Trudy J. Morgan-Cole returns to seventeenth-century Newfoundland in Beyond the Brightening Sea
The cover of Beyond the Brightening Sea, Trudy J. Morgan-Cole’s eighth historical-fiction novel published by Breakwater Books.
Photo credit: Breakwater Books
Newfoundland author Trudy J. Morgan-Cole will release her eighth historical-fiction novel, Beyond the Brightening Sea, through St. John’s-based Breakwater Books on Oct 6, 2026. The book returns to early Newfoundland history through the intersecting lives of four women living in the colony while political upheaval in England reaches across the Atlantic. Breakwater lists the book at 365 pages and $24.95.
Breakwater’s synopsis centres on Lady Frances Hopkins, described by the publisher as having been exiled from England because of her loyalty to the late king; her maid, Hannah Peake, who followed her to Newfoundland; Meg, a fisherman’s wife focused on making a home with her husband, Peter; and Patience Treworgy, whose arrival threatens Meg’s plans. The publisher sets the novel against the English Civil War and the execution of the king, with political events in England reaching a colony governed by Sir David Kirke.
Beyond the Brightening Sea is Morgan-Cole’s eighth historical-fiction novel published by Breakwater. The publisher lists seven earlier Newfoundland historical novels, most recently the Cupids Trilogy: A Roll of the Bones, Such Miracles and Mischiefs and A Company of Rogues. Morgan-Cole is a retired educator who lives in St. John’s, and her other writing includes The Mirror, a play about Newfoundland suffragist Armine Nutting Gosling.
Breakwater was founded in 1973 to publish and promote the work of Newfoundland and Labrador writers. The company says it has since expanded its list to include emerging and established authors from across Canada and overseas. Beyond the Brightening Sea continues a long publishing relationship between Breakwater and Morgan-Cole, whose earlier historical novels also appear on the publisher’s list.
The book has already appeared in national fall-season coverage. Quill & Quire included Beyond the Brightening Sea in its 2026 fall fiction preview, placing it among novels looking back at particular historical periods.
Morgan-Cole is also scheduled to take part in Breakwater’s second seasonal launch of the year on Oct 28, 2026 at Spirit of Newfoundland, 208 Gower Street in St. John’s. Breakwater says E.G. Hynes, Eleanor Dawson, Kevin Major and Tina Chaulk are also scheduled to appear, with additional guests still to be announced. The publisher has not listed a start time for the event.
