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Come Back to the World
A 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.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Catherine Ryan Hyde
69 books6,358 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 - 30 of 211 reviews
May 11, 2026
San Francisco, California. Amelia Booker is recently divorced from her husband Mark and they share the custody of their seven year old son Jaden. Amelia is a journalist an expert in American literature and wrote her thesis on E.L. Swann. After The Third Labyrinth was released, the author vanished and no one has seen her in forty years.
Santa Rosarita, Mexico, Amelia and Jaden travel here after she was sent a grainy photo of a lady and she thinks it could be the reclusive writer? Ella Steinbach, lives in the big house overlooking the town, rides a donkey to the market and keeps to herself.
Amelia drags herself and Jaden up the hill, knocks on the door and isn’t prepared for what happens next. Amelia's sure Ella is E. L. Swann, a couple of clues confirm it, and eventually the elderly lady admits she’s the writer. This is where the story gets a little odd for me, when Jaden falls ill, she invites them to stay and agrees to being interviewed by Amelia and she has conditions of when she can release it.
I received a copy of Come Back to the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. When I first started reading this story I was really keen, then little doubts about the narrative crept into my head and to be honest it didn’t make sense to me. Why would a mother with a controlling ex-husband jump on a plane, travel to Mexico and take her son with her?
Catherine Ryan Hyde likes to write human interest/life stories, ones that will make you think and look at things from a different angle and perspective, normally I understand the reasons and themes.
While I could imagine an eccentric and unconventional author deciding being famous wasn’t for her, and people wondering where she was, wanting to find her and but not putting a child in danger. Three stars from me, E. L. Swann liked open spaces, the dark sky and stars. Please read Come Back to the World and makeup your own mind and maybe I missed the meaning of this novel.
Santa Rosarita, Mexico, Amelia and Jaden travel here after she was sent a grainy photo of a lady and she thinks it could be the reclusive writer? Ella Steinbach, lives in the big house overlooking the town, rides a donkey to the market and keeps to herself.
Amelia drags herself and Jaden up the hill, knocks on the door and isn’t prepared for what happens next. Amelia's sure Ella is E. L. Swann, a couple of clues confirm it, and eventually the elderly lady admits she’s the writer. This is where the story gets a little odd for me, when Jaden falls ill, she invites them to stay and agrees to being interviewed by Amelia and she has conditions of when she can release it.
I received a copy of Come Back to the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. When I first started reading this story I was really keen, then little doubts about the narrative crept into my head and to be honest it didn’t make sense to me. Why would a mother with a controlling ex-husband jump on a plane, travel to Mexico and take her son with her?
Catherine Ryan Hyde likes to write human interest/life stories, ones that will make you think and look at things from a different angle and perspective, normally I understand the reasons and themes.
While I could imagine an eccentric and unconventional author deciding being famous wasn’t for her, and people wondering where she was, wanting to find her and but not putting a child in danger. Three stars from me, E. L. Swann liked open spaces, the dark sky and stars. Please read Come Back to the World and makeup your own mind and maybe I missed the meaning of this novel.
May 5, 2026
Amelia Booker was in the process of divorcing her husband, Mark, with their seven year old son, Jaden, spending most of his time with her. At the end of the school term, she decided to take Jaden to Mexico in a search that might never reveal answers. Amelia, a journalist and literature expert, had followed the life of solitary author, E.L. Swann after she'd read her first, and only novel, forty years prior. The author had gone into seclusion and no one knew where she was or what she was doing now. A grainy photograph of an old woman at a market in Mexico was all she had to go on but Amelia was nothing if not determined.
When she learned of a reclusive old woman who lived on the top of a hill, who rode her donkey to market once a week, Amelia decided she had nothing to lose. She and Jaden climbed the pot-hole ridden hill, arriving at the gate and ringing the bell. But would they get into the house? And was this woman, Ella Steinbach, the person she searched for? Ella, for some reason, soon felt a deep affection for Jaden, while Jaden loved Francisco, Ella's donkey (on the cover). Ella didn't like strangers - she didn't like people - but at eighty eight years old, she thought she was entitled...
Come Back to the World is another poignant, heartwarming contemporary novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde which I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved Ella's feisty attitude, her softening to Jaden, her rapid U-turns in her thoughts. Amelia had been beaten down by Mark and was struggling to rise herself above that, and Leon was kind and caring. But Jaden was the star (along with Francisco). A gentle boy, polite and kind, confused by adult words (as only a seven year old can be) but a genuine person. All in all, a novel I loved, which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
When she learned of a reclusive old woman who lived on the top of a hill, who rode her donkey to market once a week, Amelia decided she had nothing to lose. She and Jaden climbed the pot-hole ridden hill, arriving at the gate and ringing the bell. But would they get into the house? And was this woman, Ella Steinbach, the person she searched for? Ella, for some reason, soon felt a deep affection for Jaden, while Jaden loved Francisco, Ella's donkey (on the cover). Ella didn't like strangers - she didn't like people - but at eighty eight years old, she thought she was entitled...
Come Back to the World is another poignant, heartwarming contemporary novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde which I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved Ella's feisty attitude, her softening to Jaden, her rapid U-turns in her thoughts. Amelia had been beaten down by Mark and was struggling to rise herself above that, and Leon was kind and caring. But Jaden was the star (along with Francisco). A gentle boy, polite and kind, confused by adult words (as only a seven year old can be) but a genuine person. All in all, a novel I loved, which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley & Lake Union Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
Did Not Finish
May 20, 202625% DNF
Started off really good but annoying with the “spirituality” talk see below. Issa no for me. Disrespectful for me honestly.
For reference, this woman is telling this 7 year old boy all of this and it’s just rubbing me the wrong way. See below:
"Spirituality ...," Ella said, "it's... a little bit like religion, but in other ways it's not like it at all. Religion is more like thinking there's a man with flowing robes and a long white beard in the sky, looking down on us. Spirituality is about the idea that something is out there. Something bigger than us. Bigger than all of this. And not necessarily just lumps of planets, either. Maybe some kind of intelligence or order. Does that make sense?"
"I think so. But aren't the stars sort of just lumps?"
"Oh no. They're very much alive. New stars are being formed all the time. Old stars are dying in these massive explosions. Supernova explosions. Nuclear reactions are going on out there in space. And our lump of a planet has life on it, so who's to say some of the others don't as well? But none of that is even the point.”
On top of that, the plot itself started feeling really unrealistic. A woman suddenly running off to Mexico with her seven-year-old son to chase down an author for a journalism project just felt irresponsible and unbelievable to me. Instead of feeling adventurous or compelling, it mostly had me questioning the safety and logic of the decisions being made. As a parent especially, it was hard for me to overlook.
Started off really good but annoying with the “spirituality” talk see below. Issa no for me. Disrespectful for me honestly.
For reference, this woman is telling this 7 year old boy all of this and it’s just rubbing me the wrong way. See below:
"Spirituality ...," Ella said, "it's... a little bit like religion, but in other ways it's not like it at all. Religion is more like thinking there's a man with flowing robes and a long white beard in the sky, looking down on us. Spirituality is about the idea that something is out there. Something bigger than us. Bigger than all of this. And not necessarily just lumps of planets, either. Maybe some kind of intelligence or order. Does that make sense?"
"I think so. But aren't the stars sort of just lumps?"
"Oh no. They're very much alive. New stars are being formed all the time. Old stars are dying in these massive explosions. Supernova explosions. Nuclear reactions are going on out there in space. And our lump of a planet has life on it, so who's to say some of the others don't as well? But none of that is even the point.”
On top of that, the plot itself started feeling really unrealistic. A woman suddenly running off to Mexico with her seven-year-old son to chase down an author for a journalism project just felt irresponsible and unbelievable to me. Instead of feeling adventurous or compelling, it mostly had me questioning the safety and logic of the decisions being made. As a parent especially, it was hard for me to overlook.
May 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Catherine Ryan Hyde for writing another incredible story. This is absolutely your best yet. I loved the story line and all the incredible characters. I can’t wait to read the next book you publish.
Thank you Catherine Ryan Hyde for writing another incredible story. This is absolutely your best yet. I loved the story line and all the incredible characters. I can’t wait to read the next book you publish.
May 16, 2026
Come Back To The World is a novel by award-winning, bestselling American author, Catherine Ryan Hyde. The audio version is narrated by Frankie Corzo. Freelance journalist Amelia Booker stands with her son at the gate to the Santa Rosarita mansion, trying to convince the old woman to admit her identity, not succeeding. E.L. Swann wrote one brilliant bestseller, forty years ago, then disappeared from the public eye.
A blurry photo taken by an acquaintance during her Mexican vacation has brought Amelia here: she’s the USA’s foremost authority on the reclusive author, and an interview would make her career. Senora Ella Steinbach is denying all knowledge. Looks like a wasted trip, until seven-year-old Jaden politely asks if they might have a glass of water. She can be nasty to adults who disturb her peace, but not a thirsty boy who didn’t ask to be here. And whose gut is suddenly reacting to his earlier indiscreet use of local water.
They need to stick around until Jaden is well enough to leave. And that gives Amelia a chance to argue her case: “I think you have something to say to the people you ran away from. Think about it. I was only a few minutes in your house when you told me the people who got something from the book should be willing to leave you alone if you ask them to. You have reasons for keeping the public away. And I hope you’ll take my word for this: They don’t know it. They think they’re doing great and you’re just reclusive. They do not see the thing from your side. They have no idea what they do to make life unlivable for a person who was thrust suddenly into the limelight.”
So they come to an arrangement that involves keeping the author’s location secret. But then, a twist: chatting to the boy has an unexpected effect on Ella, and soon she is proposing they extend their stay. But Amelia is in the middle of an acrimonious divorce from a man unreasonably inflexible about parental rights: “He’s like a fire hose of argument. I never manage to stand up to it. It just sweeps me away every time.”
The interview gets done: it’s very good, avoids all the inane questions the author hates, and honestly answers the burning questions, like why there has been no second novel and why Ella dislikes people enough to thoroughly withdraw (“Well, of course there will be exceptions here and there, but it’s not worth dog-paddling through the stink of humanity to find them.”)
Amelia and Jaden go home to San Francisco, but it definitely doesn’t end there, because E.L. Swann has yet to fully demonstrate her capacity to surprise, to U-turn, to be demanding, imperious, unpredictable.
Ryan Hyde presents the author perspective well enough that some may reconsider their attitude of entitlement. She also gives the reader a delightful, quirky seven-year-old, a mother who is a fierce advocate for her son, a friends-to-lovers situation with a generous and perceptive man, and a donkey called Francisco. The dialogue is often thought-provoking and frequently amusing, and the ending is heart-warming and very satisfying. Catherine Ryan Hyde never disappoints.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing.
A blurry photo taken by an acquaintance during her Mexican vacation has brought Amelia here: she’s the USA’s foremost authority on the reclusive author, and an interview would make her career. Senora Ella Steinbach is denying all knowledge. Looks like a wasted trip, until seven-year-old Jaden politely asks if they might have a glass of water. She can be nasty to adults who disturb her peace, but not a thirsty boy who didn’t ask to be here. And whose gut is suddenly reacting to his earlier indiscreet use of local water.
They need to stick around until Jaden is well enough to leave. And that gives Amelia a chance to argue her case: “I think you have something to say to the people you ran away from. Think about it. I was only a few minutes in your house when you told me the people who got something from the book should be willing to leave you alone if you ask them to. You have reasons for keeping the public away. And I hope you’ll take my word for this: They don’t know it. They think they’re doing great and you’re just reclusive. They do not see the thing from your side. They have no idea what they do to make life unlivable for a person who was thrust suddenly into the limelight.”
So they come to an arrangement that involves keeping the author’s location secret. But then, a twist: chatting to the boy has an unexpected effect on Ella, and soon she is proposing they extend their stay. But Amelia is in the middle of an acrimonious divorce from a man unreasonably inflexible about parental rights: “He’s like a fire hose of argument. I never manage to stand up to it. It just sweeps me away every time.”
The interview gets done: it’s very good, avoids all the inane questions the author hates, and honestly answers the burning questions, like why there has been no second novel and why Ella dislikes people enough to thoroughly withdraw (“Well, of course there will be exceptions here and there, but it’s not worth dog-paddling through the stink of humanity to find them.”)
Amelia and Jaden go home to San Francisco, but it definitely doesn’t end there, because E.L. Swann has yet to fully demonstrate her capacity to surprise, to U-turn, to be demanding, imperious, unpredictable.
Ryan Hyde presents the author perspective well enough that some may reconsider their attitude of entitlement. She also gives the reader a delightful, quirky seven-year-old, a mother who is a fierce advocate for her son, a friends-to-lovers situation with a generous and perceptive man, and a donkey called Francisco. The dialogue is often thought-provoking and frequently amusing, and the ending is heart-warming and very satisfying. Catherine Ryan Hyde never disappoints.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing.
May 15, 2026
Catherine Ryan Hyde has done it again!
🌺 Read what you love! 🌺
🌺 Read what you love! 🌺
May 22, 2026
This character driven novel features Amelia , a journalist and single Mom, and E.L. Swann an author who vanished 40 years ago after writing her best-selling debut novel.
Amelia receives a picture leading to the possible whereabouts of the author and sets out with her 7 yr old son Jaden to find her.
E.L. Swann, now in her 80's, does not want to be found but becomes enamored with Jaden which results in the two women becoming unlikely friends.
A slow burn of a story with a human connection.
And a donkey too!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Amelia receives a picture leading to the possible whereabouts of the author and sets out with her 7 yr old son Jaden to find her.
E.L. Swann, now in her 80's, does not want to be found but becomes enamored with Jaden which results in the two women becoming unlikely friends.
A slow burn of a story with a human connection.
And a donkey too!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I will request anything by this author that I see because every single book I have read makes me get all the feels...this one was no different. In fact, I think this one might have made me feel more than any others...there may have even been a tear or two...most of that can be attributed to the fact that I have always struggled with fact that it seems like people matter to me more than I matter to them...so this one really kind of hit a nerve, I guess. But I was damn near ready to sell all my stuff and move to Mexico...which is something I have always said I would never do. It was very well written and I would recommend it to anyone who is like me and wants to feel something.
May 26, 2026
Another great one!
Come Back to the World is another beautiful story by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Her novels are almost always character driven. She has a way of pairing the unlikeliest of people together and then letting their story unfold as we learn about them.
I always close a Hyde book having learned emotionally from the characters and wanting to do better in my own life.
The patience, understanding, and grace with which Amelia handles Ella were pretty remarkable. Sometimes meeting your literary hero (or any hero for that matter) isn't all it is cracked up to be.
Come Back to the World is another beautiful story by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Her novels are almost always character driven. She has a way of pairing the unlikeliest of people together and then letting their story unfold as we learn about them.
I always close a Hyde book having learned emotionally from the characters and wanting to do better in my own life.
The patience, understanding, and grace with which Amelia handles Ella were pretty remarkable. Sometimes meeting your literary hero (or any hero for that matter) isn't all it is cracked up to be.
May 14, 2026
4.5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is available now.
This is the 8th book I’ve read by this author and I’ve given all of her books 4 or 5 stars.
I literally listened to this in a single sitting. I was immediately drawn into the plot - why did a famous author disappear for 40 years and was she really spotted in Mexico? Amelia is an expert on this author, having written her thesis about her, so she can’t resist the opportunity to try to find her. Elia, the elderly and reclusive author, takes to Amelia’s 7 year old son Jaden and eventually, begrudgingly, admits she is in fact the famous author. (This is not a spoiler since it’s listed in the book’s summary).
Ella is a complicated character. She is at times kind yet frequently rude. Her behavior becomes unacceptable. Is she using Jaden as her muse or is Amelia using Ella write her next big news story ? There are secrets and trust issues and ultimately it comes down to this: can Ella come back to the world?
Highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is available now.
This is the 8th book I’ve read by this author and I’ve given all of her books 4 or 5 stars.
I literally listened to this in a single sitting. I was immediately drawn into the plot - why did a famous author disappear for 40 years and was she really spotted in Mexico? Amelia is an expert on this author, having written her thesis about her, so she can’t resist the opportunity to try to find her. Elia, the elderly and reclusive author, takes to Amelia’s 7 year old son Jaden and eventually, begrudgingly, admits she is in fact the famous author. (This is not a spoiler since it’s listed in the book’s summary).
Ella is a complicated character. She is at times kind yet frequently rude. Her behavior becomes unacceptable. Is she using Jaden as her muse or is Amelia using Ella write her next big news story ? There are secrets and trust issues and ultimately it comes down to this: can Ella come back to the world?
Highly recommend!
July 3, 2026
[NetGalley Read #75]
4.00 ⭐️
"I didn't have one big, bad experience. I had thousands of little ones."
Very good. This is the fourth book I've read from this author. I like her writing style, the little quirks and staples of her writing (mentioning the exact time, the dialogues between an adult character and a younger character) are very enjoyable to read.
The premise is good. I liked the execution. The journey up to Mexico, the conversations with Jaden, the tension between Amelia and Mark over the visits, the initial reluctance of the author and her subsequent affection for Jaden, and the whole interview dialogues were quite good. I also liked the relationship subplot of Amelia and Leon. And while I guessed the arrival of the author at Amelia's house, I was a bit surprised (pleasantly) by the volatile nature of Ella's character and her actions. The sweetness, the rudeness, the abruptness of her departure and her reasons. Also liked the conversation between Ella and Jaden about bullying and how kids process things differently and may not know what encompasses 'hurting someone'.
The characters are something I always enjoy in Hyde's books. Really liked Amelia, Jaden, Leon and Ella though I felt like there was something missing. Or maybe it felt a bit too reminiscent of the characters in her previous books (which I really enjoyed). I also feel like I was not in the right headspace while reading this book so maybe that's a bit on me. It felt like music was playing in my head while reading this book and not the right kind of music. It just...scrambled everything up a bit.
It's a short book (240+ pages). Easy to read. I'd say you could read it in a single sitting if you're a fast reader. The prose is quite good.
Recommended.
Also felt like Amelia's character, especially at the end, was a little autobiographical, which was nice. The 'no excuse to not write' bit reminded me of something I read about the author online.
4.00 ⭐️
"I didn't have one big, bad experience. I had thousands of little ones."
Very good. This is the fourth book I've read from this author. I like her writing style, the little quirks and staples of her writing (mentioning the exact time, the dialogues between an adult character and a younger character) are very enjoyable to read.
The premise is good. I liked the execution. The journey up to Mexico, the conversations with Jaden, the tension between Amelia and Mark over the visits, the initial reluctance of the author and her subsequent affection for Jaden, and the whole interview dialogues were quite good. I also liked the relationship subplot of Amelia and Leon. And while I guessed the arrival of the author at Amelia's house, I was a bit surprised (pleasantly) by the volatile nature of Ella's character and her actions. The sweetness, the rudeness, the abruptness of her departure and her reasons. Also liked the conversation between Ella and Jaden about bullying and how kids process things differently and may not know what encompasses 'hurting someone'.
The characters are something I always enjoy in Hyde's books. Really liked Amelia, Jaden, Leon and Ella though I felt like there was something missing. Or maybe it felt a bit too reminiscent of the characters in her previous books (which I really enjoyed). I also feel like I was not in the right headspace while reading this book so maybe that's a bit on me. It felt like music was playing in my head while reading this book and not the right kind of music. It just...scrambled everything up a bit.
It's a short book (240+ pages). Easy to read. I'd say you could read it in a single sitting if you're a fast reader. The prose is quite good.
Recommended.
Also felt like Amelia's character, especially at the end, was a little autobiographical, which was nice. The 'no excuse to not write' bit reminded me of something I read about the author online.
May 15, 2026
This was such a heartwarming story at exactly the time I needed it.
I was lucky enough to be able to immersive read this one on audio and book which added a wonderful dimension to the story. The narrator did a fantastic job capturing not only the innocence of Jaden, the coldness and exhaustion of Ella, the accents of the Mexican characters but also portraying each character so individually.
I enjoyed the journey Amelia had to go on to find and persuade Ella to trust her to tell her story and the bond that was formed between them all albeit somewhat unconventional due to Ella's rather tough exterior. Leon was also such a sweetheart. A story of a reluctant reclusive author who is dragged metaphorically kicking and screaming out of her bubble to open herself up again. Although ultimately as Ella herself says not everyone changes their ways.
I thought the ending was perfection and spoke more than Ella herself coukd have possibly said.
Debating on how to rate this one ultimately I felt it did need a little more emotion, sone details were lacking to make the connections deeper and I hate to say it but can we get a better book cover??? Im glad I read the book but whzt attracted me to the book was purely based on the strength of the author's reputation as I would have totally overlooked the book based on its cover.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book and audiobook for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I was lucky enough to be able to immersive read this one on audio and book which added a wonderful dimension to the story. The narrator did a fantastic job capturing not only the innocence of Jaden, the coldness and exhaustion of Ella, the accents of the Mexican characters but also portraying each character so individually.
I enjoyed the journey Amelia had to go on to find and persuade Ella to trust her to tell her story and the bond that was formed between them all albeit somewhat unconventional due to Ella's rather tough exterior. Leon was also such a sweetheart. A story of a reluctant reclusive author who is dragged metaphorically kicking and screaming out of her bubble to open herself up again. Although ultimately as Ella herself says not everyone changes their ways.
I thought the ending was perfection and spoke more than Ella herself coukd have possibly said.
Debating on how to rate this one ultimately I felt it did need a little more emotion, sone details were lacking to make the connections deeper and I hate to say it but can we get a better book cover??? Im glad I read the book but whzt attracted me to the book was purely based on the strength of the author's reputation as I would have totally overlooked the book based on its cover.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book and audiobook for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
December 30, 2025
I jumped at this book as a read now as soon as I saw it..wow and it delivered
As much as they were so mismatched against each other it worked. Loved Jaden. We all need one of him in our lives to encourage us.
I weaved through this book so fast I'm kinda disappointed it's over. And the ending was just perfect.
Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley for a early release of this book
As much as they were so mismatched against each other it worked. Loved Jaden. We all need one of him in our lives to encourage us.
I weaved through this book so fast I'm kinda disappointed it's over. And the ending was just perfect.
Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley for a early release of this book
May 9, 2026
I find audiobooks quite addicting, and Come Back to the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde was an enjoyable listen. The writing was detailed and easy to picture, which made the story feel very cinematic. Hyde focuses on a small group of characters, each with an important role in the story.
The book follows Ella, an author who chooses a secluded life after the success of her first novel. Amelia, a single mom and journalist, is given the chance to interview her, and the story develops from there. I liked how the characters and their relationships unfolded throughout the book.
I expected to enjoy this one, and it lived up to my expectations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the audiobook copy.
The book follows Ella, an author who chooses a secluded life after the success of her first novel. Amelia, a single mom and journalist, is given the chance to interview her, and the story develops from there. I liked how the characters and their relationships unfolded throughout the book.
I expected to enjoy this one, and it lived up to my expectations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the audiobook copy.
January 11, 2026
Hyde is one of those authors whose books always surprise me by how much I enjoy them. She writes heartfelt stories that make me reflect on life, and this one was similar.
Amelia is a journalist whose favorite author, E.L. Swann, disappeared after her breakout novel. When she gets a tip that the author has been spotted in Mexico, she takes 7-year-old son Jaden with her to see if it pans out. She finds the author and, through a chain of events, is given permission to stay with the author for a short time. This changes the trajectory of Amelia’s life, but also of Swann’s.
This one felt a little slow to start, but it left me with similar contemplative thoughts to Hyde’s other books I’ve read. Swann has very clear reasons for living her life the way she does, and her explanations and interactions with Amelia gave me lots to think about.
If you are looking for something heartfelt with a fun child character, I’d recommend this one.
Amelia is a journalist whose favorite author, E.L. Swann, disappeared after her breakout novel. When she gets a tip that the author has been spotted in Mexico, she takes 7-year-old son Jaden with her to see if it pans out. She finds the author and, through a chain of events, is given permission to stay with the author for a short time. This changes the trajectory of Amelia’s life, but also of Swann’s.
This one felt a little slow to start, but it left me with similar contemplative thoughts to Hyde’s other books I’ve read. Swann has very clear reasons for living her life the way she does, and her explanations and interactions with Amelia gave me lots to think about.
If you are looking for something heartfelt with a fun child character, I’d recommend this one.
January 15, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! Come Back to the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a novel about an author who loves in Mexico in complete seclusion. Amelia, a journalist and scholar has studied E. L. Swan for decades. The author went into seclusion 40 years before and hasn’t been heard from since. Over the years, there have been sightings of her which never panned out. So, Amelia is sceptical at first. However, this sighting is different and leads Amelia and her son Jaden down a path that is, in Amelia’s view, truly unbelievable. I am a fan of Hyde’s novels but this one missed the mark for me.
May 12, 2026
Amelia is more than a journalist. She is also an expert in American literature. She becomes obsessed with finding an author who all but dropped out of existence decades ago. The author’s name is E.L. Swann and Amelia has a clue that she is in Mexico. So, she and her young son Jaden take the trip. Knowing nothing about the country and although she is concerned for Jaden’s safety, Amelia begins to dig for E.L.’s whereabouts.
She finds the author, but interviewing her is not something that goes smoothly. E.L.is prickly. Untrusting. Yet more than intriguing to Amelia. Okay, she will consent to an interview, but makes Amelia agree to the condition that she tells no one of her whereabouts. Although E.L. certainly had her reasons for disappearing, the bond she shares for Amelia - and Jaden - is almost instantaneous.
I enjoyed Amelia’s journey. As a single mother to Jaden her concern for the shared custody she has with his father came through the pages. This helped her to not be a hard-nosed journalist, but a hard-working mother. This is my first book by Catherine Ryan Hyde and I will definitely be back for more.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
She finds the author, but interviewing her is not something that goes smoothly. E.L.is prickly. Untrusting. Yet more than intriguing to Amelia. Okay, she will consent to an interview, but makes Amelia agree to the condition that she tells no one of her whereabouts. Although E.L. certainly had her reasons for disappearing, the bond she shares for Amelia - and Jaden - is almost instantaneous.
I enjoyed Amelia’s journey. As a single mother to Jaden her concern for the shared custody she has with his father came through the pages. This helped her to not be a hard-nosed journalist, but a hard-working mother. This is my first book by Catherine Ryan Hyde and I will definitely be back for more.
Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
May 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. Another wonderful story from Catherine Ryan Hyde who is an automatic read author for me. You always need the tissues ready and this book definitely pulled at your heartstrings. A family story suitable for everyone. Well done and looking forward to more!!!
May 5, 2026
I loved this latest book from Catherine Ryan Hyde, an author who is fast becoming a new favourite of mine.
This story is told from Amelia’s point of view as she decides whether to follow up a new sighting of the reclusive author, E. L. Swann.
Amelia is newly divorced, and a single mother to Jaden, a lovely seven year old son, and they live in San Francisco. E.L. Swann only published one book and was the subject of Amelia’s thesis, who then became known as the world’s expert on the author. She feels like she needs to take this opportunity to go and find out if the sighting is correct. It coincides with her son’s school holidays and so they fly off to Mexico and the adventure begins.
I loved following Amelia and Jaden as they went in search of E.L. Swann, not knowing if she’d be successful or not. When they do come face to face with the author it doesn’t go exactly how Amelia planned, but she does get an amazing opportunity to spend time with the author, through Jaden her son.
I really enjoyed this plot development, and the character development, as E. L. Swann was not a likeable person, but I did feel some sympathy for her at times.
Highly recommended if you enjoy contemporary fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my digital copy.
This story is told from Amelia’s point of view as she decides whether to follow up a new sighting of the reclusive author, E. L. Swann.
Amelia is newly divorced, and a single mother to Jaden, a lovely seven year old son, and they live in San Francisco. E.L. Swann only published one book and was the subject of Amelia’s thesis, who then became known as the world’s expert on the author. She feels like she needs to take this opportunity to go and find out if the sighting is correct. It coincides with her son’s school holidays and so they fly off to Mexico and the adventure begins.
I loved following Amelia and Jaden as they went in search of E.L. Swann, not knowing if she’d be successful or not. When they do come face to face with the author it doesn’t go exactly how Amelia planned, but she does get an amazing opportunity to spend time with the author, through Jaden her son.
I really enjoyed this plot development, and the character development, as E. L. Swann was not a likeable person, but I did feel some sympathy for her at times.
Highly recommended if you enjoy contemporary fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my digital copy.
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. The audio book is by Brilliance beautifully Narrated by Frankie Corzo.
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.
May 5, 2026
Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
I usually really enjoy Catherine Ryan Hyde’s stories, so I went into this one expecting the emotional depth and quiet character work I’ve loved from her before. Unfortunately, this one felt a little off for me.
There were parts I liked, but overall I was left with too many unanswered questions and a sense that some emotional threads were introduced but never fully explored.
The biggest issue for me was the storyline between Amelia, Mark and Jaden. We are given a clear enough picture of what kind of person Mark is, but there never felt like a proper resolution between the ex-partners. He more or less disappears from the story, and I was left wondering what happened with Jaden’s custody and how that situation was actually dealt with.
Jaden himself was one of the stronger parts of the book for me. I really enjoyed reading him as a seven-year-old boy with a very particular way of seeing the world. However, his development also felt underexplored. He reads as potentially neurodivergent, possibly autistic, but this is never really addressed by either parent. There is no real concern, conversation, support, or attempt to understand what he might need, which felt like a missed opportunity.
I also struggled with Amelia as a character. At the start, she avoids confrontation and constantly gives in, which made sense given her situation. But I didn’t feel she developed enough throughout the story. She remained insecure and emotionally dependent in ways that became frustrating rather than satisfying to watch.
The connection between Ella and Jaden also didn’t fully work for me. I wanted to understand why he affected her so deeply and why he became such an important figure to her, almost like a muse, but the emotional reasoning behind that bond never felt completely natural or convincing.
That said, I did like Ella as a character. A reclusive writer living in Mexico with her cats and donkey? Honestly, that part had my attention immediately. Her directness was refreshing, and I enjoyed her prickly, people-averse personality. I just wish we had been given more of her backstory and a stronger explanation for why she chose such a solitary life.
I kept hoping the story would uncover some deeper connection between Ella and Amelia, but that moment never really came. The time jumps towards the end worked well enough, but I’m not sure the ending fully convinced me. It felt a little too positive and almost like a golden ticket for Amelia, rather than something truly earned.
Overall, this was a mixed read for me. There were characters and moments I enjoyed, especially Jaden and Ella, but the story didn’t quite come together in the way I hoped it would. I’m sure plenty of readers will connect with this one, and I will absolutely continue recommending Catherine Ryan Hyde as an author.
For me, this was a 3–3.5 star read.
I usually really enjoy Catherine Ryan Hyde’s stories, so I went into this one expecting the emotional depth and quiet character work I’ve loved from her before. Unfortunately, this one felt a little off for me.
There were parts I liked, but overall I was left with too many unanswered questions and a sense that some emotional threads were introduced but never fully explored.
The biggest issue for me was the storyline between Amelia, Mark and Jaden. We are given a clear enough picture of what kind of person Mark is, but there never felt like a proper resolution between the ex-partners. He more or less disappears from the story, and I was left wondering what happened with Jaden’s custody and how that situation was actually dealt with.
Jaden himself was one of the stronger parts of the book for me. I really enjoyed reading him as a seven-year-old boy with a very particular way of seeing the world. However, his development also felt underexplored. He reads as potentially neurodivergent, possibly autistic, but this is never really addressed by either parent. There is no real concern, conversation, support, or attempt to understand what he might need, which felt like a missed opportunity.
I also struggled with Amelia as a character. At the start, she avoids confrontation and constantly gives in, which made sense given her situation. But I didn’t feel she developed enough throughout the story. She remained insecure and emotionally dependent in ways that became frustrating rather than satisfying to watch.
The connection between Ella and Jaden also didn’t fully work for me. I wanted to understand why he affected her so deeply and why he became such an important figure to her, almost like a muse, but the emotional reasoning behind that bond never felt completely natural or convincing.
That said, I did like Ella as a character. A reclusive writer living in Mexico with her cats and donkey? Honestly, that part had my attention immediately. Her directness was refreshing, and I enjoyed her prickly, people-averse personality. I just wish we had been given more of her backstory and a stronger explanation for why she chose such a solitary life.
I kept hoping the story would uncover some deeper connection between Ella and Amelia, but that moment never really came. The time jumps towards the end worked well enough, but I’m not sure the ending fully convinced me. It felt a little too positive and almost like a golden ticket for Amelia, rather than something truly earned.
Overall, this was a mixed read for me. There were characters and moments I enjoyed, especially Jaden and Ella, but the story didn’t quite come together in the way I hoped it would. I’m sure plenty of readers will connect with this one, and I will absolutely continue recommending Catherine Ryan Hyde as an author.
For me, this was a 3–3.5 star read.
May 15, 2026
This is an interesting book. You go through a journey on it, yet I found often times I was uncomfortable. It's hard to think what the overall theme is, sure there is a bit of a love story, a bit of life after divorce, mother/son relationship, even a begrudging friendship, but it mostly feels like it's about boundaries and how people set them and how others go past them and understanding how you see a boundary, isn't how the person who set them sees them. Overall this one really made me think about so much.
June 14, 2026
Beautifully written novel! So good!
May 11, 2026
Good book but I was hoping for more….different ending maybe. Easy read.
May 30, 2026
This is the first book I've ever read by this author that I didn't give four or five stars. I slogged my way through this book through sheer determination. The three main characters - Ella the author, Amelia the journalist, Jaden the child - are three of the most irritating, unlikable characters in recent memory, and to have them all in the same book is too much. Usually there's somebody in a book that you can cheer on, but not this one.
Let's start with Ella, aka E.L. Swann, the renowned author of a book written 40 years ago that was apparently life-changing for generations of readers. She actually likes her donkey and cats. She tolerates her housekeeper. And for some unknown reason becomes completely enamored with Jaden, the 7-year-old boy. He is her "muse." She decides to write a follow-up book to her original beloved tome, but she can only do it if Jaden is around. Everything centers on Jaden, and there's no rhyme nor reason to it. Ella is rude, abrasive, set in her ways to the exclusion of anyone else in the world being good enough to breathe her rarified air.
And then there's Amelia, the journalist. She is the ultimate authority on everything about the author E. L. Swann. Now I'm not a journalist, nor have I ever been in academia, so I won't pretend to understand that whole process. But are there people who become obsessed with an author after one book, and spend literally their entire lives researching and talking about and obsessing over that author? Ella has not been seen or heard from in 40 years. Once you've read what she did as a younger woman, you're caught up to the point that she wrote her novel and did a little bit of publicity for it. What else is there to discover? No one knows where she is, no one has seen her, much less interviewed her; she's never seen in public. What do you read about, what do you research? Seriously, I'm flummoxed. Even obsessed to the point that former friends - yes, *former* - visiting a small Mexican town see a woman who looks like what 40-year-old E.L. Swann might look like as an 84-year-old, and their first thought is "let's take a picture and send it to Amelia." Who focuses that much on one person? It doesn't seem healthy to me! It's just bizarre. Plus Amelia is just as irritating and unlikable as Ella is. As I said, Ella doesn't like anybody. And Amelia goes months just wanting Ella to say, "I like you." She's determined to get an interview with this woman, swoops into her home uninvited; her sick kid manages to get her in the door and wrangles an invitation to stay for a bit. Then all Amelia does is complain to herself and her friend about how Ella is rude, demanding, self-centered, self-righteous, not likable, never says thank you, blah blah. So she's met this person she's idolized for decades, and she doesn't like her at all, but because this is going to be some huge advancement in her journalistic career she sticks it out. (And she thinks Ella is self-serving! Touch of irony there.) Also, Amelia is a horrible mother. There's one section where Jaden is sick, and Amelia is so focused on Ella, she forgets to check on him. He's been sick for a couple of days, he's resting and asked her if she'll come and lie in the bed with him a while. Her response is, she'll come when she's finished eating lunch. What? I mean seriously, what?? Your sick child needs you but God forbid you don't get to finish your lunch first. He's too sick to eat but you make sure you get your plate cleaned.
Then there's Jaden, the child. One of the singularly most irritating children I've ever read about. He's 7 years old. His mother thinks he's a little genius of course. Again, Ella is completely enchanted with him, talks about how brilliant he is, he's so smart, he's such a wonderful little boy. And everything that is said to him he responds back with, "I don't know what that means, I don't know what that word is, I don't understand that." His mother uses the word insist (again, he's 7 years old), and he says, "I don't know what that word means." I don't remember ever having to explain to my 7-year-old what the word insist meant. If I said, "I insist you go to bed," he knew I meant he needed to go to bed; I didn't have to literally define it for hum. Everything comes back as a question. Every conversation is Mom saying a sentence, Jaden saying "I don't know what that is." Mom uses a word, Jaden says "I don't know that word." It just got so frustrating. I know kids ask a lot of questions; I am a mom. But the sheer volume of questions and this child not understanding anything, not knowing basic English words like insist, just drove me over the edge.
I kept reading, all the while wondering when I'd discover the point to this book. Where is it going? I thought surely there would be some big revelation at the end, some point to all this. Admittedly, I skimmed a lot just to get the end. Alas, there was no point, no big revelation.
A lot of really smart people say as you get , time is short, and there are so many books out there waiting. If a book hasn't grabbed you in the first 50 pages put it aside and move on. I loved this author so much that I was just sure I was missing something, something good is coming! I was just so very disappointed.
Let's start with Ella, aka E.L. Swann, the renowned author of a book written 40 years ago that was apparently life-changing for generations of readers. She actually likes her donkey and cats. She tolerates her housekeeper. And for some unknown reason becomes completely enamored with Jaden, the 7-year-old boy. He is her "muse." She decides to write a follow-up book to her original beloved tome, but she can only do it if Jaden is around. Everything centers on Jaden, and there's no rhyme nor reason to it. Ella is rude, abrasive, set in her ways to the exclusion of anyone else in the world being good enough to breathe her rarified air.
And then there's Amelia, the journalist. She is the ultimate authority on everything about the author E. L. Swann. Now I'm not a journalist, nor have I ever been in academia, so I won't pretend to understand that whole process. But are there people who become obsessed with an author after one book, and spend literally their entire lives researching and talking about and obsessing over that author? Ella has not been seen or heard from in 40 years. Once you've read what she did as a younger woman, you're caught up to the point that she wrote her novel and did a little bit of publicity for it. What else is there to discover? No one knows where she is, no one has seen her, much less interviewed her; she's never seen in public. What do you read about, what do you research? Seriously, I'm flummoxed. Even obsessed to the point that former friends - yes, *former* - visiting a small Mexican town see a woman who looks like what 40-year-old E.L. Swann might look like as an 84-year-old, and their first thought is "let's take a picture and send it to Amelia." Who focuses that much on one person? It doesn't seem healthy to me! It's just bizarre. Plus Amelia is just as irritating and unlikable as Ella is. As I said, Ella doesn't like anybody. And Amelia goes months just wanting Ella to say, "I like you." She's determined to get an interview with this woman, swoops into her home uninvited; her sick kid manages to get her in the door and wrangles an invitation to stay for a bit. Then all Amelia does is complain to herself and her friend about how Ella is rude, demanding, self-centered, self-righteous, not likable, never says thank you, blah blah. So she's met this person she's idolized for decades, and she doesn't like her at all, but because this is going to be some huge advancement in her journalistic career she sticks it out. (And she thinks Ella is self-serving! Touch of irony there.) Also, Amelia is a horrible mother. There's one section where Jaden is sick, and Amelia is so focused on Ella, she forgets to check on him. He's been sick for a couple of days, he's resting and asked her if she'll come and lie in the bed with him a while. Her response is, she'll come when she's finished eating lunch. What? I mean seriously, what?? Your sick child needs you but God forbid you don't get to finish your lunch first. He's too sick to eat but you make sure you get your plate cleaned.
Then there's Jaden, the child. One of the singularly most irritating children I've ever read about. He's 7 years old. His mother thinks he's a little genius of course. Again, Ella is completely enchanted with him, talks about how brilliant he is, he's so smart, he's such a wonderful little boy. And everything that is said to him he responds back with, "I don't know what that means, I don't know what that word is, I don't understand that." His mother uses the word insist (again, he's 7 years old), and he says, "I don't know what that word means." I don't remember ever having to explain to my 7-year-old what the word insist meant. If I said, "I insist you go to bed," he knew I meant he needed to go to bed; I didn't have to literally define it for hum. Everything comes back as a question. Every conversation is Mom saying a sentence, Jaden saying "I don't know what that is." Mom uses a word, Jaden says "I don't know that word." It just got so frustrating. I know kids ask a lot of questions; I am a mom. But the sheer volume of questions and this child not understanding anything, not knowing basic English words like insist, just drove me over the edge.
I kept reading, all the while wondering when I'd discover the point to this book. Where is it going? I thought surely there would be some big revelation at the end, some point to all this. Admittedly, I skimmed a lot just to get the end. Alas, there was no point, no big revelation.
A lot of really smart people say as you get , time is short, and there are so many books out there waiting. If a book hasn't grabbed you in the first 50 pages put it aside and move on. I loved this author so much that I was just sure I was missing something, something good is coming! I was just so very disappointed.
May 7, 2026
"Catherine Ryan Hyde at her best! —An intergenerational gem where a child’s intuition and a donkey bridge the gap between fame and peace.”
Some secrets are kept for a reason. Some are found for a purpose.
Amelia Booker is a journalist on a mission to find a literary ghost. What she finds in the hills of Mexico is Ella—an author who traded fame for a donkey and a quiet life of solitude. But it isn’t Amelia’s professional persistence that cracks Ella’s shell; it’s the quiet, intuitive bond between a seven-year-old boy and a donkey named Francisco.
Come Back to the World is a stunning exploration of the thin line between hiding and healing, and the courage it takes to let the world back in.
Healing is a Slow Ride on a Donkey Named Francisco
"Because sometimes, the best way to understand the world and heal is from the back of a donkey."
If you love the tender, intergenerational heart of Catherine Ryan Hyde and the gentle wisdom of Elizabeth Berg and Fredrik Backman, Come Back to the World is your next must-read.
Highlights:
My Thoughts: 5 STARS 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
"A 'classic' Hyde with a modern literary mystery twist."
~Having followed Hyde’s work for over a decade, I loved seeing her tackle the 'reclusive author' trope. It feels fresh and modern but keeps the focus exactly where it belongs: on the messy, beautiful way people save each other. The literary mystery adds a great hook, but the character work remains the main event.
~A reclusive author. A persistent journalist. And the donkey that bridges the gap. How far would you go to find the truth?
~In Come Back to the World, a journey to Santa Rosarita turns into a soul-stirring lesson in boundaries and belonging. Hyde delivers a masterclass in 'found family,' proving that sometimes the smallest voices—and a steady, four-legged friend—are the ones that help us heal the most. A must-read for anyone who believes in the quiet power of connection."
~A beautiful reminder that healing isn't a race—it’s a slow walk. An uplifting study on the choice to disappear versus the choice to be found.
~Catherine Ryan Hyde remains the gold standard for intergenerational healing. In Come Back to the World, she blends a trendy 'missing author' mystery with the quiet, soulful wisdom fans of Fredrik Backman and Elizabeth Berg crave. It’s a 5-star masterclass in how 'found family'—and a very special donkey—can bridge even the widest emotional gaps. Bring a heart ready to be softened!"
"Introspective, heartwarming, and sun-drenched."
Special thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for sharing an advanced reading copy i exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDcollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: May 5, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
May Newsletter
May 2026 Must-Read Books
Some secrets are kept for a reason. Some are found for a purpose.
Amelia Booker is a journalist on a mission to find a literary ghost. What she finds in the hills of Mexico is Ella—an author who traded fame for a donkey and a quiet life of solitude. But it isn’t Amelia’s professional persistence that cracks Ella’s shell; it’s the quiet, intuitive bond between a seven-year-old boy and a donkey named Francisco.
Come Back to the World is a stunning exploration of the thin line between hiding and healing, and the courage it takes to let the world back in.
Healing is a Slow Ride on a Donkey Named Francisco
"Because sometimes, the best way to understand the world and heal is from the back of a donkey."
If you love the tender, intergenerational heart of Catherine Ryan Hyde and the gentle wisdom of Elizabeth Berg and Fredrik Backman, Come Back to the World is your next must-read.
Highlights:
Intro:
~Hyde is at her best when exploring "found family" across generational lines.
The Hook:
~A journalist and her son track a vanished literary legend to a quiet hilltop in Mexico.
The Vibe:
~A literary mystery meets the quiet, domestic wisdom of CRH's work.
The "Prickly" Factor:
~Ella Steinbach is a classic Hyde recluse—think a more protective, less abrasive version of Chester Wheeler.
The Animal Bridge:
~Francisco the donkey is the emotional translator between a guarded elder and a soulful child.
The Mystery:
~The hunt for E.L. Swann provides the "engine," but the found family is the heart.
The Setting:
~Santa Rosarita, Mexico, hilltop sanctuary isn't just a backdrop; it’s a character that facilitates the "slow and painful" process of healing.
The Hyde "Formula":
~She takes that popular "missing author" trope and flips it on its head by making the resolution about acceptance rather than a big public reveal.
Tone & Mood:
~Atmospheric & Tender
~Slow-Burn Emotionality
~Heartwarming but Realistic
Themes:
~Found Family
~Isolation vs. Belonging
~Overcoming Trauma
~Intergenerational Connection
~The right to privacy vs. the need for connection
Key Characters:
~Ella (The Recluse)
~Jaden (The Bridge)
~Francisco (The Donkey)
Thematic Significance:
~As in many of Hyde's novels, the animal helps the human characters understand themselves and heal.
Author's Writing:
~ Literary. Mystery. Uplifting. A slow-burning pace and a deeply empathetic tone, often described as a "literary fiction" take on contemporary drama.
Takeaway:
~The core message is one of acceptance—Sometimes coming back to the world doesn't mean leaving your sanctuary; it just means letting the right person in.
Recs:
~Perfect for fans of Hyde’s previous works like: Have You Seen Luis Velez, Just a Regular Boy, Take Me With You, So Long, Chester Wheeler, and more. Also for fans of Fredrik Backman and Elizabeth Berg, or those who love "reclusive author" stories like Who Is Maud Dixon.
My Thoughts: 5 STARS 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
"A 'classic' Hyde with a modern literary mystery twist."
~Having followed Hyde’s work for over a decade, I loved seeing her tackle the 'reclusive author' trope. It feels fresh and modern but keeps the focus exactly where it belongs: on the messy, beautiful way people save each other. The literary mystery adds a great hook, but the character work remains the main event.
~A reclusive author. A persistent journalist. And the donkey that bridges the gap. How far would you go to find the truth?
~In Come Back to the World, a journey to Santa Rosarita turns into a soul-stirring lesson in boundaries and belonging. Hyde delivers a masterclass in 'found family,' proving that sometimes the smallest voices—and a steady, four-legged friend—are the ones that help us heal the most. A must-read for anyone who believes in the quiet power of connection."
~A beautiful reminder that healing isn't a race—it’s a slow walk. An uplifting study on the choice to disappear versus the choice to be found.
~Catherine Ryan Hyde remains the gold standard for intergenerational healing. In Come Back to the World, she blends a trendy 'missing author' mystery with the quiet, soulful wisdom fans of Fredrik Backman and Elizabeth Berg crave. It’s a 5-star masterclass in how 'found family'—and a very special donkey—can bridge even the widest emotional gaps. Bring a heart ready to be softened!"
"Introspective, heartwarming, and sun-drenched."
Special thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for sharing an advanced reading copy i exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDcollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: May 5, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
May Newsletter
May 2026 Must-Read Books
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: Come Back to the World
Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde
Publisher: Lake Union Publishers
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: May 5, 2026
My Rating: 4.6 rounded up
Pages: 297
Story starts with Amelia Booker trying to get her seven year old son Jaden out of bed and ready for school. There are eleven school days left before summer break and young Jaden is ready now!
Amelia and her husband Mark are in the process of divorce. She is a journalist and expert in American literature.
Amelia received an email from friends vacationing in Mexico with a photo of a woman who resembles E.L. Swann, an author who vanished forty years ago. Amelia considers herself an authority on Ms. Swann. No one understands why she went missing her first story “The Third Labyrinth” was a big success however turned out to be her only novel.
‘Amelia’s curiosity continues and she decides that she and her son will take a little vacation to Santa Rosarita, Mexico. She is nervous about telling her ex as she is sure she will talk her out of it. So waits until they are on the plane to call.
Amelia and Jaden arrive in Santa Rosarita and find out where Ella Steinbach’s lives and make arrangements to visit in hopes of an interview. Ella is known to locals for riding her donkey ‘Francisco’ to market, and then returns to her hilltop home.
Amelia and Jaden set off for their visit on horseback – only Jaden was frighten of how big the horse is however the owner recommended a mild horse that both could ride.. When they meet with Ella, Jaden suddenly gets ill. Ella offered to call her Doctor- then states her experience is that once this hits it usually hit both ends and sure enough Jaden shouts he needs to use the bathroom. The Doctor arrives with medications and states Jaden needs rest.
Ella tell Amelia that Marta her Cook/care-taker take will take her back to the hotel/ Amelia is sure she is sending them back but Ella states she that can get a change of clothes, toothbrush etc and are welcome to stay.
It appears Jaden had softened Ella and she now has granted an interview. She reveals her identity on the condition that Amelia tells no one.
The story continues with Ella revealing more than Amelia expected.
Then decides it is time for Amelia and Jaden to return to San Francisco.
Little did I know but the real story is just beginning.
As with all of Catherine Ryan Hyde stories there is a message.
Her writing style is different than any other author I read and I love it! Her stories are character driven but there is always something to think about
long after I have finished reading.
I got on board the Catherine Ryan Hyde train somewhat late when I read Brave Girl, Quiet Girl in May 2020. I not only loved the book but have been a big fan ever since!
Psychological thrillers are my 'go to' reads – who knew I was going to love her stories so much?
She has had 40+ book published. As well fifty of her short stories have been published in professional Reviews and Journals.
Now I am willing to read anything she writes! When I saw this I knew I wanted to read it without knowing anything about it!
Want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for this wonderful early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 5, 2026.
Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde
Publisher: Lake Union Publishers
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: May 5, 2026
My Rating: 4.6 rounded up
Pages: 297
Story starts with Amelia Booker trying to get her seven year old son Jaden out of bed and ready for school. There are eleven school days left before summer break and young Jaden is ready now!
Amelia and her husband Mark are in the process of divorce. She is a journalist and expert in American literature.
Amelia received an email from friends vacationing in Mexico with a photo of a woman who resembles E.L. Swann, an author who vanished forty years ago. Amelia considers herself an authority on Ms. Swann. No one understands why she went missing her first story “The Third Labyrinth” was a big success however turned out to be her only novel.
‘Amelia’s curiosity continues and she decides that she and her son will take a little vacation to Santa Rosarita, Mexico. She is nervous about telling her ex as she is sure she will talk her out of it. So waits until they are on the plane to call.
Amelia and Jaden arrive in Santa Rosarita and find out where Ella Steinbach’s lives and make arrangements to visit in hopes of an interview. Ella is known to locals for riding her donkey ‘Francisco’ to market, and then returns to her hilltop home.
Amelia and Jaden set off for their visit on horseback – only Jaden was frighten of how big the horse is however the owner recommended a mild horse that both could ride.. When they meet with Ella, Jaden suddenly gets ill. Ella offered to call her Doctor- then states her experience is that once this hits it usually hit both ends and sure enough Jaden shouts he needs to use the bathroom. The Doctor arrives with medications and states Jaden needs rest.
Ella tell Amelia that Marta her Cook/care-taker take will take her back to the hotel/ Amelia is sure she is sending them back but Ella states she that can get a change of clothes, toothbrush etc and are welcome to stay.
It appears Jaden had softened Ella and she now has granted an interview. She reveals her identity on the condition that Amelia tells no one.
The story continues with Ella revealing more than Amelia expected.
Then decides it is time for Amelia and Jaden to return to San Francisco.
Little did I know but the real story is just beginning.
As with all of Catherine Ryan Hyde stories there is a message.
Her writing style is different than any other author I read and I love it! Her stories are character driven but there is always something to think about
long after I have finished reading.
I got on board the Catherine Ryan Hyde train somewhat late when I read Brave Girl, Quiet Girl in May 2020. I not only loved the book but have been a big fan ever since!
Psychological thrillers are my 'go to' reads – who knew I was going to love her stories so much?
She has had 40+ book published. As well fifty of her short stories have been published in professional Reviews and Journals.
Now I am willing to read anything she writes! When I saw this I knew I wanted to read it without knowing anything about it!
Want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for this wonderful early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 5, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Finished reading: May 2nd 2026
"And then suddenly you realize that the universe is so big. And that we're so small. And you start to understand that the things we think are important are just too small to matter. We've built this whole world around thinking our needs and our egos matter. And then you look out at objects millions of light years away, and you just know that can't be true."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Come Back To The World is a novel by award-winning, bestselling American author, Catherine Ryan Hyde. Freelance journalist Amelia Booker stands with her son at the gate to the Santa Rosarita mansion, trying to convince the old woman to admit her identity, not succeeding. E.L. Swann wrote one brilliant bestseller, forty years ago, then disappeared from the public eye.
A blurry photo taken by an acquaintance during her Mexican vacation has brought Amelia here: she’s the USA’s foremost authority on the reclusive author, and an interview would make her career. Senora Ella Steinbach is denying all knowledge. Looks like a wasted trip, until seven-year-old Jaden politely asks if they might have a glass of water. She can be nasty to adults who disturb her peace, but not a thirsty boy who didn’t ask to be here. And whose gut is suddenly reacting to his earlier indiscreet use of local water.
They need to stick around until Jaden is well enough to leave. And that gives Amelia a chance to argue her case: “I think you have something to say to the people you ran away from. Think about it. I was only a few minutes in your house when you told me the people who got something from the book should be willing to leave you alone if you ask them to. You have reasons for keeping the public away. And I hope you’ll take my word for this: They don’t know it. They think they’re doing great and you’re just reclusive. They do not see the thing from your side. They have no idea what they do to make life unlivable for a person who was thrust suddenly into the limelight.”
So they come to an arrangement that involves keeping the author’s location secret. But then, a twist: chatting to the boy has an unexpected effect on Ella, and soon she is proposing they extend their stay. But Amelia is in the middle of an acrimonious divorce from a man unreasonably inflexible about parental rights: “He’s like a fire hose of argument. I never manage to stand up to it. It just sweeps me away every time.”
The interview gets done: it’s very good, avoids all the inane questions the author hates, and honestly answers the burning questions, like why there has been no second novel and why Ella dislikes people enough to thoroughly withdraw (“Well, of course there will be exceptions here and there, but it’s not worth dog-paddling through the stink of humanity to find them.”)
Amelia and Jaden go home to San Francisco, but it definitely doesn’t end there, because E.L. Swann has yet to fully demonstrate her capacity to surprise, to U-turn, to be demanding, imperious, unpredictable.
Ryan Hyde presents the author perspective well enough that some may reconsider their attitude of entitlement. She also gives the reader a delightful, quirky seven-year-old, a mother who is a fierce advocate for her son, a friends-to-lovers situation with a generous and perceptive man, and a donkey called Francisco. The dialogue is often thought-provoking and frequently amusing, and the ending is heart-warming and very satisfying. Catherine Ryan Hyde never disappoints.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.
A blurry photo taken by an acquaintance during her Mexican vacation has brought Amelia here: she’s the USA’s foremost authority on the reclusive author, and an interview would make her career. Senora Ella Steinbach is denying all knowledge. Looks like a wasted trip, until seven-year-old Jaden politely asks if they might have a glass of water. She can be nasty to adults who disturb her peace, but not a thirsty boy who didn’t ask to be here. And whose gut is suddenly reacting to his earlier indiscreet use of local water.
They need to stick around until Jaden is well enough to leave. And that gives Amelia a chance to argue her case: “I think you have something to say to the people you ran away from. Think about it. I was only a few minutes in your house when you told me the people who got something from the book should be willing to leave you alone if you ask them to. You have reasons for keeping the public away. And I hope you’ll take my word for this: They don’t know it. They think they’re doing great and you’re just reclusive. They do not see the thing from your side. They have no idea what they do to make life unlivable for a person who was thrust suddenly into the limelight.”
So they come to an arrangement that involves keeping the author’s location secret. But then, a twist: chatting to the boy has an unexpected effect on Ella, and soon she is proposing they extend their stay. But Amelia is in the middle of an acrimonious divorce from a man unreasonably inflexible about parental rights: “He’s like a fire hose of argument. I never manage to stand up to it. It just sweeps me away every time.”
The interview gets done: it’s very good, avoids all the inane questions the author hates, and honestly answers the burning questions, like why there has been no second novel and why Ella dislikes people enough to thoroughly withdraw (“Well, of course there will be exceptions here and there, but it’s not worth dog-paddling through the stink of humanity to find them.”)
Amelia and Jaden go home to San Francisco, but it definitely doesn’t end there, because E.L. Swann has yet to fully demonstrate her capacity to surprise, to U-turn, to be demanding, imperious, unpredictable.
Ryan Hyde presents the author perspective well enough that some may reconsider their attitude of entitlement. She also gives the reader a delightful, quirky seven-year-old, a mother who is a fierce advocate for her son, a friends-to-lovers situation with a generous and perceptive man, and a donkey called Francisco. The dialogue is often thought-provoking and frequently amusing, and the ending is heart-warming and very satisfying. Catherine Ryan Hyde never disappoints.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.
May 5, 2026
If you already know Catherine Ryan Hydes books, this is another one of her great books! Meet Amelia and her son Jayden. Amelia gets a tip her favorite elusive author E L Swann who disappeared from the public eye after a blockbuster novel, still being read 40 years late, had maybe been spotted in Mexico. So, off she goes, with Jaden in tow, to investigate to get the story. And oh she does get the story, and much more then she bargained for! Find out if this is a “be careful what you wish for” book! Another novel including the multigenerational saga of human connections: a more mature woman, a mom and her son, not to miss Fernando the donkey. What I love about her books, this one included, is the real relationships, how different people navigate developing relationships and the need for each other, and sometimes the lack thereof, which is part of this book. The relationships between the children of the book and the older people is special, as this relationship between Ella and Jaden. The characters have elements we can relate to and could very much be real people. My take-away from this book is this is a look at fame and how some people, once they have it, don't want it and try to escape. And how different people truly want different ways of life and sometimes we just need to accept people for who they are. Also, being a famous author (or anyone) must be very difficult if you want to live a quiet life and at times must just want people to like you for you, and not the author (or your claim to fame).
I love Ms Hydes books, this one included for their readability. Its a relaxing and enjoyable read, not heavy or dramatic, just a nice read. Great for the summer, on the beach or just when you need to get away and have some time alone with a good book. What I appreciate about her books is they are adult books but the adult relationships are not graphic in their adultness. Everyone grows and learns from one another, there is a need for the human connection and even adults, regardless of their age, learn and grow, even sometimes from the kids (I personally love the animal aspect in her novels!). Or they learn to accept what they cannot change. There is a lot to this book and a lot to like. It did not quite end the way I expected (or wanted it to), but that is part of learning to accept what you cannot change! In hindsight it was not an unexpected ending, but it does make you think about how people differ and people need different things from others. It gave me a lot to think about.
It comes with very thoughtful book discussion questions in the back, Regardless of if this is a book club book or an individual read, the questions do make you think hard about the book and yourself.
I personally loved every minute of reading it and I looked forward every time I could grab time to come back to read it. It is a really fantastic novel!
I love Ms Hydes books, this one included for their readability. Its a relaxing and enjoyable read, not heavy or dramatic, just a nice read. Great for the summer, on the beach or just when you need to get away and have some time alone with a good book. What I appreciate about her books is they are adult books but the adult relationships are not graphic in their adultness. Everyone grows and learns from one another, there is a need for the human connection and even adults, regardless of their age, learn and grow, even sometimes from the kids (I personally love the animal aspect in her novels!). Or they learn to accept what they cannot change. There is a lot to this book and a lot to like. It did not quite end the way I expected (or wanted it to), but that is part of learning to accept what you cannot change! In hindsight it was not an unexpected ending, but it does make you think about how people differ and people need different things from others. It gave me a lot to think about.
It comes with very thoughtful book discussion questions in the back, Regardless of if this is a book club book or an individual read, the questions do make you think hard about the book and yourself.
I personally loved every minute of reading it and I looked forward every time I could grab time to come back to read it. It is a really fantastic novel!
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