Review: The Runaway Wife – Rowan Coleman

From the internationally bestselling author of Lessons in Laughing Out Loud comes a moving and heartwarming novel about a woman who escapes an abusive relationship and flees with her young daughter in search of a kind stranger she met many years earlier.

Remembering the letter that says, “You are a remarkable woman and you deserve all the happiness, contentment, and love in the world. I, for one, know that I have never met anyone quite like you,” Rose Pritchard turns up on the doorstep of a B&B in England’s lake district. It is her last resort, as she and her seven-year-old daughter Maddie have left everything behind. They have come to the village of Millthwaite in search of the person who once offered Rose hope.

Almost immediately Rose wonders if she’s made a terrible mistake—if she’s chasing a dream—but she knows in her heart that she cannot go back. She’s been given a second chance—at life, and love—but will she have the courage to take it?

Blending wit, insight, and emotion with a sensitive touch and a warm dose of humor, Rowan Cowan has crafted a poignant novel that will linger with you long after the final page has been turned.

Series:
Release Date: November 12th 2013
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: Edelweiss
Reviewer: Joelle
Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

This is the first book I have read by Rowan Coleman. It will not be my last! I enjoyed her style of writing, how she reveals a bit of “backstory” at a time & makes it flow right along with the present story being told.

Rose is a troubled character and readers will be captured by her & her daughter Maddie from the start. As I was reading, I put myself in her shoes–to leave home with my small child and nothing but the clothes on my back? I am not sure I would have the courage to do what Rose does in this story. For much of the book, Rose also doubts herself and that is mostly due to her years spent with her abusive husband. Her dysfunctional childhood did nothing to boost her confidence either. Rose has pinned all of her hopes on one chance encounter with a stranger that leads her to small village far away from her abusive husband.

I hate to simplify this story, but I also don’t want to give too much away. I will say that Rose learns a lot about herself–her self-worth, her strength, her true capabilities on this journey. Just as importantly (or maybe because of her self-discovery?) she improves her relationships with family members, men and new friends. Readers might find themselves examining some relationships in their own lives that require reconciliation or repair–I know I did. This book has a “happy ending”, but it’s also very realistic. There is a lot of heartache beofre Rose finds happiness and a sense of purpose.

Read it, it’s definitely worth it!