her family) reeling.
Can this hurting young lady, who loves the ebony sky with it's constellations and the great north star, find True North in her life?
She is blessed with two dear friends, Chloe and Liam. She finds comfort and strength in Brady. But, can she find love.... acceptance... forgiveness? For herself? For others? Will the precious boy, Samuel, be lost to her forever?
Kathy is a 'Master Storyteller'. From the first page to the last, I did not want to stop reading! She also reminds us of some very important life lessons, including, "Every day we give up is a day we can never have back." and that "God is right where you left Him."
You will love this story of sacrificial love and redemption!
Thank you, Kathy!
July 17, 2021
Another 5-star book by Kathleen Neely! Once again, the author has created a story that captivated me from the first few pages to the last words. Characters are well developed and as the reader, I felt like they were my friends. Mallory Carter, the main character, has learned the hard lesson that actions have consequences and they are not always favorable. However, I especially liked how the author wrote about the discussion between Mallory and her father when he speaks the harsh truth of her living like a martyr. A beautiful quote is, “Sometimes we have to open our eyes a little wider to see the blessings.”
Another loveable character was Brady Donaldson. Not to give too many spoilers . . . let me just say . . . be still my heart. A man with all the best qualities!
The story is gripping and heartbreaking, but also has times of humor. Individuals may have made choices and decisions that affect many lives but it is clear that God has orchestrated the ending of the story.
I have read all of Kathleen Neely’s books and this is my favorite so far. Well done!
Another loveable character was Brady Donaldson. Not to give too many spoilers . . . let me just say . . . be still my heart. A man with all the best qualities!
The story is gripping and heartbreaking, but also has times of humor. Individuals may have made choices and decisions that affect many lives but it is clear that God has orchestrated the ending of the story.
I have read all of Kathleen Neely’s books and this is my favorite so far. Well done!
May 31, 2021
"...we can’t change the roads we traveled. They brought us to where we are today."
It was easy to immerse myself into True North. The characters were believable and felt so real, I wanted to shake Mallory at times for the decisions and thought-processes she was making! I wanted to give Samuel a big hug and tell him everything was going to be all right. I appreciated Mallory's Dad helping her understand where her past choices intersected with her current circumstances, and how she was just as redeemable as any of us. True North was a good read, and I highly recommend it. Another outstanding novel by Kathleen Neely. Add any and all of her books to your reading list. Great way to spend an afternoon! Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. A positive review was not required.
It was easy to immerse myself into True North. The characters were believable and felt so real, I wanted to shake Mallory at times for the decisions and thought-processes she was making! I wanted to give Samuel a big hug and tell him everything was going to be all right. I appreciated Mallory's Dad helping her understand where her past choices intersected with her current circumstances, and how she was just as redeemable as any of us. True North was a good read, and I highly recommend it. Another outstanding novel by Kathleen Neely. Add any and all of her books to your reading list. Great way to spend an afternoon! Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. A positive review was not required.
June 27, 2021
I couldn't put this book down. It pulls you in from the start on the journey with a young, hurting daughter/sister/mother who in her own way has spent the last 12 years isolating herself from those who love her most because of her own perceptions. Life takes an unexpected twist to allow her to make different choices. Your journey beside her as she learns and grows in her own self awareness and maturity reminds us there are second chances, while taking the first step is the hardest towards forgiveness, mending relationships and finding forgivenes, it is well worth the reward. This books keeps you reading til the last page, identifying with Mallory as she learns and grows.
I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my feedback. All reviews and opinions are my own.
I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my feedback. All reviews and opinions are my own.
July 7, 2021
Sometimes you pay a price for doing the right thing. True North's Mallory must decide if the cost was worth it. Kneely's characters seem to jump off the page, they live and breathe in such a way. Just when you think Mallory has come to grips with the past and is heading toward a bright future, another twist is thrown into the plot. I love it when a book draws me into a place where I don't even hear what's going on around me. Kathleen Neely's books do just that. It's hard to constantly up your game as a writer and with each book, the pressure increases. Neely has more than risen to the test. This is a great book.
June 30, 2021
This is the 3rd book that I've read written by Ms. Neely. This was my favorite. Ms. Neely has the ability to create characters and plots that draw you in. I couldn't put the book down. We are all broken, and many times we want to blame other people for choices we have made. Mallory fell into that pit and kept batting away the hands that tried to help pull her out. Fear can keep us stuck. Read this incredible book to find out how Mallory found courage to risk it all to climb out of that pit.
May 5, 2021
In Search of True North by Kathleen Neely is a book you will not want to put down! Mallory is broken and running from those who love her until her father wisely states: “Every day we give up is a day we can’t have back”. As Mallory’s struggles in life often produce self-pity and missed opportunities, God proves Himself faithful, the constant, always there to point the way. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my feedback. What a treat!
Pam Erwin
Pam Erwin
June 2, 2021
I have read all of the books that Kathleen Neely has written. This is a fantastic author to read. This book was just as great as all of the rest she has written. I was given access to an ARC copy to read. I could not put it down. I read it in 2 days. This was the quickest I have read a book.
"I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my feedback. All reviews and opinions are my own."
"I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my feedback. All reviews and opinions are my own."
July 7, 2021
The story and characters drew me in right away. Kathleen Neely spins a deeply poignant, beautiful, and inspiring story. A truly satisfying read. Believe me, this is one you're not going to be able to put down!
July 9, 2021
What a wonderful book! It's well written and hooks you on the first page. It is full of emotions and has just enough drama to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This is a story that you will remember long after you've read the last page.
August 25, 2024
Enjoyable story, drew me in early and didn't let go. Mallory does something right but the wrong way and it nearly cost everyone what they loved most.
Favorite quote "A goal without a plan is just a daydream."
Favorite quote "A goal without a plan is just a daydream."
March 16, 2022
Read this for book club and found it a fast compelling read. I do think there were a little too many side plots going on and I could sense the ending almost from the beginning but I enjoyed it.
June 6, 2021
I have enjoyed every book I've read by this author. Always a pleasant read with a good moral base.
November 21, 2023
It was so insanely refreshing to read a clean love story!!! I love the Damien dynamics of this story and the mentions of God. It feels like everything these days is filled with smut and a million cuss words.
June 29, 2021
I was very excited to be a part of the launch book team for author, Kathleen Neely. She is a new author for me, but I will definitely be adding her books to my “to read” list!
In reading, In Search of True North, I was quickly caught up in each of the characters and life struggles presented. You easily empathize with Mallory as she felt the burden of her choices and responsibilities. The family difficulties and relationship strains pull at your heart strings and keep you turning page after page! I loved seeing God’s redemptive plan for their family, the restoration of family relationships and the hope that is pictured so vividly in this novel! It is a wonderful read and while it gives you pause to consider the struggles of each character, it also gives you a picture of sacrificial love and how God can move in each person and bring healing, hope, and love.
Thank you, Kathleen Neely, for the early bird copy of this novel in exchange for my feedback!
All reviews and opinions are my own!
In reading, In Search of True North, I was quickly caught up in each of the characters and life struggles presented. You easily empathize with Mallory as she felt the burden of her choices and responsibilities. The family difficulties and relationship strains pull at your heart strings and keep you turning page after page! I loved seeing God’s redemptive plan for their family, the restoration of family relationships and the hope that is pictured so vividly in this novel! It is a wonderful read and while it gives you pause to consider the struggles of each character, it also gives you a picture of sacrificial love and how God can move in each person and bring healing, hope, and love.
Thank you, Kathleen Neely, for the early bird copy of this novel in exchange for my feedback!
All reviews and opinions are my own!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews