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In The Shadow Of A Sunbeam
A journalist struggling to find her voice. A mother trying to leave the past behind. A father giving up on his future. A boy caught in the middle of it all.
When Kate Hughes is assigned an article about a mother navigating divorce, she doesn’t expect it to be her big break. After all, the only thing Julie Oaks wants is to protect her son and move on to better things. But the same can’t be said for her uncooperative ex-husband.
As Kate gets to know the Oaks family and visits Conway Community Church, she can’t shake the feeling that a piece of the story is missing. Her suspicion grows when interviews begin to unearth more questions than answers.
With her reputation and job on the line, Kate must decide whether the truth is worth fighting for. And learn whether faith is enough to guide her through the darkest shadows.
When Kate Hughes is assigned an article about a mother navigating divorce, she doesn’t expect it to be her big break. After all, the only thing Julie Oaks wants is to protect her son and move on to better things. But the same can’t be said for her uncooperative ex-husband.
As Kate gets to know the Oaks family and visits Conway Community Church, she can’t shake the feeling that a piece of the story is missing. Her suspicion grows when interviews begin to unearth more questions than answers.
With her reputation and job on the line, Kate must decide whether the truth is worth fighting for. And learn whether faith is enough to guide her through the darkest shadows.
- GenresChristian Fiction
329 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2025
About the author
Rachel Rowbottom
2 books37 followers| Christian | Musician | Canadian | Anti-Abortion |
Rachel Rowbottom is a Canadian author, artist, and the co-founder of Write for Life. She is the author of two contemporary Christian novels, Willow: A Story and In The Shadow of A Sunbeam.
When she’s not writing, you can find her playing piano, listening to her favourite musical, or reading about history and human rights.
Rachel Rowbottom is a Canadian author, artist, and the co-founder of Write for Life. She is the author of two contemporary Christian novels, Willow: A Story and In The Shadow of A Sunbeam.
When she’s not writing, you can find her playing piano, listening to her favourite musical, or reading about history and human rights.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 29, 2025
Powerful
This book is both bold and beautiful.
Tackling difficult themes of divorce and abortion, Rachel strides fearlessly into the publishing world with this story, mirroring in part, her character, Kate Hughes.
In the Shadow of a Sunbeam is more than just a contemporary novel. So much more. Contemporary isn't usually a genre i read, but I make an exception with this book.
This book is both bold and beautiful.
Tackling difficult themes of divorce and abortion, Rachel strides fearlessly into the publishing world with this story, mirroring in part, her character, Kate Hughes.
In the Shadow of a Sunbeam is more than just a contemporary novel. So much more. Contemporary isn't usually a genre i read, but I make an exception with this book.
June 4, 2025
I got to be a beta reader for this book, so it was fun to reread it in its published form! Although “fun” isn’t really the right word for the subject matter of the story. In the Shadow of a Sunbeam deals with some heavy yet important topics, and handles them well. I especially appreciated the focus on how divorce affects children.
In the first half of the book, I had some trouble connecting to Kate, the main character. But once the plot really got going, it was easy to be invested and cheer Kate on as she tried to seek out the truth. No spoilers, but the way the ending wrapped up was very satisfying for me.
I feel like there aren’t very many books like this out in the Christian Contemporary genre right now, and I wish there were more. I’m looking forward to seeing other books from this author!
In the first half of the book, I had some trouble connecting to Kate, the main character. But once the plot really got going, it was easy to be invested and cheer Kate on as she tried to seek out the truth. No spoilers, but the way the ending wrapped up was very satisfying for me.
I feel like there aren’t very many books like this out in the Christian Contemporary genre right now, and I wish there were more. I’m looking forward to seeing other books from this author!
March 3, 2025
This book is absolutely riveting!
Rachel Rowbottom has done an excellent job capturing the picture of the nitty gritty of journalism, standing up for your beliefs, not being sucked in by sunshine and rainbows and the hardships that come with divorce and people who only look out for their reputation.
This book is very emotional, so I recommend keeping a box of tissues on hand and a bunch of snacks because you will not want to put it down. It deals with some very heavy themes so be prepared to do a lot of processing afterwards.
Rachel Rowbottom has done an excellent job capturing the picture of the nitty gritty of journalism, standing up for your beliefs, not being sucked in by sunshine and rainbows and the hardships that come with divorce and people who only look out for their reputation.
This book is very emotional, so I recommend keeping a box of tissues on hand and a bunch of snacks because you will not want to put it down. It deals with some very heavy themes so be prepared to do a lot of processing afterwards.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
Honestly this is going to shape up to be one of my favorite reads of the year. Yes, it's early in the year. But it's that good.
This is the kind of Christian fiction I want to read. Rowbottom deals with some tough topics that I don't see addressed as often, and does so in a meaningful, honest, but also hopeful way. Equally impressive to me, she avoids what I see too often in Christian media where once the characters decide to do the right thing, nothing can stand against them, and in the end they receive everything they've ever wanted, and more (like the fictional equivalent of a prosperity gospel). The choice to do the right thing has real consequences, and the bad guys might not always appear to suffer nor the good guys to win. And to this point I must say, I am OBSESSED with the epilogue. Getting a glimpse inside the villains' heads??? It takes a deft hand to do what she did... but that's spoilers. You'll have to read and see for yourself.
Another highlight for me are the themes woven into this story, ones that are especially potent and relevant in our current world: how we find purpose and use our talents, the sacredness of life, how we often have to dig for the truth, and the need to give a voice to those who have had their voices silenced. In another story it could have become preachy but these themes grow so organically from the plot and characters. Along with the thematic content, I so enjoyed the symbolism present throughout. The interplay of shadow and light in Rowbottom's descriptions evolves during the story into something so relevant and beautiful once we arrive at its conclusion. And the prose! I could see so much of this in my head like a movie, and if it was, I know I'd watch it about a million times, give or take. But the book is just as good so I'll be happily rereading that.
The MC can really make or break my enjoyment of a story, but I loved Kate's character arc. She starts out with some very realistic and relatable flaws and insecurities. Coupled with her deep desire to write something meaningful and the way she grows throughout the story, she's a MC I am willing to follow through any narrative. Of course, any review would be incomplete without mentioning some of my absolute favorite characters: Mae (for being the wise and caring friend everyone wants to have), Kate's mom (for being literally THE BEST unsung hero), and Lia (yes, I picked the mean girl lol but I love foil characters and if you give it time, maybe you'll side with me too).
And the twists! I can't talk about the twists, so basically read it, find out, then find me. There's a lot to talk about.
This is the kind of Christian fiction I want to read. Rowbottom deals with some tough topics that I don't see addressed as often, and does so in a meaningful, honest, but also hopeful way. Equally impressive to me, she avoids what I see too often in Christian media where once the characters decide to do the right thing, nothing can stand against them, and in the end they receive everything they've ever wanted, and more (like the fictional equivalent of a prosperity gospel). The choice to do the right thing has real consequences, and the bad guys might not always appear to suffer nor the good guys to win. And to this point I must say, I am OBSESSED with the epilogue. Getting a glimpse inside the villains' heads??? It takes a deft hand to do what she did... but that's spoilers. You'll have to read and see for yourself.
Another highlight for me are the themes woven into this story, ones that are especially potent and relevant in our current world: how we find purpose and use our talents, the sacredness of life, how we often have to dig for the truth, and the need to give a voice to those who have had their voices silenced. In another story it could have become preachy but these themes grow so organically from the plot and characters. Along with the thematic content, I so enjoyed the symbolism present throughout. The interplay of shadow and light in Rowbottom's descriptions evolves during the story into something so relevant and beautiful once we arrive at its conclusion. And the prose! I could see so much of this in my head like a movie, and if it was, I know I'd watch it about a million times, give or take. But the book is just as good so I'll be happily rereading that.
The MC can really make or break my enjoyment of a story, but I loved Kate's character arc. She starts out with some very realistic and relatable flaws and insecurities. Coupled with her deep desire to write something meaningful and the way she grows throughout the story, she's a MC I am willing to follow through any narrative. Of course, any review would be incomplete without mentioning some of my absolute favorite characters: Mae (for being the wise and caring friend everyone wants to have), Kate's mom (for being literally THE BEST unsung hero), and Lia (yes, I picked the mean girl lol but I love foil characters and if you give it time, maybe you'll side with me too).
And the twists! I can't talk about the twists, so basically read it, find out, then find me. There's a lot to talk about.
March 20, 2025
I don't usually read contemporary fiction, so this was somewhat new to me, but the premise was soooo intriguing. Overall, the suspense was done very well; I found myself reading quickly and having some real heart-pounding moments because I had the sense that *I* knew/suspected what was really going on and kept waiting for Kate to figure it out! That was beautifully done. I do feel like some scenes ended a bit abruptly where I would've liked to linger with the emotions some more. And--to speak vaguely, so as not to give anything away--I was still curious at the end to learn more about the main antagonist's motivations (or perhaps psychological state) to understand why they did the things they did. That said, I appreciated the ending for how realistic it was, and I think it gives readers a lot to reflect on. Kate too was *such* a relatable character, and I loved the strength and courage she found by the ending.
I highly recommend this, but take note that it does deal with some very difficult issues, particularly surrounding divorce and abortion. If those are sensitive to you, take care.
I highly recommend this, but take note that it does deal with some very difficult issues, particularly surrounding divorce and abortion. If those are sensitive to you, take care.
Read
June 2, 2025this book tackles several very important topics
It portrays love bombing, abuse in the church, gaslighting, a cohersed abortion and child alienation
It faces the truth: that most ministries will continue to operate despite the truth about abusive leaders coming out
The thing I loved bout this book is the ambivilent realistic outcome. The abusers do not get what they deserve.
Why do I like this, you ask. Because when someone is going through a difficult abusive situation, having Christian fiction tell him that if he loves God everything will turn out well, is NOT helpful.
But do I not believe that everything will turn out well?
yes
and no
What we consider "everything will turn out well" and what God actually does are often not the same thing. Too often in contemporary Christian fiction things get resolved neatly, with a bow.
Follow God, get the desires of your heart. Follow God, everything turns out for the good
We do not prepare people for the difficult paths of standing up, doing the right thing and paying the price for it
I feel like the author is being incredibly wise but portraying a realistic story ending
I am looking forward to see what Rachel Rowottom writes in the future
It portrays love bombing, abuse in the church, gaslighting, a cohersed abortion and child alienation
It faces the truth: that most ministries will continue to operate despite the truth about abusive leaders coming out
The thing I loved bout this book is the ambivilent realistic outcome. The abusers do not get what they deserve.
Why do I like this, you ask. Because when someone is going through a difficult abusive situation, having Christian fiction tell him that if he loves God everything will turn out well, is NOT helpful.
But do I not believe that everything will turn out well?
yes
and no
What we consider "everything will turn out well" and what God actually does are often not the same thing. Too often in contemporary Christian fiction things get resolved neatly, with a bow.
Follow God, get the desires of your heart. Follow God, everything turns out for the good
We do not prepare people for the difficult paths of standing up, doing the right thing and paying the price for it
I feel like the author is being incredibly wise but portraying a realistic story ending
I am looking forward to see what Rachel Rowottom writes in the future
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2026
This is going to be one of those stories that sticks with me for a while.
The story itself is riveting. While I may have quickly guessed 'who the bad guy was', wondering what would happen next and how things would be resolved had me turning pages even when I was supposed to be sleeping.
The MC is relatable and while she has flaws, is also likable. Her mom and I need to be best friends ASAP. All the other characters are all fleshed out and real.
Heavy topics are covered, but with care and gentleness where you can tell Rachel did her research.
I highly, highly recommend this book!
The story itself is riveting. While I may have quickly guessed 'who the bad guy was', wondering what would happen next and how things would be resolved had me turning pages even when I was supposed to be sleeping.
The MC is relatable and while she has flaws, is also likable. Her mom and I need to be best friends ASAP. All the other characters are all fleshed out and real.
Heavy topics are covered, but with care and gentleness where you can tell Rachel did her research.
I highly, highly recommend this book!
November 13, 2025
I had the privilege to be an early reader before the book was out, but I reread it before this review and it is still so so good. I loved the deep message and how it was revealed. The characters!! they were so layered. Even individual lines in this read stood out to me this time.
I don't know what to say without spoilers but it was so good and I look forward to her next book!
I don't know what to say without spoilers but it was so good and I look forward to her next book!
February 20, 2025
I have to preface this by saying that I am not usually a contemporary reader, but this is one of those books that picks up steam and by the midpoint I couldn’t put it down!
One thing I really, really liked and appreciated about this book was the clever way in which Rowbottom puts the reader through a little bit of what the characters experience. I was suspicious about some of them from the beginning, but plot twists later reveal other apparently-innocent characters to not be so innocent. And isn’t that a little bit like real life? Sometimes people are whitewashed sepulchers.
I also loved the way Kate struggles with doing what’s right and doing what she’s told to do. Sometimes they aren’t the same, and we have to make a decision. It was masterfully done, and she was allowed to fail… all so that she could grow as a person and learn to focus on what really matters.
Rowbottom also has a very vivid way of describing the scenery so you can watch it play out like a movie, down to the ants crawling over a melted snow cone. I really enjoy that as a reader. It makes the reading experience very visually rich.
All in all, it is a powerful, important story… and one that I will be thinking about for a long time to come. I’m thankful to have been provided with an ARC!
One thing I really, really liked and appreciated about this book was the clever way in which Rowbottom puts the reader through a little bit of what the characters experience. I was suspicious about some of them from the beginning, but plot twists later reveal other apparently-innocent characters to not be so innocent. And isn’t that a little bit like real life? Sometimes people are whitewashed sepulchers.
I also loved the way Kate struggles with doing what’s right and doing what she’s told to do. Sometimes they aren’t the same, and we have to make a decision. It was masterfully done, and she was allowed to fail… all so that she could grow as a person and learn to focus on what really matters.
Rowbottom also has a very vivid way of describing the scenery so you can watch it play out like a movie, down to the ants crawling over a melted snow cone. I really enjoy that as a reader. It makes the reading experience very visually rich.
All in all, it is a powerful, important story… and one that I will be thinking about for a long time to come. I’m thankful to have been provided with an ARC!
February 15, 2025
I LOVED this book.
A Christian contemporary story that looks at so many important topics: divorce, abortion, religious abuse, looking for and finding the truth, and standing on the truth no matter what. The strength of the story really comes from it's characters.
Kate was a little frustrating in the beginning. She’s young, naive, and makes choices that made me want to shout at her. But it’s such an important part of her growth throughout the story.
The other characters are so vivid. Wonderful, frustrating, adorable, creepy, they come alive on the page and tell the story so beautifully.
A Christian contemporary story that looks at so many important topics: divorce, abortion, religious abuse, looking for and finding the truth, and standing on the truth no matter what. The strength of the story really comes from it's characters.
Kate was a little frustrating in the beginning. She’s young, naive, and makes choices that made me want to shout at her. But it’s such an important part of her growth throughout the story.
The other characters are so vivid. Wonderful, frustrating, adorable, creepy, they come alive on the page and tell the story so beautifully.
February 20, 2025
I was excited to read In the Shadow of a Sunbeam, not only because I enjoy books that include investigative journalism, but also because it deals with some hard, but important topics. Its vibe reminds me of Frank Peretti’s Prophet, minus the supernatural elements.
In the Shadow of a Sunbeam tells the story of a young newbie journalist, Katherine Hughes, who finally gets her first headliner with the women’s magazine after months of only doing filler pieces. But what starts out as a feel-good story about a single mom triumphing after a difficult divorce, soon becomes more difficult when Kate begins to suspect that all is not as it appears. Then when Kate uncovers a dark secret, she has to decide what is more important: her career and her friendships… or the truth.
I appreciate the tactful yet honest way the author deals with sensitive topics like: divorce, abuse, and abortion. While written as adult fiction, I believe it would also be appropriate for teens approaching adulthood as some of the things Kate faces may likely be things that they will face. Yet despite the subject matter, I enjoyed the overall story and liked the characters (except the ones I didn’t as they appropriately deserved). In the Shadow of a Sunbeam represents the type of contemporary Christian fiction I would like to see more of—the kind that reveals the darkness of this world, but doesn’t forget hope, that recognizes that not every wrong gets righted in this life, but that God is in control.
P.S. I also appreciate that given the topic of this book, there was no cheesy romance.
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion.
In the Shadow of a Sunbeam tells the story of a young newbie journalist, Katherine Hughes, who finally gets her first headliner with the women’s magazine after months of only doing filler pieces. But what starts out as a feel-good story about a single mom triumphing after a difficult divorce, soon becomes more difficult when Kate begins to suspect that all is not as it appears. Then when Kate uncovers a dark secret, she has to decide what is more important: her career and her friendships… or the truth.
I appreciate the tactful yet honest way the author deals with sensitive topics like: divorce, abuse, and abortion. While written as adult fiction, I believe it would also be appropriate for teens approaching adulthood as some of the things Kate faces may likely be things that they will face. Yet despite the subject matter, I enjoyed the overall story and liked the characters (except the ones I didn’t as they appropriately deserved). In the Shadow of a Sunbeam represents the type of contemporary Christian fiction I would like to see more of—the kind that reveals the darkness of this world, but doesn’t forget hope, that recognizes that not every wrong gets righted in this life, but that God is in control.
P.S. I also appreciate that given the topic of this book, there was no cheesy romance.
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion.
January 25, 2026
When faced with losing jobs or friends over doing what's right, what would you choose? Keep silent and do what your told or stand up for what is right? Sounds easy but it isn't always and this is what our character has to decide. The character arc in this book is amazing and it deals with real world problems, a great read
February 16, 2025
2.5 stars
I have some mixed feelings about this book!
I’m someone who loves a good character-driven story and I’m a stickler for realistic dialogue and interactions. That being said, I really struggled to get into this book until the mysterious elements of the plot kicked in to make me want to keep turning pages. This story involved characters that had some really fun elements to them (think a joke-cracking and caring dad and a funny roommate!), but often I felt that many of the characters lacked a distinct voice and that their interactions and relationships seemed slightly awkward.
I have some mixed feelings about this book!
I’m someone who loves a good character-driven story and I’m a stickler for realistic dialogue and interactions. That being said, I really struggled to get into this book until the mysterious elements of the plot kicked in to make me want to keep turning pages. This story involved characters that had some really fun elements to them (think a joke-cracking and caring dad and a funny roommate!), but often I felt that many of the characters lacked a distinct voice and that their interactions and relationships seemed slightly awkward.
February 21, 2026
If you’re looking for a Christian fiction book that isn’t simply fluff and will make you think, In The Shadow Of A Sunbeam might be your next read. Rachel Rowbottom tackles hard topics such as divorce, custody battles, abortion, and more in a way that will draw you in and make you feel like you’re a part of the story.
Kate is a journalist for a women’s magazine on assignment to write a piece about a mother going through a divorce. She’s drawn to Julie’s sunny personality and feels sorry for the hard time the woman has been going through…until she starts to uncover some things that don’t line up with the story Julie has been telling her. Julie’s son, Sam, becomes a major reason Kate starts asking more questions and diving deeper to get to the truth.
But finding the truth and telling the truth are two totally different mountains to climb.
Kate is forced to decide where she stands morally and ethically, especially as a journalist, and face the outcome of that decision.
Rachel Rowbottom weaves a story with realistic characters that draw you in as if you were hearing the story from their own mouths. As you discover the truth with Kate, you will feel your heart being tugged the same way hers is while you confront these serious topics with her.
I loved this book. I recommend it for anyone who is looking for a book that deals with real-world topics from a Christian perspective.
This book gets five stars–if I didn’t already own it, I would buy it, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Kate is a journalist for a women’s magazine on assignment to write a piece about a mother going through a divorce. She’s drawn to Julie’s sunny personality and feels sorry for the hard time the woman has been going through…until she starts to uncover some things that don’t line up with the story Julie has been telling her. Julie’s son, Sam, becomes a major reason Kate starts asking more questions and diving deeper to get to the truth.
But finding the truth and telling the truth are two totally different mountains to climb.
Kate is forced to decide where she stands morally and ethically, especially as a journalist, and face the outcome of that decision.
Rachel Rowbottom weaves a story with realistic characters that draw you in as if you were hearing the story from their own mouths. As you discover the truth with Kate, you will feel your heart being tugged the same way hers is while you confront these serious topics with her.
I loved this book. I recommend it for anyone who is looking for a book that deals with real-world topics from a Christian perspective.
This book gets five stars–if I didn’t already own it, I would buy it, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
March 6, 2025
Heartrending. Beautiful. Sensitive. Written with the voice of someone who knows how to listen.
Started Sunday evening, thinking to lull myself off to bed with a few chapters, promptly finished it in three hours flat.
Recommend ages 15-16+ for heavy/complex topics: divorce, sexual predation, and abortion.
Started Sunday evening, thinking to lull myself off to bed with a few chapters, promptly finished it in three hours flat.
Recommend ages 15-16+ for heavy/complex topics: divorce, sexual predation, and abortion.
March 1, 2025
Just the type of Christian fiction I love to read--engaging, well-written, and not afraid to address tough topics like abuse within the church, divorce, abortion, and family tensions. Highly recommended read!
July 4, 2025
An excellent contemporary Christian fiction that doesn't shy away from hard topics. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews