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Tanya Anne Crosby
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The Girl Who Stayed Kindle Edition

by Tanya Anne Crosby (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.9 out of 5 stars 957 ratings

“A beautifully written, page-turning novel packed with emotion.”
– #1 New York Times bestselling author Barbara Freethy

Zoe Rutherford wasn't sure what she was expecting when she returned to Sullivan's Island. The house on Sullivan's hadn't represented home to her in decades. It was the place where she endured her father's cruelty. It was the place where her mother closed herself off from the world. It was the place where her sister disappeared. But now that her parents are gone, Zoe needs to return to the house, to close it down and prepare it for sale. She intends to get this done as quickly as possible and get on with her life, even though that life seems clouded by her past, both distant and recent. But what she discovers when she gets there is far beyond her imagining and will change her in profound ways.

THE GIRL WHO STAYED is a remarkable exploration of the soul by a writer with a rare talent for reaching into the hearts of her characters and her readers, a novel of transformation that will leave you moved and breathless.

"THE GIRL WHO STAYED is a deeply moving story. I am fascinated by the concept and by Tanya Crosby's stunning storytelling."
– Stella Cameron, New York Times bestselling author

“THE GIRL WHO STAYED defies type. Crosby’s tale is honest and sen- sitive, eerie and tragic. It’s a homecoming tale of a past ever with us and irrevocably lost forever. A haunting vision of that chasm between life and death we call ‘missing.’”
– Pamela Morsi, bestselling author of SIMPLE JESS

“An intense, mesmerizing Southern drama about a young woman who returns to her coastal home to put to rest the haunting ghost of her sister’s tragic past. Told in the rich, lyrical style of Siddons and Conroy, THE GIRL WHO STAYED is a woman’s story of discovery and acceptance, redefined by Tanya Anne Crosby’s dramatic storytelling, sharp characters, and well-defined plot. A must read for any woman who believes she can never go back home. Fabulous, rich and evocative!”
– New York Times bestselling author Jill Barnett

"Crosby tugs heartstrings in a spellbinding story of a woman trying to move beyond her past."
– New York Times bestselling author Susan Andersen

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  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Girl Who Stayed
  2. Print length
    334 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    May 25, 2020
  5. File size
    2.6 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The Girl Who Stayed:
"A beautifully written, page-turning novel packed with emotion." - #1 New York Times bestselling author Barbara Freethy

"The Girl Who Stayed is a deeply moving story. I am fascinated by the concept and by Tanya Crosby's stunning storytelling." - Stella Cameron, New York Times bestselling author

"The Girl Who Stayed defies type. Crosby's tale is honest and sensitive, eerie and tragic. It's a homecoming tale of a past ever with us and irrevocably lost forever. A haunting vision of that chasm between life and death we call 'missing.'" - Pamela Morsi, bestselling author of Simple Jess

"An intense, mesmerizing Southern drama about a young woman who returns to her coastal home to put to rest the haunting ghost of her sister's tragic past. Told in the rich, lyrical style of Siddons and Conroy, The Girl Who Stayed is a woman's story of discovery and acceptance, redefined by Tanya Anne Crosby's dramatic storytelling, sharp characters, and well-defined plot. A must read for any woman who believes she can never go back home. Fabulous, rich and evocative!" - New York Times bestselling author Jill Barnett

"Crosby tugs heartstrings in a spellbinding story of a woman trying to move beyond her past." - New York Times bestselling author Susan Andersen

"In one word, exceptional!" - Literarily Illumined

"The ending was brilliant. The dramatic tension soared in the last section, building to a completely unguessable and unforeseen twist which grips the reader and completely holds your attention until the very very last page." - Bibliomaniac

"I thought this book was incredible, it was heart pounding, intense, and really bittersweet." - Comfy Reading

"A captivating novel of new beginnings. Beautifully rendered and quite atmospheric, this poignant yet ultimately uplifting story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned." - Book Reviews and More by Kathy

"This book is really good. Really really good." - Good Girl Gone Redneck

"Thought provoking, emotionally engaging and filled with psychological twists.... If you enjoy contemporary fiction, this is a book you'll certainly enjoy." - Queen of All She Reads

"I couldn't stop reading. The Girl Who Stayed is a compelling and enjoyable read." - Book by Book

"A really great read - it was entertaining, suspenseful and tragic all at once." - Ms. Nose in a Book

"A gripping, multi-layered story." - Laura's Reviews

"The Girl Who Stayed is a girl who will stay with you." - Worth Getting in Bed For

"The ending surprised me and made the book memorable for me. If you enjoy suspenseful novels with a lot of depth, this is the book for you!" - Palmer's Page Turners

"The Girl Who Stayed is a raw, sometimes gut wrenching, emotional read. Powerful and compelling." - CMash Reads

About the Author

Tanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher's Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as "one of Avon's fastest rising stars." Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company's Avon Romantic Treasure imprint.

Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. In 2013, she penned her first romantic suspense novel, Speak No Evil, which appeared on the USA Today list.

The Girl Who Stayed brings her full circle to work with Lou Aronica, who first published Tanya at Avon Books.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0897D5RHS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oliver Heber Books (May 25, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 25, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.6 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 334 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 out of 5 stars 957 ratings

About the author

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Tanya Anne Crosby

Tanya Anne Crosby

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Tanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty-five novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times, and Publisher's Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as "one of Avon's fastest rising stars." Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company's Avon Romantic Treasure imprint.

Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. In 2013, she penned her first romantic suspense novel, Speak No Evil, which appeared on the USA Today list.

Tanya and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.

Join Tanya on Facebook at Facebook/tanyaannecrosby or visit her Web site at www.tanyaannecrosby.com

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
957 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written, with rich details and great character development. Moreover, the story keeps readers' attention throughout. However, the ending receives mixed reactions, with several customers finding it rushed and disappointing.

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58 customers mention "Story quality"51 positive7 negative

Customers find the book's story engaging and well-written, with one customer noting how real-life struggles enhance the narrative.

"...I could not put this book down. With a sophisticated plot line in which the characters grow and develop over time, I was glued to each and every page..." Read more

"...I was able to get to the last one third, the story moved along with a reasonably interesting twist, which then ended rather abruptly." Read more

"...Excellent editing made this a quick read that held my attention to the end." Read more

"What an incredible, fast-paced read. Our heroine is a very damaged, but loved character...." Read more

20 customers mention "Author quality"17 positive3 negative

Customers praise the author's writing style, finding it well-crafted with rich details and easy to read.

"I enjoyed the book and the style of writing right up to about the last chapter...." Read more

"...Excellent editing made this a quick read that held my attention to the end." Read more

"...drinks Tanya Anne Crosby writes this journey that at once is hard to read and hard to put down at the same time" Read more

"...The writer is very good, and the story held my interest...." Read more

11 customers mention "Attention span"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, with multiple reviews noting how it maintains attention throughout. One customer mentions it inspired deeper thinking, while another describes how it kept them on their toes.

"...Excellent editing made this a quick read that held my attention to the end." Read more

"The Girl Who Stayed starts out strong, pulls you in and then lets you down in the end...." Read more

"...Overall it was a great story that held ,y attention throughout, but I felt gypped by an abrupt ending that left many loose ends!" Read more

"A well written story of starting over and finding one's self. I enjoyed the choice of the area the story is based." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting how the protagonist goes through many emotions throughout the story, while another mentions how the family's loss feels very real.

"...With a sophisticated plot line in which the characters grow and develop over time, I was glued to each and every page...." Read more

"Going through a “reset” myself, I could relate to the main character. Excellent editing made this a quick read that held my attention to the end." Read more

"...Our heroine is a very damaged, but loved character...." Read more

"The main character of this book is very sympathetic, in my own biased opinion. Zoe Rutherford is very much a product of her upbringing...." Read more

34 customers mention "Ending"10 positive24 negative

Customers find the ending of the book unsatisfactory, describing it as rushed and abrupt.

"...Without causing a spoiler all I can say is that there was no explanation for an event that changed the expected course of events...." Read more

"...I felt the ending was anticimactic...." Read more

"...This is a classic mystery novel in theory only. There is limited police involvement, only really at the very end. There is no investigation really...." Read more

"...The story was very repetitive and dark." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Naomi Bell
    5.0 out of 5 stars This tale was absolutely spellbinding!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The Girl Who Stayed: Tanya Anne Crosby is one of those authors whose work I will always buy, sight unseen. This tale was absolutely spellbinding! I could not put this book down. With a sophisticated plot line in which the characters grow and develop over time, I was glued to each and every page. The main character Zoe, shaped by the disappearance of her sister in childhood, goes through life as damaged goods. A return to the scene of the crime of her childhood, she faces the events that shaped her life and finds unexpected closure. Tanya Anne Crosby never disappoints.
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  • Pamela Daroff
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read up to the last chapter
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the book and the style of writing right up to about the last chapter. Without causing a spoiler all I can say is that there was no explanation for an event that changed the expected course of events. That gap was closely followed by another leap of action with no real development. Combined, the two lacks of continuity spoiled the book for me.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Doris A Hulse
    3.0 out of 5 stars This was essentially a good story. However it tended to drag on much ...
    Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This was essentially a good story. However it tended to drag on much of the first two thirds of the book. I could understand the need to feed the reading bits of the history of the main character, but it felt at times like the author was painting their own biography in an effort to purge and move on. Too much detail inserted to frequently to keep the story line moving. Once I was able to get to the last one third, the story moved along with a reasonably interesting twist, which then ended rather abruptly.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Words2go
    5.0 out of 5 stars Believable story and characters.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Going through a “reset” myself, I could relate to the main character. Excellent editing made this a quick read that held my attention to the end.
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  • Camille
    4.0 out of 5 stars NOT A LOT OF ACTION OR PLOT DEVELOPMENT
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I liked this novel, but I wasn’t enthusiastic about it, as I was Ms. Crosby’s Aldridge Sisters novels. Although I gave this novel 4 stars, I can see why its overall rating (at the time of my purchase) was 3.5 stars. There was a whole lot of nothing going on for all 288 pages. Most of the novel was composed of Zoe’s thoughts—-what she wondered happened 30 years ago when her sister went missing; how Zoe escaped an abusive relationship of 8 years; how she worried her abusive ex was going to drive 600 miles to drag her back to Baltimore; how her parents let her down since her sister disappeared; how miserable her life was growing up——-blah, blah, etc. Meanwhile, she got herself an MBA, and developed a successful marketing business. But no clue is given how she financed her degree since she hated her father, and her mother spent her life (since Hannah’s disappearance) zoned out on valium. There are a lot of missing pieces in this novel that detract from the impact of the story.
    I felt the ending was anticimactic. All of a sudden the reader discovers the identity of the person responsible for the disappearance of three women from the area, and the perpetrator of other deaths in a nearby state. Zoe finally has the chance to discover the fate of her sister after 30 years, and tears up the killer’s confession, as if, overnight, her guilt, depression, and ponderings of the last 30 years vanished in one night. And she was suddenly healed of her neuroses, and ready to move on with her life.
    Read this novel if you wish, but don’t expect a logical character or plot progression. I feel this wasn’t one of Ms. Crosby’s better novels.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Texas Daughter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Zoe, Hannah and Nick
    Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    What an incredible, fast-paced read. Our heroine is a very damaged, but loved character. The disappearance of her sister has molded her into a very shattered and complex person, one that does not believe that she deserves love. This book doesn't have an HEA, per se, but you believe that it will. (Of course I am hoping the author will take us on another visit-Book 2?)

    Grab this one, make plenty of open time in your day and dive in. You will not be disappointed.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • PenRevenge
    3.0 out of 5 stars Sympathetic character, little procedural mystery.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The main character of this book is very sympathetic, in my own biased opinion. Zoe Rutherford is very much a product of her upbringing. She's not a character people look at and think, "Wow, she made it. Despite everything she's been through. Look at her taking the world by storm." Her's is a character that engenders respect or deep appreciation that she survived what she has experienced. 

    Her family wasn't all apple pie and sunshine before her sister disappeared, but afterwards they fell apart. Zoe bore the brunt of the disintegration of her family. Her mother left reality behind for substances that could numb her, and her father blamed her for anything that might go wrong. Zoe was tormented by her father, and largely abandoned by her younger brother. 

    The abused child in me recognized the thought processes Zoe went through as authentic and shook my head every time she got trapped in them as an adult. 

    As a result of her traumatic childhood she left home as soon as she could, without much sympathy or a tendency to look back. However, she's decided it's high time she address her childhood home. Both her parents are gone, there is no reason to hold on to the property. But it needs work, and she's the only person interested in doing the work. But the house, the town, the people, the past get under her skin. 

    This is a classic mystery novel in theory only. There is limited police involvement, only really at the very end. There is no investigation really. This is the story of a woman confronting her past, her family, her memory. And attempting to heal in the process. 
    4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Bikermum2687
    5.0 out of 5 stars Difficult
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a difficult one to read. It started out really well but I feel that the ending could have been better.
    Report
  • Brenda wallwork
    5.0 out of 5 stars BrenW
    Reviewed in Australia on April 29, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Read Kindle and followed by Hardback as I enjoyed it the first time but I needed to read it again, not a story like Tanya normally writes, but what a great read. Its about a girl who gets the blame for everything most of her life and then finding herself, she comes home to eventually find herself and put her sisters loss to rest. its a must read for a lot of women, I would say.
    Report
  • SP
    4.0 out of 5 stars Ending too abrupt.
    Reviewed in Australia on August 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Ending was way too rushed, as though meeting some deadline. Rational for the killer was vague and did not lead to that person Why did he save her from drowning?
    Report
  • Khristina
    3.0 out of 5 stars The return of Zoe to her childhood hometown saw looks ...
    Reviewed in Australia on February 27, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The return of Zoe to her childhood hometown saw looks of mystery and intrigue. The book had me until the final chapter where I was left a little confused as the heightened anticipation came to a stop with a big chunk missing. I understand the style but I feel we could have been taken further on a journey there. And the relationship with the chiefs son, really didn't have me thinking there was much there. Overall it was an ok read.
    Report
  • julie may shore
    3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 31, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Not read yet
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