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The Long Way Back
When an Instagram-famous teenager mysteriously disappears, her mother grapples with the revelation of dark secrets in this twisty, atmospheric thriller—from the author of the “poignant, riveting” (Wendy Walker, author of Don’t Look for Me) Everything We Didn’t Say.
Mother and daughter Charlie and Eva never sought social media fame, but when a stunning photo of Eva went viral, fame found them. Now, after more than two years documenting life on the road in their vintage Airstream trailer, the duo has temporarily settled on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Eva is happily finishing her senior year of high school and applying to college, but Charlie longs for the adventures they left behind.
When Eva goes missing less than a week before her graduation, it’s Charlie who is immediately suspected of foul play—not just by their fans, but also by the police and the FBI. As a fight about one more road trip comes to light, and the truth about their relationship is questioned, Charlie realizes the rosy facade they portrayed online hid a complicated and potentially dangerous reality. Now, to clear her name and find out what has happened to her daughter, she’ll have to confront her own role in Eva’s disappearance—and whether she knows her daughter at all.
Mother and daughter Charlie and Eva never sought social media fame, but when a stunning photo of Eva went viral, fame found them. Now, after more than two years documenting life on the road in their vintage Airstream trailer, the duo has temporarily settled on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Eva is happily finishing her senior year of high school and applying to college, but Charlie longs for the adventures they left behind.
When Eva goes missing less than a week before her graduation, it’s Charlie who is immediately suspected of foul play—not just by their fans, but also by the police and the FBI. As a fight about one more road trip comes to light, and the truth about their relationship is questioned, Charlie realizes the rosy facade they portrayed online hid a complicated and potentially dangerous reality. Now, to clear her name and find out what has happened to her daughter, she’ll have to confront her own role in Eva’s disappearance—and whether she knows her daughter at all.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2023
138 people are currently reading
21158 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Baart
17 books1,594 followersNicole Baart is the author of eleven novels, including Everything We Didn’t Say (an October 2021 Book of the Month selection and Amazon Editor's pick) and The Long Way Back. Best known for her “race-to-the-finish family dramas” (People), Baart is also the cofounder of a nonprofit and mother of five. She lives in Iowa with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 505 reviews
October 24, 2022
Is it wrong to give your own book a five-star review? Asking for a friend.
June 18, 2023
***NOW AVAILABLE:***
This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I really enjoyed the first part of the book and all of the later descriptions of Charlie and Eva’s life on the road in their Airstream!! Their podcast seemed to be very positive and an example of good use of social media. I was really getting into their relationship when Eva runs away with Zach!!
The book then takes a turn when we learn more about Zach and his family and what that family is all about.
What follows is Charlie’s search for Eva. She had no idea that Eva even had a boyfriend!! Without Eva’s phone or computer it really takes a long time to get pointed in the right direction.
I think this part of the book dragged and the writing seemed to get a bit choppy.
I would have liked to know more about Charlie and Eva besides their travels on the road. I thought Charlie wanted to give her daughter insight into the beauty of different parts of the country and she did that. However Eva was 17 and this was the first time she was in a public school.
The ending was a bit rushed and there were some loose threads. It was an entertaining read and a quick one!
If you like reading about social media and it’s influences, you will enjoy this book.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I really enjoyed the first part of the book and all of the later descriptions of Charlie and Eva’s life on the road in their Airstream!! Their podcast seemed to be very positive and an example of good use of social media. I was really getting into their relationship when Eva runs away with Zach!!
The book then takes a turn when we learn more about Zach and his family and what that family is all about.
What follows is Charlie’s search for Eva. She had no idea that Eva even had a boyfriend!! Without Eva’s phone or computer it really takes a long time to get pointed in the right direction.
I think this part of the book dragged and the writing seemed to get a bit choppy.
I would have liked to know more about Charlie and Eva besides their travels on the road. I thought Charlie wanted to give her daughter insight into the beauty of different parts of the country and she did that. However Eva was 17 and this was the first time she was in a public school.
The ending was a bit rushed and there were some loose threads. It was an entertaining read and a quick one!
If you like reading about social media and it’s influences, you will enjoy this book.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
June 22, 2023
The Long Way Back has a slow start but turns into one wild thriller.
When mother and daughter Charlie and Eva accidentally went viral, they decided to continue sharing their travel posts. After two years on the road, they’ve settled down in a Minnesota town while Eva finishes high school and applies to colleges. They both agree to spend one last summer travelling in their Airstream trailer before Eva begins her next chapter.
Their plans fall apart when Charlie wakes up on their boat, and Eva is nowhere to be found. It doesn’t take long for everyone, including their followers and the FBI and police, to suspect that Charlie is responsible for her daughter’s disappearance.
This thriller has dual perspectives and includes news articles, podcasts, and Instagram posts. I preferred the second pov over Charlie’s. Charlie’s initial section was a slow burn, and she made some ill-advised moves.
It discusses the dangers of parents sharing information about their kids online. And how one can be the internet’s favourite person one day and its subject of scorn the next.
Based on the cover and the blurb, I thought this would be a laid-back domestic suspense. The first part was going that way. It had a slow start, but the rest was a whirlwind. It turned into a super twisty and action-packed thriller. Despite the dramatic twists, I still enjoyed the plot overall.
If you enjoy super twisty thrillers, I’d recommend giving this a try.
Thank you to Atria Books for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
When mother and daughter Charlie and Eva accidentally went viral, they decided to continue sharing their travel posts. After two years on the road, they’ve settled down in a Minnesota town while Eva finishes high school and applies to colleges. They both agree to spend one last summer travelling in their Airstream trailer before Eva begins her next chapter.
Their plans fall apart when Charlie wakes up on their boat, and Eva is nowhere to be found. It doesn’t take long for everyone, including their followers and the FBI and police, to suspect that Charlie is responsible for her daughter’s disappearance.
This thriller has dual perspectives and includes news articles, podcasts, and Instagram posts. I preferred the second pov over Charlie’s. Charlie’s initial section was a slow burn, and she made some ill-advised moves.
It discusses the dangers of parents sharing information about their kids online. And how one can be the internet’s favourite person one day and its subject of scorn the next.
Based on the cover and the blurb, I thought this would be a laid-back domestic suspense. The first part was going that way. It had a slow start, but the rest was a whirlwind. It turned into a super twisty and action-packed thriller. Despite the dramatic twists, I still enjoyed the plot overall.
If you enjoy super twisty thrillers, I’d recommend giving this a try.
Thank you to Atria Books for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
June 3, 2023
What is going on between the covers
Charlie creates what she thinks is the perfect Instagram life for herself and her teenage daughter Eva as a way for them to bond. The two traveled the county in their airstream while chronicling their adventures. She thinks she is being smart by not posting their faces and not identifying their location till they have moved on until Eva goes missing. She begins to realize the cost of media fame.
My Two Cents
I am not a big fan of the Instagram storyline, but Nicole Baart gives us something different here than those overused dark sides of social media tropes. Themes of the danger of parents sharing information about their children are explored, opening up questions about our children's privacy. Nicole Baart weaves in themes of mother/daughter relationships while opening up questions of how dependent a mother is on their children for their happiness and keeping their adult children dependent on them instead of encouraging them to ventage out on their own. There are also themes of how well you know your children and the secrets they keep from you to have independence from their parents.
The story is about more than what I have mentioned. It takes a surprising turn that I am sure no one will see coming. I have plenty to say about that, but I won't because I like to avoid spoilers. It was fresh, timely, different, bold, and explored well.
There is a thrilling element with the danger for the characters. The tension and suspense increased to the exciting climax and showdown with a believability element that could make you think it can happen that way in the story. The conclusion is rewarding and pays off, making it a satisfying read.
I received a copy for the publisher through Edelweiss
Charlie creates what she thinks is the perfect Instagram life for herself and her teenage daughter Eva as a way for them to bond. The two traveled the county in their airstream while chronicling their adventures. She thinks she is being smart by not posting their faces and not identifying their location till they have moved on until Eva goes missing. She begins to realize the cost of media fame.
My Two Cents
I am not a big fan of the Instagram storyline, but Nicole Baart gives us something different here than those overused dark sides of social media tropes. Themes of the danger of parents sharing information about their children are explored, opening up questions about our children's privacy. Nicole Baart weaves in themes of mother/daughter relationships while opening up questions of how dependent a mother is on their children for their happiness and keeping their adult children dependent on them instead of encouraging them to ventage out on their own. There are also themes of how well you know your children and the secrets they keep from you to have independence from their parents.
The story is about more than what I have mentioned. It takes a surprising turn that I am sure no one will see coming. I have plenty to say about that, but I won't because I like to avoid spoilers. It was fresh, timely, different, bold, and explored well.
There is a thrilling element with the danger for the characters. The tension and suspense increased to the exciting climax and showdown with a believability element that could make you think it can happen that way in the story. The conclusion is rewarding and pays off, making it a satisfying read.
I received a copy for the publisher through Edelweiss
June 21, 2023
This was my first book by @nicolebaart and it was a page turner!! This book is SO wild!! I was hooked from the first page.
A mother and daughter Instagram sensation?? Umm 🤔 yes please!! When Charlie posts a photo that goes viral… 😳… well nobody is more surprised than her!! The single mom decides let’s take advantage of our fame and chronicle our life on the road!! Fun right?? 😍 … I thought so!! Until….. her daughter Eva goes missing…🫢🥺😳 Right??
Suddenly … she finds herself attacked by the media for exposing her daughter…Did some creepy internet stalker take Eva? 😳Or did Eva finally have enough of her mom and her adventures? 🤔🤔🤔
So you think you know how this is going to play out?? Think again my friends… 😂… this book goes completely sideways and kicks into HIGH gear in the second half!! I never even imagined this book would take this turn..🤷♀️.. 🤯
I can say no more!! 🤫This twist… or shall we say twists are so impossible to see coming!! 😏You definitely need to go in totally blind!! A suspense filled ride that kept me turning the pages late into the night!! 🙌🙌 Pub date was June 13th🥳🥳
A mother and daughter Instagram sensation?? Umm 🤔 yes please!! When Charlie posts a photo that goes viral… 😳… well nobody is more surprised than her!! The single mom decides let’s take advantage of our fame and chronicle our life on the road!! Fun right?? 😍 … I thought so!! Until….. her daughter Eva goes missing…🫢🥺😳 Right??
Suddenly … she finds herself attacked by the media for exposing her daughter…Did some creepy internet stalker take Eva? 😳Or did Eva finally have enough of her mom and her adventures? 🤔🤔🤔
So you think you know how this is going to play out?? Think again my friends… 😂… this book goes completely sideways and kicks into HIGH gear in the second half!! I never even imagined this book would take this turn..🤷♀️.. 🤯
I can say no more!! 🤫This twist… or shall we say twists are so impossible to see coming!! 😏You definitely need to go in totally blind!! A suspense filled ride that kept me turning the pages late into the night!! 🙌🙌 Pub date was June 13th🥳🥳
June 21, 2023
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“But the water that gives life can take it. The love that feels forever can fade. People are messy and broken and achingly beautiful, and life is never quite what it seems.”
I really don't know what to make of The Long Way Back. I, honestly, did not find anything off-setting about the writing. I liked how the POV's alternated between Charlie and Eva, and how there was a clear distinction between the mother and daughter's personalities and perspectives. What I don't quite understand, what was the true intent of this story.
On one side, it gave me the impression that parents shouldn't be too invested with their children - giving them the breadth to grow and be their own person. On the other hand, we get a little glimpse into the many beauties of the United States - satisfying the wanderlust in all of us, but still, showing the precautions one should take while traveling, especially alone. Another side showed me how damaging social media can be, once again, for Instagram influencers, or even, having your child in the spotlight - giving people the ability to latch onto them to fulfill their own desires. And then, the other part of me was perplexed at the cause behind Eva's disappearance - and why, she even felt the need to move in that direction in the first place.
Do you see what I'm getting at? I felt that there were too many plot devices and so many themes that were being tackled, that I couldn't quite figure out, what exactly it was that I was supposed to take away from this book. There were just so many points that I felt were thrown into this mix, so much that wanted to be addressed, that I couldn't feel wholly satisfied with any of them. 😩 💨
“God, being a mother is agony, Charlie thinks. Bittersweet and aching and inexpressibly beautiful. And hard.”
It started off really strong; Charlie's fear of not remembering what happened to her daughter was palpable. I liked the little pieces and clues that were laid out, as she tried to recall what could have happened, her adamant belief that she had not harmed Eva, that something had happened to her, all the while, reflecting on her relationship with her, and how much Instagram had become such a strong staple of their lives. Those instances, I felt like it was a cautionary advice that we shouldn't be so overwhelmed and consumed by the allure of an online presence - because, really that's all that it is. And when it becomes such a big part of your life - when it entirely becomes your life, there are going to be repercussions.
“Motherhood is push and pull, back and forth, I love you even when you disobey, walk away, keep secrets. Maybe especially then, Charlie thinks, because I know you. I know you like I know the rhythms of my own body.
A mother doesn’t have to think about it, the innate knowledge of her child in the world is a part of who she is. Until it isn’t.”
As much as I empathized with Eva's frustrations and her feelings towards her mother, I did not quite buy the reasoning behind her disappearance. I get that this is something that is happening - that it should not be ruled out - but, it seemed so far-fetched...that I did not quite believe it. But, the extent of her disappearance was so severe, that again, I'm conflicted on what should I take away from this. Should the readers sympathize with Eva and her predicament - that if she hadn't been so distanced from her mother, she could have avoided this entirely?
Or should we be angry with her rash impulsive actions of first love that led her to this situation, and that her mother should have been more involved in her life? That imbalance of trying to weigh out the right over the wrong, I think, marred my enjoyment of it; because in hindsight, it just teaches me that, despite them being such a loving family onscreen, off-screen, there was no balance and stability to their lives. And if there had been, perhaps, all of this could have been avoided. 😩
“Charlie still had her camera, and Eva still had her words, and maybe there were better ways to share and connect, to remind people to open their eyes and their hearts.
To explore the world around them and smile at the people they met. To always take the long way back.”
But, then the rational part of me kicks in that says, 'Amina, think about the title' - what is the author trying to say with this? 🤔 And then, I kinda understand why the story went in the direction that it did; that, despite the outlandish predicaments that this mother-daughter duo found themselves in, it was that they would still find their way back to each other - even if they had to take the long way back. So, if that was the intention behind this story, then, I suppose, it did achieve that. I just wish it could have been executed in a more believable scheme of things.
So, while this book left me with mixed feelings, I still found it engaging enough to pique my interest to read it till the end; so, I guess, it deserves some credit for that. 🤷
“But the water that gives life can take it. The love that feels forever can fade. People are messy and broken and achingly beautiful, and life is never quite what it seems.”
I really don't know what to make of The Long Way Back. I, honestly, did not find anything off-setting about the writing. I liked how the POV's alternated between Charlie and Eva, and how there was a clear distinction between the mother and daughter's personalities and perspectives. What I don't quite understand, what was the true intent of this story.
On one side, it gave me the impression that parents shouldn't be too invested with their children - giving them the breadth to grow and be their own person. On the other hand, we get a little glimpse into the many beauties of the United States - satisfying the wanderlust in all of us, but still, showing the precautions one should take while traveling, especially alone. Another side showed me how damaging social media can be, once again, for Instagram influencers, or even, having your child in the spotlight - giving people the ability to latch onto them to fulfill their own desires. And then, the other part of me was perplexed at the cause behind Eva's disappearance - and why, she even felt the need to move in that direction in the first place.
Do you see what I'm getting at? I felt that there were too many plot devices and so many themes that were being tackled, that I couldn't quite figure out, what exactly it was that I was supposed to take away from this book. There were just so many points that I felt were thrown into this mix, so much that wanted to be addressed, that I couldn't feel wholly satisfied with any of them. 😩 💨
“God, being a mother is agony, Charlie thinks. Bittersweet and aching and inexpressibly beautiful. And hard.”
It started off really strong; Charlie's fear of not remembering what happened to her daughter was palpable. I liked the little pieces and clues that were laid out, as she tried to recall what could have happened, her adamant belief that she had not harmed Eva, that something had happened to her, all the while, reflecting on her relationship with her, and how much Instagram had become such a strong staple of their lives. Those instances, I felt like it was a cautionary advice that we shouldn't be so overwhelmed and consumed by the allure of an online presence - because, really that's all that it is. And when it becomes such a big part of your life - when it entirely becomes your life, there are going to be repercussions.
“Motherhood is push and pull, back and forth, I love you even when you disobey, walk away, keep secrets. Maybe especially then, Charlie thinks, because I know you. I know you like I know the rhythms of my own body.
A mother doesn’t have to think about it, the innate knowledge of her child in the world is a part of who she is. Until it isn’t.”
As much as I empathized with Eva's frustrations and her feelings towards her mother, I did not quite buy the reasoning behind her disappearance. I get that this is something that is happening - that it should not be ruled out - but, it seemed so far-fetched...that I did not quite believe it. But, the extent of her disappearance was so severe, that again, I'm conflicted on what should I take away from this. Should the readers sympathize with Eva and her predicament - that if she hadn't been so distanced from her mother, she could have avoided this entirely?
Or should we be angry with her rash impulsive actions of first love that led her to this situation, and that her mother should have been more involved in her life? That imbalance of trying to weigh out the right over the wrong, I think, marred my enjoyment of it; because in hindsight, it just teaches me that, despite them being such a loving family onscreen, off-screen, there was no balance and stability to their lives. And if there had been, perhaps, all of this could have been avoided. 😩
“Charlie still had her camera, and Eva still had her words, and maybe there were better ways to share and connect, to remind people to open their eyes and their hearts.
To explore the world around them and smile at the people they met. To always take the long way back.”
But, then the rational part of me kicks in that says, 'Amina, think about the title' - what is the author trying to say with this? 🤔 And then, I kinda understand why the story went in the direction that it did; that, despite the outlandish predicaments that this mother-daughter duo found themselves in, it was that they would still find their way back to each other - even if they had to take the long way back. So, if that was the intention behind this story, then, I suppose, it did achieve that. I just wish it could have been executed in a more believable scheme of things.
So, while this book left me with mixed feelings, I still found it engaging enough to pique my interest to read it till the end; so, I guess, it deserves some credit for that. 🤷
April 29, 2023
Charlie and Eva hit unexpected Instagram fame with a photo of teenage Eva by a waterfall. Their newfound fame allows them to hit the road for over two years in their Airstream trailer, spending all their time together. But now they are back in Charlie's Minnesota hometown, where Eva is attending her senior year of high school. Charlie dreams of one last trip before Eva heads off to college, but Eva is ready for stability. Then everything changes when Eva disappears while the two are boating. Suddenly, it seems their Instagram fans and the police suspect Charlie of hurting her own daughter...
This was a great read--beautifully written, suspenseful, and a total page-turner! Baart does a wonderful job exploring motherhood and parenthood alongside the mystery of what happened to Eva. Charlie struggles with returning home--she's famous not only for her Instagram and traveling with Eva, but for being the daughter of the town drunk in small town. She holds so much baggage from her past and clings to the idea that traveling on the road with Eva will keep her close and prevent her from having secrets.
But, wow, secrets abound in LONG! There are some amazing twists in this book! While so much of the story focuses on the potential benefits and dangers of social media (are you exposing your child while traveling around, or putting your adventures on social media, or giving her memorable adventures that she couldn't find elsewhere), there are other dark turns too--and it's best to go in blind.
Told from both Charlie and Eva's point of view, THE LONG WAY BACK shows a mother struggling to let her daughter go and a daughter itching to be set free. It delves deeply into familial relationships of all types and the power of social media in our divisive world. It keeps you reading with its immersive tale and beautiful prose. It presents a fascinating mystery along with a thoughtful story. 4.25 stars (rounded up).
I received a copy of this book from Atria Books and Edelweiss in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE LONG WAY BACK on 6/13/2023!!
This was a great read--beautifully written, suspenseful, and a total page-turner! Baart does a wonderful job exploring motherhood and parenthood alongside the mystery of what happened to Eva. Charlie struggles with returning home--she's famous not only for her Instagram and traveling with Eva, but for being the daughter of the town drunk in small town. She holds so much baggage from her past and clings to the idea that traveling on the road with Eva will keep her close and prevent her from having secrets.
But, wow, secrets abound in LONG! There are some amazing twists in this book! While so much of the story focuses on the potential benefits and dangers of social media (are you exposing your child while traveling around, or putting your adventures on social media, or giving her memorable adventures that she couldn't find elsewhere), there are other dark turns too--and it's best to go in blind.
Told from both Charlie and Eva's point of view, THE LONG WAY BACK shows a mother struggling to let her daughter go and a daughter itching to be set free. It delves deeply into familial relationships of all types and the power of social media in our divisive world. It keeps you reading with its immersive tale and beautiful prose. It presents a fascinating mystery along with a thoughtful story. 4.25 stars (rounded up).
I received a copy of this book from Atria Books and Edelweiss in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE LONG WAY BACK on 6/13/2023!!
April 21, 2023
This is a look at the relationship between mothers and daughters and asks how well mothers know their daughters and how well daughters understand their mothers no matter how close their relationship appears to be. For the mother and daughter duo in this story the truth is revealed when the daughter disappears.
Mother Charlie and daughter Eva have always been close -- it's always been just the two of them against the world. A picture that they post on social media goes viral and they end up creating an Instagram account called Eva Explores. They pack up an old airstream camper and travel around the country while keeping their fans updated on their travels. Eva tires of the travel and asks if they can settle down while she finishes her final year of high school and makes plans for college. They settle in a small town in Minnesota on Lake Superior and their relationship continues to be very close - or is it? When Charlie admits that she's tired of being settled down and wants a few more months of travel, Eva refuses. After much discussion, Eva relents but the next day, she disappears from the small boat that she and her mom were on while her mom was taking a nap. When Charlie is rescued, the police become involved and Charlie is the main suspect in her daughter's disappearance. Even as the FBI becomes involved, Charlie remains the main suspect. She knows that she is going to have to do some investigation on her own to clear her name and find her daughter. I really can't say much more about her investigation without spoiling the book for other readers but I will you tell you that the second half of the book was full of twists and turns that kept me rapidly turning pages.
The story is told from both Charlie and Eva's points of view and their chapters are interspersed with Instagram posts and college application essays that Eva has written. I thought the addition of the essays helped give much more depth and background to Eva's story.
This book was a look at two major issues -- the effects of a family living their lives on social media for the entire world to see and a look at the difficulty that some mothers have in realizing that their children are growing up and need to have a life of their own separate from them.
This was a definitely suspenseful read. It drew me in quickly and even though I found Charlie to be overbearing at times, I still hoped for a positive outcome after Eva's disappearance. You don't want to miss this one especially if social media is a major part of your life.
Mother Charlie and daughter Eva have always been close -- it's always been just the two of them against the world. A picture that they post on social media goes viral and they end up creating an Instagram account called Eva Explores. They pack up an old airstream camper and travel around the country while keeping their fans updated on their travels. Eva tires of the travel and asks if they can settle down while she finishes her final year of high school and makes plans for college. They settle in a small town in Minnesota on Lake Superior and their relationship continues to be very close - or is it? When Charlie admits that she's tired of being settled down and wants a few more months of travel, Eva refuses. After much discussion, Eva relents but the next day, she disappears from the small boat that she and her mom were on while her mom was taking a nap. When Charlie is rescued, the police become involved and Charlie is the main suspect in her daughter's disappearance. Even as the FBI becomes involved, Charlie remains the main suspect. She knows that she is going to have to do some investigation on her own to clear her name and find her daughter. I really can't say much more about her investigation without spoiling the book for other readers but I will you tell you that the second half of the book was full of twists and turns that kept me rapidly turning pages.
The story is told from both Charlie and Eva's points of view and their chapters are interspersed with Instagram posts and college application essays that Eva has written. I thought the addition of the essays helped give much more depth and background to Eva's story.
This book was a look at two major issues -- the effects of a family living their lives on social media for the entire world to see and a look at the difficulty that some mothers have in realizing that their children are growing up and need to have a life of their own separate from them.
This was a definitely suspenseful read. It drew me in quickly and even though I found Charlie to be overbearing at times, I still hoped for a positive outcome after Eva's disappearance. You don't want to miss this one especially if social media is a major part of your life.
March 21, 2023
This book is so hard to rate. I loved the first part of the book. Originally, I would have given it 4 stars, then the story took a turn I definitely wasn't expecting. I was hooked from the start and couldn't imagine what happened to Eva. Did she voluntarily leave the boat? Did a crazed fan kidnap her? Why would the life raft be missing, along with all of Eva's stuff? I loved reading about their adventures. Eva and Charlie lived a like most people would dream of having. They pretty much got paid to be on vacation everyday. Even though Charlie and Eva were constantly exploring and meeting new people, Eva lived a very sheltered life. Eva spent almost all her time with her mom, so it wasn't unexpected that she wanted to get away. The second part of the book, the reader finds out what happened to Eva on the boat. The Gates just seemed to come out of nowhere and didn't seem to fit in with the first part of the book. What was the reason Abner was so interested in Eva, what was he going to use her for? I didn't love the ending. It felt like a bit of a let down, since it was supposed to be a huge event. The book sort of felt like two stories combined into one. I still enjoyed it.
Definitely recommend the book. It was interesting and full of twists and turns. There's no way to guess what happens to Eva. I enjoyed the characters, story and writing style. I didn't love Eva or Charlie. They definitely didn't always make the best choices. Charlie was extremely lucky nothing worse happened on the island when they were looking for orcas. Charlie and Eva lived their life on Instagram, they got tons of money and free stuff. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Loved the cover of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend the book. It was interesting and full of twists and turns. There's no way to guess what happens to Eva. I enjoyed the characters, story and writing style. I didn't love Eva or Charlie. They definitely didn't always make the best choices. Charlie was extremely lucky nothing worse happened on the island when they were looking for orcas. Charlie and Eva lived their life on Instagram, they got tons of money and free stuff. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Loved the cover of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 21, 2023
Wow. Just wow. This was wild. I loved it and finished it in one day, absolutely fascinated, shocked and on edge the whole time. It was not what I expected it to be, it was even better. <3
August 2, 2023
This was one wild ride from start to finish. 3.5 stars
May 30, 2023
Right up front, I’ll say that this book’s synopsis is about all that can be said. Knowing what happens or anything after the disappearance would ruin all the suspense… but let’s rewind a bit!
Charlie is a single mom, and this story starts when Eve is 13 years old. One day during their many travels, Charlie took a picture of her daughter standing under a waterfall. Mindful of cropping out a lot of her face, she posts the image on Instagram under the name The Sutton Girls.
You see, Eve had wanted a social media account for years, but her mom wisely decided they should share an account to document their travels. Their first picture of Eve went viral, and soon they were actually making money as influencers. This allowed them to travel even more! They are always careful to only post about a place after they’ve left it, and to only give glimpses of their faces (though they still have to block a lot of creepers).
Four years later, Eve is seventeen and about to graduate from high school. The Sutton Girls decide to stay at their home in Minnesota for a few months, but as the summer before Eve goes to college grows nearer, Charlie begs her for one more summer on the road. There was definitely some arguing, but eventually Eve decides to go along, if they rename the account “Eve Explores”. They are in Lake Superior on their boat when they have an argument, Charlie drinks some wine, and takes a nap. When she wakes, Eve has disappeared.
Charlie is of course anguished. Did she fall overboard? Could she have been jumping in and hit her head? Could someone have kidnapped her? If she hadn’t had that wine, would she have heard Eve crying for help? The Coast Guard comes, and she soon realizes they are considering her a suspect. What happened to Eve?
I loved so much about this - the social media comments and podcasts written throughout, and that it’s mostly based in Minnesota, a state that has a special place in my heart. I loved the relationship between this mother and daughter; at many times it was quite touching. This was completely suspenseful and thrilling, and the pages turned quickly. My only complaint was that it was a bit far-fetched and overly dramatic, but I totally enjoyed this one. 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to Atria Books, Nicole Baart, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on June 13, 2023.)
Charlie is a single mom, and this story starts when Eve is 13 years old. One day during their many travels, Charlie took a picture of her daughter standing under a waterfall. Mindful of cropping out a lot of her face, she posts the image on Instagram under the name The Sutton Girls.
You see, Eve had wanted a social media account for years, but her mom wisely decided they should share an account to document their travels. Their first picture of Eve went viral, and soon they were actually making money as influencers. This allowed them to travel even more! They are always careful to only post about a place after they’ve left it, and to only give glimpses of their faces (though they still have to block a lot of creepers).
Four years later, Eve is seventeen and about to graduate from high school. The Sutton Girls decide to stay at their home in Minnesota for a few months, but as the summer before Eve goes to college grows nearer, Charlie begs her for one more summer on the road. There was definitely some arguing, but eventually Eve decides to go along, if they rename the account “Eve Explores”. They are in Lake Superior on their boat when they have an argument, Charlie drinks some wine, and takes a nap. When she wakes, Eve has disappeared.
Charlie is of course anguished. Did she fall overboard? Could she have been jumping in and hit her head? Could someone have kidnapped her? If she hadn’t had that wine, would she have heard Eve crying for help? The Coast Guard comes, and she soon realizes they are considering her a suspect. What happened to Eve?
I loved so much about this - the social media comments and podcasts written throughout, and that it’s mostly based in Minnesota, a state that has a special place in my heart. I loved the relationship between this mother and daughter; at many times it was quite touching. This was completely suspenseful and thrilling, and the pages turned quickly. My only complaint was that it was a bit far-fetched and overly dramatic, but I totally enjoyed this one. 4.5 stars.
(Thank you to Atria Books, Nicole Baart, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on June 13, 2023.)
June 5, 2023
This was a quieter style of suspense with great themes that explored the relationship between mothers and daughters and all the complexities that are present in that dynamic. I love the authors style, her writing is so strong and she has an evocative way of telling a story that always speaks to me. The social media angle always fascinates me and since Charlie and Eva shared a popular joint account there was a lot to explore here. NB does a great job at looking at the dark side of social media all while creating a suspenseful story of a missing person. If you like character driven mysteries with depth this was good.
Want to read
March 22, 2023Thank You Simon and Schuster & Edelweiss for my gifted copy. Will be starting this very soon!
July 9, 2023
two entirely different books clumsily stapled together
June 2, 2023
This story focuses on a mother and daughter who find Instagram fame from documenting their travels and adventures. When the daughter goes missing, everyone is quick to point fingers at the mom for being responsible. This book had me furiously flipping the pages, and in the end it went in a completely different direction than I expected. I enjoyed the twists and the discussion around the dangers of putting everything out there on social media.
June 29, 2023
Meh. It never grabbed me and I was never fully invested the whole way through. The premise seemed like it should be interesting but it takes a strange turn and I never got on board with it.
The story follows a mother-daughter influencer team. They travel the world together but one morning the mom wakes up to find her teen daughter missing. Everyone suspects she’s behind it but she knows there’s something more at play.
There’s just not enough depth to the character and this is far more in the thriller category than mystery. We are never introduced to the slew of characters that explain the mystery during the first part so I was never surprised. The ending is an adrenaline inducing thrill scene which was interesting but ultimately this felt like a pretty forgettable book.
The story follows a mother-daughter influencer team. They travel the world together but one morning the mom wakes up to find her teen daughter missing. Everyone suspects she’s behind it but she knows there’s something more at play.
There’s just not enough depth to the character and this is far more in the thriller category than mystery. We are never introduced to the slew of characters that explain the mystery during the first part so I was never surprised. The ending is an adrenaline inducing thrill scene which was interesting but ultimately this felt like a pretty forgettable book.
September 3, 2023
Easy, fun read.
Several serious twists.
I recommend this book!
Several serious twists.
I recommend this book!
June 30, 2023
Thank you Simon & Schuster for my copy of Long Way Back by Nicole Baart, in exchange for my honest review. This was my first by this author and won't be my last!
The story follows Charlie and Eva, mother and daughter, who have acquired fame through Instagram by documenting their adventures and travels together. With fame, comes consequences - and not always great ones - at least not fir this mother/daughter duo. When Eva suddenly goes missing, all eye are on Charlie and the media attacks with vengeance. Their lives up until the disappearance are analyzed and with much scrutiny.
Baart explores family dynamics in this story, which had similarities to the Petito case and Gilmore Girls. A cautionary tale of the dangers of social media that intertwines with A cautionary tale of the dangers of social media, exploring mother/daughter relationships and family and the consequences faced when you cross the line of Instagram vs reality.
I really enjoyed this one and Baart had my heart racing a few times while reading, as you sit and wait to see how the story unfolds and whether Eva will return home. A true race against time that will keep you turning pages (or listening fanatically, as in my case) well into the night.
The story follows Charlie and Eva, mother and daughter, who have acquired fame through Instagram by documenting their adventures and travels together. With fame, comes consequences - and not always great ones - at least not fir this mother/daughter duo. When Eva suddenly goes missing, all eye are on Charlie and the media attacks with vengeance. Their lives up until the disappearance are analyzed and with much scrutiny.
Baart explores family dynamics in this story, which had similarities to the Petito case and Gilmore Girls. A cautionary tale of the dangers of social media that intertwines with A cautionary tale of the dangers of social media, exploring mother/daughter relationships and family and the consequences faced when you cross the line of Instagram vs reality.
I really enjoyed this one and Baart had my heart racing a few times while reading, as you sit and wait to see how the story unfolds and whether Eva will return home. A true race against time that will keep you turning pages (or listening fanatically, as in my case) well into the night.
October 23, 2024
This book started slow, got really good, and then got unbelievably outlandish. This would have been much more hard hitting and realistic if Evangeline had been trafficked. All the bread crumbs were there, and we could have had a really important conversation about the presence of children online. When this book veer wildly in the opposite direction, I was exceptionally disappointed. There was still a focus on some very troubling issues (radical ism and domestic terror ism), but the foundation just wasn’t laid properly to go in this direction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2023
*Spoilers*
I want to start with the positives. This book was well written, as in, it did not feel juvenile in nature and it was engaging and propelling to read. If you are a "stay on the surface" kind of reader and don't think too deeply about the intricate workings of the story, this may be a very good read for you! It had some of the bones of a really great thriller and a potential to be a solid 3.5 Star read.
It felt like this was two completely different books that the author tried to blend together to make some sort of mind bending thriller. I think that it fell really short. The synopsis of the book gave you the idea that this was the trajectory of the book, but it never really reached that. The first 50% of the book laid the foundation for a sinister "who dun it," kind of thriller, making you question the integrity of Charlie. Once the book shifted to the POV of Eva, the book fell apart.
How does an alt-right extremist domestic terrorist group relate to the overall theme of the dangers of being an "instagram star." ? I feel like the author was trying to elevate two polar opposite topics with a very tenuous connection that just did not make sense. There were so many holes that made the story unbelievable. Maybe if we took out the alt-right group trying to recruit a teenage instagram star, and just left in a "star crossed" lovers/girl mixed up with the wrong crowd/gets kidnapped story...that would be a bit more cohesive.
I want to start with the positives. This book was well written, as in, it did not feel juvenile in nature and it was engaging and propelling to read. If you are a "stay on the surface" kind of reader and don't think too deeply about the intricate workings of the story, this may be a very good read for you! It had some of the bones of a really great thriller and a potential to be a solid 3.5 Star read.
It felt like this was two completely different books that the author tried to blend together to make some sort of mind bending thriller. I think that it fell really short. The synopsis of the book gave you the idea that this was the trajectory of the book, but it never really reached that. The first 50% of the book laid the foundation for a sinister "who dun it," kind of thriller, making you question the integrity of Charlie. Once the book shifted to the POV of Eva, the book fell apart.
How does an alt-right extremist domestic terrorist group relate to the overall theme of the dangers of being an "instagram star." ? I feel like the author was trying to elevate two polar opposite topics with a very tenuous connection that just did not make sense. There were so many holes that made the story unbelievable. Maybe if we took out the alt-right group trying to recruit a teenage instagram star, and just left in a "star crossed" lovers/girl mixed up with the wrong crowd/gets kidnapped story...that would be a bit more cohesive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2023
THE LONG WAY BACK is about Charlie and her seventeen-year-old daughter Eva who for years have chronicled their airstream adventures on a popular Instagram account—but now Eva’s missing and the police think Charlie knows why. This deceptively simple premise explodes into so much more. The story is completely unpredictable; what starts as simmering suspense builds into shocking and heart-pounding twists. By the second half, I was tearing through the pages, stunned by how huge and harrowing the story had become. I love that at the core of it is a deep and powerful relationship between mother and daughter, even as Eva struggles to make a life separate from her mother. This book is Gilmore Girls meets Lisa Jewell’s THEN SHE WAS GONE meets…some of your favorite true crime documentaries (I can’t say which for fear of spoiling the immense surprise). And all of it is written in Nicole Baart’s lovely, poignant prose. This is a beautiful, bold, must-read thriller that truly delivers on the thrills.
February 27, 2023
Charlie and Eva are instagram famous. Eva Explores is a well known poster that allows thousands of people to live vicariously through mom Charlie and daughter Eva's lives as they travel the globe in their Airstream trailer.
When Eva disappears, Charlie is the first to be suspected and the police ratchet up the questions as the days go by and there is no sign of Eva. But Charlie is determined to find her daughter at whatever costs. When she discovers a secret boyfriend she has the lead she needs to launch her own investigation!
If you love a social media style story, a domestic thriller, or just a story about the growing pains of becoming and adult, The Long Way Back is for you!
#Atria #TheLongWAyBack #NicoleBaart
When Eva disappears, Charlie is the first to be suspected and the police ratchet up the questions as the days go by and there is no sign of Eva. But Charlie is determined to find her daughter at whatever costs. When she discovers a secret boyfriend she has the lead she needs to launch her own investigation!
If you love a social media style story, a domestic thriller, or just a story about the growing pains of becoming and adult, The Long Way Back is for you!
#Atria #TheLongWAyBack #NicoleBaart
June 12, 2023
Overall, I’d give this book a 5/10.
Starting with the positives: I did really like the two main characters. Eva and Charlie are a mother daughter duo like no other, yet they were still very relatable. I found myself rooting for them, especially during the first part of the book.
On the other hand, I did not enjoy the second part of the book. Spoiler alert - it revolves around a cult. I’ve never been into reading about cults, and this unfortunately was no different.
It does sprinkle in the negative side effects of social media, which I think is refreshing to hear, but I wish the author would have focused more on that aspect than on the cult aspect.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing this digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Starting with the positives: I did really like the two main characters. Eva and Charlie are a mother daughter duo like no other, yet they were still very relatable. I found myself rooting for them, especially during the first part of the book.
On the other hand, I did not enjoy the second part of the book. Spoiler alert - it revolves around a cult. I’ve never been into reading about cults, and this unfortunately was no different.
It does sprinkle in the negative side effects of social media, which I think is refreshing to hear, but I wish the author would have focused more on that aspect than on the cult aspect.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing this digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2023
Happy Publication Day!! Wow, what a twisty story, I was not expecting the turn it took! Charlie and Eva are mother and daughter travel influencers who live in an Airstream traveling the country. After settling down in Minnesota so Eva can experience her last year of high school, Eva starts to feel that desire to forge her own life away from her mom. They have a big argument about spending one last summer on the road but Eva relents, or at least Charlie thinks she has. But, instead, Eva mysteriously goes missing. The rest of the story is a race against the clock trying to figure out where Eva went and the answer is definitely more sinister than could be imagined. I really enjoyed this book, it’s my first by Nicole Baart. Thank you Netgalley, Atria Books and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is available for purchase TODAY!
February 15, 2024
Whoa. Part one of this book was very slow, but when POV switches to the daughter - things get crazy. I ate the book up after part one ended.
Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s “going on” - boom - something else. No spoilers BUT I have lately had a weird fascination with docs that pertain to the topic of which “The Family” is attached with. Rhymes with “Adult”😏
This book surprised in me so many ways.
I liked the relevancy of the social media topic and the complicated dilemma of how young people are in danger because of it. There were times when I did not like the protagonist, other times where I understood her completely.
This was the first book I’ve read by Baart but it will not be my last.
Excited she’s from Iowa / Midwest!
Borrowed from Jan Stenzel. Thanks Jan! Bringing this to you when I see Amesly!
Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s “going on” - boom - something else. No spoilers BUT I have lately had a weird fascination with docs that pertain to the topic of which “The Family” is attached with. Rhymes with “Adult”😏
This book surprised in me so many ways.
I liked the relevancy of the social media topic and the complicated dilemma of how young people are in danger because of it. There were times when I did not like the protagonist, other times where I understood her completely.
This was the first book I’ve read by Baart but it will not be my last.
Excited she’s from Iowa / Midwest!
Borrowed from Jan Stenzel. Thanks Jan! Bringing this to you when I see Amesly!
May 6, 2023
This story follows Charlie & Eva, a mother daughter duo who have spent a few years documenting their travels on social media. What I thought was going to be a simple tale turned into….such a crazy ride! This book surprised me in the best way and I was completely engrossed in it from the start. I read it in under five hours. We start out with the mystery of where Eva has disappeared to, and there’s no way anyone will guess the answer. I really love the synopsis listed for this one because it really gives NOTHING away. I’m certainly not going to give you any hints either, so you’ll just have to read it for yourself.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC.
April 11, 2023
This book is unlike anything I have every read. When I started it, I thought that I had a pretty good idea where it was going. But about halfway through, it took a turn that I was not expecting. It starts out as a thought-provoking story about the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter. But by the end, it is so much more.
Charlie and Eva have a fairly decent following on Instagram through an account known as "Eva Explores" - I really thought that this was an interesting premise for a story. Charlie and Eva travel and share their journey on their Instagram account. After time on the road, they decide to settle at home so that Eva can finish her senior year of high school and graduate. They decide to spend the last summer on the road, and then Eva disappears.
This is where I thought I had a pretty good idea of what was to come. There is a twist that I didn't see coming. I will not spoil this for you, but this is where the real mystery begins.
The story is told through both Eva and Charlie's points of view, which I always enjoy. What I also like is that the story is also told through Instagram posts and Eva's college admissions essays. This was something new, and I really thought that it added to the story perfectly.
This book ended up really giving me a lot to think about. I enjoyed reading about Charlie and Eva's travels, and it was interesting to really think about what happens when you choose to share a big part of yourself online. This was a truly original book!
The author’s note is definitely worth the read. It is hopeful and left me with a lot of feelings. That’s what this book will do - it will leave you with a lot of feelings. For me, that was hope.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced reader copy. This book was absolutely stunning, and I haven't stopped thinking about it. It really stays with you. This book publishes on June 13, 2023. Pick it up - it is the perfect book to enjoy on a summer afternoon. I highly recommend it!
Charlie and Eva have a fairly decent following on Instagram through an account known as "Eva Explores" - I really thought that this was an interesting premise for a story. Charlie and Eva travel and share their journey on their Instagram account. After time on the road, they decide to settle at home so that Eva can finish her senior year of high school and graduate. They decide to spend the last summer on the road, and then Eva disappears.
This is where I thought I had a pretty good idea of what was to come. There is a twist that I didn't see coming. I will not spoil this for you, but this is where the real mystery begins.
The story is told through both Eva and Charlie's points of view, which I always enjoy. What I also like is that the story is also told through Instagram posts and Eva's college admissions essays. This was something new, and I really thought that it added to the story perfectly.
This book ended up really giving me a lot to think about. I enjoyed reading about Charlie and Eva's travels, and it was interesting to really think about what happens when you choose to share a big part of yourself online. This was a truly original book!
The author’s note is definitely worth the read. It is hopeful and left me with a lot of feelings. That’s what this book will do - it will leave you with a lot of feelings. For me, that was hope.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced reader copy. This book was absolutely stunning, and I haven't stopped thinking about it. It really stays with you. This book publishes on June 13, 2023. Pick it up - it is the perfect book to enjoy on a summer afternoon. I highly recommend it!
March 13, 2023
Good thriller with an interesting concept.
Mother Charlie and her daughter Eva become an accidental Instagram sensation, and they decide to pack up their lives and hit the road in an Airstream, capturing their adventures on their account, "Eva Explores". This one starts off with a bang when Charlie wakes up on their boat in the middle of Lake Superior and finds that Eva has disappeared. No note, no trace of her, and the lifeboat is gone. She contacts the police, and instantly goes to the top of the suspect list.
This all gets kind of farfetched towards the end (not sure if I really bought the whole reason behind Eva's disappearance) but it was a wild wide, and I enjoyed the flashbacks from their road trips as well as the present day narrative. If you can suspend belief a little, you should enjoy this.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mother Charlie and her daughter Eva become an accidental Instagram sensation, and they decide to pack up their lives and hit the road in an Airstream, capturing their adventures on their account, "Eva Explores". This one starts off with a bang when Charlie wakes up on their boat in the middle of Lake Superior and finds that Eva has disappeared. No note, no trace of her, and the lifeboat is gone. She contacts the police, and instantly goes to the top of the suspect list.
This all gets kind of farfetched towards the end (not sure if I really bought the whole reason behind Eva's disappearance) but it was a wild wide, and I enjoyed the flashbacks from their road trips as well as the present day narrative. If you can suspend belief a little, you should enjoy this.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2023
This turned out to be a really good read. I wasn't expecting what transpired with Zach at all (shhhh, no spoilers), and even though I don't live in the US, the idea of this happening chills me to the bone, as commonplace as it is. It shows just how easy it is to get swept up in something, missing the warning signs until its too late.
I loved Eva, and warmed considerably to Charlie by the end of the book. Scout was a cherry on top (along with Jude). And Sebastian... I want a Sebastian of my very own! I loved the Instagram entries, which made me want to don a sunhat and hit the high road... always taking the long way back. (How fabulous is that statement?! Something to live by).
Great read, I highly recommend it.
3 and a half rounded up to 4 sparkly stars.
I loved Eva, and warmed considerably to Charlie by the end of the book. Scout was a cherry on top (along with Jude). And Sebastian... I want a Sebastian of my very own! I loved the Instagram entries, which made me want to don a sunhat and hit the high road... always taking the long way back. (How fabulous is that statement?! Something to live by).
Great read, I highly recommend it.
3 and a half rounded up to 4 sparkly stars.
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