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Where Butterflies Wander
From the bestselling author of In an Instant comes the moving story of a family grappling with grief and a woman with the power to help them through it—or stand in their way.
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.
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.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2024
About the author
Suzanne Redfearn
11 books1,802 followersSuzanne Redfearn is the award-winning author of Six novels: Hush Little Baby, No Ordinary Life, In an Instant, and Hadley & Grace, Moment in Time, and Where Butterflies Wander. In addition to being an author, she’s also an architect specializing in residential and commercial design. She lives in Laguna Beach, California, where she and her husband own two restaurants: Lumberyard and Slice Pizza and Beer. You can find her at her website, www.SuzanneRedfearn.com, on Facebook at SuzanneRedfearnAuthor, or on Instagram at SuzanneRedfearn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 747 reviews
March 23, 2024
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I really wanted to like this book but I had a tough time connecting to the characters and I found too many unbelievable things throughout. Let's start with the characters. The first thing that irked me was how mature the children seemed. They are eight, twelve and fifteen and they spoke and thought like adults. I can accept that a twelve-year-old and fifteen-year-old are "adult-like" in some ways but when I read the first inner thoughts of eight-year-old Pen the book lost me. Below you will find an example...
Malformed? An eight-year-old calls a mushroom malformed? I am sorry but that was the first straw. Now, if that was the only case of this little girl talking and/or thinking like that I could let it pass but it went on and on that way throughout the book. Please do not come at me, I know the kids went through a lot and had to grow up pretty fast because of their circumstances but I have lots of experience with children, one of which has a genius IQ and the other is borderline. My boys were both smarter than me growing up but never ever would they have used the word malformed, at eight years old or otherwise. (Rant over)
I get why this has such a high rating, it's gut-punchingly emotional, the writing style is easy to read and the story is interesting and unique. I just couldn't take chapter after chapter of children sounding like adults. It ruined the enjoyment of the book for me because when reading emotional family dramas like this the first thing I expect as a reader is realistic, especially when it comes to internal thoughts and dialogue. I get that writing children is hard, that's why I appreciate so much when it is done right.
The other character issue I had with the story was the mother, Marie. She is going through the worse thing a parent could possibly imagine and she was a total bitch. I felt no sympathy for her whatsoever. And the son, Brendon was such a spoilt brat I wanted to throat-punch him. He talked like an adult but acted like an infant. The father was a weakling, plain and simple. I mean grow a pair, man! (I guess the rant wasn't over)
The drama involving Davina felt drawn out and repetitive. And her saviour coming to her rescue didn't fly with me. Even if I buy that someone would do that the simplicity of her getting into it so fast without paperwork or anything was a joke. I am purposely being vague so as not to spoil it for other readers. I don't like having my emotions played with, just because a book is sad doesn't mean I am going to automatically like it.
I really wanted to like this book but I had a tough time connecting to the characters and I found too many unbelievable things throughout. Let's start with the characters. The first thing that irked me was how mature the children seemed. They are eight, twelve and fifteen and they spoke and thought like adults. I can accept that a twelve-year-old and fifteen-year-old are "adult-like" in some ways but when I read the first inner thoughts of eight-year-old Pen the book lost me. Below you will find an example...
I hear the river through the trees and know it’s close. It sounds wide and lazy, not concerned in the least, as truly powerful things often are. As I walk, I collect leaves and berries to show Dad. I’ve also found what I think is a mushroom. It’s the size of my hand and was growing from the side of one of the trees. It’s not pretty like the sort of mushrooms we buy in the store with round umbrella tops and stems, but rather malformed and dark, like a chunk of burned charcoal. It smells a little like wet dirt, but I’m hoping it’s actually something wonderful that Dad, Hannah, and I can cook with.
Malformed? An eight-year-old calls a mushroom malformed? I am sorry but that was the first straw. Now, if that was the only case of this little girl talking and/or thinking like that I could let it pass but it went on and on that way throughout the book. Please do not come at me, I know the kids went through a lot and had to grow up pretty fast because of their circumstances but I have lots of experience with children, one of which has a genius IQ and the other is borderline. My boys were both smarter than me growing up but never ever would they have used the word malformed, at eight years old or otherwise. (Rant over)
I get why this has such a high rating, it's gut-punchingly emotional, the writing style is easy to read and the story is interesting and unique. I just couldn't take chapter after chapter of children sounding like adults. It ruined the enjoyment of the book for me because when reading emotional family dramas like this the first thing I expect as a reader is realistic, especially when it comes to internal thoughts and dialogue. I get that writing children is hard, that's why I appreciate so much when it is done right.
The other character issue I had with the story was the mother, Marie. She is going through the worse thing a parent could possibly imagine and she was a total bitch. I felt no sympathy for her whatsoever. And the son, Brendon was such a spoilt brat I wanted to throat-punch him. He talked like an adult but acted like an infant. The father was a weakling, plain and simple. I mean grow a pair, man! (I guess the rant wasn't over)
The drama involving Davina felt drawn out and repetitive. And her saviour coming to her rescue didn't fly with me. Even if I buy that someone would do that the simplicity of her getting into it so fast without paperwork or anything was a joke. I am purposely being vague so as not to spoil it for other readers. I don't like having my emotions played with, just because a book is sad doesn't mean I am going to automatically like it.
March 31, 2024
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. The characters acted differently than what their age was, which is okay considering what they went through, but it was a bit too much for me. Some of the wording just didn't sit well with me. I typically don't DNF, but these are just my opinions, so please don't come at me, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and these are mine.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND LAKE UNION PUBLISHING FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND LAKE UNION PUBLISHING FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
August 16, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
Marie Egide and her family are grieving the loss of Bee after a tragic accident. Desperate for a chance of a fresh start, the family travel to New Hampshire to a property Marie has inherited but never lived in. The plan is to sell it and then move on to pastures new. However, Davina Lister, the “River Witch“ lives in a cabin on the property, the land given to her she believes by Marie’s grandfather years before. However, nothing is ever simple, things do not go to plan for either Marie or Davina as battle lines are drawn.
Suzanne Redfearne is the author of some lovely books and this latest has a very thoughtful premise and some powerful scenes. It starts by looking at the grieving of the Egide family and the portrayal of this is done very well and you feel the weight of its burden and it then examines how their grief changes. It also looks at what makes you happy and what is of value to you personally which is viewed through several characters lives, especially Davina. She is a wonderful magnetic character, she too has many burdens to carry and I love the wise woman/sort of fairytale element she brings to the storytelling. Whilst I appreciate Marie is struggling, she is a very hard character to like whilst her daughters Pen and Hannah charm you.
As the novel progresses, the multiple strands to the storytelling become clearer to see, especially what each of them is wrestling with or concealing. The atmosphere in the small community changes, there is a growing antagonism and anger as things could potentially get nasty and dangerous. The tension grows and that is palpable.
However, much as there is a great deal to praise here, I initially find the book confusing. There are too many points of view in my opinion and this halts the flow and the very short chapters don’t allow some situations to fully develop. It also means there’s a lot going on which sometimes gets a bit too much.
Although I think this book is good, it’s not in the same league as ‘Hadley and Grace’.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Lake Union for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Marie Egide and her family are grieving the loss of Bee after a tragic accident. Desperate for a chance of a fresh start, the family travel to New Hampshire to a property Marie has inherited but never lived in. The plan is to sell it and then move on to pastures new. However, Davina Lister, the “River Witch“ lives in a cabin on the property, the land given to her she believes by Marie’s grandfather years before. However, nothing is ever simple, things do not go to plan for either Marie or Davina as battle lines are drawn.
Suzanne Redfearne is the author of some lovely books and this latest has a very thoughtful premise and some powerful scenes. It starts by looking at the grieving of the Egide family and the portrayal of this is done very well and you feel the weight of its burden and it then examines how their grief changes. It also looks at what makes you happy and what is of value to you personally which is viewed through several characters lives, especially Davina. She is a wonderful magnetic character, she too has many burdens to carry and I love the wise woman/sort of fairytale element she brings to the storytelling. Whilst I appreciate Marie is struggling, she is a very hard character to like whilst her daughters Pen and Hannah charm you.
As the novel progresses, the multiple strands to the storytelling become clearer to see, especially what each of them is wrestling with or concealing. The atmosphere in the small community changes, there is a growing antagonism and anger as things could potentially get nasty and dangerous. The tension grows and that is palpable.
However, much as there is a great deal to praise here, I initially find the book confusing. There are too many points of view in my opinion and this halts the flow and the very short chapters don’t allow some situations to fully develop. It also means there’s a lot going on which sometimes gets a bit too much.
Although I think this book is good, it’s not in the same league as ‘Hadley and Grace’.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Lake Union for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 4, 2024
After 8-year-old Phoebe ("Bee") Egide dies in a tragic accident her mother Marie, her husband and their three surviving children, one of whom is Bee's twin, travel to New Hampshire to fix up and sell a family estate. Unknown to Marie, Davina Lister, a veteran who was injured in Afghanistan and is badly scarred as a result, lives in a small cabin on the property and has lived there for 20 years or more. Davina had permission to live in the cabin from Marie's grandfather who has now passed away.
The story is mainly about the Egide family and their interactions with Davina. There are quite a few characters in the story which is told from the points of view of the different Egide family members and Davina herself. Some of the characters are very unlikeable and others are easy to care about. The chapters are short, it's a good story and the book is a pretty quick read. I enjoyed it a lot and got pretty teary-eyed near the end. I decided to rate this at 5 Stars because it flowed well and held my attention throughout.
Word of the day: "smaragdine" is an emerald green colour!
TW: Injury to a dog.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: February 6, 2024
The story is mainly about the Egide family and their interactions with Davina. There are quite a few characters in the story which is told from the points of view of the different Egide family members and Davina herself. Some of the characters are very unlikeable and others are easy to care about. The chapters are short, it's a good story and the book is a pretty quick read. I enjoyed it a lot and got pretty teary-eyed near the end. I decided to rate this at 5 Stars because it flowed well and held my attention throughout.
Word of the day: "smaragdine" is an emerald green colour!
TW: Injury to a dog.
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: February 6, 2024
January 7, 2024
After a tragic accident in her family, Marie Egide thinks a fresh start is what they need, she knows the perfect place, her late grandfather’s house in Merrimack County, in New Hampshire. Marie, her husband Leo, son Brendon and daughters Hannah and Penelope and dog Banjo set of for their adventure, the plan is to spend the summer at the house, tidy it up for sale and move to Farmington.
Marie’s preparations go out the window when she discovers Divina Lister, a return army veteran is living in a cabin on her land and the locals call her “the river witch”, she claims Marie's grandfather told her she could live there for as long as she wants and Davina refuses to leave. Marie gets fixated on her rights, she and Leo have been working hard and paying the rates and taxes on the place for years and Davina has nothing in writing to back up her claim. Battle lines are drawn, and town’s residents become involved and the situation gets extremely tense.
When a fire starts in timberland and it triggers a train of events and both women have to face the pain of their pasts, it's the only way to move forward, they have more in common than they think and will they call a truce to the hostilities?
I received a copy of Where Butterflies Wander by Suzanne Redfearn from Lake Union Publishing and in exchange for an honest review. The narrative looks relevant topics and it makes you think what you would do in situation the two main characters Marie and Davina find themselves in. The message I got from reading the narrative is doing one bad thing doesn’t make a you a bad person, you need to learn from your mistakes and get help to cope with the loss of a loved one or PSTD and you can't escape grief.
I found it sweet how Pen believed her sister Phoebe's spirit lived on in butterflies and she found comfort in speaking to her every day and how can such a young girl be so wise. Four stars from me, perfect choice for readers who enjoy books by Catherine Ryan Hyde and both authors have a similar emotional style of writing.
Marie’s preparations go out the window when she discovers Divina Lister, a return army veteran is living in a cabin on her land and the locals call her “the river witch”, she claims Marie's grandfather told her she could live there for as long as she wants and Davina refuses to leave. Marie gets fixated on her rights, she and Leo have been working hard and paying the rates and taxes on the place for years and Davina has nothing in writing to back up her claim. Battle lines are drawn, and town’s residents become involved and the situation gets extremely tense.
When a fire starts in timberland and it triggers a train of events and both women have to face the pain of their pasts, it's the only way to move forward, they have more in common than they think and will they call a truce to the hostilities?
I received a copy of Where Butterflies Wander by Suzanne Redfearn from Lake Union Publishing and in exchange for an honest review. The narrative looks relevant topics and it makes you think what you would do in situation the two main characters Marie and Davina find themselves in. The message I got from reading the narrative is doing one bad thing doesn’t make a you a bad person, you need to learn from your mistakes and get help to cope with the loss of a loved one or PSTD and you can't escape grief.
I found it sweet how Pen believed her sister Phoebe's spirit lived on in butterflies and she found comfort in speaking to her every day and how can such a young girl be so wise. Four stars from me, perfect choice for readers who enjoy books by Catherine Ryan Hyde and both authors have a similar emotional style of writing.
January 26, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Contemporary
The Egide family flees to a New Hampshire estate in search of solace after the death of a member of their family. While there, they face a mysterious "river witch" and discover some shocking secrets.
The river witch, Davina, has an eerie affinity for the natural world and says Marie's grandpa gave her the cabin as a gift. The situation escalates into a tense standoff. Evicting Davina is something that Marie is motivated to do because she wants to sell the estate and move on with her life. Hannah and Pen, her two teenage daughters, have different perspectives on the matter.
Pen is wary of Davina's peculiar behavior, while Hannah sees a kindred spirit in the woman who is shunned by society. Secrets start to come to light as tensions grow. The standoff intensifies between the two parties until the whole thing comes to a satisfying resolution. Both parties will find themselves facing their own insecurities, pain, and disturbing pasts.
The narrative is thought-provoking, and the premise as a whole does not have complete black-and-white areas. There are no bad guys in this story, only those individuals who view things from their unique points of view. As a reader, this will make you judge the characters’ certain actions without being overly critical of their bigger motive.
The story is beautifully written, and the characters are fleshed out. The only drawback for me is that the narration is in “own voice” and from six characters’ perspectives. When a story needs to be told from multiple points of view, I prefer the narration to be in a third-person style. This is something that pertains to my individual preferences, and if you are okay with such a structure, it should not have any impact on the enjoyment you get out of everything. The chapters are relatively brief, which means that you can read them in a concise amount of time.
“Only when you lose the desire for the things that don’t matter do you start to have fun”
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced reader copy of this book.
Genre: Contemporary
The Egide family flees to a New Hampshire estate in search of solace after the death of a member of their family. While there, they face a mysterious "river witch" and discover some shocking secrets.
The river witch, Davina, has an eerie affinity for the natural world and says Marie's grandpa gave her the cabin as a gift. The situation escalates into a tense standoff. Evicting Davina is something that Marie is motivated to do because she wants to sell the estate and move on with her life. Hannah and Pen, her two teenage daughters, have different perspectives on the matter.
Pen is wary of Davina's peculiar behavior, while Hannah sees a kindred spirit in the woman who is shunned by society. Secrets start to come to light as tensions grow. The standoff intensifies between the two parties until the whole thing comes to a satisfying resolution. Both parties will find themselves facing their own insecurities, pain, and disturbing pasts.
The narrative is thought-provoking, and the premise as a whole does not have complete black-and-white areas. There are no bad guys in this story, only those individuals who view things from their unique points of view. As a reader, this will make you judge the characters’ certain actions without being overly critical of their bigger motive.
The story is beautifully written, and the characters are fleshed out. The only drawback for me is that the narration is in “own voice” and from six characters’ perspectives. When a story needs to be told from multiple points of view, I prefer the narration to be in a third-person style. This is something that pertains to my individual preferences, and if you are okay with such a structure, it should not have any impact on the enjoyment you get out of everything. The chapters are relatively brief, which means that you can read them in a concise amount of time.
“Only when you lose the desire for the things that don’t matter do you start to have fun”
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced reader copy of this book.
July 19, 2024
A family who's child dies unexpectedly is attempting to manage their grief and although the subject matter deals with the loss of a child, there's a lot of uplift and hope in the story.
Multiple main characters are mostly likable, save for the matriarch who annoyed me because she was wound up a little tight. However, I could empathize with her feelings and I enjoyed the other protagonists.
Recommended by two GR friends, I'm happy to have read this as it hit that in between spot of light-weight and serious.
June 24, 2024
Will a family that’s so broken ever be able to heal!
Six weeks ago, the Egide family – Leo, Marie, and their three children, Hannah (15), Brendon (12), and Penelope ‘Pen’ (8) – suffered a loss so great that they can no longer live in the house where it happened. So, they’re spending the summer in a small town in New Hampshire, at the large estate Marie inherited from her grandfather twenty years ago, which has sat vacant ever since. The plan is to get it ready to sell, but living in a cabin in the woods on the property is a woman named Davina (who’s own life has been marred by tragedy). Davina had a verbal agreement with Marie’s grandfather that she could live at the cabin as long as she needed, and she has no intention of leaving. Battle lines are drawn – a feud that will divide the Egide family, divide the community.
‘It’s easy to cast stones when you’re not the one being asked to make the sacrifice.’
Where Butterflies Wander was a novel about a family in crisis – Marie’s grief, bitterness, jealousy, resentment and anger was often so strong that it hindered her children’s healing journey. Even though I had a huge amount of sympathy and empathy for what Marie was going through, her selfishness and entitlement meant I liked her character the least, so it was a relief that I only had to spend every sixth chapter in her head. Every family member, plus Davina narrated. Davina, Hannah, and Pen were my favourites. The novel was beautifully written, and the multiple POV’s and short chapters meant this was a quick, steady-paced read. The story reminded me a lot of something Jodi Picoult might write. And while it wasn’t as impacting or shocking as Suzanne Redfearn’s, In An Instant, it was still a powerful, heartfelt, inspiring, emotional read focusing on trauma, recovery, and forgiveness. I’m glad I read it!
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Suzanne Redfearn for the e-ARC.
Six weeks ago, the Egide family – Leo, Marie, and their three children, Hannah (15), Brendon (12), and Penelope ‘Pen’ (8) – suffered a loss so great that they can no longer live in the house where it happened. So, they’re spending the summer in a small town in New Hampshire, at the large estate Marie inherited from her grandfather twenty years ago, which has sat vacant ever since. The plan is to get it ready to sell, but living in a cabin in the woods on the property is a woman named Davina (who’s own life has been marred by tragedy). Davina had a verbal agreement with Marie’s grandfather that she could live at the cabin as long as she needed, and she has no intention of leaving. Battle lines are drawn – a feud that will divide the Egide family, divide the community.
‘It’s easy to cast stones when you’re not the one being asked to make the sacrifice.’
Where Butterflies Wander was a novel about a family in crisis – Marie’s grief, bitterness, jealousy, resentment and anger was often so strong that it hindered her children’s healing journey. Even though I had a huge amount of sympathy and empathy for what Marie was going through, her selfishness and entitlement meant I liked her character the least, so it was a relief that I only had to spend every sixth chapter in her head. Every family member, plus Davina narrated. Davina, Hannah, and Pen were my favourites. The novel was beautifully written, and the multiple POV’s and short chapters meant this was a quick, steady-paced read. The story reminded me a lot of something Jodi Picoult might write. And while it wasn’t as impacting or shocking as Suzanne Redfearn’s, In An Instant, it was still a powerful, heartfelt, inspiring, emotional read focusing on trauma, recovery, and forgiveness. I’m glad I read it!
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Suzanne Redfearn for the e-ARC.
March 21, 2024
“Just ‘cause someone’s gone doesn’t mean they’re not still part of us.” Then, not realizing I was going to say it out loud until the words are leaving my mouth, mutter, I’m afraid I’m going to forget.”
The title and beautiful cover are what drew me to this book. I fell in love with this story from the first page. I enjoyed how we get each character’s perspective and hear their feelings. It’s hard to describe, but it was an easy, simple story to read, but packed with lots of depth. I just knew I had read a book by this author but it turns out I have not. She’s a great writer and I hope to find other books by her. Sorry for all the quotes, but so many spoke to me. I hope they do to you as well.
“ Some call it Karma. Some say you’re paying it forward. My second mother would say, “ it’s the good deeds that make you who you are, and paint the future in ways you never imagined.”
“ Only when you lose the desire for the things that don’t matter do you start to have fun.”
”The rain will help. God washing away our sins, my second mother used to say whenever there was a storm, believing rain to be a baptism of sorts.”
The title and beautiful cover are what drew me to this book. I fell in love with this story from the first page. I enjoyed how we get each character’s perspective and hear their feelings. It’s hard to describe, but it was an easy, simple story to read, but packed with lots of depth. I just knew I had read a book by this author but it turns out I have not. She’s a great writer and I hope to find other books by her. Sorry for all the quotes, but so many spoke to me. I hope they do to you as well.
“ Some call it Karma. Some say you’re paying it forward. My second mother would say, “ it’s the good deeds that make you who you are, and paint the future in ways you never imagined.”
“ Only when you lose the desire for the things that don’t matter do you start to have fun.”
”The rain will help. God washing away our sins, my second mother used to say whenever there was a storm, believing rain to be a baptism of sorts.”
February 4, 2024
Master storyteller Suzanne Redfearn (favorite Author) returns following Hadley & Grace and In an Instant with another emotional, compelling, and gripping tale, WHERE BUTTERFLIES WANDER —featuring a family reeling from grief and a woman haunted by war— while they all are searching for home.
A heart-wrenching story about a grieving family and the different ways people cope with grief.
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."
—Jackie Robinson
After a tragic accident, Marie Egide is desperate to start over with her family. With her husband, Leo, and their three surviving children (daughters Hannah and Penelope), son, Brendon, and dog Bajo, they set out for Marie's grandfather's house she has inherited in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. The plans are to spend the summer at the house, prepare it for sale, and move to Farmington.
She had forgotten how peaceful and beautiful this place was. However, much to her surprise, a war veteran, Devina, known by the locals as "the river witch," lives in a cabin on the property and says it was a gift from Marie's grandfather. She refuses to leave.
The two women start a battle with lines drawn. Both believe in their rights, and tensions run high. There is no legal paperwork to back up her claims.
Temper, anger, and a hostile environment. The town’s residents become involved, and the situation escalates.
The river witch also has some folk remedies, great herbal ideas handed down generations which proved to cure things such as migraine headaches and more. She is deeply scarred.
However, a tragedy occurs which changes everything. Fate takes control, and there is no choice in who wins. A fire ignites in the timberland and causes a train of events. Both women must come face to face with their past to move forward. The two have more in common than they know.
EVERY ENDING IS A NEW BEGINNING.
A captivating, gripping, and emotional tale told from the POVs of Marie, Leo, Penelope, Hannah, Brendon, and Davina.
With many beautiful metaphors, symbolisms, and lyrical prose, the butterfly effect can often impact lives, as the Author references.
The butterfly effect is that something small can have a much larger impact, altering your life. It's the notion that the world is profoundly interconnected and that a small occurrence can influence a much larger complex system.
As always, the author writes about thought-provoking topics of grief, loss, tragedy, love, joy, family, hope, healing, forgiveness, life's challenges, and relationships for an uplifting tale and life lesson.
WHERE BUTTERFLIED WANDER is character-driven, with many different personalities and how they view life. You will enjoy some characters more than others.
What makes for true happiness and contentment? What makes for a good person? Can you redeem yourself by doing good?
I loved Pen's belief that her sister Bee's spirit manifests itself in butterflies and birds and is still with them, reminiscent of Sarah Addison Allen's books (another favorite).
Having read all the Author's books, I am a big fan —I enjoyed the inspiration behind the book and the Author's notes. WHERE BUTTERFLIES WANDER is ideal for book clubs and discussions. Discussion questions included.
The powerful, moving family saga is for Redfearn fans and those of authors Catherine Ryan Hyde, Sarah Addison Allen, Jodi Picoult, and Elizabeth Berg. For readers who enjoy books about small rural towns, magical realism, uplit, family, friendship, and literary fiction with a strong takeaway message.
I look forward to listening to the audiobook narrated by a full cast of favorites: Kate Rudd, Vivienne Leheny, Jordan Cobb, Michael Crouch, Jess Nahikian, and Joe Knezevich.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a gifted digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating; 5 Stars
Pub Date: Feb 6, 2024
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A heart-wrenching story about a grieving family and the different ways people cope with grief.
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."
—Jackie Robinson
After a tragic accident, Marie Egide is desperate to start over with her family. With her husband, Leo, and their three surviving children (daughters Hannah and Penelope), son, Brendon, and dog Bajo, they set out for Marie's grandfather's house she has inherited in Merrimack County, New Hampshire. The plans are to spend the summer at the house, prepare it for sale, and move to Farmington.
She had forgotten how peaceful and beautiful this place was. However, much to her surprise, a war veteran, Devina, known by the locals as "the river witch," lives in a cabin on the property and says it was a gift from Marie's grandfather. She refuses to leave.
The two women start a battle with lines drawn. Both believe in their rights, and tensions run high. There is no legal paperwork to back up her claims.
Temper, anger, and a hostile environment. The town’s residents become involved, and the situation escalates.
The river witch also has some folk remedies, great herbal ideas handed down generations which proved to cure things such as migraine headaches and more. She is deeply scarred.
However, a tragedy occurs which changes everything. Fate takes control, and there is no choice in who wins. A fire ignites in the timberland and causes a train of events. Both women must come face to face with their past to move forward. The two have more in common than they know.
EVERY ENDING IS A NEW BEGINNING.
A captivating, gripping, and emotional tale told from the POVs of Marie, Leo, Penelope, Hannah, Brendon, and Davina.
With many beautiful metaphors, symbolisms, and lyrical prose, the butterfly effect can often impact lives, as the Author references.
The butterfly effect is that something small can have a much larger impact, altering your life. It's the notion that the world is profoundly interconnected and that a small occurrence can influence a much larger complex system.
As always, the author writes about thought-provoking topics of grief, loss, tragedy, love, joy, family, hope, healing, forgiveness, life's challenges, and relationships for an uplifting tale and life lesson.
WHERE BUTTERFLIED WANDER is character-driven, with many different personalities and how they view life. You will enjoy some characters more than others.
What makes for true happiness and contentment? What makes for a good person? Can you redeem yourself by doing good?
I loved Pen's belief that her sister Bee's spirit manifests itself in butterflies and birds and is still with them, reminiscent of Sarah Addison Allen's books (another favorite).
Having read all the Author's books, I am a big fan —I enjoyed the inspiration behind the book and the Author's notes. WHERE BUTTERFLIES WANDER is ideal for book clubs and discussions. Discussion questions included.
The powerful, moving family saga is for Redfearn fans and those of authors Catherine Ryan Hyde, Sarah Addison Allen, Jodi Picoult, and Elizabeth Berg. For readers who enjoy books about small rural towns, magical realism, uplit, family, friendship, and literary fiction with a strong takeaway message.
I look forward to listening to the audiobook narrated by a full cast of favorites: Kate Rudd, Vivienne Leheny, Jordan Cobb, Michael Crouch, Jess Nahikian, and Joe Knezevich.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a gifted digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating; 5 Stars
Pub Date: Feb 6, 2024
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February 27, 2024
I love when a book is unexpectedly riveting!
Wow, I wasn't sure what to expect with BUTTERFLIES, but this was a magical read. It's heartbreaking at times, but really beautiful. The Egide family is desperately trying to recover after a tragic loss. They retreat to a New Hampshire home that belonged to the family of mom, Marie. Marie hopes to sell the home and property so her own family can start over. But she's thwarted when they discover Davina, known as "the river witch," living in a cabin on the property. A war veteran and beloved friend of Marie's grandpa, Davina is determined to stay, saying Marie's grandfather wanted her there. As the locals line up against the Egides, tensions and anger rise.
This book is completely captivating and very hard to put down. The characters seemed very real , especially Davina and the Egide kids (I see you, sweet Pen). You feel like you're in the New Hampshire countryside with the characters. Much of the story is very sad, between the Egide's loss and Davina's sad past, including war trauma. Redfearn explores grief and loss from a variety of angles and looks at motherhood through the lens of both Davina and Marie. In doing so, she looks at what truly makes a person happy. Is it money, or is there more? We also see how small towns react to attacks on their own.
Pieces of this book seemed a little long, and there were some plot parts that appeared added unnecessarily, and then the end wrapped up a little easily. Overall, though, this is an emotional tale with well-crafted characters and a unique plot that keeps you reading. 4+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in return for an unbiased review.
Wow, I wasn't sure what to expect with BUTTERFLIES, but this was a magical read. It's heartbreaking at times, but really beautiful. The Egide family is desperately trying to recover after a tragic loss. They retreat to a New Hampshire home that belonged to the family of mom, Marie. Marie hopes to sell the home and property so her own family can start over. But she's thwarted when they discover Davina, known as "the river witch," living in a cabin on the property. A war veteran and beloved friend of Marie's grandpa, Davina is determined to stay, saying Marie's grandfather wanted her there. As the locals line up against the Egides, tensions and anger rise.
This book is completely captivating and very hard to put down. The characters seemed very real , especially Davina and the Egide kids (I see you, sweet Pen). You feel like you're in the New Hampshire countryside with the characters. Much of the story is very sad, between the Egide's loss and Davina's sad past, including war trauma. Redfearn explores grief and loss from a variety of angles and looks at motherhood through the lens of both Davina and Marie. In doing so, she looks at what truly makes a person happy. Is it money, or is there more? We also see how small towns react to attacks on their own.
Pieces of this book seemed a little long, and there were some plot parts that appeared added unnecessarily, and then the end wrapped up a little easily. Overall, though, this is an emotional tale with well-crafted characters and a unique plot that keeps you reading. 4+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in return for an unbiased review.
January 21, 2024
This book pulled me in immediately and didn't let go.
With a compelling story and interesting and flawed characters, Suzanne Redfearn has written a story about grief and healing that will captivate readers from its first page to its last.
The strength of this story is in its characters, a few of whom share their perspectives. These include members of the Egide family who are still reeling from a death and come to New Hampshire to renovate and sell an old family property so they can move on with their lives and Davina, the 'river witch' and war veteran, who lives on the property and has her own grief and healing to deal with.
Where Butterflies Wander is poignant, engaging and authentic. It is a story about strength and resiliency that pulls readers through many emotions. But ultimately, it is a story about hope, healing, acceptance and reconnection. May we all have a Davina to grace our lives.
Put this book on your 2024 must read list and preorder it today so you can enjoy it on its February 6, 2024 publication day.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book which was provided in exchange for my honest review.
February 6, 2024
Where Butterflies Wander is a gripping, beautiful novel about a grieving family looking for a fresh start, a way to heal from their loss. This emotional story is told from the points of view of the remaining family members, as well as the woman known as “the river witch”. There are so many layers to each of the characters and their stories; aside from grief, there is guilt, anger, and even, buried deep, there is hope. I was thoroughly engrossed by this book, compelled to keep turning pages as they all grappled with pain and disappointment. I read on, hoping they’d come out on the other side, if not completely healed, then well on their way. Everything about this extraordinary book felt genuine and sincere; it was raw and gritty, but it was also uplifting and hopeful.
August 2, 2023
"where the butterflies wander" explores life, the value of money, and grief. a family is suffering the loss of a daughter, half of a twinset, who drowned. a water witch, davina, lives in a small cabin on their property and helps the family in small was that are not appreciated. as the family tries to evict the witch, they are confronted with their own selfish desires, the loss of a beloved daughter and sister, and the weight of making fast judgments.
this book is a bit slow, but rather interesting. it is a bit difficult to keep track of who is who at first, and the most compelling character is davina. i did enjoy this novel, i'd reccommend it to those who enjoy women's literary fiction.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
this book is a bit slow, but rather interesting. it is a bit difficult to keep track of who is who at first, and the most compelling character is davina. i did enjoy this novel, i'd reccommend it to those who enjoy women's literary fiction.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
March 10, 2024
Since I loved Suzanne Redfearn's In an Instant, I was looking forward to reading this book, although some of the reviews I read were less than enthusiastic. After reading it, I understand why.
This is a story about grief, how it affects families and individuals. Unfortunately, the book begins six weeks after the loss of 8-year-old sister/daughter, Phoebe, called Bee. Bee is seen only in flashbacks, and there are relatively few of those. The reader does not get to know Bee very well, so the scenes where her sisters, brother, and parents are grieving for her are less effective than they might have been. Some are heart-wrenching, to be sure, especially the additional burden of guilt that Bee's brother, Brendon, feels. But I believe the story would have been more effective if the reader got to know Bee, who sounds like an extraordinary little girl, and therefore felt the loss along with the rest of her family.
Woven into the story of the grieving family is that of Davina, a woman who was taken in by the grandparents of Bee's mother and who lives in a cabin on their land. The story begins as Bee's family flees their home with all its reminders of their loss and descends upon the grandparents' house with the idea of fixing it up and selling it. Davina living on the land they intend to sell presents an obstacle that provides much of the conflict in the story.
This is a good book overall, just not as good as In an Instant. I would give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to four.
This is a story about grief, how it affects families and individuals. Unfortunately, the book begins six weeks after the loss of 8-year-old sister/daughter, Phoebe, called Bee. Bee is seen only in flashbacks, and there are relatively few of those. The reader does not get to know Bee very well, so the scenes where her sisters, brother, and parents are grieving for her are less effective than they might have been. Some are heart-wrenching, to be sure, especially the additional burden of guilt that Bee's brother, Brendon, feels. But I believe the story would have been more effective if the reader got to know Bee, who sounds like an extraordinary little girl, and therefore felt the loss along with the rest of her family.
Woven into the story of the grieving family is that of Davina, a woman who was taken in by the grandparents of Bee's mother and who lives in a cabin on their land. The story begins as Bee's family flees their home with all its reminders of their loss and descends upon the grandparents' house with the idea of fixing it up and selling it. Davina living on the land they intend to sell presents an obstacle that provides much of the conflict in the story.
This is a good book overall, just not as good as In an Instant. I would give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to four.
February 9, 2024
"No matter how much you wish it, time marches on, minute by minute, day by day, leaving you stumbling on with it, along with every regret and mistake you've ever made."
Although this author has written six novels, this is the first time I've read her work. Now her backlist is going on my TBR!
The setting was bucolic, and the characters fully fleshed out. With themes of loss, guilt, regret, justice, and learning what is important in life, this was didactic without being preachy.
The loss of an eight year old child in a tragic swimming pool accident spurs the Egide family to move away from the Connecticut home where the tragedy occurred. They go to New Hampshire, to Marie Egide's family home where she spent her summers as a child. The aim is to get the house ready to sell, so that they can relocate to another, more upscale address. The remaining children all take the move in different ways. Teenage Hannah copes well, mostly because of a local teenager to whom she is attracted. Adolescent Brendon hates the place. No internet, no friends, he cannot imagine any place worse. Eight year old Penelope misses her twin dreadfully, but is enamoured of this new life in the country.
"It's a huge thing to be understood."
Shortly after they move in they discover that a woman named Davinia is living in an A-frame cottage on the property near the river. She was a trauma nurse in the army, and now is retired due to a devastating event that left her permanently disfigured.
Marie and Davina lock heads. Davina has lived in her cabin for over two decades and loves it there. Marie wants her out so that she can sell the property. Their situation escalates when the local people side with Davina... Things spiral and people are outraged.
"In the end, we are the sum of our deeds".
"Where Butterflies Wander" was everything a novel should be in that it made you feel every emotion, while telling a story that made you think. What is really important in life? What does it take to be truly happy?
The prose was almost lyrical. The topics were profound and thought-provoking. The story was poignant and moving. I loved it!
Although this author has written six novels, this is the first time I've read her work. Now her backlist is going on my TBR!
The setting was bucolic, and the characters fully fleshed out. With themes of loss, guilt, regret, justice, and learning what is important in life, this was didactic without being preachy.
The loss of an eight year old child in a tragic swimming pool accident spurs the Egide family to move away from the Connecticut home where the tragedy occurred. They go to New Hampshire, to Marie Egide's family home where she spent her summers as a child. The aim is to get the house ready to sell, so that they can relocate to another, more upscale address. The remaining children all take the move in different ways. Teenage Hannah copes well, mostly because of a local teenager to whom she is attracted. Adolescent Brendon hates the place. No internet, no friends, he cannot imagine any place worse. Eight year old Penelope misses her twin dreadfully, but is enamoured of this new life in the country.
"It's a huge thing to be understood."
Shortly after they move in they discover that a woman named Davinia is living in an A-frame cottage on the property near the river. She was a trauma nurse in the army, and now is retired due to a devastating event that left her permanently disfigured.
Marie and Davina lock heads. Davina has lived in her cabin for over two decades and loves it there. Marie wants her out so that she can sell the property. Their situation escalates when the local people side with Davina... Things spiral and people are outraged.
"In the end, we are the sum of our deeds".
"Where Butterflies Wander" was everything a novel should be in that it made you feel every emotion, while telling a story that made you think. What is really important in life? What does it take to be truly happy?
The prose was almost lyrical. The topics were profound and thought-provoking. The story was poignant and moving. I loved it!
September 18, 2023
WHERE BUTTERFLIES WANDER was a very moving piece of fiction! This book releases FEBRUARY 6, 2024! Thank you again to Suzanne Redfearn and Amazon Publishing for sending me a physical ARC! The story follows Marie Edige, her husband and three surviving children starting a new life in New Hampshire after a tragic event they can’t move on from. When Marie discovers a “river witch” is living in a cabin on the property in which she’s to sell, they both won’t move on from their griefs. But the two woman clash, and Marie will do everything in her power to get rid of her off the land. As the tension rises with them and the whole town joins, fate takes control. A easy and quick piece of book club literature that is perfect to read this next upcoming summer next year!
December 7, 2023
I loved this book. I loved the characters and all of their individual stories. Several learned important life lessons. Davina is a special person and I loved how the author wrote her character and things she had suffered through. Strong and resilient. I could say so much about this book, but you just need to read it to find its warmth. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC
February 27, 2024
Soooo beautifully written!!!
February 8, 2024
A very good story about how a family deals with tragedy. A highly emotional read. The ending is a bit predictable, but I close the cover feeling satisfied.
October 19, 2023
When the author of your favorite book in 2023 sends you an email asking if you want an early copy of her next book … YES! The answer is YES!
I am a huge fan of the character chapters. It gives such a deep connection to all perspectives. I enjoyed Davina and Pen the most. The story was full of heartbreak and faith. It was beautiful!
I am a huge fan of the character chapters. It gives such a deep connection to all perspectives. I enjoyed Davina and Pen the most. The story was full of heartbreak and faith. It was beautiful!
December 22, 2023
Where Butterflies Wander by Suzanne Redfearn. Thanks to the author and @amazonpublishers for the gifted signed Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After losing a child, Marie, Leo, and then three surviving children move to New Hampshire to sell their family estate. They realize a war veteran known locally as “the River witch” is living in their cabin and refuses to move.
This was my favorite of Redfearn’s yet! It was very entertaining and easy to read. It’s one of those stories that will frustrate you during it, because there’s a lot of unnecessary pain involved but in the end it’s a learning lesson. It reminded me a bit of one of my favorites, the House of Sand and Fog, with a home ownership dispute. There’s a lot of sentimentality to the story and history to uncover, as well as recent loss to grow around.
“No one loved is ever truly gone. And if we keep them in our heart we are able to keep them with us.”
Where Butterflies Wander comes out 2/6.
After losing a child, Marie, Leo, and then three surviving children move to New Hampshire to sell their family estate. They realize a war veteran known locally as “the River witch” is living in their cabin and refuses to move.
This was my favorite of Redfearn’s yet! It was very entertaining and easy to read. It’s one of those stories that will frustrate you during it, because there’s a lot of unnecessary pain involved but in the end it’s a learning lesson. It reminded me a bit of one of my favorites, the House of Sand and Fog, with a home ownership dispute. There’s a lot of sentimentality to the story and history to uncover, as well as recent loss to grow around.
“No one loved is ever truly gone. And if we keep them in our heart we are able to keep them with us.”
Where Butterflies Wander comes out 2/6.
September 21, 2023
After a terrible accident Marie and her family want to make a new start.
They decide to sell the family home and the estate they inherited to buy a new property.
When they arrive at the family estate they find a woman living on the grounds and they need to ask her to leave but this proves to make life more complicated than they imagined.
I really enjoyed this story, it had some great characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
They decide to sell the family home and the estate they inherited to buy a new property.
When they arrive at the family estate they find a woman living on the grounds and they need to ask her to leave but this proves to make life more complicated than they imagined.
I really enjoyed this story, it had some great characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2024
Contemporary Fiction
Another stunner from Redfearn!
The Egide family has suffered the unimaginable - the drowning death of their daughter, Phoebe, in the family pool. Their son Brenden feels responsible, Phoebe's twin Penelope thinks her sister visits them in the form of a butterfly. The older daughter Hannah is suffering from debilitating headaches and Marie and Leo's marriage is hanging on by a thread.
Marie feels that the family is in desperate need of a change and to her that means moving to another town and leaving the painful memories behind. In order to be able to afford that move, they must sell a house that has been in her family for years. It's more than a house as it is very large and has a person living in a cabin on the outer edges of the property.
The person in the cottage is Davina and some call her a witch. She has knowledge of herbal remedies and helps the locals in any number of ways. She mostly keeps to herself as she was injured by an IED on her last tour of duty.
The relationships each character develops with Davina and how each person's decisions impact each other, the family, the town drives this story. The character's actions aren't all good, the consequences of the decisions they make are impactful and the ensuing resolutions of the story are gritty and still beautiful.
I loved this book so much. In some ways it reminded me of Where the Crawdads Sing - another book I loved. If I have one complaint, it's that the story wraps up too quickly. I wanted more time with all the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel!
Another stunner from Redfearn!
The Egide family has suffered the unimaginable - the drowning death of their daughter, Phoebe, in the family pool. Their son Brenden feels responsible, Phoebe's twin Penelope thinks her sister visits them in the form of a butterfly. The older daughter Hannah is suffering from debilitating headaches and Marie and Leo's marriage is hanging on by a thread.
Marie feels that the family is in desperate need of a change and to her that means moving to another town and leaving the painful memories behind. In order to be able to afford that move, they must sell a house that has been in her family for years. It's more than a house as it is very large and has a person living in a cabin on the outer edges of the property.
The person in the cottage is Davina and some call her a witch. She has knowledge of herbal remedies and helps the locals in any number of ways. She mostly keeps to herself as she was injured by an IED on her last tour of duty.
The relationships each character develops with Davina and how each person's decisions impact each other, the family, the town drives this story. The character's actions aren't all good, the consequences of the decisions they make are impactful and the ensuing resolutions of the story are gritty and still beautiful.
I loved this book so much. In some ways it reminded me of Where the Crawdads Sing - another book I loved. If I have one complaint, it's that the story wraps up too quickly. I wanted more time with all the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel!
February 13, 2024
Held my interest throughout, well developed characters, a pleasure to read.
January 31, 2024
I absolutely loved this book and the overall messages of how to move on after a tragedy and focus on what really matters in life. This is a story of a family that is left in pieces after the sudden death of their child and how they heal and find their happy again. In the process of finding their way back to their new normal, they cross paths with another broken person who has also suffered profound loss. This is a story centered around taking the time to understand what someone else is going through, even in the midst of your own pain and finding a way forward.
February 5, 2024
A well-written and beautifully told compelling story packed with emotion, grief and hope.
I enjoyed reading it.
I enjoyed reading it.
January 27, 2024
Thank you so much to Suzanne for my copy. This book was a joy to read.
I adored this book so so much. Suzanne is back in full force with Where the Butterflies Wander. I love Suzanne’s writing because of how much thought and care she puts into her characters. In this story you can find loss, heartache, hope and lots of love. I loved and hated these characters in the best way. It’s an emotional journey that I really enjoyed being on. What I particularly enjoyed and related to was the author’s note. Definitely give it a read to get some insight of how this novel began.
I adored this book so so much. Suzanne is back in full force with Where the Butterflies Wander. I love Suzanne’s writing because of how much thought and care she puts into her characters. In this story you can find loss, heartache, hope and lots of love. I loved and hated these characters in the best way. It’s an emotional journey that I really enjoyed being on. What I particularly enjoyed and related to was the author’s note. Definitely give it a read to get some insight of how this novel began.
January 23, 2024
Where Butterflies Wander is an emotionally charged book. From page one, my heart was gripped, and even after I've read the final page and closed the book, the story is still on my mind. Loss, grief, pain, mystery, intrigue, redemption, and more fill the pages. There were times the story made me so angry that I had to close the book and walk away. There were other times when my heart swelled at the goodness. And there were moments where my tears stained the pages thinking about my own losses and grief, especially over my grandfather, who died a couple of years ago. Davina is the absolute best type of character along with Pen and Hannah. The ending was beautiful and redemptive, which I find to be the best types of endings.
August 4, 2023
Marie and Leo are at a loss after the tragic death of one of their children. Deciding a new start is just what’s needed, they sell their house and make plans to move far away from the memories. First, however, is a layover at the family home Marie inherited from her grandfather. The plan is to update the home and then sell it for a tidy profit. Those plans are thwarted when the family meets the “River Witch” who lives on the property. Conflict ensues when each family member views her presence differently. And Marie comes to realize that escaping the memory of a tragedy isn’t as easy as she had hoped. This is such a big story with so many layers. It’s about surviving tragedy, living with secrets, overcoming your past. A definite five star read!
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