Women's Fiction Author

I love bringing characters to life that navigate real struggles, discover love, and uncover the beauty tucked inside everyday moments.

Why I Write

My Writing Process

My writing process is rooted in emotional discovery rather than rigid outlining. I typically begin with a central emotional question—something unresolved or quietly persistent—and allow the characters to reveal the story as I write.

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A sofa. A good book. And You

My Books on Amazon

What Love Leaves Behind

A USA BEST BOOK AWARD FINALIST: AFRICAN-AMERICAN FICTION!

"An engaging novel...A sweet, sentimental story about what it means to be a family."

Pre-Order

Available March 24, 2026

Two newborns. Two families forever changed. One hidden truth that could either heal them… or break them all.

Editorial Reviews

Discover what book critics say about women's fiction book, What Love Leaves Behind

Original, unique, exceptional, deftly crafted, compelling, and an emotionally engaging read from cover to cover. What Love Leaves Behind by novelist Marian L. Thomas is one of those novels that will linger in the mind and memory long after it has been finished and set back upon the shelf."

—James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review

What Love Leaves Behind by Marian L. Thomas ... captured my attention from the very first page. The story took me on a roller coaster of emotions — grief, hope, and the power of friendship. The characters were well-developed, each with a distinct role and purpose in the unfolding plot. This was an exceptional book, brought to a satisfying and memorable conclusion. It is a story that will stay with me long after turning the last page."

—Alma Boucher, Readers' Favorite

★★★★★

"Heartbreaking, inspirational, and beautifully told. What Love Leaves Behind is a tender, emotionally rich journey that reminds us—even in our darkest moments—love finds its way home." — Ashley Emma, USA Today Bestselling Author of Undercover Amish

”The characters’ fears and hopes are portrayed with sincerity, making their journeys relatable. It’s a thoughtful reminder that love can guide us even through uncertainty.”

- Samatha J, Goodreads Review

”This book gently shows how love influences decisions and shapes lives. The emotional storytelling is subtle but powerful.”

- Colleen, Goodreads Review

”The impact of this book comes from its quiet honesty. The author captures moments of doubt and courage with care, making the characters feel real. It’s a story that encourages empathy and reflection.”

- Grace, Goodreads Review

”I found this book deeply reflective and engaging. The characters’ internal struggles are portrayed with honesty, making their growth feel earned. The story’s focus on love and belonging adds warmth to its heavier themes.”

- Michael A, Goodreads Review

Reader Reviews

The Story

When a young mother dies during childbirth, nurse Etta Harris cannot ignore the pull she feels toward the orphaned newborn girl in her care. After years spent caring for other people's babies, Etta knows—deep in her bones—that this child is meant to be hers. But her husband isn't ready to take that leap, and Etta's dream of motherhood threatens to crack open the marriage she's fought so hard to protect.

Down the hall, Darren Johnson is drowning in grief after losing his wife the same night their son was born. Though he longs to honor her last wish—that he be the father their child deserves—Darren can barely look at the baby without breaking. He never expected to raise a son alone. And now he must decide whether he's strong enough to try.

As Etta fights for the little girl who's already captured her heart, and Darren struggles to bond with the son he never imagined raising alone, their lives begin to intersect in unexpected ways. And when long-buried truths finally rise to the surface, both families must face a stunning revelation—one that will change everything they thought they knew about love, loss, and belonging.

A deeply emotional story about motherhood, identity, and the invisible threads that tie us together, What Love Leaves Behind is perfect for readers who crave heart-tugging, hopeful fiction with unforgettable characters and a resonant, lasting finish.