Thank you to the author, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My apologies for the delay in posting this review, I am well behind and trying to catch up!

What a book - heavy and heartbreaking, but also so uplifting and powerful. The story is about two different kinds of circumstances, both heavy topics, hard to deal with and painful, and what happens when paths cross. One strand is that of two children of drug-addicted parents, the older girl trying to get her young brother away from their abusive and neglectful mother, and the other is that of an elderly couple who suffered a tremendous loss when their young son drowned years ago, and are now facing the loss of the love of your life to Alzheimer’s. The paths of these two very different people cross and both learn from the other. Emotional and heartwarming, but hard going at times due to the subject matter. This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last.

Payne writes with such heart. Her stories always amazes me and keeps me turning the pages.
This was a thought-provoking, emotional and suspenseful novel about secrets and the healing power of friends and family.
This was character driven story and all characters were brilliantly written.
The Wild Road Home was heart touching, deep, and emotional story.

While I liked this book and the storyline, it just was kind of flat and hard to keep my interest in. I think it was well written, but just kind of slower than I expected.

This book was a really good read! I’ve read other books by Melissa Payne but I think this one is probably my favorite. The main characters were absolutely wonderful. I grew to really care about them and felt a real connection to them and everything they went through. The Wild Road Home is a story about 2 different kinds of circumstances. The first being addiction and what that does to the children of drug addicted parents. The second is about being elderly and having suffered a tremendous loss and anticipating another loss of the love of your life due to Alzheimer’s and Cancer. I loved how the author brought these characters together, showing that opposites can come together and really feel love and concern for each other. It’s like they gave purpose to each others lives. I loved reading this and highly recommend it to others. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc. It’s a wonderful, feel good, optimistic story that easily deserves a 5 star rating!

This book is the true definition of you can't always choose your family, but you can make one. Blood isn't always thicker than water. Sometimes the best family one can have is the one they chose, not the one they were birthed too. This book is a testament that no matter where you started in your life, there are forces at work, that can help manifest you to better circumstances if one just believes.

In the most beautiful conceivable way, Melissa Payne's The Wild Road Home is a gut-punch and a heart-stab. This moving and heartwarming tale explores themes of loss, mistrust, sacrifice, fortitude, guilt, letting go, and deciding to support others even when one's own grief makes it difficult to do so.

After decades of marriage, Mack and Daisy are permanently changed by Daisy's devastating Alzheimer's diagnosis. Mack was certain that she would overcome cancer, but not the merciless grip of Alzheimer's. Mack went to Daisy's house on a regular basis but came to the conclusion that she would be better off without him. He made sure she was well taken care of, then pretended to be dead and lived off the grid in the untamed wilderness of Wyoming, alone with his thoughts. Daisy was not his only sadness, though.


In the interim, Troubled eighteen-year-old Brandi had just gotten out of juvenile detention, and her first priority was to get her younger brother out of his abusive and toxic "home" setting. Sy was a shadow in a corner, both emotionally and physically. The siblings stole a car and became lost without any necessities, like gas. The three immediately grew close via their common pain when Mack noticed them and understood how upset they were. They became a different kind of family because they were what each other needed at that particular time.

During her research for this book, the author and her travel companion embarked on exciting road journeys across Wyoming, where they were motivated by the amazing food, people, and scenery. The route in the book was also taken by her and her mother. Discuss about entering the thoughts of your fictional characters!

The story is written with great understanding, consideration, and sensitivity. It's highly character-driven, which is exactly my kind of thing. Despite grit and anguish, everyone has a deep-seated need for love and belonging, regardless of upbringing. The difficulties are genuine.

All The Feels - Including A Few Very Dusty Rooms. Payne is very much making a career out of intricate character stories that pack a lot of emotional depth and complexity in with a fair amount of drama and action, and this book is exactly in that vein. Here, we get truly visceral looks at the emotions surrounding death and abandonment, emotions which will be difficult for some and will cause the aforementioned dusty rooms for more. The way Payne can bring these things to life via her words is truly remarkable, and that she can do so in such a story without ever appearing preachy - if anything, pretty much the exact opposite - is even more remarkable.

If you're looking for a light and breezy "beach read", this isn't that. If you're looking for a "beach read" in that you can read this book while on a beach... and bawl your eyes out in the process... yeah, this is that kind of book.

Very much recommended.

This was my first experience with this author, but I can't say that it will be my last. I enjoyed this tale of sadness, grief, and redemption. Such an engaging story from beginning to end. I just instantly feel in love with the characters and rooted for them the entire time.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

By the author of The Night of Many Endings and A Light in the Forest, both of which I loved. Melissa Payne has written a story here that is so filled with love and hope. Of dreams and acceptance. Of family and loss. It's such a beautiful and sad story.

This story starts out making you have lots of tears. It's a subject that is sad.. Alzheimer disease. Also drug addiction. Also the love a sister has for her little brother. A story of a man who loves his wife so much he truly believes everything will be ok if only he can take her away. To a small cabin in the woods. This is like reading two books in one that intersect in a way that will have you rooting for and weeping for the characters. The main characters that is.

Mack's wife Daisy has Alzheimer’s and her unbeknownst to him her cancer has returned. Her best friend Peggy has power of attorney over her medical decisions. Daisy knew that Mack would not be able to let go. He would want to hang on to her even knowing that is not what she wants. She thought she was making it easier on him. But was it?

Brandi manages to get away from the group home she is in to go see about her brother Sy. He's just a little boy and is living with their drug addicted mother. Nancy, their mother is hooked on Meth and puts that first. She doesn't see what she is doing or has done to her children. Brandi finds Sy and they go on the run. Sy has lots of fears and he doesn't seem to remember Brandi completely. She's thirteen years older than him and has always been more of a mother to him than Nancy.

When paths cross these three will never be the same. Things will go in a direction that Mack never saw coming and Brandi could not have predicted. The things they go through and do together make them a force for sure. They build a friendship that will last a lifetime. But the things in their lives will make it much harder for them to remain together. Things take a turn rather quickly.

This book reminds me of a Catherine Ryan Hyde story. The way it brings two very troubled families together then keeps you hoping for all to be ok. If you love Ms Hyde's books you will love this one. It has all the love and beauty that you will adore. All the ups and downs that keep you on edge hoping they make it. All the emotion that keeps you grabbing tissues.

Thank you #NegGalley, #MelissaPaybe, #LakeUnionPublishers, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

Five big stars.

The book sounded like a captivating offering but I felt as if I were trudging through the chapters. I found that I did not connect with the characters, Every page contained too many sorrows.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sacrifice. Deep love, and forgiveness. Gripping story of Mack and Daisy, true love at its finest. Brandi and Sy, siblings suffering from their addicted Mother’s lifestyle.
Paths cross and the story begins. You will suffer through all of the emotions in this gripping novel.
Thank you Net Galley

Melissa Payne's latest emotionally charged novel, THE WILD ROAD HOME, brings together three strangers whose lives intertwine. The novel delves into the profound impact and power of friendship and family. Their unexpected connection sets them on a path of growth and second chances—a journey that will resonate with readers.

About...

A sister and brother on the run and a stranger living off the grid who may be their only hope. Trying to stay one step ahead of trouble. An unexpected connection becomes the saving grace for three unlikely souls who become friends in a heart-stirring novel about love, loss, moving forward, hope, and second chances for an unforgettable journey.

Mack Anders
Mack Anders is dedicated to his wife, Daisy, who suffers from Alzheimer's, and her cancer has returned. She needs expensive treatment that they cannot afford, so he fakes his own death to ensure the life insurance money will help take care of the love of his life with dignity and comfort. Even though his wife did not want to go through all the chemo again.

He lives off the grid in a cabin in the forest of Wyoming wilderness and would love to be with his wife, but now he cannot. They had appointed Daisy's best friend, Peggy as her legal guardian.

They ran out of money when they lost Anders Outfitters to a lying accountant, so things had been tight for the past ten years. She wanted him to let her go, but Mack knew deep down in his old broken heart that he could not do that.

He is living in the cabin his son Jesse always wanted. Jesse is no longer here. Mack wanted to bring Daisy to the cabin so he could take care of her and get her out of the facility, but she would not agree. Some days, she did not know him. Daisy and Mack were the perfect couple, and they did not work apart. (Think, The Notebook).

Brandi and brother Sy:
As fate would have it, eighteen-year-old Brandi has just been released from juvie. She is tough and strong-willed and had enough of her mom and her boyfriend's abuse, neglect, and drugs. Willing to risk everything to save her young brother, Sy, Brandi takes him on the run with the boyfriend's car but little does she know what is in the car until it is too late.

The only person she knows who could possibly take them in is her Aunt Casper. But she lives hours away, and she does not have a phone, money, or clothes for either of them. She is unsure of her address and how she will get them there.

The truck breaks down near the forest, and this is where they meet Mack. But she is not sure if she can trust him. Will he be able to help them get to their aunt's house? Little does Brandi and her brother know that Mack is supposed to be dead, but he risks everything to help them. In return Brandi may be saving Mack as well.

Let the fun begin on a road trip with two kindred souls and a scared little boy, as unexpected allies and support when neither sees an end or hope in sight. As danger closes in, each must decide how much they will risk for the other while staying one step ahead of trouble for them both.

My thoughts...

A humorous, moving, multigenerational tale of adventure, suspense, and finding your way.

I loved THE WILD ROAD HOME! You will root for these three from beginning to end. Brandi was rough around the edges and tough, but she loved her brother and would do anything to save him from their environment. Mack's deep love for Daisy was touching. A fun road trip with loads of adventure, danger, hope, new friendships, and some wise life lessons.

Deeply compelling, heartfelt, and character-driven, an exhilarating and emotional novel about grief, hope, friendship, and second chances. A journey to finding a place to call home.

From highly charged topics of child abuse, neglect, drug abuse, death, grief, illness, and so much more. Ultimately, uplifting and inspiring, filled with hope, love, kindness, and grace. A heart-stirring novel about the joy that comes from finding love and support in unexpected places

I enjoyed the author's previous book, A Light In The Forest; however, I enjoyed THE WILD ROAD HOME more—where sometimes family is not blood-related and second changes are found in the unlikely of places.

Recs...

THE WILD ROAD HOME is for fans of Catherine Ryan Hyde, Colleen Oakley, Susan Redfearn, Elizabeth Berg, Nicholas Sparks, and Fredrik Backman (all favorites). It is for readers who enjoy road trips and resonate with characters searching for redemption, love, and second chances.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing an advanced review copy via NetGalley.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: June 18, 2024
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Loved it!! I was looking forward to reading this because I LOVED all of Melissa Payne's previous books. This one didn't disappoint. The title describes the book perfectly. Mack, Sy and Brandi were on one wild road home. Little did they know,, they were meant to be with each other. Brandi and Sy would have never survived if they didn't meet Mack. They definitely would have never found their aunt's house. They were all exactly what each other needed. Brandi needed to see that there were people who would always be there for you. People who didn't put drugs and men before their own children. Mack found the family he was missing and he didn't need to be alone. Mack likes to take care of people. From the start I was hoping Brandi would make it to Aunt Heather's house and have a happing ending. There were so many obstacles in their way. A flat tire, no idea how to actually get to Aunt Heather's house, no money, and empty gas tank and a car full of drugs...just to name a few. I was waiting for a cop to pull them over and discover all the meth. Aunt Heather's house was such an emotional scene and not what I was expecting. Loved how Sy immediately bonded with Mack and was always holding his stump. Mack truly loved Daisy and wanted the best for her. He survived so much. A bear attack, the loss of his child and now his wife. Mack visiting Daisy in the nursing home is heartbreaking.

Definitely recommend the book. I felt like I was traveling with Mack, Brandi and Sy. Loved the story, writing style and characters. The book was full of love, forgiveness, tragedy, grief and so much more. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Loved the cover.

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

Melissa Payne's "The wild road home" is a poignant tale of sacrifice, love, and redemption that grips the reader from the very first page. The story, centered around a mother battling her personal demons, delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and the lengths one will go to out of love for family.

The narrative weaves through the lives of characters entrenched in difficult circumstances. The main character, grappling with the loss of a child and the strain of his wife's illnesses, finds himself intertwined with the lives of Brandy and Sy, two children desperately in need of help. Payne masterfully portrays the struggles of the young, troubled girl, emphasizing the theme of sacrifice and the power of love.

One of the novel's strongest aspects is its character development. Each character evolves beautifully, their journeys rendered with a realism that makes their struggles and triumphs resonate deeply. The protagonist's arc is particularly compelling, as he navigates through grief and the challenges of caring for his ailing wife while becoming a beacon of hope for Brandy and Sy.

Despite the heavy themes, Payne's storytelling ensures that "The wild road home” is a book that can be devoured in one sitting. The narrative pace is well-maintained, and the emotional depth keeps the reader engaged throughout. The author balances moments of heartache with glimpses of hope, creating a reading experience that is both moving and ultimately uplifting.

This novel marks my first encounter with Melissa Payne's work, and it has left a lasting impression. Her ability to craft such a heartfelt and intricately woven story speaks volumes of her talent as a writer. I eagerly look forward to exploring more of her novels in the future.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Melissa Payne for providing an advanced copy of this remarkable book. "The wild road home” is a testament to the enduring power of love and the sacrifices we make for those we hold dear. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply emotional and beautifully written story.

A beautiful story that tugged at my heart. I loved the story of Mack and I was so sad for him and Daisy. I always enjoy Melissa Payne’s writing and The Wild Road Home is one of my favourites. I read this in two easy sittings, not wanting to put it down. If you want a book that makes you feel all your emotions then I highly recommend this one.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was my first book by Melissa and it will not be the last! What a beautiful story! You are going to feel so many different emotions while reading this book! I found myself going from laughing to crying to feelings of hurt and then hope. I also liked the elements of suspense woven into the story.

Mack loved his wife Daisy so much he faked his death so she could get the care she needed. Now living in a cabin in the Wyoming woods he meets Brandi and Sy when they have a flat tire. They are running from their past and Mack decides to help them.

This book covers deep topics from cancer and Alzheimers to addiction and the true meaning of found family. I loved Brandi! She was so strong and brave and doing what she could for her brother Sy. They make this unlikely trio who end up all helping each other more than they ever expected.

I thought the disability rep in the book was done well. I love books with found family vibes and once I got into this story I couldn’t put it down. This is going to tug on your heartstrings in the best way possible!

BOOK: THE WILD ROAD HOME
AUTHOR: MELISSA PAYNE
PUB DATE: JUNE 2024
👴🏻👫🏼
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
👫🏼👴🏻
This book was an emotional roller from the beginning to the end. This book was very beautiful and even more beautiful characters. I loved reading about our main characters, Mack, a 60+ year old man living alone in a forest, the love he felt for his wife and late child was palpable throughout the book. And Brandi, a teen traumatized by her childhood with her drug addict mom she's trying to protect her younger brother from the same. It was really touching to read, the sacrifices they made to keep their family safe.
👴🏻👫🏼
We follow Brandi and Mack on a three-day road trip, taking Sy to Brandi's Aunt. Mack and Brandi broke a lot of laws, but it was understandable. During that road trip, both Brandi and Mack rediscovered themselves and started to heal themselves slowly. It was nice to read.
👫🏼👴🏻
My favorite part of this book was the ending. It was perfect! When I was reading the book, I was anxious at how it was going to end, especially for Brandi. But, it was a HEA and Mack was able to come to terms with Daisy's condition.
👴🏻👫🏼
This book was very very good and I'd definitely recommend it
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The Wild Road Home is a lovely story about family those we have and those we create. By Melissa Payne, I thought several times how Brandi and Sy were fortunate to find Mack when hope was at a low point. There is much heartbreak in this emotionally rich story but also something inspiring, giving hope. Choices are made, consequences accepted and yet life going on in ways that enrich the people around. Not a story that I am likely to forget.

The writing is exquisite with descriptions so vibrant you feel as if you have been on this long road with the characters. Often dual perspectives don’t work in dramatic stories but this time it is well done. Kudos to the author.

Gorgeous, moving, heartbreaking, horrifyingly real, gritty, inspiring.

I loved this book, and you will too. If you don’t feel something (or everything) reading this book, I’m not sure you paid attention.

Read this beautiful book. That’s it, that’s the review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you GetRedPR, Melissa Payne, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Wild Road Home, a devastating story of love. The story has its characters broken into a million pieces and put back together. The situations were heartbreaking and emotional and had me on the edge with what could've been.

This book is the true definition of you can't always choose your family, but you can make one. Blood isn't always thicker than water. Sometimes the best family one can have is the one they chose, not the one they were birthed too. This book is a testament that no matter where you started in your life, there are forces at work, that can help manifest you to better circumstances if one just believes.

In the most beautiful conceivable way, Melissa Payne's The Wild Road Home is a gut-punch and a heart-stab. This moving and heartwarming tale explores themes of loss, mistrust, sacrifice, fortitude, guilt, letting go, and deciding to support others even when one's own grief makes it difficult to do so.

After decades of marriage, Mack and Daisy are permanently changed by Daisy's devastating Alzheimer's diagnosis. Mack was certain that she would overcome cancer, but not the merciless grip of Alzheimer's. Mack went to Daisy's house on a regular basis but came to the conclusion that she would be better off without him. He made sure she was well taken care of, then pretended to be dead and lived off the grid in the untamed wilderness of Wyoming, alone with his thoughts. Daisy was not his only sadness, though.


In the interim, Troubled eighteen-year-old Brandi had just gotten out of juvenile detention, and her first priority was to get her younger brother out of his abusive and toxic "home" setting. Sy was a shadow in a corner, both emotionally and physically. The siblings stole a car and became lost without any necessities, like gas. The three immediately grew close via their common pain when Mack noticed them and understood how upset they were. They became a different kind of family because they were what each other needed at that particular time.

During her research for this book, the author and her travel companion embarked on exciting road journeys across Wyoming, where they were motivated by the amazing food, people, and scenery. The route in the book was also taken by her and her mother. Discuss about entering the thoughts of your fictional characters!

The story is written with great understanding, consideration, and sensitivity. It's highly character-driven, which is exactly my kind of thing. Despite grit and anguish, everyone has a deep-seated need for love and belonging, regardless of upbringing. The difficulties are genuine.