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I Love You, Charlie Tanner
**The Fall 2025 winner of the PenCraft Seasonal Book Award for Women’s Fiction!!!**
It’s never too late to become your best self…
After twenty years in an isolated Cape Breton commune, Charlie Tanner loses the man she thought was her soulmate—and her voice. Fleeing to a quiet Vermont cottage, she’s determined to heal, tend her garden, and start over.
When a widowed rabbi awakens feelings she thought were gone forever, Charlie must confront the truth of her choices—and chart a more confident future. Still, reverberations and rumors from her old life ripple back to her in her new home and hard as she tries, she just can’t escape the sinister truth of her last two decades. She tries to shut it out and build a new life, but Charlie’s past continues to haunt her, even to the point of threatening her life.
Finally, Charlie sees that no one will save her but herself. She must summon the courage to face the truth and speak up—be the strong woman she once wanted to be, long before she fell for lies and charismatic personalities. It’s not only her life on the line, now. If she doesn’t stand tall, she risks being silenced by the past and losing those she loves forever.
A captivating blend of romance, mystery, and emotional depth similar to Where the Crawdads Sing, I Love You, Charlie Tanner is for fans of Lucy Score and the Netflix hit Nobody Wants This. A courageous story of second chances, making peace with the past and accepting love however it shows up.
PRAISE FOR I LOVE YOU, CHARLIE TANNER...
"Haunting, powerful, and intimate... I Love You, Charlie Tanner explores what happens when a woman dares to discover who she is beyond the man who once defined her."
Jean Meltzer, author of The Matzah Ball
“Passionate and full of mystery, Lynne Golodner’s I Love You, Charlie Tanner is as breathtaking as Cape Breton’s rocky coast. But the novel also tackles bigger themes, like the ache of regret, and the tangles of family and faith. Golodner’s Charlie is fully realized, a heroine who discovers a second chance at love, at independence, and at becoming the person she always hoped she could be. Golodner understands that grief and desire are two sides of the same coin, and by the end of this powerful story, so do we.”
Christopher Locke, author of Without Saints
"In this evocative novel from Lynne Golodner, a rich tapestry of love, loss, and second chances unfolds against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. Fans of Where the Crawdads Sing will be captivated by the lush, vivid descriptions of nature, drawing readers deep into a world where the land itself is as alive as the characters. The story weaves together the delicate threads of the human heart with the raw, powerful rhythms of the natural world."
Sarah Ansbacher, author of Wave After Wave
"There is something for everyone in this story. A Coming-of-Middle-Age story of finding the strength to push forward and fight back against that which is set out to destroy you."
"a captivating story with a blend of mystery and romance."
"I adored this book!"
"I Love You, Charlie Tanner is a heartbreaking and rejuvenating novel about losing and finding yourself."
"I Love You, Charlie Tanner is a beautifully written women’s fiction/mystery full of heart, twists, and what it’s like to find love after loss.
It’s never too late to become your best self…
After twenty years in an isolated Cape Breton commune, Charlie Tanner loses the man she thought was her soulmate—and her voice. Fleeing to a quiet Vermont cottage, she’s determined to heal, tend her garden, and start over.
When a widowed rabbi awakens feelings she thought were gone forever, Charlie must confront the truth of her choices—and chart a more confident future. Still, reverberations and rumors from her old life ripple back to her in her new home and hard as she tries, she just can’t escape the sinister truth of her last two decades. She tries to shut it out and build a new life, but Charlie’s past continues to haunt her, even to the point of threatening her life.
Finally, Charlie sees that no one will save her but herself. She must summon the courage to face the truth and speak up—be the strong woman she once wanted to be, long before she fell for lies and charismatic personalities. It’s not only her life on the line, now. If she doesn’t stand tall, she risks being silenced by the past and losing those she loves forever.
A captivating blend of romance, mystery, and emotional depth similar to Where the Crawdads Sing, I Love You, Charlie Tanner is for fans of Lucy Score and the Netflix hit Nobody Wants This. A courageous story of second chances, making peace with the past and accepting love however it shows up.
PRAISE FOR I LOVE YOU, CHARLIE TANNER...
"Haunting, powerful, and intimate... I Love You, Charlie Tanner explores what happens when a woman dares to discover who she is beyond the man who once defined her."
Jean Meltzer, author of The Matzah Ball
“Passionate and full of mystery, Lynne Golodner’s I Love You, Charlie Tanner is as breathtaking as Cape Breton’s rocky coast. But the novel also tackles bigger themes, like the ache of regret, and the tangles of family and faith. Golodner’s Charlie is fully realized, a heroine who discovers a second chance at love, at independence, and at becoming the person she always hoped she could be. Golodner understands that grief and desire are two sides of the same coin, and by the end of this powerful story, so do we.”
Christopher Locke, author of Without Saints
"In this evocative novel from Lynne Golodner, a rich tapestry of love, loss, and second chances unfolds against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. Fans of Where the Crawdads Sing will be captivated by the lush, vivid descriptions of nature, drawing readers deep into a world where the land itself is as alive as the characters. The story weaves together the delicate threads of the human heart with the raw, powerful rhythms of the natural world."
Sarah Ansbacher, author of Wave After Wave
"There is something for everyone in this story. A Coming-of-Middle-Age story of finding the strength to push forward and fight back against that which is set out to destroy you."
"a captivating story with a blend of mystery and romance."
"I adored this book!"
"I Love You, Charlie Tanner is a heartbreaking and rejuvenating novel about losing and finding yourself."
"I Love You, Charlie Tanner is a beautifully written women’s fiction/mystery full of heart, twists, and what it’s like to find love after loss.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2025
About the author
Lynne Golodner
5 books30 followersThis Author also write under Lynne Meredith Golodner
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 27, 2025
(4.5 stars)
I fell in love with Charlie Tanner. She’s an imperfect human being, like we all are, and I was happy to follow her growth over the course of this book, to the point where she could say to herself, “I Love You, Charlie Tanner.” This book is a mixed genre, hard to describe in a word or two - there’s romance, family+found family, suspense, a late coming-of-age, and more.
Charlie was an impressionable college student who fell for a handsome young professor, James. She quit school to follow him to a remote corner of maritime Canada to join a commune there (a cult, basically) and stayed for twenty years. When he dies suddenly, she finally gets the nerve to leave, driving off secretly in her rattly old car, and reenters the United States, winding up in a small town in Vermont. Her passion is gardening and one good thing that came out of those years in the commune is her extensive knowledge of plants and gardening. She gradually comes to understand how controlling James had been for all that time and how/why she just let him be that way.
Charlie had a difficult childhood in that her parents seemed always so busy with their careers that they didn’t have much time or energy left for Charlie. I felt terrible that she had cut off all communication with them while she was with James (another mark of his controlling personality), but I understood how she felt emotionally abandoned by them. Charlie’s struggles to reconcile and reconnect with her family once she left the commune were realistic. I thought the author dealt really well with their reunion.
The romance part of the book comes when Charlie meets the local rabbi, a handsome widower. While Charlie was gone, her parents found comfort in turning to their local Jewish community in Michigan, returning to their faith. So when they reunite with Charlie, they want to go to Sabbath services in her new town. Charlie is reluctant, but agrees to go. And the rest, as they say, is history. I loved the Jewish representation in this story. It was shown in a lovely light, and I thought Parker (the rabbi) was a great character, a good match for Charlie.
The suspense part of the book comes with veiled threats from the leaders of the commune she fled.
I hope this book finds a wide audience. This was my first book by Lynne Golodner and it has inspired me to check out her backlist.
Thank you to the author and Literary Media Tours for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I fell in love with Charlie Tanner. She’s an imperfect human being, like we all are, and I was happy to follow her growth over the course of this book, to the point where she could say to herself, “I Love You, Charlie Tanner.” This book is a mixed genre, hard to describe in a word or two - there’s romance, family+found family, suspense, a late coming-of-age, and more.
Charlie was an impressionable college student who fell for a handsome young professor, James. She quit school to follow him to a remote corner of maritime Canada to join a commune there (a cult, basically) and stayed for twenty years. When he dies suddenly, she finally gets the nerve to leave, driving off secretly in her rattly old car, and reenters the United States, winding up in a small town in Vermont. Her passion is gardening and one good thing that came out of those years in the commune is her extensive knowledge of plants and gardening. She gradually comes to understand how controlling James had been for all that time and how/why she just let him be that way.
Charlie had a difficult childhood in that her parents seemed always so busy with their careers that they didn’t have much time or energy left for Charlie. I felt terrible that she had cut off all communication with them while she was with James (another mark of his controlling personality), but I understood how she felt emotionally abandoned by them. Charlie’s struggles to reconcile and reconnect with her family once she left the commune were realistic. I thought the author dealt really well with their reunion.
The romance part of the book comes when Charlie meets the local rabbi, a handsome widower. While Charlie was gone, her parents found comfort in turning to their local Jewish community in Michigan, returning to their faith. So when they reunite with Charlie, they want to go to Sabbath services in her new town. Charlie is reluctant, but agrees to go. And the rest, as they say, is history. I loved the Jewish representation in this story. It was shown in a lovely light, and I thought Parker (the rabbi) was a great character, a good match for Charlie.
The suspense part of the book comes with veiled threats from the leaders of the commune she fled.
I hope this book finds a wide audience. This was my first book by Lynne Golodner and it has inspired me to check out her backlist.
Thank you to the author and Literary Media Tours for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 9, 2025
4.5 stars I binged this book so fast! I was immediately drawn into Charlie's world, pulling for her to escape the cult, and hoping she could find a way to make a new future. At times, her voice felt very young to me, but I came to realize that it was a feature of her two decades of being under such tight control that she had not matured. Her habit of quickly falling into a relationship worried me when she first met the Rabbi, but he was a really good partner for her. I also appreciated how reconnecting with her family was involved in her recovery. Her connection to the ground through gardening was a fascinating metaphor for the growth she needed in her life as well. At the end of the book, I felt that the "I" in the title could have been read many different ways, as she finally seemed to be finding the people she needed in her life as well as who she herself needed to become.
May 15, 2025
Thank you to Lynn and Literary Media for providing me with an ARC. I read Cave of Secrets and really enjoyed it, so the opportunity to read another book by Lynn was an easy yes. What I didn’t expect was to love this one even more than her last.
The story unfolds over two timelines: Charlie’s present-day life after the sudden death of her partner of 20 years, James, and her past—two decades earlier—when she first met him while away at university.
Growing up, Charlie often felt like an afterthought, as her parents were deeply focused on their careers. So when she met James and experienced his undivided attention, she clung to it. She eventually left school, moved to Canada with him, and lost contact with her family. They lived in Cape Breton, in a commune that verged on a cult. After James’s death, Charlie no longer felt a part of that community. She left overnight and found herself in Vermont, where she reconnected with her family—and met a handsome widowed rabbi.
This book captivated me from the very beginning. I devoured it in just two days. While I loved Cave of Secrets, I loved this one even more. It blends mystery, romance, and emotional depth seamlessly. The touch of Jewish representation resonated with me, and some moments even felt warmly nostalgic.
Lynn has a remarkable gift for crafting stories that are emotionally rich, layered with nuance, and deeply immersive. Her characters are beautifully human—flawed, searching, and full of heart—and her portrayal of identity and heritage adds such meaningful depth. Her writing is evocative and quietly powerful. I would wholeheartedly recommend her books to anyone who enjoys thoughtful storytelling with heart, mystery, and just the right touch of romance. She’s an author I’ll continue to follow closely, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
This book was 4.5 stars for me.
You can find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/aurorabookr...
The story unfolds over two timelines: Charlie’s present-day life after the sudden death of her partner of 20 years, James, and her past—two decades earlier—when she first met him while away at university.
Growing up, Charlie often felt like an afterthought, as her parents were deeply focused on their careers. So when she met James and experienced his undivided attention, she clung to it. She eventually left school, moved to Canada with him, and lost contact with her family. They lived in Cape Breton, in a commune that verged on a cult. After James’s death, Charlie no longer felt a part of that community. She left overnight and found herself in Vermont, where she reconnected with her family—and met a handsome widowed rabbi.
This book captivated me from the very beginning. I devoured it in just two days. While I loved Cave of Secrets, I loved this one even more. It blends mystery, romance, and emotional depth seamlessly. The touch of Jewish representation resonated with me, and some moments even felt warmly nostalgic.
Lynn has a remarkable gift for crafting stories that are emotionally rich, layered with nuance, and deeply immersive. Her characters are beautifully human—flawed, searching, and full of heart—and her portrayal of identity and heritage adds such meaningful depth. Her writing is evocative and quietly powerful. I would wholeheartedly recommend her books to anyone who enjoys thoughtful storytelling with heart, mystery, and just the right touch of romance. She’s an author I’ll continue to follow closely, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
This book was 4.5 stars for me.
You can find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/aurorabookr...
June 10, 2025
I really need to talk about this book with someone. That's it! I am recommending it for bookclub!
Charlie Tanner has just been widowed...
What does this mean for her in this commune?
As she reflects on the last 20 years of her life she realises there is nothing for her here.
After she's fulfilled her duties, she packs up her things and discoveries and makes it across the border back to the US.
Starting anew is not so simple and she'll need to build back the bridges she's burnt after all these years.
We are led through her past and present and this carried out seamlessly throughout the book.
After her return to the States, she reaches out to her parents and their reunion is:
𝔾𝕠𝕕, 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕀’𝕕 𝕞𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕪 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤!
As someone who has lived so far away from her parents/family for so long this part "struck" me deeply because yes, I absolutely recognize this feeling.
She meets our gorgeous widower Rabbi Parker and their connection is instant. I really loved their romance even though it was pretty fast but I guess when you are older you know what you want and there is no time to beat around the bush.
But is she once again being drawn into past behaviours?.Filling in neglected holes of her past, with a different person? Seeking out fulfilment, attention and connection.
Charlie is really a complex character her memories had me questioning her every step, wondering WHY... and HOW ...she could have endured 2 decades with the 'so-called' ... "love of her life".
As she treads new waters and restores broken relationships her sudden past still tries to catch up with her.
Reconnection with her past and new found roots dredges up lots of questions in her. How is she to proceed further?
Definitely adding this as a book club read.
Many thanks to Literary media tours and author for the ARC and opportunity to share my thoughts.
Charlie Tanner has just been widowed...
What does this mean for her in this commune?
As she reflects on the last 20 years of her life she realises there is nothing for her here.
After she's fulfilled her duties, she packs up her things and discoveries and makes it across the border back to the US.
Starting anew is not so simple and she'll need to build back the bridges she's burnt after all these years.
We are led through her past and present and this carried out seamlessly throughout the book.
After her return to the States, she reaches out to her parents and their reunion is:
𝔾𝕠𝕕, 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕀’𝕕 𝕞𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕪 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤!
As someone who has lived so far away from her parents/family for so long this part "struck" me deeply because yes, I absolutely recognize this feeling.
She meets our gorgeous widower Rabbi Parker and their connection is instant. I really loved their romance even though it was pretty fast but I guess when you are older you know what you want and there is no time to beat around the bush.
But is she once again being drawn into past behaviours?.Filling in neglected holes of her past, with a different person? Seeking out fulfilment, attention and connection.
Charlie is really a complex character her memories had me questioning her every step, wondering WHY... and HOW ...she could have endured 2 decades with the 'so-called' ... "love of her life".
As she treads new waters and restores broken relationships her sudden past still tries to catch up with her.
Reconnection with her past and new found roots dredges up lots of questions in her. How is she to proceed further?
Definitely adding this as a book club read.
Many thanks to Literary media tours and author for the ARC and opportunity to share my thoughts.
June 10, 2025
“Memories came racing back at the strangest times.”
It took me a while to get into I Love You, Charlie Tanner, especially because of the perturbing timeline, of the numerous back and forth during the first third of the book. It made the reading difficult for me as it was disorienting BUT it was also a great way to enter into Charlie’s mind. She’s lost and has to grief, she has to sort her feelings and memories. As she does, the story increases in fluidity, and I loved that author’s decision. I wish the Bi mention about James didn’t exist, as it feels quite stereotypical for my liking and –IMO– doesn’t add any layer to the villain. That’s a shame, because I loved the rest of the book. The romance –even though a bit hasty but it isn't a romance book so let’s not judge it by the genre’s standards– is cute and truly helps Charlie to rebuild a life for herself. Even if I’m not at all a spiritual person, I loved how Charlie reconnects with her roots, literally as she gardens and walks in nature, but also as she weaves new relationships with her parents, her community and her culture via Parker. Her path, her difficulties, her deep questioning felt particularly interesting and healing.
Thank you to the author and LMT for the eARC. My opinions are my own.
3.5/5
It took me a while to get into I Love You, Charlie Tanner, especially because of the perturbing timeline, of the numerous back and forth during the first third of the book. It made the reading difficult for me as it was disorienting BUT it was also a great way to enter into Charlie’s mind. She’s lost and has to grief, she has to sort her feelings and memories. As she does, the story increases in fluidity, and I loved that author’s decision. I wish the Bi mention about James didn’t exist, as it feels quite stereotypical for my liking and –IMO– doesn’t add any layer to the villain. That’s a shame, because I loved the rest of the book. The romance –even though a bit hasty but it isn't a romance book so let’s not judge it by the genre’s standards– is cute and truly helps Charlie to rebuild a life for herself. Even if I’m not at all a spiritual person, I loved how Charlie reconnects with her roots, literally as she gardens and walks in nature, but also as she weaves new relationships with her parents, her community and her culture via Parker. Her path, her difficulties, her deep questioning felt particularly interesting and healing.
Thank you to the author and LMT for the eARC. My opinions are my own.
3.5/5
June 11, 2025
Rating: 5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion
When I saw that Golodner had another book out, I had to jump on the chance to review it, and I am so happy that I was able to. I loved Cave of Secrets and I just loved this book so much, you will find a lot of great topics in this book; love, loss, second chances, understanding oneself, forgiveness and acceptance and honestly I know that I am forgetting a lot more but just know that this author will break your heart, but no worries she will make sure that she puts it back together at the end. I was able to read this book in one sitting. That is how amazing this book is. In this book you will be on the journey of self-discovery of Charlie Tanner after her partner passes away. She lives in the commune that he and she lived in for years but now without him there she is starting to think that she needs to get away and start a new life, figure out what makes her happy again and to understand herself more.
WOW, like wow. I cried for Charlie and the emotional abuse that she went through, and to be on the journey with her as she tries to understand herself again. I know for me that I could relate to her story about feeling as though I was stuck, and that I couldn’t live the situation I was in. I was able to relate to her story because I know so many women in my life through therapy, and with myself. I loved that we got to understand what led Charlie to the life that she lived with James before and during the commune, and then her life in Vermont. You will be with her through her journey of understanding herself more and accepting the past and learning to move on, but of course there are always people in the world that want to take your happiness away and in this book you will see that happen. I loved the way that the book ended and to see Charlie truly happy again, being able to breathe and not worry was something so amazing to read.
I love the way that Lynne writes, she gives you characters that you can relate to or that are likable. The layers in her stories are woven so well that you will be bugged by the chances and the layers because they are blended so well. I loved that we have flawed characters in this book, and we get to understand why each of them are flawed and to learn to love their flaws because that is what makes them special. I loved that a romance in the book wasn’t the first thing that Charlie wanted but you will see it slowly changing the more the book goes and it doesn’t help that the cutie is a Rabbi. She does have an instant connection with him but you will see that she handles it correctly because she is making sure that she won’t fall back on old habits but learns to trust her own instincts. I enjoyed that she took it slow and was not rushing into things like she would have in the past, not even with her parents and how they started to think what was best, but she explained and talked to them, and even her sister who she hasn’t spoken with in years. They were able to reconnect and move on, it wasn’t right away but you can see that they both wanted to start off fresh. I loved how Golodner ended the book, and I know a lot of people can see a lot of different views of this book and that is what I love so much. Thank you so much Golodner for writing a book where I felt safe, seen and heard; but more than that. Thank you so much for writing harder topics and are they sad yes, but they will leave you feeling as though you are full. If that makes any sense to anyone other than me.
I can’t wait to see what Golodner will write next, and I seriously hope that she lets me review it again.
I want to thank Lynne Golodner and Literarymediatours for the opportunity to review this book.
I received an eARC for my honest opinion
When I saw that Golodner had another book out, I had to jump on the chance to review it, and I am so happy that I was able to. I loved Cave of Secrets and I just loved this book so much, you will find a lot of great topics in this book; love, loss, second chances, understanding oneself, forgiveness and acceptance and honestly I know that I am forgetting a lot more but just know that this author will break your heart, but no worries she will make sure that she puts it back together at the end. I was able to read this book in one sitting. That is how amazing this book is. In this book you will be on the journey of self-discovery of Charlie Tanner after her partner passes away. She lives in the commune that he and she lived in for years but now without him there she is starting to think that she needs to get away and start a new life, figure out what makes her happy again and to understand herself more.
WOW, like wow. I cried for Charlie and the emotional abuse that she went through, and to be on the journey with her as she tries to understand herself again. I know for me that I could relate to her story about feeling as though I was stuck, and that I couldn’t live the situation I was in. I was able to relate to her story because I know so many women in my life through therapy, and with myself. I loved that we got to understand what led Charlie to the life that she lived with James before and during the commune, and then her life in Vermont. You will be with her through her journey of understanding herself more and accepting the past and learning to move on, but of course there are always people in the world that want to take your happiness away and in this book you will see that happen. I loved the way that the book ended and to see Charlie truly happy again, being able to breathe and not worry was something so amazing to read.
I love the way that Lynne writes, she gives you characters that you can relate to or that are likable. The layers in her stories are woven so well that you will be bugged by the chances and the layers because they are blended so well. I loved that we have flawed characters in this book, and we get to understand why each of them are flawed and to learn to love their flaws because that is what makes them special. I loved that a romance in the book wasn’t the first thing that Charlie wanted but you will see it slowly changing the more the book goes and it doesn’t help that the cutie is a Rabbi. She does have an instant connection with him but you will see that she handles it correctly because she is making sure that she won’t fall back on old habits but learns to trust her own instincts. I enjoyed that she took it slow and was not rushing into things like she would have in the past, not even with her parents and how they started to think what was best, but she explained and talked to them, and even her sister who she hasn’t spoken with in years. They were able to reconnect and move on, it wasn’t right away but you can see that they both wanted to start off fresh. I loved how Golodner ended the book, and I know a lot of people can see a lot of different views of this book and that is what I love so much. Thank you so much Golodner for writing a book where I felt safe, seen and heard; but more than that. Thank you so much for writing harder topics and are they sad yes, but they will leave you feeling as though you are full. If that makes any sense to anyone other than me.
I can’t wait to see what Golodner will write next, and I seriously hope that she lets me review it again.
I want to thank Lynne Golodner and Literarymediatours for the opportunity to review this book.
June 2, 2025
This is such a special, unique book! The book follows Charlie as she leaves a cult commune she’s been a part of for 20 years. Her college professor convinced her to join him as he goes to Anam Cara—an agricultural commune in Nova Scotia. I Love You, Charlie Tanner takes you on a journey of her coping with the time she spent away from her family and her former life. From naive college student to a mature adult, Charlie starts her own path after leaving the commune when her partner, and former college professor, James passes away unexpectedly.
What I loved about this story was how Charlie was empowered to start making her own decisions based on what was best for her. I thought this book really explored the complex emotions and feelings Charlie and her parents were going through—the 20 year gap in speaking, how to rebuild their relationship now, how everyone had grown into a different person over time, etc.
I especially loved the relationship between Charlie and Parker, the widowed rabbi in her small town. He was so precious and I loved to see how their relationship developed!! It was the cherry on top with this story! 🥰
What I loved about this story was how Charlie was empowered to start making her own decisions based on what was best for her. I thought this book really explored the complex emotions and feelings Charlie and her parents were going through—the 20 year gap in speaking, how to rebuild their relationship now, how everyone had grown into a different person over time, etc.
I especially loved the relationship between Charlie and Parker, the widowed rabbi in her small town. He was so precious and I loved to see how their relationship developed!! It was the cherry on top with this story! 🥰
June 11, 2025
I adored this book! Charlie and Parker’s second chance at love was so precious. Parker, the rabbi, is exactly what Charlie needed in her life. Her struggles with her family after leaving her cult was very real and heartbreaking. The other characters, especially Mary, were also great. The threats, suspense, and secrets were a great touch to the story and keeps you on your toes.
Thank you Lynne and LiteraryMediaTours for this advanced reader’s copy!
Thank you Lynne and LiteraryMediaTours for this advanced reader’s copy!
February 2, 2026
What an amazingly compelling story of Charlie Tanner. There's a beautiful back and forth symmetry matching past Charlie to now Charlie that I think is key in telling her life story. As a gardener and rugged Northern Michigander myself, with family and a love for Vermont, this book hit a lot of wonderful topics for me!
July 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Charlie is a fascinating and relatable character and you really feel for her as she is navigating her changing life. I especially enjoyed the exploration and positive portrayal of Judaism (though I do think it’s a bit strange for a Rabbi of any denomination to be flaunting an extramarital sexual relationship, but maybe that’s just me?) My main criticism of this book is that it’s very short and the ending is just extremely abrupt. Another case of a book that is missing its second half. The only way this ending makes any sense is if there is a sequel in the works. The audiobook is read by the author and it’s pretty clear that she is not a professional narrator but tbh, her narration grew on me over the course of listening to this book.
August 19, 2025
This was a bit of a boring read. I felt like a lot of things were very repetitive. So it took awhile for me to get through this one.
June 9, 2026
Absolutely DIVINE!!! This book hooked me from the start. Elements of family estrangement, spousal abuse, cult life, brainwashing, religious identity, romance, and suspense are all cleverly woven together to create a powerful, symbiotic journey of one woman’s search for meaning.
Five HUGE stars from me!!!
Five HUGE stars from me!!!
January 14, 2026
“I Love You, Charlie Tanner” by Lynne Golodner is the type of book that you can’t put down. It captures main character Charlie’s life, and the way in which she feels discouraged by her past and ready to embark on a new future.
Charlie’s life seemed like it was on the right track when she met James. He was handsome and she found herself getting lost in him, wanting to be with him more than anything. It is clear early on that he was willing to let her lose or risk parts of herself that she shouldn’t have. Yet, his charisma only deepened her choices to be with him and to go with him to an isolated community in Nova Scotia. When he dies twenty years later, she feels lost, uncertain, and desperate to figure out who she is away from this community that is basically the only adult home she’s ever known.
Looking to escape the clutches of the hierarchy of the cult-like atmosphere in which she lives, she travels back across the border to the States, struggling to figure out how to reconnect with the family she left behind two decades ago. Determined to find the best way to take responsibility for her role in the heartbreak that her family felt when she disappeared, she finds solace in a place she never expected—her faith. She doesn’t want to admit that she even might have any faith, but as she discovers more about Judaism and the role it has played for her parents while she’s been gone, she keeps being drawn to the local rabbi, a nice-looking widower who also seems to have taken a liking to her.
Escaping her past is not as easy as she might have hoped, as several visitors from her past life show up on her doorstep as the novel progresses, keeping her feeling as though she has one foot in the past while the other foot is desperate to be rooted firmly in the present. She worries about sharing too much with her new friends, her parents, and the rabbi, as she doesn’t want to pull them into the thick of her troubles, but she soon discovers that allowing others to be there for you doesn’t have to mean that she’s starting again right where she left off. New relationships bring different experiences, and finding a way to be open to that is possibly the key to allowing her to find the strength to adapt to being who she is without worrying about how she might be perceived.
The book adeptly blends romance, intrigue, hardship, strength, and longing. Charlie longs for a life she will love. She longs for peace and freedom. She longs for relationships that are built on truth and kindness rather than toxicity. Figuring out how to get that for herself is an internal battle she struggles with and ultimately wins in this enthralling read by Lynne Golodner.
Charlie’s life seemed like it was on the right track when she met James. He was handsome and she found herself getting lost in him, wanting to be with him more than anything. It is clear early on that he was willing to let her lose or risk parts of herself that she shouldn’t have. Yet, his charisma only deepened her choices to be with him and to go with him to an isolated community in Nova Scotia. When he dies twenty years later, she feels lost, uncertain, and desperate to figure out who she is away from this community that is basically the only adult home she’s ever known.
Looking to escape the clutches of the hierarchy of the cult-like atmosphere in which she lives, she travels back across the border to the States, struggling to figure out how to reconnect with the family she left behind two decades ago. Determined to find the best way to take responsibility for her role in the heartbreak that her family felt when she disappeared, she finds solace in a place she never expected—her faith. She doesn’t want to admit that she even might have any faith, but as she discovers more about Judaism and the role it has played for her parents while she’s been gone, she keeps being drawn to the local rabbi, a nice-looking widower who also seems to have taken a liking to her.
Escaping her past is not as easy as she might have hoped, as several visitors from her past life show up on her doorstep as the novel progresses, keeping her feeling as though she has one foot in the past while the other foot is desperate to be rooted firmly in the present. She worries about sharing too much with her new friends, her parents, and the rabbi, as she doesn’t want to pull them into the thick of her troubles, but she soon discovers that allowing others to be there for you doesn’t have to mean that she’s starting again right where she left off. New relationships bring different experiences, and finding a way to be open to that is possibly the key to allowing her to find the strength to adapt to being who she is without worrying about how she might be perceived.
The book adeptly blends romance, intrigue, hardship, strength, and longing. Charlie longs for a life she will love. She longs for peace and freedom. She longs for relationships that are built on truth and kindness rather than toxicity. Figuring out how to get that for herself is an internal battle she struggles with and ultimately wins in this enthralling read by Lynne Golodner.
August 21, 2026
I had been hearing some good buzz about I Love You, Charlie Tanner, and recently got the chance to check it out for myself. I'm so glad for that because it was so easy to fall in love with.
The story was both comforting and unsettling at the same time. I just couldn't get enough of it! Lynne really explored the emotions that come with someone shutting out their family for a long period of time. There's just so much to unpack. We see flashbacks from Charlie's life on the commune, while she's currently trying to learn more about herself in her new life.
The story was both comforting and unsettling at the same time. I just couldn't get enough of it! Lynne really explored the emotions that come with someone shutting out their family for a long period of time. There's just so much to unpack. We see flashbacks from Charlie's life on the commune, while she's currently trying to learn more about herself in her new life.
I really just loved so much about this book. Lots of Jewish joy, great steamy scenes, genuine emotion and dialogue, descriptions that brought the story to life even more, and an interesting premise. The characters worked so well and had a variety of layers.
I wish we had an update on something but I can't say what it is as to not spoil the story. I just felt like a certain aspect got left up in the air even after part of it was resolved. I also wish there had been a conversation between Charlie and her parents about how they treated her when she was a kid. None of these concerns were deterrents to the greatness of this novel, however.
I Love You, Charlie Tanner is currently available on Kindle Unlimited. Definitely check it out and bask in the warmth and generosity of this novel!
Movie casting suggestions:
Charlie: Milana Vayntrub
James: Ryan Hurst
Parker: Either Michiel Huisman or Max Greenfield
Charlie's mom: Stepfanie Kramer
Mary: Marguerite Moreau
Boden: Xavier Dolan
Indira: Matilda De Angelis
(Trigger warnings below. May contain spoilers.)
Originally posted at Chick Lit Central.
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TW: Death of significant other/spouse, death of friend, parental neglect, being in a cult, being threatened, domestic abuse, PTSD.
Originally posted at Chick Lit Central.
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TW: Death of significant other/spouse, death of friend, parental neglect, being in a cult, being threatened, domestic abuse, PTSD.
June 11, 2025
🄱🄾🄾🄺🅃🄾🅄🅁 ★｡+ﾟ☆
🅸 🅻🅾🆅🅴 🆈🅾🆄
🅲🅷🅰🆁🅻🅴 🆃🅰🅽🅽🅴🆁
Bʏ Lʏɴɴᴇ Gᴏʟᴏɴᴅᴇʀ @lynnegolodner
@literarymediatours
June 12, 2025
This was such a captivating story with a blend of mystery and romance.
Charlie Tanner had a difficult childhood, feeling insecure and unimportant because her parents were too wrapped up in their careers. Later, she went into a difficult marriage that lasted 20 years in a cult/commune in Nova Scotia, Canada.
When her husband dies, she secretly flees to Vermont in hopes of a new life.
She has a passion for gardening and an extensive understanding of plants and herbs from being in the cult. I loved how her love of growing plants was a connection to her own growth and a great source of therapy for her.
I Love You Charlie Tanner is told in dual timelines and takes us on a journey through the past, the years Charlie spent in the commune, the control over her life and the 20 year separation from her family and friends.
In the present, we see her come into her own, enjoying each small step to loving herself again, being empowered by making her own decisions.
Golonder writes beautifully crafted characters that are flawed and human.
Everyone should pick up this wonderfully written novel. The suspense of her escape, the threats from the cult to finding peace and happiness again, and perhaps a second chance at love. It's a touching story filled with heart.
♥︎Second Chance at Love
♥︎Midlife Love
♥︎Freedom From a Cult
♥︎Rediscovering Roots
♥︎Age Gap (older man-younger woman)
♥︎Hot Rabbi
Thank you to Literary Media Tours and the author for the arc opportunity. My review was voluntary.
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🅸 🅻🅾🆅🅴 🆈🅾🆄
🅲🅷🅰🆁🅻🅴 🆃🅰🅽🅽🅴🆁
Bʏ Lʏɴɴᴇ Gᴏʟᴏɴᴅᴇʀ @lynnegolodner
@literarymediatours
June 12, 2025
This was such a captivating story with a blend of mystery and romance.
Charlie Tanner had a difficult childhood, feeling insecure and unimportant because her parents were too wrapped up in their careers. Later, she went into a difficult marriage that lasted 20 years in a cult/commune in Nova Scotia, Canada.
When her husband dies, she secretly flees to Vermont in hopes of a new life.
She has a passion for gardening and an extensive understanding of plants and herbs from being in the cult. I loved how her love of growing plants was a connection to her own growth and a great source of therapy for her.
I Love You Charlie Tanner is told in dual timelines and takes us on a journey through the past, the years Charlie spent in the commune, the control over her life and the 20 year separation from her family and friends.
In the present, we see her come into her own, enjoying each small step to loving herself again, being empowered by making her own decisions.
Golonder writes beautifully crafted characters that are flawed and human.
Everyone should pick up this wonderfully written novel. The suspense of her escape, the threats from the cult to finding peace and happiness again, and perhaps a second chance at love. It's a touching story filled with heart.
♥︎Second Chance at Love
♥︎Midlife Love
♥︎Freedom From a Cult
♥︎Rediscovering Roots
♥︎Age Gap (older man-younger woman)
♥︎Hot Rabbi
Thank you to Literary Media Tours and the author for the arc opportunity. My review was voluntary.
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January 29, 2026
In today’s world, which is where I Love You, Charlie Tanner, takes place, a woman like her, who had chosen a life of following others’ leads and dependency, would be pitied. And yet, so many women exhibit similar traits and challenges as they navigate their innate tendency to nurture and deal with the dominant tendency of many men, especially men who are leaders, like two of her romantic partners.
When Charlie escapes a commune and starts to forge a life on her own, she realizes she hasn’t changed that much at all by her act, she simply moved from a place where she was ruled to a place where she ended up often relying on others to make decisions for her.
Both places offered hugs and love, something Charlie slowly begins to see she can also provide for herself.
And how does her family, now embracing Jewish traditions as a way to help them heal from her leaving years ago, find a new and caring place in the world through community? Is that also a means of escape?
And what about the sexy rabbi Charlie starts seeing? Can she be independent of him and his forever attachment to his late wife and still be in a loving, solid partnership?
I relished the story and the sojourn into Canada countryside and the Vermont backdrop — Lynne Golodner’s descriptions of the seasons, the weather, and how nature connects us to life and steadies the soul, were sublime.
And for anyone who has dealt with disappointing their family because of personal choices, the guilt, the uncertainty, and how to grow past mistakes, and even see mistakes as a critical part of growth, this novel will be like a gentle journey on a therapists’ couch.
When Charlie escapes a commune and starts to forge a life on her own, she realizes she hasn’t changed that much at all by her act, she simply moved from a place where she was ruled to a place where she ended up often relying on others to make decisions for her.
Both places offered hugs and love, something Charlie slowly begins to see she can also provide for herself.
And how does her family, now embracing Jewish traditions as a way to help them heal from her leaving years ago, find a new and caring place in the world through community? Is that also a means of escape?
And what about the sexy rabbi Charlie starts seeing? Can she be independent of him and his forever attachment to his late wife and still be in a loving, solid partnership?
I relished the story and the sojourn into Canada countryside and the Vermont backdrop — Lynne Golodner’s descriptions of the seasons, the weather, and how nature connects us to life and steadies the soul, were sublime.
And for anyone who has dealt with disappointing their family because of personal choices, the guilt, the uncertainty, and how to grow past mistakes, and even see mistakes as a critical part of growth, this novel will be like a gentle journey on a therapists’ couch.
June 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book, and it is very relatable. Charlie, like most young females was easy prey; meaning she was most likely to fall for a manipulative and controlling man. We hear these types of stories every day. Young girl ignored by parents, craves attention and validation and once they find their definition of “love” and “happiness” they cling to it like a lifeline until they realize they need a lifeline for help.
Charlie had a lot of growing up to do. Young woman drops out of college for a young handsome professor only to find herself in a cult like community/environment. I was happy to see Charlie finally break free and forge her own path away from the community that kept her bound. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen until she was in for 20 years, and her opportunity didn’t present itself until the passing of her husband.
Like many survivors there is fear of the unknown and hesitation to move forward in life especially when it comes to love, family and friendship; but through this journey of new exploration Charlie was able to forge a new life and find love in the midst of chaos.
This book also offers some suspense with Charlie getting veiled threats from the leader of the commune she fled from. Which is totally relatable; just watch crime tv and you see and hear stories like this all the time.
There is something for everyone in this story. A Coming-of-Age story of finding the strength to push forward and fight back against that which is set out to destroy you.
Thank Literary Media Tours and the author for an eARC copy of this book.
Charlie had a lot of growing up to do. Young woman drops out of college for a young handsome professor only to find herself in a cult like community/environment. I was happy to see Charlie finally break free and forge her own path away from the community that kept her bound. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen until she was in for 20 years, and her opportunity didn’t present itself until the passing of her husband.
Like many survivors there is fear of the unknown and hesitation to move forward in life especially when it comes to love, family and friendship; but through this journey of new exploration Charlie was able to forge a new life and find love in the midst of chaos.
This book also offers some suspense with Charlie getting veiled threats from the leader of the commune she fled from. Which is totally relatable; just watch crime tv and you see and hear stories like this all the time.
There is something for everyone in this story. A Coming-of-Age story of finding the strength to push forward and fight back against that which is set out to destroy you.
Thank Literary Media Tours and the author for an eARC copy of this book.
June 12, 2025
This poignant story took some time to take off for me, but once I was emersed I finished this in a day and half.
"Jame's death and emptiness at the realization that he'd never truly loved me. He'd only loved the control he had over me."
We receive the story of Charlie that made a decision 20 years ago to follow James whom she thought was the love of her life and soulmate to a community in Canada, just over the border from her university in Maine.
Flash forward to a 40 year old Charlie that is dealing with the death of James that occurred days ago. We get dual timelines, reflections of life decisions and relationships made and severed that are woven into this haunting, loving and self discovery story. I appreciated the mature characters and how Charlie was discovering her true self she stood firm on part of herself she wanted to keep.
Charlie gets out of the "cult" that she stayed in with James just days after his death. She flees to Vermont and finds a home, people and even tries for love. I loved Parker (Hot Rabbi!). Even reuniting with her parents. The pacing was perfect even with the back and forth from the past to present.
This was many genres. Romance, Thriller and Contemporary Fiction to name a few.
It's reflective of why or why not we make certain decisions and how they impact our lives.
We Receive
Strong Female Lead
Second Chance Romance
Hot Rabbi
Small Town
Gathering and Nature
Hope & Healing
"Jame's death and emptiness at the realization that he'd never truly loved me. He'd only loved the control he had over me."
We receive the story of Charlie that made a decision 20 years ago to follow James whom she thought was the love of her life and soulmate to a community in Canada, just over the border from her university in Maine.
Flash forward to a 40 year old Charlie that is dealing with the death of James that occurred days ago. We get dual timelines, reflections of life decisions and relationships made and severed that are woven into this haunting, loving and self discovery story. I appreciated the mature characters and how Charlie was discovering her true self she stood firm on part of herself she wanted to keep.
Charlie gets out of the "cult" that she stayed in with James just days after his death. She flees to Vermont and finds a home, people and even tries for love. I loved Parker (Hot Rabbi!). Even reuniting with her parents. The pacing was perfect even with the back and forth from the past to present.
This was many genres. Romance, Thriller and Contemporary Fiction to name a few.
It's reflective of why or why not we make certain decisions and how they impact our lives.
We Receive
Strong Female Lead
Second Chance Romance
Hot Rabbi
Small Town
Gathering and Nature
Hope & Healing
May 24, 2026
Sometimes the ending we most dread forces us toward beginnings we could not imagine. And so it is in this beautifully told story, I Love You Charlie Tanner by Lynne Golodner. As I read this novel, I found myself deeply invested in the main character’s journey. Golodner does a masterful job crafting the events, characters and setting to challenge her character’s assessment of the past, religion, relationships, and, most importantly, of herself. As Charlie comes to realize her idealized partner and their life were more cult than commune, she must also come to terms with what led her to be a willing participant in her own captivity. Golodner brilliantly plots Charlie’s journey throwing boulders in the only clear path through. A chance at love with a beautiful, kind man? The author makes him a devout Rabbi. Reclaim your power and self-worth? The author throws in the memory of a sainted wife. It is a delicious roller coaster. I Love You Charlie Tanner has all the feels—sadness and joy, forgiveness and resentment, hope and regret, fear and courage, love, hate, and lust—and as a reader I could not help but jumping on board and riding them all out with the characters. Golodner immersed me in the scenes. I could smell the soil as Charlie cultivated the garden. I could feel the Rabbi’s hand in hers. I could hear the ominous crack of twigs. I Love You Charlie Tanner has it all. I predict you’ll fall in love with the author too!
May 29, 2025
𝙳𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎-𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚍?
Charlie Tanner has finally broken free, now liberated from a life trapped in a cult-like agricultural commune under the control of a manipulative man. Her courage to leave only surfaced after his demise.
I loved the quaint Vermont town where Charlie settled into her new home. Mary, the spirited owner of the town's supply store, is feisty and funny, a bit wild, but becomes a true friend. I adored Parker, the hot Rabbi, with whom Charlie finds a second chance at love. He is patient, kind, and generous. But Parker and Charlie both have ghosts that haunt them, and they must confront them before they can move on.
But just when Charlie is starting over, even reconnecting with her parents and possibly finding love, a series of shocking secrets and menacing threats come knocking on her door, threatening to shatter her newfound happiness.
This engaging narrative weaves together the threads of romance, grief, friendship, suspense, and self-discovery. It's an exploration of Charlie Tanner’s life - her toxic relationship, the feelings she has for her parents, and her resulting insecurities, fears, and guilt. Charlie’s love for gardening is not just a hobby, but a form of therapy, a symbol of hope and renewal.
Thank you @LynneGolodner and @literarymediatours for the gifted book.
Charlie Tanner has finally broken free, now liberated from a life trapped in a cult-like agricultural commune under the control of a manipulative man. Her courage to leave only surfaced after his demise.
I loved the quaint Vermont town where Charlie settled into her new home. Mary, the spirited owner of the town's supply store, is feisty and funny, a bit wild, but becomes a true friend. I adored Parker, the hot Rabbi, with whom Charlie finds a second chance at love. He is patient, kind, and generous. But Parker and Charlie both have ghosts that haunt them, and they must confront them before they can move on.
But just when Charlie is starting over, even reconnecting with her parents and possibly finding love, a series of shocking secrets and menacing threats come knocking on her door, threatening to shatter her newfound happiness.
This engaging narrative weaves together the threads of romance, grief, friendship, suspense, and self-discovery. It's an exploration of Charlie Tanner’s life - her toxic relationship, the feelings she has for her parents, and her resulting insecurities, fears, and guilt. Charlie’s love for gardening is not just a hobby, but a form of therapy, a symbol of hope and renewal.
Thank you @LynneGolodner and @literarymediatours for the gifted book.
June 12, 2025
A deeply moving and thought-provoking novel about self-discovery, healing, and second chances. From the first page, I was drawn into Charlie’s journey as she breaks free from a life she thought she was destined to live and begins searching for something more.
Charlie has spent two decades in a commune, following the lead of her partner, James. But after his passing, she realizes she has lost herself along the way. Determined to reclaim her identity, she packs her bags, leaves behind the life she’s known, and sets out for Vermont, hoping to rebuild. Yet, starting over is never easy, and Charlie faces emotional challenges as she reconnects with family, questions old habits, and navigates unexpected new relationships.
The novel weaves themes of personal growth, forgiveness, and self-acceptance into Charlie’s story, making every moment feel raw and real. The way she gradually learns to embrace her own desires and choices was incredibly powerful. Her romance with Rabbi Parker was a touching part of the book, unfolding naturally as she learned to trust again.
This mystery adds an exciting layer to the plot.
I liked how Golodner explores the complexities of family relationships. Charlie’s reconnection with her parents, especially after years of silence. The tension between past wounds and present understanding was done brilliantly.
Charlie has spent two decades in a commune, following the lead of her partner, James. But after his passing, she realizes she has lost herself along the way. Determined to reclaim her identity, she packs her bags, leaves behind the life she’s known, and sets out for Vermont, hoping to rebuild. Yet, starting over is never easy, and Charlie faces emotional challenges as she reconnects with family, questions old habits, and navigates unexpected new relationships.
The novel weaves themes of personal growth, forgiveness, and self-acceptance into Charlie’s story, making every moment feel raw and real. The way she gradually learns to embrace her own desires and choices was incredibly powerful. Her romance with Rabbi Parker was a touching part of the book, unfolding naturally as she learned to trust again.
This mystery adds an exciting layer to the plot.
I liked how Golodner explores the complexities of family relationships. Charlie’s reconnection with her parents, especially after years of silence. The tension between past wounds and present understanding was done brilliantly.
June 12, 2025
𝘐 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶, 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳 opens at a remote commune, Anam Cara, in Nova Scotia, Canada. Charlie is grieving the sudden death of James Grace, the man she has been living with for the past twenty years. Without James controlling her every move, Charlie realizes that she no longer feels secure at Anam Cara and escapes with a box of cash she finds hidden in her cabin.
Charlie moves to a small town in Vermont and reconciles with her parents. She is surprised to learn that her formerly non-practicing parents have turned to their Jewish faith for spiritual support and comfort. Charlie reluctantly agrees to attend synagogue services, where she meets and is attracted to the ruggedly handsome Rabbi Parker Mizrahi, a widower with two older children. Her new life seems to be going well, but ominous news from Anam Cara raises concerns for her safety and clouds her chances for future happiness with Parker.
Unfolding in past and present timelines, Golodner blends a late-in-life second-chance romance with a woman trying to come to terms with her heavy emotional burden while neutralizing any threats from her past life. Even as she appears to jump from one relationship to another, she acknowledges that she needs to figure out why she stayed with James for so long and if she can avoid feeling like second fiddle to Parker’s seemingly perfect first wife.
With her determination and self-growth, Charlie proves that it’s never too late to live a happy, healthy life, and I think you will love her, too.
Thank you, #Partner @literarymediatours, for this #gifted book by @LynneGolodner and for including me on this book tour. #ArcTeam
Charlie moves to a small town in Vermont and reconciles with her parents. She is surprised to learn that her formerly non-practicing parents have turned to their Jewish faith for spiritual support and comfort. Charlie reluctantly agrees to attend synagogue services, where she meets and is attracted to the ruggedly handsome Rabbi Parker Mizrahi, a widower with two older children. Her new life seems to be going well, but ominous news from Anam Cara raises concerns for her safety and clouds her chances for future happiness with Parker.
Unfolding in past and present timelines, Golodner blends a late-in-life second-chance romance with a woman trying to come to terms with her heavy emotional burden while neutralizing any threats from her past life. Even as she appears to jump from one relationship to another, she acknowledges that she needs to figure out why she stayed with James for so long and if she can avoid feeling like second fiddle to Parker’s seemingly perfect first wife.
With her determination and self-growth, Charlie proves that it’s never too late to live a happy, healthy life, and I think you will love her, too.
Thank you, #Partner @literarymediatours, for this #gifted book by @LynneGolodner and for including me on this book tour. #ArcTeam
June 12, 2025
"I Love You, Charlie Tanner" is Lynne Golodner's third novel, and as long as she writes them, I'll read them. She weaves together a great story, and this one has two themes that really piqued my interest: Judaism and escape from a cult. The cult details added a suspense element that kept me turning the pages, as they kept me guessing. Charlie's complicated relationship to her Judaism and to her family adds elements of emotion that make her complex. Because she didn't have much exposure to Judaism from her parents when she was young, she learns about it from the hot Rabbi in town, allowing the reader to learn right along with Charlie. She is a complicated woman, and Golodner's first-person prose reflects that. Her voice is immature because her maturity was stunted by her coming of age under the spell of a charismatic cult member/wannabe leader. The voice remains authentic throughout, and while she learns a great deal about herself as the story unfolds, she still has a lot of maturing to do, beyond the book's endpoint. It leaves me wondering if we'll see Charlie again!
Thank you, Lynne, for the ARC. It was a pleasure to read ahead of the release.
Thank you, Lynne, for the ARC. It was a pleasure to read ahead of the release.
June 12, 2025
FMC Charlie has only known life with her partner James, and suddenly she's left alone, feeling confused and like she never truly knew him. She begins to question herself and wonder whether she made the right choice so many years ago. Through this book, we follow Charlie on her journey as she grapples with the realization that perhaps her relationship was not as perfect as she had thought. She looks back at her relationship and finally realizes all those red flags that she ignored.
Her reunion with her parents was lovely, but it irked me that they were so quick to want to forget the past. Even though you can tell that Charlie felt so much guilt for having distanced herself from them. I wanted them to discuss how Charlie was affected by their lack of interest and care during her formative years. From what we learned, it seemed that both parents were more invested in their careers.
I did fear Charlie getting into a relationship so quickly and have to admit that I was worried about the true intentions of her new love interest.
Thanks to Literary Media Tours for the eARC and the opportunity to read this book.
Her reunion with her parents was lovely, but it irked me that they were so quick to want to forget the past. Even though you can tell that Charlie felt so much guilt for having distanced herself from them. I wanted them to discuss how Charlie was affected by their lack of interest and care during her formative years. From what we learned, it seemed that both parents were more invested in their careers.
I did fear Charlie getting into a relationship so quickly and have to admit that I was worried about the true intentions of her new love interest.
Thanks to Literary Media Tours for the eARC and the opportunity to read this book.
November 30, 2025
In I Love You, Charlie Tanner, author Lynne Golodner creates a novel with an interesting premise. Charlie Tanner, now close to 40-years-old, extracts herself from a Nova Scotia commune, (cult?) where she has lived for twenty years. Her story of starting over in Vermont explores the complicated territory of love and choices that shape a life. As the narrative shifts between timelines, the story steadily reveals how love can both anchor and derail us, and how the truth we avoid often has the greatest power to set us free.
What makes this novel especially compelling is its emotional accessibility. The themes—regret, forgiveness, identity, and the ripple effects of youthful decisions—invite reflection and discussion, making I Love You, Charlie Tanner an excellent choice for book clubs. Readers will find themselves eager to talk about the characters’ motivations, the tenderness of the relationships, and the universal “what if” at the novel’s core.
Heartfelt, nostalgic, and wise, I Love You, Charlie Tanner is a memorable read that lingers long after the final page.
What makes this novel especially compelling is its emotional accessibility. The themes—regret, forgiveness, identity, and the ripple effects of youthful decisions—invite reflection and discussion, making I Love You, Charlie Tanner an excellent choice for book clubs. Readers will find themselves eager to talk about the characters’ motivations, the tenderness of the relationships, and the universal “what if” at the novel’s core.
Heartfelt, nostalgic, and wise, I Love You, Charlie Tanner is a memorable read that lingers long after the final page.
June 11, 2025
I Love You, Charlie Tanner is a heartbreaking and rejuvenating novel about losing and finding yourself. Through the tragedy of losing her life partner of 20 years, Charlie finds the courage to leave the cult she has been in to start over in Vermont. There she uses the knowledge she has gained to cultivate her garden as she works to figure out who she really is, reunites with her family, meets a hot Rabbi, and begins to learn more about her Jewish heritage. While all this is happening, she begins to make friends but also learns that leaving the cult isn’t that easy.
If you have ever lost yourself for any length of time, this book is relatable while being a highly entertaining and enjoyable read. It has family drama, connections, romance, and even mystery and danger. I Love you, Charlie Tanner checks ALL the boxes!
If you have ever lost yourself for any length of time, this book is relatable while being a highly entertaining and enjoyable read. It has family drama, connections, romance, and even mystery and danger. I Love you, Charlie Tanner checks ALL the boxes!
April 25, 2026
I listened to this book. The narration was nice. 3 1/2 stars. Fictional story about a young woman who falls in love early in her life and then spends 20 years basically living in a commune with a controlling and philandering boyfriend in a commune that is somewhat supportive, but also pretty unhealthy and controlling. Something happens & the young woman leaves and ends up on the East Coast in a small town. She reconnected with her parents and falls in love with a rabbi, her parents had reconnected with Judaism after she went missing and refused to communicate with them for 20 years. Parts of this were interesting, but I couldn’t help but wonder about the author‘s life and experience. Such an odd combination of elements in this story. Some violence, some love, some family relationships, some traditional religion and some very weird things. It was OK I wouldn’t go much farther than that.
June 7, 2025
Lynne Golodner weaves a beautiful, layered story where culture, spirituality, and religion intersect in meaningful ways—without ever feeling heavy-handed. This is a novel about women finding their voices and their second chances—proof that it’s never too late to reshape your life.
The story is a page turner, yet filled with small sensory delights. I especially loved the scenes of gardening, sourdough baking, and muffins coming out of the oven—you can practically smell the bread and feel the warmth of the kitchen.
Charlie’s search for meaning, her evolving relationship with her family, and her willingness to grow and take risks were deeply satisfying to follow. I was rooting for her all the way.
I can’t wait to read Lynne Golodner’s next novel!
The story is a page turner, yet filled with small sensory delights. I especially loved the scenes of gardening, sourdough baking, and muffins coming out of the oven—you can practically smell the bread and feel the warmth of the kitchen.
Charlie’s search for meaning, her evolving relationship with her family, and her willingness to grow and take risks were deeply satisfying to follow. I was rooting for her all the way.
I can’t wait to read Lynne Golodner’s next novel!
February 15, 2026
Quick read. I would actually give 3.5 seats because I liked the ending a lot.
I went in liking the general premise. But I felt like it could’ve done one more round of edits or another pass. Each component (the cult stuff, her life, her love) was interesting, but did not feel flushed out enough in any area. As such it felt rushed and a little shallow at parts that made me want to know more about these areas.
I went in liking the general premise. But I felt like it could’ve done one more round of edits or another pass. Each component (the cult stuff, her life, her love) was interesting, but did not feel flushed out enough in any area. As such it felt rushed and a little shallow at parts that made me want to know more about these areas.
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July 27, 2026A bonus book from #theJewishJoyBox and it was all of those: Jewish and a joy. Our younger selves may make difficult, or hard decisions, but how we move forward from our past --and maybe learn from it --is part of the reward of this book that follows Charlie Tanner as she leaves a commune (or maybe it's a cult) in a late night dash following her sort-of partner's death. How she reconnects with her parents, finds her way to Judaism, and learns about her self makes for a nice beach read.
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