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The Way Back
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26
14 years ago, she left a piece of her heart in Scotland. Now she wants it back, if it’s not too late…
Then:
When Graeme MacKinlay moved from Scotland to Canada to attend university, he never expected to fall in love—not with the country, and certainly not with Abby Morton.
From the beginning, Graeme accepted that Abby wasn’t interested in anything more than friendship. He was willing to bury his feelings if it meant becoming close friends with her. But on a farewell holiday to Scotland, with goodbye looming, Graeme and Abby share a whirlwind romance—two impulsive weeks neither of them will ever forget.
Despite their promise that it wouldn’t change their friendship, nothing was ever the same between them. To Graeme, Abby will always be the one that got away…
Now:
Abby has spent her life chasing a sense of home and belonging—something she's only ever experienced once, on that fateful trip to Scotland fourteen years ago. With her thirty-fifth birthday on the horizon, Abby is unemployed, single, and living in her best friend’s spare bedroom. When her friends surprise her with a trip to Scotland to visit Graeme, Abby realizes history is repeating itself, but this time, she has a chance to get things right.
As she and Graeme explore his homeland once more, neither of them can deny that their feelings for each other are as strong as ever. But with two fragile hearts on the line, Abby isn’t sure if she’s brave enough to risk it all for something that already failed once before.
Can they fix what was broken and find their way back to each other? Or is what they shared meant to remain a beautiful memory?
Then:
When Graeme MacKinlay moved from Scotland to Canada to attend university, he never expected to fall in love—not with the country, and certainly not with Abby Morton.
From the beginning, Graeme accepted that Abby wasn’t interested in anything more than friendship. He was willing to bury his feelings if it meant becoming close friends with her. But on a farewell holiday to Scotland, with goodbye looming, Graeme and Abby share a whirlwind romance—two impulsive weeks neither of them will ever forget.
Despite their promise that it wouldn’t change their friendship, nothing was ever the same between them. To Graeme, Abby will always be the one that got away…
Now:
Abby has spent her life chasing a sense of home and belonging—something she's only ever experienced once, on that fateful trip to Scotland fourteen years ago. With her thirty-fifth birthday on the horizon, Abby is unemployed, single, and living in her best friend’s spare bedroom. When her friends surprise her with a trip to Scotland to visit Graeme, Abby realizes history is repeating itself, but this time, she has a chance to get things right.
As she and Graeme explore his homeland once more, neither of them can deny that their feelings for each other are as strong as ever. But with two fragile hearts on the line, Abby isn’t sure if she’s brave enough to risk it all for something that already failed once before.
Can they fix what was broken and find their way back to each other? Or is what they shared meant to remain a beautiful memory?
ebook
Expected publication July 28, 2026
About the author
Marie Landry
29 books911 followersMarie Landry lives and writes in a cozy apartment in Ontario, Canada, surrounded by books and Funko Pops. An avid reader from a young age, she loves getting lost in characters’ worlds, whether they’re of her own making or someone else’s. She particularly loves stories with as much of an emphasis on self-discovery and friendship as on romance...but don’t leave out the romance!
When not doing bookish things, you can often find her taking pictures, cooking, scrolling Instagram (find her at @marielandry.author), daydreaming about frolicking through the Scottish Highlands, or listening to the same music she's loved since the '90s. She's an unapologetic nerd and fangirl, and that, along with her mental health advocacy, is often woven into her books.
Stay up to date with new releases, sales, promos, and other news by signing up for Marie's newsletter and be sure to follow her on BookBub so you never miss a new release!
When not doing bookish things, you can often find her taking pictures, cooking, scrolling Instagram (find her at @marielandry.author), daydreaming about frolicking through the Scottish Highlands, or listening to the same music she's loved since the '90s. She's an unapologetic nerd and fangirl, and that, along with her mental health advocacy, is often woven into her books.
Stay up to date with new releases, sales, promos, and other news by signing up for Marie's newsletter and be sure to follow her on BookBub so you never miss a new release!
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 6, 2026
I was EXTREMELY lucky to have the opportunity to ARC read The Way Back by Marie Landry, and as always with her writing, she did not disappoint. This was the most beautiful journey from start to finish and had me sobbing for literal hours 🤣
I genuinely don’t think I can put into words how impactful and beautiful this story was. This book left my heart so full it almost hurts ♥️
As soon as I saw that Marie had created another incredible piece of writing, I knew I had to apply for this ARC. But as soon as I saw it was set in Scotland, I had my heart set on it straight away. Scotland has always held a special place in my heart. I have friends and family there, and it has always been one of the most beautiful places to visit. The way Marie portrayed her love for Scotland, and the characters love for this incredible place, had my heart bursting with joy. Marie, I really hope you can return one day and experience that love all over again ♥️
You have the most beautiful FMC, Abby, who has experienced a lot of struggles and anxieties throughout her life. I absolutely loved watching Abby grow, learn to trust her own decisions and, let’s just say… “take that leap” 😉
Then you have a yearning MMC called Graeme, who has always known where his love and his home were 🤭. He’s definitely upped my standards massively…
This pair were one of the most beautiful, intense, and emotionally stressful couples I’ve ever read. They had me laughing one second and crying the next! It doesn’t help that I’m just an emotional wreck recently 😂
The friendships alone in this book deserve their own review. “The Crew” are just incredible. Drew and Brodie’s story was absolutely amazing to read, and their love was just 🤌🏼. I also absolutely loved Fern as a character too, she was just so much fun!
Marie, across the books of yours that I’ve read, I absolutely love how your romances are so raw and how you portray real-life complexities. I’ve read multiple romances that lack depth, and you’ve always managed to capture it so beautifully. I also absolutely loved the past POVs, it just made the reading experience feel so pure ♥️
This review is so long, so I do apologise, but I will be talking about this book for the rest of time, and I know I’ll be rereading it. This has genuinely become one of my comfort reads, and I can’t wait to return 🥹
Of course… here are some quotes I absolutely loved:
♥️ “I’ve missed experiencing the world through her eyes.”
♥️ “The three of you are part of the MacKinley Clan now.”
♥️ “Come on, Pumpkin Spice. Live a little.”
♥️ “What’s meant for you won’t pass you by.”
♥️ “This isn’t the end and it isn’t goodbye.”
♥️ “I love you, ghràidh. Then, now and always.”
♥️ “We’re home. This is where we belong, Abs. Where we all belong.”
♥️ “This family of ours is all I want. You are all I want.”
I genuinely don’t think I can put into words how impactful and beautiful this story was. This book left my heart so full it almost hurts ♥️
As soon as I saw that Marie had created another incredible piece of writing, I knew I had to apply for this ARC. But as soon as I saw it was set in Scotland, I had my heart set on it straight away. Scotland has always held a special place in my heart. I have friends and family there, and it has always been one of the most beautiful places to visit. The way Marie portrayed her love for Scotland, and the characters love for this incredible place, had my heart bursting with joy. Marie, I really hope you can return one day and experience that love all over again ♥️
You have the most beautiful FMC, Abby, who has experienced a lot of struggles and anxieties throughout her life. I absolutely loved watching Abby grow, learn to trust her own decisions and, let’s just say… “take that leap” 😉
Then you have a yearning MMC called Graeme, who has always known where his love and his home were 🤭. He’s definitely upped my standards massively…
This pair were one of the most beautiful, intense, and emotionally stressful couples I’ve ever read. They had me laughing one second and crying the next! It doesn’t help that I’m just an emotional wreck recently 😂
The friendships alone in this book deserve their own review. “The Crew” are just incredible. Drew and Brodie’s story was absolutely amazing to read, and their love was just 🤌🏼. I also absolutely loved Fern as a character too, she was just so much fun!
Marie, across the books of yours that I’ve read, I absolutely love how your romances are so raw and how you portray real-life complexities. I’ve read multiple romances that lack depth, and you’ve always managed to capture it so beautifully. I also absolutely loved the past POVs, it just made the reading experience feel so pure ♥️
This review is so long, so I do apologise, but I will be talking about this book for the rest of time, and I know I’ll be rereading it. This has genuinely become one of my comfort reads, and I can’t wait to return 🥹
Of course… here are some quotes I absolutely loved:
♥️ “I’ve missed experiencing the world through her eyes.”
♥️ “The three of you are part of the MacKinley Clan now.”
♥️ “Come on, Pumpkin Spice. Live a little.”
♥️ “What’s meant for you won’t pass you by.”
♥️ “This isn’t the end and it isn’t goodbye.”
♥️ “I love you, ghràidh. Then, now and always.”
♥️ “We’re home. This is where we belong, Abs. Where we all belong.”
♥️ “This family of ours is all I want. You are all I want.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Way Back is a stunning book. I loved everything about it, especially the Scottish elements.
From the opening pages, it was clear that this would be a magnificent story of love, friendship and second chances. Told with a dual timeline, we follow Abby and Graeme as they drift between friendship and something more, both in the present day and fourteen years earlier. As the story evolves, we learn more about Abby’s past and her reluctance to trust in relationships. There are no spoilers from me, but prepare yourself for a perfectly handled sensitive backstory.
I really loved Abby’s character. I felt every layer of her connection to her best friend, Drew. Their shared past experiences provided a glimpse into a life that I knew only a little about. The strength of her friendships was unwavering, and I took real pleasure in learning about her desire for both love and independence.
Graeme is top-level book boyfriend material. His unwavering commitment to Abby was inspiring and the stuff of dreams. His willingness to accept even friendship despite his desire for more had me willing them to find their happiness together.
The Way Back has true depth. Boasting an impeccable cast of characters who each contribute to the feeling of chosen family, it’s impossible not to feel warmed yet slightly envious of their friendships. An additional layer is the author’s obvious love for Scotland. Seeing Edinburgh and the Highlands through Abby’s eyes was like reading a secret love letter to one of my favourite places. Despite the more serious theme surrounding Abby and Drew, this is an incredibly uplifting book which left me feeling both joyous and hopeful.
I’m already excited for the next offering from this wonderful author.
From the opening pages, it was clear that this would be a magnificent story of love, friendship and second chances. Told with a dual timeline, we follow Abby and Graeme as they drift between friendship and something more, both in the present day and fourteen years earlier. As the story evolves, we learn more about Abby’s past and her reluctance to trust in relationships. There are no spoilers from me, but prepare yourself for a perfectly handled sensitive backstory.
I really loved Abby’s character. I felt every layer of her connection to her best friend, Drew. Their shared past experiences provided a glimpse into a life that I knew only a little about. The strength of her friendships was unwavering, and I took real pleasure in learning about her desire for both love and independence.
Graeme is top-level book boyfriend material. His unwavering commitment to Abby was inspiring and the stuff of dreams. His willingness to accept even friendship despite his desire for more had me willing them to find their happiness together.
The Way Back has true depth. Boasting an impeccable cast of characters who each contribute to the feeling of chosen family, it’s impossible not to feel warmed yet slightly envious of their friendships. An additional layer is the author’s obvious love for Scotland. Seeing Edinburgh and the Highlands through Abby’s eyes was like reading a secret love letter to one of my favourite places. Despite the more serious theme surrounding Abby and Drew, this is an incredibly uplifting book which left me feeling both joyous and hopeful.
I’m already excited for the next offering from this wonderful author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was DELIGHTED to get an ARC copy of The Way Back. I had hopes for this book knowing that the author loves Scotland as much as I do and it did not disppoint. Scotland was a character in its own right in this book, as it should be. I loved Abby and Graeme and all of their found and shared families. It was a true joy to watch thei love grow over the years. I especially enjoyed Abby's relationship with Drew. We all want a friendship like that and no one deserved it more. Having the opportunity to watch all the characters grow over the year was a priviledge and made you care about them all the more. This book fed my soul as I haven't been able to get back to Scotland. If you love found family, pining, romance and the opprotunity to fall in love with Scotland all over again - READ. THIS. BOOK.
Read
May 29, 2026THE WAY BACK releases on July 28th, and is available to pre-order now on Kindle, Kobo, Apple, and Nook!
🥹Dual timeline second chance romance
🥰Friends to lovers
✈️Set in Scotland and Canada
🏴Hot Scot MMC
🫠So much yearning
🫶Found family
🩵Anxiety rep
🔥Open door spice
🥹Dual timeline second chance romance
🥰Friends to lovers
✈️Set in Scotland and Canada
🏴Hot Scot MMC
🫠So much yearning
🫶Found family
🩵Anxiety rep
🔥Open door spice
July 11, 2026
4.5/5
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews