Description
In 1980, Brigid Peterson becomes the first woman minister of a church in an isolated town on the coast of Virginia. But this is a time of upheaval around the roles of women, and soon some of her parishioners become hostile toward her. When Mary Bradley, an artist who believes in the goddess, returns to her hometown and falls in love with an elusive carpenter, Brigid finds in her a kindred spirit. But when the church divides into bitter conflict over Brigid and Mary is confronted with a bitter truth about her lover, they are both knocked off balance and have to dive deeper into their own spiritual lives to find a way through.
Sea Level, set in the mystical landscape of the Delmarva Peninsula, is a story about small town life and the passions that erupt when differing beliefs collide.
C. Michael Curtis, Fiction Editor, The Atlantic –
Sea Level brings to life the tensions that inevitably arise when a new minister is taken on by a congregation mired in its traditions and uncertain whether it wants leadership or obedience.
Seven Days –
Vibrant…evocative…treads the same territory as Alice Munro
Lynne Hinton, author of Friendship Cake and Pie Town –
More than just a novel about a woman in ministry; more than just a tale about a small town church; Sea Level is a story about life and the real ways we learn to live in community. A touching narrative about things that matter.
Tania Aebi, author of Maiden Voyage –
What a pleasure… a simple plot fleshed out and crafted beautifully and originally, like one of Mary’s canvases. The scenes are so vividly painted, the characters so carefully created, that I feel like I’ve been to Sand Hill, visited with Mary and… Brigid, and care for them enough that a day later, I am still thinking about them, wondering what happens next.