When We Were Widows

A Novel

By: Annette Chavez Macias

Narrated by: Karla Serrato, Cynthia Farrell

In this heartfelt story about finding love in loss, three widows are forced under the same roof, where they’ll need to overcome grief, anger, and old secrets to put their family back together.

Since her husband’s death six months ago, Yesica Diaz-Taylor seems to be taking her grief in stride. Then an angry outburst at work shatters the illusion. Her mandated support group counseling doesn’t help much. Yesica has always kept her feelings close, so even when an unlikely friendship blossoms with the group’s facilitator, she still has reasons for holding back. She’s just not ready to share.

Ana Diaz has been widowed for five years and continues to live life exactly as she did with her late husband. When her house floods, she’s forced to shake things up. Although it was never part of her plan, Ana moves in with her eldest daughter, Yesica. But the new living arrangement tests their already strained relationship.

Shadowed by unresolved tensions, Yesica, Ana, and matriarch Mama Melda must learn to share a home, their heartbreak, and, once and for all, the haunting family secrets that have kept them apart.

©2024 by Annette Macias. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Despite the melancholy subject, this novel is sweet and light, ultimately filling the reader with hope.” —Booklist

“5 stars! Another amazing book by Annette Chavez Macias. I absolutely adored this book. When We Were Widows might even be my favorite of hers. There’s a magically emotional power in Macias’ storytelling that somehow breaks your heart while at the same time repairing it. This compelling and beautifully written story is a true testament to the author’s rare talent and skill. This is a must read. And reread!” —Diana Muñoz Stewart, bestselling author of the Black Ops Confidential series

“A poignant and moving novel that deftly portrays the challenges and triumphs of three incredible women. This story should be on your not-to-be-missed list!” —Mia Sosa, USA Today bestselling author

Great read

Great narrator!!! Highly recommend listening to this book—does not disappoint! I am an avid audiobook listener as my commute to work is 30-min…this book kept me wanting to listen for more!

Sweet Story

The narration was very good, except for the men’s voices which I felt we’re poor.
I enjoyed the story until the end. The ending wasn’t wrong, just way overly sweet and mushy.

Family Ties

Relatable And without a doubt real. As a family of a similar culture we tend to live for our families and not for ourselves. This book allows us to think about being more open and loving to each other

A great, touching story. Communication, self discovery, and relationships. Delightfully read/performed.

The narrator was a perfect choice for this story … of women. Sweetly written with deep authenticity in the thoughts and dialogue.

The secrets we don’t tell

Both mother and daughter experience the same things in their marriages and didn’t discuss their relationships.