With Chasing Caitlyn, Marnie Cate stepped out of her comfort zone of fantasy into the Women’s Contemporary Fiction arena. And, boy, did she ever. The origins of Caitlyn started with a short story featured in an anthology. I never read the shorter version of Caitlyn’s life and I’m glad I didn’t. I absolutely loved this one.

Betrayal, abuse, and self-loathing all make a very potent storyline. 90% of women readers will identify with some aspects of Caitlyn’s life. I know I did. When a writer can touch a reader’s heart, they have done their job.

As with all people who have suffered from someone else’s hand, the biggest obstacle for them to overcome is themselves. The tags we are given when younger aren’t so easily torn off and changed. Thank goodness for her high-school friend Thomas. He stuck by Caitlyn through all her trials and tribulations. He was a well developed secondary character and helped balance Caitlyn’s tormentous life.

Caitlyn met a lot of men along her way of self-discovery. My favorite was Marcus, the biker dud. Then, there was Jack. You’ll find out about him.

Caitlyn’s mother, Heather, is also a victim of the man she loved. In this story, there is a healing process for both mother and daughter. I did cry at the end, but it wasn’t a sappy ending.

And what can I say about the cover? The shattered glass represents the broken Caitlyn. Perfect.
So, if you love contemporary women’s fiction, I highly recommend this book. I give it 5 broken glasses. ( )