Stories about love often focus on beginnings. Stories about
grief often focus on endings. In One Year, debut novelist Dr.
Kari G. Borgmann bridges both—offering a rare, emotionally grounded
narrative about what happens when life forces you to begin again long after you
thought your story was settled.
One Year centers on a woman whose world is shattered
by the sudden death of her husband of thirty-eight years. With her children
grown and living far away, she is left to navigate a life that no longer
resembles the one she built. Grief upends her routines, her identity, and her
sense of purpose. When she accepts a temporary job assignment in Iowa, she does
not expect it to become a turning point—but it does.
There, she meets a man who has chosen solitude after years
of emotional isolation. He carries a secret that complicates their growing
connection, challenging both of them to confront the parts of themselves they
have long avoided. What follows is not a predictable love story, but an honest
exploration of vulnerability, emotional reckoning, and the risk inherent in
letting someone see you again.
Dr. Borgmann’s novel speaks directly to readers who are
rarely centered in contemporary fiction: mature women, widows, professionals,
retirees, and individuals navigating profound personal transitions later in
life. It also resonates with men seeking to better understand trauma, emotional
withdrawal, and healing, offering insight without judgment or simplification.
“At a certain point in life, you’re expected to have everything
figured out,” Borgmann notes. “This book challenges that assumption. It says
you’re allowed to change. You’re allowed to struggle. And you’re allowed to
want more—even after loss.”
One of One Year’s most striking qualities is its
emotional candor. Borgmann does not soften the realities of grief, loneliness,
or strained family relationships. Instead, she allows discomfort to exist
alongside moments of warmth, humor, and connection. The protagonist’s internal
voice is sharp, reflective, and unapologetically honest—mirroring the thoughts
many readers recognize but rarely articulate.
The novel also explores the theme of communication as both a
barrier and a lifeline. Misunderstandings, withheld truths, and unspoken
expectations create tension throughout the story, while honest dialogue becomes
the path toward healing. As the book reminds readers, intimacy—whether romantic
or familial—cannot exist without truth.
Dr. Borgmann’s professional background lends depth and
authenticity to the narrative. With decades of experience as an accountant,
counselor, and educator, along with advanced studies in pastoral counseling,
she brings a nuanced understanding of emotional resilience and human behavior
to her fiction. While One Year is a work of imagination, its emotional
truths feel grounded in lived experience.
A recurring theme in the novel is reclaiming one’s voice.
Many readers will see themselves in the protagonist’s journey from emotional
restraint to self-expression. Whether it’s learning to speak with kindness,
authority, or blunt honesty, One Year emphasizes the importance of
self-advocacy at any stage of life.
Memorable lines throughout the novel capture this ethos,
blending insight with wit and emotional clarity. The writing style balances
introspection with forward momentum, keeping readers engaged while inviting
reflection.
As the first book in an upcoming series, One Year
lays the foundation for a longer exploration of healing, identity, and
connection. The second installment is expected in early 2026, continuing
the characters’ journeys beyond the initial year of transformation.
One Year is not a story about erasing the past. It is
a story about carrying it forward—honoring what was while still choosing to
live fully in what comes next. For readers seeking a novel that respects
emotional complexity and rejects easy answers, Dr. Kari G. Borgmann’s debut
offers a compelling and deeply human experience.
About the Author
Dr. Kari G. Borgmann lives in St. Louis, Missouri. She is an
accountant, counselor, educator, and writer whose work focuses on healing,
communication, and personal growth. One Year is her debut novel and the
first in a planned series.
Contact:
Author: Kari Borgmann
Email: kari_borgmann@yahoo.com
Website: https://www.kariborgmann.com/
Amazon: ONE YEAR: Volume I
Comments
Post a Comment