Melissa Payne's latest emotionally charged novel, THE WILD ROAD HOME, brings together three strangers whose lives intertwine. The novel delves into the profound impact and power of friendship and family. Their unexpected connection sets them on a path of growth and second chances—a journey that will resonate with readers.

About...

A sister and brother on the run and a stranger living off the grid who may be their only hope. Trying to stay one step ahead of trouble. An unexpected connection becomes the saving grace for three unlikely souls who become friends in a heart-stirring novel about love, loss, moving forward, hope, and second chances for an unforgettable journey.

Mack Anders
Mack Anders is dedicated to his wife, Daisy, who suffers from Alzheimer's, and her cancer has returned. She needs expensive treatment that they cannot afford, so he fakes his own death to ensure the life insurance money will help take care of the love of his life with dignity and comfort. Even though his wife did not want to go through all the chemo again.

He lives off the grid in a cabin in the forest of Wyoming wilderness and would love to be with his wife, but now he cannot. They had appointed Daisy's best friend, Peggy as her legal guardian.

They ran out of money when they lost Anders Outfitters to a lying accountant, so things had been tight for the past ten years. She wanted him to let her go, but Mack knew deep down in his old broken heart that he could not do that.

He is living in the cabin his son Jesse always wanted. Jesse is no longer here. Mack wanted to bring Daisy to the cabin so he could take care of her and get her out of the facility, but she would not agree. Some days, she did not know him. Daisy and Mack were the perfect couple, and they did not work apart. (Think, The Notebook).

Brandi and brother Sy:
As fate would have it, eighteen-year-old Brandi has just been released from juvie. She is tough and strong-willed and had enough of her mom and her boyfriend's abuse, neglect, and drugs. Willing to risk everything to save her young brother, Sy, Brandi takes him on the run with the boyfriend's car but little does she know what is in the car until it is too late.

The only person she knows who could possibly take them in is her Aunt Casper. But she lives hours away, and she does not have a phone, money, or clothes for either of them. She is unsure of her address and how she will get them there.

The truck breaks down near the forest, and this is where they meet Mack. But she is not sure if she can trust him. Will he be able to help them get to their aunt's house? Little does Brandi and her brother know that Mack is supposed to be dead, but he risks everything to help them. In return Brandi may be saving Mack as well.

Let the fun begin on a road trip with two kindred souls and a scared little boy, as unexpected allies and support when neither sees an end or hope in sight. As danger closes in, each must decide how much they will risk for the other while staying one step ahead of trouble for them both.

My thoughts...

A humorous, moving, multigenerational tale of adventure, suspense, and finding your way.

I loved THE WILD ROAD HOME! You will root for these three from beginning to end. Brandi was rough around the edges and tough, but she loved her brother and would do anything to save him from their environment. Mack's deep love for Daisy was touching. A fun road trip with loads of adventure, danger, hope, new friendships, and some wise life lessons.

Deeply compelling, heartfelt, and character-driven, an exhilarating and emotional novel about grief, hope, friendship, and second chances. A journey to finding a place to call home.

From highly charged topics of child abuse, neglect, drug abuse, death, grief, illness, and so much more. Ultimately, uplifting and inspiring, filled with hope, love, kindness, and grace. A heart-stirring novel about the joy that comes from finding love and support in unexpected places

I enjoyed the author's previous book, A Light In The Forest; however, I enjoyed THE WILD ROAD HOME more—where sometimes family is not blood-related and second changes are found in the unlikely of places.

Recs...

THE WILD ROAD HOME is for fans of Catherine Ryan Hyde, Colleen Oakley, Susan Redfearn, Elizabeth Berg, Nicholas Sparks, and Fredrik Backman (all favorites). It is for readers who enjoy road trips and resonate with characters searching for redemption, love, and second chances.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing an advanced review copy via NetGalley.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: June 18, 2024
June 2024 Must-Read Books
June Newsletter

Loved it!! I was looking forward to reading this because I LOVED all of Melissa Payne's previous books. This one didn't disappoint. The title describes the book perfectly. Mack, Sy and Brandi were on one wild road home. Little did they know,, they were meant to be with each other. Brandi and Sy would have never survived if they didn't meet Mack. They definitely would have never found their aunt's house. They were all exactly what each other needed. Brandi needed to see that there were people who would always be there for you. People who didn't put drugs and men before their own children. Mack found the family he was missing and he didn't need to be alone. Mack likes to take care of people. From the start I was hoping Brandi would make it to Aunt Heather's house and have a happing ending. There were so many obstacles in their way. A flat tire, no idea how to actually get to Aunt Heather's house, no money, and empty gas tank and a car full of drugs...just to name a few. I was waiting for a cop to pull them over and discover all the meth. Aunt Heather's house was such an emotional scene and not what I was expecting. Loved how Sy immediately bonded with Mack and was always holding his stump. Mack truly loved Daisy and wanted the best for her. He survived so much. A bear attack, the loss of his child and now his wife. Mack visiting Daisy in the nursing home is heartbreaking.

Definitely recommend the book. I felt like I was traveling with Mack, Brandi and Sy. Loved the story, writing style and characters. The book was full of love, forgiveness, tragedy, grief and so much more. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Loved the cover.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Melissa Payne's "The wild road home" is a poignant tale of sacrifice, love, and redemption that grips the reader from the very first page. The story, centered around a mother battling her personal demons, delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and the lengths one will go to out of love for family.

The narrative weaves through the lives of characters entrenched in difficult circumstances. The main character, grappling with the loss of a child and the strain of his wife's illnesses, finds himself intertwined with the lives of Brandy and Sy, two children desperately in need of help. Payne masterfully portrays the struggles of the young, troubled girl, emphasizing the theme of sacrifice and the power of love.

One of the novel's strongest aspects is its character development. Each character evolves beautifully, their journeys rendered with a realism that makes their struggles and triumphs resonate deeply. The protagonist's arc is particularly compelling, as he navigates through grief and the challenges of caring for his ailing wife while becoming a beacon of hope for Brandy and Sy.

Despite the heavy themes, Payne's storytelling ensures that "The wild road home” is a book that can be devoured in one sitting. The narrative pace is well-maintained, and the emotional depth keeps the reader engaged throughout. The author balances moments of heartache with glimpses of hope, creating a reading experience that is both moving and ultimately uplifting.

This novel marks my first encounter with Melissa Payne's work, and it has left a lasting impression. Her ability to craft such a heartfelt and intricately woven story speaks volumes of her talent as a writer. I eagerly look forward to exploring more of her novels in the future.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Melissa Payne for providing an advanced copy of this remarkable book. "The wild road home” is a testament to the enduring power of love and the sacrifices we make for those we hold dear. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply emotional and beautifully written story.

A beautiful story that tugged at my heart. I loved the story of Mack and I was so sad for him and Daisy. I always enjoy Melissa Payne’s writing and The Wild Road Home is one of my favourites. I read this in two easy sittings, not wanting to put it down. If you want a book that makes you feel all your emotions then I highly recommend this one.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was my first book by Melissa and it will not be the last! What a beautiful story! You are going to feel so many different emotions while reading this book! I found myself going from laughing to crying to feelings of hurt and then hope. I also liked the elements of suspense woven into the story.

Mack loved his wife Daisy so much he faked his death so she could get the care she needed. Now living in a cabin in the Wyoming woods he meets Brandi and Sy when they have a flat tire. They are running from their past and Mack decides to help them.

This book covers deep topics from cancer and Alzheimers to addiction and the true meaning of found family. I loved Brandi! She was so strong and brave and doing what she could for her brother Sy. They make this unlikely trio who end up all helping each other more than they ever expected.

I thought the disability rep in the book was done well. I love books with found family vibes and once I got into this story I couldn’t put it down. This is going to tug on your heartstrings in the best way possible!

BOOK: THE WILD ROAD HOME
AUTHOR: MELISSA PAYNE
PUB DATE: JUNE 2024
👴🏻👫🏼
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👫🏼👴🏻
This book was an emotional roller from the beginning to the end. This book was very beautiful and even more beautiful characters. I loved reading about our main characters, Mack, a 60+ year old man living alone in a forest, the love he felt for his wife and late child was palpable throughout the book. And Brandi, a teen traumatized by her childhood with her drug addict mom she's trying to protect her younger brother from the same. It was really touching to read, the sacrifices they made to keep their family safe.
👴🏻👫🏼
We follow Brandi and Mack on a three-day road trip, taking Sy to Brandi's Aunt. Mack and Brandi broke a lot of laws, but it was understandable. During that road trip, both Brandi and Mack rediscovered themselves and started to heal themselves slowly. It was nice to read.
👫🏼👴🏻
My favorite part of this book was the ending. It was perfect! When I was reading the book, I was anxious at how it was going to end, especially for Brandi. But, it was a HEA and Mack was able to come to terms with Daisy's condition.
👴🏻👫🏼
This book was very very good and I'd definitely recommend it
👫🏼👴🏻

The Wild Road Home is a lovely story about family those we have and those we create. By Melissa Payne, I thought several times how Brandi and Sy were fortunate to find Mack when hope was at a low point. There is much heartbreak in this emotionally rich story but also something inspiring, giving hope. Choices are made, consequences accepted and yet life going on in ways that enrich the people around. Not a story that I am likely to forget.

The writing is exquisite with descriptions so vibrant you feel as if you have been on this long road with the characters. Often dual perspectives don’t work in dramatic stories but this time it is well done. Kudos to the author.

Gorgeous, moving, heartbreaking, horrifyingly real, gritty, inspiring.

I loved this book, and you will too. If you don’t feel something (or everything) reading this book, I’m not sure you paid attention.

Read this beautiful book. That’s it, that’s the review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you GetRedPR, Melissa Payne, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Wild Road Home, a devastating story of love. The story has its characters broken into a million pieces and put back together. The situations were heartbreaking and emotional and had me on the edge with what could've been.

This book is the true definition of you can't always choose your family, but you can make one. Blood isn't always thicker than water. Sometimes the best family one can have is the one they chose, not the one they were birthed too. This book is a testament that no matter where you started in your life, there are forces at work, that can help manifest you to better circumstances if one just believes.

In the most beautiful conceivable way, Melissa Payne's The Wild Road Home is a gut-punch and a heart-stab. This moving and heartwarming tale explores themes of loss, mistrust, sacrifice, fortitude, guilt, letting go, and deciding to support others even when one's own grief makes it difficult to do so.

After decades of marriage, Mack and Daisy are permanently changed by Daisy's devastating Alzheimer's diagnosis. Mack was certain that she would overcome cancer, but not the merciless grip of Alzheimer's. Mack went to Daisy's house on a regular basis but came to the conclusion that she would be better off without him. He made sure she was well taken care of, then pretended to be dead and lived off the grid in the untamed wilderness of Wyoming, alone with his thoughts. Daisy was not his only sadness, though.


In the interim, Troubled eighteen-year-old Brandi had just gotten out of juvenile detention, and her first priority was to get her younger brother out of his abusive and toxic "home" setting. Sy was a shadow in a corner, both emotionally and physically. The siblings stole a car and became lost without any necessities, like gas. The three immediately grew close via their common pain when Mack noticed them and understood how upset they were. They became a different kind of family because they were what each other needed at that particular time.

During her research for this book, the author and her travel companion embarked on exciting road journeys across Wyoming, where they were motivated by the amazing food, people, and scenery. The route in the book was also taken by her and her mother. Discuss about entering the thoughts of your fictional characters!

The story is written with great understanding, consideration, and sensitivity. It's highly character-driven, which is exactly my kind of thing. Despite grit and anguish, everyone has a deep-seated need for love and belonging, regardless of upbringing. The difficulties are genuine.

This is a beautiful story and love with the characters! This book pulled me in and swallowed me whole with so much emotions. i definetely recommend!

**Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. all thoughts and opinions are my own and arent influenced by anyon else

Mack is the loving husband of Daisy, terminal with cancer and Alzheimers. He planned his (fake) death to provide insurance funds for her cancer treatment and will then head off to a remote cabin in Wyoming to live out his days anonymously.

Brandi, 18, was just released from juvie. She is determined to get her brother away from their druggie mother. He is only five, but Brandi was once told that her aunt would care for him if something happened to their mother. She just has to get him to Casper.

That’s where Mack meets her and her little brother. Really, he wants no part of it. He has problems of his own. She is wary and he’s plagued by “what would Daisy do” and that’s help them!

These characters reach right in and grab your heart. They are well developed, she’s not had it easy—but she is determined to make a better life for Sy. Mack struggles with despair for his wife and the need to hide in his cabin. The Wyoming wilderness comes alive around you.

Themes of love, loss, flawed characters desperate and accidentally finding each other. There is love outside of family. The story pounds the feelings, prying senses you don’t wish disturbed. The writing style is disturbingly emotional—but it’s the good kind. A thoroughly unique storyline. 4.5 stars

The Wild Road Home by Melissa Payne is a punch in the gut and dagger to the heart in the best way. This poignant yet hopeful story is about loss, (mis)trust, sacrifice, resilience, guilt, letting go and choosing to help others even when sorrow makes it difficult to leave one's headspace.

Mack and Daisy have been married for decades but Daisy's terrible Alzheimer's diagnosis changes them forever. Mack was sure she would survive cancer but not Alzheimer's cruel clutches. Mack regularly visited Daisy in a home but concluded she would be better off without him. After ensuring she was in good hands, he faked his death and lived alone with his thoughts offgrid in the rugged Wyoming wilderness. But Daisy wasn't his only sorrow.

Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old troubled Brandi just left juvie and her first plan was to free her young brother from his toxic "home" environment where drugs and abuse were rife. Sy was physically and mentally a shadow stuffed into a corner. The siblings took a vehicle and ended up lost without the essentials, including gas. Mack saw them and recognized their distress and the three quickly bonded in their shared heartache. They were what each other needed at that moment and became a different sort of family.

In her research for this book, the author took adventurous Wyoming road trips with a travel partner and was inspired by great food, people and nature. She and her mom also traveled the route in the book. Talk about getting into the minds of your characters!

The story is thoughtfully and sensitively written with incredible insight. It is very character driven which is my wheelhouse. There is grit and angst but deep down the need for love and belonging is intrinsic in every human, regardless of background. The struggles are real.

My sincere thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this emotive novel.

Mack loves his wife, Daisy. When she starts fading from Alzheimer’s, he fakes his death so she can benefit from the insurance money. While he’s living off the grid, he comes across Brandi, who is on the run with her younger brother.

I knew from the start of this one that it was going to be a tear jerker. This is an emotional read with some characters that you’ll love. There’s also an unlikely friendship trope, and strong bonds that survive difficult times. The action gets pretty strong at the end and while there’s so much trauma, there’s feel good too.

The Wild Road Home comes out 6/18

Melissa Payne sure knows how to write a story - and what a story this was!!

We follow Mack, an elderly man losing his beloved wife to Alzheimer's, and also Brandi and Sy, a teenaged girl and her five year old brother on the run from their mother. Their paths cross in the middle of nowhere in Wyoming and that encounter changes their lives. Oh, how my heart ached for all of them - but oh, how I also loved them and their kind hearts and their resilience.

Rule number one: Picking up a book by Melissa Payne is always a good idea. She is a phenomenal writer and I couldn't have been happier to have the privilege of reading The Wild Road Home in advance.

Thank you to Melissa Payne and NetGalley for allowing me an ARC of The Wild Road Home. I LOVED this book. The characters were so loveable and the trauma they went through to bring them together was inspiring. Mack was one of my favorite characters and the way he developed a relationship with the characters was so heartwarming. I also love that the book ended so positively and realistically. Overall, I would give this book a 5/5!

Excellent, excellent story. I wasn't far into this book when I had already made up my mind. And, nothing has changed it.

It is the story of Mack, an older man in his 60s and Brandi, an 18-year-old teen who is the older sister 5 year old Sy. These three forge one of the most unlikely friendships in the world. Each one of them has experienced tremendous upheaval in their life. Their meeting was purely by chance.

The character development is so interesting to observe. Mack and Brandi are true opposites. Mack only speaks when necessary, Brandi can't stop talking. They are both flawed and hurting souls. They form a very special bond as their personal stories evolve and they get to know each other.

The storyline evokes a lot of pathos. The reader sees the extreme sacrifices someone can go through for the sake of love. We also see deep respect and trust in Brandi and Mack's relationship, qualities that both people seem to crave and need. There are a few very dramatic moments, a some of them are heartstopping.

The story does not disappoint. I couldn't the pages quickly enough, waiting to see how everything would play out. But, I didn't want to leave Mack and Brandi.

I might have shed a few tears at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

There was so much to love in this book, it's hard to summarize. The idea of "found family" is such an important one, especially for those who have been let down by their blood family. The "family" in this book is a wonderful example of that.

Brandi is a kick-ass character!! She's so strong, and hopeful, and loves her brother, Sy, so dang much. It's the kind of love many of us will only ever imagine, a love that runs THAT deep.

Mack surprised me. His story is full of love, and pain, but it's more about redemption than anything.

I think this was a great story to read to give you a little hope about the world.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a beautiful story! Quite different from what I normally read, but it was refreshing to see the friendships and sacrifices for love. The beginning was a bit slow, but the pace got better from the middle.

Melissa Payne has become one of my favorite authors. This one is a true love story but also about 2 people needing each other and offering help without expecting anything in return.

Macks rue love Daisy has Alzheimers and he decides to fake his own death so she can get the insurance benefits for the rest of her days. he lives off the grid with only his thoughts of Daisy

Brandi gets released from juvie and decides she needs to save her younger brother his mama who is a drug addict, she takes him and goes on the run only to get a flat tire and end up stranded in the woods where they run into Mack, who does everything he can to help her and they form quiet a bond together.

This story takes them on quiet an adventure and she realizes Mack is her only hope, but he also realizes that she is giving him hope and he loves having both of them around.

Melissa's stories always bring out the emotions of the characters and makes you want the book to never end, She is definitely one author i will read without neding to know what the books are about. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this amazing story!!