Autumn in Wolf Valley

by Ed A. Murray

What would you hold on to if your world was washing away?

Howard Lynch lived a life measured in silences. The silence of his rural Pennsylvania upbringing. The silence of his grief-stricken home in Wolf Valley. The silence of his novelist wife, Amber, lost suddenly a year ago. His only companion? An adopted dog named Coby—a four-legged reminder of a life he could have had.

Then, the river starts rising.

With a relentless storm stalled over the region, Howard is faced with a devastating choice: Escape to safety or risk everything to save a life that represents his last link to Amber.

Weaving between the flood and the intricate love story that leads up to Amber’s tragic passing, Murray paints an intimate portrait of a complicated man whose life was marked by obstacles from his earliest years.

Autumn in Wolf Valley is a story about the things we lose, the unexpected gifts we find, and the enduring power of forgiveness. It's a reminder that even in the darkest depths, hope can rise. And sometimes, the greatest love stories are the ones we never see coming.

Genres: Fiction

262 pages, Paperback

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

Ed A. Murray is an author, ghostwriter and University of Michigan alumnus. Autumn in Wolf Valley (2025) is his fourth book, all of which are set at least partially in his home state of Michigan, where he lives with his wife, two daughters and their mini Australian shepherd.

Reviews

[Smithers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads and received it just as I was finishing another book up. Thank you to the author, Ed Murray, for including a note. I’ve never read a book by this author in the past. I see me reading another of his books in the future.

I finished this book in less than 24 hours - I really enjoyed the emotional roller coaster ride. After the first few chapters, about Howard’s childhood and adolescence, I thought I saw where we were going. Once Amber was introduced, once again thought I knew where we were going. The place we ended up I didn’t expected but it was so worth the journey

Howard makes it through his life despite his mother leaving him to his horrible father. Despite a falling out with his life-line friend Willy. Despite not knowing how most families relate, he finds Amber and a bit of himself. It takes a couple of tragedies to truly find himself, what he’s made of, and a challenge to his belief system. Once there, he seems to find peace and purpose in this life…

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howard lives in Autumn Valley in Pennsylvania, and he has been bereft since his wife Amber died last year. He only has a dog named Coby for company, and an occasional drop by from his neighbor. When a storm approaches that leads to dangerous flooding, Howard refuses to leave his home for a shelter because he would have to leave Coby behind.
The story goes back in time as we relive Howard and Amber's love story, their marriage, the challenges that we all face in life. Love stories written by men are not all that common, and this one is wonderful.
The scenes of the flooding are realistic and frightening, especially given that so many people have been experiencing this recently all around the country. There is a secret revealed at the end of the story that I did not see coming, and it makes this a good book for book clubs to read. The discussion regarding that secret would be fascinating. I recommend Autumn in Wolf Valley.

[Cara Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and deeply impactful, “Autumn in Wolf Valley” weaves pain, redemption, and resilience into a narrative that feels both raw and universal.

The author’s strength lies in his ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety, allowing readers to feel the weight of hardship without overstatement. The characters are flawed yet deeply human, making their journey all the more compelling.

This book is not just a story—it’s a testament to resilience, purpose, and the unexpected ways life can still offer beauty after immense pain. For anyone navigating hardship, this novel is a poignant reminder that healing is possible, and sometimes, helping others is the key to saving yourself.

[Alice Golson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn in Wolf Valley is a quiet, emotionally resonant novel that explores grief, love, and the courage to let go. Howard Lynch, a widower drowning in silence, faces a rising flood and a life-defining choice that ties him to the memory of his late wife.

Told with lyrical prose and rich atmosphere, the story shifts between present-day danger and the tender love that came before. Fans of Kent Haruf or Elizabeth Strout will appreciate its depth, stillness, and quiet power.

A moving portrait of loss, memory, and unexpected redemption.

[Heather Crumpton · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful story

I received a copy of this as an arc and let me just say, I’m very thankful that I was chosen. This book was written so beautifully. The writer truly knows how to make you feel like you’re right there vividly watching the story. I will certainly be checking out more of his work. I will always remember Howard, Amber and Coby. This fictional story was very touching and the emotions were very intense and real.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

💯💯💯💯💯

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Aletha Pagett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this e-book received from Goodreads. It is a love story, a dog story and a story of the many tangled webs we weave.

[Andrea Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved every second of this book-I couldn’t put it down!!