Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest historical fiction novel by Patti Callahan Henry. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

In 1927, Clara is only 8 when her magical childhood ended. Her mother, renowned author, Bronwyn, who wrote a book based on an invented language when she was just 12, disappeared off the coast of SC and was presumed dead. Along with her, everyone's hope for a sequel to the book died. In 1952, Clara is an illustrator raising her own daughter, Wynnie, who is obsessed with her grandmother's book. When a stranger, Charlie, contacts her from London, he claims to have discovered a handwritten dictionary of her mother's lost language, that could finally allow the sequel to be transcribed. While skeptical, Clara and Wynnie travel to London, only to arrive during one of London's most deadly natural disasters - the Great Smog. They take refuge with Charlie at his family's retreat.

I felt like I was in a magical, fairy tale world while reading this book, but it also had moments of grit and fear. Based on a true story, be sure and read the author's note about the inspiration for this book and one of the literary world's biggest mysteries. The writing is beautiful, but the story shines with the themes of motherhood, loss, and forgiveness that will keep you turning the pages.

This will definitely be high on the list of favorite reads of 2025! Patti Callahan Henry is an amazingly talented storyteller and this one had me reading "just one more chapter", not wanting to put it down!

The Story She Left Behind is about a woman named Clara who, in 1927 at the age of 8, her mother (a famous, yet eccentric children's author) disappears after a house fire. Now an adult, Clara, a divorced single-mother living in South Carolina in 1952, she is contacted by a man in London who has something of her mother's with instructions to give only to Clara. This is where the story truly begins with discoveries of secret languages, family secrets, and love.

Thank you to Atria Books and Net Galley for the complimentary copy. All thoughts are my own.

I always look forward to Patti Callahan Henry’s novels for a great story full of human emotion and The Story She Left Behind lived up to my expectations. A secret language only a mother knows, who leaves her child in the middle of the night to protect her. Years later, that daughter gets word of a book left for her in England. This story grips from the beginning and is truly a love language to readers. I so enjoyed this book and am sad to have to wait for her next book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5)

This book transported me to 1927 and 1952, from South Carolina to London to the Lake District, that’s how beautifully and graphically written it is. My emotion’s ran high for Clara, when her brilliant mother, Bronwyn goes missing, leaving no clues and many questions. Clara becomes a successful illustrator. Wynnie is her precocious child, who shares many adventures with her imaginary best friend. Both mother and daughter are somewhat outcasts due to their artistic lifestyle and the mystery surrounding the missing Bronwyn. Then a mysterious phone call sends them to London and ultimately to the Lake District.

Historical fiction (inspired by a real life mystery), romance, abandonment, magical realism, foregiveness, family and love. I was hooked from the gorgeous cover, the first page to the last. The secret language described showed the power in storytelling and the author’s love of words transports us to each scene. Strong female character development. I was so intrigued with the real life mystery, I had to research it. I haven’t read any of this author’s recent books but loved older ones. I can’t wait to read her next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC. This is my honest opinion,

This is an incredible story. It is not just about a story left behind. It is about about a lost woman Clara, always searching for a lost mother. A mother who she thought was dead until a phone call from London from Charlie. It is about lost family. Patti Callahan Henry does a wonderful job interweaving the story. Her descriptions of scenery are so beautiful you think you are in the book itself seeing all that beauty. It is a love story. Not just of man and woman but of true family love. The love of mother's and their daughters and mother's and their sons. It is a book about imaginary friends and imaginary words. Those words help to describe your feelings. They would also help transcribe a story that is a sequel to a book written by a twelve year old prodigy. This was such a great story, I can't rave about it enough.
Thanks to #netgalley, #atriabooks and @pattihenry for an ARC of this wonderful read. All opinions are my own.

I have found Patti Callahan Henry to be an author that is well worth the read. She is a masterful storyteller with beautiful prose. The setting in this one is spectacular and the intrigue of the real life woman as inspiration - a child prodigy - who existed then vanished - was an excellent choice for a novel.

Many sweet moments in this story and Clara’s struggle with losing her mom at a young age and forever being haunted by her disappearance was well developed and thought through. It was easy to pick up and keep reading, but it wasn’t a story I found myself having to get back to. I enjoyed how mystery, romance, storytelling. and family elements were together.

I continue to look forward to Henry’s future works and can’t wait to hear her speak in an upcoming event on her book tour. Thank you so much Atria Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this one.

The Story She Left Behind is inspired by the true literary mystery involving the disappearance of author Barbara Newhall Follet in 1939. Barbara wrote her first novel at the age of eight. She became a published author at the age of twelve. The mystery of her disappearance at the age of twenty-five has never been solved.

Henry's character, Bronwynn Newcastle Fordham was also a child literary prodigy. In 1927, she disappeared off the coast of South Carolina leaving her husband and eight-year-old daughter behind. Twenty-five years later, her daughter, Clara, still grieves the loss of her mother. AS a single mother of eight-year-old Wynnie, Clara's own creativity is expressed in her paintings and book illustrations. She has never quite healed from her mother's abandonment. When she receives an unexpected call from a stranger in London saying a satchel containing some of her mother's papers had been found among his late father's things. Clara and Wynnie begin the adventure of a lifetime.

The Story She Left Behind is filled with magic and mystery, secrets and suspense, and make-believe and wisdom. I usually review Christian fiction, while the characters, or maybe even the author, don't see God in their story, those with eyes to see will certainly glimpse Him there. Although, just like in real life, not all choices will reflect him. The language in this book is beautiful. It is meant to be savored, not hurried through. While the ending is not rushed, readers will not be fully ready for the story to end.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Story She Left Behind from Simon &Schuster via NetGalley without obligation.All opinions expressed here are my own.

a wonderful haunting story that will capture you on the first page. I could not put this page turner down! Unpredictable events occur in this entertaining book, filled with complex and interesting character. This is a must read

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry is an emotional, heartbreaking, and beautifully written novel that blends mystery, history, and the enduring bonds of family. Inspired by a true literary mystery, the story unfolds against the backdrop of the Great Smog, a time of upheaval for all Londoners.

Bronwyn was a celebrated child author whose book became a classic. But one day, she mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind her eight-year-old daughter, Clara. Now an adult and a mother herself, Clara receives an unexpected call from Charlie Jameson, who has uncovered papers about Bronwyn while sorting through his late father’s belongings. The discovery leads Clara and her own eight-year-old daughter, Wynnie, on a journey from Maine to London, where long-buried secrets may finally come to light. But will the truth bring closure, or will it only deepen old wounds?

This novel is as atmospheric as it is poignant. The author’s depiction of the English countryside is so vivid that I felt transported into its landscapes. At its heart, this is a story of mothers and daughters, love and loss, and the sacrifices made in the name of protection. But does sacrifice always deserve forgiveness? By the end, my heart ached for Bronwyn.

A stunningly written story that lingers long after the final page.

Thank you to Atria Books for the copy.

“The Story She Left Behind” by Patti Callahan Henry
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🤓🤓🤓🤓

“Forgiveness is a whisper of possibility, of openness. It is an act of restoration, an active healing, and active empathy.” This quote from the novel (out today!) is a perfect summation of the message of this book. Beautifully written and thoughtful, Henry writes historical fiction in a truly original way. It took me a bit longer to get into the story than her last book, but once I was invested, I couldn’t put it down. I hope everyone who loved Flora Lee reads this one. It is out today!!!

What a beautiful book of a mother’s love, magic and second chances. This is my 3rd book by Patti Callahan Henry. She paints such vividly beautiful pictures of the landscapes which set the scenes for her stories, and the characters in this story were so lovable. This book was near perfect for me. There were a few chapters that felt to drag, but that was probably because I was anxious about what would come next! I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity read this book, and finish it by pub day!

I thought this was a magical story.
Clara is looking for her mother who disappeared years ago. She and her daughter are caught up in looking for the sequel to a book her mother wrote years ago.
It’s a good mystery with a few surprises along the way.

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry is a mesmerizing tale of loss, longing, and literary mystery that spans decades. When Clara Harrington’s mother, a famed author, vanishes without a trace, she is left with unanswered questions and an unbreakable connection to the stories her mother created. Years later, a discovery in London reignites Clara’s search for the truth, leading her on a journey filled with atmospheric beauty, emotional depth, and the enduring power of stories. With lyrical prose and a richly woven dual timeline, Henry crafts a deeply moving novel about the ties between mothers and daughters, the mysteries of the past, and the courage it takes to uncover long-buried truths.

This compelling novel was “inspired by a true literary mystery”.
The characters were enchanting as well as captivating. I simply couldn't put it down from the opening page to the brilliant ending.
I really enjoyed the magical realism and the amazing powers of a child’s imagination and creativity.
Bronwyn and Clara story was breathtaking and beautifully written.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to read this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really liked The Secret Book of Flora Lea and am so happy I was approved to read this one. I loved it just as much, if not more.

The descriptions of the areas, especially once Clara and Wynnie went to England and were out of the city. What a beautiful, whimsical place to live. I especially loved the inclusion of Beatrix Potter.

The book is filled with mystery and I so enjoyed watching it all unfold. The pacing was perfect and I found myself unable to stop reading this delightful book.

The themes of family and legacy are beautifully explored in this novel. I only wish I could read it again for the first time.

Thank you to Atria for the copy. All views are my own.

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.

The story she left behind is so mesmerizingly beautiful. It’s only March, but I believe this will be my personal book of the year.
This story is heartbreaking and heartwarming. There are moments of suspense and thrill. There’s mystery against a beautiful backdrop. Her writing paints the picture in this gorgeous Lake District north of London.
I love the mother daughter relationship and tales of love and loss. She explores language-made up and real. What do you do when there are feelings that are just too big and there doesn’t exist a word for it?
“Forgiveness….is a mighty strong force against fear.”

Highly recommend this one. If you loved Flora Lea, you’ll love this one as well. Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!

Patti Callahan Henry does it again. She captured my heart and my mind with this amazing mystery that involves heartbreak, love, loss and forgiveness. The story captivated me with the richness and depth of the characters and the amazing descriptions of the surroundings. If you love historical fiction and a story with emotional depth, this is a must read for you.

One of the main characters is Clara Harrington. Clara’s mom, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, disappeared without a trace when Clara is relatively young. Bronwyn is considered a child prodigy when she published a book written in a secret language when she was just twelve. When Bronwyn disappeared, she also left behind an unfinished sequel that no one can translate.

One day, out of the blue, Charlie Harrison contacts Clara indicating that he has found Bronwyn’s dictionary of her secret language amongst his recently deceased father’s belongings. From there, Clara travels to London and begins the unraveling of Bronwyn’s mystery. During the unraveling, the reader meets various characters who provide such depth and intimacy to the story. The other element of the story that I found fascinating is that the story is based on the disappearance of a real-life child prodigy author, Barbara Newhall Follett. Although the mystery in the book will be solved, Barbara’s disappearance remains unsolved.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

#TheStorySheLeftBehind, #PattiCallahanHenry, #NetGalley

Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
When Clara Harring is eight years old her mother, famous author Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, disappears. In 1952 Clara is grown up with a daughter of her own. She has become a famous illustrator of children's books. Out of the blue, she receives a call from Charlie Jameson who lives in England. His father has died, and he has recovered some things belonging to Clara's mother when he is cleaning out his dad's stuff. So begins the fantastic mystery of what happened to her mother. Patti Callahan Henry has a way of making her writing feel like poetry. She made me feel like I was there with all the fantastical images and the magic language. This story even made me think about what I would do. This occurred near the end. I won't go into details because that would spoil this magical book. I highly recommend this book!

The highlight of The Story She Left behind is beautiful prose. The way the author talks about language makes you appreciate what we all take for granted every day. I was swept up in the emotion for losing a mother and the journey to find closure. I was worried in the middle of the novel that I was going to be left broken with heartbreak for Clara but thankfully we find healing and peace by the end.

As beautiful as the message and the prose were, I felt the story dragged a bit for me. I loved the portion of the novel where Clara and Wynnie first arrive in London but once we were out in the countryside I started to lose interest until the ending. I understand why the plot flowed the way it did but I wish that maybe it was a tad shorter to avoid the lulls.

Highly recommend to historical fiction fans and those wanting your little heart to ache💗