Ascension of larks / Rachel Linden.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

"Winsome kids and family friends add depth and warmth to the well-developed cast of characters. Readers will eagerly await future offerings from this promising new author."--Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

"Linden's debut novel is a bittersweet tale of enduring friendship, family ties, and the complexities of love that will engage readers of thoughtful women's fiction."--Library Journal, STARRED review, Debut of the Month

When globetrotting photographer Magdalena Henry loses the only man she's ever loved, she risks her stellar career to care for his widow and young children on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest.

Free-spirited and fiercely independent, Maggie adores her life of travel and adventure. But she has a secret. She can't let go of her first and only love, renowned architect Marco Firelli, now married to her best friend Lena.

When Marco drowns in a kayaking accident, Maggie rushes to the Firelli family's summer home on San Juan Island. Once there she discovers that Marco was hiding something that could destroy his family. As fragile, perfectionistic Lena slowly falls apart, Maggie tries to provide stability for Marco and Lena's three young children.

When Maggie is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete in the world's most prestigious photography competition, she thinks she's found the answer to their problems. Then Lena makes a choice with unexpected and devastating consequences, forcing Maggie to grapple with an agonizing decision. Does she sacrifice the golden opportunity of her career or abandon the Firellis just when they need her the most

Gradually the island begins to work its magic. A century-old ritual to beckon loved ones home offers hope in the midst of sorrow. And a guilt-ridden yet compelling stranger hiding on the island may offer Maggie a second chance at love, but only if she can relinquish the past and move forward to find joy in unexpected places.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Renowned photographer -Maggie Henry is on a shoot in Central America when she receives shocking news. Marco -Firelli, the only man she ever loved, drowned while he was trying to save a fellow kayaker. She flies to the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State to comfort his widow, Lena, and their three children. At the same time, she secretly mourns her own loss. Maggie, Lena, and Marco had been close friends in college, but Marco had chosen Lena. Living with Lena and the children, Maggie soon realizes that the bonds of this adopted family are worth more than her unreciprocated feelings for Marco. Linden's characters are deeply flawed, but their humanity shines through. And the hushed tone captures the loss and grief experienced by the protagonists. VERDICT Linden's debut novel is a bittersweet tale of enduring friendship, family ties, and the complexities of love that will engage readers of thoughtful women's fiction. © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Review

A powerful exploration of love, loss, and hope, Linden's debut novel begins with acclaimed international photographer Maggie Henry rushing back to tiny San Juan Island, off the coast of Washington State, to join the family of her beloved friend Marco, who was recently killed in a kayaking accident. Marco's widow, Lena, seems unable to deal with the reality of her husband's death, and her incapacity requires Maggie to take on the care of Marco's three children. Soon afterward, a prestigious photography competition opens up, forcing Maggie to choose between lifelong ambitions and a deep love for the only family she has. Complicating an already dicey situation, she meets Daniel, the sorrowful, enigmatic poet who caused Marco's accident. The two must learn to embrace their hopes, and dare to trust each other, before their lives and futures can move forward. Linden's lyrical prose paints a delicate, insightful picture of a grieving family seeking an anchor during a tumultuous upheaval. Winsome kids and family friends add depth and warmth to the well-developed cast of characters. Readers will eagerly await future offerings from this promising new author. Agent: Chip MacGregor, MacGregor Literary Agency (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.