Sagebrush Baby

by Leah Campbell

Violet’s real life sucks.

While her golden-boy brother collects milestones like trophies—We bought a house! We got married! We’re expecting!—Violet is stuck.
Stuck working at Dollar General.
Stuck in a single-wide trailer with her vodka-soaked mother.
And stuck with a boyfriend who refuses to have children…with her.

To escape, Violet becomes someone else. Online, she’s DreamsWilted1: a tragic yet noble mother of two autistic children, dishing out grim warnings about the horrors of marriage and motherhood to a small internet audience.
It’s all a lie, of course. But for once, Violet is seen.

So when a new man moves into her dead-end town, she sees an opportunity to bring her wilted dreams to life. She becomes pregnant. And this time, she goes viral. Suddenly, she’s no longer faking a story, she’s living it.

But when the past catches up—and one of her followers gets too close to the truth—Violet is forced to do the unthinkable to keep her story alive.

Genres: Fiction

313 pages, Paperback

Published July 29, 2025

About the author

Leah Campbell is an author specializing in romance and general fiction. During the day, she works as a Product Director at a tech company. In her free time, she enjoys writing, whether works of fiction or blogs about technology and product management. She also considers herself an avid fiber artist and obsessive lover of all things romance and horror. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, two dogs, and cat.

She is the author of two romance novels, My Boyfriend Satan and Another Mourning Support Group.

Reviews

[Leah]

This one came from deep in my heart, molded from my fears and toxic thoughts and insecurities. I loved writing it and I sure hope you love reading it. This one is for my desert queens and kings in Reno, Carson Valley, and, of course, little ol' Washoe Valley.

[Christina Cofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sagebrush Baby is a dark, gripping look at the twisted side of parenthood, and how social media messes with our sense of self. The main character is a narcissistic psychopath, and watching her unravel is both disturbing and hard to put down. The book does an amazing job of showing how disconnected people can get from each other (and themselves) in today’s world. It’s intense, thought-provoking, and stays with you long after finishing. Definitely worth reading if you’re into stories that explore the messier sides of human nature!

[nineinchnovels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man! What can I say about this book.

First of all, if you are purposely childless I think this is a really satirical and funny book for us. The inner thoughts of Violet are unhinged but honest. Honestly, she reminded me of Juno but off her rocker.

This book delves into the intricacies that can come with being a mommy influencer - and how if you are missing attention, and love from the people around you you scourge the internet for it. Any type of validation is better than none.

The men in this book were walking red flags, every single one. Just goes to show that you must read between the lines!

The ending was not what I was expecting, but I do think you need to have some TW especially if you’re a mother because I can see how it can be a little traumatic.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Lots of nostalgia nods, and great funny one liners.

[nicolealese · Rating 5 out of 5]

what. the fuck.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book today… and finished it today… because it’s just that addicting.

Set in the Nevada desert with unlikable, but dynamic and self-centered characters, it feels a bit like Napoleon Dynamite meets weird girl lit. (With a large helping of witty and visceral humor.)

I started off feeling bad for FMC, Violet; wishing “red flag guy” would pop out of the bushes to wave it at her long term boyfiend…I mean boyfriend.

I love the way conversations, encounters, and “romance” are written.

But, oh my goddess, as far as character arcs go, I now loathe Violet!!!

This is a self-published gem of totally f*ck%d up weird girl lit. I am so glad I bought this and it deserves to be read.

[Paige Landon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sagebrush Baby is a must read. There a twists and turns you don’t see coming with complex characters and an unhinged plot. I highly recommend this book- Leah’s way of story telling is one that draws you in and keeps your attention. Read Sagebrush Baby!!!

[Kamilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ummmm what? No trigger warnings? Intense stuff

[kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

rough stuff

[Sarah Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book but also am incredibly angry at this book lol. like.. WHY? Violet needs serious therapy and this truly makes me glad I experience zero desire to have a baby.