A captivating historical fiction novel about a woman wants to solve the mystery of the disappearance of her mother twenty-five years ago. Readers will want to root for Clara, the protagonist, to find out what happened to her mother, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, child prodigy & author. Patti Callahan Henry's writing & perspectives from multiple characters help keep the story moving forward. Wynnie, Clara's daughter, shines throughout the story.

Novel touches upon a mother's love, mother/daughter relationships across generations, trying to begin again, and a journey to discover the truth.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful story about a mother who disappears when her daughter was young, and. A tragic death is presumed. Then many years later, her writings have been found in England in a wealthy man’s estate after he passes. The daughter and her daughter then go to retrieve the papers and a marvelous journey ensues!

Patti Callahan Henry excels at atmospheric storytelling. Both the beauty of the Lake District and the eerie devastation of London’s Great Smog of 1952 are brought to life in this sweeping story about finding closure, understanding the past, and discovering the strength to move forward.

Clara Harrington, an illustrator, has spent her life haunted by the mystery of her mother’s abandonment. Her love for her daughter, Wynnie, is shaped by this loss, driving her to protect and nurture in ways she was never afforded. When an unexpected phone call pulls her to England, she embarks on a journey that may finally bring her the answers she’s been seeking.

While the story is moving and immersive, it does follow a somewhat predictable path. Still, with its blend of mystery, romance, and a compelling story within a story, it has something for everyone.

The nod to Nova Scotia is a lovely touch, and the cover design is simply beautiful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC

Clara's Mom left her when she was 8 and was presumed dead. Years later when she has her own child, she is contacted by a man in England, Charlie Jameson, who says he has a letter for her and documents. Clara's Mom wrote a best selling novel when she was 12 and it was always rumored there was a sequel somewhere so she is not sure the call is legitimate until he gives her some info of the documents that leads her to believe they are real. She and her daughter, Winnie, journey via ship to London in search of answers only to arrive in the middle of a smog storm that causes Winnie's asthma to seriously react. Charlie whisks them off to his mother's country home but not before some of the pages are lost along the way. As they stay in the country, more and more reminders of her Mom are everywhere and Clara searches for the answers she needs to move forward in her life about her Mom but also after the end of her marriage. Another delightful story of love, loss, forgiveness and family that kept me engrossed in the mystery throughout by Patti Callahan Henry.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you @atriabooks for my #gifted ARC and thank you @simon.audio for my #gifted ALC of The Story She Left Behind! #AtriaPartner #atriabooks #simonaudio #patticallahanhenry #TheStorySheLeftBehind #juliawhelan #TheoSolomon

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

𝟓★

Patti Callahan Henry had me hooked from the very first page. This book was absolutely whimsical, just like parts of where the book takes place. I must say, I was so invested in this story, and finding out more about Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, that I could not focus on anything but this book. When an author can keep you up reading until 3:00am, you know you’ve got yourself a great book. I love how this book so perfectly blended historical fiction, mystery, romance, and family drama.

It’s hard to write a review without giving much away, but this was such a delightful read about a daughter and her search for clues about her famous mother, who was an author, and her disappearance decades ago, along with the handwritten dictionary of her mother’s lost language, which was used in her writing. It’s a story about loss, hope, and also forgiveness. It was truly such a beautiful story and one that I will not forget.

If there’s something I can always count on when I read a book by Patti Callahan Henry, it’s character development. I loved the characters in this book more than anything. From Clara and her daughter Wynnie, to the stranger in London, Charlie who reaches out to them with information about Clara’s mother’s lost language. Each character was so perfectly crafted.

🩷A Blend of Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance, and Family Drama
🩷Inspired by a True Literary Mystery
🩷Family Secrets
🩷A Whimsical Setting
🩷Lovable Characters
🩷Grief, Hope, and Forgiveness
🩷Dual POV

🎧I alternated between physical book and the audiobook, which was narrated by two amazing narrators: Julia Whelan and Theo Solomon. Wow! I was sold when I saw Julia Whelan was narrating, but I am now going to find whatever Theo Solomon narrates and listen to it, but I am definitely a fan! This book on audio was probably one of my favorites I’ve listened to in a long time! No notes. Just amazing. I highly recommend!

Posted on Goodreads on February 27, 2025: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around February 27, 2025: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on March 18, 2025
**-will post on designated date

This book starts in 1927, when 8 year old Clara’s mother Bronwyn disappears and is presumed dead. Bronwyn was a famous author and child prodigy who published a popular fantasy novel when she was just 12 years old. The book then picks up in 1952, when Clara, now herself the mother to an 8 year old daughter Wynnie, gets a call from a man named Charlie in London that he has discovered a note addressed to her and papers consisting of a dictionary of Bronwyn’s fantasy language amongst his recently deceased father’s belongings. Clara and Wynnie then travel to England to see the papers and try to understand what happened, getting a lot more than they bargained for along the way.

This was just such a lovely and charming read, with a little romance, a little mystery, and just a touch of magic realism. This was my second book by Patti Callahan Henry and I really enjoy her writing, especially the sense of place her books give. This was one of those that unfolded in my mind’s eye almost cinematically, from the smog of London to the beauty of the Lake District.

Thanks to Atria Books for an advanced copy of The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry.

This was such a beautiful book. I love PCH's storytelling and how she immerses you in the world of her characters. I listened to this book and it's narrated by Julia Whelan which just added to my love of this book.

Set in 1952, you are immersed in life in the Lowcountry, London and the Lake District as Clara tries to put together the pieces of a mystery about her mom, an author who disappeared. I liked how Clara

This book really has you fall in love with words, from the secret language and how well written this book is. PCH is one of my favorite authors and this book is so easily 5 stars with how much I loved it.

The Story She Left Behind comes out March 18th.

Based on the real story of child prodigy/author Barbara Newhall Follett and her unsolved disappearance, The Story She Left Behind follows the journey of artist Clara and her daughter Wynnie as they search for Clara's mother, Bronwyn. Bronwyn disappeared when Clara was eight years old, leaving behind the sequel to her novel written in code, taking the dictionary with her. Clara and Wynnie follow a lead to the London and later the Lake District in England, seeking out the missing pages and more information about Bronwyn.

There were a few things I would've liked to understand more, most of all the Irish family history connections sprinkled throughout. But ultimately, this historical fiction novel was enjoyable and a great introduction to a part of literary history I was unfamiliar with! Fans of Henry's previous novel, Flora Lee, will enjoy this one too!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

This book was painfully slow and even the mysteries were slow to unravel leaving an anti climactic feeling. Was nice but too drawn out.

A carefully crafted tale that pulls from real life events. Seeking long unanswered questions around the mysterious disappearance of her mother leads Clara on a quest across the ocean and into the life of a family she just met yet has a strange connection with. Can she and her young daughter solve the mystery without becoming more entangled than they ever imagined? Or will the great smoke ruin their quest before they begin? Engaging, mysterious and emotional.

4.5/5 stars

I really enjoyed this book! A literary mystery and work of fiction, this story centers around a young woman whose mother, a child prodigy, suddenly disappears in the middle of the night and is never seen again. Clara’s world is flipped upside down when some possessions of her mother’s are found in a family library in London, England. The book follows Clara and her own daughter’s adventures to find out what happened to Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham 25 years earlier. This book is definitely a feel-good and easy, enjoyable read. The reason I leaned it towards 4 vs. 5 stars is because i think at times it’s a bit all over the place. You could section this book off into separate parts, which I think would make it feel smoother. Nonetheless, I’ll definitely recommend this one as the book is published!

The Story She Left Behind
Patty Callahan Henry
March 18, 2025

Bronwyn Necastle Fordham was a young girl when she wrote her first and only book. She called it The Middle Room. It was riddled with words she made up to describe items and times in her imagination. As she grew, life became a challenge to fight the problems that came from her imagination and talent. In her teens her mother was encompassed by thinking she had a mental disorder. Bronwyn was evaluated and put in a sanatorium. Upon dismissal she met Timothy, a generous and kind man who became a doctor. Their first born daughter, Clara was the delight of both their lives.
The Story She Left Behind will be published by Simon and Schuster on March 18, 2025. I was able to read and review Henry´s latest novel via NetGalley. Each time I sat down to read more of this incredible piece of work I became more and more engaged with Clara and her story. Henry´s phrasing was consistently artistic and unique. Each chapter I became more spellbound with this magical journey. This is a novel that should not be missed. Enjoy!

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry is the first that I have read by this author. It is a beautiful story about love, loss, words, choices, hope, grief, forgiveness, with a bit of a fantastical mystery right in the center of it. The writing style is beautiful in the sense that it is so vivid, you feel like you are right there, and The Lake District is a gorgeous place that I would love to see one day.

This book to me was part historical fiction with a lot of family drama with some characters that you do fall in love with. It honestly took me a moment to get attached and once I did, I was hooked and wanted to find out the answer to the mystery. I think if the book was any longer, it would have lost me. By the end I was ready for it to wrap up. There were times that I just wanted to skim like when it came to Nat, her ex-husband, he really didn't even need to be part of the story. I loved most of the characters and would have loved to be right there with them solving this mystery.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to receive this ARC.

The Story She Left Behind is a book that will stay with me for some time. This is not like any book that I have ever read before.

Clara Harrington has spent her life questioning why her mom left her and her father when she was just eight years old. Clara, now an adult and mother of young Wynnie, has received a phone call that will change their lives forever.

This is a story of great mystery, descriptions and beautiful writing. It has many layers and great depth. It is based on two real life stories.

I know that I will check out other books by Patti Callahan Henry after reading The Story She Left Behind.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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
Goodreads Review Date 24/02/25

****Publishing March 18, 2025****

Clara, an award-winning illustrator, is divorced and has an eight-year-old daughter, Wynnie. Clara’s mother, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, a famous author, disappeared off the coast of South Carolina, when she was eight. Clara has always had a hole in her heart from it! Clara receives a phone call from Charlie Jameson in London, stating he has a letter and a dictionary of her mother’s lost language from her mother, but she has to collect it in person. Clara is skeptical at first, but agrees to go to London. What will Clara find out and will she finally find peace?

Patti Callahan Henry writes such engaging stories that are heartfelt and beautifully written. Her research is evident as her stories make the reader feel that you are right there alongside the characters. I love the author’s note explaining her inspiration and research! What a great book to read while on vacation or to discuss at your next book club meeting! If you love historical fiction, then this is a must-read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A story that is both incredibly heartbreakingly and overwhelmingly beautiful. It is wise, enchanting, and atmospheric. I am only sad I’ll never be able to read it for the first time again. This story will stay with me for a very long time, and even longer if I am lucky.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214151359

A story that is both incredibly heartbreakingly and overwhelmingly beautiful. It is wise, enchanting, and atmospheric. I am only sad I’ll never be able to read it for the first time again. This story will stay with me for a very long time, and even longer if I am lucky. “The Story She Left Behind” will most likely be the best book I read all year. No one can take a story saturated with humanity and entangle it with magic quite like @pattichenry can. Thank you so much @netgalley, @atriabooks, and @simonandschuster for this ARC.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/DGcWrosOlFd/?igsh=MTgwemlpNW1ncnJvbw==

✨Book Review✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Patti Callahan Henry is truly a magical storyteller. This book had me invested from the beginning and longing to see how the story would end. Patti Callahan Henry has just a beautiful way with words that makes you feel like you are in a storybook with each page.

This historical fiction story follows Clara and her daughter, Wynnie, on the quest to find out what happened to Clara’s mother, Bronwyn. They travel all the way to London to follow a lead on her mother’s lost secret language and from there the adventure truly begins!

I absolutely loved Surviving Savannah and Once Upon a Wardrobe so I had high hopes for this and I was not disappointed! If you are a fan of historical fiction and books that make you feel like you are in a story book… run and pick this one up when it is published on March 18!!

Thank you so much @netgally and @atriabooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review- I truly loved it!!

-Mandy

Prepared to be entranced – the book is magical from beginning to end. Clara Harrington’s mother disappeared when she was eight years old. Clara never stopped longing and hoping she would return. Twenty-five years later, now a mother herself, Clara and her eight-year-old daughter embark on a journey to unravel the mystery of her mother’s disappearance.

The story is rich in detail, beautifully written, and told with care. It explores the meaning of family and forgiveness. Every page is lyrical.
This is one of my favorite books of the year. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an early read. I adored this book. Five stars.

If you are looking for the most beautiful writing this book will impress you. The language and the thoughts are most touching and eloquent. Inspired by the true story of Barbara Newhall Follet, this is 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 a 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.. The journey physically and emotionally is a wonderful laying out of not only words that encapsulates so many emotions let alone the growth of forgiveness. I found this book to be moving, beautifully written and captures not only a great story but also the magical thoughts of imaginary things, language and beings. These magical imaginations creates worlds and ideas that makes a heart soar. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity and the author for crafting a magical book with beautiful language.