Yes, there is romance, but I didn't feel it overshadowed the greater message. Some parts of the story played out predictably, but it was Maggie's emotional journey that had me riveted. I absolutely loved the message of how helping others helps yourself and that there are all kinds of happy endings. It was heartbreaking and tragic, but also so uplifting and hopeful. I took my dog for longer and longer walks so that I could get back to this story.

I did not want to stop listening once I started. She embodied Maggie and her timing and delivery really brought this story to life. Therese Plummer's narration was absolutely phenomenal and she gave one of the most emotional performances I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. I loved Maggie's voice and the author's writing style was engaging and entertaining. From the moment the story started, I was hooked and invested. The novella is meant to connect How to Walk Away with Center's upcoming novel Things You Save in a Fire, but I instantly wanted to learn more about Maggie, so I decided to read/listen to How to Walk Away first. Overall 4.5 stars Performance 5 stars Story 4.5 stars I actually did things a little backwards with this book and read the short bridge story The Girl In the Plane first, thinking it would get me ready for my arc of Things You Save in a Fire.

How to Walk Away is Katherine Center at her very best - a masterpiece of an audiobook that is both hopeful and hilarious, truthful and wise, tender and brave. And sometimes love can find us in the least likely place we would ever expect. Sometimes we all need someone to catch us when we fall. Sometimes the last thing you want is the one thing you need. Ian, who won't let her give in to her pity and who sees her like no one has seen her before. Finally, there's Ian, her physical therapist, the one the nurses said was too tough for her. Then, there's her sister Kit, who shows up after pulling a three-year vanishing act. First there is her fiancé, Chip, who wallows in self-pity while simultaneously expecting to be forgiven. In the hospital and forced to face the possibility that nothing will ever be the same again, Maggie must confront the unthinkable.

Then, suddenly, on what should have been one of the happiest days of her life, everything she worked for is taken away in a brief, tumultuous moment. Margaret Jacobsen is just about to step into the bright future she’s worked for so hard and so long: a new dream job, a fiancé she adores, and the promise of a picture-perfect life just around the corner. From the author of Happiness for Beginner s comes an unforgettable audiobook about finding joy even in the darkest of circumstances.

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center