A review by sarah_reading_party
The Story She Left Behind: A Novel by Patti Callahan Henry

emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I really enjoyed The Story She Left Behind! This book was engaging, compelling, and drew me in from the first page. This is the kind of book to read to get lost in, to forget about anything hard or difficult in your own life and enjoy a story.

Don't get me wrong - this book does have its fair share of pain and heartache, but there is also SO MUCH hope in these pages. Clara was abandoned by her mother when she was young (8) and now she has an 8 year daughter of her own. Her daughter's health issues are significant, but Clara also is captured by the story of her mother and the need to find out what happened to her and the book she left behind. This book had it all... mystery, tragedy, love, family, and closure. The settings were lovely - Bluffton, SC, London, and the Lake District in England were all so unique and tied into the story well! There was a lot going on in this book, but nothing too intense or scary... and the ending was just fabulous. I really enjoyed this novel!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
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