Book Synopsis
A literary journey beckons them . . . and may profoundly rewrite their stories.
Chloe Vance, dreamer of the family, needs to tell her pragmatic mom, Edie, that she has accepted a low-paying art instructor role at a Christian school in Prague. Her older sister, Lauren--the "responsible one"--is doing all she can to hide the fact she's been fired for a foolish mistake and is desperately seeking her next career move. Meanwhile, Edie, estranged from her own sister following their mother's recent death, is frankly in no mood for anything else to change.
The one thing they can all agree on? Life in books sure is easier to navigate than life in the real world. As the three women embark on a nine-day road trip to visit significant literary sites throughout America's heartland, they hope to find inspiration through the works and lives of literary greats. As they experience firsthand the adventure and wonder of the classics, they'll discover the value of being honest with themselves--and their family--about their losses and failures. Only then can they come to terms with their own needs and desires and find support from the most important women in their lives--each other.
Book clubs will relish this trek through America's classic literature as award-winning author Sara Brunsvold pens an inspirational novel of mother-daughter relationships, sisterhood, literary themes, a cross-country road trip, and books about books.
Book Details
- Publisher : Revell
- Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction
- Publication date : June 17, 2025
- Language : English
- Print length : 352 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0800746120
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
My Review
The Atlas of Untold Stories is more than just a journey through words; it’s an emotional experience as well. This "Road Trip" story spans generations and centers on a mother and her two daughters. It reveals how difficult and tangled family ties can be. It also shows that finding peace with loved ones takes effort, especially when forgiving and accepting each other's flaws is involved.
Chloe is about to leave for a two-year job in Prague, and she knows she must tell her mom. Yet, she feels nervous about sharing the news. She invites her mom on a road trip, visiting old literary landmarks across America’s Heartland. Lauren, her sister, is now out of work but keeps this secret. She ends up tagging along. During the trip, feelings surface that reveal how tough Edie, their mother, finds it to let her children go and live their own lives. Chloe is hiding a big secret from her mom, knowing she’ll likely overreact when she finds out. Lauren, always seen as the perfect sister, is struggling—she lost her high-powered job, ended her relationship, and is battling an eating disorder.
At first, I didn’t like Edie because of how she judged others. But as the story unfolded, I learned about her own past and how her mother treated her. As the trip continues and things don’t go as planned, it’s interesting to see how each event shifts the family members’ views of themselves and each other.
The book features spots connected to famous authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder and her “Little House on the Prairie”, John Steinbeck, Mark Twain, Willa Cather, and Langston Hughes. You’ll also hear about their work—The Grapes of Wrath, O Pioneers!, Charlotte's Web, The Wizard of Oz, and more. Other highlighted authors include T.S. Eliot, Flannery O'Connor, Kate Chopin, and Maya Angelou.
This summer read brings together stories of books, trips, small towns, and deep feelings. Some parts will make you laugh, others will make you cry. A line that struck me said, "A person's greatest need was often the one they refused to acknowledge." This novel makes you think about your own family and the relationships you share.
****Meet Author Sara Brunsvold****
Sara Brunsvold creates stories that speak hope, truth, and life. Influenced by humble women of God who find his fingerprints in the everyday, she does the same in her life and her storytelling. Sara’s recognitions include the 2020 ACFW Genesis Award for Contemporary Fiction. She lives with her family near Kansas City, Missouri, where she can often be spotted writing at a park or library. Learn more at www.sarabrunsvold.com.
~*~*~*~*Purchase The Atlas of Untold Stories ~*~*~*~*
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Paperback-https://a.co/d/8Z7vxgw
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