I don't think I fully knew what I was in for when I picked up this book to read it. What I found was a story of 3 women, each with their own hurts and pains they had been carrying for years, venturing on a road trip. Told through each characters point of view, this story shares the ups and downs of the mother-daughter and sister-sister relationships and what happens when the hurts and pains in life are left unshared and uncared for.

Chloe has invited her mom, Edie, on an impromptu road trip, and Edie invites Lauren (her other daughter) along on the trip. Each woman enters this journey with different understandings of who the other women are and what life should be like. The opening pages felt like a stark reminder that hurt people hurt people and this family was perpetuating the sting of rejection and misunderstanding in their interactions with one another.

But through their road trip to different literary stops in the midwest, each woman is prompted to look outside themselves and consider new ways of thinking. They find healing and hope.

One thing I did wish for as I was reading this book was that Lauren's issue with an eating order was addressed more head on. It is talked about in the lack of food Lauren eats and in her excessive running, and the epilogue assures us Lauren is eating more. But never does she seek counsel or help, nor does the family address that issue head on. Eating disorders are so serious and it felt like a side story that took up a lot of pages but then was not fully resolved in the end.

Despite that, this story brought me to tears at the end as I saw the healing take place for this little literary family.

4.5 stars

“Until the fear is quieted, the hope can’t be heard.”

Sara Brunsvold is an exceptionally talented author whose stories shine a thoughtful light on the messiness of life and the restorative work of grace. The Atlas of Untold Stories is the latest of her novels that I wanted to sink into and soak in every profound and tenderly-presented truth. On the surface appears to be a road trip story with bookish detours and a deep dive into complicated mother-daughter-sister dynamics. The kind that would make the perfect next read for your book club or vacation. And yes, it is each of those things. All of those things. But it’s also just as witty and heartfelt and fun as it is moving. And its explorations of how those family dynamics are shaped by a potpourri of expectations, secrets, forgiveness, friendships, faith, courage, trauma, art/music/literature, memories, love, and purpose will wrap around you like a hug that lingers long.

Chloe Vance is, in a word, adorable. I absolutely loved her. She’s full of life and endearing, and she exudes a contagious delight that overflows from her creative personality and close relationship with God. At least… it’s contagious for everyone except her exacting mom Edie and older sister Lauren who are her immune-to-Chloe’s-joy companions on this impromptu bookish road trip. The one Chloe concocted as a means of buying more time to tell her mom that’s she moving to Prague for two years. She isn’t the only one with a secret though, and Lauren proves correct the book’s observation that secrets grow heavier until the truth is told. Edie and Lauren grew on me over the course of this novel, and I came to love them just as much as I did Chloe. My heart ached for all three of these women though as they navigated close quarters and stilted conversations while dealing with unexpected bumps in the road and dancing around what they really need to be saying to each other. But I also felt that same heart growing lighter with each page I turned, watching God’s grace fill in the gaps and smooth out the rough edges. I also laughed several times (and grinned several more), usually at something unexpectedly-humorous from pragmatic Edie… like this observation about juice boxes:

“Women her age had no business drinking out of a straw the width of an eyelash.”

Bottom Line: Chloe, Lauren, and Edie Vance may think they are on a nine-day road trip to bookish places in America’s heartland, but the journey they’re really on could change their lives – and ours too. In The Atlas of Untold Stories, author Sara Brunsvold has masterfully crafted an emotional, witty, uplifting, and bookish story that illustrates several thoughtfully-sketched truths: that no relationship is too far beyond God’s ability to restore, that we are all products of the stories going on around us – even the ones we don’t tell anyone else – and that He alone is our courage to be still when we want to run ahead or away. Brunsvold’s writing voice is layered with warmth and humor, and she paints vibrant pictures that immerse you in the fabric of the story. I saw something of myself in each of the three Vance women, which means I also found healing while I watched theirs unfold. Fans of Cynthia Ruchti, Katie Powner, book club fiction, and Robin W. Pearson will love The Atlas of Untold Stories too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This is one of those stories that readers love because it's a book about books! But instead of highlighting the expected titles that are familiar to many readers, it focuses on more obscure books that are deeply connected to the mid-west. If you live in the states of Kansas, Nebraska, or Iowa, you would enjoy this book to a greater extent because various landmarks of those states are an important part of the story!

This is story of family bonds, the good and the challenging; of honesty in relationships, both with others and with yourself; and the importance of embracing the wonder around you and the simple beauty that is found when you do. It's told through the eyes of three characters, the mom and her two daughters, as they take an unexpected road trip together. As they spend time together, in sweet & endearing moments and pull-your-hair-out frustrating ones, it's revealed they each are carrying an untold story that requires a bravery to disclose to one another. But it's in the courage of honesty that freedom and acceptance are found.

This is a heavily character-driven story with a writing stye that is beautifully poetic. I personally related in specific ways to the older sister (her inflated sense of responsibility and required perfection), but for some readers the characters may not hold connection points. Readers of Brunsvold past titles will find this one holds less overt evangelistic tones, but still hold true to faith themes of forgiveness and the beauty of creation. With a sweet romance thread woven in and no language, this is a wonderful book for any lover of contemporary inspirational fiction.

Thank you to Revell Publishers and the author for a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Maybe one could be a fluke or two good luck, but Sara Brunsvold has definitely solidified her place as an outstanding author of contemporary literary ‘wisdom’ books, because the third time’s the charm with The Atlas of Untold Stories. This book hits all the notes – multigenerational, family secrets, pain and loss, struggling with faith and forgiveness and the changing of seasons – and it hits them expertly.

I love the way that Brunsvold has crafted this story: with three women heading out on a roadtrip in search of adventure. The reality is that they’re really learning about themselves, each other, and how to handle all kinds of relationships. Layered in is Brunsvold’s signature wisdom about faith and families. I loved every bit of that. While I think everyone has at least one complication in their family tree, much of the relationship wisdom is really applicable to any relationship – and we can all use more of that. I felt like I was learning right along with Chloe, Lauren, and Edie.

What made this book even more fun than Chloe’s antics were the literary adventures. I love books, and my grandmother used to take me on bookish adventures when I visited her in the summertime. I haven’t read many of the authors whose work they explored, but The Atlas of Untold Stories has me rethinking that – and wanting to create a bookish adventure in my own area.

One thing that I didn’t expect was for this book to hit home in quite the way that it did. The city of Prague plays a role, as does changing seasons of life, and I read this book as my daughter was returning from a field trip to that far-off city – only days after my son graduated from high school. So many big events all at once was a lot to process, and I enjoyed Brunsvold’s wisdom in this area.

So don’t wait for this one – The Atlas of Untold Stories is the perfect book for women of all ages. It’s funny, meaningful, authentic, and deep; you’ll be revisiting these characters long after you’ve turned the last page.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Atlas of Untold Stories is a heartwarming story of generational trauma, optimism, and family. Told in three alternating points of view, Brunsvold has crafted the story of three women who care for one another but who don't truly know how to connect yet are forced to understand each other as they embark on a literary road trip.

The story features three women: Edie, Lauren, and Chloe, AKA Mom, Oldest Daughter, and Youngest Daughter. Although the three women love each other, their personalities are such that they don't mesh together. Edie was traumatized by her cold, strict upbringing, leading her to be a cold, strict mother. Lauren has always tried to win her mother's approval and now that her life is crumbling, she's afraid to be seen as a failure. And Chloe is more like her father, leaning on her faith and her optimism to move through life with warmth and joy. No one is surprised at the ensuing drama when these three decide to take a road trip to see famous literary sites around the Midwest.

Brunsvold does a fantastic job of creating unique characters. Edie, Lauren, and Chloe are each their own person, but it's easy to see how their past and both their dreams and fears have molded them into the people they are. Edie and Lauren are both serious and meticulous, and their reticence to partake in the road trip is obvious almost to the point of over-the-top. But Chloe's warm, unputdownable spirit keep the road trip and the story moving. Even though there's a lot of repetitiveness of Chloe planning something, Edie and Lauren grumbling about it, and Chloe staying upbeat and having fun even after having her plans altered, the small changes as Edie and Lauren start to thaw become more and more apparent. By the end, the changes seen in Edie and Lauren (and in Chloe, to some extent) feel realistic because readers have seen what has prompted those changes and how everything has played out.

Also realistic are all the fascinating facts about the different authors that the ladies "visit!" I loved seeing all the places Chloe had chosen to visit as well as Lauren's facts about the various sites. I learned a lot and added a few places to my own bucket list. Brunsvold also does a fantastic job of organically weaving faith and fear into the story; Edie, Lauren, and Chloe are at very different points in their walks with God, yet God uses simple things to bring them each closer to Him and to each other. The ending is a powerful testament to how God can use anything to break down the walls around a person's heart and help them realize they can't do it alone.

The Atlas of Untold Stories is a fun road trip book but also a shining story of how God can shine so brightly through a person that the people around her can't help but be changed.

The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold is yet another compelling story. The story concerns three women. Two sisters and their mom, on a trip to literary stops in the heartland of the US.

Chloe Vance decides to take her mom, Edie, on a road trip to all the places of literary significance. Cloe's motive is to ease her mom into her decision to move to Prague to teach art. Chloe's enthusiastic spirit fuels the trip, which includes her "responsible" sister, Lauren. Lauren is hiding the fact that she recently lost her job. But is resolve to watch over her sister and mother. Chole's love of exploring new places and things kept the pace of the book moving. Her love of the Lord was displayed in her quiet time with God. It was her way of honoring the Lord along every step.

This was a beautiful story about relationships between mothers, daughters and sisters. And how the relationships can sometimes be complicated. I loved how Chole patiently meets her mother and sister with joy and faith. This is a journey of untold stories that leads to healing and forgiveness. Along the way they find out more about themselves, and each other. Clean, beautifully written with deep characters who settle in your heart as you learn their stories.

I received a complementary copy from Revell and the author. All opinions are my own.

Talk about a beautiful book, poignant and lovely. The blurb grabbed me immediately but the story is even better! Chloe decided to accept a missions job of sorts in Prague for two years but couldn't bring herself to tell her mother, Edie, who presumably would be against it. She invited her mother to have coffee with her and found herself spontaneously inviting her on a nine-day literary road trip through America's midwest. Edie reluctantly agreed as long as her other daughter, Lauren, went. She and Lauren were more alike and could relate to her better than Chloe who was a dreamer. The three visited museums and monuments and enjoyed meals where literary greats did. More importantly, they got to know each other in a deeper way. Misgivings, overcoming adversity, dreams and pain were rife. There were happy moments and there were reflective moments.

Each of the three had secrets they were desperate to hide. I like the way Christian faith is quietly portrayed. The characters are interesting and I liked each in different ways; however, one of my favourites is the girls' dad, Grant. He was besotted with his wife and daughters and supported them. Edie didn't want to hold back her girls yet wanted to protect them and the girls had their own paths to follow.

There ought to be more novels like this. It is tender and wholesome, yet impactful and at times reminded me of my life journeys, especially leaving my home country for a year at a time. Mother/daughter stories are incredibly special, as this is. It whispered and it shouted. I enjoyed observing growth in the characters and pondered my own familial relationships. Immersing myself in the story was so easy, comfortable and natural. Very nostalgic.

This is the kind of book that I will re-read multiple times for the rest of my life.

A mother and two daughters take a road trip, visiting literary sites. (this is my dreaaaammmmmmm) This isn't an ordinary road trip. Edie, the mother, has recently lost her mother and is very set in her ways. She loves her girls, but wants everything to stay the same. Lauren, aka the responsible one, is keeping a secret that she was fired after a stupid mistake, and is floundering while trying to find her next move. Chloe, a dreamer, has accepted a job as an art instructor, in a low-paying international school in Prague.

As with any road trip, there's long stretches of time to talk, and read, and grow. The women find out more about each other and themselves during the trip, with every stop along their literary journey.

This isn't a book that some elite New Yorker reading type of person would enjoy. This is a Midwestern book. It's clean. It's comfortable. It warms the heart and made me put several of the road trip stops on my 'to-do' list in my life.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this fabulous book.

The Atlas of Untold Stories is a beautiful book of discovery. A mom and her two daughters go on a literary based road trip where they not only discover fun things about their favorite authors but more importantly discover truths about themselves and their relationships with each other. There is so much healing that occurs within the pages of the story that the reader can’t help but ask themselves questions like the characters have asked and then maybe find healing right alongside them. This is definitely a book that will find its way into your mind and heart and will have you pondering all that you read long after the book has been laid down.

Bottom line: family is hard.
The family dynamics in this story are not the same as my own family's, but, as the story progressed, I saw my sister, my mother, and myself on the pages. We are all so much more beneath the onion layers than what is seen on the surface.
Thank you to Netgalley and Revell for providing a free copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

I’m a huge fan of Sara’s books! All of Sara Brunsvold’s books go deep, and her characters are always written in a way that makes you feel like you truly know them. She does such a beautiful job creating people who feel real.

The Atlas of Untold Stories centers around three women—two sisters and their mom—who go on a bookish road trip through America’s heartland. Along the way, they’re not only visiting literary landmarks, but also learning more about themselves and each other. It’s a story about identity, relationships, and what it looks like being a mother, daughter, and sister.

I loved seeing all the different places they stopped—especially the little museums and small towns along their route. Book lovers will really enjoy traveling with them through cities tied to classic authors and stories. Sara brings those settings to life in such a charming way.

That said, I’ll be honest—the book was a little slow for me at first. It took me a while to really care about the storyline. But I’m so glad I stuck with it, because the last 45 minutes or so were by far my favorite. The emotional depth we finally get from the characters hit me hard—I even teared up at one point. Sara’s writing is just so beautiful when she digs into those deeper moments.

If you’re looking for a clean, contemporary read that steps away from romance and dives into family, identity, and healing—this is a great one to pick up this summer.

I loved the book's premise of traveling with your mom and sisters to literary stops in neighboring states! Fun, especially for those of us who live in a visited state!

Many of the characters were memorable and relatable. I adored Chloe's enthusiasm and heart for people and for life. I would have loved being on a trip with her, though I'm not sure I would be up for a downriver float in a stock tank. :) Her dad was so loving and wise; his gentle support of his anxious wife was heartwarming. Her landlord was a loveable, grumpy old man that added interest, as did many of the other secondary characters.

The hurt that is handed down to generations is a worthy topic to tackle in this thought provoking and satisfying read.

This award-winning author writes books that I can crawl into to spend time with characters that feel real. If you haven't read The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, I urge you to add it to you TBR List!

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced galley copy with no obligations. My remarks are entirely my own.

Posted at Goodreads

How do you map out the stories that live within us—the quiet fears, the small triumphs, the tender hopes? In The Atlas of Untold Stories, Sara Brunsvold takes readers on a literal and emotional road trip with a mother and her two daughters, weaving together faith, family, and the enduring power of literature.

For me, Chloe’s gentle joy and unwavering faith were what kept me turning the pages. Her bright spirit was a steady light through every mile of the journey, even when the story itself felt more like a meandering road trip than a deep exploration. I was especially drawn to the quiet conviction with which Chloe lived her faith—she didn’t tuck it away for convenience or comfort. This adventure was her way of honoring her Savior and Lord with every step she took alongside her mother and sister. It was a vivid reminder that faith isn’t just for the mountaintop moments; it’s for every muddy road and winding path along the way.

There’s a warmth and sweetness in this story, with moments that made me smile and others that prompted me to pause and ponder. I loved how the book wove in gentle humor and literary nostalgia, adding a cozy touch to their journey. Chloe’s love for exploring new places and her quiet resolve to honor God in the midst of family tensions felt like a soft thread of encouragement, inviting me to do the same in my own relationships.

Two quotes in particular echoed in my heart:

“Imagine the questions the disciples must have asked as they crossed into Samaria. Imagine the doubts they must have expressed, or how many times they tried to convince Jesus to go a different route. They couldn’t see what He did. They didn’t understand that being about the Father’s business often does look incomprehensible to the world. But how many lives were changed because of Jesus’s “unwise” choice? How many generations of lives?”

“She needed to be there. She needed to be about the Father’s business there. The certainty was immovable.”

This was a gentle, warm, enjoyable, and quietly luminous journey, with Chloe’s faith shining as a steady light throughout, lived out with quiet strength and joy.

She reminded me that the best stories are the ones that invite us to keep our eyes open to the Author of them all, and to live each chapter in wonder, grace, humble worship, and steadfast obedience.

I received a digital ARC and paperback of this book from the author. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

I think what I love most about this author is that all her works, to date, don't just entertain- they leave the reader with moral and spiritual lessons/thoughts worth revisiting.
The Atlas of Untold Stories is a treasure trove of inspiration on a relational, spiritual, AND literary level! I found myself challenged to have a faith like Chloe, encouraged to make the most of my time with my beloved family, and inspired to read the works of some of the literary greats mentioned (and experience some of the "bookish road trip" for myself!).
Relatable characters, vivid descriptions, and well- crafted storyline details give this book depth and quality that other Christian/inspirational fiction sometimes lacks.

I want to thank Sara Brunsvold for allowing me to be on her Launch Team. This was such a fun book to read. I enjoyed reading it and going on a bookish road trip with Chloe, her mom Edie, and her sister Lauren in the Midwest. In Lawrence, KS, you can visit The Watkins Museum of History and find out about African American Poet Langston Hughes. Visit Wamego, KS, and visit the Wizard of OZ museum. Also in Kansas is a town called Concordia, where Joan Lowery Nixon has written the Orphan Train. and where there is a National Orphan Train Museum and Complex.
I can name so many other places, but I don't want to give too much away. It's important to know the history to understand it. This is very well written, and I would love to take a road trip and visit these places mentioned in the book.
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THE ATLAS OF UNTOLD STORIES is a poignant, humorous road-trip story that should appeal to fans of Christian fiction and women's fiction. The three women are all unique in their own way. At times they can be frustrating. Chloe is a sweet, free spirit (at times maybe too perky/ perfect?) Edie had a fairly snarky attitude. Lauren could use some advice. The bookish stops along the way are fun. The pacing is a tiny bit slow. The supporting characters are cute as well. I enjoyed the weaving in of some faith elements. There is quite a bit of wisdom here, which makes for enjoyable reading.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this #gifted book!*
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Title: Atlas of Untold Stories
Author: Sara Brunsvold
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Women’s Fiction
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Synopsis: When Chloe Vance finally finds the courage to break the news of her big move to her mom, she instead finds herself inviting Edie Vance on a bookish road trip where hopefully she can tell her mom about Prague in the perfect moment. But Edie is hesitant at best because is her daughter really responsible enough to plan a trip like this for them? Soon Edie finds herself inviting her older daughter Lauren along for the sake of comfort and stability. Lauren agrees to go since unexpected job loss has freed up her schedule and she feels the pressure to watch over her mom and little sister. It’s one thing she can try to control in her world that feels like it’s spinning out of control. As the three women embark on an unlikely adventure, each face questions of dealing with the past, finding who they really are now, and discovering what their relationship looks like in the future.

Analysis: Sara Brunsvold is a master storyteller when it comes to family history and relationships. In this newest novel, she dives deep into questions of identity, healing, and courage. I absolutely loved reading the three different perspectives of these women as they went on a unique adventure for each of them. Chances are you’ll find you relate to at least one of them along the way. I also loved the writing style, and the short chapters. It made for a relaxing escape that was easy to get lost in! With themes of adventure, family, and faith, this book is the perfect summer vacation read!

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book had all the feels for me. I can honestly say that I laughed, I teared up a bit and I had moments of frustration. There were times that I wanted to tell the characters, especially Lauren, what to do differently. I liked Chloe's sweet, enthusiastic spirit throughout the book. Sometimes, Edie's attitude was a bit much for me. She could be pretty snarky.

Being from the Midwest, I enjoyed all the stops they made on their bookish trip. In fact, there are a few that I have been to myself. Now, I have more that I'd like to see.

I felt like Sara did a fantastic job with the supporting characters as well. I really liked Grant, Chloe's dad and his relationship with both his daughters and his wife. I felt like he really grounded all of them.

I always like that Sara adds faith elements to her stories in a way that doesn't appear to be too preachy, just natural. Especially the section with Chloe having her quiet time and the lessons she learns through that time with God.

This was a pretty quick read for me, I was looking forward to how relationships were going to be resolved. One of my favorite quotes was "A person's greatest need was often the one they refused to acknowledge."

Thank you to the author, publisher & Netgalley for the early copy to review. This is my honest opinion.

I love bookish books. Okay, that might sound a little redundant, aren't all books bookish? But you know the kinds I mean... those that feature bookish characters or themes... that really just celebrate that love of reading and literature. With a bookish road trip visiting sites of literary importance along the way, this one certainly fits that bill and I found myself enjoying seeing those literary references throughout the story. More than that though, this was a beautiful story about the relationships between mothers and daughters and sisters... and how those relationships can sometimes be complicated especially when secrets are being kept. I loved getting to know these three women, each of them with their own unique story and struggles to deal with. Each of them had a lot of personal growth to make throughout the story, but we also got to see their relationships evolve as well. It felt like a bit of a slower read, but it worked for their story. If you enjoy Christian women's fictions and stories of mothers and daughters, this is certainly one you'll want to add to your TBR.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Chloe Vance has just been offered the opportunity of a lifetime—teaching art at an international Christian school in beautiful Prague. But sharing the news with her mom, Edie, won’t be easy. Edie is still grieving the recent loss of her own mother and carrying a complicated relationship with her sister Gabriella, who chose to live her own life instead of staying close to home. Chloe’s sister Lauren, usually the “responsible” one, has just lost her job over a silly but embarrassing mistake and is feeling completely off balance. In the middle of all this chaos, Chloe—full of hope and heart—spontaneously plans a literary road trip to bring them all back together.

This story was such a sweet, soul-nourishing read. I absolutely adored Chloe—her joyful spirit, her faith, and the way she met her critical mother and overwhelmed sister with patience and love was honestly something to admire. The setting was just perfect too. Their journey through Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Iowa, visiting the homes of literary icons, gave the book a warm and nostalgic charm. I found myself wanting to plan the trip myself!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Revell for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book was a delight from start to finish—I truly loved it.