The Stories We Keep: A Novel of Motherhood, Mental Health & Hope

Jenna Cartwright has run away from her family in a desperate bid to save—or end—her life.Driven to despair by debilitating depression, loneliness, and anxiety, Jenna makes a panic-driven decision to leave her husband and young children behind.Upon fleeing to her hometown of Asher, Alabama, Jenna searches for help from the generations of women she loves most. As she learns their long-held stories, Jenna struggles to untangle her own thoughts and emotions, while also grappling with the impossible decision of what comes next.Can she find the strength and courage to return to her family, heal her soul, and form her own life-saving sisterhood? Or will she remain a hopeless runaway mother, trapped by a longing for an irreversible escape?A heart-felt novel exploring motherhood, mental health, and the redeeming power of storytelling, sisterhood, and grace.———-“A touching novel of the importance of sharing the trials of motherhood. Holly excels at portraying the everyday frustrations of caregiving and the unique loneliness it can bring. Many mothers will identify with Jenna’s plight and find solace in its message.” —BookLife Reviews by Publisher’s Weekly”A lucid look at motherhood; immediately relatable. Aptly describes the chaos of raising children and the possibility of losing one’s sense of self. A moving exploration of motherhood’s pressures and expectations—one that any parent will find thought-provoking.” —BlueInk Review”Dramatically showcases how despair and loneliness can be relieved through connection with others. A touching, evocative depiction of the therapeutic imperative to share and support.” —Kirkus Reviews