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Driftwood Diary
Eden Island is the perfect escape from the constraints of society. Isolated, tropical, and lush, this reclusive community in the Gulf of Mexico is a modern-day Utopia. But all beautiful things come with a price.
Max Fontaine grows up struggling to accept the blind faith of Eden's followers. Finding herself pregnant, she finally rejects the island's dark practices and risks her life to escape.
Defying all odds, Max makes it to safety only to be snubbed by the local authorities. With no money, no family, and no home, she resorts to living among the dead in a secluded mausoleum.
When Cash Claiborne, a decorated Texas Ranger, discovers Max camped out in his family cemetery, he welcomes her into his home … and his heart. As feelings develop, his protective nature and lust for justice evolves into taking down the cult that tried to kill her. But their plan takes an unexpected turn, making Max feel like a failure and even worse—a traitor.
With the line between right and wrong blurred beyond recognition, Max must navigate the murky waters of morality to face the ultimate choice between the revenge she wants and the redemption she needs.
Max Fontaine grows up struggling to accept the blind faith of Eden's followers. Finding herself pregnant, she finally rejects the island's dark practices and risks her life to escape.
Defying all odds, Max makes it to safety only to be snubbed by the local authorities. With no money, no family, and no home, she resorts to living among the dead in a secluded mausoleum.
When Cash Claiborne, a decorated Texas Ranger, discovers Max camped out in his family cemetery, he welcomes her into his home … and his heart. As feelings develop, his protective nature and lust for justice evolves into taking down the cult that tried to kill her. But their plan takes an unexpected turn, making Max feel like a failure and even worse—a traitor.
With the line between right and wrong blurred beyond recognition, Max must navigate the murky waters of morality to face the ultimate choice between the revenge she wants and the redemption she needs.
326 pages, Hardcover
Published April 8, 2023
20 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 4, 2023
This is one of those “I cannot put it down” books! I was hooked from the start and cannot brag about the storyline enough. It is so well executed and keeps you on your toes at times. Max is tough and resilient and from the moment Cash comes into the picture I began to root for them.
Kate did it again, giving us an excellent book!
Kate did it again, giving us an excellent book!
January 23, 2024
Wow
This amazing book is a fairy tale love story wrapped around a horrific problem our world faces today. The research that went into the book is evident in the story it tells. It is unputdownable!
This amazing book is a fairy tale love story wrapped around a horrific problem our world faces today. The research that went into the book is evident in the story it tells. It is unputdownable!
July 7, 2025
This book is one of those stories that just stays with you. Once I started reading it, I didn’t move from my chair for hours and finished it in one sitting. And I grieved it when it when it was over. The story is raw and heartbreaking and moving. There just isn’t another out there like it and I could read it again and again! This book gets its very own showcase on my bookshelf when I get my hard copy. It deserves more than 5 stars!!
May 8, 2023
I was a little taken aback in the beginning and wasn’t certain this read was for me. Then things got really interesting and kept me sucked in until I finished. Kate’s attention to detail in her books does not go unnoticed. I thoroughly enjoyed both of her novels and for different reasons. I can’t wait to read anything and everything she writes in the future.
October 20, 2023
Beautifully written. I LOVED Max’s character and of course enjoyed reading a local author. This was unlike any book I’ve read before, which is hard to do!
April 22, 2023
Galveston ✔️
Cult, trauma, redemption, love story ✔️
Kate Boudreaux has done it again. I was shocked by each new atrocity from Eden revealed. I love how the story was woven together to keep me on the edge of my seat, guessing about the happenings there, then filling in the details to completely blow me away.
This book is raw and powerful, and we can all connect to it, even though our trauma is different than Max's.
I'm so proud of Max and her decisions. The author once again has shown us that maybe the line between right and wrong isn't as sharp and in focus as we may believe it to be.
Eden, like the original paradise, just wasn't destined to be an eternal sanctuary. Left to the devices and greed of man, it can't stand.
Cult, trauma, redemption, love story ✔️
Kate Boudreaux has done it again. I was shocked by each new atrocity from Eden revealed. I love how the story was woven together to keep me on the edge of my seat, guessing about the happenings there, then filling in the details to completely blow me away.
This book is raw and powerful, and we can all connect to it, even though our trauma is different than Max's.
I'm so proud of Max and her decisions. The author once again has shown us that maybe the line between right and wrong isn't as sharp and in focus as we may believe it to be.
Eden, like the original paradise, just wasn't destined to be an eternal sanctuary. Left to the devices and greed of man, it can't stand.
February 27, 2024
author has a way with words, but I'm even more impressed at the overall concept. The details of Eden Island's cult made it feel like it was real. She really did her research and transported me to the island and immersed me in Jude's strange religion. The resilience of Max and how she overcomed everything and never lost who she was really uplifting. I loved the tender relationship between her and Cash. The ending was so fitting and I walked away feeling content. It's definitely earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf!
July 25, 2025
Whoa. I’ll be honest, those first 60–70 pages were almost too much for me. It was sad, heartbreaking, disturbing, and even a bit triggering. It felt heavy, and I typically don’t do well with that kind of content. But I pushed through based on friends’ recommendations, and I’m so glad I did. It quickly became a page-turner, and I just had to know how it would all unfold.
It was a short, easy read, and I love that it’s written by a local author. I’m definitely eager to read more of her work. And the ending? Absolutely loved it; neat, satisfying, and tied up perfectly with a bow.
It was a short, easy read, and I love that it’s written by a local author. I’m definitely eager to read more of her work. And the ending? Absolutely loved it; neat, satisfying, and tied up perfectly with a bow.
April 27, 2023
Wow Kate Boudreaux! Another amazing book! The story of Max is simply astonishing and then Cash comes into play and everything gets even better. What an unpredictable and addictive read. I can't wait for book #3 from you!
April 7, 2023
I loved this book so much! It’s crazy that things like this actually happen. Loved the different view points Kate let’s you see from. I highly recommend!
January 27, 2024
I could not have loved this book more! So good!
June 20, 2023
Another fantastic Southern novel. Such description places you on the island of Galveston right in the heart of the story. Characters so vivid you feel like you've known them their entire lives.
July 11, 2023
This book did not disappoint. I was sucked in right from the start and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Kate has a way with words. I'm looking forward to whatever her next book will be.
October 11, 2025
3.5 Stars, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads.
This novel… where do I start. I was immediately pulled in. I was turning every page( well actually swiping the screen), not wanting to put this book down. I loved the cult aspects of this book. Things took a little bit of a turn at the 50% to 60% mark when Max left the cult. This is where I just lost a little bit of interest in the story. It seemed to me that Max got lucky no matter what decision she made. She landed a job that was not suppose to be for her, she moved in with a man she barely knew, a Texas Ranger at that. Cash, the Texas Ranger took on her and her baby. And then there was an operation excecuted by the Texas Rangers during a mandatory evacuation for Hurricane Ike. Max sends her newborn son on the road with someone to evacuate and she stays behind. What is going on? I know Max is young but what about her maternal instincts? I did love some of the surprises towards the end as well as mentions that I am all too familiar with. The baton twirling man that Max meets felt like a nod to Audrey Dean, the baton twirler from east Texas who shared his talent all over and entered parades. I also loved the nod to pier 19, Warf seafood restaurant. That was my husband’s favorite growing up. Ok, the pleasure pier wasn’t opened until 2012. I know this is based on a town but not exactly correct, it’s just a novel. lol when I read a story I don’t really have expectations. I let the author take me on the journey but I did have a little hope that things would go differently.
This novel… where do I start. I was immediately pulled in. I was turning every page( well actually swiping the screen), not wanting to put this book down. I loved the cult aspects of this book. Things took a little bit of a turn at the 50% to 60% mark when Max left the cult. This is where I just lost a little bit of interest in the story. It seemed to me that Max got lucky no matter what decision she made. She landed a job that was not suppose to be for her, she moved in with a man she barely knew, a Texas Ranger at that. Cash, the Texas Ranger took on her and her baby. And then there was an operation excecuted by the Texas Rangers during a mandatory evacuation for Hurricane Ike. Max sends her newborn son on the road with someone to evacuate and she stays behind. What is going on? I know Max is young but what about her maternal instincts? I did love some of the surprises towards the end as well as mentions that I am all too familiar with. The baton twirling man that Max meets felt like a nod to Audrey Dean, the baton twirler from east Texas who shared his talent all over and entered parades. I also loved the nod to pier 19, Warf seafood restaurant. That was my husband’s favorite growing up. Ok, the pleasure pier wasn’t opened until 2012. I know this is based on a town but not exactly correct, it’s just a novel. lol when I read a story I don’t really have expectations. I let the author take me on the journey but I did have a little hope that things would go differently.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2024
"Every journey has a few bumps. But this will pass. I want you to feel nothing but excitement. Nothing but joy. But first we have to go through a little discomfort."
Well, I definitely agree with this quote. Nothing is ever easy. Life is a journey for all of us. It's how we chose to take that journey.
This story was a little different than what I expected but I liked it ok.
The setting was different too. I guess each culture has their own ideas of Eden.
Here's another quote;
"Sometimes love makes you do stuff you never dreamed of. Stuff that don't make sense. But you do it anyway. Because not doing it would be like sticking a knife in your own heart."
I know how Hazel feels on that one too. But then, I think we all do when it comes to our kids.
But I think too, fear has a big part in all of this story.
I've never liked Jude. Not even when he was first introduced in the beginning of this story. A cult if I ever saw.
All the more reason I loved Max. She was cool. She sensed things about people like I do.
I'm giving this novel 5 stars for a job well done. I recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Well, I definitely agree with this quote. Nothing is ever easy. Life is a journey for all of us. It's how we chose to take that journey.
This story was a little different than what I expected but I liked it ok.
The setting was different too. I guess each culture has their own ideas of Eden.
Here's another quote;
"Sometimes love makes you do stuff you never dreamed of. Stuff that don't make sense. But you do it anyway. Because not doing it would be like sticking a knife in your own heart."
I know how Hazel feels on that one too. But then, I think we all do when it comes to our kids.
But I think too, fear has a big part in all of this story.
I've never liked Jude. Not even when he was first introduced in the beginning of this story. A cult if I ever saw.
All the more reason I loved Max. She was cool. She sensed things about people like I do.
I'm giving this novel 5 stars for a job well done. I recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 2, 2024
"Every journey has a few bumps. But this will pass. I want you to feel nothing but excitement. Nothing but joy. But first we have to go through a little discomfort."
Well, I definitely agree with this quote. Nothing is ever easy. Life is a journey for all of us. It's how we chose to take that journey.
This story was a little different than what I expected but I liked it ok.
The setting was different too. I guess each culture has their own ideas of Eden.
Here's another quote;
"Sometimes love makes you do stuff you never dreamed of. Stuff that don't make sense. But you do it anyway. Because not doing it would be like sticking a knife in your own heart."
I know how Hazel feels on that one too. But then, I think we all do when it comes to our kids.
But I think too, fear has a big part in all of this story.
I've never liked Jude. Not even when he was first introduced in the beginning of this story. A cult if I ever saw.
All the more reason I loved Max. She was cool. She sensed things about people like I do.
I'm giving this novel 5 stars for a job well done. I recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Well, I definitely agree with this quote. Nothing is ever easy. Life is a journey for all of us. It's how we chose to take that journey.
This story was a little different than what I expected but I liked it ok.
The setting was different too. I guess each culture has their own ideas of Eden.
Here's another quote;
"Sometimes love makes you do stuff you never dreamed of. Stuff that don't make sense. But you do it anyway. Because not doing it would be like sticking a knife in your own heart."
I know how Hazel feels on that one too. But then, I think we all do when it comes to our kids.
But I think too, fear has a big part in all of this story.
I've never liked Jude. Not even when he was first introduced in the beginning of this story. A cult if I ever saw.
All the more reason I loved Max. She was cool. She sensed things about people like I do.
I'm giving this novel 5 stars for a job well done. I recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 11, 2023
Well developed, likable characters. The story was well written and easy to follow. Enjoyed following Max’s journey and how her perspectives were shaped. Great story.
Summary:
Max Fontaine grows up struggling to accept the blind faith of Eden's followers. Finding herself pregnant, she finally rejects the island's dark practices and risks her life to escape. Defying all odds, Max makes it to safety only to be snubbed by the local authorities. With no money, no family, and no home, she resorts to living among the dead in a secluded mausoleum.
When Cash Claiborne, a decorated Texas Ranger, discovers Max camped out in his family cemetery, he welcomes her into his home...and his heart. As feelings develop, his protective nature and lust for justice evolves into taking down the cult that tried to kill her. But their plan takes an unexpected turn, making Max feel like a failure and even worse—a traitor. With the line between right and wrong blurred beyond recognition, Max must navigate the murky waters of morality to face the ultimate choice between the revenge she wants and the redemption she needs.
Summary:
Max Fontaine grows up struggling to accept the blind faith of Eden's followers. Finding herself pregnant, she finally rejects the island's dark practices and risks her life to escape. Defying all odds, Max makes it to safety only to be snubbed by the local authorities. With no money, no family, and no home, she resorts to living among the dead in a secluded mausoleum.
When Cash Claiborne, a decorated Texas Ranger, discovers Max camped out in his family cemetery, he welcomes her into his home...and his heart. As feelings develop, his protective nature and lust for justice evolves into taking down the cult that tried to kill her. But their plan takes an unexpected turn, making Max feel like a failure and even worse—a traitor. With the line between right and wrong blurred beyond recognition, Max must navigate the murky waters of morality to face the ultimate choice between the revenge she wants and the redemption she needs.
February 29, 2024
I continue to read this authors books because she is local and I want to support local. I will say that this book was better for me than her first.
I can tell the author did research into cult practices and it felt realistic. I felt that she fell short in her realism of police practices, not necessarily in the corruption but in the concepts of undercover operations/chain of evidence/ illegal searches etc.
I did find the main characters more enjoyable in this book than her first but similarly with her first, I felt the relationship was a bit too rushed. I would have been happier with a simple slow burn verses the insta- love/family vibe we are left with.
Here is the rub, I want more. I think this author has the potential to be a favored author of mine but her books fall short for me because I am left at the end wanting more. More character development. More details. More dialogue between love interests. More build up of feelings/plot points/drama. More more more. This book was 312 pages long but the font was huge. Lower the font size and give me MORE.
I can tell the author did research into cult practices and it felt realistic. I felt that she fell short in her realism of police practices, not necessarily in the corruption but in the concepts of undercover operations/chain of evidence/ illegal searches etc.
I did find the main characters more enjoyable in this book than her first but similarly with her first, I felt the relationship was a bit too rushed. I would have been happier with a simple slow burn verses the insta- love/family vibe we are left with.
Here is the rub, I want more. I think this author has the potential to be a favored author of mine but her books fall short for me because I am left at the end wanting more. More character development. More details. More dialogue between love interests. More build up of feelings/plot points/drama. More more more. This book was 312 pages long but the font was huge. Lower the font size and give me MORE.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
would give the book zero stars if I could! The main character was unlikable and unrealistic. Such a child, living in such an abnormal environment, would not be able to reintegrate into society as easily as this one did. She would’ve been traumatized by all she’s seen, not have a sense of normalcy, nor be able to recognize the potential for societal dysfunction. She would’ve likely been untrusting of others.
Further, the plot is just annoying and also unrealistic- why would she be turned down by the guy who impregnated her yet go searching for him, and specifically feel that she had no choice but to look in that one small town? Also, if the head of the cult was so rich and powerful, couldn’t he have sent someone to get rid of her as soon as there was a whiff of her being alive and giving a testimony? Lastly, how could the rangers take such an untrained and unqualified person back to danger’s way? And what stupidity did she have to yank that memory stick and throw it away!
Other nonsensical points- how would she recognize that “the system is rigged” and have the innate ability to know what bribing is? And how would she had recognized that Robert Redford is an actor?
Overall, I thought this book was the worst I’ve read in a veeeery long time. I urge you to use your time elsewhere reading a more worthwhile book!
Further, the plot is just annoying and also unrealistic- why would she be turned down by the guy who impregnated her yet go searching for him, and specifically feel that she had no choice but to look in that one small town? Also, if the head of the cult was so rich and powerful, couldn’t he have sent someone to get rid of her as soon as there was a whiff of her being alive and giving a testimony? Lastly, how could the rangers take such an untrained and unqualified person back to danger’s way? And what stupidity did she have to yank that memory stick and throw it away!
Other nonsensical points- how would she recognize that “the system is rigged” and have the innate ability to know what bribing is? And how would she had recognized that Robert Redford is an actor?
Overall, I thought this book was the worst I’ve read in a veeeery long time. I urge you to use your time elsewhere reading a more worthwhile book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2023
I was a little disappointed in this novel. I read another one by this author and quite liked it. The author develops characters really well and keeps the plot moving at a good pace. Also it’s quite easy to follow but where this novel fell short was the series of events were a little unbelievable. To have one of the story lines would have been enough but adding 3 or 4 more implausible situations was extreme. But I did need to finish to see what happened so that’s a plus.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews