Wherever You Go

by Dilara Casey

Frankie Mayes knows what it means to sacrifice for someone else's dreams. She put her own artistic ambitions on hold to support her husband’s pursuit of a music career in Nashville—a dream that never took off. After years of struggling financially and emotionally, Frankie’s world is shattered when she discovers her husband's infidelity.

As her marriage crumbles, so do the illusions she's held onto. Seeking a fresh start, Frankie moves to a new city and, for the first time in years, picks up a paintbrush. Her creativity flourishes, and her art begins to reflect the vibrant new people and surroundings in her life—a quirky neighbor, a fledgling lawyer, supportive friends, and colleagues at a bustling distillery. Together, they help Frankie realize that the end of her marriage might just be the beginning of something far greater than she ever imagined.

But as she rebuilds her life, Frankie must confront the Is her newfound happiness truly tied to her fresh surroundings, or has she always been capable of something more?

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

Reviews

[TwinreadsandReds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Frankie and how she was a little bit of a mess sometimes but owned it, and still pushed through to make sure life was what she wanted it to be!! The blackberry pie part with jack was hilarious 😂 It was such a cute, quick read!!

[Nikki Seeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text I’d send my girlfriends: I love how the theme around this book is perseverance. Frankie definitely had a lot to overcome and watching her struggles and succeeded throughout. The book was such a pleasure. I loved her relationship with Jack and was excited to see her really come into her own before jumping into that relationship, even though it was something we knew would happen from the get-go.

[Andrea Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Frankie and how she evolved throughout the book—her journey felt so real and inspiring. The author’s use of clever metaphors had me cackling more than once, making the story both relatable and hilarious. A fun, refreshing read that I couldn’t put down!

[Jennifer McCaughtry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully sweet and inspirational

I absolutely adored Frankie's inspirational and empowering journey of self discovery, bravery and courage. This is a woman's experience of having the courage and bravery to take the first steps in starting over, working her way up and toward her dreams, learning to go after what she wants, walking away from what doesn't serve her, rediscovering her craft and finding love again. I loved every bit of the humor from the blackberry pie to the mint tea and soaked pits! I sobbed with her, related to her anxiety and felt happiness for her accomplishments. I can't wait for more either about Frankie's continued journey or a new novel! (Thank you, Dee, for the great read!)

[Kayla Oroni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of growth and finding yourself again after burying yourself in another. I laughed, I cried and saw myself in Frankie and found myself reminiscing about my past and the process of out growing people I once loved. I love Dilara’s first novel and can’t wait to keep reading the work she puts out. So proud of my amazing work mama!

[Chrystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this in our book club. This author is a friend of one of the gals in our group and this is her first book. It’s kind of fun to have a connection to an author.

I thought the backstory of falling in love and loosing yourself in a relationship, putting the other person first AND (unfortunately) the whole infidelity thing was extremely relatable. I liked that there was character growth, and that the MFC came out the other side with a happy ending.

[Wendi Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first chapter, loving and cheering on Frankie throughout. There are so many amazing things I could say about this book, I honestly couldn't put it down. I think, for me, it was the constant thoughts I had about what I wanted for Frankie. I knew all along what I WANTED for her, but I could not wait to see if author Dilara Casey would agree! "Wherever You Go" is a true page-turner!!! Sometimes we all need fresh sheets, and a fresh start. (you'll have to read the book to understand) Fantastic writing Dilara!!

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read! Right off the bat it draws you in. Frankie is such a likable character and I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning. One thing I really loved was that all of the characters were very real with real problems and real flaws. It felt like a story so many have experienced ( losing yourself, starting over, getting your heart broken.) I couldn’t put it down. The pace of the book makes it an easy read while still giving depth. Highly recommend.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab this book! Easy to read and very relatable. This is a coming-of-age story where the main character Frankie leaves a terrible marriage and tries to figure out what she actually wants in life. She relocates and rediscovers her passion of creating art while forming strong female friendships instead of bad romantic choices. Frankie is hilarious and always has sweaty armpits (again, relatable), and is a character I rooted for the whole way through. Highly recommend this book- a great book club read that leads to thought-provoking discussion and questions. Can't wait to read whatever Dilara puts out in the world next!

[Kat Phelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a layered story about the rebirth of an artist who had lost her muse. I enjoyed the character development and the subtle romantic tension with different storylines. A fun, emotional read for sure!

[Laura Klebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first novel! A quick read, well developed characters and a story that draws you in. While I didn’t personally relate to all the events, I did relate to being responsible for your own happiness, bringing your own motivation and valuing your own worth. Looking forward to reading more from Dilara.

[Ashleigh N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read! I loved the story and character development of Frankie. Her internal monologue was well written and not overwhelming. It was just enough to truly feel what she is going through. Frankie had a number of missteps, but it was a realistic plot laid out within realistic timeline. Great twist and closure at the end.
Pick it up and read it!

[Stacie Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a gifted writer. I enjoyed the realistic fiction aspect of this book and was also reminded of The People We Keep! Because I read it on kindle and there were no page numbers or percentage, my brain didn’t compute when I clicked the last page and it was over. I wanted more :) Well done!

[Dilara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved writing this book! I hope you love reading it 💛

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book! I found the main character relatable and easy to root for. There’s a twist that I didn’t see coming and lots of engaging scenes and dialog.

[Christina Gonyeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐁 𝐎 𝐎 𝐊 𝐑 𝐄 𝐕 𝐈 𝐄 𝐖


Wherever You Go- Dilara Casey 🤩


𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒


Frankie Mayes knows what it means to sacrifice for someone else's dreams. She put her own artistic ambitions on hold to support her husband’s pursuit of a music career in Nashville—a dream that never took off.


After years of struggling financially and emotionally, Frankie’s world is shattered when she discovers her husband's infidelity.




As her marriage crumbles, so do the illusions she's held onto. Seeking a fresh start, Frankie moves to a new city and, for the first time in years, picks up a paintbrush.


Her creativity flourishes, and her art begins to reflect the vibrant new people and surroundings in her life—a quirky neighbor, a fledgling lawyer, supportive friends, and colleagues at a bustling distillery. Together, they help Frankie realize that the end of her marriage might just be the beginning of something far greater than she ever imagined.


𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:


NEWLY PUBLISHED AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT ALERT!!! 🚨


This heartwarming story (written by Youngstown native) was easy for me to read (twice)- and thoroughly enjoy both times through.


Reminiscent of The People You Keep, this story follows a female lead that is worth rooting for as she starts over after heartbreak and finds a family and herself in the process.


Lighthearted with a few LOL moments and equally a few deeply introspective moments, this author manages to put together a story that is relatable to pretty much anyone that’s encountered adversity and had to find a way forward from it.


With a cast of characters that has us hoping for maybe some other “universe” books??- this one is worth the read. Can be purchased on Amazon!! And if you’re in Columbus- I think the author would love to sign a copy for you 📖


#bookworm #bookish #bookblogger #bookgram #instareads #readmorebooks #bookstagrammers #goodreads #bookstagram

[Monica Dominic · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 MUST-READ ALERT! 📚

If you haven’t picked up Wherever You Go by Dilara Casey yet, you’re seriously missing out! From the moment you step into the town of Steadfast, you’ll feel like you’re right there, sipping bourbon with Frankie and rooting for her every step of the way.

Casey’s character development is next-level—Frankie is the kind of heroine you can’t help but cheer for. The storytelling is immersive, the emotions are real, and this book is impossible to put down.

Perfect for reading wherever you go! 😉 Grab your copy now—you won’t regret it! #WhereverYouGo #DilaraCasey #MustRead #BookLovers #FictionFanatic

[Shelley Mann Hite · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every girl who has lost herself in a relationship, who has floated through life as a shadow of herself for too long, this book is for you. Wherever You Go captures the excruciating process of piecing yourself back together after a breakup, and the exhilaration of finding yourself—your truest, fullest self—at the end of that long journey.

You'll root for Frankie, you'll fall for Jack, and you'll feel right at home in Steadfast.

If you like modern romance with complex, three-dimensional women in the forefront (think Emily Henry, Marian Keyes), you'll love this.

[Lena T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a breath of fresh air, it was accessible and absorbing. I really identified with the struggles Frankie faced, even though we live very different lives. I think that’s a testament to the writing, it is relatable and engaging for anyone. It reminded me of the work of Abby Jimenez. There are some pretty great turns that I found myself discussing and debating with friends who had also read it. So grab a copy and enjoy! I look forward to reading more from Dilara Casey in the future.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s beautifully written, deeply engaging, and honestly addictive—I was hooked from the start and sad when it was over.