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You are here: Home / Book Review / WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND by Ellen Marie Wiseman: A Book Review and Giveaway To Kick-Off 2014

WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND by Ellen Marie Wiseman: A Book Review and Giveaway To Kick-Off 2014

January 2, 2014 Leave a Comment

Happy 2014 Women’s Fiction Writers!

wslbLet’s start the new year in style with a giveaway of TWO copies of Ellen Marie Wiseman’s new novel, WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND.

I don’t normally do traditional book reviews on WFW but I wanted to share my thoughts on this book and its author. I don’t do a lot of giveaways either, but it’s the new year and all, and what better way to usher in the new year than with a new book?

Just leave a comment below to be entered, and the winners will be announced on Wednesday, January 8th. I think I’m supposed to say that I received a copy of this novel from the author but promised nothing in return, or something like that. Actually the review was my idea and Ellen has thanked me for doing it. So, Ellen, you’re welcome. (Now get back to work on your next novel!)

WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND is Ellen Marie Wiseman’s second novel. If I gave out stars I’d give it five. The novel is set in the present and in the past, which I always find fascinating, because the thought of doing that myself makes my head hurt. So this is both contemporary and historical fiction in which the author seamlessly weaves together two plots and a compelling cast of characters amidst a detailed and haunting setting.

Starting in 1929 we have Clara Cartwright, an eighteen-year-old from a wealthy family who falls in love with an Italian immigrant. I guess I don’t have to tell you that Clara’s father and mother are having none of that nonsense. They actually send her to a “home for nervous invalids” presumably until she gives in and gives up her boyfriend, or at least that’s what Clara thinks. But no one comes to take Clara home. Instead, after the stock market crash when her father can no longer afford the expensive care (incarceration, really) Clara is sent to a public asylum. And I’m sure I don’t have to tell you those weren’t very nice places in the 1930s. Wiseman’s research on the Willard State Hospital is remarkable. There were times that, in the best way possible, I had to shut one eye while I was reading. (This is like looking in the mirror and closing one eye, it buffers the view.) The hospital, its grounds and inmates patients are incredibly vivid in heartwarming and troubling ways. The best parts about Clara were her awareness and her spirit. She never gave in or gave up even though the world seemed to give up on her. There was a tenacious spirit in Clara that was echoed in the present day chapters of the novel.

In the present day we have a teenager named Izzy who’s in a new foster family. Izzy’s mother killed her father ten years before and she hasn’t seen her mother since. When Izzy’s foster parents, museum workers, involve her in a project to help clean out and categorize the belongings from the shuttered Willard State Hospital, Izzy finds Clara’s suitcase. I felt for Izzy immediately—she was an angry kid who didn’t want to be angry anymore. Stepping outside herself and into Clara’s life through letters and belongings eventually leads Izzy to realizations of her own. Izzy is not abandoned in the same way Clara was, but they shared the same yearning to belong to a family, and drive to find peace in their lives and hearts.

The two story lines are interconnected in overt and subtle ways throughout the novel. Wiseman writes really beautiful prose—and how I wish there was a more eloquent way to say that, but sometimes simple is best. As I read the book I simply thought, “Wow, this girl can write.” Of course I knew that because her debut novel, THE PLUM TREE, is one I read in one day. Wiseman’s writing and story-telling is cranked up a notch in WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND, and that’s saying something. THE PLUM TREE was spectacular historical fiction about WWII Germany.

So what makes WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND women’s fiction? The complex journeys of its main characters, Clara and Izzy. Past or present, in this novel readers see how nurture can both win and lose against nature.

Find out more about Ellen on her website by clicking here. And you can buy the book at all the regular buy-the-book places like your local bookstore, Amazon, B&N etc. If you want to see actual photos of Willard State Hospital, and other things that are part of WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND, go to Ellen’s Pinterest board! You’ll be amazed!

Don’t forget to leave a comment to win!

Amy xo

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Filed Under: Book Review, Ellen Marie Wiseman, Giveaway, WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND

« Guest Post: M.L. Gamble's Journey To Becoming Author Emelle Gamble
Winners Announced for WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND by Ellen Marie Wiseman »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Regina says

    January 2, 2014 at 12:31 am

    Amy,
    Thanks for being a writer who is also excited about reading and sharing the excitement of other writers. How grand to write a review on a book that motivated me to decide quickly that I must buy it tomorrow when the shops open. (I have a friendly Barnes and Noble right minutes away!) Regina

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:17 pm

      That’s great, Regina. Thank you! And yes, Amy is beyond generous when it comes to sharing her excitement for other writers. I appreciate her so much! I hope you enjoy WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND. Thanks for commenting!!

      Reply
      • Regina says

        January 3, 2014 at 2:53 pm

        And I admire you, Ellen for taking the time to reply to all of the commenters—-such a simple act that means a lot. I am also sure that your book will also educate many on state hospitals. Congratulations on what is sure to be another great read!
        Regina

        Reply
        • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

          January 3, 2014 at 4:36 pm

          Thank you, Regina. 🙂

          Reply
          • carole walters says

            February 16, 2014 at 6:38 pm

            Just finished reading “The Plum Tree”” I could not put this book down and felt transported back into time and into the lives of the characters in the book!! I am starting your next book!! Keep writing!!

  2. kimberlysullivan says

    January 2, 2014 at 2:12 am

    Happy New Year, Amy! Sounds exactly like the type of story I love. Congrats to Ellen Marie!

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:19 pm

      Thank you, Kimberly! I hope you get a chance to read WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  3. Kathryn Craft says

    January 2, 2014 at 4:48 am

    Great job, “I don’t normally review” Amy! I have now entered the abnormal giveaway. Eager to read this one. You make it sound enticing!

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:20 pm

      Thank you for commenting and entering, Kathryn! Good luck and Happy New Year!

      Reply
  4. Connie Vincent says

    January 2, 2014 at 6:03 am

    This book sounds so interesting. I’m looking forward to reading it.

    Reply
  5. Sonja Yoerg says

    January 2, 2014 at 6:13 am

    Happy New Year, Amy! I adored The Plum Tree and have put Ellen Marie’s new novel at the top of my list. Thanks for putting the spotlight on her!

    Reply
  6. Lori Nelson Spielman says

    January 2, 2014 at 6:37 am

    Thanks for the great review, Amy. What She Left Behind sounds brilliant and I can’t wait to read it–whether I win or not!

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:22 pm

      Thanks for commenting, Lori. I hope you enjoy WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND, whether you win or not! Happy New Year!

      Reply
  7. Elizabeth Noyes says

    January 2, 2014 at 6:38 am

    What an interesting story concept. Very intriguing. I look forward to reading it.

    Reply
  8. Kathleen says

    January 2, 2014 at 6:56 am

    It sounds like a great book. Putting it on my Goodreads and crossing my fingers. 🙂

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:22 pm

      Thanks for commenting Kathleen. I’ll cross my fingers for you too. 😀 Happy New Year!

      Reply
  9. bclaypolewhite says

    January 2, 2014 at 7:03 am

    I’m 20 pages in and loving it!

    Reply
  10. Densie Webb (@dlwebb) says

    January 2, 2014 at 7:12 am

    Happy New Year, Amy and Ellen Marie. I had meant to put this book on my TBR list. Thanks for the reminder. I’ve read a few books recently that weave together past and present and am always amazed at the skill necessary to make it work. Looking forward to reading it and “The Plum Tree.”

    Reply
  11. Susan says

    January 2, 2014 at 7:32 am

    Sounds like a great book. I loved her first book and if the new one is as good as The Plum Tree, its going to be a great book to read.

    Reply
  12. Liz Flaherty says

    January 2, 2014 at 7:35 am

    Happy New Year, Amy. The book sounds wonderful.

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:24 pm

      Thanks, Liz. I appreciate it! Happy New Year!

      Reply
  13. rhonda says

    January 2, 2014 at 7:48 am

    Happy New year!!sounds like my favorite type of book lomazowr@gmail.com

    Reply
  14. tashaseegmiller says

    January 2, 2014 at 8:01 am

    Okay, so I’m DYING to get a copy of this book, and your review just made that stronger. So yay for giveaways, but who are we kidding, if I don’t win this, I’ll still be buying this book sometime in the near future.

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:25 pm

      Thanks for commenting, Tasha. I hope WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND lives up to Amy’s wonderful review! Happy New Year!

      Reply
  15. Priscille Sibley says

    January 2, 2014 at 8:19 am

    I agree that Wiseman’s first novel was thoroughly compelling. This one sounds even better. I’m looking forward to reading it!

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:27 pm

      Thank you so much, Priscille. I’m looking forward to hearing what you think! 😉 Happy New Year! xox

      Reply
  16. Janice Meyer says

    January 2, 2014 at 8:39 am

    Thanks for the “review” of this book. It sounds like a great story with which to start the new year. How to get outside own’s life and into the life of another is indeed a worthwhile experience.

    Reply
  17. Missy Frye says

    January 2, 2014 at 8:50 am

    Great review! Made me want to read the book immediately. 🙂

    Reply
  18. Jill Anderson says

    January 2, 2014 at 8:58 am

    It sounds like a wonderful book, just like THE PLUM TREE. In a way it reminds me of THE ORPHAN TRAIN with the past and present events (I, too, am impressed at all the great books I’ve read from authors who are able to manage telling a great story that way.) It’s on my list to buy… unless I am lucky enough to win it! Thanks for letting us know of another great book.

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:28 pm

      Thanks for the compliment, Jill. I hope you enjoy WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND! Happy New Year!

      Reply
  19. Jocosa says

    January 2, 2014 at 9:30 am

    How the past informs the present, how we move forward and stay the same is a puzzle that unleashes such interesting tales. WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND sounds hauntingly compelling. Thanks for sharing, Amy. Thanks for writing, Ellen. Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:29 pm

      You’re welcome, Jocosa. Thanks for commenting! I hope you get a chance to read WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  20. beautyntravel says

    January 2, 2014 at 9:58 am

    I was instantly intrigued by the premise of this story. The past/present and the connection to the state hospital, the old suitcase. All led me to want to know more. I can’t wait to read it. I just completed “The Plum Tree”, so I know Ellen Wiseman is a great author.

    Reply
  21. Stepheny Houghtlin says

    January 2, 2014 at 10:41 am

    Maybe I was a day late and a dollar short, but nonetheless 2013 introduced me to Louise Penny and Donna Tartt for some of the best reading of the year. Here is another author, Wiseman, I know nothing about yet a ‘girl who can write!’ That’s what is important to me. As a writer I love the research part, and this interesting review has caught my eye on that level too. A writer who cares enough about her readers to do a good job, the long laborious work, is enough for me to give this book a try. I have a feeling I won’t be disappointed.

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:31 pm

      Thanks so much for commenting, Stepheny. I do hope you’ll give WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND a try! Happy New Year!

      Reply
  22. sue marquis bishop says

    January 2, 2014 at 12:22 pm

    Your review suggests an entertaining read…. Always welcome finding a new author to enjoy. Sue
    womenlivinglifeafter50.com

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:32 pm

      Thanks for commenting, Sue. I hope you’ll get a chance to read WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  23. Melissa Crytzer Fry says

    January 2, 2014 at 12:25 pm

    I have had my eye on this book since I’d seen it on Goodreads and put it in my to-read shelf. I, like you Amy, am always impressed when authors can seamlessly weave two time periods together. Can’t wait to read. Your oveview is an appetite-whetter! Thanks for the opportunity to win.

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:33 pm

      Thanks for commenting, Melissa. I’m so glad WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND caught your eye! I hope you enjoy it. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  24. Patricia says

    January 2, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    As a lover of historical fiction, I’m eager to read a book which weaves the present with the past. I find the concept challenging and admirable. Your posts are inspiring! As I’m writing my first novel, I’m gaining new insight into what makes good writing. “WFW” is a must read for me.

    Reply
  25. Debra Borodkin says

    January 2, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    You do such a great review, don’t give away too much, but want the reader to get their hands on the book

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:35 pm

      Thanks for commenting, Debra. Amy does a great job, that’s for sure. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  26. Kelly says

    January 2, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    Happy New Year! The book sounds great, and I can’t wait to read it!

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:36 pm

      Thanks for commenting, Kelly. I hope you get a chance to read WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND! Happy new Year!

      Reply
  27. Melinda M. T. says

    January 2, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    Happy New Year Amy! I can’t tell you how I’ve missed new posts since the last one on Dec. 12th, and am tickled to see that there was not only a new post today, but a give away, too. This book sounds lovely, and I want to read it. 🙂

    Reply
  28. Holly Robinson says

    January 2, 2014 at 3:53 pm

    I had already chosen this book for my “to read” list–and now your review makes me want to rush out and buy it. I love any of these novels with interwoven plots, especially when there’s a mystery involved. Just the kind of book I like to bring into the tub with my glass of wine at the end of the day! Thanks for the great review, Amy.

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 6:37 pm

      Thanks for commenting, Holly. I’m so glad WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND is already on your “to-read” list!! I hope you enjoy it. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  29. Susan @ The Book Bag says

    January 2, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    Wonderful review! I so want to read this book now after the beautiful and amazing things you had to say about the story and the author. This one is going on my TBR list.

    Reply
  30. Shirley Blanchard says

    January 2, 2014 at 6:17 pm

    This sounds like a great book, i hope i win
    ShirleyB jcisforme@aol.com

    Reply
  31. Ellen Marie Wiseman says

    January 2, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    A thousand thanks for reading my book and for this wonderful review, Amy! I truly appreciate your help getting the word out about WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND. You ROCK!! Happy New Year to you and yours. xox

    Reply
  32. bethhavey says

    January 2, 2014 at 6:46 pm

    Fascinating concepts. My daughter did a film project in college that dealt with the stories behind an abandoned mental hospital near her university. What she learned about treatment should never have happened to anyone. Especially in the U.S. The film FRANCES deals with similar issues. But we had to learn that mental illness deserves compassionate care. I also want to read your first novel about Germany and WWII. Congrats on your success.

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 2, 2014 at 9:08 pm

      Thank you so much, Beth! I’ll bet your daughter’s film project was interesting and heart-breaking. I hope you will read and enjoy THE PLUM TREE & WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  33. Donna Armstrong says

    January 2, 2014 at 6:51 pm

    Great review.I cant wait to read this one.

    Reply
  34. lorriethomson says

    January 2, 2014 at 7:45 pm

    Please put my name in the hat, Amy. Congratulations, Ellen. Your novel sounds amazing!

    Reply
  35. Suzy says

    January 2, 2014 at 7:45 pm

    I’ve been hearing so much wonderful chatter about this book. Would love to read it.

    Reply
  36. mistyfuji says

    January 2, 2014 at 8:59 pm

    I’d love to read this book…sounds like a page turner. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  37. Ellen Marie Wiseman says

    January 2, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    Thank you so much, Lorrie! Happy New Year!

    Reply
  38. Melissa Reynolds says

    January 2, 2014 at 9:20 pm

    I am a huge fan of Ellen! She is our book club pick for February! Would love to win a copy. Cannot wait to start reading!

    Reply
    • Melissa Reynolds says

      January 2, 2014 at 9:23 pm

      I was excited about possibly winning a free copy and didn’t edit my comment. Oops…Ellen is not our next pick- rather “What She Left Behind” by Ellen is 🙂

      Reply
  39. Debbie Aubertine says

    January 2, 2014 at 9:56 pm

    What a great review! Can’t wait until my book arrives from Amazon! Loved Ellen’s first book, The Plum Tree!

    Reply
  40. DeNise says

    January 2, 2014 at 10:31 pm

    Ellen, I’m also fascinated by the juxtaposition of past and present. I’m looking forward to checking out this book. Thanks for the review, Amy.

    Reply
  41. Jennifer Huelsebusch says

    January 2, 2014 at 11:45 pm

    Sounds great and I love to find new to me authors!!

    Reply
  42. Sheila K. says

    January 3, 2014 at 5:02 am

    I would love to read this book—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

    Reply
  43. Laura Kay says

    January 3, 2014 at 7:13 am

    I am really enjoying reading reviews for WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND, every time I read about Clara I just want to cry–so obviously I need to get a copy of this one! Thanks for the review and a chance to win.

    Reply
  44. Andrea Brenner says

    January 5, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    I haven’t read any Ellen Marie Wiseman books, but my sister has told me to start. So I’m anxious to read this one.

    Reply
  45. Jess says

    January 6, 2014 at 3:15 am

    Sounds great! I’m going to read this whether I win or not, although getting it free would be a major bonus! Happy new year 🙂 x

    Reply
  46. Brenda Bevan Remmes says

    January 6, 2014 at 7:46 am

    Read your first book, Ellen, and already bought the second, so you can leave my name off the free give-away list. Looking forward to a repeat of the intriguing history and discription you had in your first novel.

    Reply
    • Ellen Marie Wiseman says

      January 6, 2014 at 9:48 am

      Thanks so much, Brenda! xoxo

      Reply
  47. Just Thompson says

    January 6, 2014 at 7:53 am

    I loved Ellen’s last book & look forward to reading this new one.

    Reply
  48. Suzy says

    January 6, 2014 at 6:55 pm

    I have heard nothing but wonderful things about this book. I would love the opportunity to win a copy! Thank you.

    Reply
  49. Iris says

    January 7, 2014 at 7:24 pm

    This book sounds great and I would very much like to read it.

    Reply
  50. Susan says

    January 23, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    I just finished reading What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman. Incredible book! I could not put it down, and my eyes are still a little puffy from crying, but I loved every word! My husband and I adopted our daughter from another country thirty years ago and we have no knowledge of her biological family, so there were so many connections made while reading this beautifully written, memorable book. I will be recommending this to family and friends, along with her first novel which I will read next.

    Reply

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