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Come Back to the World: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26A single mother strives to understand the enigma of a reclusive novelist in a poignant novel about belonging, secret lives, and the want to disappear by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.
Amelia Booker, a journalist and expert in American literature, receives a photograph leading to the possible whereabouts of E.L. Swann, an author who vanished forty years ago after the success of her first and only novel. It’s too intriguing a literary mystery for Amelia not to follow.
In Santa Rosarita, Mexico, Amelia and her seven-year-old son, Jaden, meet the elderly and guarded Ella Steinbach, known to locals for riding her donkey to market, then retreating from the world again to her hilltop house. Prickly and defensive at first, Ella reluctantly concedes the truth about her identity. If not for Ella’s deep affection for the bright and introverted Jaden, she would have found the intrusion unforgivable. Instead, she grants an interview on the condition that Amelia tell no one where E.L. Swann has been found.
As days turn into weeks, and Ella reveals more than expected about her past, she and Amelia form a difficult but surprising bond. From it comes the realization that the personal struggles we endure determine the necessary choices we make to move forward. But no matter how much Amelia tries to convince her otherwise, E.L. Swann really does wish to be left alone. And only by accepting the author as she is can Amelia maintain the life-changing connection.
Amelia Booker, a journalist and expert in American literature, receives a photograph leading to the possible whereabouts of E.L. Swann, an author who vanished forty years ago after the success of her first and only novel. It’s too intriguing a literary mystery for Amelia not to follow.
In Santa Rosarita, Mexico, Amelia and her seven-year-old son, Jaden, meet the elderly and guarded Ella Steinbach, known to locals for riding her donkey to market, then retreating from the world again to her hilltop house. Prickly and defensive at first, Ella reluctantly concedes the truth about her identity. If not for Ella’s deep affection for the bright and introverted Jaden, she would have found the intrusion unforgivable. Instead, she grants an interview on the condition that Amelia tell no one where E.L. Swann has been found.
As days turn into weeks, and Ella reveals more than expected about her past, she and Amelia form a difficult but surprising bond. From it comes the realization that the personal struggles we endure determine the necessary choices we make to move forward. But no matter how much Amelia tries to convince her otherwise, E.L. Swann really does wish to be left alone. And only by accepting the author as she is can Amelia maintain the life-changing connection.
- GenresFiction
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 5, 2026
3 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Ryan Hyde
72 books6,160 followersCatherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 50 published and forthcoming books.
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
You can learn much more about Catherine at www.catherineryanhyde.com
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Come Back to the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a full length, stand alone novel. The book is published by Lake Union Publishing.
Come Back to the World is a poignant novel, a special treat. I love the author's writing and every time she releases a new book its a one click for me. But I didn't expect such a deep story.
Amelia is a divorced single mom of a 7 year old boy, Jaden. Jaden is an old soul. Amelia goes on a trip with him looking to find a recluse author. She's on a wild goose chase when a tip leads her to Ella's doorstep. Ella is a grumpy mcgrumperson in her eighties, but she has a soft spot for Jaden, and soon she tolerates Amelia.
Firest I thought of Amelia as naive, who doesn't thinks about consequences; the story of removed, but soon I was unable to put this wonderful book down. A story that'll stay with me long after I finished the book that deserves all the stars.
Come Back to the World is a poignant novel, a special treat. I love the author's writing and every time she releases a new book its a one click for me. But I didn't expect such a deep story.
Amelia is a divorced single mom of a 7 year old boy, Jaden. Jaden is an old soul. Amelia goes on a trip with him looking to find a recluse author. She's on a wild goose chase when a tip leads her to Ella's doorstep. Ella is a grumpy mcgrumperson in her eighties, but she has a soft spot for Jaden, and soon she tolerates Amelia.
Firest I thought of Amelia as naive, who doesn't thinks about consequences; the story of removed, but soon I was unable to put this wonderful book down. A story that'll stay with me long after I finished the book that deserves all the stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, Lake Union Publishing, for providing the copy of Come Back to the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The characters in Hyde’s books are always fully realized and feel real. I admire how she writes books all with different characters, stories and plots, which is remarkable considering how many books she has written. The reclusive author Amelia finds isn’t the most likable character, but I loved what a straight-shooter she was and how she stuck to her beliefs. The writing shines, but I would bet that Hyde’s books are so popular because of their emotional impact. While this one was more subtle, the lessons Amelia learns have a powerful effect on her life. 5 stars
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December 23, 2025Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for the eARC.
What an amazinly lovely book; I'm not usually someone who gets teary when reading, but there were a few times when I got very close.
I understood Amelia's wish to meet up with E. L. Swann, but also the author's wish to be left alone. In a way I felt it unfair of Amelia to disturb the woman who so obviously wanted to shut out the world and it made me uncomfortable for her. Jaden is sweet, instinctively smart and I found his obvious love for animals appealing.
Once the 2 women click, it's heartwarming.
The area the author has retreated to sounds beautiful, more so than Mexico itself.
I loved it, and it's a solid 5 stars for me.
What an amazinly lovely book; I'm not usually someone who gets teary when reading, but there were a few times when I got very close.
I understood Amelia's wish to meet up with E. L. Swann, but also the author's wish to be left alone. In a way I felt it unfair of Amelia to disturb the woman who so obviously wanted to shut out the world and it made me uncomfortable for her. Jaden is sweet, instinctively smart and I found his obvious love for animals appealing.
Once the 2 women click, it's heartwarming.
The area the author has retreated to sounds beautiful, more so than Mexico itself.
I loved it, and it's a solid 5 stars for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
A singular take on the labour of writing, journalism, creativity and fame, “Come Back to the World”, by Catherine Ryan Hyde, is also an interesting story about relationships, love, ageing, and unexpected affections.
The unusual circumstances gathering Ella, Amelia and Jaden in a small Mexican village and the ties that develop between them are fascinating.
I loved the close friendship between Ella and Jaden, how the boy became the writer’s source of inspiration, her muse, and how she was so unabashedly transactional about it.
The secondary characters and the romantic plot add to the story, and even the donkey has a major, heartwarming role.
The older lady’s capriciousness, others relenting to it or what seems sometimes as Amelia’s imprudence with her son might annoy.
I felt the lack of contact later between the author and the small family was a bit sad, but that's life.
A singular take on the labour of writing, journalism, creativity and fame, “Come Back to the World”, by Catherine Ryan Hyde, is also an interesting story about relationships, love, ageing, and unexpected affections.
The unusual circumstances gathering Ella, Amelia and Jaden in a small Mexican village and the ties that develop between them are fascinating.
I loved the close friendship between Ella and Jaden, how the boy became the writer’s source of inspiration, her muse, and how she was so unabashedly transactional about it.
The secondary characters and the romantic plot add to the story, and even the donkey has a major, heartwarming role.
The older lady’s capriciousness, others relenting to it or what seems sometimes as Amelia’s imprudence with her son might annoy.
I felt the lack of contact later between the author and the small family was a bit sad, but that's life.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews