Cast of Characters
Quick bios, family trees, and links to character tags!
The Santoro Family
Taylor Santoro was raised Catholic, but she wasn't particularly religious until her sophomore year at UBrite. Previously a star soccer player, she had to give up competitive sports after being diagnosed with a genetic heart condition. Her uncertainty and loneliness made her a prime target for FACTS, a conservative Catholic mission group.
It was through FACTS that Taylor met her future husband, Justin. She left school to marry him during her junior year, and began creating social media content as a way to make extra money for her student loan payments. Over the years, she's become surprisingly successful as a lifestyle vlogger and influencer.
Justin's descent into the throes of conservative Catholicism never sat quite right with Taylor, and with the support of friends, she worked up the courage to separate from him. But he isn't making the divorce proceedings easy.
Taylor lives in San Sequoia with her and Justin's five children: Gia, Max, Ambrose, Zelie, and Leo. A sixth baby is on the way.
The Newton Family
Claire Newton is an influencer whose podcast, Just Catholic Girl Things, is beginning to take off. But her main source of income is her father Richard, a major real estate developer in her hometown of Chestnut Ridge.
Claire first met Justin when he invited her to appear on his own podcast, Quotidianum. When he revealed that he wasn't allowed visitation with his kids due to lack of available beds, Claire invited him to use her house. She considers their relationship a purely platonic one...even if they share the same bed on occasion.
Claire often competes at the local equestrian center with her horse, Shiloh. Her sister Elise, a horse trainer and riding instructor, lives on a nearby ranch with their dad.
The Moreno Family
Kelly Moreno is a former FACTS missionary, and the person who first introduced Taylor to the organization. During her second year as a missionary, Kelly realized that she had serious doubts about her work and considered quitting. However, Justin intimidated her into finishing out her commitment. Kelly is still a practicing Catholic, but far more moderate than she was during her missionary days. She works as a third-grade teacher at St. Petronella's School.
Kelly's husband, Alan, considered going to law school, but ultimately chose a career in educational administration. He was the principal of St. Petronella's until he was fired by Fr. Crane.
Kelly and Alan live in Willow Creek with their four children: Jonah, Isaiah, Brielle, and Gemma.
The Ershad-Newbury Family
Ayla Newbury first met Taylor when their younger daughters became fast friends at the local rec center. Since then, she's grown close to both her and Kelly.
After working as a commercial artist for many years, Ayla went back to college to finish a degree in art education. She was the long-term substitute for Kelly's class during her maternity leave. Although she loved the job, she was unable to secure a permanent position when Fr. Crane prohibited the hire of non-Catholics.
Ayla attended a nondenominational church on holidays and special occasions as a child, but considers herself nonreligious. She is married to Zahid, an IT project manager, and they live in Copperdale with their daughters Poppy and Emily.
The Dalton Family
Will Dalton is a family law attorney and longtime friend of Alan's. The Morenos recommended him to Taylor, and he has been representing her throughout her divorce proceedings.
Will's wife, Katie, holds both a regular law degree and a licentiate in canon law (the law of the Catholic Church). She was briefly involved in FACTS during law school, but found the organization off-putting. She now works as a corporate attorney for Obscure Logistics, Justin's former employer.
Will and Katie live in San Myshuno with their sons Liam and Jackson.
