Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.

Annie Wolff left her husband and two small children eight years ago. With depression running in her family she thought she was protecting them from the same heartache she herself experienced when she was a child. But when she finds out her ex-husband has died unexpectedly she has to go back home and make sure Connor and Grace, now teens and living with her in-laws, are okay. Eight years is a long time to be gone, but she’s made amazing progress and feels this is something she must do. She’s just not sure what awaits her and whether she’ll be able to handle it.

Wow. What an emotional read! For anyone who has never dealt with depression or a loved one that has it this is a book that should be at the top of your reading list. Annie’s journey is painful and yet hopeful. Her shaky strength is tested when she returns to her hometown to check on her kids. Originally, she thought only to see them from afar, make sure they’re ok, and return to her life in New Mexico. Well, things didn’t quite work out that way. Annie’s time back in Washington tests her over and over, but with help she manages to overcome. This story is hard, it’s painful, but it’s also wonderful, too. I found myself cheering her on, coaching her from my chair, and hoping things would work out okay. If you like having your heart put through the wringer then this is the book for you. ( )

Annie has never been the best mother. She left her children when they were young. She thought she was doing them a favor. Annie has depression and it is so debilitating and all consuming she had to leave her family behind. But, when she finds out her ex-husband has passed away, Annie must go to her children. Can she win back their trust and be the mom she has always wanted to be?

This story will break your heart on so many levels. Annie struggles to win back the children who don’t really want her back. She knows this is an uphill battle. But, she never gives up. I have to give credit to Wic Dubray and his wise mother, Mina for giving Annie the right shot of honesty she needs to keep going.

Need a story which will make you see how hard mental illness is and the struggles of a loving mother to overcome…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the author for an honest opinion. ( )

We often wonder how a mother can leave her children, isn't a mothers love all powerful? This novel is well written in that it opens up the door to understanding that sometimes a mothers all powerful love means to leave, as that is what is best. This novel dives deep into depression, anxiety and how the choices of a mother doesn't mean it has to be forever.

Annie made a decision eight years ago that changed her life, her children's lives and the lives of those around them. Her fathers children has died and he was the one person she trusted when she left, and he is now gone. That was why she was able to leave, that was in the best interest of everyone and now the best interest may be her making another choice that many may not understand.

This novel gives depth to how depression and anxiety works, and how mentally it can make someone believe the decisions they make are for the best not realizing the impact it may have. But in order to help someone else, you first need to be grounded and stable yourself. A good, family dynamic read that brings a lot of hard topics to the surface.

Thank you to the author for the free ebook and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This novel gave me a little more understand of how mentally depression can take over someones thoughts and life. ( )