Thank you to Simon and Schuster and netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry. This author is a favorite of mine for historical fiction and well researched books. The title gives away what the book is going to be about a story that was left behind in a mystery story. An author Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham disappears with no trace leaving behind her daughter and her husband. Her daughter Clara grows up as an adult as is trying to find her mother when she is contacted by a stranger. This book was ok it did drag a little but, I liked the personal author story.

The Story She Left Behind is probably my favorite Patti Callahan Henry book, the story was well written and lyrical, as always, but the story was even more intriguing than other books I've read by the author. The book was a tale of mystery, fantasy, love, and forgiveness. I was drawn into Clara's journey and was satisfied with the conclusion. 4-1/2 stars

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry is the first book I have ever read by her. I had been given her other books and have not sat down with any yet. As someone who loves poetry I found Patti's voice to be lyrical and enchanting. I also felt this novel was a bit of a coming-of-age tale as the main character, Clara, searching for her missing mother. I am so excited to read the rest of her books as I was hooked from chapetr one and I kept grabbing for it every afternoon.

This is a beautiful book. The Story She Left Behind is unlike anything I have ever read. The lush landscapes, the completely human characters, the absolute beauty and heartbreak of it all is what makes this a story that transcends time and completely leads the reader to suspend belief of life as we know it to be. At the age of eight, Clara's mother, Bronwyn disappears leaving her to be raised by her father in Bluffton, SC.. For years Clara longs to know why her mother, an author who's only novel was published when she was twelve years old, abandoned her. As an adult and a mother of a precocious eight year old named Wynnie, Clara is contacted by a man in London who has come upon a satchel filled with writings by her mother and a letter addressed to Clara. As Clara and Wynnie travel across the sea with the hope of uncovering a lifetime of secrets, they cannot begin to know what is in store for them once they reach the shore.
Words are not enough to convey how wonderful this book is. For anyone who likes to be totally immersed in a story, this is the book for you.

The Story she Left Behind is exactly that- what is her story and the strange language that Bronwyn writes in. She always promised me her only daughter Clara to explain her strange language and the dictionary that I found as a young child hidden in her closet. My mother was a child prodigy that no one understood how her mind worked her father left her and her mother behind as a young family but Bronwyn had already written a book that was a national bestseller when she was 12 but it was written in a very strange language that no one could understand except her. Her mother actually had her committed to a psychiatric institution for them to fix her.
Imagine Clare’s surprise when 25 years later she receives a phone call from England saying that her mother’s lost briefcase was found along with a note to only be delivered to Clare in person.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this terrific story.

Patti Callahan Henry's THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND is a beautifully imagined literary mystery. Inspired by a true story in which the legendary author Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham vanishes off the coast of South Carolina in 1927, leaving behind a young daughter and a devastated legion of readers. Bronwyn had published a book at the age of 12 written in an invented language, and her readers have been waiting for a sequel ever since. Clara grows up in the vacuum left by her famous mother, and becomes an illustrator and single mother of Winnie. When she receives a mysterious pone call from England by a stranger claiming to have found a dictionary of her mother's invented language, Clara travels to England with her young daughter in search of the truth behind her mother's disappearance.

Clara and Wynnie arrive in London during the Great Smog, and the air quality threatens Wynnie's fragile health. Clara and Wynnie escape the city with Charlie and search for answers in England's Lake District. Only here can Clara uncover the secrets of her mother's disappearance. This book is for lovers of atmospheric historical fiction and literary mysteries. Clara, Wynnie and Charlie are compelling, fully wrought characters and with Callahan's lyrical prose, this book delivers fully on its cryptic premise.

I found the story interesting and compelling, but I was disappointed in the author's use of God's name. Several times it was used in vain and this wasn't what I call a clean read. I've read Patti Callahan Henry before and did not run into this. She's a wonderful writer, and the story of redemption is good, but I wasn't expecting a secular book. Guess I should have researched it better. I received a free copy with no expectations. Opinions are my own.

I loved this book. I loved the setting in both South Carolina and England and the authors ability to describe both in such a beautiful manner.. the love story within was a nice touch as well!

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this copy of "The Story She Left Behind."

This book was "fantastical and incandescent" which are words used to describe Clara's drawings.

Clara, an art school teacher, has just won 1952's Caldecott award for illustration.

Her mother, Bronwyn, was a famous author who disappeared in 1927. Clara has spent the past 25 years questioning and hoping that she might find any news about her mother.

Then Clara is contacted by Charlie in London who is following his late father's instructions to catalog his personal library. Charlie has found a satchel with pages and a letter for Clara's eyes only. But she has to come to London to claim it.

Patti Callahan Henry has a gift for crafting stories that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant, and The Story She Left Behind is no exception. This novel is a moving exploration of love, loss, and the lingering echoes of the past, told with Henry’s signature warmth and lyrical prose.

At its core, the story follows a woman unraveling the hidden chapters of her family’s history after discovering a long-lost letter. As she pieces together the truth, she is forced to confront old wounds, long-buried regrets, and the possibility of rewriting her own future. Henry’s storytelling is rich with emotion, capturing both the heartache of what’s been lost and the hope that comes with rediscovery.

What makes this novel so compelling is the way it weaves together past and present, reminding us that the stories we inherit shape us just as much as the ones we choose to tell. With vivid settings, complex characters, and a touch of mystery, The Story She Left Behind is a book that lingers in the heart—a perfect read for anyone who believes in the power of forgiveness, love, and finding one’s way home.

The Story She left behind, by Author Patti Callahan Henry is just a lovely book, with a beautiful story and is quite romantic.

This story starts off in 1927 in South Carolina when Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham disappears off into the night, leaving an eight-year-old daughter and husband behind.

Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham is a renowned Author who wrote a book when she was only twelve years old.

The story then takes us to 1952 when her daughter and granddaughter travel to London after being contacted by a stranger who has news of the missing mother, who disappeared twenty-five years earlier.

To be honest this is not the type of book that I normally gravitate towards, and the first that I have read from this Author.

I however really enjoyed the gentle lovely words, the characters and the visuals that were placed in my mind as I read it.

Thank You to NetGalley, Author Patti Callahan Henry, and Atria Books for my advanced copy to read and review.

Wow! Absolutely loved this story. I had just finished The Secret Book of Flora Lea the week before starting The Story She Left Behind.
Patti drew me in with compelling storylines but it was the way she build such great characters. She used such beautiful writing to describe that not only did I feel like I was there but had me wanting to learn more about Northern England. From Beatrix Potter, TS Elliott to Herdeick sheep, I wanted to learn more. No spoilers but I was happy to see a character from Secret Book show up in one scene.
Highly recommend. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This historical family saga offers a bit of mystery and a bit of romance in this story based on real events. Clara is a strong, likeable character and the descriptive language paints the landscape. There is enough intrigue to keep the reader guessing and rooting for Clara.

At first I really enjoyed the story line and the characters. I liked the descriptions of the countryside, etc, but also London during the blackout. I was unaware of that part of history. However, I started to lose interest midway through as I felt the story didn't progress as fast as I'd hoped. I really had to push myself to finish the story to see how it ended and was a little disappointed. i know everyone wants a nice little ending, but I felt it was just a little too wrapped up in a nice bow for me. I did read a bit of the actual book that this story was based around just to get an idea of what the story was about. Her mothers first book, i skimmed it, found it interesting. Thanks for the advanced copy. I would like to read another of this author as I did like her voice, but the plot just wasn't for me.

Where do I even begin with this story? A book hug. This story got a huge book hug from me and I absolutely cannot wait to have a physical copy on my shelf. The Secret Book of Flora Lea was my favorite book of the year in 2023, and Henry has absolutely blown me away again with her newest novel. This literary mystery with a touch of historical fiction takes us on a magical ride that forces us as readers to believe in the magic of make believe and the unknown world. The author is a master at writing atmospheric scenery in a way that instantly transports you to the setting of the book, which in this case is South Carolina and UK (London and Lake District). I have so many quotes written down that I really needed to read and hear at this time in the world that we live in. 5 stars from me and I have already recommended to everyone that I know to add this to their TBR. Thank you Patti for sharing your talent of writing with us.

This story will appeal to readers who enjoy flowery language and a woman’s journey to find her mother and happiness. After her mother disappeared, Clara has been searching for answers. After many years, a single phone call may change everything.

I was completely mesmerized by "The Story She Left Behind" by Patti Callahan-Henry from the very first paragraph. This enchanting tale weaves together family drama, mystery, and a touch of magic that resonated deeply with me as a lover of stories about self-discovery and belonging.

For me, the novel's essence is beautifully captured in Wynnie's words: "It's about finding home. It's about knowing where you belong and then doing something about that truth." This quote encapsulates the heart of the story, exploring the sometimes wonderful, sometimes challenging journey of finding one's place in the world.

Callahan-Henry's vivid descriptions transported me from the sun-drenched bayside of South Carolina to the misty Lakeside District in England. I was particularly impressed by the author's ability to capture the London fog of 1952, which enveloped me in the atmospheric setting. As a fan of Beatrix Potter, I delighted in the subtle nods to her world, seamlessly woven into the narrative.

From the first chapter, I was pulled in by a compelling mystery, complemented by a romantic subplot that added depth and warmth to the story. But what truly set this book apart for me was its emotional impact. I found myself moved to tears of relief after 50+ chapters, a testament to the author's skill in crafting a deeply affecting narrative.

At its core, I felt "The Story She Left Behind" is a poignant exploration of mother-daughter relationships and the all-encompassing nature of that love. The cheeky ending left me with a smile, while the overall experience can only be described as "miraculum" – a word that perfectly captures the book's indescribable, magical quality for me.

If you're looking for a novel that combines family drama, mystery, and a touch of magic, I wholeheartedly recommend this as a must-read.

Thank you, Atria Books and NetGalley, for my free books.

I could not put this book down! I wanted to find out more about what happened.

In 1927, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, a renowned author, disappeared off the coast of South Carolina. She was known for writing a book in an invented language at the age of 12. She left behind a husband and an eight-year-old daughter Clara when she disappeared. When she disappeared, all hope was lost that the sequel would be translated.

By 1952, her daughter Clara is an award-winning illustrator raising her own daughter Wynnie. A stranger from London, Charlie Jameson, contacts her, claiming to have discovered the handwritten dictionary of her mother's lost language. Clara is skeptical but soon decides to travel to London, with her daughter, to see if it really is her mother's handwritten dictionary.

When they arrive in London, it is in the middle of one of London's deadliest disasters, the Great Smog. It wreaks havoc on asthmatic Wynnie, so Charlie, Clara, and Wynnie escape the city and head to the Jameson's family retreat in the Lake District. It is there that Clara finds the courage to find the truth about her mother's disappearance and, in the process, uses the dictionary she left behind to translate Bronwyn's sequel.

Thank you to @netgalley and @AtriaBooks for this ARC. 1952: South Caroline - Clara's mother disappeared 25 years ago, taking her papers with her. Now Clara is a mother and receives a phone call from someone in London claiming they have her mother's papers and per the note attached, Clara must retrieve them. Wanting answers, Clara and her daughter book passage to England. When she meets up with Charlie, he in fact has the complete dictionary of the language her mother created. This will allow them to decipher and publish the sequel to the famous book her mother wrote and published when she was a teenager. However, the questions and secrets keep adding up and she is no closer to finding the answers regarding her mother. Sweet, sweet story. Patti Callahan Henry is one of my favs! #TheStorySheLeftBehind #PattiCallahanHenry #AtriaBooks #March2025

This book was excellent. I read the authors last novel, and enjoyed it, so I was very happy to receive this advanced copy of The Story She Left Behind.

The writing was beautiful, and the characters were excellently written. Historical fiction at its best! (And not about WW2, which is a breath of fresh air). There is a bit of romance, but it's not the main storyline at all. It's primarily focused on the mystery. I didn’t want to put this one down, and I highly recommend picking up a copy. This is a 4.5/5 for me!