My Train Leaves At Three by Natalie Guerrero

My Train Leaves at Three by Natalie Guerrero is an emotionally charged coming-of-age novel about grief, ambition, family, sexuality, and learning how to move forward without losing yourself.

The story follows Xiomara Sanchez, a 29-year-old Afro-Latina singer and actress from Washington Heights whose life has stalled after the sudden death of her sister, Nena. Struggling financially and emotionally, Xiomara works two low-paying jobs—including singing show tunes at Ellen’s Stardust Diner—while living with her deeply religious Puerto Rican mother. She is grieving, directionless, and increasingly disconnected from the Broadway dreams she once pursued.

Her circumstances change when Xiomara gets an opportunity to audition for Manny Santos, a highly sought-after Broadway director. Seeing the audition as a chance to reclaim her ambitions, she throws herself back into the theater world. At the same time, a new coworker named Santi begins to draw her out of her emotional isolation and offers the possibility of a healthier connection.

As Xiomara gets closer to her professional dreams, however, she encounters the exploitative and predatory side of the entertainment industry, particularly the power held by influential men. Her relationship with Manny becomes increasingly complicated, forcing her to confront how much she is willing to sacrifice for success.

Ultimately, the novel follows Xiomara's journey toward self-acceptance, healing, and reinvention. It asks whether moving forward requires leaving parts of your past behind—or whether true growth means finding a way to carry your history, culture, relationships, and grief with you.