Never Say Goodbye

by Irene Hannon

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.

Genres: Love Inspired, Romance, Christian Romance, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Christian Fiction

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

About the author

Irene 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.

Reviews

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Debra Pease · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ophelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Brenda Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Janet Grunst · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 .

[Paula White · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book by this author and I bought it at a yard sale. I enjoyed the story.

[Zenobia N Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story of repentance, forgiveness, hope, and renewed love. I really enjoyed it.

[Jess H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast great read on forgiveness and moving forward in life.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott Mitchell has just been released from prison a changed man: no longer ambitious and shallow, he has found God but lost his family. His estranged wife (the book states that she doesn’t believe in divorce, which would logically lead one to conclude that they’re separated but not legally divorced), Jess, is stricken with grief over the death of their beloved daughter Elizabeth, a tragedy that occurred because of Scott.

The book, like the others in its line, delves into the scriptures and the author delivers a good lesson in what it really means to forgive and forget. The supporting characters (which consist mainly of the protagonists’ families) are realistically drawn, particularly Jess’ father, and while the situations that Scott and Jess are forced into by the plot are sometimes contrived, the book is nicely paced and a decent read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prison has its ways of changing people for better or worse and Scott Mitchell has definitely changed for the better. After serving three years for a DUI manslaughter conviction (one victim was Scott's own daughter), Scott has turned his life over to God and is determined to create a better life for himself. A kindly minister helps Scott get a start as a landscaper, but what Scott really wants is to re-unite with his wife Jess - who told him when he entered prison that she would never forgive him and never wanted to see him again. Jess' parents detest Scott as well. Will Scott ever be able to overcome that one horrible night in his past?

A tear-jerker at first, but provides the happy ending I was hoping for!

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like this book. Scott has just been released from prison after serving 3 years for manslaughter (under the influence). He killed his own 4 year old daughter and the other driver. He found God in prison and is a changed man. His wife lost God after the accident and won't speak to him. He still loves Jess and wants to make a new life with her. Jess is very conflicted and confused. Scott is strong, kind, compassionate and hopeful. I really related to Scott and Jess, pulled for them, and kept wondering what they'd gone through to get where they were.

[Joanie Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. What perfect examples of patience, perseverance,forgiveness and love. Jess Mitchell thinks she hates her husband, Scott Mitchell, for the pain he caused her in the past. When he was sentenced to three years in prison after a tragic accident, Jess asked for a divorce and hoped she would never see Scott again. However, Scott found his faith while in prison and was determined to find forgiveness and win back the love of his life, his wife.

This is a wonderful love story, and I would recommend it to everyone.

[Merle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done inspirational from Hannon. It involves a couple whose life is torn apart by the death of their small daughter in an accident, caused by the husband's drinking.

The story revolves around the hatred and love in Jess' family and the love Scott still has for her. Scott has some support, though, mostly from God.

Scott has more faith than many so-called "holy " men, and his faith and humility are rewarded.

[D.C. Shaftoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone who's ever been touched by fear, anger or aching regret. It tells the story of hope and gives hope that anyone can change. It tells the story of love lost and found again. I highly recommend this book.

[Boo Boo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful and heartwarming story. It is a perfect example of how people can overcome he tragedies that fall upon them in life. Jess and Scott Mitchell lost their daughter in a tragic car accident. They both must find a way to heal, forgive, an move on after losing Elizabeth.

[Elizabeth Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best Love Inspired books I have ever read. I can't describe it in words. It should be a movie.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of love and faith! :)