Happy Release Day!
Congrats Maryellen
on release today of
The Road to Yesterday!
The Road to Yesterday: A Memoir by Maryellen Donovan
Memoir, 248 pages
Published September 9, 2025, by She Writes Press
For readers who found comfort in Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking, a 9/11 widow’s memoir of rediscovering joy and finding love again after the violent loss of her husband.
One sunny Tuesday morning, Maryellen Donovan’s beloved husband, Steve Cherry, lost his life in the 9/11 attacks—rocking her to her core, and changing her family forever.
Maryellen’s life and love with Steve was all she could have hoped for; in the wake of his death, she was inconsolable. But ultimately, she had no choice but to be strong for her two young sons—and even when deep in the grip of hopeless despair, she found solace in her deep faith and belief that, with the support of friends and family, she would eventually find love and happiness once again. Her route to her happy ending proved long and winding and full of obstacles—cancer, family conflict, even more loss—but she always found a way forward, no matter the setbacks she encountered.
An inspirational story that will provide hope to anyone who’s experienced unfathomable loss and loneliness, The Road to Yesterday is a testament to the idea that there is always a path to love and joy—if only you’re determined enough to keep yourself open to it.
My thoughts about The Road to Yesterday ~~
(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first lines.)
First lines—"Everything seemed crystalline, sharp, more beautiful than usual. Even the air felt new, with that crisp fall texture that made me imagine leaves crunching under our feet as we moved into fall. The day—and the world—felt fresh."
To be honest, I was hooked after reading the prologue of this book. Reliving that horrible day of 9/11 again, from a family member's point of view, was heartbreaking but it's something that they have to live with day after day. This memoir shows us, the readers, that even though getting through it was very tough and surreal, it was possible to live a life on the other side of all the heartbreak and trauma.
We get to witness all of Maryellen's ups and downs as she and her family try to navigate their 'new normal'. Times were very tough but love, family, and friends were always at the core of their lives. The Road to Yesterday is a great reminder of the 9/11 event and gives insight as to how people moved on, while never forgetting what they went through.
I received an ARC of The Road to Yesterday and this is my honest opinion.
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About the author
Born and raised in Connecticut, I am now proud to call Hailey, Idaho home, nestled amidst the pristine landscapes that inspire and uplift my soul daily. Being a nurturing mother of two incredible young men, Brett and Colton, has magnified my capacity to love and cherish every precious moment we share. My loving husband, Michael, has been my cornerstone for the past 15 years, always supporting and understanding me as grief and healing is a nonlinear process.
I find immense joy in connecting with others, weaving threads of companionship that strengthen the fabric of our community both here and afar. Embracing the profound beauty of the outdoors, I revel in the whispering winds and scenic mountains that speak to the core of my being. My unwavering passion for exploring the world, whether through travel or introspection, continuously fuels my spirit, enabling me to infuse every encounter and moment with a deep sense of wonder, gratitude, and boundless optimism. ~ Author's website
Connect with Maryellen
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