“She’s realizing her world is spinning out of control, and there’s nothing she can do to stop it.”

This novel couldn’t have come into my life at a more perfect time. I am going through the pains of empty nester life this year, and when you’ve devoted the last twenty years of your life to your kids and then that life comes to an abrupt end, it is imbalanced and downright rough.

It’s clear that this author has quite the talent of keeping her characters relatable and pairing comic relief with true heart and emotion. I am also blown away that this is the author’s debut novel. She was able to bring these characters to life, showing that what you see isn’t always what it seems, and how we are all going through our own struggles. To say I felt seen while reading this novel is an understatement. There were so many moments that I caught myself smiling. Each adventure with “the girls” was epic, and their adventures as a whole have me wishing I could find my own sisterhood to share life with.

When I say I had a smile on my face every time I picked up this book I am being completely honest, and this is something that rarely happens to me. I did not expect to love this book as much as I did but I fell in love. I know it will resonate with so many of us who are also facing our third acts.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

Women’s Fiction is always a good read. The Day Sarah Ran Away by Janell Goodrich York is the latest in this genre that I have read. The book is the First book inThe Sisterhood Pie Pact Series.

I was very intrigued in this storyline from the very first pages. The main character in this book is Sarah Goodwin. Sarah has been a Stay at Home for over 20yrs and is feeling the “empty nest” with her only child, Emma, away at College. Life takes a huge turn, just as Emma is expected home for the Summer, when Sarah “runs away”. Sarah takes a cross country journey with new friends that she met at a local coffee shop.

I can honestly say this storyline is a “dream” of mine, to take a Road Trip with friends and decompress and embrace the new stage in life. We are not empty nesters yet, as my Young Adult Sons still are at home. I laughed, I cried from laughing so hard, I had all the warm feelings while reading this book. The characters in this book, though fiction, come to life and represent real life happenings for many Empty Nesters and those moving into a next stage in life. This is the Debut Novel for the author and it is OUTSTANDING. I am very excited to read the next books in this series. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Women’s Fiction! AMAZING BOOK!

Once you pick it up, it’s hard to put it down! Delightful read, keep up the good work. Can’t wait for the next book!

This book is by a new-to-me author, and so I was quite unprepared for it to grab me in such a way! As a mom in my mid-forties, also trying to begin navigating my “third act”, this book felt very real and relevant to me.

I loved getting to know Sarah and seeing her progress on her journey.

I do have to admit…the sporadic trip she took felt a bit unrealistic to me. But then, I suspect it probably also felt unrealistic to her. 🙂

These ladies are such dears, and I could almost see them coming alive off the pages.

A story of growth, learning to let go, acceptance, and much more…. this book was a fun read, and I look forward to reading more in this series!!

An unexpected adventure with newfound friends gives Sarah time to reflect on the ups and downs in her life. This is not only an entertaining book with likable characters sharing both laughable and serious moments but also an interesting look at life from individual perspectives. Wonderful read, memorable characters, excellent insights! I wanted to join the Sisterhood Pie Pact.

What a joy filled soul searching book from a new author! The characters are unique and genuine. There are many silly and poignant moments, with a few unexpected twists and turns that give you more insight into Sarah and her new found friends. A good book makes you laugh, cry a little and leaves you thinking about how it made you feel after you’ve put it down. This book delivers in spades. Great job Janell Goodrich York!

Janell has done a wonderful job of writing a poignant story many of us empty-nest mothers can relate to. In The Day Sarah Ran Away, Sarah has been a stay-at-home mother for most of her adult years and has developed her life so entirely around her only child that she has lost her identity as a person. So when her daughter decides to elope and move away to another state, Sarah is utterly undone. When her husband responds with “You need to get a life Sarah,” she can’t believe he is so cruel and sees both him and her daughter as the enemy. But then she overhears a conversation between three older ladies, who’ve been empty-nesters for a while and are taking a bus tour to Las Vegas, and Sarah impulsively invites herself along. The rest of the story is about her quest to discover who she is outside of her relationship with her husband and daughter. Sometimes, she falls back on the “old” Sarah, but we want to cheer her on as finds the courage to become the “new” Sarah and we really like who she becomes in the end.

The Day Sarah Ran Away was such a delightful read—filled with all the feels. Janell Goodrich York delivers a story about new friendships, relationships, and embracing life’s “third act” in a way that felt like it was speaking directly to me. This book will take you on a true roller coaster of emotions—laughter, tears, and everything in between. As someone entering my own “third act,” I closed the book feeling inspired and hopeful (and maybe even ready to start a pie club!). I truly hope the author writes another one soon. A heartfelt, must-read!

The Day Sarah Ran Away grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. I’ve been there, where Sarah was. I know what it’s like. I loved the thread of faith woven throughout the story, the tiny nuggets of truth. If I could pick friends, they’d be like Delores, Bea, and Agnes. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.