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Blurred Fates

A Novel

Published by She Writes Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

2023 Sarton Award Winner for Contemporary Fiction
2023 National Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Contemporary Fiction
2023 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist in Literary Fiction
2023 Readers' Favorite Book Awards Silver Medalist in Fiction (Drama)


KATE WHITTIER has it all: a loving, even-keeled husband, two great kids, and a beautiful home in Southern California. But Kate is living a lie. In a desperate attempt to create the safe, happy family she never had, she has been hiding secrets for decades—things she’s convinced make her unworthy of her wellborn husband, Jacob, and the privileged life he has provided.

Then, one ordinary evening, Jacob confesses to a drunken sexual indiscretion he doesn’t quite remember, and Kate cracks open. Molten memories rise to the surface. Volatile emotions swirl. Triggered in ways she didn’t see coming, Kate is overwhelmed by rage she cannot explain and fear of who she might become.

Her marriage unraveling, Kate returns to her childhood home, hoping to find closure. Instead, as the past invades the present and relationships collide, Kate discovers she’s not the only one lying—and the truth may not set anyone free.

About The Author

Anastasia Zadeik is a writer, editor, and storyteller. After graduating summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with a BA in psychology from Smith College, she had an international career in neuropsychological research while raising her children. She now serves as Director of Operations for the San Diego Writers Festival, as a coproducer of the San Diego Memoir Showcase, and as a mentor and board member for the literary nonprofit So Say We All. She also sits on the board of the International Memoir Writers Association.

A frequent performer of narrative non-fiction in a hushed bar or on a stage, her work has appeared in the San Diego Decameron Project, LitHub, writeordietribe.com, and the award-winning anthology Shaking the Tree: Short. Brazen. Memoir. Her debut novel, Blurred Fates (She Writes Press, August 2022), won the 2023 Sarton Award for Contemporary Fiction and the 2023 National Indie Excellence Award for Contemporary Fiction. She lives in San Diego with her husband and their empty-nest rescue dog, Charlie.

Product Details

  • Publisher: She Writes Press (August 2, 2022)
  • Length: 312 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781647423803

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Raves and Reviews

2023 Readers' Favorite Book Awards Silver Medalist in Fiction (Drama)
2023 National Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Contemporary Fiction
2023 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist in Literary Fiction
2023 Sarton Award Winner in Contemporary Fiction


“A woman’s seemingly perfect life unravels in this debut novel that explores what happens when past traumas resurface. . . . will keep readers glued to the page . . . The author’s tale is as chilling as it is affecting. . . . A hypnotic page-turner . . .”
Kirkus Reviews

“In the haunting and finely written Blurred Fates, Anastasia Zadeik unravels themes of adultery, jealousy, crimes of passion, betrayal, loss, and guilt. It’s impossible to not keep turning the pages, as Zadeik’s voice leads us deeper and deeper into a compulsively readable plot that takes the reader from a place of shock and horror to understanding and clarity. Zadeik has written a psychological thriller that is touching, troubling, and ultimately a story of redemption.”
—Donna Brown Agins, NAACP Image Award–nominated author of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: Legendary First Lady and Maya Angelou: Diversity Makes for a Rich Tapestry

“This story of a woman struggling to overcome the abuse of her childhood unfolded slowly in layers that kept me engaged until the end. The questions raised by Kathryn’s struggles will resonate with all readers: How do we overcome the abuses of our past? Can one ever rise above the circumstances of her childhood? Whom do we love, and why? In Blurred Fates, the devastating effects of adultery, abuse, abandonment, suicide, and unrequited love collide to create a gripping, well-told narrative.”
—Tabitha Forney, author of Paper Airplanes

“Zadeik’s piercing, gut-wrenching, and gripping story about a fractured marriage, buried family secrets, and a woman fighting to regain her life is a remarkable debut that will keep you riveted until the last page.”
—Jamie Freveletti, internationally best-selling and award-winning author of Blood Run

Blurred Fates is a beautifully written debut novel. It teaches us about love, betrayal, secrets, and the courage to speak the truth . . . whatever the consequences.”
—Sondra Helene, author of Appearances

Blurred Fates is at once thrilling and unexpected, with twists and turns that will keep you turning the page well into the night. I couldn’t put it down. It’s also an important commentary on mental health and a window into what it’s like to suffer from PTSD. Brava to debut author Anastasia Zadeik for this compelling first novel.”
—Jeniffer Thompson, host of The Premise podcast

Blurred Fates is an unerring portrayal of the realities of trauma survival in an enthralling tale of tragedy, love, and betrayal. Broken family, sexual assault, infidelity, and ulterior motives—turning each page makes you cringe, gasp, then breathe and repeat. Zadeik’s elegance on the page is captivating from start to finish.”
—Amelia Zachry, author of Enough: A Memoir of Mistakes, Mania, and Motherhood

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