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The Wild Road Home
A beautiful and enriching novel about unforgettable love and the power of friends and family by Melissa Payne, the bestselling author of The Night of Many Endings and A Light in the Forest . Mack Anders will do anything for his wife, Daisy. Even die. With the woman he loves fading away from Alzheimer’s, Mack fakes his own passing. The insurance makes certain that Daisy will be taken care of with dignity and comfort until the end. In a lonesome cabin in the Wyoming wilderness, he lives off the grid with nothing but thoughts of the past to keep him company and the belief that Daisy is better off without him. Strong-willed eighteen-year-old Brandi has just been released from juvie. Willing to risk everything to save her young brother, Sy, from their unstable mother, Brandi takes him on the run. Her destination is their aunt’s house in Casper. Maybe there she can finally find a stable home for Sy. After a busted tire strands them in the remote wildlands of Wyoming, they cross paths with Mack. Brandi quickly realizes this quiet stranger might be their only hope of reaching safety. On an unpredictable road ahead, escape brings these three kindred souls together. But the real world is closing in, and to help Brandi and Sy, Mack will have to come back to life in ways he never imagined.
299 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2024
3979 people are currently reading
12291 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Payne
6 books703 followersMelissa Payne is the bestselling author of five novels, including The Wild Road Home and A Light in the Forest. After an early career raising money for nonprofit organizations, Melissa began dreaming about becoming a published author and wrote her first novel. Her stories feature small mountain towns with characters searching for redemption, love, and second chances. They have been three-time Colorado Book Award finalists and Colorado Authors League 2020 and 2023 winners for mainstream fiction. Her upcoming novel, In the Beautiful Dark, will be released April 22, 2025. Melissa lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her husband and three children, a friendly mutt, a very loud cat, and the occasional bear. For more information, visit www.melissapayneauthor.com or find her on Instagram @melissapayne_writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 514 reviews
February 25, 2024
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
I loved A Light in the Forest so when this title was up on NetGalley I grabbed my chance to read it and am I ever glad I did. Melissa Payne knows how to write stories that play on your emotions and The Wild Road Home is no different. This story is told from Mack and Brandi's point of view. Brandi is trying to save her brother from their drug-addicted mother and Mack is trying to save his wife from her reoccurring cancer diagnosis. There is of course much more going on in both their lives but I don't want to give too much away. The joy of reading this book was found in learning about these characters.
I liked that Mack was missing part of his arm but learned to fish and taught others like him how to as well, it showed that people who are differently abled (like me) can do things and be independent. It was such a descriptive tale of the Wyoming wilderness that I felt like I was there and I enjoyed being back in nature on these cold February days in Canada.
I loved Brandi so much and saw a lot of myself in her, protecting her brother from a mother who is selfish and thinks only of herself first. I related to Mack as he watched someone he loves turn into a stranger and lose them to cancer and Alzheimer's. There is a lot of heartbreak in this book but there is also a lot of hope and love. Be forewarned that there are many issues in this story...there is child abuse/neglect, drug use and abuse, child death, grief, illegal activities and a few illnesses.
BUT...if you want a book that makes you feel all the feels this is a wonderful way to get them. I felt every emotion imaginable while reading this and I fell in love with Brandi, Mack and Sy. I cheered them on and wanted good things for them and after everything they'd been through I felt they deserved better. I loved the way they tried to help each other and ended up helping themselves along the way and they all formed an unlikely bond. I loved being on this journey with them. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
I loved A Light in the Forest so when this title was up on NetGalley I grabbed my chance to read it and am I ever glad I did. Melissa Payne knows how to write stories that play on your emotions and The Wild Road Home is no different. This story is told from Mack and Brandi's point of view. Brandi is trying to save her brother from their drug-addicted mother and Mack is trying to save his wife from her reoccurring cancer diagnosis. There is of course much more going on in both their lives but I don't want to give too much away. The joy of reading this book was found in learning about these characters.
I liked that Mack was missing part of his arm but learned to fish and taught others like him how to as well, it showed that people who are differently abled (like me) can do things and be independent. It was such a descriptive tale of the Wyoming wilderness that I felt like I was there and I enjoyed being back in nature on these cold February days in Canada.
I loved Brandi so much and saw a lot of myself in her, protecting her brother from a mother who is selfish and thinks only of herself first. I related to Mack as he watched someone he loves turn into a stranger and lose them to cancer and Alzheimer's. There is a lot of heartbreak in this book but there is also a lot of hope and love. Be forewarned that there are many issues in this story...there is child abuse/neglect, drug use and abuse, child death, grief, illegal activities and a few illnesses.
BUT...if you want a book that makes you feel all the feels this is a wonderful way to get them. I felt every emotion imaginable while reading this and I fell in love with Brandi, Mack and Sy. I cheered them on and wanted good things for them and after everything they'd been through I felt they deserved better. I loved the way they tried to help each other and ended up helping themselves along the way and they all formed an unlikely bond. I loved being on this journey with them. All. The. Stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
June 4, 2024
Excellent, excellent story. I wasn't far into this book when I had already made up my mind. And, nothing has changed it.
It is the story of Mack, an older man in his 60s and Brandi, an 18-year-old teen who is the older sister 5 year old Sy. These three forge one of the most unlikely friendships in the world. Each one of them has experienced tremendous upheaval in their life. Their meeting was purely by chance.
The character development is so interesting to observe. Mack and Brandi are true opposites. Mack only speaks when necessary, Brandi can't stop talking. They are both flawed and hurting souls. They form a very special bond as their personal stories evolve and they get to know each other.
The storyline evokes a lot of pathos. The reader sees the extreme sacrifices someone can go through for the sake of love. We also see deep respect and trust in Brandi and Mack's relationship, qualities that both people seem to crave and need. There are a few very dramatic moments, a some of them are heartstopping.
The story does not disappoint. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough, waiting to see how everything would play out. But, I didn't want to leave Mack and Brandi.
I may have shed a few tears at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
It is the story of Mack, an older man in his 60s and Brandi, an 18-year-old teen who is the older sister 5 year old Sy. These three forge one of the most unlikely friendships in the world. Each one of them has experienced tremendous upheaval in their life. Their meeting was purely by chance.
The character development is so interesting to observe. Mack and Brandi are true opposites. Mack only speaks when necessary, Brandi can't stop talking. They are both flawed and hurting souls. They form a very special bond as their personal stories evolve and they get to know each other.
The storyline evokes a lot of pathos. The reader sees the extreme sacrifices someone can go through for the sake of love. We also see deep respect and trust in Brandi and Mack's relationship, qualities that both people seem to crave and need. There are a few very dramatic moments, a some of them are heartstopping.
The story does not disappoint. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough, waiting to see how everything would play out. But, I didn't want to leave Mack and Brandi.
I may have shed a few tears at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
June 18, 2024
TITLE: THE WILD ROAD HOME
AUTHOR: Melissa Payne
PUB DATE: 06.18.2024
Mack’s wife Daisy is suffering from Alzheimer’s, and his only wish is for her to be cared for until the end. Mack fakes his death, he lives off the grid, and the insurance takes care of Daisy.
Simple.
Until…troubled siblings on the run gets stranded in the remote areas of Wyoming. Their only hope is Mack.
This is a beautiful story about love, sacrifices, found family, and the unusual ways our life takes a turn and blessings are found in the most unlikely places. Payne always has a way of writing characters that grabs your heart and difficult to forget. I also find that Payne’s settings act like another character that adds a whole new dimension to the story line.
AUTHOR: Melissa Payne
PUB DATE: 06.18.2024
Mack’s wife Daisy is suffering from Alzheimer’s, and his only wish is for her to be cared for until the end. Mack fakes his death, he lives off the grid, and the insurance takes care of Daisy.
Simple.
Until…troubled siblings on the run gets stranded in the remote areas of Wyoming. Their only hope is Mack.
This is a beautiful story about love, sacrifices, found family, and the unusual ways our life takes a turn and blessings are found in the most unlikely places. Payne always has a way of writing characters that grabs your heart and difficult to forget. I also find that Payne’s settings act like another character that adds a whole new dimension to the story line.
March 8, 2024
What a beautiful story. It was a story of heartache, lessons in life, hard times, family, and so much more. The main characters are so loveable. Mack and Brandi made quite the team. I enjoyed every moment of this book. I look forward to adding it to my collection once it's out. Publication is set for June 18th.
May 17, 2024
The Wild Road Home written by Melissa Payne and narrated by Landon Woodson and Lisa Cordileone is an outstanding story of love over all, of overcoming adversity and facing fears
Landon Woodson and Lisa Cordileone are a brilliant narrating team, their chapters are balanced and matched beautifully, as are their tones, cadence and character acting.
Mack Anders loves his wife Daisy. She is his match, his heart and soul. Many years ago, the couple suffered tragedy when their son Jesse drowned in a canoeing accident, their grief devastating them both. Further tragedy befalls the couple when they lose their business due to an embezzeling accountant. In the present day, Daisy has Alzheimers, needing to live in a nursing home. Mack can no longer afford to keep staying in a motel to visit her and he wants to take her to their cabin to see out their days. But their mutual friend has bad news. Daisy has cancer again. Mack has only one option, to fake his death so she will get his insurance payout
Brandi is on the run. She was let out of juevenile detention and the first thing she did was to rescue her little brother Sy from their tweaker mom and her latest boyfriend Kenny. After a dramatic confrontation, Brandi steals Kenny's Rav and races away with Sy, the little brother she raised and doted on before she was sent to juvie. Sy doesn't speak, his eyes full of the trauma he has suffered.
However, the pair hit a snag. The vehicle gets a flat and they are stranded in the middle of nowhere, alone, nowhere to go, no-one around, at least, they think not. That is, until Mack comes to their aid
I absolutely loved this audiobook. I was invested start to finish, especially with the bear encounters and Brandi's verbalising leet speak. Melissa Payne has a fantastic narrative, blending the outdoor life with urban life with ease, across generations. Capturing the heart and soul of a small community and the darkness of drug addiction and its fallout on families.
I believe a special nod is needed for Mack and Daisy's journey through Alzheimers and her battle with cancer, right until the end. My heart, my heart.
An incredible author to watch out for
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, the outstanding author Melissa Payne and narrators Landon Woodson and Lisa Cordileone for this exceptional audiobook. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Landon Woodson and Lisa Cordileone are a brilliant narrating team, their chapters are balanced and matched beautifully, as are their tones, cadence and character acting.
Mack Anders loves his wife Daisy. She is his match, his heart and soul. Many years ago, the couple suffered tragedy when their son Jesse drowned in a canoeing accident, their grief devastating them both. Further tragedy befalls the couple when they lose their business due to an embezzeling accountant. In the present day, Daisy has Alzheimers, needing to live in a nursing home. Mack can no longer afford to keep staying in a motel to visit her and he wants to take her to their cabin to see out their days. But their mutual friend has bad news. Daisy has cancer again. Mack has only one option, to fake his death so she will get his insurance payout
Brandi is on the run. She was let out of juevenile detention and the first thing she did was to rescue her little brother Sy from their tweaker mom and her latest boyfriend Kenny. After a dramatic confrontation, Brandi steals Kenny's Rav and races away with Sy, the little brother she raised and doted on before she was sent to juvie. Sy doesn't speak, his eyes full of the trauma he has suffered.
However, the pair hit a snag. The vehicle gets a flat and they are stranded in the middle of nowhere, alone, nowhere to go, no-one around, at least, they think not. That is, until Mack comes to their aid
I absolutely loved this audiobook. I was invested start to finish, especially with the bear encounters and Brandi's verbalising leet speak. Melissa Payne has a fantastic narrative, blending the outdoor life with urban life with ease, across generations. Capturing the heart and soul of a small community and the darkness of drug addiction and its fallout on families.
I believe a special nod is needed for Mack and Daisy's journey through Alzheimers and her battle with cancer, right until the end. My heart, my heart.
An incredible author to watch out for
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, the outstanding author Melissa Payne and narrators Landon Woodson and Lisa Cordileone for this exceptional audiobook. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
June 23, 2024
The Wild Road Home is Melissa Payne doing what she does best: bringing all the feels. Her characters, setting, and oh so realistic story take you on a journey from desperation, fear, and grief to acceptance, trust, and love. It's definitely a "wild" ride at times, but you'll be rooting for Mack, Brandi, and Sy the whole way. Sometimes true family can be found in the most unexpected places.
August 26, 2025
Okay, the story was intriguing with a man - Mack - who faked his death so his Alzheimer’s- ridden wife would get his life insurance to pay for her cancer treatments - meets 18-year-old Brandi who “kidnaps” her little brother Syborg (Sy) from their meth-head mother and her abusive boyfriend. They become this odd, and eventually endearing, trio who escape from their own horrible situations and create their own heartwarming family of sorts.
They love and fiercely protect their own - and who doesn’t want that? Who wouldn’t want someone to love you so much that they are willing to die for you? To kill for you? To give up everything for you?
So, yes, you get all the warm fuzzies. You get the suspense when they are chased and nearly murdered by the druggie boyfriend. You get the warm blanket of protection covering you like a glove.
Yet, the story itself was just a bit too unbelievable. I tried - I really did - to suspend my disbelief and just go with the story. I stuck with the chapters that, at times, dragged on and were a bit cliche and overly exaggerated. I am glad that the author unpredictably did not tie up everything in a nice little bow at the end, even though the trio’s crimes were completely overlooked due to their unfortunate circumstances.
So, I liked it simply because I felt that uncompromising love that everyone wants - that love that everyone wishes they had, including myself. I liked that the bad guy got what was coming to him, and that the trio’s lives continued on with healing, forgiveness, and love (albeit also with grief and sorrow and regret). I liked that I couldn’t put the book down, compulsively turning the pages of the last quarter of the book.
I just didn’t love it, simply because I couldn’t swallow the overly emotional plot line and the too-good-to-be-true characters. That may just be a “me” problem, though, and you may thoroughly enjoy this book. I suggest you give it a try , especially if you are in need of that person who will save you, because this story may just fill that gaping hole in your heart.
They love and fiercely protect their own - and who doesn’t want that? Who wouldn’t want someone to love you so much that they are willing to die for you? To kill for you? To give up everything for you?
So, yes, you get all the warm fuzzies. You get the suspense when they are chased and nearly murdered by the druggie boyfriend. You get the warm blanket of protection covering you like a glove.
Yet, the story itself was just a bit too unbelievable. I tried - I really did - to suspend my disbelief and just go with the story. I stuck with the chapters that, at times, dragged on and were a bit cliche and overly exaggerated. I am glad that the author unpredictably did not tie up everything in a nice little bow at the end, even though the trio’s crimes were completely overlooked due to their unfortunate circumstances.
So, I liked it simply because I felt that uncompromising love that everyone wants - that love that everyone wishes they had, including myself. I liked that the bad guy got what was coming to him, and that the trio’s lives continued on with healing, forgiveness, and love (albeit also with grief and sorrow and regret). I liked that I couldn’t put the book down, compulsively turning the pages of the last quarter of the book.
I just didn’t love it, simply because I couldn’t swallow the overly emotional plot line and the too-good-to-be-true characters. That may just be a “me” problem, though, and you may thoroughly enjoy this book. I suggest you give it a try , especially if you are in need of that person who will save you, because this story may just fill that gaping hole in your heart.
June 25, 2024
The Wild Road Home is my second book by Melissa Payne. Both books are heartbreaking, character-driven stories. Here, she creates flawed yet selfless characters who make significant sacrifices for their loved ones. When Brandi and Sy ask Mack for help, he does so out of moral obligation. But this eventually evolves into friendship and finally into a found family. As with most families, mistakes and missteps serve as life lessons. The same is true for this pair, traveling on their own road of self-discovery. In the end, Mack and Brandi help each other realize it’s never too late for redemption.
I paired the audiobook with the physical book. Landon Woodson and Lisa Cordileone perfectly captured the heart and soul of Mack and Brandi.
Other Highlights: Wyoming wilderness, small town vibes, Alzheimer's journey, physical disability rep, fallout of drug addiction
I paired the audiobook with the physical book. Landon Woodson and Lisa Cordileone perfectly captured the heart and soul of Mack and Brandi.
Other Highlights: Wyoming wilderness, small town vibes, Alzheimer's journey, physical disability rep, fallout of drug addiction
November 12, 2024
(3.5) This was a really cute story. Mack and Brandi definitely needed each other. I wanted a little bit more in the middle of the book; at times I found it slow with the road trip taking up the majority of the read.
August 10, 2025
emotional damage. that’s all i gotta say 😭😭
READ THIS!!! so heartfelt, raw, emotive.. and powerful in many ways.
5/5 stars. straight to my faves pile 🦒🌿
READ THIS!!! so heartfelt, raw, emotive.. and powerful in many ways.
5/5 stars. straight to my faves pile 🦒🌿
April 1, 2024
What a beautiful story of overcoming hardships through unexpected friends you meet.
Mack fakes his own death for the love of his life Daisy. She has cancer and Alzheimer’s. And Mack wants his insurance money to help with her cancer treatments. Mack heads to his cabin to live off-grid when he has a chance encounter with Brandi, 18 years old. She was just released from juvenile detention when she took her brother Sy away from their drug addicted mother. They have a flat tire in the middle of the wilderness. Mack decides to help them. Brandi is trying to get to Casper so her 5 year old brother can live in a stable home with their aunt.
This is a story about bonds and friendships you can form with strangers and what a family is through good and hard times. What an emotional, pull at your heart strings story. I will definitely be reading more of Melissa Payne’s books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the arc copy.
Mack fakes his own death for the love of his life Daisy. She has cancer and Alzheimer’s. And Mack wants his insurance money to help with her cancer treatments. Mack heads to his cabin to live off-grid when he has a chance encounter with Brandi, 18 years old. She was just released from juvenile detention when she took her brother Sy away from their drug addicted mother. They have a flat tire in the middle of the wilderness. Mack decides to help them. Brandi is trying to get to Casper so her 5 year old brother can live in a stable home with their aunt.
This is a story about bonds and friendships you can form with strangers and what a family is through good and hard times. What an emotional, pull at your heart strings story. I will definitely be reading more of Melissa Payne’s books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the arc copy.
October 27, 2024
Follow Your Feelings
It has been almost a year since I lost my husband. I have had difficulty with the grief I feel. I miss him so much. This book allowed me watch the loss that the characters felt, to identify and know it won’t be easy but I will survive. Thank you.
It has been almost a year since I lost my husband. I have had difficulty with the grief I feel. I miss him so much. This book allowed me watch the loss that the characters felt, to identify and know it won’t be easy but I will survive. Thank you.
September 17, 2024
good, slightly confusing wording at times and cried at the end but i can’t decide if it was from the book or because it was 1am
January 20, 2025
I love part of this book like Brandi and say finding Mack and learning to trust and love him, but I never really got on board with the faking his own death thing even though it was out of love. I was honestly surprised when Peggy knew exactly what Brandi was up to when she went to visit Daisy in the home. The ending kind of made up for it though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
best book I’ve read this year 😭
June 17, 2024
The Wild Road Home
By: Melissa Payne
5🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
I knew this would be a hard one for me as I had a parent who had Alzheimer’s and the synopsis mentioned this being part of the story.
This story is so much more than that. Family is not always blood, but the people we meet.
An unlikely connection between a teen, her baby brother and an elderly man and their journey had all the feels.
The man’s wife had Alzheimer’s and is in a care facility and he meets a teen and her baby brother after the car they are in breaks down near his cabin.
They are fleeing a bad situation and the man offers to help them out. They all find a unique connection which binds them together.
Get your Kleenex’s ready and make some time to read their story. Once I started, I knew I had to finish.
By: Melissa Payne
5🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
I knew this would be a hard one for me as I had a parent who had Alzheimer’s and the synopsis mentioned this being part of the story.
This story is so much more than that. Family is not always blood, but the people we meet.
An unlikely connection between a teen, her baby brother and an elderly man and their journey had all the feels.
The man’s wife had Alzheimer’s and is in a care facility and he meets a teen and her baby brother after the car they are in breaks down near his cabin.
They are fleeing a bad situation and the man offers to help them out. They all find a unique connection which binds them together.
Get your Kleenex’s ready and make some time to read their story. Once I started, I knew I had to finish.
July 20, 2025
Reading this book was like giving my heart a hug.
February 10, 2024
Let me start by saying .. WOW! This author hit all my feelings. She shows how life can throw you so much hardship, pain, loss, love, redemption and new purpose.
This beautiful story follows Mach ( oh my heart), his wife Daisy, son Jesse. Mach faces such heartache that it's palpable. On Mach's travels he meets teenager Brandi and her little traumatized brother Sy, who together the three of them develope an unlikely connection and friendship.
This is my first book by Melissa Payne but it certainly will not be my last. I enjoyed everything about this book, from the unique storyline, the rich characters and the author makes you think.. what would you do if you was in Mach or Brandi's place? How would you handle the devastating pain and trials. I absolutely encourage you to read this book, you will not be disappointed. Keep up the great writing Melissa Payne, I plan on enjoying your hard work. This review is my honest opinion for NetGallery
#NetGallery #Goodreads #The Wild Ride Home #ARC #Melissa Payne
This beautiful story follows Mach ( oh my heart), his wife Daisy, son Jesse. Mach faces such heartache that it's palpable. On Mach's travels he meets teenager Brandi and her little traumatized brother Sy, who together the three of them develope an unlikely connection and friendship.
This is my first book by Melissa Payne but it certainly will not be my last. I enjoyed everything about this book, from the unique storyline, the rich characters and the author makes you think.. what would you do if you was in Mach or Brandi's place? How would you handle the devastating pain and trials. I absolutely encourage you to read this book, you will not be disappointed. Keep up the great writing Melissa Payne, I plan on enjoying your hard work. This review is my honest opinion for NetGallery
#NetGallery #Goodreads #The Wild Ride Home #ARC #Melissa Payne
March 3, 2024
It's the first time I am reading a Melissa Payne, and The Wild Road Home, set in the towns and wilderness of Wyoming, is delightful.
Mack decides to fake death to claim insurance and fund the treatment of his wife who is seriously ill. Will he succeed? Brandi is on the run after kidnapping her little brother from their abusive mother. Will she make it to safety?
This story is about the extraordinary sacrifices families make for their own. Mack's love and devotion to his wife gives him the resilience to make extreme sacrifices. Despite his advancing years, loss of an arm, and the lonesome burden of guilt and grief over the loss of his only child, Mack chooses to leave home and disappear into the wilderness to spend the rest of his life off-grid, in hardship and extreme solitude.
Brandi, a teen on the run to safety, is determined not to leave behind her brother Sy in an abusive and unsafe home.
Payne's writing is fluid. She's fleshed out her characters well and made them relatable. Daisy afflicted with dementia, Brandi just out of juvie, Sy struggling from parental abuse. And Nancy, whose motherly concern for her children occasionally seeps through her daze of drugs.
One little thing I feel was a bit off. Mack, at the start of the story, contemplating stealing his dimentia-afflicted wife out of nursing care to go live together off the grid. I'd rather he only dreamt wistfully of doing so.
Overall, it's definitely a beautiful and enriching story of family love. I rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Mack decides to fake death to claim insurance and fund the treatment of his wife who is seriously ill. Will he succeed? Brandi is on the run after kidnapping her little brother from their abusive mother. Will she make it to safety?
This story is about the extraordinary sacrifices families make for their own. Mack's love and devotion to his wife gives him the resilience to make extreme sacrifices. Despite his advancing years, loss of an arm, and the lonesome burden of guilt and grief over the loss of his only child, Mack chooses to leave home and disappear into the wilderness to spend the rest of his life off-grid, in hardship and extreme solitude.
Brandi, a teen on the run to safety, is determined not to leave behind her brother Sy in an abusive and unsafe home.
Payne's writing is fluid. She's fleshed out her characters well and made them relatable. Daisy afflicted with dementia, Brandi just out of juvie, Sy struggling from parental abuse. And Nancy, whose motherly concern for her children occasionally seeps through her daze of drugs.
One little thing I feel was a bit off. Mack, at the start of the story, contemplating stealing his dimentia-afflicted wife out of nursing care to go live together off the grid. I'd rather he only dreamt wistfully of doing so.
Overall, it's definitely a beautiful and enriching story of family love. I rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
April 30, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up
The Wild Road Home is a beautiful tale about the power of friends, family, and love. I liked the characters a lot! Mack is a taciturn old cowboy and being a hero is the last thing he wants. Brandi is a huge-hearted teenage girl who defines the word feisty! Sy (AKA Syborg, haha) is Brandi's little brother - and he has experienced far too much in his short life. From there the book is quite the emotional ride.
I must say that this type of book is a giant step away from my usual genre and I was surprised by how much I liked it, even though it stretched into being a wee bit too sappy for me at times...
Many thanks to both #LakeUnionPublishing and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of #TheWildRoadHome. It has an expected publication date of June 8, 2024.
The Wild Road Home is a beautiful tale about the power of friends, family, and love. I liked the characters a lot! Mack is a taciturn old cowboy and being a hero is the last thing he wants. Brandi is a huge-hearted teenage girl who defines the word feisty! Sy (AKA Syborg, haha) is Brandi's little brother - and he has experienced far too much in his short life. From there the book is quite the emotional ride.
I must say that this type of book is a giant step away from my usual genre and I was surprised by how much I liked it, even though it stretched into being a wee bit too sappy for me at times...
Many thanks to both #LakeUnionPublishing and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of #TheWildRoadHome. It has an expected publication date of June 8, 2024.
April 18, 2024
Another one that many will love but wasn’t for me. The book just didn’t hold my interest. It was a bit too sappy for my liking.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 11, 2024
The Wild Road Home by Melissa Payne. Thanks to @getredpr for the gifted Arc
Mack loves his wife, Daisy. When she starts fading from Alzheimer’s, he fakes his death so she can benefit from the insurance money. While he’s living off the grid, he comes across Brandi, who is on the run with her younger brother.
I knew from the start of this one that it was going to be a tear jerker. This is an emotional read with some characters that you’ll love. There’s also an unlikely friendship trope, and strong bonds that survive difficult times. The action gets pretty strong at the end and while there’s so much trauma, there’s feel good too.
The Wild Road Home comes out 6/18.
Mack loves his wife, Daisy. When she starts fading from Alzheimer’s, he fakes his death so she can benefit from the insurance money. While he’s living off the grid, he comes across Brandi, who is on the run with her younger brother.
I knew from the start of this one that it was going to be a tear jerker. This is an emotional read with some characters that you’ll love. There’s also an unlikely friendship trope, and strong bonds that survive difficult times. The action gets pretty strong at the end and while there’s so much trauma, there’s feel good too.
The Wild Road Home comes out 6/18.
March 30, 2025
"They made a good team. Like Shrek and Donkey."
This quote brought a smile in a story that was filled with so many sad moments.
Mack and Brandi, each filled with determination and caring, and both trying to make the best choices from the traumatic situations they found themselves in. Their journey across Wyoming, and the bond they formed, was one of perseverance and friendship. The love they each had for those they were trying to protect will stay with me long after I've read the last chapter.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read the previously published early edition e-copy of; The Wild Road Home by Melissa Payne.
This quote brought a smile in a story that was filled with so many sad moments.
Mack and Brandi, each filled with determination and caring, and both trying to make the best choices from the traumatic situations they found themselves in. Their journey across Wyoming, and the bond they formed, was one of perseverance and friendship. The love they each had for those they were trying to protect will stay with me long after I've read the last chapter.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read the previously published early edition e-copy of; The Wild Road Home by Melissa Payne.
May 4, 2024
This is my first book by Melissa Payne and I was impressed with the writing style and flow. I realized that I have another of her books in my kindle that I will be reading soon! I enjoyed most of everything about this book. The setting location, the storyline, the characters, how it made me feel like I wanted to jump into the story and shake the mother, the final outcome. It was all pretty darn good. There were just a few parts that I skipped over because it was repeated too frequently but nothing that I would complain about.
Thanks so much to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to discover a new to me author!
Thanks so much to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to discover a new to me author!
June 30, 2024
The Wild Road Home is my first book by Payne, and I found the writing emotional and heartbreaking. This story focuses on Mack Anders, who has faked his own death so his wife can get the insurance money to pay for her cancer treatments. While laying low in the Wyoming wilderness he stumbles upon two children, 18-year-old Brandi and her little brother Sy, who he decides to help get up the aunt’s even if that means risking being found out he’s still alive.
I found this character-driven story really touching. Mack was a great character, and I loved how he was willing to sacrifice everything for the love of his life, Daisy. The found family between Mack, Brandi, and Sy was my favorite part of this book though. This book touches on tough topics like Alzheimer’s, drug addiction, physical disability, and cancer. Payne handled each of these topics with care and weaved a beautiful and moving small town story. I look forward to reading more of her books.
I found this character-driven story really touching. Mack was a great character, and I loved how he was willing to sacrifice everything for the love of his life, Daisy. The found family between Mack, Brandi, and Sy was my favorite part of this book though. This book touches on tough topics like Alzheimer’s, drug addiction, physical disability, and cancer. Payne handled each of these topics with care and weaved a beautiful and moving small town story. I look forward to reading more of her books.
July 11, 2024
There are books that I have read where 5 stars isn’t enough, and this is certainly one of them. This is a book that will ride in my heart for quite awhile. The characters were beautiful yet flawed, but loved with everything they had. There were parts of the book that had my heart racing, and I couldn’t read fast enough, yet I was sorry when the book ended because I have grown attached to the characters. Put this book on your TBR list, and get to it as soon as possible. You will be touched to your core.
April 19, 2025
A heartbreaking story about two children whose mother is an addict
This story will make you mad and at the same time fill you with compassion. My heart broke for Brandi and Sy and the awful life they lived. I was angry with Nancy but also, because I’ve had a loved one battle addiction, I felt pity for her. I can’t imagine loving your children but being unable to beat the desire for a fix. Mack’s story was sad as well but the way he stood up for two kids when they needed him most was heartwarming. This story will stay with me for a long time.
This story will make you mad and at the same time fill you with compassion. My heart broke for Brandi and Sy and the awful life they lived. I was angry with Nancy but also, because I’ve had a loved one battle addiction, I felt pity for her. I can’t imagine loving your children but being unable to beat the desire for a fix. Mack’s story was sad as well but the way he stood up for two kids when they needed him most was heartwarming. This story will stay with me for a long time.
June 13, 2024
Thank you, @getredprbooks for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This story was so beautiful and heart wrenching. This was my first read by this author, and certainly won’t be my last. What a beautiful story of love, loss, heartbreak, and friendship. The story line was so thought provoking and deep, and I loved the depth of characters. This one comes out June 18, so be sure to pick this one up!
July 17, 2024
A beautiful and powerful story about loss, love and second chances. It’s heartbreaking but filled with so much hope that will warm your heart at the same time. A story about the power of true love.
Thank you Get Red PR for this gifted copy.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 by Melissa Payne Lake Union Authors released June 18, 2024.
Thank you Get Red PR for this gifted copy.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 by Melissa Payne Lake Union Authors released June 18, 2024.
December 11, 2024
Now one of my favorite books
This is definitely my favorite book that I’ve read this year. It could be because I can relate to Brandi with the life that she had growing up. Always hoping and praying that your mother will come out of the darkness and be the light you know she could be. I believe that in hardest times, you meet people for a reason. Everyone deserves a Mack and a second chance. There’s a lot of deep hurt in this book but love conquers all.
This is definitely my favorite book that I’ve read this year. It could be because I can relate to Brandi with the life that she had growing up. Always hoping and praying that your mother will come out of the darkness and be the light you know she could be. I believe that in hardest times, you meet people for a reason. Everyone deserves a Mack and a second chance. There’s a lot of deep hurt in this book but love conquers all.
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