This book was a heartfelt journey through grief and redemption. It is a poignant and moving tale of loss, love, and unexpected connections.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"Where Butterflies Wander" by Suzanne Redfearn is a poignant exploration of grief and the resilience of the human spirit. Redfearn, known for her emotionally charged narratives, delivers yet another compelling tale that tugs at the heartstrings.

Set against the backdrop of a family estate in New Hampshire, the story follows Marie Egide as she grapples with the tragic loss of one of her children. Determined to forge a new path for her grieving family, Marie's resolve is tested when she encounters Davina, a war veteran known as "the river witch," who claims a piece of the family property as her own.

Redfearn masterfully weaves a tapestry of complex characters, each dealing with their own pain and guilt. The narrative delves deep into the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and what it truly means to start anew. The clash between Marie and Davina serves as a catalyst for the unfolding drama, drawing battle lines not just within the family, but also among the townspeople.

The novel's strength lies in its ability to portray the multifaceted nature of grief and the different ways individuals cope with it. Redfearn's characters are richly developed, their struggles and internal conflicts rendered with a realism that resonates with the reader. The tension escalates to a fever pitch, culminating in a series of events that force the characters to confront their deepest fears and desires.

"Where Butterflies Wander" is not just a story about loss; it's a testament to the enduring power of love and the hope that emerges from the darkest of times. Redfearn's narrative is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, a reminder that even in the face of insurmountable odds, there is always a chance for transformation and growth.

In conclusion, Suzanne Redfearn's latest novel is a must-read for those who appreciate literary fiction that not only entertains but also provokes thought and stirs the soul. It's a beautifully crafted reminder that, much like the butterflies that symbolize change and rebirth, we too have the capacity to emerge from our cocoons and soar into a new chapter of life.

This story is all the feels! So much sadness. Each person must find a way through loss or tragedy. Marie has lost a child and the children a sister. The dad tries to uphold the family by being there for everyone. And Davina has her own grieving to work through. Losing her daughter to a runaway husband the father of her child! Plus Davina has been gravely injured while on active duty and has had to carve out a life and she now thinks her daughter is better off with out her. I cried and laughed and more than once found myself frustrated with how someone was behaving! Read this beautiful story!

This has such a good solid start. Parts of it made me angry and anxious and I guess that's a good thing it evoke emotions in me. I did like the ending even though it was unexpected.

I enjoyed this book but it wasn’t for me as much as I wanted it to be, beautifully written, a moving and heartfelt story and an eye catching cover. I loved the characters and back story I just couldn’t click with some of them which to my great disappointment was itching away at the back of my mind needing that extra detail but that is by no means the situation to all the characters.

Great-full for the opportunity to read this book and will definitely be trying another by this author

DNF at 40%. This is my first DNF of 2024. I really wanted to love this book because it has such high ratings, but I just couldn't get into the book, the pace felt really slow for me. The characters felt a little over done for me, therefore I will be DNF'ING Where Butterflies Wander.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND LAKE UNION PUBLISHING FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!

A captivating exploration of grief, secrets, and the journey toward healing, this novel delves into the lives of the Egide family as they grapple with the loss of a child. During a short stay at a family home, the mother Marie inherited that they are planning to fix up to sell, they encounter Davina, a mysterious figure dubbed 'The River Witch,' residing in a cabin on the property. Davina is an injured war veteran harboring her own secrets, and the daughters in the family take to her pretty quickly. Tensions in the entire town arise as the family seeks to sell the property, necessitating Davina find a new home. What follows is a poignant tale of conflicting loyalties, unintended consequences, and the complexities of human connection.

Told through alternating perspectives of the main characters in succinct chapters, the narrative effectively captures the emotional depth of each individual's experience with grief, without descending into despair. The nuanced exploration of how loss impacts every member of the family adds layers of intrigue to the story, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

Many thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. Suzanne Redfearn writes books that hit you in the heart and make you think and this one is no different! Tragedy hits a family of 6, and they move to a family home for the summer to try and recover. While there, the family encounters a local woman living on their property and the intersection of the stories, memories, and the "why" is what makes you think how our actions and reactions affect not just ourselves. This was a great story.

Many thanks for the complimentary ARC kindly provided by NetGalley and the author/publisher.

At its core, Where Butterflies Wander touches on the idea of how one seemingly small things has a ripple effect. One second of inattention or misinterpretation of a situation can have a far greater impact. It also captures quite accurately that not often revealed NH small town feeling about outsiders.

Suzanne Redfearn has crafted an intricate story partly inspired by the 2021 ‘River Dave’ story in NH. Her hermit character, Davina is a wonderful choice that serves to make the story endearing. The mother of family that comes to town, Marie, is the “Ugly American” storming in and creating havoc in her wake. Whether intentional or not, the daughters Hannah and Pen fall in love with everything about the town, and interestingly that often happens with families that visit/vacation in northern NH - the children return as adults because of the fond memories from their childhood.

Bookgroups will love this book that includes discussion questions. There much to examine in the story. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

After a tragic accident claims the life of one of her children, Marie Egide is desperate to carve out a fresh start for her family. With her husband and their three surviving children, Marie travels to New Hampshire, where she plans to sell a family estate and then, just maybe, they’ll be able to heal from their grief.

Marie’s plans are thwarted when she realizes a war veteran known by locals as “the river witch” is living in a cabin on the property, which she claims was a gift from Marie’s grandfather. If Davina refuses to move on, Marie won’t be able to either.

The two women clash, and battle lines are drawn within Marie’s family and the town as each side fights for what they believe is right, the tension rising until it reaches its breaking point. And the choice is no longer theirs when a force bigger than them all—fate—takes control.

I received a digital ARC from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I love everything Suzanne Redfearn writes. This novel is emotional, yet hopeful and uplifting. I connected with each character, and felt their emotions along with them.

I believe readers who enjoy novels by Catherine Ryan Hyde will enjoy this one as well.

I'm pretty sure I've given all of Suzanne Redfearn's novels five stars and Where Butterflies Wander was no different. I loved it!

After a tragedy, the Egide family is hoping a change in location will help them with a fresh start. Marie, her husband, Leo and their three children travel to New Hampshire and the family estate that was left to Marie by her late grandfather. They plan to spend the summer getting the estate read to sell.

Unfortunately, plans are drastically changed after they meet Davina, a veteran many locals call “the river witch”. Davina has been living in a cabin on the property for many years. They quickly learn that Davina has no plans on moving. Needless to say, Marie is not happy about the change in plans. Davina and Marie both stand their ground. Their personalities collide and a standoff ensues.

I devoured this book!!

I was completely engrossed in this beautifully written story with its perfectly imperfect characters. The story is told from six points of view. We hear from Marie, her husband, Leo, their three children, as well as Davina the river witch. All the points of view melded together wonderfully.

Where Butterflies Wander is a compelling and moving story about grief, love, family, loss and healing. Realistic characters and a unique plot are among the many reasons I had a difficult time putting this book down.

The audio for this book was also phenomenal. Great narrators that were perfect for the characters they portrayed.

This is definitely one of my favorite reads of 2024!

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.

Where Butterflies Wander by Suzanne Redfearn follows the aftermath of a tragic accident for the remaining family members. A family of six has now become a family of five. To help heal from this trauma, the family moves to the ancestral home in NH for the summer. There they encounter a beloved community member who is also recovering from trauma. Their lives intersect in an unseen way that leads to conflict. Read and enjoy!

Where Butterflies Wander is a beautiful yet heartwretching story by Suzanne Redfearn. It's told, in turn, from the point of view of each of the 6 main characters. So, you feel like you get to know each one of them and care about them. I found the mom, Marie, very easy to dislike. At times she seemed to be missing a piece of her humanity. I think we're supposed to chalk it up to her trauma but it didn't feel like that was it, to me. Either way, this is a great written book that had me fully invested in each of the characters.
Marie Egide has recently lost one of her youngest daughters, a twin. She decides that now is the perfect time to visit her grandfather's estate, in New Hampshire, to both get it ready to sell and to get some space from the home where her daughter died. But when a wrench, a woman known as "the river witch", is thrown into her plans, her wrathful side rears its ugly head.
The witch is an injured veteran with ptsd, living on the property. She claims that Marie's grandfather gave her the home that she lives in but Marie can't sell the property with someone living there. Things go from bad to worse and soon the entire town is coming for Marie and her family. But life has a way of taking over and that's when Marie opens herself up to letting go.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! Where Butterflies Wander by Suzanne Redfearn is a family drama set in modern day. When the Egide family comes to their old family cottage following a life altering and devastating event, they got more than they bargained for. When confronted with doing things the right way or doing what is right, they don't always choose the right path. However, as they learn to trust each other and their neighbour, they find that being right is not always what it's cracked up to be. Through a series of unfortunate events they come to understand their long time tenant who lives in the small cottage on their property and ultimately grow and develop a better understanding of what it means to be not only a good citizen but also a contributing member of the family. I sympathised immensely with Marie. The author does a good job of creating a very strong yet self doubting character who only want what is best for her family but doesn't always go about it the right way. Overall, a good story that I would recommend to others.

I enjoyed this immensely! I was invested in each character and their point of views for each chapter. Well written and heart warming and grasping. I highly recommend this one!

This book is about family. Those we have and those we choose. This family is suffering. The loss of a child is always tragic and it is fresh on their minds when this family goes to her parent's home for the summer. Even more tragic is the child who tragically was lost by drowning is one of the twins, and the young girl who is left lonely without her sister is suffering mightily, as are her brother and older sister. The summer proves to be one of adventure for the children and change. Their grandfather's old house is without cable and internet, but the nearby lake offers possibilities, and the woods, wildlife, and people are a challenge to these urban-raised kids and parents. There is one lady who is squatting on the property. She is a lady of nature, a disfigured veteran, and a former nurse. She finds the backwoods and lake to be to her liking and was promised a place there while the grandfather was still alive. The daughter however feels differently. She sees the summer there as one to fix the place up and prepare it for the market. A lot happens in a few months and some wounds bleed more, What in the end will make them heal? Read this excellent book for a bit of hope and humanity.

Rounded up from 3.5 ⭐️

I enjoyed this book even though it is not usually my preferred genre. While I would consider it a "slow burn", the story kept my engagement & I enjoyed the character development throughout. The story felt well rounded & wrapped up (which I prefer when I reach the ending of a book!).

This was my first time reading Suzanne Redfearn but I would consider her other books having read "Where Butterflies Wander".

Thanks to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy in exhange for a review.

What an incredibly beautiful book. If you haven't read anything by Suzanne Redfearn, run, don't walk, to get a copy of Where Butterflies Wander (or any of her books for that matter.) She is a master storyteller.

Where Butterflies Wander follows the Egide family up to New Hampshire where they are looking for a fresh start after the tragic accident of one of the children. They move to Marie's family estate with plans to update and sell it when they learn of the "river witch" Davina who resides in a cabin on the property.

The story flows so well, with short chapters, lovely descriptions, and fabulous character development. I loved that this was based off the River Dave story from New Hampshire, one that I'm very familiar with since I live in New England. There are so many layers to this book and it was pure joy to find each one. I devoured Where Butterflies Wander.

Highly highly recommend this amazing story.
Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this story.
The writing was well done and it was easy to read. Unfortunately the story wasn’t a favourite of mine. The multi people chapter flipping was a bit much and I didn’t feel connected to any of them.
The story seemed to end too abruptly and there was loose ends for some of the characters.

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