Nomad

by Cynthia Johnstone

For readers of Barbara Kingsolver and Mary Lawson, a literary novel, set in the desert wilderness of modern-day Arizona, that offers quiet beauty, emotional depth, and an exploration of loss, healing, and the wild places that change us.

After the sudden death of her brother, Corey retreats to a remote ranch in Sedona, Arizona, hoping the silence of the desert can drown out the noise of her grief. But the quiet only deepens her isolation—until a mysterious stray dog appears, pulling her back into the world and forcing her to face what she’s been running from.

Set against the stunning red rock canyons, Nomad is a lyrical, emotionally charged debut about trauma, resilience, and the wild grit it takes to heal. As Corey grapples with loss and the ghosts of her past, she’s drawn into unexpected relationships that challenge her guarded heart and crack open the possibility of love.

For readers of Prodigal Summer and A Town Called Solace, this is the story of one woman’s return to herself through the rhythms of nature, the ache of memory, and the quiet, untamed beauty of connection. It’s a tender, tough meditation on the raw path to healing—and the fierce, fragile hope that blooms in its wake.

Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2026

Reviews

[Noha Badawi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nomad follows Corey, who retreats to the Arizona desert after the devastating loss of her brother, wishing that solitude will help her escape the weight of her grief. But when a stray dog unexpectedly enters her life, the quiet, carefully constructed world she has built around herself begins to change. What I enjoyed most about the story premise is how it explores grief not just as the pain of losing someone, but as the way loss can reshape your entire life and make you afraid to let anyone in again. Corey’s journey is one of learning to live with that pain rather than simply trying to outrun it, and I found the idea of an unexpected connection becoming the first step toward healing particularly moving. I’m always drawn to character-driven stories that take their time exploring the messier, more complicated parts of being human, and Nomad feels like that kind of story. I also love when the setting becomes more than just a backdrop, and the Arizona desert feels especially fitting for a story about isolation, reflection, and slowly finding your way back to the world. At its heart, this is a story about the connections that find us when we least expect them, and how sometimes healing begins with something as simple as letting another living being into your life.

[Glenda Johnstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the unique privilege of being this author’s Mother so take my five stars with that disclosure. This book is a meaningful glimpse thru the tribulations and triumphs of Cory’s life set in the Sedona Desert. It shows the ability of the environment and its wildlife to give rest and to restore Cory’s wounded soul. Life can be so devastating that it is hard for one to see anyway back to joy and peace. In this book you will see that with companionship and nurturing there is a way if we only look for it and recognize it when it comes our way . You will grow to love Cory and find yourself invested in the very best for her.

[Sheila The Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an impressive debut from Cynthia Johnstone. Nomad is such an atmospheric, descriptive novel, and having visited Sedona earlier this year, I loved feeling like I was right back among those beautiful red rocks.

I'll admit that Corey and I got off to a rocky start. As a dog lover, I wasn't particularly fond of how she treated the stray dog who wandered onto her property, and it took me a while to warm up to her. But I'm glad I gave her some grace because watching her character develop turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the book.

There's a lot of emotional weight here, particularly around grief and how it can continue to affect us years after a loss. I appreciated that Johnstone didn't try to make grief something tidy or predictable. It's not, and Corey's journey was a good reminder of that.

I found myself getting pretty emotional at times, especially when it came to Nomad's journey, and the final pages had a couple of surprises I genuinely didn't see coming. This was a moving, beautifully written story that made me want to slow down and take it all in. I'm pretty darn impressed that this is a debut novel!

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best debut novel I’ve read so far this year!

Corey is a wounded soul. Absent, drunk, drug addict Mother, no father, stepping into the responsible adult role with the birth of her brother. She was 13 years old. The only good things in her life are her little brother, Damon, and her boyfriend, Jack.

It takes Jack weeks to convince Corey they should go to their senior prom. She doesn’t want to leave Damon at night; Mom is usually incapacitated, if she’s even home. After getting her mother to stay home for the night and watch her little brother along with reassurance from Jack, she finally agrees.

Jack and Corey get dressed up and head out for the prom. On the way out the door, Corey has second thoughts. Jack promises everything will be ok. It wasn’t…

NOMAD, is Cynthia Johnstone’s debut novel. It’s spectacular. Her descriptive prose is elegant, transporting me to Northern Arizona. Told in first person, the story moves seamlessly between current day and flashbacks, 10 years ago, revealing the details of the relationship between Corey and Jack and her painful journey to find a modicum of peace after the tragic death of her not quite 5 year old brother.

One day while working on her off grid farm, Corey is visited by a wounded, filthy dog sporting a string around his neck. It has a turquoise stone, two feathers and the name NOMAD. She figures he’s a rez dog and wants nothing to do with him. Nomad refuses to leave for days on end; both of them stubborn. When Nomad risks his life to save her from a rattlesnake, Corey’s heart starts to soften. When she breaks down and takes him to the vet to save his life, her entire world is turned upside down. Three guesses who the vet is.

Johnstone tells a complex emotional story about relationships: Corey with her grief and isolation, with a dog who reminds her of the past and the fractured relationship with her childhood love. It’s thoughtful, respectful, and exquisitely peeled away; layer by discerning layer.

If I continue to gush about this book, it will be impossible to refrain from spoilers. Altho’ there are a few expletives, they are properly used given the circumstances and I’m giving this story ALL the stars. I cannot wait to see what this author writes next📚

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Read & Reviewed from a pdf via Kindle with thanks to Publisher’s Weekly, the Publisher and Author.

[Jennie Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW I am blown away! A lyrical, beautifully written story about a woman’s grief and her escaping the world’s noise in a remote Sedona desert ranch. Very atmospheric, I felt like I was there. So much happened in this short novel that I didn’t expect, it packs a punch! Corey’s life was upended when her young brother passes and she finds solitude living off grid tending to her chickens, gardening and canning. When Nomad the res dog enters the scene, she’s suddenly forced to deal with her past as he brings much more than companionship to the ranch. Old relationships, painful memories and complicated feelings resurface. It’s dramatic, thoughtful and beautiful. A must-read!

[Stacy40pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nomad by Cynthia Johnstone. Thanks to bookedforward for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Corey settled into a remote Arizona ranch after a great loss. She’s loved there ten years and now starts to become less isolated when a stray dog appears.

For such a short novel, it definitely packs a lot of history and emotion. It’s a very easy read that you can read in one sitting. It’s unbelievable how much trauma and then growth in a novel less than 300 pages. It’s very atmospheric and you get the hermitic feel of Corey’s life. As she gets to know the dog Nomad and a blast from the past, she becomes less of a hermit and we feel that change as well. If you love dogs and the power of pets, definitely try this one out.

“When a dog wanders into your life, do not turn your back; don’t turn your heart. Instead welcome that dog with open arms and an open heart.”

Read if you like:
-Trauma or grief recovery
-Arizona or desert settings
-Healing through pets

Nomad comes out 10/13.

[Kimberly McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First, let me say…I’ve been waiting to read this book since I heard the premise in 2021. That being said, it did not disappoint!! Nomad is a beautifully written story of grief, loss, nature, simplicity, rediscovery, and second chances. When Corey’s brother suddenly dies, she runs from everything and everyone. She settles into a simple routine of isolation outside of Sedona as she tends to her desolate land, off-the-grid home, and basic needs. But when a stray dog adopts her despite her attempts to run it off, her world changes in ways she never expected. A literary story that is quiet and powerful, heart-wrenching and redemptive. I couldn’t put this one down! This is a very special story that I hope you will read!

[Denisa · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Wow, I fell into this book effortlessly! The characters are wonderfully believable and written with sharp wit and humor. The story beautifully explores grief, how it changes us, and the healing that comes through love, community, and sharing our experiences with others. This novel tugged at my heartstrings and beautifully illustrates the power of human connection. A wonderful balance of heartbreak, healing, and humor!

[Riley Carolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this beautifully redemptive story of Corey healing from trauma through nature, love and the loyalty of a dog. I only finished it late last night, but I already know Corey is the kind of character that will stay with me. Her grief is so raw and her healing unfolds right alongside you as you read. In this age of AI, I find myself craving for emotional depth and real feelings and this book gave me both. I can't wait to read Cynthia's second book!

[Lacey In The Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Johnstone's *Nomad* is a quiet, beautifully written contemporary novel about grief, isolation, healing, and the unexpected connections that can pull us back into the world.

After the sudden death of her brother, Corey Collins has retreated to a remote 27-acre homestead in the Arizona desert, where she has spent ten years living almost entirely alone. Her carefully constructed routine is disrupted when a stray dog appears and refuses to leave her alone. What begins as an interruption gradually becomes the catalyst for Corey to confront the trauma and memories she's been keeping at a distance.

I loved the way Johnstone makes the Arizona landscape feel like a character in its own right, while Corey's routines create a gentle rhythm that is repeatedly interrupted by moments that push her toward change. The human-animal bond is especially affecting, and the story's exploration of grief and the ways people protect themselves from future loss really stayed with me.

*Nomad* is a slow-paced, character-driven story, but its emotional depth makes the quiet moments worthwhile. Beautiful, heart-wrenching, and surprisingly personal, this is a thoughtful choice for readers who enjoy stories about trauma, healing, solitude, nature, and finding your way back to yourself.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story of hope and new beginnings. I laughed and I cried and everything in between. The main character’s strength and growth are inspiring and the love story is incredibly sweet. Look forward to the epilogue, which holds a beautiful surprise!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story and movement. Loved the characters and overall aura I felt while reading it.

[Mike Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a great book that was a real page turner despite dealing with some heavy issues. I loved the depth of all the key characters and the plotting was spot on. The description of Corey's off the grid ranch outside of Sedona made you smell the coffee and feel the heat. There was also just the right amount of "mysticism" to make the story compelling. The dog "Nomad" was a key character with a wonderful twist revealed at the end. Great job from a debut author. Highly recommended. Five solid stars!

[David Leder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A debut novel that reads as if the author has spent decades mastering the craft - a must read! Johnstone's ability to seamlessly interweave a poetic description of the natural beauty of Northern Arizona, the isolation of a young woman paralyzed by grief and loss, her journey back to society, and the power of a mysterious canine companion is truly a tour de force. Nomad is a heartwarming page turner that I could not recommend highly enough!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming story of healing. Cora experiences a family tragedy and isolates herself from human connection. Nomad, a stray dog, shows up at her home and persists in protecting her and drawing her out of her shell. Her interactions with Nomad result in her confronting her history and ultimately healing herself. This story is an engaging read with a satisfying end.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning and lyrical meditation on grief, resilience, and our relationship with nature. The story completely swept me up and I felt entranced through the whole read in the best way. Highly recommend!

[EM R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A free ARC of this book was sent to me by the author’s team at Books Forward, so thank you for providing the opportunity to read and review this novel.

I like the way Nomad starts out; it’s introspective and calm due to the secluded way Corey lives, alone on her ranch in the Arizona desert, an hour’s drive away from the city. We quickly see why she chose this life, influenced by the undercurrents of trauma running through her every moment. Her little brother Damon died when he was very young due to their mother’s neglect, and ever since then, Corey has isolated herself from other living beings.

However, Corey’s efforts to be alone are ruined when a stray dog comes into her life and is determined not to leave. This dog eventually leads her back into the company of Jack, a man she’d left behind 10 years ago alongside everything else in her old life. From there, we see her grapple with her resurfacing hurt and harrowing memories and find out whether she’s willing to let go of her protective cocoon of solitude.

To start with, this poor dog, Nomad, cannot catch a break. At one point, it’s just one nightmarish situation after another; so if you’re sensitive to seeing pets or animals in mortal danger, I probably wouldn’t recommend this book for you.

Corey can be pretty stubborn, but overall she remains a sympathetic character because you understand what she’s been through and the adverse effects it has had on her, bolstered by the fact that she never sought help; her solution to every uncomfortable emotion is to run and hide. I appreciate that we are given time to understand her way of thinking and her anxieties, and that she herself has time to reckon with her emotional and mental scars. Even though Jack is back in her life, he’s not framed as being a savior come to rescue her or put an end to all of her issues. He’s one component of many that helps her realize a change is needed.

continued on my review blog

[Akanksha S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grief can make people build walls around their hearts. They may think staying alone will protect them from more pain. But sometimes, an unexpected friend can help them open their hearts again.

In Nomad, the protagonist lives all alone on a big piece of land near Sedona, Arizona. When she was a teenager, something unfortunate happened to her little brother while she was away at her prom. Corey was so sad and so scared of being hurt again that she ran away and hid on her ranch for ten years.

Then a skinny, hurt dog with a bead around his neck that says NOMAD shows up, and he will not go away. There is something magical about the dog. Even though she tries to chase him away, Nomad refuses to leave. He even protects her many times. Because of him, Corey's old high school boyfriend comes back into her life. Soon something scary happens on her ranch, and Corey has to stop hiding from her past. Nomad is the one who helps her do it.

Corey is relatable because hiding after a tragedy is so common. The author uses Corey's journey to show how guilt can trap a person. She uses clear language and emotional scenes to tell the story. The book is easy for most readers to follow.

The ending brings the story’s main ideas together. Corey begins to reconnect with people and looks toward a better future. The book is a mix of emotional drama, a little romance, and a bit of suspense. Readers who enjoy stories about animals, family, and second chances will find it interesting.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the author through Books Forward.

Corey Collins is a complex but troubled young woman who has years of personal trauma and sadness to unpack and manage. The author provides a straightforward, climax-filled story to encapsulate a bigger story of growth and perseverance for our protagonist.

I enjoyed the often-shared descriptions of the Arizona landscapes and scenery which sound truly beautiful to me, and I hope to someday see them for myself. I appreciate the general story and think the story arc and conclusion work well, but it seemed a little too “wrapped up with a bow” for my typical liking. There’s nothing negative, but nothing gripping or wonderful to report either. If you are looking for a feel good narrative with beautiful, descriptive scenes, this is a great choice.

[Trinity Shelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this in one sitting!

I think that this book is a beautiful reminder that we are never really alone, even when think that's what we want. I think this author did a good job portraying what life after grief, especially traumatic grief, looks like. For ten years Corey was in survival mode, living in a routine that allowed her to move forward from the pain of her past. When Nomad entered the scene it reminded me of the Parable of the Raft; sometimes the things that help us survive are just tools we used to stay alive in the moment, not burdens we need hold on to forever. The twist at the end was very sweet and special.

I would recommend this to any friend/follower with a tender heart who is a dog lover, nature lover, and/or huge fan of a independent FMC.

[Reyan Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nomad is an emotional journey. The story delves into themes of loss, trauma, recovery, and the courage to look ahead. It’s a worthwhile read for those who enjoy fiction steeped in emotions and character-driven storytelling. The way the author describes the surroundings and atmosphere makes the story even more engaging. I connected with the characters from the very beginning. However, I found the pacing slow at points.

[Victoria · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This was a terrific debut novel. I’m so thankful to the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC. I felt like I was placed firmly into the life of Corey, the main character. This was a beautiful story of love, loss, and the way an unexpected connection changed Corey’s life and led her to a place she didn’t expect while providing her with the resolution she needed.

[Carrie Talick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Johnstone has captured the profound and unspoken connection between the human heart and our canine soulmates, as her character Corey navigates grief, loss and loneliness in the striking red rock majesty of Sedona, Arizona. Corey lives on a remote ranch after the tragic death of her brother, planning to shut herself off from the world and any further pain. But that’s the thing about plans. Corey is quite literally rescued by a mysterious and mystical stray dog named Nomad.

The relationship between Corey and Nomad, one trying to shut everyone out, the other trying to find a way home, deepens despite Corey’s reluctance. Nomad simply will not leave her side while also bringing her back to the world and those waiting for her. From that devotion, Corey is finally able to return to herself.

Johnstone’s writing is poetic and slyly resonant; it worms your way around your heart before you know it’s happening. I could almost smell the coffee and feel the chill on those crisp high desert mornings, so when she wrote about grief and loss and what those things can do to the soul, I found myself welling up as I turned the pages. She understands grace and acceptance, loss, healing and forgiveness. And in Nomad, she proves that love doesn’t need a language to say what we often cannot.