The Girl He Left Behind

by Beatrice MacNeil

Fifteen years ago, Willow Alexander was jilted at the altar by her high school sweetheart, Graham Currie, who left their wedding rehearsal the night before knowing he would not be returning the next day. 

Confused and devastated, Willow remains in the small town of Glenmor in Cape Breton, caring for her ailing parents and nursing her heartache. What no one knows is that Willow lost more than her marriage on that shocking day, which is why she remains on her family’s expansive property, in the shadow of Christy’s Mountain, unable to let go of the secret she has kept hidden for more than a decade. 

Soon after her fortieth birthday, Willow finds out that Graham is returning to town, without his new wife, after years of working as a doctor in New York City. As Willow grapples with her emotions, wondering how she will deal with Graham’s arrival, tragedy strikes her dear friend, Kathleen, and her husband, local doctor James Millhouse, are found dead. Willow was the last one to see the couple on the night they died and fears that she may have accidently had a hand in their deaths. 

Fearing both Graham’s return and her own imminent arrest, Willow holes up in her family home, reflecting on her past and bracing for her uncertain future. The Girl He Left Behind is a moving story about how confronting life’s greatest uncertainties is often the only way forward. 

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Canada, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Chick Lit, Historical

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2020

Reviews

[Marin · Rating 2 out of 5]

“The Girl He Left Behind” is honestly a bit of a mess. I bought it on a whim and thought it would be sort of like an Atlantic-Canada “Where the Crawdads Sing” since it is marketed as a mystery/thriller/romance. The plot follows Willow Alexander, who is known in her Nova Scotian village as the girl Graham Currie left at the altar. She’s also the last person to have seen Kathleen and James Millhouse alive. And Graham Currie is showing up in town again, 15 years after he left Willow behind. If that all sounds kinda... disconnected and clunky, that is because that is the best description I have for this book. It can’t decide if it’s a romance or a murder mystery (well, it’s definitely not the latter, despite being marketed as such, and if you pick this up hoping to be thrilled you will not be lol). And there is very little romance here. Oh for two 😬. The storytelling is also bizzare, jumping around in time and giving the reader completely unnecessary background on Willow’s ancestors and extended family, all of whom have no bearing on the plot whatsoever. I almost DNF’ed multiple times. The big, climatic, tense supposed-to-be-scary moment at the end is actually a little laughable (the dialogue is awful). And after writing Willow as a strong and independent woman, the author jumps ship and decides this needs to have a warm and gooey ending which honestly makes no sense (I would not forgive a man for what he did to Willow in just half a page. Blink! Past erased?) Striking cover, bad book 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Sharon Ouderkirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Girl He Left Behind has three parts: the first section deals with Willow and Graham's history, and is full of energy, with Willow herself an unstoppable force. She's a fearless Cape Breton woman, who stands up to Graham's mother, and anyone else who gets in her way. I loved her spirit. The middle part deals with death (literal and metaphoric), and Willow becomes like a ghost of her former self, pale and quiet and lonely. Her suppressed rage over Graham's betrayal turns to a kind of depression. She is the living expression of the local ghost stories told by the people in her mountain town. The final (and weakest) section is an unraveling of lies, a revelation of truths, and Willow is restored to her true self, her true spirit of fierce strength. The ending fit the book, but it read a little too much like a traditional romance, where confusions are cleared up, and the path of true love becomes smooth. In my humble opinion, it would have been better if the emphasis was more on Willow's restoration of self, than on the happy love story ending.
MacNeil's writing is distinctive. She never depends on old phrases, but instead pulls her metaphors from the environment about which she writes. Some of her phrasing is wonderful, and some of it seems like a wild reach, but it is never boring. She looks at life, and writing, with fresh eyes, and tries to see what has not been observed before, or to express a commonplace thought in a new way. She's an interesting and enjoyable writer.

[Lori Kerns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ho hum. Nothing earth shattering. Somewhat predictable. A nice little “listen” while doing a puzzle.

[Kelly (miss_kellysbookishcorner) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Girl He Left Behind
Author: Beatrice MacNeil
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 2.75
Pub Date: May 12 2020

T H R E E • W O R D S

Slow paced • Poetic • Tragic

📖 S Y N O P S I S
Willow's life hasn't turned out how she had planned. Left at the alter fifteen years ago by her high school sweetheart, Graham, she stayed in her home town to care for her ailing parents, but also consumed by a long held secret. When Willow hears news that Graham is returning, without his wife, she isn't sure what to think or how to feel. What she doesn't know if Graham holds his own secret as to why he left all those years ago. The Girl He Left Behind is a story of lies and truths, of long held secrets and regrets, and of embracing the past in order to move forward.

💭 T H O U G H T S
The Girl He Left Behind started out strong with vivid descriptive language and beautiful imagery. The metaphorical use of nature and the Cape Breton landscape are extremely well done, allowing the setting to connect with the mysteriousness of the plot. However, as the story went on, the writing felt disjointed, jumping back and forth in time. This book tries to fit several different genres (romance & mystery), yet fails to find a home within either, lacking in both thrill and romance. Willow's character development is well done. She is a force, a character full of spirit to begin, and haunted by her past throughout. Beyond that, the characters felt flat and poorly developed. Unfortunately, the story is forgettable despite the memorable cover.

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Descriptive prose readers
• Second-chance love trope fans

⚠️ CW: death, grief, miscarriage

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Perhaps it is Mother Nature herself who sets the discord. The female's olive plumage with its reddish-tinged tips is no match for the male's rich crimson plumage. Sweet whistles marinate the soft wind as the male's wings burst in mid-air. The morning sun sets a golden yoke upon them as they fly towards the tall trees and disappear."

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

MacNeil's 5th book does not disappoint. Graham, Marjorie and Willow grew up together. They all have dreams including going to school and returning home to start their adult lives. Unfortunately, tragedies and other people get in their way. Willow left behind by the others endures many hardships. Supportive friends help her find her way.

In Where horses gallop, the town was getting ready for a dance. MacNeil starts this book with a vivid description of the town and its' residents while the fiddler plays his music.

Her writing style is amazing. It is like reading poetry. This book took less than a day to finish.

I would love to get a copy of Where horses gallop to reread and remember the beautiful language and imagery.

[Gabi Mendez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 / 5 Stars ⭐️

The first fifty pages of this book dragged for me. Once I got over that initial hurdle, it was a smooth read. This book was not what I was expecting. I thought it was a murder mystery, but it is not. This book made me angry, sad, and then content. I don't know if I would recommend this book to others because it ended up being a middle of the road book for me. Just satisfying enough to make it worth finishing.

[Sorina Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I finished the book, and it was ok, I feel indifferent about it.

However, my sister gave up on this book halfway. I recounted her a brief synopsis of the book after I had finished reading it, and she was falling asleep.The only time I made her laugh was when I told her Graham became overweight and could not make it up the mountain with Willow lol

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expectations were low and I was pleasantly surprised! At first I was afraid the story would get tangled up in the poetic prose but for the most part it didn't, although the dialogue was a little too poetic to feel realistic. As always, I'm no fan of the plot based on lack of communication, but besides this it was a lovely, tragic, whimsical, Canadian novel that I'm glad to have picked up.

[Ann Peachman Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow and Graham were best buddies in school, and then sweethearts. They were supposed to be married, but Graham left her at the altar and married someone else. It was a marriage of convenience, and he deeply regretted it. Willow lost the child he didn’t know about, and went on with her life through several tragedies. Then the old doctor leaves and Graham, now divorced, takes over the clinic.

[Maeve Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sai bought this book for me kind of as a joke, because the description was so bizarre. Probably the most random book I’ve ever read. The writing is kind of (purposely?) awkward. Very unserious and funny.

[Marilyn MacGown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The scenery is beautiful as is Cape Breton and Nova Scotia. I met the author while in a cruise and bought the book. A quick read which was enjoyable.

[Coleen C. Dillon · Rating 2 out of 5]

At least three times while reading this book I vowed to put it down, but it was like watching a train wreck....I couldn’t turn away.
First, the writing is mediocre, far too much purple prose and useless, time wasting description of the air, the dirt, windows. Weird, often plain wrong choice of verbs at times. Characters who pop up, disappear, pop up again....just when the plot needs to be explained or furthered. There are at least 4 “love stories” going on at the same time...and all are boring.

The only likable characters are Katherine and Alma. The only two woman in this town with any common sense.

Then there are the two main characters, Willow and Graham. I wanted to like them and their supposedly tragic love story, but half way in I just wanted to slap both of them for being stupid and self centered and stubborn. They actually deserve each other.

The writing is all over the place, to the point you are aware of how bad it is while trying to focus on reading the story. Do not read this book if you are all ready depressed.

In fact, just don’t read this book.

[Tammy MacMullin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok so I have a couple of things to say about this book.
The story was boring and forgettable. I won't remember this plot next week. But I usually read thrillers and this was a romance, so I can forgive that.

The descriptions were very well written, the prose was beautiful. However, I found the conversations between characters awkward and unrealistic. At times they just didn't make sense. And friends don't use each other's names in every sentence when speaking to each other!

It was just an okay book for me.

[deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must be a complete suckered for books with a windblown redhead on the cover. :(

It seemed the first few chapters were written by someone else, or maybe when author was asleep - bad sentence construction, too many incorrectly used words ... and then it got better and the red pen in my head went silent.

[Elaine (bonnie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stay with it, it's a little 'slow going' in spots, but deserves to be read and enjoyed.

I liked it, I didn't dislike it, it moved a little slowly in spots, but certainly not enough to close it before I finished it.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The time situation was an absolute mess and I definitely have a few other complaints because it wasn’t the cleanest execution of an already questionable idea, but overall, I had a pretty good time with this one. It is entirely possible it is because I had such low expectations going in; however, at the end of the day, a good read is a good read (good equalling mediocre to decent, potato, potahto). I won’t be rereading this one, just I enjoyed my day in the sun and this for sure aided that.

The characters were eh. I didn’t mind them, I thought barring pacing stuff there were some realistic portions and therefore things that I liked about them each. Their stories were nice though beyond crazy lady’s (Polina and I acknowledge that that is insensitive, but that’s another issue) and the Currie women. Affection for most of the stories built as I read and so, I think the author directed fairly well in that regard. A major failing would definitely be in regards to painting mental illness as she did because Polina was a villain and she was awful, but it all completely came down to her being ill.

In particular for all that, there was something charming to all the beginning romance -- especially Willow’s parents and then young Willow and Graham. Watching the trio of friends grow up was very sweet and while a pretty typical viewpoint, what MacNeil poured into that story made it more than backstory you had to trudge through. They were normal, the world affected them and relationships were born of it; I liked hearing about Willow, Graham and what little of Marjorie we got. That's something, personally, I think is a pretty major thing to achieve with your readers. On the other hand, hearing all the adults in Willow’s life have romance was an interesting view that I really liked for being interesting. All of the adults’ romances also acted as pleasant examples of love that did work out, her parents were who appealed to me the most though.

The plot itself was...interesting, I suppose? The childhood portion is something I’ve already stated to like, but the progression of the “current day” was weird because the story was weird. I understand anxiety and even grief tumbling into doubt of mass proportion, but wow, Willow’s concerns about rat poison are something else. Her reunion with Graham? Way too rushed for any end to the story, the maximum I would’ve realistically pictured was an attempt at healing -- together or individually -- being talked about slash initiated. Not happening, not succeeding, not failing: just barely initiated.

Which brings us to my opener: what the fuck was that setup MacNeil? I totally would’ve accepted viewing the pictures and that sort of inner monologue happening in a prologue, not what happened.. The actual bouncing around until it sort of faded into chronological, but not? Weird and unsuccessful, in my opinion. A prologue of that nature and then a chronological telling or more properly spaced bouncing between past and present would’ve worked far better in my mind. This was just really messy and I can understand why it would plain stop a lot of people from finishing.

This was a cool beach read set in Maritimes Canada. Nowhere near amazing and tons of problems, but the writing was pleasant (the second time I picked it up haha), it was mainly easy to read and I didn’t hate anyone I wasn’t supposed to. Absolutely I liked it well enough.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling and emotionally riveting, “The Girl He Left Behind” opens when Willow Alexander is jilted on her wedding day, losing more than just her high school sweetheart Graham Currie. Heartbroken by her losses she buries herself for fifteen years on her family’s expansive property, looking after her ailing mother Rhona after the death of her father, and working in a medical clinic in town.

On the alternate side of this heart-breaking story is Graham Currie who is struggling with a lie that shatters his plans of a happy, loving marriage to Willow but after ten years working in a clinic in New York City and newly divorced returns to Glenmor, Cape Breton after the death of Dr. Millstone and his wife, hoping to breach the gap he left behind when he abandoned the woman he always loved.

Forty years of age, each cursed by sorrow and tormented by lost dreams, Graham and Willow reunite when he returns to take over the town’s medical clinic. Harboring secrets and guilt that can destroy any hope of a reunion the two must confront the pain of their past before they'll find true happiness.

Beautifully written with poetic imagery that draws you into the emotional current running though the plot, the author pulls you into the torment, death and depression that stakes its claim on Willow’s life as well as the guilt and unhappiness that haunts Graham. Even when they reunite years later a dark shadow hovers over Willow who suspects she might have unsuspectingly caused the death of the Millstones. Although the mystery is limited and lies in the loss of youthful innocence, the lies, betrayal and pain that stain the happiness of the lovers over the years, the romance is to be remembered as it flows to a rewarding conclusion.

Bringing this emotionally-riveting romance to life are realistic and intriguing characters like beautiful, strong and sincere Willow Alexander who after being abandoned degenerates into a ghost of her former self, becoming depressed, lonely and looking for insight into a life that seems cursed with unhappiness and loss. Handsome, gifted and studious Graham Currie seems to have everything he could want in life with a brilliant career and the woman he loves until a lie and betrayal sets him on a lonely path of torment and anguish. Harvard graduate Dr. Pauline Rebane who’s determined and forward is the catalyst that rips the lovers apart to get what she wants only to become worn, drained and remote after her divorce.

“The Girl He left Behind” is a powerfully moving story of how confronting your fears and uncertainties can bring renewal and happiness again.

[booked with me · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really hard one to rate. I would classify this book as a fiction with elements of suspense and romance and not the type of book I normally read.

Willow is set to marry Graham right before he returns back to their "mountain town" after finishing medical school, however, Willow is left alone at the altar without any explanation. Graham leaves for 10 years and in that time we see Willow's life go on. She experiences loss and grieves the deaths of her parents. During this time Willow is in a weird spot knowing that the entire town sees her as the girl that was ditched by her betrothed and she holds on to the anger that Graham left her. However, Graham returns and Willow's life is uprooted as she has to come face to face with the man who betrayed her.

At one point I was flying through the book because I wanted to learn more about Willow. However at one point all the conflicts were resolved in a very convenient way. Graham and Willow reunited late in the book and I wish it happened a little earlier. The reader knew that Graham was going to return so the anticipation of their reunion had me invested, however, it was a little anti-climactic. I don't regret reading this book and enjoyed it, however, I wish the ending was a little stronger.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first impression a quarter of the way through: sad, a very sad tale. Willow Alexander is ditched at the altar by the love of her young life; at 24 she embarks on a life of caregiving to her dad and then her mom in a lovely house at the foot of Christy's Mountain in Cape Breton, being left at the altar by Graham Currie who suddenly decides life as a med student in New York more important. But there are two sides to every story and it is not until nearing the book's end Willow's secret is revealed to Graham and his, to her upon his return to the Mountain and to the practice he now takes over from the newly deceased Dr. Millhouse and his ailing wife Kathleen, friends and employers of Willow.
Moving, heart-tugging, too often sad, The Girl He Left Behind is well-written, and the characters are sharply drawn and endearing, the setting ideal and if you know the East Coast of Canada, well-imagined. Never certain of a reconciliation between Willow and Graham, finally, finally, they speak what's in their heart and the natural order of their lives is restored, years late, but now richer for the gap.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The was a quick paced book and I read it in one day. Willow is left at the altar on the day of her wedding by her high school sweetheart - Graham. She remains behind in the small town of Glenmor in Cape Breton. Graham moves to New York, marries a rich but troubled woman and stays there for 15 years. Graham eventually moves back home and takes over the town's medical practice. This story is about confronting fears and the ghosts of the past. It is simply written and my favourite part is the description of life in a small community, families, and the wild natural beauty of the hills in Cape Breton.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love CanLit and this book really showcases the east coast. Set in Cape Breton it gives you the lovely picture of the landscape of the Atlantic ocean coast.

I truly liked the characters and the plot, I found it a bit slow and also wish that there was more action. The emotions lacked substance and the lack of questions that they asked didn't seem realistic. Like why wouldnt Willow ask Graham why he left? Just took away the realism for me.

[Paulina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay so I hated this book, but I still finished it and that was rough. The amount of times it misspelt "women" as "woman" drove me up the wall (about 4-6 times), the unbelievability of Polina's parents, the unrealistic dialogue between characters (no one talks like that) and just how messy it was. There was a lot of background stories that had nothing to do with the main plot line. The 2 lead characters were infuriating. I don't know why I wasted my time.

[Lynn Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book when I was in Cape Breton where the story took place and Beatrice MacNeil autographed it for me. At first I wasn't sure I would like it. I thought it was a little slow in the beginning. However, as the book went on I really enjoyed it.
Give it a chance if you decide to read it and think it's slow in the beginning as I did. It's worth it.

[Mary Kamrath · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book from the author because we were visiting her area of Canada. The plot was ok but I felt that the story disconnected and did not stay on course. She jumped around and did not bring much excitement into a book that I expected to be a murder mystery or, at least, a bit more exciting. I did enjoy knowing that the area we had just visited was a big part of the story.

[Sharon Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really struggled to connect with this book and find it enjoyable. The premise was decent but it wants for me at this time. I wouldn’t write off this author but it will be awhile before I try one again.

[Marie Bertholf · Rating 5 out of 5]

While vacationing in Nova Scotia recently, I had the privilege of meeting the author and received an autographed copy of this book. What an honor. I am a new fan! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of her work.

[Suzette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator had a flat monotone voice with little variation. I couldn't listen while driving in case I nodded off.

I ended up trying the ebook but it didn't capture my interest - it's a slow moving book.

YMMV

[Brittany Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book super flowery at the beginning - HATED it, so much that I put it down and read something else. As I got about 100 pages in, the writing improved and I actually really enjoyed this book - was able to finish the remaining 200ish pages in a day. I’m a sucker for a happy ending :)

[Daniel Moberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally read this book I got directly from the author when I met her in Cape Breton in October of 2022. Don't know why I waited so long. I really enjoyed it. Great storyteller with an interesting cast of characters.

[Debra Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased from the author