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Rough Waters #1
The Goodbye Storm
Autumn Chase is painfully aware grief is a beast that won’t be chased off before it’s ready to leave. When an icy road and a dark night leave her a young widow, she’s forced to trade in her perfectly planned future for the unknown. Like a child hiding from a monster, she pulls her covers up over and head with the intention of sheltering herself forever. But once an unexpected stranger shows up on her doorstep, Autumn has to choose between being alone or connecting with someone who is hurting as badly as she is.
Noah Key, an emergency room doctor. He has solemnly informed countless families that their loved one could not be saved. However, when his own wife dies suddenly there are no words to bring him comfort. His in-laws want him to fall to pieces to confirm his love for his late wife. His colleagues want him to take time off to grieve. The only thing Noah wants is to work enough hours in the day to forget his wife is gone. He’s written himself a prescription for a cocktail of distraction and exhaustion in order to trick his brain into thinking his life isn’t in shambles.
When the world keeps moving on without them, Noah and Autumn will need to decide if they’ll survive the storm or allow themselves to swept away by it.
Rough Waters Series:
Book 1: The Goodbye Storm
Book 2: The Runaway Storm
Noah Key, an emergency room doctor. He has solemnly informed countless families that their loved one could not be saved. However, when his own wife dies suddenly there are no words to bring him comfort. His in-laws want him to fall to pieces to confirm his love for his late wife. His colleagues want him to take time off to grieve. The only thing Noah wants is to work enough hours in the day to forget his wife is gone. He’s written himself a prescription for a cocktail of distraction and exhaustion in order to trick his brain into thinking his life isn’t in shambles.
When the world keeps moving on without them, Noah and Autumn will need to decide if they’ll survive the storm or allow themselves to swept away by it.
Rough Waters Series:
Book 1: The Goodbye Storm
Book 2: The Runaway Storm
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2015
2236 people are currently reading
2287 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Stewart
108 books614 followersWriting is a way to make a lot of different people do exactly what you want them to do. When I can’t get my toddler to listen to me, I turn to my characters. They always cooperate!
I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband and seven year old son. I have perfected the ability to write in a noisy house and create story lines while folding laundry.
Ten Things to know about me:
1. I have a fear of whales. All whales. The noise they make. The sight of them (even on tv). I don't think this phobia has a name and I've never met anyone else who feels this way. I blame it on the 3D movie when I was 7 at the Boston Museum of Science. (Thanks Dad.)
2. When I get hungry it brings out the worst in me. My friends and family know to keep me well fed. They pack snacks now.
3. I can cook but not bake. Not even a little. Not even a box of brownies.
4. If there is a song I like it is normal to hear me listening to it a hundred times (give or take) in a row.
5. I do not, under any circumstances, read directions. Who has time for that? Making mac & cheese by the seat of my pants for the last 25 years.
6. Like a black-out drunk, I have lost hours of my life mysteriously to Pinterest. If you haven't tried it yet... don't. Save your self.
7. Before I became a mother, lots of things grossed me out. Now nothing does.
8. My favorite food is food... my least favorite food is no food. I love food. (apply the same rule to wine)
9. I do not have a green thumb. I have the kind of thumb that kills any type of plant ever given to me. Whatever kind of thumb that is... I have it.
10. Writing has changed my life. Not just the career it's created but the way I feel when I write. If you have something you love to do I hope you get the opportunity to do it.
Piper Anderson Series:
Book 1: Chasing Justice (FREE)
Book 2: Cutting Ties
Book 3: Changing Fate
Book 4: Finding Freedom
Book 5: Settling Scores
Book 6: Battling Destiny
Book 7: Chris & Sydney Collection (Choosing Christmas & Saving Love)
Betty's Journal - Bonus Material (suggested to be read after Book 4 to avoid spoilers)
The Edenville Series:
Book 1: Flowers in the Snow (FREE!)
Book 2: Kiss in the Wind
Book 3: Stars in a Bottle
Book 4: Fire in the Heart (pre-order)
The Clover Series:
(Book 1 & 2) Half My Heart & Change My Heart (FREE)
(Book 3) All My Heart
(Book 4) Facing Home
The Rough Waters Series:
Book 1: The Goodbye Storm(FREE)
Book 2: The Runaway Storm
Book 3: The Rising Storm
The Barrington Billionaire Series
Book 1: Fierce Love (Free)
Book 2: Wild Eyes
Book 3: Crazy nights
Book 4: Loyal Hearts
The Piper Anderson Legacy Mystery
Book 1: Three Seconds to Rush (Free)
Book 2: Just for a Heartbeat
Book 3: Not just an Echo
Stand Alones:
Yours for the Taking
Sweet Rendezvous
Running from Shadows
I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband and seven year old son. I have perfected the ability to write in a noisy house and create story lines while folding laundry.
Ten Things to know about me:
1. I have a fear of whales. All whales. The noise they make. The sight of them (even on tv). I don't think this phobia has a name and I've never met anyone else who feels this way. I blame it on the 3D movie when I was 7 at the Boston Museum of Science. (Thanks Dad.)
2. When I get hungry it brings out the worst in me. My friends and family know to keep me well fed. They pack snacks now.
3. I can cook but not bake. Not even a little. Not even a box of brownies.
4. If there is a song I like it is normal to hear me listening to it a hundred times (give or take) in a row.
5. I do not, under any circumstances, read directions. Who has time for that? Making mac & cheese by the seat of my pants for the last 25 years.
6. Like a black-out drunk, I have lost hours of my life mysteriously to Pinterest. If you haven't tried it yet... don't. Save your self.
7. Before I became a mother, lots of things grossed me out. Now nothing does.
8. My favorite food is food... my least favorite food is no food. I love food. (apply the same rule to wine)
9. I do not have a green thumb. I have the kind of thumb that kills any type of plant ever given to me. Whatever kind of thumb that is... I have it.
10. Writing has changed my life. Not just the career it's created but the way I feel when I write. If you have something you love to do I hope you get the opportunity to do it.
Piper Anderson Series:
Book 1: Chasing Justice (FREE)
Book 2: Cutting Ties
Book 3: Changing Fate
Book 4: Finding Freedom
Book 5: Settling Scores
Book 6: Battling Destiny
Book 7: Chris & Sydney Collection (Choosing Christmas & Saving Love)
Betty's Journal - Bonus Material (suggested to be read after Book 4 to avoid spoilers)
The Edenville Series:
Book 1: Flowers in the Snow (FREE!)
Book 2: Kiss in the Wind
Book 3: Stars in a Bottle
Book 4: Fire in the Heart (pre-order)
The Clover Series:
(Book 1 & 2) Half My Heart & Change My Heart (FREE)
(Book 3) All My Heart
(Book 4) Facing Home
The Rough Waters Series:
Book 1: The Goodbye Storm(FREE)
Book 2: The Runaway Storm
Book 3: The Rising Storm
The Barrington Billionaire Series
Book 1: Fierce Love (Free)
Book 2: Wild Eyes
Book 3: Crazy nights
Book 4: Loyal Hearts
The Piper Anderson Legacy Mystery
Book 1: Three Seconds to Rush (Free)
Book 2: Just for a Heartbeat
Book 3: Not just an Echo
Stand Alones:
Yours for the Taking
Sweet Rendezvous
Running from Shadows
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
August 24, 2015
4.5 Grab the tissues Stars
FREE
A very emotional read full of sadness and tears. The author did a great job at hitting all the right spots to explain how different people handle grief.
The characters were superb and their journey was in depth and thought provoking.
Autumn handled her husband's death one way....Noah a completely different. But I think my favorite character in this book was Jaimie. I can't wait to read more about him and his mysterious past.
Now, why only 4.5 when I felt so strongly about this book? Well, I guess I would have liked to see Autumn end up with a different character from the book.
FREE
A very emotional read full of sadness and tears. The author did a great job at hitting all the right spots to explain how different people handle grief.
The characters were superb and their journey was in depth and thought provoking.
Autumn handled her husband's death one way....Noah a completely different. But I think my favorite character in this book was Jaimie. I can't wait to read more about him and his mysterious past.
Now, why only 4.5 when I felt so strongly about this book? Well, I guess I would have liked to see Autumn end up with a different character from the book.
October 12, 2015
Emotional and Poignant
I really loved this book. It was very emotional and hauntingly beautiful at the same time. It really brought home for me the loss and grief one feels after losing someone that you love dearly. The author did an awesome job of writing these characters and their emotions in such a way, that they come alive in a vivid way. You truly feel their pain and grieve right along with them. Every word that these characters spoke, went straight to my heart. I lost my Mom last December and I have struggled with my grief. This book and it's honesty has opened my eyes to what I have been doing and how it's affected my loved ones. I have rarely read a book that touched me so deeply. If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one, then I highly recommend this book. It truly taught me how to grieve and how to ask for help. Incredibly beautiful story and I hope everyone gets a chance to read this book. You will not regret it. These characters, the story, and the author herself, will always have a place in my heart. I can finally learn to accept my Mom's passing, and how to grieve. Thank you Danielle Stewart for this book.
I really loved this book. It was very emotional and hauntingly beautiful at the same time. It really brought home for me the loss and grief one feels after losing someone that you love dearly. The author did an awesome job of writing these characters and their emotions in such a way, that they come alive in a vivid way. You truly feel their pain and grieve right along with them. Every word that these characters spoke, went straight to my heart. I lost my Mom last December and I have struggled with my grief. This book and it's honesty has opened my eyes to what I have been doing and how it's affected my loved ones. I have rarely read a book that touched me so deeply. If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one, then I highly recommend this book. It truly taught me how to grieve and how to ask for help. Incredibly beautiful story and I hope everyone gets a chance to read this book. You will not regret it. These characters, the story, and the author herself, will always have a place in my heart. I can finally learn to accept my Mom's passing, and how to grieve. Thank you Danielle Stewart for this book.
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December 9, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/09/2017)! 💝
December 28, 2015
This book surprised me. Not only with the depth of the story, but with the writing itself. Ms. Stewart is indeed a good writer, and she weaves here a poignant tale of death, loss, and suffering. Depressing? Sure. Yet not completely so. There is that sliver of happiness towards the end, not so overpowering as to spoil the theme that the story followed, but just enough to keep the reader hopeful. Now, I am a cynic, so most of these exaggerated, nauseatingly sweet, happy endings that books have these days just plain piss me off. But somehow the ending of this book didn't overpower the story, in fact it complemented it, and that for me is a clear winner.
Read
September 17, 2015Notes to self, written while reading this:
Already depressed by Noah and Autumn and their never-ending misery. One depressed/angst-ridden character is great in a story, but two of them? and so hopelessly miserable as well. A girl does need SOME lightness in her reading and there was none in this.
And then (I was waiting for blood tests while reading this and was surrounded by about 50 other people)
I am afraid to say I laughed out loud at that point. I've heard of putting your MC through the worst that can happen, but this was unrelenting in its misery.
I read though to the end but there was little that improved really. Noah was the most believable character and yet his story ended without any real resolution. I wont be reading the next in the series.
I wont rate this book. I think the writing was good, very good, but the unending bleakness made it just too much for me.
Already depressed by Noah and Autumn and their never-ending misery. One depressed/angst-ridden character is great in a story, but two of them? and so hopelessly miserable as well. A girl does need SOME lightness in her reading and there was none in this.
And then (I was waiting for blood tests while reading this and was surrounded by about 50 other people)
I am afraid to say I laughed out loud at that point. I've heard of putting your MC through the worst that can happen, but this was unrelenting in its misery.
I read though to the end but there was little that improved really. Noah was the most believable character and yet his story ended without any real resolution. I wont be reading the next in the series.
I wont rate this book. I think the writing was good, very good, but the unending bleakness made it just too much for me.
January 23, 2019
Jamie was the star of this read
This book actually had me tearing up in several places. The way Jamie always seemed to know just what to say and when it was needed The most.
This book actually had me tearing up in several places. The way Jamie always seemed to know just what to say and when it was needed The most.
August 21, 2015
Great book
This was a very poignant book.. extremely well written about the effect grieving has on us. I can attest to that fact. I am 65 and lost my husband almost 4 years ago. I am so happy to have read this and I thank Danielle for writing sauce a touching book with great characters.
This was a very poignant book.. extremely well written about the effect grieving has on us. I can attest to that fact. I am 65 and lost my husband almost 4 years ago. I am so happy to have read this and I thank Danielle for writing sauce a touching book with great characters.
September 1, 2015
Overall, a good read at three and a half stars. Four stars for compelling characters and what seems to be a realistic portrayal of the stages of grief and how sufferers might make progress then regress. Three stars for some unlikely plot points and a need for some editing.
October 10, 2015
I will admit it...I cried. the lesson is always remember that life is fragile and we shouldn't forget to let our loved ones know. Grief does come to us in very different ways...but faith that we aren't alone can help us through it. Great book and I can't wait to read the next in line.
September 2, 2015
A great and sensitive book about loss
It took me to a time when the loss of a loved one,
young and vital in spirit found, joy in having a part
Of his spirit!
It took me to a time when the loss of a loved one,
young and vital in spirit found, joy in having a part
Of his spirit!
November 16, 2022
Storm
Very well written book about sudden lost. The effect it has on those left behind and how they deal with it. This book grab me from the very beginning.
Very well written book about sudden lost. The effect it has on those left behind and how they deal with it. This book grab me from the very beginning.
January 12, 2019
Great read if you like angst
I liked the story, but I feel the author saved more for the next book. Overall it captures grief really well. I loved Donna and Jamie even though they weren't central characters. Noah also doesn't reveal he's over the limit. So lots of loose ends but a good read.
I liked the story, but I feel the author saved more for the next book. Overall it captures grief really well. I loved Donna and Jamie even though they weren't central characters. Noah also doesn't reveal he's over the limit. So lots of loose ends but a good read.
May 14, 2022
This one had me hooked from the start!!!
This story was heavier than what I normally read, but I just couldn't put it down. Following the characters as they heal from grief with many setbacks along the way got me really drawn in. Ya know, you just want them to get better...
Just a heads-up, there was some swearing, especially in the intense scenes, but I found it was situationally appropriate and realistic, so I didn't mind so much.
This story was heavier than what I normally read, but I just couldn't put it down. Following the characters as they heal from grief with many setbacks along the way got me really drawn in. Ya know, you just want them to get better...
Just a heads-up, there was some swearing, especially in the intense scenes, but I found it was situationally appropriate and realistic, so I didn't mind so much.
February 13, 2024
A quick read about grief and healing.
October 19, 2025
Audio. 3.25
May 11, 2018
Well written. Great perspective on love and loss from the perspective of a man and a woman. Got a little weepy.
December 4, 2017
2.5 stars - It was slightly better than ok. Won't be a memorable novel for me.
September 1, 2015
Danielle Stewart ALWAYS delivers and never ceases to amaze me! This is such a heartfelt and emotionally charged story that I felt such a strong personal connection to, not for the actual events, but rather the emotions when I needed it most. I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts down here to let all know what this story means without giving away any of the storyline.
Absolutely brilliantly written and this story shows that EVERY person handles life's trials and tribulations unique to that individual - we ALL handle things differently and that is okay, we are entitled to our own feelings. What Danielle delivers not only in this story but EVERY story she has written is a strong message of HOPE! Such a strong and incredible message for ALL to know exists...HOPE...
There was a particular scene in this story that I felt was written directly to ME, now THAT'S a connection! I keep thinking about it over and over...it means so much and it's true! (Sorry no giving away anything).
I absolutely highly recommend this book to everyone. OUTSTANDING read Danielle!
Absolutely brilliantly written and this story shows that EVERY person handles life's trials and tribulations unique to that individual - we ALL handle things differently and that is okay, we are entitled to our own feelings. What Danielle delivers not only in this story but EVERY story she has written is a strong message of HOPE! Such a strong and incredible message for ALL to know exists...HOPE...
There was a particular scene in this story that I felt was written directly to ME, now THAT'S a connection! I keep thinking about it over and over...it means so much and it's true! (Sorry no giving away anything).
I absolutely highly recommend this book to everyone. OUTSTANDING read Danielle!
September 15, 2015
The Goodbye Storm by Danielle Stewart is a book about two survivors in a car crash on New Year's Eve. The story is told from Autumn Chase who loses her husband in the crash and Noah Key who loses his wife. The story enfold on how they both handle the lose of their spouses.
This was an amazing book by Danielle Stewart. She told the story from both the survivors. Both Autumn and Noah have a similar pain but each have to find their own vice to deal with the extreme loss.
I love how Danielle Stewart took it from both their perspectives. I truly do not believe everyone grieves the same even thought it seem to be the same pain.
It never seem easy to weather storm and when it feel like you are alone it is even harder. This story goes through raw emotions. In the ending for me it was asking "Who will be the umbrella you need?"
This a five a stars book! This an another amazing book by Danielle Stewart!
This was an amazing book by Danielle Stewart. She told the story from both the survivors. Both Autumn and Noah have a similar pain but each have to find their own vice to deal with the extreme loss.
I love how Danielle Stewart took it from both their perspectives. I truly do not believe everyone grieves the same even thought it seem to be the same pain.
It never seem easy to weather storm and when it feel like you are alone it is even harder. This story goes through raw emotions. In the ending for me it was asking "Who will be the umbrella you need?"
This a five a stars book! This an another amazing book by Danielle Stewart!
August 19, 2015
This book is so well written, yes it triggered a lot of memories and emotions that tissues were needed but it helped me to realise that at the time I felt so alone but I wasn't, these feelings are all normal, there is not right or wrong way to feel.
I loved this story I couldn't stop reading, can't wait for book 2
I loved this story I couldn't stop reading, can't wait for book 2
September 29, 2015
Great and Great!
I loved so many sentences in this book starting out, but then got so immersed in the story, I forgot how beautiful the writing was. Danielle Stewart is a favorite author of mine starting now! Can't wait to read her next book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved so many sentences in this book starting out, but then got so immersed in the story, I forgot how beautiful the writing was. Danielle Stewart is a favorite author of mine starting now! Can't wait to read her next book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2015
I have so many thoughts on this book... ALL of them are great. An excellent example of amazing writing and the ability to convey through the written word the various ways people deal with loss. Loved this book!
September 18, 2015
Tragedy
Sometimes things happen and you a r e sure you dont want too go on living but God has said way of making us stronger when we struggle through the loss. Good things can come from bad.
E from bad
Sometimes things happen and you a r e sure you dont want too go on living but God has said way of making us stronger when we struggle through the loss. Good things can come from bad.
E from bad
August 25, 2015
A very intense story about grief. It was very good and the story kept me enthralled. You really felt for Autumn and Noah.
September 29, 2015
Ebook
A horrible accident kills two people, this is a story about grief, guilt and the process of recovering from losing a loved one.
A horrible accident kills two people, this is a story about grief, guilt and the process of recovering from losing a loved one.
December 3, 2015
Kept my attention.
Great easy read. Can't wait to follow up with the next book in the series. Strong characters and story line.
Great easy read. Can't wait to follow up with the next book in the series. Strong characters and story line.
December 17, 2018
Exaggerated grief.
May 11, 2019
First I have to say WOW!!! This book is absolutely mind blowing brilliant. Once in a while I like to try new Author’s. I want to read something different. Seems like many authors are writing the same things, reverse Harem books, Shifter books etc. Don’t get me wrong I like those genres but I also like to mix things up otherwise I get bored really easy. This book has been on my Nook forever and I have had my eye on it for a while but I have been busy with ARCs so I finally decided last weekend to read it and boy am I glad I did. The Cover initially attracted me to the story which is rare because it’s usually the blurb but the image of the woman was endearing and I imagined her to be a free spirit. There was a terrible accident one night where 2 couples were involved in. Without spoiling it for anybody this book is emotional, twists & turns, dealing with lots of grief, very endearing and actually it touched me deeply. It’s only once in a blue moon that I read a book that touches me. Maybe because I just had a nasty divorce and lost my parents and now I’m middle aged starting all over again, I don’t know. One minute I was crying the next minute I was laughing and I thought I had the story figured out but nope this author throws some curve balls our way and completely threw me for a loop. The only time I have where it’s quiet and finally I can read is just before I go to sleep each night. I started this book last Mon and I forced myself to stay awake to read one more Chapter and then it was another Chapter, isn’t that how it goes but I fell asleep and the next evening I decide to start reading earlier because I couldn’t wait to finish reading this story and thankfully I had it read by Weds morning. Normally I would have had it read sooner but I have had a lot going on so my reading time has been limited. Anyway this book was full of ups and downs, relatable characters and a well developed plot line. If you like fiction or a little romance, tear Jerker you will love this book. I give it five stars and highly recommend this read. Now I have found myself a new author whom is already on my favorite list I will go and purchase the other books in this series.
March 2, 2023
The Goodbye Storm by Danielle Stewart is the first book in the Rough Waters series. A story of grief, guilt and finding the strength to move forward. On an icy road and a dark night, two cars collided and lives were changed forever. Grief is a beast that is not easily chased off as Autumn Chase knows all too well. Since losing her beloved husband, Charlie, in a car accident, she has been hiding from the world. Noah Key lost his wife in that same accident. As an emergency room doctor, he has been on the opposite side of devastating news, however, nothing prepares him to hear that news himself. Noah devotes himself to working just enough hours to forget that his wife is gone, hoping that work and exhaustion will keep him from remembering. As life goes on around them, can Autumn and Noah learn to survive the storm? Or will they be destroyed by it?
Danielle Stewart knows how to write emotionally charged stories and The Goodbye Storm is no exception. The Goodbye Storm gives a peek into the raging storm that is grief for those who haven’t yet experienced it and gives comfort to those who have. Grief is a highly personal experience as demonstrated by Autumn’s and Noah’s reactions to the deaths of their spouses and both struggles with this new normal. While Noah shuts everyone out, Autumn risks hurt again by opening up to new people and discovers a necessary support system she didn’t know she needed. I enjoyed all the characters, especially Jamie and Travis. My heart broke for Autumn as she experiences the topsy turvy road that is grief as well as for Noah, as he spirals out of control. It is an emotional story with an emotional ending. Definitely a tear jerker and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend The Goodbye Storm.
The Goodbye Storm is available in paperback and eBook
Danielle Stewart knows how to write emotionally charged stories and The Goodbye Storm is no exception. The Goodbye Storm gives a peek into the raging storm that is grief for those who haven’t yet experienced it and gives comfort to those who have. Grief is a highly personal experience as demonstrated by Autumn’s and Noah’s reactions to the deaths of their spouses and both struggles with this new normal. While Noah shuts everyone out, Autumn risks hurt again by opening up to new people and discovers a necessary support system she didn’t know she needed. I enjoyed all the characters, especially Jamie and Travis. My heart broke for Autumn as she experiences the topsy turvy road that is grief as well as for Noah, as he spirals out of control. It is an emotional story with an emotional ending. Definitely a tear jerker and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend The Goodbye Storm.
The Goodbye Storm is available in paperback and eBook
Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews