Days of Wonder

by Caroline Leavitt

New York Times bestselling author Caroline Leavitt returns with a tantalizing, courageous story about mothers and daughters, guilt and innocence, and the lengths we go for love. As a teenager, for a moment, Ella Fitchburg found love—yearning, breathless love—that consumed both her and her boyfriend, Jude, as they wandered the streets of New York City together. But her life was unexpectedly upended when she was accused of trying to murder Jude’s father, an imperious superior court judge, and sentenced to twenty-five years in prison. When she learns she’s pregnant shortly after sentencing, she reluctantly decides to give up the child.  Ella is released after serving only six years. While she is desperate to turn the page on a new life, she can’t seem to let go of her past. With only an address as a possible lead, she moves to Ann Arbor, Michigan, determined to get her daughter back. Forced to hide her identity and complicated past and live in a constant state of deception, she finds that what she’s been searching for all along is a way to uncover and live with the truth. Yet a central mystery neither Jude nor Ella can remember the events leading up to the attempted murder—that fateful night which led to Ella’s conviction.  For fans of Miranda Cowley Heller’s The Paper Palace and Allegra Goodman’s Sam , Caroline Leavitt’s Days of Wonder is a gripping high-drama page-turner about the elusive nature of redemption and the profound reach of love. 

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Family, Adoption, Adult, Book Club

320 pages, Hardcover

Published April 23, 2024

About the author

Caroline Leavitt is the New York Times bestselling author of Cruel Beautiful World, Is This Tomorrow, With or Without You, Pictures of You (Algonquin Books), which. Pictures of You was on the Best Books of the Year lists from the San Francisco Chronicle, The Providence Journal, Bookmarks and Kirkus Reviews. It was also a Costco Pennie's Pick. Is This Tomorrow was long listed for the Main Readers Prize, a WNBA Reading group Choice, A San Francisco Chronicle Lit Pick/Editor's Choice, a Jewish Book Club Pic and the winner of an Audiofile Earphones Award.

Her 13th novel DAYS OF WONDER will be published by Algonquin/Hatchette in the spring of 2024.

The winner of a New York Foundation of the Arts Grant, a second prize winner in Goldenberg Fiction Prize, A Sundance Screenwriting Lab Finalist, a Nickelodeon Screenwriting Fellowship Finalist and a National Magazine Award Nominee, Leavitt is a senior writing instructor at UCLA and Stanford online and a freelance manuscript consultant. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Psychology Today, Salon,More, and more.
She has been featured on The Today Show and profiled in the New York Times.

You can reach her through www.carolineleavitt.com. On twitter @leavittnovelist. On Instagram @carolineleavitt and FB https://www.facebook.com/carolineleav... @carowriter99

Reviews

[Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel begins with twenty-two-year-old Ella Fitchburg in 2018 being released after serving six years of a twenty-five-year sentence for the attempted murder of her former boyfriend’s father, a prominent judge. Haunted by her past and the painful memories of Jude with whom she had dreamt of a future but who disappeared from her life after her arrest, Ella is desperate to locate the daughter she gave birth to and was made to give u for adoption while in prison. Complicating matters further is the fact that she does not have a clear memory of the night of the attempted murder and is unable to locate Jude, who might be able to shed light on the events of that night. Her mother, Helen, who works in a dress shop and loves her daughter, wouldn’t hesitate to relocate so that both of them could start afresh. Despite her mother’s protest, Ella secretly embarks on a search for her daughter. Ella, who earned a college degree while incarcerated, finds it difficult to secure employment on account of her criminal background but when she is offered a job in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where her daughter’s adoptive family is located she decides to hide the truth about her past, and accept the offer and moves to Ann Arbor without Helen, who is aware that Ella has found her daughter. Helen’s life hasn’t been easy and she has endured much hardship to raise Ella as a single mother. With Ella trying to move on, Helen, whose life revolved around Ella, is now compelled to take stock of her own life and confront the painful secrets from her own past so that she might be able to move forward and experience everything that life has to offer as well as repair the cracks that have begun to appear in her relationship with her daughter. The narrative follows both Ella and Helen as they embark on their respective journeys of self-discovery, catharsis, healing and hope.

Shared from multiple perspectives across past and present timelines seamlessly woven into a fluid narrative Days of Wonder by Caroline Leavitt is a poignant read. The strength of this novel lies in the character development and the sensitive, realistic and compassionate depiction of complicated family dynamics. I loved the writing, the complex characters and the emotional depth with which the author has tackled several sensitive topics. The characters are flawed yet realistic and though you may question their choices, you can’t help but feel invested in their stories. The revelations pertaining to Ella’s conviction gradually come to light as the narrative progresses. I wasn’t completely satisfied with how this aspect of the story was tied up and felt it could have been explored further. You might have to suspend disbelief at certain junctures in the story and needless to say, you will feel a lot of emotions as the drama unfolds. I thought that the plot point concerning the adoptive family wasn’t quite necessary, but this does not detract from the overall reading experience.

Revolving around themes of family, love, loss, guilt, abuse, healing and forgiveness, this is a compelling read that I would not hesitate to recommend.

This was my first time reading this author and I look forward to exploring more of her work.

Many thanks to Algonquin Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on April 23, 2024.

#CarolineLeavitt#DaysofWonder

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[Caroline Leavitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi, I'm Caroline Leavitt, and I just wanted to show everyone the blurbs I have received so far! My novel will be out in April 2024 from Algonquin Books/Hatchette.

“Caroline Leavitt has crafted a novel rich in empathy and a story that will resonate with every reader. When Ella and Jude's young love goes awry, they struggle for a maturity that allows them to see that their past mistakes are in fact doors to a new, more beautiful life.” —Ann Napolitano, New York Times bestselling author and Oprah Bookclub pick, Hello Beautiful

​"Days of Wonder" is unputdown-able for all the best reasons. It's about the most fascinating topics (the media, guilt, love). It's packed with all you want (style, pathos, humor). It's got a killer plot, a great heroine, and brilliance on every page. It is, in short, a masterpiece. If you're not a Leavitt fan, you just haven't read this one. " Darin Strauss, NBCC-winning author of Half a Life and bestselling author of Queen of Tuesday

​"What a phenomenal novel! Poignant, thrilling and moving, Caroline Leavitt's DAYS OF WONDER grabbed me from the very first page and wouldn't let go. Leavitt is a master of plotting, pacing and language. This intricately woven, beautifully written novel is a joy. A tender, propulsive and stunning read! "
Jean Kwok, New York Times and internationally bestselling author and Jenna's Today Show pick

​“Caroline Leavitt is a national treasure. I've been reading her novels from the very first and I can say that no one writes about the bond of motherhood like Leavitt. I loved Days of Wonder and simply couldn’t put it down. A warm, big-hearted story of love and longing, the novel gets at the very essence of what it means to be a mother and a daughter, a friend and a wife. Like all of Leavitt's novels, this latest offers the most profound narrative pleasures. Days of Wonder may be her best yet.” —Joanna Rakoff, Best selling author of My Salinger Year and a Fortunate Age


"Caroline Leavitt is at the top of her game in DAYS OF WONDER. She has crafted a cast of characters who will have readers spellbound. Childhood disasters, adult transgressions, and the complications of family are woven together to create a novel of redemption, reinvention, and hope. Rarely have I read a novel that affected me so dramatically that I felt the characters were people with whom I had a personal investment. Set aside an afternoon for DAYS OF WONDER. It will leave you in awe."
Pamela Klinger-Horn, Valley Bookseller

​
DAYS OF WONDER should come with a gift card for Uber Eats, because once you begin reading, you will not be able to stop. Caroline Leavitt’s characters climb off the page and straight into your heart. This story of love and loss and redemption, and how the weight of our secrets can shred us is unforgettable.What a gift to be able to hold this book in your hands and lose yourself in its pages!
Mary Webber O'Malley Virtual Bookseller. Skylark Bookshop

​

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a few of Caroline Leavitt's books in the past and always enjoyed them. I was excited to see that she had a new one.

This is the story of Helen, her teenage daughter Ella and Ella's boyfriend, Jude. The story is complex and multi-layered. Many secrets threaten relationships.

The characters are well-developed. My feelings about them change several times during the story. Like, dislike, pity, empathy, admiration, respect. As the story changes, my feelings change.

Poor choices are made, and bad things happen to good people. But, there is also redemption and hope.

The story is well-written, the plot moves ahead smoothly. The focus changes from one character to another. The pages keep turning. Sometimes I thought it was a bit too dramatic, but sometimes life is like that. It certainly kept me reading.

The ending was good. It wasn't completely definitive but I can tie up the ends in my mind the way I want to.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Kelly (and the Book Boar) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think the first (and maybe only) thing to note is in order for this story to be successful for you, you have to believe that not only is the newspaper industry still apparently a booming business, but also that they are still hiring “Dear Abby” types of columnists (but ones that have zero work history or any sort of credentials whatsoever). Add to that an attempted murder charge, convicted (but obviously not guilty) felon, multiple whoopsie babies, rape, child abuse, domestic violence and you get an entirely unpalatable stew for this everything but the kitchen sink tragiporn . . .

[Fran Hawthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Days of Wonder," the newest novel by the award-winning and best-selling author Caroline Leavitt, is as intricately patterned as a densely knotted Persian rug:

Helen Levy becomes pregnant as a teenager, is kicked out of her home in Brooklyn’s insular Hasidic community, and raises her daughter as a single mother. That daughter, Ella, also becomes pregnant as a teen and also loses her home, but she is forced to give up her own daughter for adoption. One alcoholic father abuses his son; another alcoholic father, 600 miles away, abuses his wife. Helen finds solace in hiding messages into the hems of dresses she sews; Ella sends messages more directly to readers of her newspaper advice column.

While some of these plot echoes might seem forced, Leavitt reinvents them into a page-turning exploration of love, motherhood, and secrecy.

The book certainly starts with a bang, as Ella emerges from prison into a swarm of news cameras, “the reporters rushing toward her, their voices like thorns.” She had been in prison because, when she was 15 years old, she had confessed under coercion to the attempted murder of her boyfriend Jude’s father, a well-connected superior court judge in Manhattan. Thanks to an investigation by a crusading journalist, her case was reopened, and now Ella has been freed after six years instead of the 25 to which she was originally sentenced.

Helen is bursting to wrap Ella into a shared life in New York City. Ella, however, wants to find her own daughter, whom she reluctantly ceded after giving birth in prison. She heads out to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she believes the little girl, now named Carla, is living with her adoptive parents. After changing her own last name and lying about her criminal record, Ella gets the advice-columnist job.

The story is told mainly through Helen’s and Ella’s alternating points of view, shifting back and forth in time from Helen’s childhood, to Ella and Jude’s romance, to Ella’s release from prison and the aftermath. The last 50 or so pages are almost impossible to put down.

A couple of key plot hinges, however, are awkward. It’s hard to believe that a lawyer would leave the name and address of the family who adopted Ella’s daughter conveniently accessible with just two clicks of her computer keyboard while she goes out to get Ella a suspiciously requested glass of water. And Carla’s adoptive father becomes too much of a cartoon villain—the kind of cliché this book avoids so skillfully with Jude’s father.

But overall, the author, Leavitt, is spot-on with her insight into people’s unreliable emotions, needs, and failings. Her characters by and large are real human beings that we come to care about.
--Adapted from my review in the New York Journal of Books, https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book...

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Days of Wonder by Caroline Leavitt was such a page turner. It was one of those books I found so interesting and didn’t want to put down. I felt for both Ella and her mom throughout their journey. I enjoyed this a lot, but I guess I’m used to romances because I wish we had more closure with each character and a more concrete happily ever after.

Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Xe Sands, Steve Quinn & Stephanie Willing
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Length: 10h 19m

[Carol]

The Hook - Several years ago I read the book, Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt. I gave it 3 stars (this is when I actually gave stars) and wrote this review, https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Leavitt has written other stories since then but I had not read any. Fast forward to 2024 when my annual Booktopia weekend in Manchester, Vermont, included Caroline Leavitt and her latest book, Days of Wonder Perfect opportunity to fill my promise to try again.
Edelweiss provided the ARC for my honest review. I read partially from that edition and bought the published book at the event.

The Line - ”She now knew not to go out when the Michigan football team had a home game because the streets would be clogged with frat boys in team jerseys and hat, their faces painted half yellow and half blue, and crazy fans pumping their fist into the air and shouting.”
Referring to Ann Arbor, Michigan; been there, done that, and not only are there frat boys but traffic tie-ups beyond belief.

The Sinker - Caroline Leavitt was an excellent speaker and a joy to hear talk about her latest book. She was very organized, having notes on her background, writing process, and a very thorough explanation of how she came to write this book.
What starts as a simple plot, teenage girl, Ella, and teenage boy, Jude, are madly in love, as only teens can be. Their young love soon turns into a nightmare, in which Ella is charged and incarcerated for the attempted murder of Jude's father, Judge Stein, who isn't in favor of the romance, and tries to keep them apart. From other books we've read, we know this rarely works. She receives a prison sentence of 25 years. From this to book end, there is so much to ponder. In her early days in prison, Ella realizes she is pregnant. Because she is just 15 years old with a long sentence ahead, she is coerced into giving the child, a girl, up for adoption. The book opens when Ella is granted an early release having served 7 years of her sentence. Her mother, Helen, is there to pick her up, but so is the media, raring to harass her once again.
As she and her mother drive towards home, this conversation is heard “Your whole life's ahead of you,”. Helen said now. Such a miracle! No probation, no parole. Isn't that something? A clean slate. Ellen wasn't so sure. “I'm still a felon,” she said.

How does such a short, five letter word, felon, have such power to grab a hold of someone, continuing to keep Ella in her own prison?

There are many strong truths in these pages yet what unfolds is told in a low-key, almost mellow, tone. Though this was not what I originally envisioned from the characters, and though I was not always happy with their decisions, I managed to get into this rhythm and by books end was able to accept the author's choices, just as Ella, Helen and other key supporting characters did.

[T. Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the surface, this is the story of obsessive teenage love (which actually reminded me a lot of Scott Spencer's ENDLESS LOVE) and its tragic consequences. However, like so many of Caroline Leavitt's books, it is also an exploration of all kinds of love. This book is full of beautifully damaged characters - all seeking, finding, losing, and earning love from those around them.

The story was immersive and moving, and I gobbled it up in just a few sittings.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline Leavitt is such a wonderful and unique writer. I know I can always count on her for a different and riveting story. DAYS OF WONDER is no exception. This is not necessarily a happy or uplifting book, but wow, it makes you think. Ella falls madly in love with Jude as a teenager, and the pair spend all their time together, including days at her apartment with Ella's mom, Helen. They avoid Jude's angry and bitter father, a judge who resents him for his mother's death. But when Ella is accused of trying to murder Jude's dad, he pulls strings and she's sent to prison for 25 years, while Jude has no consequences. Neither can remember that night, which doesn't make things any easier.

In prison, Ella discovers she's pregnant and reluctantly gives the baby up for adoption after Jude terminates his parental rights. But when she's released early--after only six years--she's determined to track down her child. What follows is an oft heartbreaking tale of Ella trying to reclaim her life, her child, and her own self while dealing with reentering society as a convicted felon.

WONDER is a little meandering at times, with various plot points that run off in various directions, but it's also captivating. All of our characters are flawed but intriguing, with Ella at the center. She doesn't always make the best decisions, but she has a good heart. The story is told in alternating POV and timelines, between present-day and then flashing to the past, leading up to what happened to the judge. In this way, it serves as part mystery, as no one knows exactly what happened that night, and part literary fiction, probing the bonds between mother and daughter and parent and child. Through Helen's relationship with Ella and then Ella's relationship (or lack thereof) with her daughter, we learn about the sacrifices made for our children... even the decisions the warped judge makes in terms of Jude.

This is such a thoughtful story, and so poignant. I was completely caught up in Ella's world and life. I honestly would read a sequel to learn more about her future. Leavitt's writing is gorgeous, and this is such a different, enjoyable tale, even if the subject matter is often serious and sad. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Algonquin Books in return for an unbiased review.

[Geonn Cannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean, if you're looking for a steady diet of melodrama, this book will definitely appeal to you. Lots of jumping back to the past (OH BOY MY FAVORITE!!!!) and, even better, alternating between chapters following women named Helen and Ella. That's a lot of fun in an audiobook.

It's not a bad book. But it's one you've probably read ten times over the past few years just with a new cover and slightly different details. There's definitely a market for that. Lightweight, easy, it'll kill some time in an airport for sure.

[Jayne Evangelista · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reads like an average Lifetime movie. Melodramatic to a fault with unlikeable characters that ultimately I cared nothing about. The writing is good but a ton of repetition that could have been edited down for a smoother read.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: DAYS OF WONDER
AUTHOR: Caroline Leavitt
PUB DATE: 04.23.2024

I love a good redemption story and Leavitt ups the ante on a complex family drama, by giving readers a heartwrenching, gutting, and poignant read that is well plotted. What you get is a thrilling read about mothers and daughters, love, secrets, and so much more. I found myself enjoying this book a lot and glued to it over a relaxing weekend! This book is perfect for book clubs. Check it out!

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Days of Wonder explores themes of family, love, crime, and mystery. The story follows the lives of two New York City high school students who fall in love. When the boy’s father announces plans to move the family away for his job, the young couple can’t imagine being apart. In their desperation, they talk about “offing” his dad to stop the move. When an actual attempt is made, the teens are charged, and one ends up paying the price by going to prison. The catch? Neither of them remembers anything from that night.

I don’t want to spoil the story, so I’ll leave the rest for readers to discover. This is a tale of resilience born out of regret, and it’s a compelling read with twists and emotional depth.

Audiobook source: Libby
Narrator: Xe Sands, Steve Quinn & Stephanie Willing
Length: 10h 19m

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

DAYS OF WONDER was an engrossing story from start to finish. Caroline Leavitt has created a gripping drama that I could not put down. The lead character falls victim to poor choices as a teenager and spends the rest of the story trying to recover from them. This one gave me all the feels throughout the story. If you enjoy a good drama with complex characters, you will love this one!

Many thanks to Algonquin Books and Caroline Leavitt for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to the publication date.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother and daughter find their lives upended by unexpected pregnancies in each of their lives. Ella, the daughter, who has been released from a prison sentence, is trying to restart her life. She is also desperate to find the daughter she was forced to give up while she was imprisoned.
Helen, her mother, wants to support her daughter, but must confront truths about her own pregnancy and shunning by her Hasidic community.
Within this story is a young man, Jude, whose sad and difficult life is linked to the 3 generations of females.

This is a compelling novel by a favorite author which deals with complicated mother/daughter relationships. The author actually leads the reader to a third generation of females in this saga. I loved reading about the struggles of handling young love, mature love and maternal love.

Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful book about the complex feelings and relationships between mothers and daughters.

[ren ༉‧₊˚. · Rating 2 out of 5]

lifetime movie material.

2 stars cause kudos to the author for even publishing, but wow this was insufferable.

[Stephanie ~~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel IS Caroline Leavitt's home run.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐+++

[Susan Thuvanuti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engrossing story about a young couple and their struggle to stay together.
I would have given it 5 stars had I liked the ending more.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping drama about mothers and daughters, guilt and innocence, and the lengths we go for love. The book is about two 15-year-old kids who are madly in love and are trying to be separated from the boy's father until they are both accused of attempted murder. The only problem is that neither of them remembers what happened that night. So the boy goes free, and the girl gets 25 years. But when she's released early, she's desperate to find out what happened to her boyfriend who vanished, what happened to the child she had in prison, and what really happened that night. This story follows the afterlives the lovers who are torn apart by a crime and a family. It also touches on forgiveness, identity, and the search for truth.

This is more of a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story told in dual timelines. She gives a different perspective on the Upper West Side from Ella's point of view, saying: "Ella held her breath, tugged up her skirt to shorten it, and then, along with her two best friends, Suze and Christina, walked toward the high rise on East 76th. She looked up at the ornate carvings on the limestone building and felt dizzy. Everything in the Upper East Side seemed so clean and empty compared to other areas of the city, particularly Queens. The sidewalks looked bleached. Every tree was surrounded by bright flowers and gated with wrought iron. People here were so dressed up they looked polished, wearing fancy fabrics and walking fancy dogs who sometimes had jeweled collars and even little rubber boots over their paws. Ella had no idea what to think of all this."

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Meredith Waggoner · Rating 2 out of 5]

the problem was… I just didn’t care about anyone in this book

[Sheri Page · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one missed the mark for me. Each character had a whiney issue thru out the story! It got old real quick! Just to odd of a story line. 👎🏻

[Cindy Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Absolutely ridiculous story and dialogue that rivals Colleen Hoover for eye rolls. Jesus.

[✦ Ellen’s Reviews ✦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll have my women’s fiction with a side of family drama, please!

𝘋𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 is a compelling domestic drama that delves into the complexities of love, forgiveness, and the search for redemption. The story revolves around Ella, a young woman who has been released early from prison after being convicted of a crime she was convicted of as a teenager. Determined to find the baby she gave up for adoption while incarcerated, Ella embarks on a journey that takes her to Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Leavitt skillfully weaves together the narratives of multiple characters, highlighting the intricate relationships between mothers and daughters. Ella's quest to reunite with her child is the driving force of the novel, and her emotional journey is heart-wrenching and inspiring.

While the focus primarily remains on Ella and her daughter, the inclusion of Jude, Ella's high school boyfriend and true love, adds an intriguing layer to the story, and I loved the chapters with his POV.

Leavitt's writing is poignant, capturing the raw emotions of her characters with precision. She tackles themes of forgiveness, identity, and the power of second chances with sensitivity and depth.

I devoured Leavitt’s 2020 novel 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘳 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶. I find her writing to be powerful and moving. Her latest novel is a compelling read for fans of family dramas.

Many thanks to the publisher for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest review. As always all opinions are my own.

[Daniel Folk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy moly

[Autum Hicks · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5⭐️? I don’t know if I’m being too harsh since I don’t normally read books like this but I just really didn’t love any of the characters and I feel like everything was very predictable and boring.

[Judy Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to name one reason why I'm such a fan of Caroline Leavitt's novels, it would be her deep compassion. I don’t know anyone who gets inside her characters as deeply and smartly as she does. When her characters make bad decisions, when they face challenges, when they suffer, we get them; we see the forces that formed them. Here's the thing: Caroline Leavitt's stories are just so true.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Days of Wonder" is like a bowl of heaped bowl of spaghetti with each noodle a different story strand. These is so much to this book and it is so masterfully paced that you will dig in with gusto and enjoy every bite.

The novel opens with Helen driving to the state prison to pick up her daughter who is being released early. Ella was sentenced to twenty-five years for the attempted murder of her boyfriend's judge father, but her case has been thrown out. She entered prison at fifteen and is being released at six years later, and she the thing she wants most is to find the baby she gave birth to in prison, who has been adopted in a closed adoption. This seems like such a bad idea, more and more after you learn more about the circumstances of the child's birth. Helen is just to happy to have Ella with her and promises herself to let Ella make her own way.

There is so much emotion and compassion in this book, which touches on issues of class, religion, and family abuse. There are so many ingredients in Caroline Leavitt's novel that it consistently surprises. I ached for the characters found the end satisfying and believable.

I was so glad to be approved to read and review this novel by NetGalley and Algonquin Books. This is my honest review.

__Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an emotional read that focused on a mother and daughter relationship.

Ella Fitchburg is a teenager and she has found love in her new boyfriend Jude. One big problem is Jude’s dad, whose a judge, he has a different future planned for his son and it’s one that does not include Ella. They dream of a life together one without Jude’s dad and they even talk about how much life would be easier without his dad in the picture. When Ella is convicted of the attempted murder of Jude’s father she’s sentenced to twenty-five years in prison. To make matters more complicated she finds out she’s pregnant in prison , she reluctantly decides to give up the child. Ella is released after serving only six years. Determined to get her daughter back. Forced to hide her identity, she has an address and heads to Ann Arbor Michigan. She soon is on a journey of self discovery and she soon realizes she just wants to uncover the mystery to her past that’s linked to the one night that turned her life upset down.

[mrsboomreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good drama and Days of Wonder has plenty! I felt so deeply for Ella and her heart wrenching circumstances. As a mother I was pulled in by both her journey, and that of Ella’s mother. The author did a beautiful job examining the threads between multiple complex relationships, as well as admirable resilience. This story felt a bit reminiscent of one of my favorites last year, The Connelly’s of County Down, though still wholly unique!

[Allie S · Rating 2 out of 5]

This feels like propaganda written by the Ann Arbor board of tourism