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A Story for Those Who Thought Their Best Years Were Behind Them: One Year by Dr. Kari G. Borgmann

 


For readers who believe meaningful transformation belongs only to the young, One Year, the debut novel by Dr. Kari G. Borgmann, offers a powerful rebuttal. This emotionally layered work of fiction examines what it means to rebuild a life after devastating loss—and dares to suggest that growth, connection, and love do not expire with age.

In One Year, Borgmann introduces readers to a woman whose carefully structured life ends abruptly when her husband of thirty-eight years dies without warning. With her children living in distant parts of the country and her sense of identity tied to a marriage that no longer exists, she finds herself confronting an unrecognizable future. Grief disrupts not only her emotional stability, but her understanding of who she is when no one else is there to define her.

A temporary job assignment in Iowa becomes the unlikely catalyst for change. There, she meets a man who has lived alone for fifteen years, having deliberately shut himself off from emotional intimacy. Their connection is immediate but fraught, complicated by unresolved trauma and a secret that threatens to undo everything they are slowly building. What unfolds is a story less about romance and more about emotional courage—the kind required to open oneself after loss.

Dr. Borgmann’s novel resonates strongly with mature women, professionals, retirees, and readers over 40 who rarely see their inner lives reflected with honesty in contemporary fiction. It also appeals to men interested in understanding emotional healing, vulnerability, and the long-term effects of trauma. Rather than offering escapism, One Year provides recognition—an acknowledgment of feelings many readers carry quietly.

What makes One Year especially compelling is its commitment to realism. Grief is not portrayed as something to “get over,” nor is love presented as a solution. Instead, Borgmann shows healing as incremental, nonlinear, and deeply personal. The protagonist makes mistakes, pushes people away, questions her instincts, and learns—often uncomfortably—how to advocate for herself.

The novel’s voice is sharp, intelligent, and refreshingly candid. Borgmann balances emotional weight with moments of humor and blunt truth, reflecting how people often cope in real life. One of the book’s standout observations captures this perfectly: “Marriage is like a house—the damn thing is always falling apart. Fix it right, and it will last a lifetime.”

Dr. Borgmann’s extensive professional background adds depth to the story’s emotional framework. With decades of experience as an accountant, counselor, and educator, along with advanced studies in pastoral counseling, she brings a rare blend of analytical clarity and emotional insight to her writing. While the novel is fictional, its emotional truths feel grounded, credible, and lived-in.

A recurring theme in One Year is reclaiming one’s voice—especially after years of emotional restraint. The story speaks to readers who have spent much of their lives accommodating others, maintaining peace, and staying silent to avoid conflict. Borgmann’s message is clear: healing often begins when silence ends.

As the first installment in a planned series, One Year lays the groundwork for a larger exploration of identity, connection, and long-term healing. The second book is expected in early 2026, continuing the story beyond the initial year of transformation and into the lasting consequences of choosing change.

One Year is a novel for readers who value depth, honesty, and emotional authenticity. It affirms that while loss may reshape a life, it does not have to define its ending—and that sometimes, the most meaningful chapters begin when we least expect them.

About the Author

Dr. Kari G. Borgmann is an accountant, counselor, educator, and writer living in St. Louis, Missouri. Her work focuses on trauma healing, communication, and personal growth. One Year is her debut novel and the first book in an upcoming series.

Contact:

Author: Kari Borgmann
Email: kari_borgmann@yahoo.com
Website: https://www.kariborgmann.com/
Amazon: ONE YEAR: Volume I

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