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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!