It’s 1948 in the steel town of Donora, Pennsylvania, site of the infamous “killing smog.” Public health nurse, Rose Pavlesic, has risen above her orphaned upbringing and created a life that reflects everything she missed as a child. She’s even managed to keep her painful secrets hidden from her doting husband, loving children, and large extended family.
When a stagnant weather pattern traps poisonous mill gasses in the valley, neighbors grow sicker and Rose’s nursing obligations thrust her into conflict she never could have fathomed.
Consequences from her past collide with her present life, making her once clear decisions as gray as the suffocating smog.
As pressure mounts, Rose finds she’s not the only one harboring lies.
When the deadly fog finally clears, the loss of trust and faith leaves the Pavlesic family—and the whole town—splintered and shocked. With her new perspective, can Rose finally forgive herself and let her family’s healing begin?
***Independent Publisher Awards:
2012 Silver Medal, Best Regional Fiction–Mid-Atlantic***
***National Indie Excellence Awards:
2012 WINNER– Literary Fiction***
From the reviewers:
“I highly recommend adding this book to your summer reading list! ”
Kimberly J. Cecere | 10 reviewers made a similar statement
“With out to much spoiler I found it romantic and inspiring. ”
Readingcureall | 2 reviewers made a similar statement
“Slowly, out of the fog of her mind, Rose begins to realize what is important and that is the love of family. ”
Darlene | 6 reviewers made a similar statement
Kathleen Shoop’s debut novel, The Last Letter, was such a an amazing story that I had very high expectations for her second novel, After the Fog — I was not disappointed – “lkm”
I found this book very enjoyable . Having grown up in and around industrial towns I could relate to the people and their conflicts over the balance of hazards and well being surrounding the industry . With out to much spoiler I found it romantic and inspiring. I give it another 5 stars. – “Readingcureall”
I stayed up late several nights because I could not wait to see what would happen next. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I came across the tragedy that occurred in Donora. This novel brought to life how devastating that incident was; it made history come to life. This is one of those books where the setting almost takes on character status. The fog and gritty air seem to pervade everything–even the character’s psyches. An enjoyable read that will leave you heartened when the air clears and Rose sees herself as she truly is. – Janice Palko
A great mix of historical drama and fiction will keep you turning the pages of this novel. While you bask in the sun this summer, I would highly recommend adding this to your beach bag as a compelling and interesting combination of facts and fiction. – BookNook
It is the story of a mill town suffocating in smog, but more than that it is the story of one family and the turmoil in their lives which just happens to coincide with the arrival of the deadly fog. Actually, it is the story of one woman, nurse Rose Pavlesic and her inner turmoil while dealing with her tragic past, dysfunctional family, and the even more dysfunctional families she deals with as a community nurse. – C. Hooper
Visit Amazon’s Kathleen Shoop Page
Thank you for reading about me here and for purchasing my novel! I’m married with two children. I’ve been seriously writing for almost a decade although I dabbled much earlier than that! I’ve had short stories published in four Chicken Soup for the Soul books, am a regular contributor to a local magazine, Pittsburgh Parent, and have had essays in local newspapers as well.
I have a PhD in Reading Education and currently work as a Language Arts Coach at a school in Pittsburgh. I work with teachers and their students in grades k-8 and am lucky to learn something new from them every time I walk through their doors.
My first novel, The Last Letter (2011 IPPY Gold Medal–Regional Fiction, Midwest, 2011 Indie Excellence Finalist Award for Historical Fiction and Regional Fiction, 2011 International Book Awards Finalist for Historical Fiction and Best New Fiction), was a fascinating trip through history, punctuated with fictional characters and events. The idea for the story grew from my great-great grandmother’s letters (see My Dear Frank for the complete set of letters!) written during the year of her engagement to Frank Arthur. The beautiful letters are the inspiration for the novel, the seed from which The Last Letter’s characters and their voices grew.
I’ve also written women’s fiction (COMING SOON!) and have written another historical fiction novel (COMING A LITTLE LATER!) set in 1948 in a town not far from Oakmont, PA.
I’m considering revisiting my characters and setting of The Last Letter for a future book, but I hope readers will enjoy the fact I write about varied eras and places and that they will love each book for it’s unique setting and time.
And here, in the comfort of your own browser, is your free sample of After the Fog by Kathleen Shoop:
