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Leaving Home
Leaving home was never part of the plan.
Southern belle Ellie Hawthorne loved her life. She loved her big family, the friends she’d had since kindergarten, and Red Creek, Oklahoma, the small town she called home. She could see her future as clearly as she could see the sunrise over her family’s sprawling ranch.
When a devastating discovery shatters her perfectly mapped-out future, Ellie is left embarrassed, heartbroken, and without any idea of what her future will hold. Finally realizing her situation is never going to change unless she does, Ellie leaves the only home she’s ever known. Across the country and light-years from everything familiar and safe, with only her dog at her side, Ellie embarks on a new path that will test her courage, teach her about love, and that just might show her leaving home is the only way to find home.
Leaving Home is the first book in the clean, contemporary romance series by Margaret Standafer. Get to know Ellie, Nicole, and Max as they navigate life’s twists and turns, forge lasting friendships, and dare to give love a chance, all while they brave a career none of them expected: middle school teacher.
Southern belle Ellie Hawthorne loved her life. She loved her big family, the friends she’d had since kindergarten, and Red Creek, Oklahoma, the small town she called home. She could see her future as clearly as she could see the sunrise over her family’s sprawling ranch.
When a devastating discovery shatters her perfectly mapped-out future, Ellie is left embarrassed, heartbroken, and without any idea of what her future will hold. Finally realizing her situation is never going to change unless she does, Ellie leaves the only home she’s ever known. Across the country and light-years from everything familiar and safe, with only her dog at her side, Ellie embarks on a new path that will test her courage, teach her about love, and that just might show her leaving home is the only way to find home.
Leaving Home is the first book in the clean, contemporary romance series by Margaret Standafer. Get to know Ellie, Nicole, and Max as they navigate life’s twists and turns, forge lasting friendships, and dare to give love a chance, all while they brave a career none of them expected: middle school teacher.
- GenresAdult
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2022
241 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Standafer
11 books146 followersI have been in love with reading since I was old enough to pick up a book. From helping Frodo save Middle Earth to screaming at Scarlett O’Hara to hurry up and realize Rhett Butler was the only man for her, books have taken me on countless adventures.
It took me much longer to realize I also love writing. For years I ignored my husband’s subtle and not-so-subtle hints that I should give writing a try. He was convinced I could do it. I wasn’t. When I finally sat down and started to put some of the stories in my head down on paper, I discovered not only could I do it, I discovered a whole new world of possibilities and adventures…a world where I could control the outcome. I’ve never been happier!
It is my sincere hope that you enjoy my writing. I’d love to hear from you whether it’s about something I’ve written or about something someone else has written and that you’ve read and loved. That’s the great thing about Goodreads…I can be a reader and a writer!
It took me much longer to realize I also love writing. For years I ignored my husband’s subtle and not-so-subtle hints that I should give writing a try. He was convinced I could do it. I wasn’t. When I finally sat down and started to put some of the stories in my head down on paper, I discovered not only could I do it, I discovered a whole new world of possibilities and adventures…a world where I could control the outcome. I’ve never been happier!
It is my sincere hope that you enjoy my writing. I’d love to hear from you whether it’s about something I’ve written or about something someone else has written and that you’ve read and loved. That’s the great thing about Goodreads…I can be a reader and a writer!
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 8, 2022
It's so hard to find a good clean romance, and Margaret Standafer is one of my go to authors for them! Leaving Home was a light, fun read. As an added bonus, this story is pro-therapy, which you don't see very often. It's not a central plotline, but the main character references how much being in therapy helped her in the past. I'm HERE for normalizing mental health supports! Leaving Home would be great for taking on vacation, or reading while curled up in a cozy sweater and drinking a cup of tea. Would highly recommend.
March 9, 2024
Beautiful
It’s been a long time since I have read a book that keeps my attention. Quick paced and wonderful love story told without all of the inappropriate intimacy scenarios. Loved it! Thank you!
It’s been a long time since I have read a book that keeps my attention. Quick paced and wonderful love story told without all of the inappropriate intimacy scenarios. Loved it! Thank you!
July 30, 2022
excellent
I enjoy Margaret’s books. I was excited when I seen she had written another. Her stories flow and you enter the characters world wanting to know the secrets! You laugh with the dialogue and antics, cry hard sometimes with the history. It is a true experience reading her books. Read this in a whole day! Well worth it
I enjoy Margaret’s books. I was excited when I seen she had written another. Her stories flow and you enter the characters world wanting to know the secrets! You laugh with the dialogue and antics, cry hard sometimes with the history. It is a true experience reading her books. Read this in a whole day! Well worth it
August 8, 2022
Wholesome Romance Nivel
Ellie is funny when she's not worried about her past love. The blooming friendship between her, Max and Nicole is portrayed realistically. I do want to know what Nicole's secret is. I can't wait to find out. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
Ellie is funny when she's not worried about her past love. The blooming friendship between her, Max and Nicole is portrayed realistically. I do want to know what Nicole's secret is. I can't wait to find out. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
December 12, 2022
Definitely a feel good story but I figured it would be. Since it’s the holiday season, it’s perfect. I enjoyed it even more because the main character and her friends are teachers. Everything she had them doing, I definitely could relate to. Even about middle school kids. Just a fun read.
February 5, 2024
Awesome!
This book was amazing!!!! I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next one !!!! Perfect love, action and romance!!!
This book was amazing!!!! I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next one !!!! Perfect love, action and romance!!!
October 18, 2025
It was great to read a clean romance for a change. Enjoyed the simplicity of the story. Quick read
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews