Kathryn Buckley Cowan

Sacred Lies, Sober Truths Kathryn Buckley Cowan

Caught in the swirling momentum of the early 1970's unrest -- the Vietnam war protests, the advent of feminism, birth control, and a culture that questions all authority -- the naïve Meredith Byrne becomes entangled in an illicit relationship from which she's desperate to escape. When she meets the dazzling Robert Baird, she believes he's her way out. One night, Robert shares a dangerous secret -- one that makes Meredith doubt the wisdom of her attraction. But she chooses to bury these fears, and the pair jump into a marriage for which neither is prepared. The honeymoon over, Robert begins to recreate Meredith. Afraid he will leave her, Meredith struggles to be the perfect wife; going platinum blonde, wearing only the fashions he approves of, and even wrapping herself seductively in Saran wrap. All to no avail. When she turns to professional help, Robert suggests they see a priest for counseling. The priest, hiding secrets of his own, takes Robert's side, and when Meredith finds herself in a profound moral crisis, advises the unthinkable! Ultimately, she must choose between a life of bitterness and anger, or one in which she comes to terms with her husband, the priest, and, most importantly, herself.