Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is face a past you've spent years trying to forget. In Nomad by Cynthia Johnstone, Corey Collins has spent the last decade living alone on twenty-seven acres of land near Sedona, Arizona. At eighteen, she left Phoenix after a terrible tragedy involving her four-year-old brother, Damon, and their mother, who was sentenced to prison. So much happened in such a short time that Corey couldn't cope. She decides to buy a secluded ranch and start rebuilding her life. She soon settles into a routine of gardening, feeding her chickens, and keeping up the property. Everything is going along as usual until an injured stray appears outside her greenhouse. The animal wears a turquoise bead around its neck with the name Nomad. She initially wants nothing to do with him, but he’s quite persistent. His unusual eyes remind her of a dog that belonged to Jack Mitchell, her high school sweetheart, bringing back everything she's worked hard to forget. After Nomad saves her, he needs medical attention, which brings Corey back into contact with Jack, now a veterinarian. Not long afterward, a frightening incident at her home leaves her shaken. She has tried to shut out the painful memories of her childhood, but they keep finding their way back. Will Corey ever be able to put the past behind her and find happiness again?

The title of Nomad by Cynthia Johnstone caught my attention right away. After reading it, I realized the name could describe Corey just as easily as the dog. This read was absolutely gut-wrenching at times. There were moments when I could feel her grief, anger, and guilt. Yet, there’s a good amount of resilience and hope that kept the plot from becoming overwhelmingly sad. The flashbacks of Corey and Damon together were some of the saddest parts. It was obvious how much she loved her little brother. I also grew attached to Nomad, who was every bit as important to the story as the other characters. He gave her something she hadn’t had in a long time: a companion she could trust and depend on. Johnstone’s writing was very descriptive. It was easy to picture Corey working in her greenhouse, taking care of the ranch, and enjoying the Arizona surroundings. The pacing was perfect. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in one sitting. Anyone who enjoys emotional novels, believable characters, and the bond between people and their pets won't want to miss this one.