A powerful story of survival, secrets, and starting over from the author of Beach Therapy.
When Maggie Oliver uncovers her husband’s darkest secret, her entire world unravels—and the journey to reclaim herself begins.
In The Me I Left Behind, Book 4 of the emotional Tuckaway Bay series, Maggie Oliver finally takes center stage. On the outside, Maggie has it all—three beautiful children, a stunning home, and financial security. What she doesn’t have is a voice. Or peace. Or herself. Behind closed doors, her marriage, which began as a calculated agreement, has turned into something darker.
When a shocking discovery shatters the fragile illusion of her life, and a tragic event upends everything she thought she knew, Maggie is forced to ask herself: At what point did leave herself behind? And how does she find her way back?
This poignant and powerful novel explores the truths of domestic abuse, the quiet strength of women’s friendships, and the complicated bonds between mothers and daughters.
A heartfelt women’s fiction novel featuring:
• A toxic marriage and emotional abuse
• A woman’s journey to self-worth
• Found family and deep female friendships
• Midlife reinvention and healing
• The balancing of mother-daughter relationships
• A coastal setting perfect for fresh starts
For fans of Kristin Hannah, Diane Chamberlain, and Robyn Carr, this novel explores the quiet courage it takes to leave, the strength it takes to stay gone, and the love it takes to come back to yourself.
Tuckaway Bay is a heart-centered women’s fiction series about second chances, emotional healing, and the bonds that carry us home. Each book stands alone but features overlapping characters and deep connections.
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The Me I Left Behind is a poignant and powerful tale of survival and reclaiming one’s identity after years of silence. Madeleine Jaimes masterfully portrays Maggie’s painful journey through emotional abuse and betrayal toward healing and self-worth. Set against an evocative coastal town, this novel shines a compassionate light on strength, second chances, and the bonds that help women find their way home. —NewInBooks.com
About Madeleine Jaimes
Madeleine Jaimes is a contemporary women’s fiction author whose emotionally charged novels explore the real-life social issues affecting women today. Her stories reflect powerful themes like addiction and recovery, domestic violence, LGBTQ+ identity, and family struggles. Her characters remind us that healing is never linear—and that strength comes in many forms.
She believes the most important stories we tell are the ones we whisper to ourselves.
Set against emotionally rich backdrops, Madeleine’s stories invite readers to pause, reflect, and feel seen. Her popular Tuckaway Bay series reflects her passion for writing layered characters and small-town stories where every woman’s journey matters.
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Note: This novel has a running theme of domestic and family violence—including emotional and physical abuse. In the United States, domestic violence affects an estimated 10 million people annually—as many as one in four women and one in nine men. It comes in many forms and affects families in countless ways. Many cases go unreported to health professionals or the authorities.