À la poursuite de Zoé

by Nick Alexander, Laure Valentin (Translator)

She ran away from the truth, but she can’t run forever.

Seven years after his sister vanished without a trace, Jude is on the road, determined not to return home until he has found her. He wants to reunite his broken family, but more than this he wants to know why Zoe left—what happened when they were kids, on that terrible day when everything fell apart.

They’d been enjoying the funfair—grasping a rare moment of happiness following their parents’ divorce—when after a ride together, Zoe had stopped speaking to her mother’s new partner. Though Mandy believed he was the man she’d waited all her life for, her love for her daughter trumped even that, and soon suspicions of an unthinkable betrayal shattered the family.

So finding Zoe would be just the start. If Jude can find her, then what happens next will depend on the story she’s been carrying with her all these years. Because when families are destroyed by dark secrets, can the wounds ever truly heal?

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Audiobook, Contemporary

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2020

About the author

My novels:

Where Do We Go From Here (2025)

The Imperfection of Us (2023)

Perfectly Ordinary People (2022)

From Something Old (2021)

The Road to Zoe (2020)

You Then, Me Now (2019)

Things We Never Said (2017)

The Bottle of Tears (2016) (also published as Let the Light Shine).

The Other Son (2015)

The Photographer's Wife (2014)

Two novels featuring Hannah:
- The Half-Life of Hannah.
- Other Halves (Dec 2013)

Two novels featuring CC:
- The Case Of The Missing Boyfriend
- The French House (May 2013)

The Fifty Reasons Series, following the life of lovelorn Mark
- 50 Reasons to Say Goodbye
- Sottopassaggio
- Good Thing, Bad Thing
- Better Than Easy
- Sleight Of Hand

And the standalone novel
- 13:55 Eastern Standard Time

The Case Of The Missing Boyfriend, The French House, and The Half-Life of Hannah have all been huge kindle hits, reaching number #1 in Amazon's kindle chart.

I live in the southern French Alps with three mogs (Mangui, Pastel & Pedro) and a very special ferret.

Reviews

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Note: I received a copy curtesy of Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK in exchange for an honest review.

A family centered story, packed with emotions, told from 2 POVs: wife/mom and son. The story is flowing very well, kept me reading without skipping any passages and also kept me interested in its evolution.
I especially liked Jude's (the son) chapters, he's a very well built character, and also Jess features a lot in these, and I totally loved Jess, so that was a plus.
Dislikes: felt some attempts of political manipulation; also, I would have stopped the novel after the emails, with no epilogue. The happy ending seemed forced, even if, emotionally, I felt good about it.

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Sadness, she thinks. It would be so much easier to bear if we could only convince ourselves how temporary it is."

3.5 stars

[Floor tussendeboeken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.

This is a family centered story. It's about a family that has fallen apart and no one really knows why, because Zoe vanished in the night of her 16th birthday. Jude wants to track her down and get to know the truth. What happened in the past that made Zoe disappear and barely seeks any contact with her family? What happened that day in Blackpool, what made her not want to talk to Scott ever again?

You are reading from two perspectives: Jude and Mandy. Jude is Zoe's younger brother and you follow him and his girlfriend Jessica tracking down Zoe. Mandy is the mother and she basically tells you what happened in those years before Zoe run away. Eventually the storylines get to getter.

I liked reading from both perspectives, although I didn't really feel for any of them sadly enough. There was one thing that made me keep reading this book: Wanting to know the truth about what happened. Nothing more, nothing less. Also, the epilogue felt really unnecessary to me, so I basically skimmed it as it was pretty long for an epilogue anyway.

[Adele Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, loved this!!

Nick Alexander’s amazing books flow so naturally, making them so easy to read.

The Road to Zoe has characters that you will remember for a long time. I just adore Jessica.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this author has taken me on many journeys since I discovered his work when I got my first Kindle back in 2011, but this one has to be one of the most emotional (and that's saying something!).
Mandy comes home early one day to find her husband Ian is being a bit of a naughty boy. He ups sticks straight away to live with his mistress, leaving Mandy with children Jude and Zoe. Zoe's always been a bit highly strung and a fussy eater but this split seems to spiral her issues. Long story short and she also ups sticks and leave home - but she doesn't tell, she just goes, and is gone, no sign... Seven years later and Jude is determined to find his missing sister. But when he set out with girlfriend Jess to Bristol, Zoe's last known official address little did he know the adventure he was going on or what he would find at the end...
Oh My Days, this was a bit emotional. Right from the start when Ian left Mandy (cos I've been Mandy, I've had someone leave the day I found out and it does spin you around somewhat) all through Zoe's issues and how they were like ripples in a pond, affecting everyone around her... We hear from Jude as he tried to track Zoe down, but also how he tries to figure out a lot of his own personal stuff along the way. We also hear from Mandy as she tells what happened from the split to when Zoe left. I hung on every word all the way through and stayed up way to late to finish it but I had to. I knew if I had put it down I wouldn't have slept. I cared about the characters. I needed to know what happened...
Told in the author's usual no nonsense, plain talking, way with no superfluous waffle or padding to distract, this story practically read itself to me, so easy it was to read. Well, I say easy, I did have to take a breath every so often, just to get my head straight. I told you it was emotional.
All in all, a cracking read that held my attention completely throughout and left me wholly satisfied at its conclusion. I know there was an epilogue which wrapped a lot of stuff up but I really would like to revisit the characters sometime. I'm not quite ready to let them all go just yet...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
Another smashing read by Nick Alexander features Jude and his mother Mandy, both devastated by the disappearance of Zoe, who left home and hasn't been heard from since. When Jude and his girlfriend decide to look for her they end up on a lengthy trip during their vacation, all over England, ending up in France. Jude wants to know why his sister left his mum and him, leaving them behind heartbroken, without a word or warning.
I loved the trip itself, covering a lot of England, including Blackpool and then the beautiful setting of Nice, France and the fabulous surrounding area.
Jude and Mandy are very likeable, Zoe not so much! But when I found out the reason for her disappearance, I felt for her; but still wanted to shake her for causing so much pain to her family. Every book of Nick Alexander's is a treasure: his style, his sensitivity, his well drawn characters and the stories themselves are unputdownable must reads. Highly recommended.

[Ayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Look it's a solid book, and the author is able to write from both male and female perspectives fluently, to which I give praise, but I was just underwhelmed.

We go on such a huge journey travelling with Jude and his girlfriend, yet not much happens that makes me feel much at all. I most enjoyed the mums narration but I cant remember her name, that sums up how forgettable this book is.

I was seriously considering not finishing this only a few chapters in but then I saw reviews that described this book as 'gut wrenching' let me tell you, we have very different definitions of the word.

[Jenny Hobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book but what I got blew me away. Such a great and emotionally packed story. Told from Jude and his mums pov about the events that's lead up to his sister disappearance and the after math that followed. It really was a gut wrenching tale. The only think that stopped it being a 5 star was the epilogue it felt a little unnecessary for me personally.

[Megan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven years after his sister vanished without a trace, Jude is on the road, determined not to return home until he has found her. He wants to reunite his broken family, but more than this he wants to know why Zoe left—what happened when they were kids, on that terrible day when everything fell apart. So finding Zoe would be just the start. If Jude can find her, then what happens next will depend on the story she’s been carrying with her all these years. Because when families are destroyed by dark secrets, can the wounds ever truly heal?

Oh what a beautiful, sweeping tale of family love this read is. I have to confess I did not think I was going to enjoy this but Alexander weaves a stunning story that I could not tear myself away from. His characters are sublime as well, so realistic, so likeable and incredibly interesting to get to know. I just adored reading this.

The plot is fairly simple; Zoe disappeared seven years ago and Jude and Jess decide the time is right to try and track her down, along the way everyone may learn a few things about themselves. Yes it is a cliché but this read really is a journey. We have the very literal journey of Jude and Jess hunting everywhere for Zoe and following up every lead they find. We also have the equally important journey the characters go on, Jude in particular, the Jude at the end of this is very different to the Jude at the start and I loved seeing the change.

I was not expecting to find the plot so gripping, it is not exactly full of twists and yet I found myself completely enthralled by the read and swept away by the raw emotion and agony Alexander creates. Every thought and feeling is well placed and I could imagine everything they were experiencing, this really is a beautiful read.

I now return to the characters and what a stunning cast this is. They are just so realistic, not over dramatic at all and extremely believable. This could have been a true story. No event was exaggerated, instead Alexander details the emotion behind the action which made it all the more powerful.

For me, 'The Road to Zoe' was a stunning read about family love that I will not be forgetting for a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy.

[Wendie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this e-book via the Goodreads giveaway....

As an American, I enjoyed reading about all the lesser known locations in the UK where Jess & Jude traveled to find Zoe, and the characters they met along the way. A lot of complex emotions were explored in the book, and I did want to keep reading to find out what really happened to Zoe, though I do have to say that I was disappointed by the last 1/3 of the book; it seemed implausible.

I did like the author's method of using emails for a couple of the ending chapters, as well as an unknown narrator for the last chapter to wrap up the story.

[E.J. Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again this author demonstrates an amazing ability to write from both male and female perspectives with equal finesse. As a young man and his girlfriend set out to find Zoe, his sister, who disappeared years before, we are exposed to deeply personal struggles with identity, loyalty and love. Another lightning fast read for me as I simply needed to know...

[Allie Cresswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Close to home

This book struck near the knuckle for me, which is why I find myself feeling prickly about it.
I found Zoe to be selfish beyond forgiveness, a judgement she would endorse, I think.
But there’s no denying that the author has, yet again, climbed into the skin of a common human experience, explored it with extraordinary insight and empathy and presented it back in a way that is readable and relatable.

[Charlotte Farrugia · Rating 5 out of 5]

love everything by nick alexander <3

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up this book just by chance and didn't think I was going to love it; just thought it was another 'alright' book. Honestly absolutely loved this book!! So much that I read it in a day (despite all the other work I have to do oops). I loved majority of the characters. Also I felt so many emotions towards the characters which made the story very real. I loved the relationship between Jude and jess, there were many layers in their relationship which again emphasises the authenticity of the book.

[Lisbeth Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly engrossing (read overnight in two looooong sessions) and a very welcome relief from constantly hitting refresh on the Guardian home page as we all learn to cope with the new coronavirus reality.

Great story, very believable characters, much recommended - I'm off to buy some more of Nick Alexander's novels.

[Myreadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je tiens à remercier les éditions Amazon Publishing France et le site Netgalley pour m'avoir permis de lire ce livre.

Zoé à disparue depuis sept ans et son frère Jude la recherche. Il ne rêve que d'une chose réunir sa famille brisée et tenter de comprendre pourquoi Zoé est partie sans laisser de traces du jour au lendemain. Comprendre ce qu'il s'est réellement passé ce fameux jour étant enfants.

Une journée banale comme les autres après le divorce de leurs parents, à la fête foraine où après être sortie d'un manège, Zoé n'adresse plus la parole à son beau père.

Jude veux retrouver sa sœur et est prêt à tout pour cela malgré en apprendre sur ce mystère quitte à briser leur avenir.

Un livre lu d'une traite tellement j'ai de suite accroché à l'histoire si émouvante à certains passages, captivante, prenante, addictive, remplie d'intrigues, de suspens et de rebondissement avec des personnages très attachants. Hâte de découvrir d'autres livres de cet auteur dont j'adore la plume.

[D.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautifully crafted story, perfectly illustrating the feelings, fears, and hopes of a family torn apart when 16 year old Zoe disappears. 

Nick introduces us to a family in turmoil as young Zoe's behaviour begins to spiral, seemingly for no reason. But of course there is a reason... if only they can find out what it is.

Told in parallel timelines we also join a grown up Jude and his girlfriend as they travel from town to town determined to track Zoe down and finally find out what drove her from the family home so many years earlier. 

The characters are, as always with Nick's writing, real and relatable and I found myself emotionally invested in Jude's quest - hoping that he would be successful, and that we would all find the answers he needs. I may have even shed a tear or two as we got to the end.

Another triumph :)

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Characters very well drawn and compelled me to want to know what happened next. Deeper issues; such as the nature of fanily, quality of relationships and the impact of parenting on the sense of self; were interesting.
The story could have done with a little more depth and progression for my liking.
Overall a satisfying read though. Good as something not too heavy, which is what I was looking for when I chose it.
The Audible narration was generally good but the male narration of the character Jess did make her sound somewhat dim and naive, of which I felt she was neither.

[Emmy Stiles · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointingly old fashioned and sexist

This book had me interested for most of it (audio version) but there were clues throughout about the viewpoint - strict gender roles, middle class looking down at housing estate comments, old fashioned views etc but the end really disappointed me - the conclusion is very negative about same sex relationships and hideously old fashioned about teenage brain development and victims of abuse. Without giving away the ending it's hard to say more - if you are a lefty at all or open minded and accepting of others life choices don't read this (unless you want to get really angry!)

[Tracey Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written! I couldn’t put it down and found myself itching to get back into it at every opportunity.
An excellent and very believable story that I can honestly say I enjoyed from start to finish.
The characters were very likeable and I found myself getting quite emotional towards the end of the book.
I have always been a loyal reader of Nick Alexander and he certainly hasn't disappointed me with his latest masterpiece. Congratulations on a wonderful book

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Another excellent book by Nick Alexander I like his style and like how I can relate to at least one of the characters in his books. I also like that he talks about placed in England usually quite accurately that I can also relate to. When Mandy and Scott split it made me mad, bit what happened after made me cry and them made me smile

[verity youngs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them. This one never really gets going, I was expecting a big revelation but it never came! Even near the end I was thinking there must be a twist -but no! Feels like this book was written to fulfill a contract of writing so many books and the author had run out of ideas.

[Alix Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another beautifully written book. Nick Alexander really understands people, and the way they work. As usual with Nicks books, I felt I ‘knew’ the characters and could relate to many of them. I didn’t want this book to end, but it ended so well...

[Claudia Feneley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel that I should start out this review by saying that Nick Alexander is one of my favourite authors. I have not read all of his books (although I plan to), but I have thoroughly enjoyed every one that I have read. There are a few things that he really excels at as an author: developing well-rounded characters with distinctive personalities, ensuring that each character has their own voice, and establishing storylines that will tear at your heartstrings. All of the books that I have read by him also have a strong family element.

While The Road to Zoe does has strong characters and an emotional plot, I must be honest and say that it is not my favourite book by the author that I have read thus far. Perhaps this opinion is purely down to high expectations; I have read his other works and know what he is capable of. By no means am I saying that The Road to Zoe is a bad book, in fact I thoroughly enjoyed it, it is just not the five star read that I have come to expect from Nick Alexander.

It is slightly unfair, but often readers form opinions on a novel based on how they start and how they end. The beginning of a novel needs to be captivating enough to make the reader want to continue with it, while the ending should leave a lasting impression. Unfortunately, I do not think The Road to Zoe has a strong beginning or end. However, the potential is there. Because I did not yet know the characters, I found the start of the novel to be slightly confusing. Quite a few people were mentioned in a number of pages, which was a bit difficult to wrap my head around. I found myself reading whole paragraphs a few times over to try to figure out who was being mentioned, which detracted from the reading experience. I think perhaps it would have been better to start this story with a brief flashback to one of the most crucial plot points: when Zoe goes missing. This is merely my opinion, and I must say that once I got past the initial confusion I was captivated by the plot.

I cannot imagine how difficult it is for an author to decide how to end a novel. There are many different ways to end a novel: with a cliffhanger, tying up loose ends, by revealing information that will shock the reader, or just finding a natural end for the character’s story, to name a few. The thing about The Road to Zoe is that it did have a powerful ending, but then the author added an epilogue. Epilogues are an interesting tool; sometimes they are brilliant, and sometimes they do more harm than good. In the case of The Road to Zoe, I believe that the epilogue was a mistake. The last part of the novel before the epilogue was emotionally powerful; it would have been a brilliant way to end this book. In fact, I think that if it had ended before the epilogue I would have given it this book four stars instead of three. Instead, the epilogue introduced a new character that I found unnecessary and provided superfluous information. If you read this book I urge you to try to resist the temptation to read the epilogue.

I feel that this review sounds a bit negative, so I should reiterate: The Road to Zoe is still a thoroughly enjoyable read. If you have enjoyed Nick Alexander’s other books then I think you will appreciate this book. Perhaps your opinion will differ from mine and you might even think it is one of his best books. That is okay. In fact, if you have read this book or any of his other work’s, I would love to discuss it with you in the comments below. The Road to Zoe still contains the classic Nick Alexander charm; it has strong characters and an emotional story line. It is brilliantly written of course, as all of his books are. Although I did not enjoy this book as much, I look forward to reading more books by the author in the future.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

Review originally posted on my blog, www.theloveofbooks.co.uk

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read from this author Nick Alexander The Road to Zoe by Nick Alexander was a brilliant read. It's a perfect book for a holiday read. Its beautifully written throughout and the story I can relate to from my childhood when my parents broke up.

Within this book you read about Mandy and her Husband Ian's bitter marriage break up. They have two teenaged children Zoe and Jude' This affected the whole family for many years to come. Mandy is left to pick up the pieces with their two children. Mandy meets someone called Scott she knows it's not going to be easy for them all however, Ian has moved on and it's time for her to have a life as well. Jude is ok with his mum's new boyfriend Scott but Zoe is having issues with him. Mandy is pulling her hair out and doesn't know what to do.

On Zoe's sixteenth Birthday Mandy holds a surprise Birthday for her. Everything is set, the Birthday cake has been made, Birthday food is on the table, a new Iphone is wrapped for Zoe.......
All her best and close friends, are there her Mum, Dad and his new wife and her children are there waiting with Zoe's brother to arrive at her surprise Birthday party...........But, she does not turn up!

Zoe has disappeared Where is she? Why?

Mandy is heartbroken.......and Jude doesn't know what to do!

Years go by and there's still no sign Zoe. Mandy is now single and has put their old family house up for sale. Jude and his girlfriend Jess sets out innocently looking for Zoe.

I loved this book and all the characters were so believable and it all came together.

But, Do they find her?

If they do! Where has she been and why did she leave her mum and brother!?!

Big Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.

[Frank Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sixteen year old runs away from home, leaving behind hints of inappropriate behaviour by her step father. Seven years later her brother, assisted by his girl friend, follow a series of leads in hope of tracking her down and revealing the truth of why she left.
The story is told in alternating first person accounts between the brother's ten day quest and the mother's recounting of events leading up to her daughter's departure and the impact on the family in the period afterwards.
Both voices are clear and uncluttered, creating the impressions of characters with whom it is easy to feel empathy. Neither is perfect, but each has flaws that it is easy to relate to and which serve to make the fiction seem entirely plausible. The secondary characters: the father, the step-father and the son's girlfriend are equally well realised and relatable. The settings, too, are believable - from the suburban middle class home in Buxton, to the seedier sides of Bristol, Blackpool and Morecambe to a semi-abandoned hippy commune in Scotland and a caravan park in Nice.
The people that Jude and Jessica meet in the course of their quest are equally well drawn.
As for the story, such concepts as false memory, false accusation and, of course, actual abuse could hardly be more topical. But Nick Alexander's handling of the issues and the effect upon everyone involved is superbly executed.
Like Jude and his mother, I was captivated by the need to understand what really happened. Only Zoe knows the truth. Will Jude find her? If he does, will she reveal what she knows? How will she and everyone else react to that knowledge?
I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review:

Rating: 4/5

After reading the first few pages and knowing little of the characters, I became curious of the route the author would take following the revelation that a father had left his family; a young son Jude, daughter Zoe and wife Mandy, in order to pursue a new found love. Soon after, sixteen year old Zoe disappears or rather runs away. No note and no explanation. For years, she doesn’t contact the family (apart from an occasional postcard, which also eventually cease) until Jude makes the decision to track her down. Along the way, we learn more about Zoe and the effect her choices had on those closest to her.

The chapters are told from Mandy’s and Jude’s point of view. Most of Mandy’s reminisce the past whilst Jude tells us about the present. Eventually the two entwine. Both offered great insight and kept up my interest. ‘The Road to Zoe’ is well written, with well developed but also the most frustrating characters. Frustrating - yes, but in a bizarrely good way. They felt authentic, their faults always out in the open; it was refreshing. It’s been a while since I’ve read something where one’s actions would grate my nerves so much as in this book, especially towards the end when truths were revealed. Yet I see this as a positive thing; the author managed to use the characters to somehow to convey life’s lack of logic and brutality in an almost different light, to show that despite all, it can still have its beautiful moments. The one aspect of the book that I can’t make up mind if I liked it to not, is the epilogue. I can understand why the author decided to include it, but perhaps it could have been left out. It felt too perfect and polished - a jarring comparison with the rest of the book. Other than that, I have no complaints.

In conclusion, it’s a great, complex story with plenty of ups and downs and which I’m confident will keep you glued to your seat right till the end.

[Hazel Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those stories I found hard to put down.

The story begins with Mandy, packing up to start afresh in Nottingham. Her day is interrupted by her son, Jude, who has just returned from a road trip with a difference. Jude’s girlfriend Jess has persuaded him to track down his long lost sister, Zoe who went missing seven years ago, leaving the family to deal with the pain and heartache she left behind. The physical journey takes them around the UK, into Scotland and then further still. The mental journey takes them back in time with both Jude and Mandy reliving the havoc that Zoe caused when they were still a family.

This was one of those stories I found hard to put down. The dual timeline worked well and seeing two sides of the back story, from Mandy and Jude’s points of view, was refreshing and enlightening. The characters were flawed but mostly likeable. Jess was a lovely character and I found myself wanting to know more about her background. Hers would make a great story on its own. I particularly enjoyed the way Jude’s phobias gradually revealed themselves.

For me the story went oddly flat when they did eventually catch up with Zoe. Maybe I’d been so invested in them finding her that it was always going to be so but it didn’t feel quite dramatic enough, and the ending came a little too quickly after that. A couple more chapters wouldn’t have gone amiss.

Overall though, this was a great story. Definitely worth a read.

[Sharon M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Nick Alexander for the opportunity to read his latest novel - another great read! Alexander is the king of family dramas! 4.5 stars.

Mandy and Ian are happily married, or at least Mandy thinks so until the day she walks in to find him with another woman. But that was just the start of the drama in this family. Mandy eventually starts a new relationship with Scott and realizes just how happy she can be. Her son, Jude, loves Scott but Zoe, always a more difficult child, hates him. Things come to a breaking point after a family trip to a funfair. Something happened and now Zoe won't have anything to do with Scott or even be in the same room with him. Then she disappears. Years later, Jude and his girlfriend, Jessica, take a two-week holiday to see if they can find Zoe.

The book is told in alternating chapters of Jude & Jessica's adventures and more of the history of the family from Mandy's point of view. There was so much emotion in this book and it felt very real. Breaking up families is difficult for everyone and causes long-term issues.

[Jesica Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zoe is a troubled teen. And on her 16th birthday, she leaves. And her family doesn't know why.

Her parents, Mandy and Ian split up two years ago. Ian is engaged and Mandy has a lovely boyfriend named Scott. Zoe hates Scott and hints that he is the reason everything in her life is bad. Between the eating disorders, tantrums and silent treatment, Zoe drives a wedge into her family. And once that is done she leaves. And breaks everyone's heart.

Her brother Jude is two years younger and is left to pick up the pieces. Now he has graduated college, has a good job, and is dating a lovely woman named Jess. And together, Nick and Jess decide to find Zoe.

They travel all over, following the bread crumbs. All Jude wants to know is why. He has had his own struggles in life, mostly with trust and a fear of being left behind.

This book goes back and forth between Mandy's perspective in the past and Jude's perspective now. And how much they both miss Zoe. In the end, this is a book about family and life and just how hard it is to be a teenager and how excruciating it is to raise one. The ending was not what I thought it would be. But overall I'm not mad that I read it.