An Unlit Candle was my first read from this author, and I picked it up without having read the synopsis. It may be a confluence of events or coincidence but sometimes a story like this will enter our lives at the precise moment when we are able to receive it and FEEL it. Wonderfully, this was one of those times for me.

The author’s skill with storytelling was evident in the way they delicately unraveled the plot as time (in both main timelines) progressed, with details being slowly revealed to tie the two timelines together. The main characters were beautifully and fully developed, and the primary side characters were nicely developed and served to move the main plots forward.

Pip’s storyline was haunting and, though I doubt I’ll ever be able to understand her character’s choices on a personal level, the way this author penned Pip’s life and her struggles deeply endeared me to her as I read. I wouldn’t label this story a “romance,” despite the romantic elements. It felt more like a contemplation of humanity, responsibility, and an exploration of the existence of love and destiny.

I found myself slightly distracted by details of minor side characters at times (mainly Alice and the very numerous Sisters). And, I didn’t feel too invested in any of the characters outside of St. Bridget’s, but I was VERY pleased overall by this author’s writing and look forward to reading more of their work - 4.5 stars