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Leaving Before It's Over
From the author of The Space Between Before and After comes a compelling novel that explores the true meaning of family.
When Roy Vines married his wife, Rosalind, he traded his family and his inheritance for love—a painful choice that has blessed them with years of joy nestled in rural North Carolina with their beautiful daughters, sixteen-year-old Lola and little Janie Ray.
But their happiness is threatened when Rosalind suddenly falls ill. Desperate to get her the help she needs, Roy does the one thing he swore he'd never do—turn to his heartless and bitter identical twin brother, Mont, for help.
The price is steep—and includes opening their home to a teenage boy who believes Roy is the father who abandoned him. As bad blood threatens to destroy her family, Rosalind must make a difficult choice. Should she walk away—like Roy once did—for love, or try to mend wounds that may never be healed? And will the pain of choosing be more than her heart can bear?
When Roy Vines married his wife, Rosalind, he traded his family and his inheritance for love—a painful choice that has blessed them with years of joy nestled in rural North Carolina with their beautiful daughters, sixteen-year-old Lola and little Janie Ray.
But their happiness is threatened when Rosalind suddenly falls ill. Desperate to get her the help she needs, Roy does the one thing he swore he'd never do—turn to his heartless and bitter identical twin brother, Mont, for help.
The price is steep—and includes opening their home to a teenage boy who believes Roy is the father who abandoned him. As bad blood threatens to destroy her family, Rosalind must make a difficult choice. Should she walk away—like Roy once did—for love, or try to mend wounds that may never be healed? And will the pain of choosing be more than her heart can bear?
100 pages, ebook
First published July 25, 2010
34 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
April 13, 2012
I really liked this book and would recommed reading it. The only thing that I would have liked would be a better ending.
October 30, 2012
I picked this book up because the summary on the back cover made it sound very compelling, (I know better then falling for that but this time I did), especially with the following: "As bad blood threatens to destroy her family, Rosalind must make a difficult choice. Should she walk away -like Roy once did- for love, or try to mend wounds that may never be healed?" Unfortunately, I have no idea what choice this was and I've finished the book!
I tried to like this book even though it dragged, and I was interested in what happened, but it just didn't live up to it's sales pitch. For example, her illness was never clear enough to understand why they needed to beg for money from his family; there was no "choice" nor any reason for her to "walk away" that I could understand and the whole paternity issue made no sense to me. Probably my biggest issue with this story though, was the black and white character portrayal of Roy's family. No person is all good or all bad and when a story is built on this kind of characterization, (without a compelling reason), I find myself losing interest in what I'm reading.
This book was not awful and I didn't have to force myself to finish reading it, (which has occasionally happened), but I would not recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good plot.
I tried to like this book even though it dragged, and I was interested in what happened, but it just didn't live up to it's sales pitch. For example, her illness was never clear enough to understand why they needed to beg for money from his family; there was no "choice" nor any reason for her to "walk away" that I could understand and the whole paternity issue made no sense to me. Probably my biggest issue with this story though, was the black and white character portrayal of Roy's family. No person is all good or all bad and when a story is built on this kind of characterization, (without a compelling reason), I find myself losing interest in what I'm reading.
This book was not awful and I didn't have to force myself to finish reading it, (which has occasionally happened), but I would not recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good plot.
May 22, 2019
This book by Jean Reynolds Page is about family relationships. Roy Vines married Rosalind against his family's wishes, thus he severed his ties with them. He lived a simple, normal family life with daughters Lola and Janie Ray until Rosalind got diagnosed with a serious illness. Now he decided to go back to his family to ask for some money to help with the medical expenses. Lola and Janie Ray have always thought that they don't have any living paternal relatives.
Is it the right decision? What would his politically ambitious twin Mont ask in return for some money? What about his parents? Will his return stir up some family secrets?
The author will keep you reading to the end which leave us a little bit hanging. Otherwise, it is a good, clean book about family, appropriate for young readers as well.
Is it the right decision? What would his politically ambitious twin Mont ask in return for some money? What about his parents? Will his return stir up some family secrets?
The author will keep you reading to the end which leave us a little bit hanging. Otherwise, it is a good, clean book about family, appropriate for young readers as well.
February 17, 2019
I would have liked to know more about what happend with rosalina and the summer following when luke graduated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2012
I loved the simplicity of this book. Growing up in the south, things really do move as slowly as depicted in this novel. Extravagant lives are unnecessary. Finding a family that relishes family time and just being together was great for my soul. I identified with the characters, and their growing pains, and I liked that every character grew during the novel. That's a huge sticking point for me when I read. Know your characters, own them, become them. This book did this. I only gave it four stars because it was a bit slow at times, and I thought that maybe the pacing could have been a bit faster. Other than that, great book.
March 30, 2013
Goodreads Description- When Roy Vines married his wife, Rosalind, he traded his family and his inheritance for love--a painful choice that has blessed them with years of joy nestled in rural North Carolina with their beautiful daughters, sixteen-year-old Lola and little Janie Ray.
But their happiness is threatened when Rosalind suddenly falls ill. Desperate to get her the help she needs, Roy does the one thing he swore he'd never do--turn to his heartless and bitter identical twin brother, Mont, for help.
The price is steep--and includes opening their home to a teenage boy who believes Roy is the father who abandoned him. As bad blood threatens to destroy her family, Rosalind must make a difficult choice. Should she walk away--like Roy once did--for love, or try to mend wounds that may never be healed? And will the pain of choosing be more than her heart can bear?
I was a little worried when I picked up this book when I saw that many of the reviews on Goodreads and Amazon were low. But this book goes to show you just how different people can perceive and react to the same book with such strong differing opinions. In my case, I am glad that I ignored the negative reviews and gave it a shot. Once I was off I could not put this book down!
The story starts off a little confusing with Roy, the husband, father, and one of the main characters, has left home. Rosalind, his wife, doesn't seem worried that he is gone but Lola, his sixteen year old daughter senses trouble and thinks he has left for good. I would say that the beginning is the weakest part of the story because is leaves the reader really confused because the author doesn't reveal why Roy has left until a few chapters into the book. I think this really is the reason for many of the negative reviews. If a book doesn't start off strong a reader isn't going to stick with it. This book requires the reader to keep going and trust that the author will explain everything in time, so if you are just starting and reading this review...keep reading...much will be revealed.
Ok back to the story...so Roy has left his family with no explanation that the reader knows and we can clearly see that Rosalind isn't worried about his departure. Well it turns out that he has left to go to Virginia to visit his family who he hasn't seen in over 16 years. His 2 daughters, Lola and Janie Rae, don't even know that they exist. They have been told that their grandparents are dead. The reason for this visit is Roy's wife, Rosalind, is sick with a rare blood disorder and he needs his family's financial help so she can see a specialist. Along the way we learn that Roy hasn't spoken to his family because years ago he fell in love with Rosalind when he was married o his first wife, Sherry. Roy never cheated on Sherry physically but he turned away from her in their marriage because of his overwhelming love for Rosalind. Sherry, seeking love and trying to keep Roy, gets pregnant with Roy's married twin brother, Mont, and uses her pregnancy to keep Roy in a loveless marriage. When Roy finds out about his brother's betrayal, he leaves his pregnant wife for a life with his true love, Rosalind. Ever since his leaving Sherry, Roy's parents have blamed Roy for Mont's betrayal. They think that if Roy hadn't turned away from his marriage, then Mont wouldn't have been "forced" to betray his own wife, daughter, and brother by cheating and impregnating Sherry. Roy's mother knows the truth about the paternity of Sherry's son, Luke, so she uses that also as a reason to vilify Roy as a man who not only cheated and left his pregnant wife, but also a man who abandoned "his own son", when Roy isn't really Luke's father.
Roy's whole family situation back in Virginia is pretty messed up. Luke's mother died when he was 8 and since then has been living with his grandparents with his "Uncle" Mont always around. It is also important to know that Mont is in the middle of a campaign for a local government position so any disruption or negative press will destroy his chances of being elected. This all makes the reader feel true empathy for Luke, who has no idea of his parentage, and has spent his entire life hating Roy for not being the father he needed when his real father has always been right there but has never claimed him as his own.
Roy's timing couldn't be worse because when he shows up at his parent's house, Luke has just gotten in trouble with the police and his parents want Roy to take Luke back with him to North Carolina in exchange for the money Rosalind needs. They don't want Luke's mishap with the law to ruin Mont's chances of being elected.
It is after all of this that the story finally picks up. As expected Luke is angry for having to leave and Roy's girls are shocked to learn that they have an older brother. However, Luke begins to realize that his "father", who has been absent all of his life, and his family becomes more of a loving family to him in just a few days than his family in Virginia ever was to him. Just as things start to settle down and when Luke realizes that living with Roy's family is a much better situation than he ever thought, Mont calls and states that he wants Luke to return to Virginia and is ready for a fight to the point of revealing to Luke his true paternity. From there we see the struggle for Roy to make the right decision and to do right by Luke and his own family.
I think the best thing about the book was how the story was told through four different perspectives: Roy's, Rosalind's, Luke's and Lola's. This made it easier to understand where each of the characters was coming from as the story progressed. This also made it easier to sympathize with the way each of these characters adjusted to the huge changes going on in their lives in such a small span of time.
For the most part, the characters are kind, honorable and true to themselves. They help their neighbors, reach out to those in trouble, and make room in their home and hearts for a boy that seemingly no one wants. And this is part of the message that I think the author wanted to convey...that you have to be true to yourself to be happy. If you do things only for the sake of others you may end up living a life you don't really want or you could miss out on something that you don't even know you are missing. The author also definitely explored what makes up a family. Is it DNA or the love and relationships that you have with others?
There were some negatives about the book as well but they weren't bad enough to keep me from reading the book. I kept coming back for more even though there were some weaknesses to the plot. One negative was that I couldn't really formulate a setting until a few chapters in. I knew Roy was going to Virginia but I didn't know from where he was leaving. It wasn't until looking over the reader's guide that I knew that the book took place in the mid-1970's. Not knowing a setting is a pet peeve of mine and I was frustrated because I only knew it took place in a small southern town. I wish the author would have been more clear in her actual story rather than have to put the setting in the notes, especially since setting is a basic literary element. I guess that is the teacher in me...pay attention to basic literary elements: setting, character, plot, theme, symbolism, etc...
I also thought the ending was disappointing and just fell flat. The author seemed to be building up to Rosalind having an ultimate confrontation with Mont to save Luke from learning the truth. But it just didn't happen with the gusto that the author built up. There were also some highly questionable actions on Roy's mother's part that were revealed but nothing ever came from them. I don't want to spoil anything but this was a BIG thing!! And the author just let it drop! I was just shocked! Her actions truly should have had some more story time. I also have so many unanswered questions. What happened with Luke and Charlotte and Lola and Duncan? Where do they all end up after the story? Do they go to college or stay in town. What happened with Rosalind's illness? Was she able to get it treated? Did the drugs affect her like she was so worried about?
This book brought out quite a few feelings from me, hence the long review, so that has to mean something. I also practically devoured the book and couldn't wait until I had more time to keep reading. I would recommend this book with the warnings that I gave earlier....stick with it and the story will come. Even though the plotline is missing a few things I still think that this is a solid 3.5 star book just because of the emotions it raised. I do have to say that I read this as a library book on my Kindle and am truly glad that I didn't spend $10.00 on it so that would be my recommendation to other readers. Get it from the library, don't spend your money, and you will have a decent fast read. I have already put a few of Page's books on hold at the library. I am not ready to give up on her yet.
But their happiness is threatened when Rosalind suddenly falls ill. Desperate to get her the help she needs, Roy does the one thing he swore he'd never do--turn to his heartless and bitter identical twin brother, Mont, for help.
The price is steep--and includes opening their home to a teenage boy who believes Roy is the father who abandoned him. As bad blood threatens to destroy her family, Rosalind must make a difficult choice. Should she walk away--like Roy once did--for love, or try to mend wounds that may never be healed? And will the pain of choosing be more than her heart can bear?
I was a little worried when I picked up this book when I saw that many of the reviews on Goodreads and Amazon were low. But this book goes to show you just how different people can perceive and react to the same book with such strong differing opinions. In my case, I am glad that I ignored the negative reviews and gave it a shot. Once I was off I could not put this book down!
The story starts off a little confusing with Roy, the husband, father, and one of the main characters, has left home. Rosalind, his wife, doesn't seem worried that he is gone but Lola, his sixteen year old daughter senses trouble and thinks he has left for good. I would say that the beginning is the weakest part of the story because is leaves the reader really confused because the author doesn't reveal why Roy has left until a few chapters into the book. I think this really is the reason for many of the negative reviews. If a book doesn't start off strong a reader isn't going to stick with it. This book requires the reader to keep going and trust that the author will explain everything in time, so if you are just starting and reading this review...keep reading...much will be revealed.
Ok back to the story...so Roy has left his family with no explanation that the reader knows and we can clearly see that Rosalind isn't worried about his departure. Well it turns out that he has left to go to Virginia to visit his family who he hasn't seen in over 16 years. His 2 daughters, Lola and Janie Rae, don't even know that they exist. They have been told that their grandparents are dead. The reason for this visit is Roy's wife, Rosalind, is sick with a rare blood disorder and he needs his family's financial help so she can see a specialist. Along the way we learn that Roy hasn't spoken to his family because years ago he fell in love with Rosalind when he was married o his first wife, Sherry. Roy never cheated on Sherry physically but he turned away from her in their marriage because of his overwhelming love for Rosalind. Sherry, seeking love and trying to keep Roy, gets pregnant with Roy's married twin brother, Mont, and uses her pregnancy to keep Roy in a loveless marriage. When Roy finds out about his brother's betrayal, he leaves his pregnant wife for a life with his true love, Rosalind. Ever since his leaving Sherry, Roy's parents have blamed Roy for Mont's betrayal. They think that if Roy hadn't turned away from his marriage, then Mont wouldn't have been "forced" to betray his own wife, daughter, and brother by cheating and impregnating Sherry. Roy's mother knows the truth about the paternity of Sherry's son, Luke, so she uses that also as a reason to vilify Roy as a man who not only cheated and left his pregnant wife, but also a man who abandoned "his own son", when Roy isn't really Luke's father.
Roy's whole family situation back in Virginia is pretty messed up. Luke's mother died when he was 8 and since then has been living with his grandparents with his "Uncle" Mont always around. It is also important to know that Mont is in the middle of a campaign for a local government position so any disruption or negative press will destroy his chances of being elected. This all makes the reader feel true empathy for Luke, who has no idea of his parentage, and has spent his entire life hating Roy for not being the father he needed when his real father has always been right there but has never claimed him as his own.
Roy's timing couldn't be worse because when he shows up at his parent's house, Luke has just gotten in trouble with the police and his parents want Roy to take Luke back with him to North Carolina in exchange for the money Rosalind needs. They don't want Luke's mishap with the law to ruin Mont's chances of being elected.
It is after all of this that the story finally picks up. As expected Luke is angry for having to leave and Roy's girls are shocked to learn that they have an older brother. However, Luke begins to realize that his "father", who has been absent all of his life, and his family becomes more of a loving family to him in just a few days than his family in Virginia ever was to him. Just as things start to settle down and when Luke realizes that living with Roy's family is a much better situation than he ever thought, Mont calls and states that he wants Luke to return to Virginia and is ready for a fight to the point of revealing to Luke his true paternity. From there we see the struggle for Roy to make the right decision and to do right by Luke and his own family.
I think the best thing about the book was how the story was told through four different perspectives: Roy's, Rosalind's, Luke's and Lola's. This made it easier to understand where each of the characters was coming from as the story progressed. This also made it easier to sympathize with the way each of these characters adjusted to the huge changes going on in their lives in such a small span of time.
For the most part, the characters are kind, honorable and true to themselves. They help their neighbors, reach out to those in trouble, and make room in their home and hearts for a boy that seemingly no one wants. And this is part of the message that I think the author wanted to convey...that you have to be true to yourself to be happy. If you do things only for the sake of others you may end up living a life you don't really want or you could miss out on something that you don't even know you are missing. The author also definitely explored what makes up a family. Is it DNA or the love and relationships that you have with others?
There were some negatives about the book as well but they weren't bad enough to keep me from reading the book. I kept coming back for more even though there were some weaknesses to the plot. One negative was that I couldn't really formulate a setting until a few chapters in. I knew Roy was going to Virginia but I didn't know from where he was leaving. It wasn't until looking over the reader's guide that I knew that the book took place in the mid-1970's. Not knowing a setting is a pet peeve of mine and I was frustrated because I only knew it took place in a small southern town. I wish the author would have been more clear in her actual story rather than have to put the setting in the notes, especially since setting is a basic literary element. I guess that is the teacher in me...pay attention to basic literary elements: setting, character, plot, theme, symbolism, etc...
I also thought the ending was disappointing and just fell flat. The author seemed to be building up to Rosalind having an ultimate confrontation with Mont to save Luke from learning the truth. But it just didn't happen with the gusto that the author built up. There were also some highly questionable actions on Roy's mother's part that were revealed but nothing ever came from them. I don't want to spoil anything but this was a BIG thing!! And the author just let it drop! I was just shocked! Her actions truly should have had some more story time. I also have so many unanswered questions. What happened with Luke and Charlotte and Lola and Duncan? Where do they all end up after the story? Do they go to college or stay in town. What happened with Rosalind's illness? Was she able to get it treated? Did the drugs affect her like she was so worried about?
This book brought out quite a few feelings from me, hence the long review, so that has to mean something. I also practically devoured the book and couldn't wait until I had more time to keep reading. I would recommend this book with the warnings that I gave earlier....stick with it and the story will come. Even though the plotline is missing a few things I still think that this is a solid 3.5 star book just because of the emotions it raised. I do have to say that I read this as a library book on my Kindle and am truly glad that I didn't spend $10.00 on it so that would be my recommendation to other readers. Get it from the library, don't spend your money, and you will have a decent fast read. I have already put a few of Page's books on hold at the library. I am not ready to give up on her yet.
January 24, 2019
This book has been languishing on my nook for years, so I finally decided to give it a shot and I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the story. My only criticism would be the ending. It was a little abrupt for me.
January 2, 2020
It was really sweet. What I loved the most was the entire cast of characters took pride in being strong about themselves, while being entirely loving and focused on prioritizing their family. I thought it was lovely. It made me cry a couple times
July 20, 2021
A compelling family drama with some unique story lines. I didn’t always love the writing style, but I was engaged with the story and always wanted to know how things would turn out. I’d be interested to revisit their world sometime and see how they all are a few years down the road.
October 2, 2017
Read this book today, and felt let down, it seemed to build up to a big reveal that just never happened. Easy read and quick, just didn't live up to the synopsis plot points.
October 16, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had a few twists and turns that weren't expected.
January 20, 2018
The title?
June 30, 2019
Would have been five stars if it didn't end so suddenly and didn't feel like a proper ending.
May 9, 2020
Quick read, good characters and story line.
October 2, 2023
Excellent!
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
December 5, 2012
Last night, I was talking to my husband about this book, and I told him about Mont and Sherry's "plot" with regards to Roy. My husband looked kind of confused and asked me "So that guy (Mont) is okay with having his girlfriend (Sherry) sleep with his brother?"
And that's pretty much this book in an nutshell. Juicy enough to keep you hooked but not quite well thought out enough to be a great story. Because, no, Mont wouldn't be okay with Roy sleeping with Sherry, particularly since there appeared to be undertones of a sibling rivalry.
There were a lot of things that I think could have helped this book be more streamlined. For example, Rosalind's illness served no purpose other than to be the impetus for Roy's return to Virginia. That made that whole section of the story seem lazy and stupid. Perhaps Luke could have been a year younger, and the grandparents could have threatened him with boarding school after he got arrested in the beginning of the book. Luke could have sought out his father on his own.
Did anyone find it odd that Roy spends much of the book lamenting that his family doesn't let Luke make his own decisions or treat him like an independent person, but then Roy unilaterally decides that Luke shouldn't know who is real father is? I kept thinking that this thinking would get turned on its head when Luke finds out. I thought Luke would find out, tell Roy it wasn't his decision to make, Roy realizes that his decision was similar to one his family would have made (in fact, it was the exact same decision that his family made) and that some kind of resolution would come following this epiphany. But, I'm not sure that the author herself made this connection -- instead becoming complicit in Roy's decision and painting him as the angelic would-be father of the year.
Finally, the Jerry story served absolutely no purpose and thus should not have been in the book. Duncan seemed to be desperate for redemption. The author could have at least tried to tie the Jerry story in through Duncan, perhaps by having Duncan assist law enforcement in getting the money returned.
And that's pretty much this book in an nutshell. Juicy enough to keep you hooked but not quite well thought out enough to be a great story. Because, no, Mont wouldn't be okay with Roy sleeping with Sherry, particularly since there appeared to be undertones of a sibling rivalry.
There were a lot of things that I think could have helped this book be more streamlined. For example, Rosalind's illness served no purpose other than to be the impetus for Roy's return to Virginia. That made that whole section of the story seem lazy and stupid. Perhaps Luke could have been a year younger, and the grandparents could have threatened him with boarding school after he got arrested in the beginning of the book. Luke could have sought out his father on his own.
Did anyone find it odd that Roy spends much of the book lamenting that his family doesn't let Luke make his own decisions or treat him like an independent person, but then Roy unilaterally decides that Luke shouldn't know who is real father is? I kept thinking that this thinking would get turned on its head when Luke finds out. I thought Luke would find out, tell Roy it wasn't his decision to make, Roy realizes that his decision was similar to one his family would have made (in fact, it was the exact same decision that his family made) and that some kind of resolution would come following this epiphany. But, I'm not sure that the author herself made this connection -- instead becoming complicit in Roy's decision and painting him as the angelic would-be father of the year.
Finally, the Jerry story served absolutely no purpose and thus should not have been in the book. Duncan seemed to be desperate for redemption. The author could have at least tried to tie the Jerry story in through Duncan, perhaps by having Duncan assist law enforcement in getting the money returned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2013
This was a $2 remainder at Big Lots during a recent period of travel to a small town where there were no good bookstores... And so, it helped me pass the time on my way home, especially during a three hour layover in Baltimore. (can't stand not to have a stash of books packed while traveling and often need to search out extra reads. No, I have not made the switch to an e-reader yet....)
In the opening chapter, readers meet Lola Vines, age 16. Time and setting: late spring of 1976, rural North Carolina. She is a smart girl whose family is just scraping by. Her father, a mechanic, Roy, has disappeared. Her mother Rosalind is unwell, but takes a waitress job. Chapter by chapter, we settle in with each of these three characters and their own takes on a tumultuous few weeks. As it turns out, Roy's disappearance has a worthy purpose. He is on a mission to ask his family in Virginia for money to help his wife get medical attention. They cast him out years ago for marrying Rosalind. Though Roy and Rosalind have kept Lola and her younger sister in the dark about the existence of Roy's family, suddenly this pretense is no longer sustainable. When Roy brings home his twin brother's "nephew", Luke, the Vines family dynamic is greatly changed. Without giving things away, let me say that Luke's identity is tied up in certain family secrets. Lots of other plot developments round out the drama, including a house fire in the neighborhood, the arrival of a cute firefighter who catches Lola's eye, a theft at Roy's garage, etc.
One of the themes that emerges is the safety and sanctity of this family as they face many challenges. We feel their love and support of each other. Luke, who at first does not want to be dragged away from his more prosperous life in Virginia, begins to realize that he finds more love and acceptance here than he's ever had before. In many ways, Leaving Before It's Over felt like a YA novel. It was one of those middling good reads with enough, but not too many warm fuzzies, as well as believable problems. I probably won't remember for very long, but it was a good find during depperate travel straits.
In the opening chapter, readers meet Lola Vines, age 16. Time and setting: late spring of 1976, rural North Carolina. She is a smart girl whose family is just scraping by. Her father, a mechanic, Roy, has disappeared. Her mother Rosalind is unwell, but takes a waitress job. Chapter by chapter, we settle in with each of these three characters and their own takes on a tumultuous few weeks. As it turns out, Roy's disappearance has a worthy purpose. He is on a mission to ask his family in Virginia for money to help his wife get medical attention. They cast him out years ago for marrying Rosalind. Though Roy and Rosalind have kept Lola and her younger sister in the dark about the existence of Roy's family, suddenly this pretense is no longer sustainable. When Roy brings home his twin brother's "nephew", Luke, the Vines family dynamic is greatly changed. Without giving things away, let me say that Luke's identity is tied up in certain family secrets. Lots of other plot developments round out the drama, including a house fire in the neighborhood, the arrival of a cute firefighter who catches Lola's eye, a theft at Roy's garage, etc.
One of the themes that emerges is the safety and sanctity of this family as they face many challenges. We feel their love and support of each other. Luke, who at first does not want to be dragged away from his more prosperous life in Virginia, begins to realize that he finds more love and acceptance here than he's ever had before. In many ways, Leaving Before It's Over felt like a YA novel. It was one of those middling good reads with enough, but not too many warm fuzzies, as well as believable problems. I probably won't remember for very long, but it was a good find during depperate travel straits.
October 1, 2010
From the book synopsis:
"When Roy Vines married his wife, Rosalind, he traded his family and his inheritance for love -- a painful choice that has blessed them with years of joy nestled in rural North Carolina with their beautiful daughters, sixteen-year-old Lola and little Janie Ray.
But their happiness is threatened when Rosalind suddenly falls ill. Desperate to get her the help she needs, Roy does the one thing he swore he'd never do -- turn to his heartless and bitter identical twin brother, Mont, for help.
The price is steep -- and includes opening their home to a teenage boy who believes Roy is the father who abandoned him. As bad blood threatens to destroy her family, Rosalind must make a difficult choice. Should she walk away -- like Roy once did -- for love, or try to mend wounds that may never be healed? And will the pain of choosing be more than her heart can bear?"
When I read the first couple of chapters, I didn't think this book was going to interest me much. Boy, was I wrong. I could not put this book down.
The story picked up a lot once Roy took the boy, Luke, back home with him. I think the best thing about the book was how the story was told through four different perspectives: Roy's, Rosalind's, Luke's and Lola's. This made it easier to understand where each of the characters was coming from, as the story progressed. This also made it easier to sympathize with the way each of these characters adjusted to the huge changes going on in their lives in such a small span of time.
I felt most sorry for Luke. Going from his grandparent's house, where his basic needs were met but where there was little love and affection to a home where Roy, Rosalind and the girls are just about getting by but have a whole lotta love, had to have been so difficult. Especially as he had lived with the feeling his whole life that his father abandoned him.
After reading this book, I would definitely be interested in reading more books by the author.
"When Roy Vines married his wife, Rosalind, he traded his family and his inheritance for love -- a painful choice that has blessed them with years of joy nestled in rural North Carolina with their beautiful daughters, sixteen-year-old Lola and little Janie Ray.
But their happiness is threatened when Rosalind suddenly falls ill. Desperate to get her the help she needs, Roy does the one thing he swore he'd never do -- turn to his heartless and bitter identical twin brother, Mont, for help.
The price is steep -- and includes opening their home to a teenage boy who believes Roy is the father who abandoned him. As bad blood threatens to destroy her family, Rosalind must make a difficult choice. Should she walk away -- like Roy once did -- for love, or try to mend wounds that may never be healed? And will the pain of choosing be more than her heart can bear?"
When I read the first couple of chapters, I didn't think this book was going to interest me much. Boy, was I wrong. I could not put this book down.
The story picked up a lot once Roy took the boy, Luke, back home with him. I think the best thing about the book was how the story was told through four different perspectives: Roy's, Rosalind's, Luke's and Lola's. This made it easier to understand where each of the characters was coming from, as the story progressed. This also made it easier to sympathize with the way each of these characters adjusted to the huge changes going on in their lives in such a small span of time.
I felt most sorry for Luke. Going from his grandparent's house, where his basic needs were met but where there was little love and affection to a home where Roy, Rosalind and the girls are just about getting by but have a whole lotta love, had to have been so difficult. Especially as he had lived with the feeling his whole life that his father abandoned him.
After reading this book, I would definitely be interested in reading more books by the author.
August 31, 2010
From my book review blog Rundpinne .
"Family, secrets, and choices, Leaving Before It’s Over by Jean Reynolds Page explores the complex dynamics that make up the Vines family. Lola and Janie Ray Vines grew up believing their father’s parents were dead, and had no idea they had an Uncle Montgomery until the summer their mother Rosalind became ill and money was desperately needed. Roy Vines hitched his way to Gray’s Hollow to beg money from his parents and strikes a deal with his parents and his twin brother Montgomery. He will have financial assistance only if he takes 17-year-old Lucas to live with him. Roy does not know how he will explain this to Rosalind or his girls, especially when it is more complicated than it appears. Roy believes Lucas is Montgomery’s son, but his father and Montgomery are adamant that Lucas is the product of his first marriage, unfortunately Sherry is no longer alive to tell her side of the story. Confused? So are the members of the Vines family. Leaving Before It’s Over is filled with family love, adversity, misunderstandings, mistrusts, loyalty and love. The story is told through various members of the Vines family, which turns out to be an excellent choice allowing the complex emotions of the family members to shine through. Page writes a complicated family drama and clearly details how each family member deals with the dramas as they unfold. Leaving Before It’s Over makes for a quick read and anyone interested in family dynamics or likes a good drama may find Leaving Before It’s Over to be the perfect pick for an afternoon of reading."
"Family, secrets, and choices, Leaving Before It’s Over by Jean Reynolds Page explores the complex dynamics that make up the Vines family. Lola and Janie Ray Vines grew up believing their father’s parents were dead, and had no idea they had an Uncle Montgomery until the summer their mother Rosalind became ill and money was desperately needed. Roy Vines hitched his way to Gray’s Hollow to beg money from his parents and strikes a deal with his parents and his twin brother Montgomery. He will have financial assistance only if he takes 17-year-old Lucas to live with him. Roy does not know how he will explain this to Rosalind or his girls, especially when it is more complicated than it appears. Roy believes Lucas is Montgomery’s son, but his father and Montgomery are adamant that Lucas is the product of his first marriage, unfortunately Sherry is no longer alive to tell her side of the story. Confused? So are the members of the Vines family. Leaving Before It’s Over is filled with family love, adversity, misunderstandings, mistrusts, loyalty and love. The story is told through various members of the Vines family, which turns out to be an excellent choice allowing the complex emotions of the family members to shine through. Page writes a complicated family drama and clearly details how each family member deals with the dramas as they unfold. Leaving Before It’s Over makes for a quick read and anyone interested in family dynamics or likes a good drama may find Leaving Before It’s Over to be the perfect pick for an afternoon of reading."
March 25, 2013
I found this story on Barnes and Noble’s Free Book Friday blog.
Leaving before It’s Over is heart wrenching story of a son separated from his own family due to a wide variety of circumstances, one being that of thankless parents, whose only love and affections are toward the other son who has decided to make the family business his ambition.
Roy Vines separated himself from his family some 18 years ago and now lives happily hours from his parents in a sleepy town with loving wife and two daughters. He has tried desperately not make his family cold and calculating like his parents when he was growing up. The problem is, he has come up against serious financial hardships and has determined his only course of action is to turn to his parents and ask for assistance.
What ensues is a story of both warmth and grief as Roy has to face both his past and a boy who has been raised thinking Roy was his absentee father. Roy is forced to return back home with the boy as part of the deal in return for the needed money. Luke hates his father, but who’s to blame him?
How will Luke fit in with Roy’s existing family, and how will he and his father get along?
Leaving Before It’s Over will keep you wondering what will happen next, and keep you hoping Luke doesn't get hurt any more than he has already been.
Overall I enjoyed this novel; it really makes you think about your own humanity and how you treat others.
This is not necessarily a story for all readers, however. There is mild language and a couple scenes alluding to sex, though nothing gratuitous.
Leaving before It’s Over is heart wrenching story of a son separated from his own family due to a wide variety of circumstances, one being that of thankless parents, whose only love and affections are toward the other son who has decided to make the family business his ambition.
Roy Vines separated himself from his family some 18 years ago and now lives happily hours from his parents in a sleepy town with loving wife and two daughters. He has tried desperately not make his family cold and calculating like his parents when he was growing up. The problem is, he has come up against serious financial hardships and has determined his only course of action is to turn to his parents and ask for assistance.
What ensues is a story of both warmth and grief as Roy has to face both his past and a boy who has been raised thinking Roy was his absentee father. Roy is forced to return back home with the boy as part of the deal in return for the needed money. Luke hates his father, but who’s to blame him?
How will Luke fit in with Roy’s existing family, and how will he and his father get along?
Leaving Before It’s Over will keep you wondering what will happen next, and keep you hoping Luke doesn't get hurt any more than he has already been.
Overall I enjoyed this novel; it really makes you think about your own humanity and how you treat others.
This is not necessarily a story for all readers, however. There is mild language and a couple scenes alluding to sex, though nothing gratuitous.
April 7, 2013
This is a predictable quick read. No real excitement that leaves you on the edge of your seat, but still a nice novel to read. Ray is left with a decision to help his ailing wife by going back to his parents and asking for help. Parents whom he has been separated from for at least 10 years or so. His own children think they are dead. He ends of going back home asking for money to help his wife get the treatment she needs, and returns with his son (Lucas-whom really is Ray's twin brother's son because of some trouble with the law and in exchange he will be given the money for Rosalind to see a good doctor and get treatment. Lucas was being raised by Ray's parents after his mom died. Ray's family doesn't know what to think when they are told they have a brother. Lucas doesn't want to be there because he is soon to be graduating, but Ray did promise to take him back for his graduation. So as the story goes on they because a nice family and Lucas is warming up to his dad and his family. The girls don't know what to make of their new brother but learn to like having him around. A couple days go by and Mont (Ray's twin brother) wants Lucas back home. He makes a surprise visit when Lucas refuses to go back. A few more days pass again and the family goes back for graduation where Mont is threatening to tell Lucas that he is his real father. Ray and Rosalind try to reason with him that it isn't in Lucas's best interest to do so and that is pretty much where the story ends with Mont walking away and not telling him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2013
This wasn't a very good read, mostly because the characters seemed forced and too one-dimensional for my taste.
It wasn't a bad premise--a married man, Roy, gets shunned from his family for falling in love with another woman, who turns to the man's twin brother for solace. So when she gets pregnant, it's not by Roy, but by his twin, even though they keep that part secret. Years later, when Roy needs money, he heads back to his family, who agree to help him--on the condition he let the kid, now a teen, live with him and his new family.
The problem with this is the same one I found with Page's other novel,Safe Within. The characters just weren't believable. Roy seemed like the benevolent god, while his twin Mort was the scheming devil. Rosalind was supermom, and her daughter, Lola, was way too articulate and self-aware for any teen. Plus, Luke, the resulting child born from the earlier rendezvous, fit in completely seamlessly and snag-free with his new siblings and "parents."
Also, I'm not sure what was exactly wrong with this, but the story read kind of choppily--maybe the characters were called too frequently by name, or pronouns weren't used enough? It sounds like a really minor thing to complain about, but I definitely found it grating after awhile. It also made the book seem like it was geared toward way-younger readers.
It wasn't a bad premise--a married man, Roy, gets shunned from his family for falling in love with another woman, who turns to the man's twin brother for solace. So when she gets pregnant, it's not by Roy, but by his twin, even though they keep that part secret. Years later, when Roy needs money, he heads back to his family, who agree to help him--on the condition he let the kid, now a teen, live with him and his new family.
The problem with this is the same one I found with Page's other novel,Safe Within. The characters just weren't believable. Roy seemed like the benevolent god, while his twin Mort was the scheming devil. Rosalind was supermom, and her daughter, Lola, was way too articulate and self-aware for any teen. Plus, Luke, the resulting child born from the earlier rendezvous, fit in completely seamlessly and snag-free with his new siblings and "parents."
Also, I'm not sure what was exactly wrong with this, but the story read kind of choppily--maybe the characters were called too frequently by name, or pronouns weren't used enough? It sounds like a really minor thing to complain about, but I definitely found it grating after awhile. It also made the book seem like it was geared toward way-younger readers.
September 22, 2010
Leaving Before It's Over is a sweet, gentle, heartwarming novel that shows us how our choices in life--good or bad--affect others in ways we can't predict.
Roy Vines and his family are managing a content life in a small time when his wife is struck down by a serious illness. With a new interstate diverting traffic away from the town and his business, Roy must do the unthinkable--go to his estranged parents and brother and ask for money to save his wife's life.
The catch--a 17 yr old boy who thinks that Roy is his father is being raised by his family. They are willing to give him the money only if he takes the boy with him.
Reading this book was like being wrapped in a warm blanket. For the most part, the characters are kind, honorable and true to themselves. They help their neighbors, reach out to those in trouble, and make room in their home and hearts for a boy that seemingly no one wants.
The end was not as satisfying as it could have been, and I truly hope the author writes a sequel.
The language and a few situations make this book appropriate for grades 9th and up.
*Note--I received this book free from GoodReads as a part of the FirstReads program and was not paid for this review*
Roy Vines and his family are managing a content life in a small time when his wife is struck down by a serious illness. With a new interstate diverting traffic away from the town and his business, Roy must do the unthinkable--go to his estranged parents and brother and ask for money to save his wife's life.
The catch--a 17 yr old boy who thinks that Roy is his father is being raised by his family. They are willing to give him the money only if he takes the boy with him.
Reading this book was like being wrapped in a warm blanket. For the most part, the characters are kind, honorable and true to themselves. They help their neighbors, reach out to those in trouble, and make room in their home and hearts for a boy that seemingly no one wants.
The end was not as satisfying as it could have been, and I truly hope the author writes a sequel.
The language and a few situations make this book appropriate for grades 9th and up.
*Note--I received this book free from GoodReads as a part of the FirstReads program and was not paid for this review*
March 21, 2015
Roy has a twin brother he hasn't seen in close to 20 years he chose love over his family and everyone except his brother and his wife thinks he abandoned his son with his now ex wife. Truth is the boy is actually Roy's twin brother kid he was sleeping with Roy's then wife. So for years Roy his wife and their two daughters have lived south and never had a lot of money
When Roy's wife gets sick and requires a special doctor that he don't have the money for he returns to his old home in hopes of getting some from his family. But his family is only willing to give him the money if he takes back his supposed son for the summer because he's gotten into trouble. Roy agrees and he's only gone a week when he calls wantin him back cause he's hating that he likes Roy so much when for years he supposedly abandoned him and he's threatebing to tell him the truth etc. It was drawn out and I hate that it ended not saying the outcome of Roy's wife illness and Roy's daighter found a love interest and she was contemplating graduating early cause she's super smart so she could be with him in college but it never said what happens with them either
When Roy's wife gets sick and requires a special doctor that he don't have the money for he returns to his old home in hopes of getting some from his family. But his family is only willing to give him the money if he takes back his supposed son for the summer because he's gotten into trouble. Roy agrees and he's only gone a week when he calls wantin him back cause he's hating that he likes Roy so much when for years he supposedly abandoned him and he's threatebing to tell him the truth etc. It was drawn out and I hate that it ended not saying the outcome of Roy's wife illness and Roy's daighter found a love interest and she was contemplating graduating early cause she's super smart so she could be with him in college but it never said what happens with them either
October 7, 2012
It was simply an OK book. I wanted to break from my usual genres of reading and try this book. A contemporary family drama.
I found this book:
highly repetitive
Melodramatic
Maudlin
Unrealistic in its dialogue
Poorly plotted
Soap Opera-ish
Poorly edited
The good would be that it evidently impressed a publisher enough to get published and that it seems a lot of people here really liked it. So maybe it just didn't appeal to me and for that I will say it is an OK read.
And I just have to further air my main annoyance with this book. This author repeats herself until you think you will fairly scream if you hear it said once again how the twins look exactly the same. I about clawed the walls when she wouldn't stop repeating the story of how one twin slept with the other twins wife. Or the story of how the auto garage was robbed, that one is repeated at least 6 times. And how many times can we hear about the one characters illness.
I did like one character in the book. The twins mother. Felt that she was portrayed quite well.
I found this book:
highly repetitive
Melodramatic
Maudlin
Unrealistic in its dialogue
Poorly plotted
Soap Opera-ish
Poorly edited
The good would be that it evidently impressed a publisher enough to get published and that it seems a lot of people here really liked it. So maybe it just didn't appeal to me and for that I will say it is an OK read.
And I just have to further air my main annoyance with this book. This author repeats herself until you think you will fairly scream if you hear it said once again how the twins look exactly the same. I about clawed the walls when she wouldn't stop repeating the story of how one twin slept with the other twins wife. Or the story of how the auto garage was robbed, that one is repeated at least 6 times. And how many times can we hear about the one characters illness.
I did like one character in the book. The twins mother. Felt that she was portrayed quite well.
July 27, 2013
This book falls just short of OK. The plot is melodramatic and unrealistic and the characters are unbelievable and one dimensional. That being said, it was a fast read and there were tines I caught myself really caring about what would happen next and I enjoyed the setting.
What makes me downright angry about this book is the fact that Roy and his nuclear family are presented as Godly while his extended family is presented as devilish but Roy keeps Luke's true paternity a secret while his evil twin, Mont, wants to come clean. I don't think the author chose to allow the story to end with every single character of importance aside from Luke knowing the truth about his parentage to show that not everyone is all good or all bad. I think the author believes and is trying to convince the reader, that this "sacrifice" on Roy's part only further proves that he is a magnificent man. I just can't wrap my head around how allowing someone to think you are their father and their father is their uncle could be considered nobel and acceptable u set any circumstances.
What makes me downright angry about this book is the fact that Roy and his nuclear family are presented as Godly while his extended family is presented as devilish but Roy keeps Luke's true paternity a secret while his evil twin, Mont, wants to come clean. I don't think the author chose to allow the story to end with every single character of importance aside from Luke knowing the truth about his parentage to show that not everyone is all good or all bad. I think the author believes and is trying to convince the reader, that this "sacrifice" on Roy's part only further proves that he is a magnificent man. I just can't wrap my head around how allowing someone to think you are their father and their father is their uncle could be considered nobel and acceptable u set any circumstances.
June 29, 2012
I downloaded this book through Barnes & Noble's "Free Friday" promotoon and thought it would be a nicee change of pace.from what I was currently reading.
Set in the hills of North Carolina and Virginia, at a time when Kodak Instamatics were new, the story revolves around the Vines family. It's the end of the school year, and 16-year-old Lola is worried about her future and her mother. Her father left suddenly and her mother won't come out of her bedroom.
Fortunately, the story did not follow the plotline I expected, but revolved instead around families, their secrets, and how decisions made years previously can haunt the present.
Unfortunately, the characters seem somwhat one-dimensional, and motivatiins are not always clear. The good guys are good; the bad guys are bad. The Virginia side of the family suffers most from this lack.
The download included an exerpt from a newer novel, a Q&A with the authoe, and her bio.
Set in the hills of North Carolina and Virginia, at a time when Kodak Instamatics were new, the story revolves around the Vines family. It's the end of the school year, and 16-year-old Lola is worried about her future and her mother. Her father left suddenly and her mother won't come out of her bedroom.
Fortunately, the story did not follow the plotline I expected, but revolved instead around families, their secrets, and how decisions made years previously can haunt the present.
Unfortunately, the characters seem somwhat one-dimensional, and motivatiins are not always clear. The good guys are good; the bad guys are bad. The Virginia side of the family suffers most from this lack.
The download included an exerpt from a newer novel, a Q&A with the authoe, and her bio.
March 4, 2014
I suggest you don't leave this story until it's over. Leaving Before It's Over is about the strength of family bonds - and how they can remain untouched over time, separation and alienation, no matter how far they are buried. I immediately fell captive to the story about two families, while seemingly thriving on their own, would eventually have to face their past and determine if there is a future. A father has to swallow his pride to ask for help from his estranged family and in turn receives much more than he bargained for. But there is a price to pay for everything and when faced with the challenge of building a relationship with a child he abandoned yeara ago or putting strains on the unsuspecting girls who now call him "Dad", the game and the rulebook is dictated by hearts, public opinion, priorities and bloodlines. An easy read that left me feeling glad I read it and reaffirmed the goodness that resides in all our hearts if we but listen
October 28, 2010
10.28.10
Roy and Rosalind seem to have the perfect marriage, but when Rosalind becomes sick, Roy has to make the decision to contact his parents and brother, people he hasn't spoken to in years. When Roy returns, he isn't alone; he's brought his "son" along with him. The story shows the changes and choices one family must make in the face of troubles.
This is a difficult story for me to rate. I liked it in a lot of ways. I liked the varying points of view and the story itself was good. I liked it, but I wasn't "awed" by it. I think it's a quick, easy read and an interesting one about family dynamics, about what family really means to people. Even though I didn't LOVE it, I will still recommend it to people.
I won this on Goodreads! Just waiting to receive it. :)
Roy and Rosalind seem to have the perfect marriage, but when Rosalind becomes sick, Roy has to make the decision to contact his parents and brother, people he hasn't spoken to in years. When Roy returns, he isn't alone; he's brought his "son" along with him. The story shows the changes and choices one family must make in the face of troubles.
This is a difficult story for me to rate. I liked it in a lot of ways. I liked the varying points of view and the story itself was good. I liked it, but I wasn't "awed" by it. I think it's a quick, easy read and an interesting one about family dynamics, about what family really means to people. Even though I didn't LOVE it, I will still recommend it to people.
I won this on Goodreads! Just waiting to receive it. :)
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