by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde comes a gripping and emotional novel about friendship, motherhood, and the journey toward finding a place to call home.
Brooke is a divorced single mom, financially strapped, living with her mother, and holding tight to the one thing that matters most: her two-year-old daughter, Etta. Then, in a matter of seconds, Brooke’s life is shattered when she’s carjacked. Helpless and terrified, all Brooke can do is watch as Etta, still strapped in her seat, disappears into the Los Angeles night.
Miles away, Etta is found by Molly, a homeless teen who is all too used to darkness. Thrown away by her parents, and with a future as stable as the wooden crate she calls home, Molly survives day to day by her wits. As unpredictable as her life is, she’s stunned to find Etta, abandoned and alone. Shielding the little girl from more than the elements, Molly must put herself in harm’s way to protect a child as lost as she is.
Out of one terrible moment, Brooke’s and Molly’s desperate paths converge and an unlikely friendship across generations and circumstances is formed. With it, Brooke and Molly will come to discover that what’s lost—and what’s found—can change in a heartbeat.
Last year, I read Have You Seen Luis Velez? It made my 2019 Top Ten list, so I knew without a doubt I needed to read Brave Girl, Quiet Girl by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The author delivered a gripping, heartwarming tale of motherhood, acceptance and friendship.
Divorced mother, Brooke, has moved back into her mother’s home with her two-year-old daughter Etta. It isn’t the best situation as the relationship between Brooke and her mother isn’t a healthy one.
One night after a spat with her Mom, she takes Etta out, and the unthinkable happens. She finds herself the victim of carjacked at a stoplight. Only before she cries out, the thief takes off with Etta still in her car seat. A sixteen-year-old homeless girl named Molly finds Etta abandoned on the side of the road and keeps her safe until she can find help.
The story that unfolds shares the friendship that develops between Molly and Brooke. How they inadvertently help each other. It was touching and realistic. Hyde shed light on prejudices big and small, on poverty levels, mental abuse and cold hard facts facing many people every day. She does so in a way that you connect with the characters and she shares all sides.
Hyde alternates between the perspectives of Brooke and Holly, allowing us to experience their fears, emotions, growth and more. The author captures genuine emotions and harsh realities.
I would love for everyone to read this author. Her stories pull you in and shed light on family situations, racisms, prejudices and more. She presents flawed, fleshed out individuals and sets them in situations that allow them to grow, learn, accept and find something more. Maybe not perfect, but to overcome.
Ryan Hyde is quickly becoming a favorite here at Caffeinated. I highly recommend you grab Brave Girl, Quiet Girl.
Brave Girl, Quiet Girl by Catherine Ryan Hyde delivered a gripping, heartwarming tale of motherhood, acceptance and friendship. #Fiction #NewRelease #MustRead Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Patty
Hello, Kimberly. My name is Patricia and I’m from Brazil.
I would like to say that I loved your book review. It was clear and objective.
I was reading a preview on Amazon’s and got confused in Molly’s part. But because of your review, I realized that there are two protagonists and they would become friends. Thank you so much. I’m buying the book right now. <3
Crystal @ Lost in Storyland
This sounds like a lovely story. Adding this to my TBR list!
Barbara Strickland
Downloaded. I loved her book Have you seen Luis Velez. Cant wait to read this one. I couldn’t stop thinking about Luis so goodness knows how I will feel about this one.
Katherine
I wasn’t sure on this one just reading about the carjacking with the toddler in the car. After reading that the little girl is okay I’m now very much intrigued. I’ve only read a couple of books by this author but they’ve both been absolutely wonderful. I’ll have to try this one.
Carla
I read another review of this book and was pulled in. Yours cements the decision that I need to add this to my TBR. It sounds like some timely issues are covered and I love that the characters seem so real. Wonderful review, Kimberly.
Trish @ Between My Lines
This is an author I haven’t read before, but she seems to be right up my alley. I love an emotionally intense book.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
This sounds like such a wonderful read, full of important issues and relatable themes. Adding to my TBR now!
Lover of Romance
This sounds like such a good one and I love seeing authors that address issues like prejudice and family situations that most don’t tackle.
Lovely review and happy you enjoyed it so much.
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I love a story that pulls you in and delivers life lessons and relevant societal topics. I can see why this author has become a favorite author of yours Kim. Lovely Review!
sjhigbee
A wonderful review, Kimberly. I’m heartened at the growing number of books I’m encountering about growing relationships between women – not sentimental or mushy, but strong and fostered in the heat of real trouble. Like so many real friendships between women… Thank you!
Anne - Books of My Heart
I thought about this one and I probably should have gotten it. Excellent review!
Felicity Grace Terry
Catherine Ryan Hyde? Hmm! I’m trying to think why I know that name when none of these titles look familiar.
Anyway what sounds like a great read … can you just imaging how these two women must have felt, Brooke as a mother seeing her daughter taken off like this and Molly realising the ‘passenger’ she has on board? That the author keeps it touching and realistic is impressive.
Debbie Haupt
I have hear a lot about this author I have never read her but I do have a few by her in my audible library and they are going closer to the top of the rung. Thanks Kim
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
Sounds like my kind of story. Excellent review, Kimberly?
sherry fundin
i don’t usually read a book like this, but your review makes me think this is the exception
Cindy
I am putting this on my to-read list. Thanks for sharing this great review and bringing my attention to this book.
shooting
Glad to hear you loved this one! I just love Catherine – she’s a great author, but a really wonderful person too.
Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Nadene
I do love the sound of this book. It seems I would need to have some tissues nearby for this one.
Jenea’s Book Obsession
Oh wow, this sounds like it packs an emotional punch. I’m off to see if my library has it.