Newly divorced Karoline London needs to heal and find her normal again, as older sister Suzie keeps reminding her. But what does Suzie, married to the ideal husband, know about the shattering effect of living with someone tormented by addictions?
When Karoline meets a handsome new man, things just might be looking up. Until the day she learns about a tragic event in ex-husband Jeremy’s childhood.
Faced with the horrifying experience that shaped the man she used to love, Karoline reconsiders what she thought was real. In the process, she comes to know the true meaning of love and forgiveness.
Lighting Candles in the Snow is a novel of hope and redemption, about new beginnings and fresh starts. It is about the weak finding courage, and how shared grief in times of loss can create unbreakable bonds within families.
REVIEWS:
Mason Canyon — “Gowen mixes the elements of divorce, Karoline’s feelings of self-worth, dating, and family into a story you won’t be able to put down. From heartache to hope, from trauma to triumph, Gowen has created a story that will bring you to tears and then lift your spirits with laugh-out-loud moments.”
Lost Inside the Covers — “Karoline doesn’t know what she wants and dithers, until she knows exactly what she wants, and then she won’t take no for an answer. Once she figures things out…she becomes ferocious and driven and purposeful. It is lovely to watch her blossom and you end with hope, budding love and happiness.”
“When love and trust are cruelly tossed at Karoline’s feet, she stomps the hurt to smithereens, bakes a batch of Aggression Cookies, and then goes after what she wants. At turns funny and heartbreaking, Gowen writes a tender story of love, hope, and second chances.” –Kathryn Magendie, author, editor, Rose & Thorn
“Lighting Candles in the Snow is a journey of discovery. It is about finding peace, completion, and one’s place in life. Not only will it capture your heart, you might shed a tear along the way.” –L. Diane Wolfe, speaker, author, Spunk on a Stick
“With beautiful imagery and characters you cry for, Lighting Candles in the Snow will break your heart and light hope in your soul. This book is a gift to readers.” –L.A. DeVaul, author, Roxanne in La La Land
“Sometimes we love people others deem unworthy, but in reality they are just too damaged to love us the way we deserve. Karoline London’s heart is breaking and there is a long road ahead coming to terms with how and why this happened and who she is outside of her broken marriage. These characters and this situation are real and sympathetic and the journey one of quiet triumph.” –Alyse Carlson, author, The Azalea Assault
“As the story unwinds, Karoline makes her way home in more ways than one, and we readers get the essential nourishment we need from a good story, also in more than one way. Try the Pear and Bleu Cheese Soup; you’ll be glad you did, and happy to have read Lighting Candles in the Snow. And just as in Gowen’s novel, House of Diamonds, the title image takes a while to unfold but when it does it’s unforgettable.” –Mirka M.G. Breen, author, The Voice of Thunder
Silver’s Reviews–”Written with families in mind–the writing style was very good and kept my interest. The book took you through the trials and tribulations of Karoline London before, during, and after her divorce. The wonderful recipes included at the end of each chapter were a nice addition.”
“This is an engaging, thoughtful novel, insightful regarding relationships. The author writes openly and movingly, creating a character many women will empathise with. However, she also creates a complex, damaged character in Jeremy; he is not as straightforward as he seems, and through him the author explores the nature of self-doubt and the crippling damage of past pain that has been buried inside. She also touches on the idea of love and acceptance of all of a person, not just the good but the bad as well.” –Little Reader Library
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