Sherry and the Butterfly Lady: A Novel

by Celeste Boudreaux

For fans of Kristin Hannah and Sue Monk Kidd, a debut women's fiction novel about a wounded girl, a mysterious stranger, and a journey through the darkness of pain towards the light of hope and healing.
Early one summer morning, nine- year-old Sherry Gallagher flees in panic into the woods behind her house to hide from her abusive father. Following the death of their mother, her older brothers and sisters have all left home, leaving Sherry to deal with her father alone. 
In the woods, Sherry encounters an enigmatic old woman who has just moved into a previously abandoned forest cottage. They form an unlikely friendship and agree to exchange fairy tales with one another—stories that are by turns enchanting and heartbreaking. As they grow closer, the old woman introduces the shy and damaged girl to wonder and beauty. But in Sherry's world, hope is a dangerous thing that threatens to unearth the secret she has so carefully her darkest trauma. 
A novel that explores the intersection of myth, love, imagination, and psychological resilience, this compelling narrative is painful, surprising, and ultimately profoundly hopeful.

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2025

Reviews

[Yesenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creative literary fiction!

3.5⭐️

This novel tugs at your heartstrings as you follow Sherry's journey from a place of fear to one of newfound strength and resilience. The bond she forms with the mystical Butterfly Lady is both heartwarming and transformative. Through the art of storytelling, the book delicately addresses themes of trauma recovery and the profound impact of compassion and love.

[Stephanie Peco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The dreaminess of the fairy tales, the brutality, loneliness, and neglect of Sherry's daily life... it lingered with me long after I finished the book. Ms Boudreaux really captured the feel of Sherry's childhood, the way kids have to navigate what they aren't prepared for and how we all need adult protectors.

[Reading With My Cats · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this book a bit blind, so I was not expecting it to be centered so much around childhood trauma. I think the writing held my attention and the storytelling was quite lovely although very dark at times.

[Jacki Da Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I realise my opinion may not be popular but I found the writing a bit obvious. There was a great twist at the end.

[Teri Garcia-Robles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep your Kleenex close by for the tears of laughter and sorrow. A touching work of fiction that includes fairytales and magical creatures and courage.