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Running From Herself
Who are you when things get hard?
Small-town club singer Leah Branch welcomes her band's breakup. Tired of chasing the impossible dream, it's time to find a new life far away from music. She doesn't exactly pick tiny Chance, Wyoming. It picks her.
But music won’t leave her alone. Serving drinks in the town saloon, she falls in love with Jared, a fellow singer. And it's music that shatters their romance. When Jared gives up singing for good and the saloon's fortunes plummet, Leah swallows her pride and offers to take his place on the bandstand.
The record label’s offer strikes like a lightning bolt, and Leah grabs it. More than anything, more than even a shot at fame, it’s her chance to escape her broken heart. But in Nashville the label glamorizes her look, chooses her songs, even changes her name. Leah finds herself hating the person she’s become.
One night on tour, she's finally had enough. And that's when she runs.
Click “buy now” to read Running From Herself today!
Small-town club singer Leah Branch welcomes her band's breakup. Tired of chasing the impossible dream, it's time to find a new life far away from music. She doesn't exactly pick tiny Chance, Wyoming. It picks her.
But music won’t leave her alone. Serving drinks in the town saloon, she falls in love with Jared, a fellow singer. And it's music that shatters their romance. When Jared gives up singing for good and the saloon's fortunes plummet, Leah swallows her pride and offers to take his place on the bandstand.
The record label’s offer strikes like a lightning bolt, and Leah grabs it. More than anything, more than even a shot at fame, it’s her chance to escape her broken heart. But in Nashville the label glamorizes her look, chooses her songs, even changes her name. Leah finds herself hating the person she’s become.
One night on tour, she's finally had enough. And that's when she runs.
Click “buy now” to read Running From Herself today!
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2025
11 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
April Tompkins
22 books10 followersApril Tompkins grew up on the prairies of North Dakota and now lives in Minnesota with her husband and her cat Sasha. She is the mother of two strong men.
She is an accomplished songwriter and singer, whose independent albums have garnered thousands of plays on Spotify and are featured in music libraries. She has been a music blogger since 2006.
April specializes in contemporary and women's fiction, both novels and novellas.
In her writing universe, April’s characters are not as uncomplicated as they seem. Everyone has a story, but it may take some coaxing to get them to tell it.
Visit April at http://www.apriltompkins.net
*April Tompkins is a pen name. All other details are true.
She is an accomplished songwriter and singer, whose independent albums have garnered thousands of plays on Spotify and are featured in music libraries. She has been a music blogger since 2006.
April specializes in contemporary and women's fiction, both novels and novellas.
In her writing universe, April’s characters are not as uncomplicated as they seem. Everyone has a story, but it may take some coaxing to get them to tell it.
Visit April at http://www.apriltompkins.net
*April Tompkins is a pen name. All other details are true.
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March 2, 2025Editorial Review by Maria Ashford, Book-Shelfie, February 18, 2025:
“Running From Herself” by April Tompkins follows a singer’s emotional journey as she navigates the ups and downs of the music industry while discovering what truly matters to her. The novel follows Leah Branch, a jaded country musician who abandons her struggling band and ends up in the tiny town of Chance, Wyoming, where she reluctantly takes a job as a bartender at the local honky-tonk.
Like ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’, this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the music industry reveals the raw, human stories that shape the songs we love. Tompkins excels at creating rich characters who feel lived-in and real. From Burt, the quietly wise hotel manager, to Paula Barnes, the straight-talking country music star who becomes Leah’s mentor, each character serves a purpose while maintaining their own personality. The author particularly shines in her portrayal of the complex relationship between Leah and her cousin Caleb, capturing the unique dynamic of family members who are also creative partners.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its intimate understanding of the music industry’s inner workings. Tompkins demonstrates deep research of both the local bar circuit and the Nashville machine, depicting everything from technical recording sessions to the politics of record labels with convincing detail. The author doesn’t shy away from showing the darker aspects of the business, including predatory managers and the toll that constant touring takes on performers.
In addition, the small-town setting of Chance is vividly rendered. Tompkins has a keen ear for dialogue, capturing the distinct voices of characters from different backgrounds without resorting to caricature. The author’s description of live music performances is particularly strong, conveying both the technical aspects and the emotional experience of being on stage.
One of the novel’s most interesting aspects is its exploration of authenticity in art. Through Leah’s journey, Tompkins examines what it means to stay true to oneself in an industry that often demands conformity. The contrast between Leah’s genuine songwriting and the manufactured pop-country promoted by her label provides thoughtful commentary on commercialism in music. Not to mention, readers hoping for a romance will not be disappointed. The love story between Leah and guitarist Mick develops naturally and feels earned, avoiding the typical whirlwind romance tropes.
While the plot occasionally meanders, particularly during Leah’s time in Nashville, in some ways this actually serves to reinforce the protagonist’s sense of displacement and uncertainty. The pacing picks up considerably in the final third of the book as all the subplots come together for a satisfying conclusion. The book’s few other weaknesses include some underdeveloped secondary characters and occasional repetition in the internal monologue sections. However, these are minor issues that don’t significantly detract from the overall story.
“Running From Herself” is ultimately a story about finding home – both literally and figuratively. It’s about learning that sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself, and that success doesn’t always look the way you expect it to. Tompkins has penned a very readable exploration of identity, creativity in the music industry, and belonging that will resonate with readers whether or not they’re interested in music.
This novel announces Tompkins as a promising voice in contemporary fiction, one who brings authenticity and emotional depth to her storytelling. While it will particularly appeal to readers interested in music industry romances and the creative process, the universal themes and strong character work make it a satisfying read for anyone who enjoys well-crafted fiction.
“Running From Herself” by April Tompkins follows a singer’s emotional journey as she navigates the ups and downs of the music industry while discovering what truly matters to her. The novel follows Leah Branch, a jaded country musician who abandons her struggling band and ends up in the tiny town of Chance, Wyoming, where she reluctantly takes a job as a bartender at the local honky-tonk.
Like ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’, this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the music industry reveals the raw, human stories that shape the songs we love. Tompkins excels at creating rich characters who feel lived-in and real. From Burt, the quietly wise hotel manager, to Paula Barnes, the straight-talking country music star who becomes Leah’s mentor, each character serves a purpose while maintaining their own personality. The author particularly shines in her portrayal of the complex relationship between Leah and her cousin Caleb, capturing the unique dynamic of family members who are also creative partners.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its intimate understanding of the music industry’s inner workings. Tompkins demonstrates deep research of both the local bar circuit and the Nashville machine, depicting everything from technical recording sessions to the politics of record labels with convincing detail. The author doesn’t shy away from showing the darker aspects of the business, including predatory managers and the toll that constant touring takes on performers.
In addition, the small-town setting of Chance is vividly rendered. Tompkins has a keen ear for dialogue, capturing the distinct voices of characters from different backgrounds without resorting to caricature. The author’s description of live music performances is particularly strong, conveying both the technical aspects and the emotional experience of being on stage.
One of the novel’s most interesting aspects is its exploration of authenticity in art. Through Leah’s journey, Tompkins examines what it means to stay true to oneself in an industry that often demands conformity. The contrast between Leah’s genuine songwriting and the manufactured pop-country promoted by her label provides thoughtful commentary on commercialism in music. Not to mention, readers hoping for a romance will not be disappointed. The love story between Leah and guitarist Mick develops naturally and feels earned, avoiding the typical whirlwind romance tropes.
While the plot occasionally meanders, particularly during Leah’s time in Nashville, in some ways this actually serves to reinforce the protagonist’s sense of displacement and uncertainty. The pacing picks up considerably in the final third of the book as all the subplots come together for a satisfying conclusion. The book’s few other weaknesses include some underdeveloped secondary characters and occasional repetition in the internal monologue sections. However, these are minor issues that don’t significantly detract from the overall story.
“Running From Herself” is ultimately a story about finding home – both literally and figuratively. It’s about learning that sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself, and that success doesn’t always look the way you expect it to. Tompkins has penned a very readable exploration of identity, creativity in the music industry, and belonging that will resonate with readers whether or not they’re interested in music.
This novel announces Tompkins as a promising voice in contemporary fiction, one who brings authenticity and emotional depth to her storytelling. While it will particularly appeal to readers interested in music industry romances and the creative process, the universal themes and strong character work make it a satisfying read for anyone who enjoys well-crafted fiction.
March 7, 2025
Another fantastic read from April Tompkins following Leah 'Layah' Branch, singer, on her journey of discovery.
After quitting her band in her home town she takes herself off to 'find herself'. She stops in Chance for an overnight layover where she discovers an easier, slower pace of life and decides to stop a little longer than anticipated. Here, she discovers love, friendship and music. Her journey continues to Nashville with lots of heartbreak, friendship, strength and much more.
This story had me laughing and crying in equal measures. The author manages to make you feel like you are beside Leah in her self discovery. With likeable characters and a story that flows beautifully and has a surprise ending, I couldn't put this book down.
After quitting her band in her home town she takes herself off to 'find herself'. She stops in Chance for an overnight layover where she discovers an easier, slower pace of life and decides to stop a little longer than anticipated. Here, she discovers love, friendship and music. Her journey continues to Nashville with lots of heartbreak, friendship, strength and much more.
This story had me laughing and crying in equal measures. The author manages to make you feel like you are beside Leah in her self discovery. With likeable characters and a story that flows beautifully and has a surprise ending, I couldn't put this book down.
November 11, 2025
#ARCReader
Running from herself takes you on a journey back and forth as Leah Branch tries to find where she belongs. Overall, it felt like a game of tug of war going back and forth as Leah tries to find herself in the music industry. She's erratic and emotional and I just couldn't connect to her and the characters because she was never in one place long enough to really develop the characters or to fall in love with them. There's no story of why personality shifts happen or what's going on, things just....happen.
If you are looking for a book that takes you all over and back again, and causes you to flip back and forth, then this is the book for you.
Running from herself takes you on a journey back and forth as Leah Branch tries to find where she belongs. Overall, it felt like a game of tug of war going back and forth as Leah tries to find herself in the music industry. She's erratic and emotional and I just couldn't connect to her and the characters because she was never in one place long enough to really develop the characters or to fall in love with them. There's no story of why personality shifts happen or what's going on, things just....happen.
If you are looking for a book that takes you all over and back again, and causes you to flip back and forth, then this is the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews