The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry was given to me via ARC from the wonderful people at NetGalley and Atria Books.
I loved Patti Callahan Henry’s novel The Secret Book of Flora Lea and this book uses the same type of magical writing, twists and essence of family that her previous book used. One of my favorite things about this novel is how she weaves in beloved children’s stories like Beatrix Potter to tell her story.
This book centers around Clara, a woman whose mother ran away when she was young never to be seen again. Her mother, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, happened to be a very well-known author of a popular children’s book, so the mystery of her disappearance was all over the news and widely known known. When Clara gets a call from across the pond from a man stating that he found her mother’s lost documents Clara takes her daughter and goes to England for any kind of hope that her mother left her clues to why she left. From there the adventure is just getting started.
Honestly I thought this one was a little long at the end, but overall it was an enjoyable read that kept you hooked and wanting to know how it was going to all work out. Ms. Callahan did a wonderful job of tying together all of the loose ends to make this a satisfying read.

The Story She Left Behind
By Patti Callahan Henry
Release Date 3.18.2025

Thank you for the e-ARC @Atriabooks!
This isn't a fast read at least for me. No because I didn't enjoy it (quite the opposite,) but because I wanted time to immerse myself in the beautiful words and story that Patti tells so brilliantly.

A historical mystery based on the true story about Barbara Newhall Follett. Clara, a children's book illustrator is determined to locate her mother, a renowned children's book author that vanished after a house fire when Clara was only 8 years of age. What she has left of her mother is a sequel to her book written in a secret language without translation.

A story about three generations of women looking for forgiveness, a sense of belonging and answers. Additionally, there is an appreciation for the art of storytelling and never losing your imagination. I also found the history about authors using a secret language interesting.

The Story She Left Behind was truly magical. Patti Callahan Henry creates stunning narratives through her beautiful writing—-truly in the vein of the story itself. This book transported me to England. The smog infested streets of London or the serene lakeside of the English Countryside. The story followed the mysterious disappearance of a young prodigy author and the desire to find answers to long held questions. The way Patti Callahan Henry wove the story kept me riveted and I highly recommend this book to transport oneself to a magical world.

Captivating, comforting, & enchanting. Now I’m yearning to visit the English countryside & dive back into Beatrix Potter’s stories full of imagination. I love that I can always count on PCH for a lovely story that takes me on ann exquisite adventure. I received an advanced copy courtesy of NetGalley & Atria, but I will absolutely buy my own copy on March 18th.

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry has a very interesting storyline. It is based on one of the greatest literary mystery’s of our time. The story is fictional but it is based on an eight year old author, Barbara Newhall Follett, who published a magical book and then later disappeared, never to be found. This story is written about what might have happened to her. There are themes of abandonment and mental illness and there is also a very magical aspect to the book. While I really liked the characters and enjoyed feeling part of the very descriptive, enchanting settings, I feel something was missing for me. The story was a little to slow for me and I found myself skimming through much of the book. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was my first one by this author and it did not disappoint.

The story and prose used by the author weaved an amazing story that had the right amount of mystery, found family, family drama and romance.

I enjoyed the strong sense of place throughout the book, from South Carolina to London to the English countryside. The post-war environment added to the story.

It is clear the author researched this time period and incorporated different real world events into the story.

If you are looking for a story about mothers and daughters, this book is for you.

Thanks to @netgalley and @atriabooks for the advanced reader copy.

#thestorysheleftbehind #patticallahanhenry

A big heartfelt thank you to @netgalley and @atriabooks for an advance reader copy of @pattichenry’s newest novel, “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥,” which releases on March 18, 2025 and is based on the true story of author Barbara Newhall Follet’s mysterious disappearance in the late 1930s.

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥” is a sweeping tale that, at its heart, is a story of the enduring power of a mother’s love. It is a story of love, loss, hope, and, ultimately, forgiveness. While much of the story takes place over the span of ten days in December, it feels neither rushed nor unnecessarily dragged out. If anything, it feels like a long hug or a hot cup of cocoa after a winter’s walk. That is to say, it’s cozy and gives you all the warm, fuzzy feelings.

It’s easy to fall in love with the characters and the setting, which feels like a character all its own regardless of which side of the pond the story is set throughout the novel.

This is a story that will appeal to all readers, whether they like mysteries, historical fiction, romances, or a touch of the magical. If you, like me, love all of these things, then this is a must-read! I can’t wait to read more from Patti Callahan Henry!

#bookstagram #books #booksbooksbooks #netgalley #bookgirly #bookreviews #arcreviews #newbooks #bookreleases

The Story She Left Behind is a heartfelt moving story of a missing mother and the effects it left on the family, especially a daughter. By Patti Callahan Henry this beautifully written story as only she can do with some answers coming to light long after the daughter is grown with a daughter of her own. A story that includes secret languages, issues of abandonment, longing, legacy, forgiveness and found family. The setting is haunting, the story one of love. a must read for 2025.

A beautifully written book which will pull you in right from the start. I did not want to put this book down! Patti Callahan Henry will take you from Bluffton, South Carolina, to London, and then to the Lake District of England. If you have not been to any of these places, her descriptions will make you want to visit all three! Clara Harrington’s mom, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, disappeared when Clara was 8 years old with a leather satchel containing a dictionary of a secret language Bronwyn developed for a published book she wrote at 12 years old. One day Clara receives a phone call from a Charlie Jamison in London who tells her he has just found this leather satchel with a letter addressed to Clara in his recently deceased father’s belongings. Clara and her daughter, Wynnie, go to London to try to find answers as to what happened to Bronwyn when she disappeared. You will learn about the Great Smog of 1952 and find yourself immersed into this magical story. Thank you to Patti Callahan Henry and Atria Books/Simon & Schuster for an advance copy of this book.

I love when a story can transport me to another place and time. Patti Callahan Henry's new book, The Story She Left Behind, will move you and make you feel like you are there.

"When Clara Harrington was 8-years-old, her mother, renowned author, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, disappeared off the coast of South Carolina. She left behind a manuscript written in her secret language that no one could translate.
Fifteen years later, Clara is an illustrator and raising her own daughter, Wynnie. Charlie Jameson, a stranger, calls from London saying he has discovered a dictionary of her mother's words while cleaning out his father's study. Clara heads to London looking for answers. Why did her mother leave? What is the sequel's story?"

Clara and Wynnie are in London during the Great Smog of 1952. They escape to the Country House belonging to Charlie's family in the Lake District. The journey is terrifying and Henry makes you feel every mile. All of PCH's descriptions of the Lake District make you want to visit this magical sounding place.
There are secrets (of course there are) that parents keep. And a big surprise near the end you'll probably guess but Henry's remarkable writing makes it wonderful.

This book is about forgiveness and acceptance and love. It makes you feel for so many characters. You will lose yourself in the story and the setting. I loved the ending.

Feels like it's going to be a top five book for the year. Fantastic historical fiction from Patti Callahan Henry. I expect to see lots of copies on the beach this year.

Thank you Netgalley & Atria Books for an eARC ❤️❤️❤️

The story goes that this super talented author abandons her husband and kid, leaving behind a ton of unanswered questions. Years later, her daughter gets a mysterious call from England and it sets her on this journey to uncover the truth about her family's past.♥️
I'm not even kidding, I was completely hooked from the start! Patti Callahan Henry's writing is insane - it's like she's having a conversation with you, but also painting this beautiful picture with her words.
One of the things that really stood out to me was how she explores the complexities of family relationships and the power of memory. It's like she's tapping into your emotions and making you feel all the feels.
And the historical details? Spot on! I loved how she wove in references to T.S. Eliot and Beatrix Potter - it added this extra layer of depth to the story.
I just wanted to share my thoughts on this book because I think you guys would love it! 😍

Master storyteller Patti Callahan Henry (favorite author) returns following The Secret Book of Flora Lea 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.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: March 18, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars +
March 2025 Must-Read Books
March Newsletter
Top Books of 2025

Patti Callahan Henry is an auto-read author for me. This, her latest book, releases in less than a week.

Clara is only eight years old when her mother disappears. No one hears from her again. Not only has she abandoned her child and husband, but the sequel to a novel she wrote is left with no closure, oh and she was 12 years old when she wrote this best seller. Jump ahead to 1952, Clara has her own eight-year-old daughter when her mother's last words are found in a private library in England. What choice does Clara have but to take her daughter and sail to England for some answers and hopefully closure.

I was completely enraptured with this book. It is atmospheric with its vivid details and though some might find it a bit overwhelming I loved it with it poetic and fairy tale vibes. I fell in love with England, Clara, her daughter Winnie, and the landscape. As Clara arrives in England so does The Great Smog along with other historical nuances that take place in that time.

The Story She Left Behind is an emotional story of longing and loss with some adventure and mystery. A mother‘s love for her child along with some great characters had this well written story pulling at my heartstrings. The secret of the lost words are slowly revealed to a great conclusion.

My thanks to Simon and Schuster CA for a print arc in exchange for a honest review.

Lovely story about finding family in unexpected places. Henry writes in such a beautifully lyrical way to tell an often sad yet hopeful story of redemption and the power of forgiveness. I loved every minute!

Patti Callahan Henry is a master storyteller, a modern day C.S. Lewis. I loved The Story She Left Behind. Such depth of character in a beautifully told story. So well researched and woven mystery dealing with love, loss and legacy. Another PCH instant classic.

Thanks NetGalley and Atria Books for an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Patti Callahan Henry never disappoints. I don't always enjoy historical fiction, yet I know that she has a special way of captivating her readers with her words. I'm a PCH reader for life (after discovering her through Friends and Fiction podcast in 2020) and look forward to each new release since then.

This was a beautiful story. Clara and Wynnie's relationship is what hooked me. Single mama with a precious & intelligent eight year old , sign me up. Their love for one another and for Bronwyn shines through even in the tense moments of their story. This is a slow burn story, so go into this one for the journey. It's worth it.

Clara has every reason to want to be angry and hold a grudge against her mother, the woman who chose to leave her when she was only eight years old. Twenty-five years have passed, and still the pain of not having her mom with her is still there. This is a story of forgiveness, grief of a parent who just vanished without a trace, letting go of the past, and learning to navigate the future no matter what that path may look like.

Personally, I wish we could have had more about Timothy, Bronwyn, Clara, and Wynnie, less about the romance between Charlie and Clara. You can get a sense of something blossoming between them, but for me, it just wasn't as believable as I needed.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for this e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Another recent read I loved ? The Story She Left Behind

Patti Callahan Henry crafts a spellbinding tale weaving mystery, familial bonds, and a deep sense of place. Inspired by a real literary mystery, the novel alternates between timelines—1927 and 1952—depicting Clara Harrington’s life as she navigates the repercussions of her mother Bronwyn’s disappearance. Bronwyn, a literary prodigy, left behind a legacy both as an author and as a mother, her enigmatic life haunting Clara’s.
The story delves into themes of maternal love, trauma, and the indelible impact of the past on the present. In 1952, Clara is drawn to London, compelled by a discovery about her mother’s work, only to face the harrowing Great Smog with her daughter, Wynnie. This tragic yet pivotal setting allows for a juxtaposition of struggle and revelation as Clara uncovers secrets tied to her mother’s departure.
Henry’s lyrical prose vividly captures post-WWII London and the idyllic Lake District, immersing the reader in a beautifully crafted world that is both rich and poignant. The interplay between mystery and the emotional journey of generational trauma resonates deeply, making Clara’s search for closure and identity particularly moving. The parallels between Clara’s unconventional upbringing and her own parenting bring an additional layer of depth to the narrative.
The Story She Left Behind is a celebration of language, history, and the unbreakable bonds of family. With its strong sense of place and unforgettable characters, this novel is not just a story—it’s an experience. No wonder it leaves readers longing to stay in its world long after the final page.

This is a story that transports you to another time and place. You’ll visit smoggy London with Clara and Wynnie as they go to retrieve the lost dictionary written by Clara’s long-lost famous mother, and feel like you’re struggling to breathe, and you’ll escape to the idyllic Lake District, which will have you wanting to book a trip immediately.

What I loved:
-The immersive, descriptive language (which you can see in some of the quotes pictured above! ➡️ )
-A slight fairy tale feel
-The UK setting
-Some of Bronwyn’s unique language
-The fact that it was based on a true story of a writer’s disappearance
1The gorgeous cover

What I didn’t
-I wanted more of Bronwyn’s stories! I kept hoping they would be revealed.
-The rest of the mother’s made-up language. If you’re just going to call a miracle miraculum, you don’t really need to bother with a separate word!
- The relationship felt very fast.
I’m very glad I read the book. It was a lovely escape, the descriptions were gorgeous, and I really enjoyed it! I just wish it had a bit more of the magic and fairytale I was hoping for!

Patti Callahan Henry writes so well.

Just Finished this Beautiful Book. It is Magical. 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.

A famous author disappeared in 1920 leaving behind a highly anticipated second novel, but it’s in a secret language. Thirty years later a man in London finds the code and the author’s daughter embarks on a quest to London with her own daughter.

This has such a deep and interesting mystery behind it. Fans of the books about books trope will enjoy it as a lot is based on a coded sequel to a famous book. The backstory was very interesting. The book is atmospheric as it takes us to several locations that play a role.

“I have sewed myself into my secrets and there is nothing to do but live in here, stitched into this world of exile.”

The Story She Left Behind comes out 3/18.