The Wake House

Kilkenny remembers everything.Two years after walking away from her wedding, Nessa O'Callaghan returns home carrying grief, guilt, and a life no one knows about.Cathal Byrne was once her forever.Now he's the town's undertaker - calm, respected, and still dangerous to her heart.As old secrets surface and family pressure tightens, Nessa must decide whether she's brave enough to stay - and whether love can survive what was never said.A powerful Irish novel about motherhood, forgiveness, and reclaiming your own story. Laura Carpenter writes emotionally charged contemporary romance with Irish heart, sharp dialogue, and characters who choose courage over convenience. Winner of the 2025 Impact International Indie Award for Contemporary Romance, she's known for stories rooted in consent, resilience, and found family. When she's not writing, she's plotting the next one with a cup of strong tea and a notebook full of ideas.