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The Story She Left Behind
Win a free print copy of this book!
3 days and 19:46:27
15 copies available
Canada only
Inspired by a true literary mystery, New York Times bestselling author of the mesmerizing The Secret Book of Flora Lea returns with the sweeping story of a legendary book, a lost mother, and a daughter’s search for them both.
In 1927, eight-year-old Clara Harrington’s magical childhood shatters when her mother, renowned author, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, disappears off the coast of South Carolina. Bronwyn stunned the world with a book written in an invented language that became a national sensation when she was just twelve years old. Her departure leaves behind not only a devoted husband and heartbroken daughter, but also the hope of ever translating the sequel to her landmark work. As the headlines focus on the missing author, Clara yearns for something far deeper and more her beautiful mother.
By 1952, Clara is an illustrator raising her own daughter, Wynnie. When a stranger named Charlie Jameson contacts her from London claiming to have discovered a handwritten dictionary of her mother’s lost language. Clara is skeptical. Compelled by the tragedy of her mother’s vanishing, she crosses the Atlantic with Wynnie only to arrive during one of London’s most deadly natural disasters—the Great Smog. With asthmatic Wynnie in peril, they escape the city with Charlie and find refuge in the Jameson’s family retreat nestled in the Lake District. It is there that Clara must find the courage to uncover the truth about her mother and the story she left behind.
Told in Patti Callahan Henry’s lyrical, enchanting prose, The Story She Left Behind is a captivating novel of mystery and family legacy that captures the profound longing for a mother and the evergreen allure of secrets.
In 1927, eight-year-old Clara Harrington’s magical childhood shatters when her mother, renowned author, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, disappears off the coast of South Carolina. Bronwyn stunned the world with a book written in an invented language that became a national sensation when she was just twelve years old. Her departure leaves behind not only a devoted husband and heartbroken daughter, but also the hope of ever translating the sequel to her landmark work. As the headlines focus on the missing author, Clara yearns for something far deeper and more her beautiful mother.
By 1952, Clara is an illustrator raising her own daughter, Wynnie. When a stranger named Charlie Jameson contacts her from London claiming to have discovered a handwritten dictionary of her mother’s lost language. Clara is skeptical. Compelled by the tragedy of her mother’s vanishing, she crosses the Atlantic with Wynnie only to arrive during one of London’s most deadly natural disasters—the Great Smog. With asthmatic Wynnie in peril, they escape the city with Charlie and find refuge in the Jameson’s family retreat nestled in the Lake District. It is there that Clara must find the courage to uncover the truth about her mother and the story she left behind.
Told in Patti Callahan Henry’s lyrical, enchanting prose, The Story She Left Behind is a captivating novel of mystery and family legacy that captures the profound longing for a mother and the evergreen allure of secrets.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published March 18, 2025
989 people are currently reading
36.1k people want to read
About the author
Patti Callahan Henry
33books5,703followersPatti Callahan Henry is a New York Times, Globe and Mail, and USA Today bestselling author of sixteen novels, including her newest, The Secret Book of Flora Lea. She’s also a podcast host of original content for her novels, Surviving Savannah and Becoming Mrs. Lewis.
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She is the recipient of The Christy Award “Book of the Year�; The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for Becoming Mrs. Lewis. She is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly online Friends and Fiction live web show and podcast. Patti also was a contributor to the monthly life lesson essay column for Parade Magazine. She’s published in numerous anthologies, articles, and short story collections, including an Audible Original about Florence Nightingale, titled Wild Swan narrated by the Tony Award winner, Cynthia Erivo.
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A full-time author, mother of three, and grandmother of two, she lives in Mountain Brook, Alabama with her husband, Pat Henry.
�
She is the recipient of The Christy Award “Book of the Year�; The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for Becoming Mrs. Lewis. She is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly online Friends and Fiction live web show and podcast. Patti also was a contributor to the monthly life lesson essay column for Parade Magazine. She’s published in numerous anthologies, articles, and short story collections, including an Audible Original about Florence Nightingale, titled Wild Swan narrated by the Tony Award winner, Cynthia Erivo.
�
A full-time author, mother of three, and grandmother of two, she lives in Mountain Brook, Alabama with her husband, Pat Henry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 752 reviews
March 24, 2025
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2.5 Stars
This book mixes historical fiction with a family mystery and has a dual timeline that dragged a bit for me. I love Patti Callahan Henry's style of writing and while her 2023 release The Secret Book of Flora Lea was a book I enjoyed, this one fell a little flat.
I am going to start with what I did like. The author does a great job with the atmospheric descriptions, especially in the earlier timeline. I love how we get to explore the mother-daughter relationships, the secrets families keep and how they can hurt us in the future. I liked that it was inspired by a real-life mystery which added to the intrigue.
What didn't work for me was the slow pace, while the historical sections were interesting the modern take was so slow that it made the pacing uneven. Some of the characters were well-developed and fully fleshed out but others felt two dimensional and were much less compelling. For my tastes, the magical elements were not done very well. I wanted more I think. For the most part, the experience was enjoyable, especially the historical sections. And overall this was an okay read if a bit predictable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
2.5 Stars
This book mixes historical fiction with a family mystery and has a dual timeline that dragged a bit for me. I love Patti Callahan Henry's style of writing and while her 2023 release The Secret Book of Flora Lea was a book I enjoyed, this one fell a little flat.
I am going to start with what I did like. The author does a great job with the atmospheric descriptions, especially in the earlier timeline. I love how we get to explore the mother-daughter relationships, the secrets families keep and how they can hurt us in the future. I liked that it was inspired by a real-life mystery which added to the intrigue.
What didn't work for me was the slow pace, while the historical sections were interesting the modern take was so slow that it made the pacing uneven. Some of the characters were well-developed and fully fleshed out but others felt two dimensional and were much less compelling. For my tastes, the magical elements were not done very well. I wanted more I think. For the most part, the experience was enjoyable, especially the historical sections. And overall this was an okay read if a bit predictable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
March 26, 2025
In a Nutshell: A historical mystery about a daughter searching for clues about her lost mother’s manuscript. Everything in the blurb made this book sound perfect for me. Alas! Insta-romance, convenient plotting, overly slow pacing in the second half, lacklustre historical feels, unsatisfactory finish. The lyrical prose helps, but prose alone doesn’t make a book for me. I’m so disappointed! Outlier review yet again.
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Plot Preview: (I have gone much beyond the initial 10-15% of the book in this preview because there’s hardly anything happening at the start. No major spoilers though.)
Bookish Yays:
😍 The story is set in three locations in a linear order: South Carolina, London, and Lake District. Each of these is described beautifully.
😍 The details about the Great Fog of 1952. How funny that until a month ago, I hadn’t even heard of this fog, and within a month, this is the second book I've read that uses the London fog as a key development, the other being ‘A Dangerous Game� by Mandy Robotham! Both books use the fog nicely but differently, with this one stressing more on the pollutants and poisonous stench. The foggy feels come out well.
😍 The author’s note at the end revealing several factual elements connected to the plot, including details about real-life author Barbara Newhall Follett, whose early publishing success and mysterious disappearance in 1939 at age twenty-five � considered one of the biggest literary mysteries of the twentieth century � inspired this fictional novel. I found this note more interesting than the book itself.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🤔 The start is really good. The prologue coming from 1927 in Bronwyn’s perspective, the initial chapters abut Clara’s life in South Carolina, and Charlie’s discovery of the dictionary are all interesting. Things start to dip after the story shifts the Lake District, where it seems like the purpose of the narrative has changed.
🤔 The novel has some really beautiful prose that brings the locations and emotions alive. However, it also feels like too much of a good thing, especially when the prose isn't supported by an equally strong plot.
🤔 Wynnie is a sweet child, I agree. But it’s getting tiresome to see fictional children who don’t speak as per their age and are mature way beyond their years, with this behaviour conveniently being attributed to precocity.
🤔 The novel contains some strong themes such as parental abandonment, grief, mental health issues, marital breakdown, gambling, child’s health issues, death, and divorce. However, most of these are explored only at the surface level. Some aren’t even utilised properly in the core plot.
🤔 Though the story is set in 1952, it hardly ever *felt* historical. Except for the modes of transportation and the fog/Churchill references, the rest could have been from any time period. I’m not sure why it felt so generic.
Bookish Nays:
😒 I didn’t find the characters well-developed. Many of their actions are impulsive and irrational. Clara’s actions were idiotically naïve at times. (Imagine taking your asthmatic child to a museum on foot in a new city engulfed in so much fog that you can’t see more than a couple of metres ahead of you!)
😒 Charlie is a good-hearted bloke. But even this doesn’t justify the establishing of a romantic relationship within just ten days!! And why was the romance needed anyway? Wasn’t this the story of a daughter looking for closure on her missing mother?
😒 Why does the blurb have two detailed notes from two timelines when the actual plot contains only one timeline? Except for the prologue set in 1927, the rest is all from 1952. Not gonna lie, I felt cheated. I truly expected a dual timeline, with the other one coming from Bronwyn’s POV, which would have been so interesting.
😒 The book keeps stressing on the “secret language� created by Bronwyn. Sorry to be a party-pooper, but its implementation wasn't convincing to me. This supposedly mysterious language, compared in the plot to what Tolkien created for his books, was utterly basic. Plus, we get only a few words from this “language� throughout this book, and for most of them, the meaning is quite guessable. (What’s so complicated about deciphering words such as “Miraculum� and “Adorium�?) It felt like the plot was trying to hype this up, but it didn’t succeed.
😒 There are hints of magical realism, but these aren’t fully explored. Why have it then?
😒 The pacing is quite slow, but in the Lake district sequences, it drags like anything. I struggled to keep my concentration in the second half.
😒 Everything in the book, from character actions to events to emotions, feels farfetched. All reactions are melodramatic, and all conversations include secret-keeping. Some of the subplots aren’t even utilised well, but possibly retained only for their dramatic value.
😒 The mystery itself is boring and the resolution also isn't too tough to figure out. The actual revelation, whenever it comes, is even more disappointing.
😒 The ending � so, so disappointing! An extended infodump lasting almost 15% of the book leading to an overly smooth and convenient finish. Some books work better with HFN endings than with HEA endings. This plot needed an HFN.
😒 The infodump contains certain details that are so absurd and unbelievable! All my sympathy for that character vanished after that infodump. It was more annoying than anything else.
All in all, while this book began really well for me, the rest of it, especially the second half, was quite a frustrating journey. I could empathise with neither the characters nor their quandary. Had the romance not been such a priority and the focus had stayed more on the two mother-daughter pairs (Bronwyn-Clara and Clara-Wynnie), I might have liked this a tad better.
Then again, all my GR friends have rated this novel 5 or 4 stars. So I am very clearly the outlier. I have read only one other book by this author prior to this: ‘Once Upon a Wardrobe� and I was an outlier for that as well. So perhaps this author and I aren’t meant for each other. 😥 Please read the other reviews and take a more informed call on this book.
Recommended to those who love extended lyrical prose and romance tracks and don’t mind slowburn pacing and melodrama. None of these is for me.
2 stars.
My thanks to Atria Books for providing the DRC of “The Story She Left Behind� via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn’t work out better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview: (I have gone much beyond the initial 10-15% of the book in this preview because there’s hardly anything happening at the start. No major spoilers though.)
1952. Clara is an award-winning illustrator. A single mother, she lives with her father and her eight-year-old daughter Wynnie in South Carolina. Over the last twenty-five years, Clara has lived under the emotional shadow of her missing mother Bronwyn, a renowned author who disappeared off the coast with no clue and leaving behind a sequel to her bestseller. This sequel is written in an invented language no one can decipher. Now a stranger named Charlie calls up Clara from London, claiming that he has found a handwritten dictionary of the lost language. Though Clara is sceptical and can barely afford a trip across the ocean, she travels with Wynnie to London, only to arrive at the same time as a deadly smog engulfs the place. Charlie has a solution: escaping to his family country house in the beautiful Lake District. Is Charlie’s claim about the dictionary true? Will Clara finally find closure?
The story comes to us in the third-person perspectives of Clara and Charlie.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The story is set in three locations in a linear order: South Carolina, London, and Lake District. Each of these is described beautifully.
😍 The details about the Great Fog of 1952. How funny that until a month ago, I hadn’t even heard of this fog, and within a month, this is the second book I've read that uses the London fog as a key development, the other being ‘A Dangerous Game� by Mandy Robotham! Both books use the fog nicely but differently, with this one stressing more on the pollutants and poisonous stench. The foggy feels come out well.
😍 The author’s note at the end revealing several factual elements connected to the plot, including details about real-life author Barbara Newhall Follett, whose early publishing success and mysterious disappearance in 1939 at age twenty-five � considered one of the biggest literary mysteries of the twentieth century � inspired this fictional novel. I found this note more interesting than the book itself.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🤔 The start is really good. The prologue coming from 1927 in Bronwyn’s perspective, the initial chapters abut Clara’s life in South Carolina, and Charlie’s discovery of the dictionary are all interesting. Things start to dip after the story shifts the Lake District, where it seems like the purpose of the narrative has changed.
🤔 The novel has some really beautiful prose that brings the locations and emotions alive. However, it also feels like too much of a good thing, especially when the prose isn't supported by an equally strong plot.
🤔 Wynnie is a sweet child, I agree. But it’s getting tiresome to see fictional children who don’t speak as per their age and are mature way beyond their years, with this behaviour conveniently being attributed to precocity.
🤔 The novel contains some strong themes such as parental abandonment, grief, mental health issues, marital breakdown, gambling, child’s health issues, death, and divorce. However, most of these are explored only at the surface level. Some aren’t even utilised properly in the core plot.
🤔 Though the story is set in 1952, it hardly ever *felt* historical. Except for the modes of transportation and the fog/Churchill references, the rest could have been from any time period. I’m not sure why it felt so generic.
Bookish Nays:
😒 I didn’t find the characters well-developed. Many of their actions are impulsive and irrational. Clara’s actions were idiotically naïve at times. (Imagine taking your asthmatic child to a museum on foot in a new city engulfed in so much fog that you can’t see more than a couple of metres ahead of you!)
😒 Charlie is a good-hearted bloke. But even this doesn’t justify the establishing of a romantic relationship within just ten days!! And why was the romance needed anyway? Wasn’t this the story of a daughter looking for closure on her missing mother?
😒 Why does the blurb have two detailed notes from two timelines when the actual plot contains only one timeline? Except for the prologue set in 1927, the rest is all from 1952. Not gonna lie, I felt cheated. I truly expected a dual timeline, with the other one coming from Bronwyn’s POV, which would have been so interesting.
😒 The book keeps stressing on the “secret language� created by Bronwyn. Sorry to be a party-pooper, but its implementation wasn't convincing to me. This supposedly mysterious language, compared in the plot to what Tolkien created for his books, was utterly basic. Plus, we get only a few words from this “language� throughout this book, and for most of them, the meaning is quite guessable. (What’s so complicated about deciphering words such as “Miraculum� and “Adorium�?) It felt like the plot was trying to hype this up, but it didn’t succeed.
😒 There are hints of magical realism, but these aren’t fully explored. Why have it then?
😒 The pacing is quite slow, but in the Lake district sequences, it drags like anything. I struggled to keep my concentration in the second half.
😒 Everything in the book, from character actions to events to emotions, feels farfetched. All reactions are melodramatic, and all conversations include secret-keeping. Some of the subplots aren’t even utilised well, but possibly retained only for their dramatic value.
😒 The mystery itself is boring and the resolution also isn't too tough to figure out. The actual revelation, whenever it comes, is even more disappointing.
😒 The ending � so, so disappointing! An extended infodump lasting almost 15% of the book leading to an overly smooth and convenient finish. Some books work better with HFN endings than with HEA endings. This plot needed an HFN.
😒 The infodump contains certain details that are so absurd and unbelievable! All my sympathy for that character vanished after that infodump. It was more annoying than anything else.
All in all, while this book began really well for me, the rest of it, especially the second half, was quite a frustrating journey. I could empathise with neither the characters nor their quandary. Had the romance not been such a priority and the focus had stayed more on the two mother-daughter pairs (Bronwyn-Clara and Clara-Wynnie), I might have liked this a tad better.
Then again, all my GR friends have rated this novel 5 or 4 stars. So I am very clearly the outlier. I have read only one other book by this author prior to this: ‘Once Upon a Wardrobe� and I was an outlier for that as well. So perhaps this author and I aren’t meant for each other. 😥 Please read the other reviews and take a more informed call on this book.
Recommended to those who love extended lyrical prose and romance tracks and don’t mind slowburn pacing and melodrama. None of these is for me.
2 stars.
My thanks to Atria Books for providing the DRC of “The Story She Left Behind� via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn’t work out better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
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January 27, 2025
What a lovely book with a beautiful cover! I loved this book about a missing mother, a daughter looking for answers, a secret language/words/writing and love. This wonderful book touched on a quest for answers, abandonment, love, loss, legacy, family, found family, longing, and forgiveness. I was intrigued by the secret language, the mystery, and the characters.
Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham was a world-renowned author who became a child prodigy when she wrote a bestselling book written in a secret language when she was 12 years old. When her daughter Clara was eight years old, she disappeared and left her husband and Clara behind.
Clara grew up to become a children's book illustrator with a young daughter named Wynnie. She is shocked when she receives a phone call from Charlie Jameson, in London informing her that a dictionary of her mother's secret language has been discovered. Clara and her daughter, Wynnie, set sail and arrive during the Great Smog of London. Clara hopes to find answers, obtain her mother's papers, and be able to move on.
What a wonderfully written and well thought out book. I was swept away along with Clara and Wynnie as they set out for answers and found more than they were looking for. I was fully invested in this book and the journey that each of the characters took as secrets and the truth merged between the pages.
This was my first book by Patti Callahan Henry, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Captivating, gripping, and a delight to read.
4.5 stars
*A witches words buddy read with Norma, Brenda DeAnn, and Mary Beth. Please read their reviews as well to see their thoughts on .
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at 📖
Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham was a world-renowned author who became a child prodigy when she wrote a bestselling book written in a secret language when she was 12 years old. When her daughter Clara was eight years old, she disappeared and left her husband and Clara behind.
Clara grew up to become a children's book illustrator with a young daughter named Wynnie. She is shocked when she receives a phone call from Charlie Jameson, in London informing her that a dictionary of her mother's secret language has been discovered. Clara and her daughter, Wynnie, set sail and arrive during the Great Smog of London. Clara hopes to find answers, obtain her mother's papers, and be able to move on.
What a wonderfully written and well thought out book. I was swept away along with Clara and Wynnie as they set out for answers and found more than they were looking for. I was fully invested in this book and the journey that each of the characters took as secrets and the truth merged between the pages.
This was my first book by Patti Callahan Henry, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Captivating, gripping, and a delight to read.
4.5 stars
*A witches words buddy read with Norma, Brenda DeAnn, and Mary Beth. Please read their reviews as well to see their thoughts on .
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at 📖
March 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Sweeping, emotional, and utterly entrancing!
The Story She Left Behind felt like stepping into a world where love, discovery, and secrets collide in the most breathtaking way.
I was completely taken by The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry. From the very first page, I was consumed by Clara’s journey and the legacy of her mysterious and captivating mother, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham. The 1952 setting, especially in the fog-covered streets of London during one of its most devastating natural disasters, felt hauntingly alive, it pulled me right into the uncertainty they faced, where danger and hope seemed to coexist in every moment.
What makes this book so extraordinary is Patti Callahan Henry’s writing. Her prose is lush and lyrical, and every word feels carefully chosen to draw you deeper into this world. Each layer of mystery, each revelation, unfolded like a carefully tended garden—growing, blooming, and flourishing into something truly breathtaking. It’s the kind of storytelling that keeps you utterly spellbound, pulling at your heartstrings with emotions that are thick and impossible to ignore.
The characters—oh, the characters! Clara’s longing for answers and her fierce love for her daughter, Wynnie, were so moving. Wynnie, in particular, was a delightful, fabulous character—her warmth and charm brought so much life and hope to this story. Bronwyn’s larger-than-life presence, even in her absence, was magnetic. And Charlie? Let’s just say he added an unexpected depth that made me love this story even more. I felt fully connected to their lives, their struggles, and the courage that carried them forward.
The mystery surrounding Bronwyn’s book and the invented language was like a thread I couldn’t stop pulling. And when everything came together? It was nothing short of breathtaking.
This book has everything—mystery, family legacy, love, and the enduring search for belonging. The ending? Absolutely beautiful, wrapping everything up in a way that left me reflecting on every moment and wanting to experience it all over again.
I was entranced by The Story She Left Behind, an unforgettable, moving, and gorgeously written novel that I cannot recommend enough.
A wonderful Witches Words read that I had the pleasure of buddy reading with Brenda, Debra, Mary Beth, and DeAnn. Be sure to check out their reviews.
Expected Publication Date: March 18, 2025
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy, I loved every single second of it!
The Story She Left Behind felt like stepping into a world where love, discovery, and secrets collide in the most breathtaking way.
I was completely taken by The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry. From the very first page, I was consumed by Clara’s journey and the legacy of her mysterious and captivating mother, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham. The 1952 setting, especially in the fog-covered streets of London during one of its most devastating natural disasters, felt hauntingly alive, it pulled me right into the uncertainty they faced, where danger and hope seemed to coexist in every moment.
What makes this book so extraordinary is Patti Callahan Henry’s writing. Her prose is lush and lyrical, and every word feels carefully chosen to draw you deeper into this world. Each layer of mystery, each revelation, unfolded like a carefully tended garden—growing, blooming, and flourishing into something truly breathtaking. It’s the kind of storytelling that keeps you utterly spellbound, pulling at your heartstrings with emotions that are thick and impossible to ignore.
The characters—oh, the characters! Clara’s longing for answers and her fierce love for her daughter, Wynnie, were so moving. Wynnie, in particular, was a delightful, fabulous character—her warmth and charm brought so much life and hope to this story. Bronwyn’s larger-than-life presence, even in her absence, was magnetic. And Charlie? Let’s just say he added an unexpected depth that made me love this story even more. I felt fully connected to their lives, their struggles, and the courage that carried them forward.
The mystery surrounding Bronwyn’s book and the invented language was like a thread I couldn’t stop pulling. And when everything came together? It was nothing short of breathtaking.
This book has everything—mystery, family legacy, love, and the enduring search for belonging. The ending? Absolutely beautiful, wrapping everything up in a way that left me reflecting on every moment and wanting to experience it all over again.
I was entranced by The Story She Left Behind, an unforgettable, moving, and gorgeously written novel that I cannot recommend enough.
A wonderful Witches Words read that I had the pleasure of buddy reading with Brenda, Debra, Mary Beth, and DeAnn. Be sure to check out their reviews.
Expected Publication Date: March 18, 2025
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy, I loved every single second of it!
March 13, 2025
I was enchanted by this book, from the stunning illustration on the cover all the way to the very end. It successfully weaves together mystery, make-believe, and historical fiction. This author's prose is as beautiful as the vistas that she creates with her words, from the coastal waters of South Carolina to the foggy streets of London. The characters are charming, and the story is delightful and engaging.
In South Carolina in 1927, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordam is missing. At the age of twelve she had published a story that was written in code. As an adult with her own family, she disappears and leaves behind her husband, her eight-year-old daughter Clara, and an unfinished sequel to her first book. Clara searches her whole life for answers to why her mother abandoned her.
Twenty-five years later, Clara has become a second-grade art teacher and an illustrator of children's books. She is also the mother of her own precocious eight-year-old daughter, Wynnie. One day, Clara receives a call from a gentleman in London who tells her that he has found a mysterious old satchel in his father's library along with a letter addressed to Clara. With the letter is something surprising.
Clara and Wynnie make their way to London from America to retrieve the letter and satchel from Charlie. They soon find themselves all scurrying to the countryside to escape a dense obstructing fog that has enveloped London in noxious fumes. The mystery becomes even more puzzling once they arrive at Charlie's family's manor.
Do YOU believe in make-believe and the power of love? You just have to use your imagination. This story is about the love and devotion between mother and child. And the magic of children and their imaginary friends.
Ms. Henry hit it out of the park with this book and it is going to be a big hit with her fans, as well as readers who love a little historical fiction with their mysteries. I have already started to highly recommend this to all of my friends.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
In South Carolina in 1927, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordam is missing. At the age of twelve she had published a story that was written in code. As an adult with her own family, she disappears and leaves behind her husband, her eight-year-old daughter Clara, and an unfinished sequel to her first book. Clara searches her whole life for answers to why her mother abandoned her.
Twenty-five years later, Clara has become a second-grade art teacher and an illustrator of children's books. She is also the mother of her own precocious eight-year-old daughter, Wynnie. One day, Clara receives a call from a gentleman in London who tells her that he has found a mysterious old satchel in his father's library along with a letter addressed to Clara. With the letter is something surprising.
Clara and Wynnie make their way to London from America to retrieve the letter and satchel from Charlie. They soon find themselves all scurrying to the countryside to escape a dense obstructing fog that has enveloped London in noxious fumes. The mystery becomes even more puzzling once they arrive at Charlie's family's manor.
Do YOU believe in make-believe and the power of love? You just have to use your imagination. This story is about the love and devotion between mother and child. And the magic of children and their imaginary friends.
Ms. Henry hit it out of the park with this book and it is going to be a big hit with her fans, as well as readers who love a little historical fiction with their mysteries. I have already started to highly recommend this to all of my friends.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 18, 2025
4.5-5⭐️ When Clara Harrington’s brilliant mother, author Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, disappears from their home in South Carolina, leaving behind her only published book written at the age of 12 in her own invented language, her world is shattered. But years later, when a stranger reaches out claiming he has her mother’s handwritten dictionary of her created language, she takes her daughter Wynnie on a voyage of a lifetime, across the Atlantic, to London, where she hopes Charlie Jameson holds the answers to what happened to her mother.
Wow. I had originally intended to read just a few pages of this book, and wound up absolutely devouring it in an afternoon. Oops. What I love most is that this story, based on an actual literary mystery, offers a little bit of everything, making it a fantastic read for such a large swath of readers. With a fantastic mashup of historical fiction, literary fiction, mystery, and romance, and gorgeous prose, it’s hard not to be completely swept away to the tiny picturesque area of London, and into the world Patti Callahan Henry has created.
This is my first book by this author, so I am very new to her writing, but I was blown away by how evocative and atmospheric her writing is. As Clara and Wynnie brave the streets of London during the Great Smog, I felt as though I was right beside them, unable to breathe myself. For so much of the story, there was a cinematic quality achieved through her dynamic writing. And beyond that, the characters are spectacular. They are multi-layered and complex, each with their own unique backstory, and I enjoyed every moment I spent with them. I have surely been missing out here, and I cannot wait to dive into this author’s entire backlist.
🎧 Absolutely fantastic on audio, narrated by the queen of audio Julia Whelan, and a fantastic counterpart in Theo Solomon, I found myself wanting to read my physical copy, alongside the audio, to feel completely immersed in the beautiful story.
Read if you like:
▪️women’s fiction
▪️literary mysteries
▪️mother/daughter stories
▪️dual timelines
▪️books about books
▪️romance subplot
Thank you Atria and Simon Audio for the gifted copies.
Wow. I had originally intended to read just a few pages of this book, and wound up absolutely devouring it in an afternoon. Oops. What I love most is that this story, based on an actual literary mystery, offers a little bit of everything, making it a fantastic read for such a large swath of readers. With a fantastic mashup of historical fiction, literary fiction, mystery, and romance, and gorgeous prose, it’s hard not to be completely swept away to the tiny picturesque area of London, and into the world Patti Callahan Henry has created.
This is my first book by this author, so I am very new to her writing, but I was blown away by how evocative and atmospheric her writing is. As Clara and Wynnie brave the streets of London during the Great Smog, I felt as though I was right beside them, unable to breathe myself. For so much of the story, there was a cinematic quality achieved through her dynamic writing. And beyond that, the characters are spectacular. They are multi-layered and complex, each with their own unique backstory, and I enjoyed every moment I spent with them. I have surely been missing out here, and I cannot wait to dive into this author’s entire backlist.
🎧 Absolutely fantastic on audio, narrated by the queen of audio Julia Whelan, and a fantastic counterpart in Theo Solomon, I found myself wanting to read my physical copy, alongside the audio, to feel completely immersed in the beautiful story.
Read if you like:
▪️women’s fiction
▪️literary mysteries
▪️mother/daughter stories
▪️dual timelines
▪️books about books
▪️romance subplot
Thank you Atria and Simon Audio for the gifted copies.
March 6, 2025
Really good! Plus- a dual narration involving Julia Whelan, yes please!
This was a lovely journey with romance, adventure, mystery, forgiveness. So many great things to make for a wonderful book. I appreciated the authors note recapping the history aspects of this one but i think for me, it definitely leaned more into history-lite where it was a story that could have been set anywhere in the world at any time in history. Nothing stood out like oh ya I remember something about that. I did think this had sooooo many beautiful passages and descriptions. The middle felt a little draggy for me but for the most part, really really enjoyable.
This was a lovely journey with romance, adventure, mystery, forgiveness. So many great things to make for a wonderful book. I appreciated the authors note recapping the history aspects of this one but i think for me, it definitely leaned more into history-lite where it was a story that could have been set anywhere in the world at any time in history. Nothing stood out like oh ya I remember something about that. I did think this had sooooo many beautiful passages and descriptions. The middle felt a little draggy for me but for the most part, really really enjoyable.
February 24, 2025
i enjoyed this one so much! highly recommend the audiobook—narrated by the wonderful and amazing Julia Whelan with a dual narration/POV for the FMC and MMC which was such a good experience and really immersed me in the story 🎧🤍
if you like historical fiction that isn’t war focused, this will be for you! also read if you like family drama, dual POVs and genre benders (this one has mystery, romance, historical fiction, and fam drama).
i liked this one more than THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA. the story grabbed me right away. there’s just something about reading books about books ✨✨� the lost story + lost mother mystery aspect had me really invested to see how it all ended.
and the SETTING????? various settings actually. chefs kiss! wanted to transport into them. also don’t get me started on this book cover!!!!! 💖💗🌸💕 will easily be a 2025 fave. everything about it just feels like a big hug. i enjoy this author’s writing style a lot!
what i’d change: part of the ending doesn’t make the most sense to me. and i was personally craving/wishing it felt a bit more like historical fiction if that makes sense� i feel like a lot of what happened could have been in any time period and i was craving a bit of the “historical� aspect than we got.
all in all, a very good read! deff recommend adding it to your audiobook TBR when it releases
thanks to Atria Books and Libro FM for gifted early copies!!!
if you like historical fiction that isn’t war focused, this will be for you! also read if you like family drama, dual POVs and genre benders (this one has mystery, romance, historical fiction, and fam drama).
i liked this one more than THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA. the story grabbed me right away. there’s just something about reading books about books ✨✨� the lost story + lost mother mystery aspect had me really invested to see how it all ended.
and the SETTING????? various settings actually. chefs kiss! wanted to transport into them. also don’t get me started on this book cover!!!!! 💖💗🌸💕 will easily be a 2025 fave. everything about it just feels like a big hug. i enjoy this author’s writing style a lot!
what i’d change: part of the ending doesn’t make the most sense to me. and i was personally craving/wishing it felt a bit more like historical fiction if that makes sense� i feel like a lot of what happened could have been in any time period and i was craving a bit of the “historical� aspect than we got.
all in all, a very good read! deff recommend adding it to your audiobook TBR when it releases
thanks to Atria Books and Libro FM for gifted early copies!!!
March 18, 2025
I felt so much from Clara whose mother abandon her when she was eight. Her father became her refuge and the stories left behind were not positive. The community had their take on what happened to the write/wife/mother Brownlyn.
Now Clara is a mother of an eight-year-old and is set on a quest to find out more about her mother’s past. This novel if magical, emotional and takes us on a journey surrounding their lives and what became of Brownlyn. Will Clara and her dad get the answers they hope or will it cause more heartache.
Patti Callahan Henry always takes us on an emotional journey in her books. The descriptions and details are rich and make you want to jump inside this story. A mothers love never dies, no matter what.
Thank you Patti for sending us another wonderful journey with this novel. A must read.
Thank you Simon & Schuster for this gifted e-ARC. Off to pre-order now.
Now Clara is a mother of an eight-year-old and is set on a quest to find out more about her mother’s past. This novel if magical, emotional and takes us on a journey surrounding their lives and what became of Brownlyn. Will Clara and her dad get the answers they hope or will it cause more heartache.
Patti Callahan Henry always takes us on an emotional journey in her books. The descriptions and details are rich and make you want to jump inside this story. A mothers love never dies, no matter what.
Thank you Patti for sending us another wonderful journey with this novel. A must read.
Thank you Simon & Schuster for this gifted e-ARC. Off to pre-order now.
March 22, 2025
Officially Publishing Today. I am so Excited going to see Patti Callahan Henry this Friday at Quail Books in Raleigh! Love meeting Authors
Patti Callahan Henry writes so well.
Just Finished this Beautiful Book. Love the descriptions of Nature, Books, Stories, and Finding Home. Finishing Felt like Reaching Out and Getting a Big Hug.
Just Magical.
Thank you NetGalley, Patti Callahan Henry, and Atria Books for this book. I always leave reviews for books I read.
Had so much Fun at the Author Event. You learn so much listening to PCH speak about her book and how she created the characters. Really Loved Going to Quail Ridge Books. 📚 Meet lots of Great People.
Patti Callahan Henry writes so well.
Just Finished this Beautiful Book. Love the descriptions of Nature, Books, Stories, and Finding Home. Finishing Felt like Reaching Out and Getting a Big Hug.
Just Magical.
Thank you NetGalley, Patti Callahan Henry, and Atria Books for this book. I always leave reviews for books I read.
Had so much Fun at the Author Event. You learn so much listening to PCH speak about her book and how she created the characters. Really Loved Going to Quail Ridge Books. 📚 Meet lots of Great People.
February 24, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own
This is the kind of story that makes me fall in love. I started this book last night and woke early this morning to finish it. A tale of mothers and daughters who are linked together by stories and torn apart by secrets.
I liked that the story was inspired in large part but true events. The central conflict is inspired by events that happened in 1927 but most of the story takes place in 1952 South Carolina and London, England.
I feel after reading the book that I am replenished and joyful and it is because of the beautiful writing and incredible characters, Clara, Wynnie, Charles and others. Hands down, is one of my favourites of 2025.
Expected Publication Date 18/02/25
ŷ Review Date 24/02/25
This is the kind of story that makes me fall in love. I started this book last night and woke early this morning to finish it. A tale of mothers and daughters who are linked together by stories and torn apart by secrets.
I liked that the story was inspired in large part but true events. The central conflict is inspired by events that happened in 1927 but most of the story takes place in 1952 South Carolina and London, England.
I feel after reading the book that I am replenished and joyful and it is because of the beautiful writing and incredible characters, Clara, Wynnie, Charles and others. Hands down, is one of my favourites of 2025.
Expected Publication Date 18/02/25
ŷ Review Date 24/02/25
February 2, 2025
Please let me introduce you all to a true Word Witch: Patti Callahan Henry. She has wielded her words like a magic wand and has crafted a story that bewitched, and captivated my little coven of witches.
The Mystery That Lingers and The Timeless Power of Literature.
Now, let’s delve into the mystery at the heart of this enchanting tale. Clara’s mother, Bronwyn, wasn’t just any author—she penned a mesmerizing book that captured the hearts of many. Tragedy struck and Bronwyn went missing along with the secret language. Now, after years of her words being lost, they have been found. Clara embarks on a quest to bring her mother's words home and to keep the hope alive of ever translating the sequel to her beloved book.
The Enchantment of a Secret Language
One of the most bewitching elements of The Story She Left Behind is the secret language created by Bronwyn. She created magical words and crafted her very own secret language to protect her writing. This secret language is more than just a clever plot device; it’s a profound symbol of the power of love, words, and the enduring magic of make-believe. I adored this beautiful concept –magic that Has me dreaming of creating a secret language of my own.
The Power of Words
Patti Callahan Henry’s beautiful, magical story shows us the true beauty and power in words. It’s a book lover's dream, a narrative that will captivate your heart, and uplift your spirits.
Step into this one and feel the magic, and let every word cast its spell on you!!
A Witches Words group read with Norma, Debra, Mary Beth and DeAnn. Look for their magical reviews
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
The Mystery That Lingers and The Timeless Power of Literature.
Now, let’s delve into the mystery at the heart of this enchanting tale. Clara’s mother, Bronwyn, wasn’t just any author—she penned a mesmerizing book that captured the hearts of many. Tragedy struck and Bronwyn went missing along with the secret language. Now, after years of her words being lost, they have been found. Clara embarks on a quest to bring her mother's words home and to keep the hope alive of ever translating the sequel to her beloved book.
The Enchantment of a Secret Language
One of the most bewitching elements of The Story She Left Behind is the secret language created by Bronwyn. She created magical words and crafted her very own secret language to protect her writing. This secret language is more than just a clever plot device; it’s a profound symbol of the power of love, words, and the enduring magic of make-believe. I adored this beautiful concept –magic that Has me dreaming of creating a secret language of my own.
The Power of Words
Patti Callahan Henry’s beautiful, magical story shows us the true beauty and power in words. It’s a book lover's dream, a narrative that will captivate your heart, and uplift your spirits.
Step into this one and feel the magic, and let every word cast its spell on you!!
A Witches Words group read with Norma, Debra, Mary Beth and DeAnn. Look for their magical reviews
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
April 2, 2025
The weight of secrets, the power of forgiveness and intergenerational connections.....this story has it all. Eighteen books strong and Patti Callahan Henry still writes amazing stories!!
📖Set against the backdrop of the Great Smog of 1952 in London and the serene Lake District, the
story follows Clara Harrington, an illustrator and single mother, who sets out on a quest to uncover the truth about her mother, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham—a celebrated author who vanished under mysterious circumstances in 1927. Bronwyn's enduring legacy includes a revolutionary book composed in an invented language. Clara's journey is ignited by the discovery of a dictionary that may hold the key to unraveling the secrets of her mother's enigmatic work and disappearance.
📖Upon arriving in London, Clara Harrington and her asthmatic daughter, Wynnie, face immediate danger from the smog, forcing them to flee. This disaster intensifies Clara's quest and also serves as a metaphor for the hidden truths surrounding her mother's mysterious disappearance.
📖I deeply admire how Patti Callahan Henry was able to intertwine Clara’s emotional journey with Bronwyn’s mysterious legacy, creating a beautifully layered narrative. The interplay between past and present, especially through the symbolism of the invented language and the dictionary, stood out to me as a remarkable storytelling choice.
🎧Narrators Julia Whelan (@justjuliawhelan -
favorite narrator) and Theo Solomon (@theo_solomon - new favorite narrator) together deliver a compelling listening experience, skillfully navigating the alternating points of view and a range of accents, both American and British.
Julia Whelan vividly conveys Clara Harrington's emotional journey, imbuing her portrayal with authenticity and depth. Meanwhile, Theo Solomon brings Charlie Jameson to life with effortless charm, perfectly complementing Whelan's performance.
📖Set against the backdrop of the Great Smog of 1952 in London and the serene Lake District, the
story follows Clara Harrington, an illustrator and single mother, who sets out on a quest to uncover the truth about her mother, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham—a celebrated author who vanished under mysterious circumstances in 1927. Bronwyn's enduring legacy includes a revolutionary book composed in an invented language. Clara's journey is ignited by the discovery of a dictionary that may hold the key to unraveling the secrets of her mother's enigmatic work and disappearance.
📖Upon arriving in London, Clara Harrington and her asthmatic daughter, Wynnie, face immediate danger from the smog, forcing them to flee. This disaster intensifies Clara's quest and also serves as a metaphor for the hidden truths surrounding her mother's mysterious disappearance.
📖I deeply admire how Patti Callahan Henry was able to intertwine Clara’s emotional journey with Bronwyn’s mysterious legacy, creating a beautifully layered narrative. The interplay between past and present, especially through the symbolism of the invented language and the dictionary, stood out to me as a remarkable storytelling choice.
🎧Narrators Julia Whelan (@justjuliawhelan -
favorite narrator) and Theo Solomon (@theo_solomon - new favorite narrator) together deliver a compelling listening experience, skillfully navigating the alternating points of view and a range of accents, both American and British.
Julia Whelan vividly conveys Clara Harrington's emotional journey, imbuing her portrayal with authenticity and depth. Meanwhile, Theo Solomon brings Charlie Jameson to life with effortless charm, perfectly complementing Whelan's performance.
March 17, 2025
I was captivated by the beautiful cover and immediately pulled into a spectacular story full of mystery, searching, secrets, and acceptance. Henry examines what we leave behind and what we take with us and the ripple effects of this in the present and future. Her magnificent story about a secret language, forgiveness and found family will stay with me for quite some time. As I finished the last page, I realized (1) that not everything lost needs to be found and not everything found was at one time lost and (2) that not every question needs or has an answer.
My inner intellect enjoyed an opportunity to get lost down a rabbit hole of all things pertaining to The Great Smog and Barbara Newhall Follett.
You won’t be disappointed with any Patti Callahan Henry book you pick up!
My inner intellect enjoyed an opportunity to get lost down a rabbit hole of all things pertaining to The Great Smog and Barbara Newhall Follett.
You won’t be disappointed with any Patti Callahan Henry book you pick up!
October 29, 2024
One of my faves this year!
Synopsis: This book follows the story of a legendary book, a lost mother, and a daughter's search for them both.
My thoughts: I went into this book pretty blind - I had not read any Patti Callahan Henry books and didn't read the synopsis or know anything before I started reading it. I am happy to share that this is one of my favorites for 2024. I feel very lucky to have gotten an early copy of this book. I couldn't put it down!
It was the perfect mix of intensity, romance, and flow. I loved every single character. The setting was magical and mysterious and just a breath of fresh air. The tension that I felt when the main character was trying to process hard emotions was palpable. There was just enough whimsy and magic that it didn't feel cheesy in the slightest. This book was a warm, wholesome hug that I didn't know I needed.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the early copy!
Synopsis: This book follows the story of a legendary book, a lost mother, and a daughter's search for them both.
My thoughts: I went into this book pretty blind - I had not read any Patti Callahan Henry books and didn't read the synopsis or know anything before I started reading it. I am happy to share that this is one of my favorites for 2024. I feel very lucky to have gotten an early copy of this book. I couldn't put it down!
It was the perfect mix of intensity, romance, and flow. I loved every single character. The setting was magical and mysterious and just a breath of fresh air. The tension that I felt when the main character was trying to process hard emotions was palpable. There was just enough whimsy and magic that it didn't feel cheesy in the slightest. This book was a warm, wholesome hug that I didn't know I needed.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the early copy!
January 30, 2025
A story of family, of a mother who seems to have disappeared from her daughter’s life, and the daughter’s need to find her. Ultimately, it is a love story, not necessarily in the romantic sense, overall, but a story of finding answers, and, in the end, the love she’d ultimately left to find.
This story revolves around a book, and the daughter’s hope for answers as to her mother’s disappearance, while also adding so much more. A journey to the place where she seems to feel she might, finally, find her mother.
I haven’t read all of this author’s books, but I’ve read several of her books, and loved them all. This one was no exception.
Pub Date: 18 Mar 2025
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Atria Books!
September 22, 2024
4.5 stars. A beautiful story.
March 29, 2025
Just as Clara's mother haunted her for her entire life because she disappeared, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham also became a mystery and an obsession for Charles Jameson who found Bronwyn's satchel inside his father's office.
The satchel had made it to London from Bluffton, South Carolina, but how?
Everyone thought Bronwyn and her satchel filled with the sequel to the book she wrote when she was twelve were both at the bottom of the ocean.
When Charles called Clara and said that he found these papers with a note attached saying they had to be returned to Clara Harrington in person, and he could NOT mail them to her, she had no choice.
Clara had to retrieve them, but how?
London was a long way from South Carolina, and it was an expensive trip to make.
Does Clara make the trip?
Does she find her mother's papers to be what she thought they would be?
Does she do anything with them since they were to be a sequel?
What else happens in London?
You will find out everything in this beautifully written, detailed read you won't be able to put down and a read with absolutely wonderful characters and a gorgeous setting.
It is filled with love, longing, and fulfillment. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The satchel had made it to London from Bluffton, South Carolina, but how?
Everyone thought Bronwyn and her satchel filled with the sequel to the book she wrote when she was twelve were both at the bottom of the ocean.
When Charles called Clara and said that he found these papers with a note attached saying they had to be returned to Clara Harrington in person, and he could NOT mail them to her, she had no choice.
Clara had to retrieve them, but how?
London was a long way from South Carolina, and it was an expensive trip to make.
Does Clara make the trip?
Does she find her mother's papers to be what she thought they would be?
Does she do anything with them since they were to be a sequel?
What else happens in London?
You will find out everything in this beautifully written, detailed read you won't be able to put down and a read with absolutely wonderful characters and a gorgeous setting.
It is filled with love, longing, and fulfillment. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
November 4, 2024
What a beautiful gift to the reading world - a book which celebrates evocation of words, the wonder of story, and the depths of motherly love.
Inspired by the true story of Barbara Newhall Follet, Ms. Henry has crafted a captivating story of love, fear, loss, and hope. The book opens in 1927 with an adult woman, once a celebrated child prodigy author, making a hasty decision to flee from her South Carolina home. She abandons her adored husband and beloved eight year old daughter, intending never to be heard from again. Move forward to 1952, where the abandoned child now cherishes a daughter of her own. The sense of abandonment has left a dull ache in the adult daughter's soul which was seemingly manageable after so many years. That is until she receives an unbidden call from England requesting her appearance in London and retrieval of her mother's papers, (which were previously believed to have been destroyed). This story is the emotional and physical quest in procuring these pages and connecting to her mother through her mother's written words.
This was such a captivating and enjoyable read. The writing is exquisite, the characters well developed, and the mise en scène cinematic in scope. Ms. Henry's research into the horrific London fog of the winter of 1952, was spot on and fantastically delivered. The characters' emotions were so well delivered that one could not withhold empathy throughout the read. The internal emotional conflicts were palpable. Quotes of T.S. Eliot's poetry were enriching and brought back warm memories of its recitation to this reader's ears. The inclusion of stories of Beatrix Potter enriched the story that much more. All in all this was a beautiful, heartfelt and affirming story - one which will linger in this reader's soul for many days to come.
I am grateful to Atria Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: � Atria Books
Publication Date: March 18, 2025
Number of Pages:� 352
ISBN:� 978-1668011874
Inspired by the true story of Barbara Newhall Follet, Ms. Henry has crafted a captivating story of love, fear, loss, and hope. The book opens in 1927 with an adult woman, once a celebrated child prodigy author, making a hasty decision to flee from her South Carolina home. She abandons her adored husband and beloved eight year old daughter, intending never to be heard from again. Move forward to 1952, where the abandoned child now cherishes a daughter of her own. The sense of abandonment has left a dull ache in the adult daughter's soul which was seemingly manageable after so many years. That is until she receives an unbidden call from England requesting her appearance in London and retrieval of her mother's papers, (which were previously believed to have been destroyed). This story is the emotional and physical quest in procuring these pages and connecting to her mother through her mother's written words.
This was such a captivating and enjoyable read. The writing is exquisite, the characters well developed, and the mise en scène cinematic in scope. Ms. Henry's research into the horrific London fog of the winter of 1952, was spot on and fantastically delivered. The characters' emotions were so well delivered that one could not withhold empathy throughout the read. The internal emotional conflicts were palpable. Quotes of T.S. Eliot's poetry were enriching and brought back warm memories of its recitation to this reader's ears. The inclusion of stories of Beatrix Potter enriched the story that much more. All in all this was a beautiful, heartfelt and affirming story - one which will linger in this reader's soul for many days to come.
I am grateful to Atria Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: � Atria Books
Publication Date: March 18, 2025
Number of Pages:� 352
ISBN:� 978-1668011874
September 12, 2024
As a child prodigy, Bronwyn wrote a book at the age of 12 after devastating consequences, she vanishes, leaving her daughter motherless. 25 years later, Clara receives a call from Britain stating that there’s lost papers of her mother’s. Clara sets off with her 8 year old daughter to retrieve them. What occurs is finding a lost family, acceptance and the act of forgiveness. Another wonderful novel written by Pattie. This left me with the interest of finding out more about the story behind this book.
March 2, 2025
3⭐️ Welcome back to another episode of “Did I like the book or was it just narrated by Julia Whelan?� Spoiler alert: this one was all Julia!
Truly, this was a beautiful, cozy, lovely story that I sadly just did not care about one little bit.
In THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND we’re back in 1952 where we meet Clara and her darling daughter Winnie. When Clara gets a call that a handwritten dictionary full of her long lost mother’s made-up language was discovered in England she and Winnie make the trip abroad to learn whatever they can about the woman who disappeared nearly 25 years ago.
The prose is lovely and the setting is honestly immaculate. I love being transported to England (especially via Julia’s voice) and the Lake District is exactly where I want to be right now.
This book took me well over ten days to read because I would listen to a few chapters before bed every night. It was like a soothing little bed time story and for that I am grateful.
There’s honestly nothing wrong with this one - it just wasn’t for me! It’s charming but slow and the ending just didn’t feel worth the investment of time it took to get there.
🎧that said, 10/10 audiobook!! Thank you to @librofm for the complimentary listen!
🥳 PUB DAY: MARCH 18th
Truly, this was a beautiful, cozy, lovely story that I sadly just did not care about one little bit.
In THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND we’re back in 1952 where we meet Clara and her darling daughter Winnie. When Clara gets a call that a handwritten dictionary full of her long lost mother’s made-up language was discovered in England she and Winnie make the trip abroad to learn whatever they can about the woman who disappeared nearly 25 years ago.
The prose is lovely and the setting is honestly immaculate. I love being transported to England (especially via Julia’s voice) and the Lake District is exactly where I want to be right now.
This book took me well over ten days to read because I would listen to a few chapters before bed every night. It was like a soothing little bed time story and for that I am grateful.
There’s honestly nothing wrong with this one - it just wasn’t for me! It’s charming but slow and the ending just didn’t feel worth the investment of time it took to get there.
🎧that said, 10/10 audiobook!! Thank you to @librofm for the complimentary listen!
🥳 PUB DAY: MARCH 18th
December 27, 2024
An incredible story beautifully told!
More to come.
More to come.
March 28, 2025
I don't know if it is just that this month has been a month of flops or if this book was really that good, but I loved this so much! She is quickly becoming a favorite author. This might not be for everyone because it was a fairly slow burn, but I was there for every second of the journey. It's early days so it might not stick, but I am adding this to my favorites of the year so far. I really adored this tender story.
February 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
March 18, 2025
A beautiful, lyrical, magical book for everyone who loves the creation of stories, the image of words, the importance of nature, and the power of humanity�.Patti Callahan Henry has written an amazing novel that will live in my mind and imagination for a long time to come!
Patti Callahan Henry has been writing books for many years, ranging from contemporary women’s fiction through historical fiction novels about C.S. Lewis, the sinking of the Pulaski steamship, and most recently, stories focused on mothers and daughters facing challenges such as the effects of war, separation, generational conflict, tragedy and triumph..all set against a backdrop of of beautiful and magical scenery and nature. Over and over again, this author has proven herself to be a master storyteller who excels at bringing the reader to far away lands and gorgeous templates while never leaving their homes. Patti’s previous novel, The Secret Book of Flora Lea, was a masterpiece of character development, lyrical description, and impeccable research; I could not envision how she could improve on perfection. I was wrong! Patti’s latest book, The Story She Left Behind, has exceeded all expectations! Not only are the descriptions of the gorgeous tapestry of England beyond compare, but the character development throughout the novel just wraps the reader within the story of mother and daughter relationships, secrets maintained throughout generations, the impact of those secrets on the lives of the protagonists. All of these elements come together in the creation of an outstanding historical fiction novel!
“She thinks of the beauty of this place that she will carry with her, a place where fireflies decorate the nights and pine needles gather in soft beds, where sunrise tosses diamonds on the water, where minnows flicker silver on the river’s surface.� When Patti Callahan Henry lays the groundwork of her novels with spectacular imagery, intriguing characters, and the sense that that unusual and foreboding events are about to unfold, you can be assured that you are about to be enveloped in a world far different than what you might expect in a typical historical fiction novel. Patti’s books are anything but typical and I invite you all to experience this adventure.
The Story She Left Behind centers on a family of three generations of women and takes the reader on a journey from Bluffton, South Carolina all the way to England. The story begins with the disappearance of author Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham. Her husband and eight year old daughter Clara are left to deal with the trauma of her disappearance and the unanswered questions surrounding the situation. Although Clara and her father struggle to adjust to the impact of this difficult turn of events, they both create fulfilling, albeit, challenging lives for themselves. Clara becomes an art teacher and illustrator and she is a divorced mother of a mature and wise beyond her years daughter named Wynnie (named after her grandmother). In 1952, Clara’s life is upended when she receives a strange call from a gentleman in England who may have information about her mother. Clara and Wynnie embark on the journey of their lives, hoping to find answers to many unanswered questions, and in the process, open up their hears, minds and imagination in order to accept what is beyond the realm of their perceived reality.
There is so much to absorb while reading this novel. As always, a book by Patti Callahan Henry will always provide lyrical, magical and exquisite descriptions of time and place. I enjoyed reading about the physical settings and the historical events of 1952, especially the Great Smog of 1952, which I had learned about while watching the TV series The Crown. The character development is off the charts; the individuals just jumped off the pages and into my heart. I loved all of the individuals but Wynnie’s precocious and endearing outlook on life despite her many physical limitations resonated with me since I had similar issues as a child. Patti Callahan Henry has a unique ability to write stories which highlight women triumphing over tough challenges, and this book is no exception. The implicit importance of books and language, love and family, tragedy and forgiveness, secrets and acceptance; this book has it all! I highly suggest that you all go to your local library or bookstore and immerse yourself within this land of imagination and family. You will be glad you did!
Patti Callahan Henry has been writing books for many years, ranging from contemporary women’s fiction through historical fiction novels about C.S. Lewis, the sinking of the Pulaski steamship, and most recently, stories focused on mothers and daughters facing challenges such as the effects of war, separation, generational conflict, tragedy and triumph..all set against a backdrop of of beautiful and magical scenery and nature. Over and over again, this author has proven herself to be a master storyteller who excels at bringing the reader to far away lands and gorgeous templates while never leaving their homes. Patti’s previous novel, The Secret Book of Flora Lea, was a masterpiece of character development, lyrical description, and impeccable research; I could not envision how she could improve on perfection. I was wrong! Patti’s latest book, The Story She Left Behind, has exceeded all expectations! Not only are the descriptions of the gorgeous tapestry of England beyond compare, but the character development throughout the novel just wraps the reader within the story of mother and daughter relationships, secrets maintained throughout generations, the impact of those secrets on the lives of the protagonists. All of these elements come together in the creation of an outstanding historical fiction novel!
“She thinks of the beauty of this place that she will carry with her, a place where fireflies decorate the nights and pine needles gather in soft beds, where sunrise tosses diamonds on the water, where minnows flicker silver on the river’s surface.� When Patti Callahan Henry lays the groundwork of her novels with spectacular imagery, intriguing characters, and the sense that that unusual and foreboding events are about to unfold, you can be assured that you are about to be enveloped in a world far different than what you might expect in a typical historical fiction novel. Patti’s books are anything but typical and I invite you all to experience this adventure.
The Story She Left Behind centers on a family of three generations of women and takes the reader on a journey from Bluffton, South Carolina all the way to England. The story begins with the disappearance of author Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham. Her husband and eight year old daughter Clara are left to deal with the trauma of her disappearance and the unanswered questions surrounding the situation. Although Clara and her father struggle to adjust to the impact of this difficult turn of events, they both create fulfilling, albeit, challenging lives for themselves. Clara becomes an art teacher and illustrator and she is a divorced mother of a mature and wise beyond her years daughter named Wynnie (named after her grandmother). In 1952, Clara’s life is upended when she receives a strange call from a gentleman in England who may have information about her mother. Clara and Wynnie embark on the journey of their lives, hoping to find answers to many unanswered questions, and in the process, open up their hears, minds and imagination in order to accept what is beyond the realm of their perceived reality.
There is so much to absorb while reading this novel. As always, a book by Patti Callahan Henry will always provide lyrical, magical and exquisite descriptions of time and place. I enjoyed reading about the physical settings and the historical events of 1952, especially the Great Smog of 1952, which I had learned about while watching the TV series The Crown. The character development is off the charts; the individuals just jumped off the pages and into my heart. I loved all of the individuals but Wynnie’s precocious and endearing outlook on life despite her many physical limitations resonated with me since I had similar issues as a child. Patti Callahan Henry has a unique ability to write stories which highlight women triumphing over tough challenges, and this book is no exception. The implicit importance of books and language, love and family, tragedy and forgiveness, secrets and acceptance; this book has it all! I highly suggest that you all go to your local library or bookstore and immerse yourself within this land of imagination and family. You will be glad you did!
February 10, 2025
I LOVED this! Thank you Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for the advanced copy. I loved the mystery of this story, it kept me guessing. The characters were all lovely. I never wanted the book to end. Taking place in the lake district in England was so picturesque and became like a character of the story. Read if you like a historical mystery that gives you Kate Morton vibes!
September 5, 2024
The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry is a beautiful story about words, choices, fear, grief, hope, redemption, family and love, with a strong dose of mystery. Fans of Ms. Henry know that everything she writes will be beautifully crafted to draw the reader completely into whatever scene she’s describing regardless of whether she’s writing as Patti Callahan or Patti Callahan Henry and make the reader think about the characters’s situations, motivations and choices. The story of child author prodigy Bronwyn, her secret self and the effects her choices have on the lives those she loves will remain long after the last line is read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
March 16, 2025
Master storyteller Patti Callahan Henry (favorite author) returns following with THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND � a unique blend of a true literary mystery, a captivating story of a legendary book, a lost mother, and a daughter's search� told with Callahan's alluring signature style.
Lyrical, fully immersive, and evocative, the author keeps you turning the pages with the intriguing mystery surrounding Bronwyn's disappearance and the invented language she created. This mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats, anxious to unravel the secrets hidden within the pages.
About...
1927, Bluffton, South Carolina:
Acclaimed author Bronwyn disappears without a trace after a disagreement with her husband and a fire—leaving behind her seaside cottage, husband, and her eight-year-old daughter, Clara. Vanished and never seen or heard from again.
Barbara Newhall Follett was a child prodigy of language. She started writing at age five, wrote a novel at age eight, and published “The House Without Windows,� —a hugely successful children’s book, at twelve—in an invented (secret) language that became a national sensation.
Twenty-five years later, Clara, now an adult, has grown up without knowing if her mother is alive or dead. Like her mother, Clara is an artist and an award-winning illustrator of children’s books. She is on an emotional journey, torn between hope, loss, and duty, as she emotionally grapples with the legacy her mother left behind.
1952, London, England:
Clara is raising her daughter Wynnie in SC. She receives word from a gentleman, Charlie Jameson from London, claiming to have discovered a handwritten dictionary of her mother's lost language.
Clara is overcome with conflicting emotions, torn between hope to learn what happened to her mother and her duty as a mother. She decides to make the trip to try with her daughter to try and solve the mystery of the past.
Upon their arrival in London, Clara and Wynnie are met with the Great Smog of 1952, a historical event brought about by the city's industrial nature. Though impossible to predict, the extremity of the conditions (based on historical fact) adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
Due to the dire situation where thousands died due to the Smog, the three escape the city with Charlie and find refuge in the Jameson's family retreat nestled in the Lake District.
Will Clara find the truth about her mother and the story she left behind? A love interest? Can she ever forgive her mother and is she still alive?
My thoughts...
THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND beautifully written and meticulously researched, an emotionally resonant story weaving an ode to language and storytelling, while exploring the importance of connection and love for one another.
Inspired by actual events, Patti Callahan Henry brilliantly brings life to a mysterious story of an author that continues to be a cold case. She spins a magical and enchanting tale of a female child prodigy, Barbara Newhall Follett, reminiscent of writers like Beatrix Potter in this stunning setting where the idea of language and communication are front and center. A way to either protect one’s innermost thoughts or a new way to express them.
We learn the complex background of Bronwyn and Clara's strong desire for answers. Readers will be drawn into Wynnie's emotional journey and the magical world she has created with Emjie, her imaginary friend inspired from the protagonist of her grandmother’s book.
Crossing generations, emotional and heartfelt, the novel explores themes of family, legacy, genius, love, loss, grief, motherhood, identity, creativity, mystery, and the enduring search for belonging and acceptance, resonating deeply with readers on an emotional level.
Strong character development, mesmerizing, magical and imaginative, a blending of actual and imagined elements, the seamless weaving of dual timelines, and the evocative descriptions of SC and the lush Lake District all enhance the poignant storytelling.
A massive fan of the author (have read all her books - both historical fiction and contemporary) and this is another captivating tale to add to her impressive collection.
The story will transport readers from SC to London, where secrets bind three generations of women. Highly recommended. Top Books of 2025! I loved it.
Author's note...
Don't miss the fascinating Author's Note, where the author shares her inspiration and research, a book club kit, and additional reading resources. These resources provide a deeper understanding of the story and its historical context, making this an ideal choice for book clubs and further discussions.
Recs...
THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND is for fans of historical and literary fiction, lost-to-time stories, nature, historical events, and the lives of intriguing women from the past. For fans of the author and her previous historical fiction (The Secret Life of Flora Lea, Surviving Savannah, and Becoming Mrs. Lewis) as well as fans of C.S. Lewis, Sarah Addison Allen, Ariel Lawhon, Kate Morton, Julia Kelly, and Jennifer Moorman.
Thanks to Atria Books for a gifted paperback and digital advanced reading copy via NetGalley for my honest opinion. #CoverCrush
blog review posted @
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: March 18, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Top Books of 2025
Lyrical, fully immersive, and evocative, the author keeps you turning the pages with the intriguing mystery surrounding Bronwyn's disappearance and the invented language she created. This mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats, anxious to unravel the secrets hidden within the pages.
About...
1927, Bluffton, South Carolina:
Acclaimed author Bronwyn disappears without a trace after a disagreement with her husband and a fire—leaving behind her seaside cottage, husband, and her eight-year-old daughter, Clara. Vanished and never seen or heard from again.
Barbara Newhall Follett was a child prodigy of language. She started writing at age five, wrote a novel at age eight, and published “The House Without Windows,� —a hugely successful children’s book, at twelve—in an invented (secret) language that became a national sensation.
Twenty-five years later, Clara, now an adult, has grown up without knowing if her mother is alive or dead. Like her mother, Clara is an artist and an award-winning illustrator of children’s books. She is on an emotional journey, torn between hope, loss, and duty, as she emotionally grapples with the legacy her mother left behind.
1952, London, England:
Clara is raising her daughter Wynnie in SC. She receives word from a gentleman, Charlie Jameson from London, claiming to have discovered a handwritten dictionary of her mother's lost language.
Clara is overcome with conflicting emotions, torn between hope to learn what happened to her mother and her duty as a mother. She decides to make the trip to try with her daughter to try and solve the mystery of the past.
Upon their arrival in London, Clara and Wynnie are met with the Great Smog of 1952, a historical event brought about by the city's industrial nature. Though impossible to predict, the extremity of the conditions (based on historical fact) adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
Due to the dire situation where thousands died due to the Smog, the three escape the city with Charlie and find refuge in the Jameson's family retreat nestled in the Lake District.
Will Clara find the truth about her mother and the story she left behind? A love interest? Can she ever forgive her mother and is she still alive?
My thoughts...
THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND beautifully written and meticulously researched, an emotionally resonant story weaving an ode to language and storytelling, while exploring the importance of connection and love for one another.
Inspired by actual events, Patti Callahan Henry brilliantly brings life to a mysterious story of an author that continues to be a cold case. She spins a magical and enchanting tale of a female child prodigy, Barbara Newhall Follett, reminiscent of writers like Beatrix Potter in this stunning setting where the idea of language and communication are front and center. A way to either protect one’s innermost thoughts or a new way to express them.
We learn the complex background of Bronwyn and Clara's strong desire for answers. Readers will be drawn into Wynnie's emotional journey and the magical world she has created with Emjie, her imaginary friend inspired from the protagonist of her grandmother’s book.
Crossing generations, emotional and heartfelt, the novel explores themes of family, legacy, genius, love, loss, grief, motherhood, identity, creativity, mystery, and the enduring search for belonging and acceptance, resonating deeply with readers on an emotional level.
Strong character development, mesmerizing, magical and imaginative, a blending of actual and imagined elements, the seamless weaving of dual timelines, and the evocative descriptions of SC and the lush Lake District all enhance the poignant storytelling.
A massive fan of the author (have read all her books - both historical fiction and contemporary) and this is another captivating tale to add to her impressive collection.
The story will transport readers from SC to London, where secrets bind three generations of women. Highly recommended. Top Books of 2025! I loved it.
Author's note...
Don't miss the fascinating Author's Note, where the author shares her inspiration and research, a book club kit, and additional reading resources. These resources provide a deeper understanding of the story and its historical context, making this an ideal choice for book clubs and further discussions.
Recs...
THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND is for fans of historical and literary fiction, lost-to-time stories, nature, historical events, and the lives of intriguing women from the past. For fans of the author and her previous historical fiction (The Secret Life of Flora Lea, Surviving Savannah, and Becoming Mrs. Lewis) as well as fans of C.S. Lewis, Sarah Addison Allen, Ariel Lawhon, Kate Morton, Julia Kelly, and Jennifer Moorman.
Thanks to Atria Books for a gifted paperback and digital advanced reading copy via NetGalley for my honest opinion. #CoverCrush
blog review posted @
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: March 18, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Top Books of 2025
March 21, 2025
I found this story to be very slow with not much action happening. I wasn’t able to connect with the characters and felt on the outside of the story, looking in.
I can objectively see that this novel was well-written with beautiful prose but I think I just was not in the mood for this type of slow-paced story at this time.
Thank you to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I can objectively see that this novel was well-written with beautiful prose but I think I just was not in the mood for this type of slow-paced story at this time.
Thank you to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
March 24, 2025
The Story She Left Behind is a story that will fill you with all the beauties and wonders of life - grief, hope, transformation, love and so much more. By the end you will find yourself shedding tears for all you read and all that can be found in life.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
This is a story where everything just tugs at all my heart strings and I wanted to jump into the story with the characters so I could experience every moment with them.
I also really loved how a secret language shrouded in mystery was a catalyst to so much throughout the story, including the power of enduring love how we’re never too old to find the beauty magic in the world all around us.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Inspired by real events in history
Dual Timelines
Mother Daughter Relationships
Slow burn romance
Bit of mystery
Whimsical atmosphere
All the emotions
English countryside
Realistic and complex characters
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
Julia Whelan and Theo Solomon used their narrative powers to bring this emotional and atmospheric story to life.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Steady
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
This book is a must! Truly a beautiful and magical story that illustrates the power of words and dreams. By the end of the story, you will feel like you had a big hug, and your spirits will be lifted.
Thank you Atria Books for this gifted copy in exchange my honest opinions.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
This is a story where everything just tugs at all my heart strings and I wanted to jump into the story with the characters so I could experience every moment with them.
I also really loved how a secret language shrouded in mystery was a catalyst to so much throughout the story, including the power of enduring love how we’re never too old to find the beauty magic in the world all around us.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Inspired by real events in history
Dual Timelines
Mother Daughter Relationships
Slow burn romance
Bit of mystery
Whimsical atmosphere
All the emotions
English countryside
Realistic and complex characters
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
Julia Whelan and Theo Solomon used their narrative powers to bring this emotional and atmospheric story to life.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Steady
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
This book is a must! Truly a beautiful and magical story that illustrates the power of words and dreams. By the end of the story, you will feel like you had a big hug, and your spirits will be lifted.
Thank you Atria Books for this gifted copy in exchange my honest opinions.
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