Letting Go: A Heartwarming, Emotional Story about Family, Secrets, Love and New Beginnings.

by Angela Day

When the past is broken and the present is full of uncertainty, it's time to let go.

Callie Winters thought she had built a solid future for her son—a boy who has grown up without his father. But just as things are about to pay off, she must put it all at risk to unravel a truth buried beneath years of grief and guilt. Racing against time to protect her son, Callie revisits a life lived differently and questions everything she's told herself these last eighteen years.

Brett Jenson sees the world through the lens of his digital camera. But when he has to build a picture of his past for his final assignment, the search for truth uncovers a family he has never known and secrets he may wish could stay hidden forever.

Dave Woods has reservations about getting into bed with a big pharmaceuticals company from San Francisco—until he meets Callie Winters. Her offer seems too good to be true, and when he reads the fine print, he realises she and her company could put them out of business. Something doesn't seem to fit, but he has to decide if he likes her enough to find out what's really going on.

A moving story about beyond secrets and finding the courage to move towards the people and places that can make us whole again. Letting Go is the first book in the Jackson's Bridge Series, where series protagonist Callie Winters takes a leap of faith and lands in the small, picturesque town of Jackson's Bridge Colorado. She's a fish out of water, trading her heels and clean room for hiking boots and the great outdoors, taking a chance on love and becoming part of a community that experiences its fair share of dramatic twists and turns.

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2024

About the author

Angela writes the romantic women’s fiction Jackson’s Bridge Series set in the contemporary western landscape and communities of Colorado. Her stories take time, develop deep connections with characters, and transport readers with breathtaking settings and layered storytelling.

Jackson’s Bridge is your ticket to a world where community matters, kindness prevails, and healing is possible. It’s a celebration of love and resilience, family and friendship, second chances and new beginnings.

The characters are complex, and the plotlines are strong and layered with romance, suspense, western living, drama and tension to provide the emotional pay-off you expect from women's fiction.

Her debut novel (Letting Go) was placed in the Bath Novel Award 2024 Top 100 and quickly found an audience with readers who connect to its emotional depth and themes of courage, family, hope and healing.

Letting Go, the first book in the series, introduces Callie Winters—a woman fighting for her future, while finding the courage to face her past. Readers have called it emotional, heartwarming, and impossible to put down—read the full description here.

Join Angela's monthly newsletter for book updates, behind-the-scenes, and book and author recommendations you'll enjoy.

Reviews

[Pauline Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letting Go by Angela Day is such an inspiring read. The book is all about releasing the things that no longer serve you and finding peace within yourself. It's written in a way that's easy to understand, yet really powerful.

What I loved most were the many uplifting quotes throughout – they really made me stop and think. I found the whole book very motivational and encouraging.

One lovely surprise in the book was a trip to New Zealand – which made me smile, as it's where I live! That connection made it feel even more special.

Overall, I found this ebook extremely inspirational. Definitely a five-star read for me.

[Mrs Moa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well crafted poignant story, I was hooked from the start.

A single mum trying to do right by her son.

A tale spread between America and New Zealand, it encompasses heartbreak and misunderstandings, reflection and personal growth, forgiveness and healing.

The research and time put into writing this book shines through with well structured and easy to understand pharmaceutical practices.

I was sent this book by the author and all opinions are my own.

[~lil maso~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Phyl for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

The story centres on Callie and her son Brett. They have a great relationship as it has only been the two of them. He’s a great kid but feeling unsure of his next step after graduation.

He lost his dad when he was only 6 months old and his mother has never really spoken about him. He’s a budding photographer just like his dad and his latest assignment is about family.

He can not write about a man he has never met and his mother hasn’t told him much about him. This leads his mother and himself down a very emotional road.

I loved this story and can not wait to dive into the rest of the series.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

[Irene S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie has been working on a long term plan for her and her son. Callie's thinks that the time might be right to buy into the partnership of the pharmaceutical lab where she is the medical director. Her son Brett is poised to graduate from high school and go to a local business college in the fall. Other than his love for photography, Brett isn't sure yet what he wants to do. He wants to take a gap year and travel with his mountain biking friends in England. Brett also wants to know something about his deceased father, but his mother is very resistant about sharing any information about him or their life in New Zealand. Unexpectedly, Callie ends up in Colorado to talk to a small and successful botanicals co-op to give a business proposal...This is a wonderful story about family, community, romance, and reconsidering your plans. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more in this series.

[Tanja Glavnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so very kindly sent an ARC of this book; my review and my opinions are my own.

And oh MAN did I cry 😭

This is a story about forgiving the past, taking a hard look at what you want, and living life for yourself rather than other people.

Ms Day perfectly encapsules the raw emotion from a broken family, starting with a young man trying to figure out his identity, through to the extended family members he never knew about until now.

But Callie is the one who shines the most, going through a gamut of emotions. Her second chance love story is in the backseat, with other relationships and problems taking center stage, but I'm kind of hoping we see more of her and Dave as the series unfolds!

It's a lovely, emotional, gripping read about how a traumatic event leaves tremors in the foundation of a family even almost 20 years after it happens.

My hat off to the author. Well done, ma'am, well done.

10/10 recommend.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very impressed by this debut book; it has a solid storyline, interesting characters, plenty of emotions, and excellent descriptions of fantastic settings like San Francisco, Colorado, and New Zealand’s north island on the very tip.

Callie is a great character, but one who has flaws that are pretty clearly pointed out. These flaws are not caused by selfishness or malice but rather by trying to do the best for her son as a single mother.

I wasn’t expecting to like Janice and her family, but I did. She is a compassionate woman who learned from her mistakes the hard way. I liked all of the characters—okay, except John Wilock. 😀

This story is about stretching your wings, uncovering secrets, and learning about what is truly important. I will admit I sometimes had a tear or two, and there were some very poignant scenes.

I look forward to the next book set in Jackson’s Bridge, Colorado, where Callie explores a different life.

[Sheryn Sauve · Rating 5 out of 5]

The day always comes when one must let go and move on. This is a story of running from the past, of not being aware of circumstances and healing ourselves. It is a story of family roots and misunderstanding. Callie fears the secrets she holds will hurt her teenage son Brett if she tells him. But, telling him doesn’t happen as she expects. A story with threads in three locations, San Francisco, Jackson's Bridge and northland New Zealand. As a young adult, Callie runs with her infant son from New Zealand back to her family in the US. She begins a career to support her son that takes her to the top, only to be torn by a decision she must make for her future and that of her son. And, possible love peeps in along the way, while unexpected twists provide for healing for an entire family.

This was read voluntarily as an ARC book.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review Letting Go (Jackson’s Bridge series #1) by Angela Day

I believe that this is Angela Day’s debut novel and if this book is anything to go by, then she is off to a good start with her writing career.

Letting Go was a well written, intensely emotional story that drew me in and held my attention. It is a story of secrets, family and love and one that touched me.

Callie Winters has moved with her son Brett Jenson to Jackson's Bridge, Colorado for a new life. Brett is desperate to learn about his late father and as he does they will both have to confront the past and the secrets it holds.

Their journey was emotional and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Day has in store for the people of Jackson's Bridge.

[Phyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The poignant story of Callie and her son Brett delves into the complexities of family, loss, and the journey of self-discovery. With a strong bond between them, the duo navigates the challenges of Brett's uncertainty about his future after graduation and his desire to learn more about his late father, a talented photographer. As they embark on an emotional journey to uncover the past and explore the themes of family, the story unfolds with depth and heart, leaving a lasting impact on both characters and readers alike.

[Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letting go

Letting go should be easy but it isn't. Not saying this book parallels my life other than I have 3 children. Oops she had just 1. Just means I get to go through it 2 more times.
I received this book as an ARC . I laughed, I cried, I wished I'd had it years ago. I purchased a copy for my library. This way I can read it when it makes it to the top of the to read pile.
Don't miss this story. It might help you to understand your Mom. Maybe that teenager. To remember one day at a time. This too will pass.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel was a an emotional rollercoaster to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This is a well written story about a parent relinquishing control over her child, a teenager needing to find his story, secrets kept and the healing found when secrets are revealed. There is also some romance.
I found all the characters well rounded & relatable and the story was engaging.
This is clean, women's fiction with one mild swear word.
I received an advance review copy courtesy of the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Bonnie Mancuso · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEARTFELT

Angela Day is quite the talented author. This heartwarming story is one you're sure to enjoy. While this story may have some heartache and tragedy, there's so much love and compassion too. Angela's writing style is one that keeps the reader invested in the story. Her characters are well-defined and easy to read. I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading Starting Over, book two in the Jackson's Bridge series.

[Shirley Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good first novel

I enjoyed Letting Go. I wasn't sure about the protagonist initially, but her character growth was good to watch. Some irregularities about NZ culture you couldn't know unless you've lived there as a foreigner, so arent worth mentioning, but there were enough typos and errors to warrant another scan or a copy editor. I enjoyed the book enough to persevere and would probably read more of her books.

[Alison Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book from a new to me author. It was recommended to me and it didn't disappoint at all. Well written story with credible characters and I can't wait to read more in this series

[Robin Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartbreaking book beautifully written about a young woman who lost her husband who had a daring problem leaving her in with a six month old baby to care for in a different country. With loss grief guilt and anger she returns home and buries her emotions deeply and plunges into a career to support her son. Over the years her son ask about the father her never knew but she avoids the questions and at seventeen years old he begins searching for answers where his life began. Heartbreaking and sad story but they find all the underlying reasons to move toward a HEA.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well told story

First time writer. I enjoyed this book. It did get bogged down a couple of times but to me it didn't affect the story. The book is about family and what people go through to get to the right time in their lives to be happy. I won't write any spoilers but please read it for yourself and enjoy

[Cissy Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

LETTING GO is a standalone read with a happy ending. There are no sexy scenes so any age can read and enjoy. The story is set in San Francisco, Jackson's Bridge, Colorado and New Zealand. It is a novel about Callie and her side characters. It is 464 pages long and I was surprised when I saw that number. It was a fast read as you will have a hard time finding a place to put it down. It moves fast and you will not find yourself skipping pages. It is a great read, and a surprisingly good story for a 1st time publishing author. Again, I was surprised that this story seemed to be written so well by a first-time published author. The author is obviously very talented. There were no events not resolved for this story. I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.

Callie is a young woman with a tragedy in her life. Misunderstandings that she carried for almost 20 years. She was widowed before she had been married a full year. She has a son, now 17, from that union. She is a free-spirit and tries to do it all. She is a trained professional chemist and has a great job with an outstanding salary. She devotes her life to her job and her son. Everything she does is for the benefit of her son. Sometimes she does a bit too much and misses out on what is really important.

She means well and thinks she is doing what is best. Her son is an outstanding young man but is anxious to cut the apron strings and do life his way. This is an issue for a very controlling mother. Thank goodness her father is a saving grace. He plays a great part in the story.

It is a compelling read with all the emotions that real life brings. A great read and one you don't want to miss. At the time of this writing, the novel is free on Amazon. Don't miss it.

I was given a copy of the book for an ARC review. I also downloaded the eBook for my own library. I am not a writer, nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I AM NOT A BOT. I am a reader, and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 5/10/24.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great start to Angela Day’s writing career.
This is single mum Callie Winters and her son Brett Jenson’s emotional journey and if you love stories about families, secrets and love look no further than Letting Go which is book one in the Jackson Bridge Series.
Callie moved her son Brett back to the States from New Zealand after losing her husband in an accident. Keeping the family her son has across the world wasn’t easy especially when he followed in his fathers footsteps with his love of photography. Brett is desperate to learn about his late father and even he finds some unopened letters he gets more then he bargained for…….
I was captivated from the first page until the final line was read and I wanted more. Letting Go is a well written, emotional read with wonderful characters and it has left me excited for my next visit to Jackson Bridge.

I received a free copy from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Rhonda Brant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy, the title of this book says it all, and it definitely was an emotional read. I was asked to read this pretty special book from an author I love to read, Serenity Woods. Angela Day is a new author for me, and I found her writing style very much like Serenity's, especially describing the incredible scenery in the story. This is definitely a complicated story full of secrets spanning from New Zealand to the United States, and when things come together you better have a box of tissues handy. The story started off a bit slow for me, but by the second half it really took off and had me hooked. Definitely would like to read more in this series and from this author. Very much worth the read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie’s life hasn’t been easy. After her husband death, she left New Zealand to come back to San Francisco and start a new life with his baby. She has sacrificed her dreams and has worked hard in the pharmaceutical industry. But Brett, her son, is eighteen years old and asking question about his father. Can the past destroy Callie or will bring her a new meaning for her life and help her to face a better future for her? Jackson’s Bridge is a great place to start over. Looking forward to read the next book in the series

[Alison Hoeksema · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poignant story focuses on the relationship between Callie and her son Brett. Callie fled from New Zealand back to San Francisco when Brett's dad died, and she hasn't told him about the events leading to her move. This comes back to bite her when he has to do a photography assignment about family. The way the story moves between different people's viewpoints is well done, gradually unravelling what happened and how it has affected the future. A lovely read!
I received an ARC from the author, but my review is given voluntarily.

[Natalie Miernicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a new author and a debut novel this was a great start... loved how the story flowed, there was so much depth in the characters and the storyline. It was an emotional story of love, family and secrets that have the power to either destroy a family legacy or the strength to bring everyone back together. I highly recommend this story and look foward to what comes next for the characters of Jackson's Bridge!

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intensely emotional story that will not let you go until it’s done. Callie is so different than her younger self. The circumstances surrounding the death of her husband have impacted her entire life and also that of her son. So much guilt and secrecy affects both her family and the family of her deceased husband. This is such a great story and I can’t wait for the series to continue.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Beth Biss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm the mother of a teenage son and I really enjoyed this book and all the questions it raised. This book had me thinking a lot about grief, secrets and family history. I really enjoyed how Angela wove those themes through various story lines. I would recommend you pick up a copy for yourself and dive into the little town that Callie comes to love. I look forward to reading more about this little town and Callie.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series and I was totally impressed with this author. Great characters and storyline that draws you in immediately and grips you until the end. Callie is a wonderful mother that has been raising her son all alone since her husband dies when Brett was only six months old. Now Brett is a graduate following in his father's footsteps to becoming a photographer. This is an emotional story that draws you in so quickly and was very well told.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of a mother and son is so inspiring. A Mother who is trying to protect her son and a son who just wants to know the truth. This story drew me in from the first chapter. I really enjoyed the way the chapters switched some between past and present. I look forward to reading the next book by this author.

[Barb Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie lives in San Francisco with her son Brett. She and her late husband Robbie lived in New Zealand until he died in an accident. She flees New Zealand with Brett to get away from Robbie's family who she blamed for his accident. Brett has asked questions about his dad, but Callie has pushed aside his questions. As Brett is ready to graduate from high school, he decides to find out about his dad's family. Callie has worked hard in the pharmaceutical industry and learns the future she pictured is not going to happen. When Brett decides to go to New Zealand without Callie's knowledge the family and the story that Callie believed turned out to be different. I recommend this book. It is heartfelt and well written. I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my honest review.