I fell in love with the characters. Emerson is only 8 but he sure is a smart boy who stands up to his grandmother and somehow felt she was dying. He ran away so the housekeeper would call his Aunt Darcy who hasn't been home in 8 years.
Through pain, mistakes and not communicating they learn from Emerson who won't let them give up on each other anymore that they can learn to love once again. As much as I loved Emerson, my favorite part of the story was when Darcy finally confronted her mother. She told her mother she had figured out that her father was unfaithful to her mother and because of that they let the hatred of each other, put her and her sister in a prison. They didn't come home, they didn't spend time with them, it was their hatred of each other that created the life her and her sister had. She was still giving Emerson that same life and it was time to end it. Oh if this was to happen in real life, maybe life would be so much better for so many kids. But I am reviewing the book and to get everyone's attention, Emerson ran away again. Emerson and his Aunt Darcy ended up in the river and Michael saved them. After that, they began to heal as a family and the friendship that had ended years ago, thanks to Darcy telling her mother it wasn't her friend's fault. She kept her husbands secret and he was a predator and that is what a predator does, goes after women.
This was such a well-written story and I am hoping there will be another book to tell Darcy, Michael and Emerson's story.

Really enjoyed this read. Families are so complicated and sometimes dysfunctional. Darcy runs away for 8 years from her family due to a tragedy she believes was her fault. She ends up going home out of guilt and tries to make sense of all she lost by running. Ms Nolfi writes with such feeling as if she lived the story.

Enjoyed the book! Thank goodness for Samson or Darcy would still be splitting her lunch in half every day and moving to a different town every year for the rest of her life. Rosalind was an awful mother and was simply cruel to her daughter. Actually, Rosalind was mean to pretty much everyone she met. I'm not sure how she could blame Darcy for everything. She even blamed Darcy for Elizabeth getting pregnant. I hate to say it, but I found Emerson completely annoying. I couldn't believe Darcy was going to let an eight year old dictate who she was allowed to date or fall in love with. I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Darcy's dad and sister. I thought there was going to be some huge mystery behind their deaths, especially since Darcy was to blame according to her mom. What happened to them was awful and it wasn't what I was expecting. Thankfully Darcy, Elizabeth and eventually Emerson had Latrice when they were growing up. She pretty much raised them and let them know that they were loved. Tippi was quite the character. She always dressed in black, played poker and had many boyfriends.

Definitely recommend the book. I enjoyed the story and the writing style. I loved the cover of the book. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The book was so wonderful for so many reason. This was my first book read by Christina and was very grateful to have had the opportunity to to be introduced to her work. I’m definitely looking forward to her other books. I’m not sure if this book was intended to begin a series but I hope another book can be made to continue.

I love books like this because it reminds you of how short life is and no matter what’s going on, you have time to mend relationships before it’s too late. You just know when you start reading that you will love it once you forget time and just keep going. This book was everything that I need right now. Christine truly blesses the reader with a beautifully written story, characters that leave an imprint on your heart and a reminder of the gift of time in life that some forget to cherish.

The Road Left Behind introduces us to the Goodridge family. From the outside, it would appear the ideal family. Prominent, well established with a reputation that was known to all. Behind the scenes told a different narrative. One night changed their family forever. Darcy, plagued with guilt and burdened the weight of resentment from her mother, left home with no intentions to ever come back. Out of the blue one day she received a call, pleading for her return, she made the choice to face her past and return to the place she’d tried so hard to put past her.

Secrets are revealed, truths are are told and the road to healing gives Darcy a path she’d thought would never happen. Redemption, love, forgiveness paves the way that all roads lead to home is where the heart is.

Overall, I thought this was a wonderful book that gives the reader beautiful story that leaves you feeling good. Everything characters brings something to the book that fits like a puzzle. No one is perfect. Those imperfections bring substance and depth that allow the characters to grow and embrace their journey. I think you will enjoy this one and recommend you adding to your tbr.

To start, this is the first novel by Christine Nolfi that I read. I didn't know what to expect when I picked this book. I have mixed feelings about the story in the first few pages, but as the story progressing I became fond of this book.

I liked every character of this novel (even Darcy's mother who seem cold and distant) but I love Darcy most because she tried to be the bigger person even though she hasn't been able to resolve her feelings. I am also thankful for other characters; Emerson, Michael, and the ever so lovely Samson for being a rock for Darcy.

A story about guilt, grief, secrets, resentment, and how they deal with all of them despite obstacles they're facing. In the end, while healing is not linear, it is heartwarming that the characters in this story grow and moving forward to the better.

What a beautiful, beautiful story! There are still years in my eyes as I think about this heartwarming story. All I can say is that I want more of this story, more of these lovely beloved characters! This is one of the Best of 2019!

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

I am a Christine Nolfi fan. With each book of her that I pick up I know that I will meet some wonderful, fully developed characters that tell a story that pull me right in and won’t let me go until I read the last page. The Road She Left Behind is exactly what I was hoping for. I started the book one morning, became invested in the characters and their story, and was unable to put it down until I finished the last page.

Darcy left her home, her family, and everything she knew when she lost her sister and her father. She continued to run from life until she was forced to return home. While I loved that she was returning home, possibly dealing with the reasons that she left in the first place, I was still worried that her mother wouldn’t allow her to heal.

Emerson was the reason for the return home and he was wonderful. A cute 8-year-old boy that was more observant than most children, who grew up under the thumb of a grandmother who didn’t know how to show her love, yet he was full of love, life, and understanding. His spunk, his love of life, and his smarts all endeared him to me. I became invested in this little boy and hoped that he would be able to keep his family together.

This is a beautiful, family story. It shows how families are not always perfect but they do support each other in tough times. Darcy comes home, works towards mending her relationships with those that she ran from, and manages to find the happiness that she never thought she deserved.

Thank you to Net Galley and Lake Union for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by Christine Nolfi and I really enjoyed it. Consumed by guilt over the death of her sister and father, Darcy has spent the last few years away from home. Even though she promised her sister she would take care of Emerson (her nephew), she just feels like she can't go home. One day she receives a phone call letting her know that Emerson is missing and she needs to come home. After some careful thought, she returns and starts to rebuild relationships with her family. A good story about family and learning to forgive in the wake of a family tragedy.

I wasn't sure I liked the main character, Darcy when I first started reading. She seemed a little two dimensional when first meeting her. I grew to love her as she opened up to forgive herself. I absolutely loved Samson from the moment I "met" him. What a lovable young man. I love how he never gave up on Darcy.

Darcy is incredibly wounded and her soul needs healing. She and Samson travel back to her childhood home, where they receive quite a frosty welcome from her mother. This is the first time Darcy has been back to see her mother in eight years. Darcy has been running from herself after a family tragedy for which she blames herself. She finds solace from taking care of her nephew, Emerson and Samson, as well as reconnecting with her childhood friend, Michael. Michael is her bedrock.

This is a story about family and how to rebuild your family when all is broken. It is a story of hope and love. They find their North Star. Nolfi left me with hope and wonder, as well as leaving me wanting more. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the complimentery copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

#TheRoadSheLeftBehind #NetGalley

The Road She Left Behind is a nice story about second chances, redemption, and the discovery of truth. I thought the premise of the book was intriguing and I really enjoyed the first half. I will say though that I definitely was expecting more mystery and huge family secrets to be revealed, so it did fall a little flat for me. Additionally, I didn’t really connect with any of the characters, and didn’t find their connections and experiences with each other overly believable.

However, this book has phenomenal reviews, and it’s a pretty quick read. I think there’s definitely an audience for this one. It just wasn’t the right one for me (at this time).

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟💫

Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.

What happens to a family when tragedy tears it apart? This is the question Darcy Goodridge struggles with following the sudden death of her father and beloved sister. Feeling responsible for the accident, Darcy flees home and moves from one job and location to another every year. Eight years later another family emergency calls her home where she must face the past and determine how to move forward. The author has created relatable characters and a compelling storyline in The Road She Left Behind. Thanks to NetGalley and to Lake Union Publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Road She Left Behind is a story of love and lost; plus heartache. After running away from the heartache an event cause a girl to return home to find her nephew and learns her mother is dying. She faces her demons and overcomes problems. Finds she still loves her first boyfriend. Mending family and friends.

Christina Nolfi has matured as a writer since I began reading her novels several years ago. In the case of "The Road She Left Behind," she writes an insightful, honest look at a family who has been estranged for years. Darcy is a carefully crafted character, full of wariness towards all people because of her family issues. Samson, to me, brings all the characters together. He is an 18 year old former foster child who tags along for the ride back to Darcy's home. He has the heart and soul of being able to truly see beyond the turmoil that the family has created for themselves. This is a book I will go back and read again.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Once again, Christine Nolfi turns in a stellar examination of the impact of secrets on the lives of multiple generations. In her trademark descriptive prose, she peels back layers of assumptions, misunderstandings, and intentional misdirection to reveal the truth that tainted lives and relationships. Her characters are multi-faceted and true-to-life; they defy my ability to predict what they will do next. I was drawn in from the beginning and am glad to have watched their journey unfold to the surprising conclusion.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publishers via Netgalley. I offer my honest opinion in response.

The Road She Left Behind just blew me away. Such a great story—such turmoil and emotions. Darcy is running away from her past, running for eight years. Then all of sudden, she gets pulled back to the life that she was running to avoid.

There are so many secrets and lies from the past, things that cannot be forgiven—until they need to be in order for life to move on. The relationships and drama between the characters is what intrigued me about this story. Everyone and everything is so intertwined that figuring it all out is what drove me to keep turning the pages.

The story has amazing, strong, and interesting characters—characters who fight, support, and love each other. I loved the interactions between Rosalind, the staunch, upstanding judge, and her eight year old grandson, who is truly wise beyond his years.

I was excited to start reading The Road She Left Behind and was sad when I got to the last page. I wasn't ready to be done with this adventure and my time in this wonderful story. This is definitely a book that you are going to want to read as soon as possible.

"The things you own don't bring happiness."

Christine Nolfi always has a way of capturing me and pulling me in. Once again, in ROAD, she has written characters I can identify with and a story so engrossing it is difficult to put down until I’ve finished. There is deep pain and buried secrets with these characters. The main character, Darcy, goes back home after leaving eight years previously, with pain, to a bitter mother and beloved nephew. With all the secrets that come out, this book keeps you wondering and enthralled until the last words. I gratefully received an ARC from NetGalley, Lake Union and Christine Nolfi in exchange for my honest review. Christine Nolfi also kindly sent me the audiobook and I greatly enjoyed getting to listen to the fabulous narration by Megan Tusing.

Christine Nolfi made me fall in love with this book and all of its characters. Darcy held everything inside from the minute her family tragedy happened. 8 years later she goes home and it all starts to come open. I think Samson might have been my favorite character. So good hearted and kind. Just what the world needs more of. Thank you Netgalley for the wonderful opportunity to read this book early!!

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review! If I could I would date this higher! This page turning book will keep you guessing till the end! I could not put this down till I finished it! A first read from this author! So emotional reading this book that there were times I had tears in my eyes. I could feel the true sadness of Darcy. This book starts with so many secrets, regrets and sadness you pray she can move forward! The characters were great! I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read more from her! A must read !!!

There’s a saying you can never go home again. Is that really true? Well, Darcy Goodridge is about to find out. She ran away eight years ago when her father and sister died in a horrible car accident and has never considering coming home. She never felt truly loved or wanted by her mother in the first place, and the resentment after the accident was more than she could bear. So she left her mother and her infant nephew, and the man she loved, behind and began a transient life, never really making any deep connections and moving on every year because she couldn’t stand the thought of losing any more. But now her nephew has run away and she must go home to try and find him, and to see if there is anything left of the life she escaped.

What a wonderful, superbly told story this is. The people feel so real, you can imagine you are right there with them. So many secrets, such heartbreak. So many misunderstandings. Isn’t it time for it all to stop? But can it?

This is a book with a marvelous, compelling cast of characters, all with a backstory and tale to tell. So true to life. Even the unlikable folks have redeeming qualities, and your favorites have some flaws. And Darcy’s young friend Samson is a precious treat. As the story unfolds you learn more and more about the role everyone has played in this tragedy with long roots. Many surprises that you won’t see coming.

Thank you, author Christine Nolfi for writing this beautiful story and thank you, NetGalley for the privilege of reading and reviewing an advance copy of The Road She Left Behind. It makes you laugh and it makes you cry but ultimately it leaves you smiling because you feel so fulfilled and satisfied