Thirty Days to Home: A Novel

by Cathryn Rakich

A moving debut about second chances, Thirty Days to Home follows a grieving woman who rediscovers purpose—and unexpected love—through her connection with a stray dog she meets on the streets of picturesque Puerto Escondido, Mexico.

Following the death of her son, Marli May accompanies her husband, Nick, on a work retreat to Puerto Escondido, Mexico, in an attempt to put her grief behind her and repair their strained marriage. But Marli’s resilience is challenged once again when she receives an anonymous text message stating her son’s death was not the accident she has been led to believe. Nick says it is a sick prank, and to forget about it. Of course, he has other things on his He’s having an affair with a coworker. Before the end of their trip he walks away from his marriage, leaving Marli alone in Mexico. 

What can bring Marli back from despair this time? Mentally battered and 2,000 miles from home, she turns her attention to a stray street dog and a handsome veterinarian who harbors his own grief. She is told she must wait thirty days before taking the dog out of Mexico and into the United States. That’s thirty days to reevaluate her future, find her strength, and discover the true reason for her son’s death. 

Filled with secrets, street dogs, and second changes, Thirty Days to Home follows Marli’s journey as she finds the courage to confront her grief and rebuild her life on her own terms.

256 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 9, 2026

Reviews

[Doramarie Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirty Days to Home by Cathryn Rakich is a novel about a grieving woman, Marli, who finds healing and a new path in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, after her husband leaves her and she receives a mysterious text about her son's death. Her journey involves caring for a stray dog and connecting with a local veterinarian, while navigating her grief and uncovering secrets, with the "thirty days" referring to the time she must wait to take the dog out of the country.

Review:
I loved it! Marli, a woman after my own heart!! The second I saw how she felt about taking care of the street dogs. She won me over; it is something I would try to do! Protect her at all costs. She is dealing with grief, a broken marriage, and her confidence is shaken, love, loss, but she is resilient! I thoroughly enjoyed this story; it's a fairly simple read. I read it in one day. I had to find out what happened! I will hand it to this woman, though, the things that she constantly finds out about her marriage, friendships, and family are an emotional/mental tornado.

Really happy I was able to receive an advanced reading copy of this book from Booksparks! Thank you!