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Never Say Goodbye
Jess and Scott Mitchell were a perfect couple whose lives were full of faith and love. But tragedy struck, tearing them apart and causing both to doubt their beliefs. Now, five years later, they are seeking reconciliation -- with God and each other.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2002
About the author
Irene Hannon
112 books3,147 followersIrene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 4, 2026
It's easy to see why this book received the prestigious RITA award. The combination of an unusual premise (hero just released from prison) and a heroine struggling with her faith and the need for forgiveness makes it a deeply emotional read. Highly recommended!
January 2, 2026
I love forgiveness and redemption themes and this book had that in spades. I found myself blinking away emotion on more than one occasion. The journey through grief was beautifully written, including the hints of the passion they had shared as a married couple, though I felt that both characters were a little too controlled with their emotions; even embracing a personal relationship with God doesn’t stop us from experiencing (and showing) anger or extreme frustration. The only minor issue I had was that I felt it wrapped up a little too quickly, without showing any of the crucial scene from Scott’s POV.
March 30, 2025
Favorite Encore Book thus far
Although I have enjoyed every book Irene Hannon has wrirren, this one is my favorite ( and just one left to read.) I especially liked the development of Scott and Jess's story . Through the story you see a true turning back to God and how much hatred and bitterness can destroy lives, but repentance and trust can renew relationships in a miraculous way. Highly recommend.
Although I have enjoyed every book Irene Hannon has wrirren, this one is my favorite ( and just one left to read.) I especially liked the development of Scott and Jess's story . Through the story you see a true turning back to God and how much hatred and bitterness can destroy lives, but repentance and trust can renew relationships in a miraculous way. Highly recommend.
April 7, 2026
4.5 out of 5 stars
May 28, 2026
Prisoner Scott Mitchell is released after three years of confinement. He’s a changed man and has one hope – to win back his wife, Jess. This seems to be an impossible goal, because Jess hates him for having killed their four-year-old daughter in a drunk driving accident. She, and her parents, want nothing to do with him.
Scott begins building a new life by finding part-time landscaping jobs in the same town where he once lived as a respected man. There are random, unexpected encounters with his beloved that draw him deeper into prayer.
This story was an emotional roller coaster for me. I couldn’t put the book down. I loved the characters and their small steps toward rebuilding a life free of hate. The wife’s anger is visceral and relatable, and Scott’s humility and quiet understanding grabbed my heart. As a reader, I understood the bereaved wife/mother, but I was also moved by the husband’s/father’s deep grief and tenderness.
The book is not preachy or abstract. Hannon has a wonderful way of bringing the reader through one vivid scene after another. I saw and felt the characters’ hate, but I also experienced their healing love. Ultimately, this is a story about redemption. And through Hannon’s characters, I suspect that readers will see themselves–and their own journey.
Scott begins building a new life by finding part-time landscaping jobs in the same town where he once lived as a respected man. There are random, unexpected encounters with his beloved that draw him deeper into prayer.
This story was an emotional roller coaster for me. I couldn’t put the book down. I loved the characters and their small steps toward rebuilding a life free of hate. The wife’s anger is visceral and relatable, and Scott’s humility and quiet understanding grabbed my heart. As a reader, I understood the bereaved wife/mother, but I was also moved by the husband’s/father’s deep grief and tenderness.
The book is not preachy or abstract. Hannon has a wonderful way of bringing the reader through one vivid scene after another. I saw and felt the characters’ hate, but I also experienced their healing love. Ultimately, this is a story about redemption. And through Hannon’s characters, I suspect that readers will see themselves–and their own journey.
January 13, 2026
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author so far and this one was no different. She writes good romantic suspense and normal romance. Their always easy and clean reads which I also like.
This story was fantastic, Jes and Scott were both likable characters and I really liked the journey they went on both separately and together. One of the things I also love about these books are the faith within them.
Scott’s character shown that bad experiences can change you for the better and I really loved how he used his situation to make changes in his priorities. Jess also went on a tough journey of healing as well.
This was a very easy five stars to give and a wonderful story of hope and heeling, the author writes this stuff really well. I’m looking forwad to more books by this author later in the year as she’s easily one of my favourites.
This story was fantastic, Jes and Scott were both likable characters and I really liked the journey they went on both separately and together. One of the things I also love about these books are the faith within them.
Scott’s character shown that bad experiences can change you for the better and I really loved how he used his situation to make changes in his priorities. Jess also went on a tough journey of healing as well.
This was a very easy five stars to give and a wonderful story of hope and heeling, the author writes this stuff really well. I’m looking forwad to more books by this author later in the year as she’s easily one of my favourites.
January 7, 2026
This was a good story that covered a difficult topic. My heart went out to both Jess and Scott and all they’ve been dealing with. Although we know it is best to forgive it is not always easy.
I did not like how Jess’s parents treated her regarding Scott. As a parent, you may not agree with your adult children’s decisions but you support them or keep your mouth shut. For Jess’s father to have such hate for Scott and let it be known was horrible. I guess this man never made any mistakes in his life.
This was a good story about redemption and forgiveness.
I did not like how Jess’s parents treated her regarding Scott. As a parent, you may not agree with your adult children’s decisions but you support them or keep your mouth shut. For Jess’s father to have such hate for Scott and let it be known was horrible. I guess this man never made any mistakes in his life.
This was a good story about redemption and forgiveness.
December 14, 2025
Great story of forgiveness
This book actually helped heal me in some ways with Scripture quotes and the story. I read once hurt people, hurt people. There are a lot of damaged people in our world and circle of life. Pride which God hates keeps us from healing and being the best we can become. A lack of forgiveness really only hurts us. We also need to remember to forgive ourselves.
Thank you for this story, its been a blessing.
This book actually helped heal me in some ways with Scripture quotes and the story. I read once hurt people, hurt people. There are a lot of damaged people in our world and circle of life. Pride which God hates keeps us from healing and being the best we can become. A lack of forgiveness really only hurts us. We also need to remember to forgive ourselves.
Thank you for this story, its been a blessing.
December 16, 2025
Moving and hard hitting.
This book is all about forgiveness and it's pain. The story unfolds slowly but it lays out all the nuances of the pain and struggle to forgive a terrible hurt where love still exists. Faith and perseverance are demonstrated. You can feel the tangible emotions wrought by a terrible and often considered in forgivable offence. Despair, hope, Faith and love, is at the heart of this short book.
This book is all about forgiveness and it's pain. The story unfolds slowly but it lays out all the nuances of the pain and struggle to forgive a terrible hurt where love still exists. Faith and perseverance are demonstrated. You can feel the tangible emotions wrought by a terrible and often considered in forgivable offence. Despair, hope, Faith and love, is at the heart of this short book.
December 18, 2025
AFTER TRAGEDY & LOSS: A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE
Jess blames her husband for the devastating loss and heartache that they both suffered. She has refused divorce and also refuses to have any contact with him. Four years later they meet again. Jess discovers that Scott is still in love with her and is hoping for - and praying for - reconciliation.
Irene Hannon writes stories that are not very long but packed with deep emotions, God's grace and sobering challenges.
Jess blames her husband for the devastating loss and heartache that they both suffered. She has refused divorce and also refuses to have any contact with him. Four years later they meet again. Jess discovers that Scott is still in love with her and is hoping for - and praying for - reconciliation.
Irene Hannon writes stories that are not very long but packed with deep emotions, God's grace and sobering challenges.
April 16, 2026
After spending 3 years in prison, Scott Mitchell is determined to win back his wife, Jess. She is angry to discover he has been released. She still hates him for driving drunk and killing Elizabeth, their 4-year-old daughter. Scott was hired at a nursery, and was landscaping several places around town. He and Jess had several chance encounters. Their conversations were brief. She discovered Scott found faith in God--faith she used to have. After much introspection, she found herself forgiving Scott, God, and herself.
This is a beautiful story of sorrow, pain, forgiveness, and love.
This is a beautiful story of sorrow, pain, forgiveness, and love.
December 17, 2025
Another Irene Hannon gem
Irene Hannon has again with a tale that captures the reader’s heart and imagination. Life’s challenges and, at times, tragedies are addressed honestly and with compassion. The characters maturing faith and the power of forgiveness make what seems unlikely entirely possible .
Irene Hannon has again with a tale that captures the reader’s heart and imagination. Life’s challenges and, at times, tragedies are addressed honestly and with compassion. The characters maturing faith and the power of forgiveness make what seems unlikely entirely possible .
December 31, 2025
Exceptional read of forgiveness and hope
I was surprised at how well the story progressed, helping the reader’s attitude change as well as the story characters. Working through the “no-maybe-yes” of forgiveness was handled extremely well. The story had several social attitude issues addressed which were handled nicely.
I was surprised at how well the story progressed, helping the reader’s attitude change as well as the story characters. Working through the “no-maybe-yes” of forgiveness was handled extremely well. The story had several social attitude issues addressed which were handled nicely.
April 13, 2026
A moving story of hope
Ms. Hannon created believable characters in a difficult situation. The feeling of hopelessness permeated the beginning of the story making me need to choose to push on. I knew from the previous books of hers that I read, that there would be a happy ending, but the road there would require faith. The struggle makes the win all the sweeter.
Ms. Hannon created believable characters in a difficult situation. The feeling of hopelessness permeated the beginning of the story making me need to choose to push on. I knew from the previous books of hers that I read, that there would be a happy ending, but the road there would require faith. The struggle makes the win all the sweeter.
December 20, 2025
Second chances are our answers from God
A difficult story to read because it could happen to just about anyone! The book was a beautiful testimony of Hope and love to a couple that were devastated by a tragic mistake and loss!! The book was definitely worth reading!!
A difficult story to read because it could happen to just about anyone! The book was a beautiful testimony of Hope and love to a couple that were devastated by a tragic mistake and loss!! The book was definitely worth reading!!
January 14, 2026
Another well written book.by Irene Hannon. Sometimes forgiveness is very hard because of the hurt. This book was written with a Christian view of forgiveness.snd redemption. I enjoyed reading this story.
February 1, 2026
Forgiveness and redemption
This was such a great read. The choices we make in life are so important, and in this story someone made the wrong choice that led to lost lives. Thankfully, with God’s help healing and forgiveness came, and a marriage was restored.
This was such a great read. The choices we make in life are so important, and in this story someone made the wrong choice that led to lost lives. Thankfully, with God’s help healing and forgiveness came, and a marriage was restored.
May 25, 2019
My first book by this author and I bought it at a yard sale. I enjoyed the story.
April 24, 2025
It Takes Some Processing
There's a lot at work here. No one can dismiss what drove them apart, and no one can ignore what brought them together again.
There's a lot at work here. No one can dismiss what drove them apart, and no one can ignore what brought them together again.
July 23, 2025
An excellent story of repentance, forgiveness, hope, and renewed love. I really enjoyed it.
December 15, 2025
Fast great read on forgiveness and moving forward in life.
December 21, 2025
Great Wholesome Book
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a good while. Hard to put down! It has a message.
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a good while. Hard to put down! It has a message.
December 24, 2025
Great book
This was such a sweet book to read. It shows God's love and forgiveness. The characters were so believable and the storyline was wonderful!
This was such a sweet book to read. It shows God's love and forgiveness. The characters were so believable and the storyline was wonderful!
December 28, 2025
This is a second-chance story about the power of a life redeemed and impact of lingering, devastating consequences. Well written and inspirational. I can see why it won multiple awards.
Read
January 2, 2026Great book
Review of advance copy
What a beautiful story of love and forgiveness!
January 8, 2026
Beautiful Book
A beautiful story of forgiveness and love. I couldn’t put the book down even though I cried through most of it. God is good and His mercies endure forever.
A beautiful story of forgiveness and love. I couldn’t put the book down even though I cried through most of it. God is good and His mercies endure forever.
January 9, 2026
Second Chances
Filled with truth of God's working in an estranged couple. Characterizations believable as well as the settings. An uplifting read.
Filled with truth of God's working in an estranged couple. Characterizations believable as well as the settings. An uplifting read.
January 10, 2026
Enjoyrd this book that spoke of forgiveness and reconcilliation
January 17, 2026
Powerful and heart-rending
What a great story! It has it all ... pain, loss, betrayal, separation, and the agonising journey to forgiveness.
Riveting. I loved it.
What a great story! It has it all ... pain, loss, betrayal, separation, and the agonising journey to forgiveness.
Riveting. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews