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Every Time We Say Goodbye

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Marianne has worked hard to get where she is today. Brought up in care, she's always been determined to make sure her children have what she so badly craved: a secure and loving home. But then comes the news that will change everything: her husband, Dominic, has been found dead.

400 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2014

37 people are currently reading
259 people want to read

About the author

Colette Caddle

33 books88 followers
Born, bred and still living in Dublin's fair city...

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5 stars
90 (29%)
4 stars
120 (39%)
3 stars
73 (24%)
2 stars
16 (5%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Derek Haines.
Author 29 books1,267 followers
January 18, 2013
Thoroughly Enjoyable

As I turned that last page on Marianne and her friends in 'Every Time We Say Goodbye', I was quite disappointed, because I was at the end of a marvellous read. Colette Caddle really does know how to bring her characters to life and make them memorable, while at the same time threading together a down to earth and believable story, yet with plenty of tantalising twists and turns. One of the best books I have read in a while. Highly recommended reading.
Profile Image for Kat.
577 reviews99 followers
May 4, 2012
Colette Caddle is an fantastic writer, and I always find I'm gripped from page with her books, but I have to say despite the writing still been amazing, I found the subject hard to get into and found it quite depressing. It took me 150 pages or so to get into the book due to subject. Afterwards this though it flew by and I was able to read the rest in a matter of a few hours. I loved Katie as she was so grown up and mature for her nine years and made me want to shield her from life and it's pain.

I thought Marianne's friends were fantastic especially Johnny and Helen, they went out their way to help her and I think everyone should have friends like them. I thought something Helen did was shocking and not even understandable. Dominic was my least favourite character throughout the book, but I warmed to him a bit towards the end.

The writing was amazing, and the characters were a mixed of good and bad apples with any good author this is expected so grab you're hot chocolate and settle down to a night in with Colette caddle you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Ady Lam.
185 reviews
July 19, 2020
I'm really surprised by how high this book's rating is, and struggling to believe it's really a Number 1 bestseller. Every Time We Say Goodbye is a very light read. It's the kind of book twelve-year-olds pick up from the adult section in a bookstore, and pride themselves on being able to read and understand. Sure, there's some character development throughout the book... but it's so boring. The main characters are likeable and go through internal struggles of their own, but because Caddle just tells without any showing, it's hard to care. The prose and dialogue are very straightforward, though the latter more so. When Rob and Marianne are together, they tend to say the DUMBEST things. "I miss you" "I missed you too" "I want you" "I want you too" This exchange happened in three paragraphs. ??? Do people actually say that to each other???? Every Time We Say Goodbye wasn't bad, but I'm pretty sure I'll forget all about it in a week or two.
Profile Image for Tara  Niland.
136 reviews11 followers
February 21, 2012
This book gripped me from the first page and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It tells the story of a woman's world that is turned upside down in many ways when her husband dies unexpectedly and she finds out that he was more or less living a double life. I don't want to give too much away but this story shows how different members off a family deal with grief in their own ways and theirs a lot of twists and turns along the way. This story is excellently written and one is not left dangling at the end as the whole story comes together perfectly. I loved this book, well done Colette keep up the great writing x
Profile Image for Kim.
2,120 reviews64 followers
May 19, 2014
After Marianne loses her husband suddenly, lots of skeletons come out of the cupboard. They'd had a troubled marriage towards the end due to his drug abuse and his mother had moved in to help them all cope. Her two friend who met in a children's home when they were young are around to support her. I was totally absorbed in this one from the start and was so sad to finish.
Profile Image for Megan.
470 reviews184 followers
November 19, 2012
I’ve been looking forward to reading this book for a while, and I wasn’t disappointed at all!

Marianne is a mother to two children: Kate and Andrew. Marianne has always worked hard for her children to give them a loving life, something that she never had herself. Suddenly, some shocking news arrives – her husband has been found dead. With the prospect of bringing up her children alone, it soon becomes apparent that all is not what it seems, and that there are things about Dominic that she was not aware of. Marianne then starts a search for the truth, supported by her friends Helen and Jo.

I really enjoyed this story. Colette had me intrigued from the first pages, and when I was a few chapters in, I was completely hooked!

I loved that the novel focused on the friendship of three women: Marianne, Helen and Jo. Their characters were written perfectly, all three of them came to life and their personalities shone out from the pages. It was as though I was stood across the street watching them interact. It was very real, very refreshing and brilliantly written. I loved how close they were, the support they gave to each other and how well they worked together. Sometimes when reading about characters I wish I knew more about them, but this isn’t the case – Colette gives us depth and background to the characters so that we know them as well as our own best friends, and it is interesting to read about how Marianne’s friendship with her two friends developed, and the issues that all three of them have faced.

There is a bit of romance in the story too, which is lovely to read about. As well as the challenges faced by the characters, there is also the mystery of Dominic to discover. All of the issues explored in the book are very well-written and delicately handled. All of this added together makes this a very compelling read.

Every Time We Say Goodbye is a touching, moving book about the different ways that people deal with grief, and the loving way that friends and family will offer their support. The aspect that most stood out for me was the strength of friendship between people. This is a book that you will be glad you read! Personally I am looking forward to seeing more from Colette Caddle!
434 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2012
Colette Caddle is one of my favourite top Authors and when I realised
she had a new book coming out I ordered it on Amazon it has been on
order since March I didn't even read the book description. The book
arrived last week and finally I have got around to reading it. Although
this is the 3rd book I have read recently with the same kind of story.
The start of the story is very sad it brought tears to my eyes however
I really enjoyed this book, it was easy to read and follow my 2
favourite Characters were Andrew and Dot, they brought a bit of humour
to the story. I would definitely recommend, a lovely happy ending great
read for the summer.
Profile Image for Mary.
670 reviews9 followers
April 22, 2012
oh wow what a page turner this book was for me i feel bereft now i i have finished it.. brilliant characters i loved the friendships between jo and helen and marianne and also mariannes relationship with Dot her mother in law, well written funny and sometimes sad and just great characters and a story through out loved it
Profile Image for Fiona.
559 reviews
July 18, 2012
A great easy read, initially I thought " Oh Bugger" as it starts off very similar to the events of 6 years ago for me with the police arriving at the door with bad news....thankfully it didn't dwell too much on that and once the funeral part was over I was able to enjoy the plot !
Profile Image for Heather.
578 reviews3 followers
February 20, 2019
This was a book I nearly stopped reading mainly because it was just 'ok'. I wasn't hooked in, by 30% I still wasn't engaged with the characters but I persevered. It was not unreadable, just somewhat predictable. Ah well, never mind it was a light read.
Profile Image for Jackie Butler.
78 reviews
April 1, 2023
Really enjoyable read, that I couldn’t put down.

I loved the characters, loved the plot and found myself unable to put the book down- a perfect easy read!
As Marianne comes to terms with the sudden death of her husband, she soon finds out how much he’s been hiding from her and how much could be at stake. A great tale of friendship and love.
I enjoyed the friendship between the three woman- a true friendship through thick and thin!
Profile Image for Maria.
120 reviews10 followers
January 14, 2019
I have enjoyed this book, I did not like the start of it as it started with the funeral, will be nice to have a bit background, however as the book went I enjoyed it, end was rushed as well, quickly summarized in few pages, I would liked more detailed, but overall easy reading. I finished the book in one day....
Profile Image for Paula.
50 reviews
August 24, 2020
Such a satisfying summer read. Thoroughly loved the characters right to the end. There was just enough light intimacy, and it was tastefully done. The range of characters with different influencs on their lives was just enough to keep my interest piqued. Definitely a chick lit book and I enjoyed every moment!
Profile Image for Gaynor Evans.
59 reviews9 followers
September 20, 2024
Chick lit at its best really. I finished the book in a day, and really enjoyed it. It was hardly War and Peace but it was a lot better than some books of the same genre. If you want a good book that doesn't overtax the mind, this is it!
Profile Image for Lisa Mcmaugh.
350 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2018
I enjoyed this book. I like the mystery and the romance and all the friendships.
Profile Image for Farhana  Zukri .
127 reviews10 followers
August 2, 2015
Life got tough when Marianne discovered her husband has been found dead. However, she'd better been off with him. Dominic left devastating amount of problems for her to deal with. How could Marianne looked forward for what it seemed as a bleak future?

The story started in moderate pace and it was not only Marianne's part been told but her two best friends, Helen's and Joanna's too. The three of them met in a children home and since then has been the best of friends. With two children and a mother-in-law to support, Marianne tried to get pension from Dominic's employer and found out her husband has been accused of fraud and money embezzlement. It's not a good start for her new life but Marianne knew she has to help the investigation.

The three women's life stories weren't the same but each of them needed enlightenment for their painful past and uncertain future.
Profile Image for Anne Harvey.
393 reviews18 followers
May 30, 2014
I'd heard of Irish author, Collette Caddle, but this is the first book of hers I've read (or in my case listened to). And what a find she has proved to be! I absolutely loved this book. Briefly, when Marianne, mother of two young children, is widowed, she finds that her husband has been leading a secret life that slowly begins to impact on the life of herself and her family. However, all is not gloom and doom; Marianne does find a new love and happiness but I can't say too much as I don't want to include any spoilers. As a writer, I was impressed the way the back story was introduced layer by layer and learned a lot from the process.

I found the blurb confusing as there was mention of the police being involved but in the book they are not.
444 reviews6 followers
September 1, 2013
It's nice feelgood chicklit and was the perfect poolside read but I couldn't help but think that it all seemed a bit too good to be true. Everyone has big issues - domestic abuse, a cancer scare, bulimia, to name but a few - but it all comes good a bit too quickly so I would have preferred a bit more gritty realism. They all get their happy ending whereas in the real world, it would have all been a lot more complicated and less perfect.

That said, if you want a nice light read for the summer, it's ideal.

Longer review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
Profile Image for Book-shelf Shelf.
473 reviews35 followers
September 16, 2012
What a brilliant book.... I've said it before and i say it again, you just cant beat an Irish author. They have a knack of giving a story from the heart and every time you think its all going smooth, they jolt you very wide awake. Colette Caddle is no exception with this book. She has kept me awake at night and at every chance i have had my nose in this book. The story line is brilliant and touches on so many subjects with a carefulness that also leaves you under no doubt. Cant wait to get stuck into another of this brilliant authors books.
Profile Image for Jcel.
20 reviews14 followers
September 4, 2012
I quite like it. Its very relatable except I hope it didn't end the way it did. I supposed I was hoping after everything she's been through she will take time to focus on getting back her life and nurturing herself and kids instead of falling into another relationship. All in all it's an okay read.
969 reviews
February 23, 2014
Blurb made me believe this was going to include the uncovering of a mystery. Sure we learn Marianne's husband committed fraud and had a lover on the side but the ending was just too quickly resolved for all 3 couples.
Profile Image for Sarah El Garhy.
37 reviews
March 11, 2016
This book is so light and it gives you a great warm feeling. It's easy to read with relatable characters. I love how the author got into detail with the lives of Marianne's friends and how they got a big part in the book as well. Also, how amazing Dot is.
Profile Image for Siobhán Cullen.
401 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2012
I think we all know a Dominic but I won't spoil the story. I enjoyed this book, it's twists and turns and true to life today post Celtic tiger

A good read
Profile Image for Cara Henderson.
37 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyable read. You are drawn into the book at page 1 and is hard to put down thereafter. Would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Mary.
90 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2013
Wonderful book. I didn't want it to end. It was sad in places. Funny in places and romantic in places. I loved it.
Profile Image for Caragh.
199 reviews18 followers
January 20, 2014
The start was really depressing but it got a bit better. It wasn't riveting though!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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