When You Went Away

“Nicholas Sparks fans will rejoice to hear there’s a new male author on the scene who writes beautifully about love and emotionally charged relationships.” —RT Book Reviews

Only a few months ago, Gerry Rubato had everything he thought he needed from life. After nearly twenty years of marriage, he was still passionately in love with his college sweetheart, he had a bright, independent-minded daughter, and he had the surprising addition of a new child on the way. Then everything changed with stunning rapidity. With little explanation, Gerry’s daughter ran away with her older boyfriend. Then, only a month after giving birth to their son, his wife died suddenly. Now, Gerry needs to be everything to his infant child while he contends with two losses he can barely comprehend. And when a woman walks into his life as a friend and their relationship verges on something more, Gerry must redefine all that he knows about himself, about love, about loyalty, and about his dreams.

“Lou Aronica writes with deep sensitivity of the power of love to transform and heal in the face of overwhelming tragedy. A lovely read.” —Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Lost and Found Bookshop

“Tears of sadness and joy go hand in hand in this immensely satisfying story.” —RT Book Reviews