Peter Friedrichs, the pastor at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County located in Media, has written his first novel, And the Stars Kept Watch, due to be published May 15 by Atmosphere Press.

In this fictional novel, Friedrichs poses the question, “Can a couple’s marriage survive a life-changing loss?”

The novel introduces us to a young couple, Catherine and Nathan Osgood, who, along with their two young boys, seem to have a perfect life together, with everything they desire.

Then, when Nathan has a momentary lapse in judgment, he causes an accident that alters the course of their lives.

The heartbreaking, yet hopeful novel explores love, grief, recovery, and redemption.

Rev. Friedrichs lives in Swarthmore with his wife, Irene.

He formerly practiced law in Portland, Maine, before becoming pastor at the Unitarian Universalist Church.

He describes writing as his way to process his experiences and make connections.

“Through my writing — be it in poetry or in prose — I attempt to ‘peek behind the curtain’ of our collective lives and strive to understand more fully what it means to be human,” Friedrichs said on his website.