Never Say Goodbye

by Susan Lewis

For readers of Jodi Picoult, Heather Gudenkauf, and Elizabeth Flock comes a deeply moving novel of  finding friendship and love in the most unexpected of places.
 
Josie Clarke, a loving wife and mother, struggles to make ends meet by cleaning homes and working at a diner while her husband drives a taxi. Josie’s joy is her two children, just entering adulthood. But with her son recently imprisoned for a crime she is certain he didn’t commit, and her daughter marrying too young, Josie now worries about the future—and wonders if she’ll ever be able to ensure their safety and happiness.
 
Across town, in a gorgeous house by the sea, successful property developer Bel Monkton lives in comparative luxury. But she has struggles of her own. Since the death of her twin sister more than a year ago, Bel has been unable to rebuild her shattered world, and the troubled past she thought was behind her haunts her ever more.
 
Faced with uncertainty and heartbreak, Josie and Bel find each other and a surprising friendship that will change their lives.

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Book Club, British Literature

544 pages, Paperback

First published February 13, 2014

About the author

Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.


Susan Lewis is the bestselling author of over forty books across the genres of family drama, thriller, suspense and crime. She is also the author of Just One More Day and One Day at a Time, the moving memoirs of her childhood in Bristol during the 1960s. Following periods of living in Los Angeles and the South of France, she currently lives in Gloucestershire with her husband James, stepsons Michael and Luke, and mischievous dogs Coco and Lulu.

Reviews

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First and foremost, when I search for a new book to read (especially by an author I have not read previously), there are a few key critical factors (1) Does the front cover draw me in and is it a high resolution image? (2) The synopsis of the book. Does it appeal to me? (3) Praise by another author I have read or follow? (4) Other reviews which is sometimes difficult, if a pre-release.

Yes, Yes, and YES . . . to all of the above, NEVER SAY GOOD-BYE is brilliantly written- Bittersweet! Having read all of Diane Chamberlain's books (one of my favorite authors), to see her quote on the front cover – sealed the deal, even before I began reading. And oh, the stunning cover.

I loved everything about this poignant story- did not disappoint! Was so impressed with Susan Lewis; I will most definitely be reading more from this talented storyteller.

The characters are real, and flawed; each of them experience growth from the time the story begins until ending--excited to share in their journey. The ending was perfect, and you come away with a sense of peace and reflection. Readers will fall in love with each of the characters, and a thought-provoking takeaway, lingering long after the book ends.

The altruistic Josie, loving wife and mother who puts her family first; Jeff the hard nose husband and father which turned out to be a lovable humble puppy; Ryan and Lilly, her children she always protects; and Bella, which I loved from the beginning to the end – an angel and a best friend we all want to have in our back pocket. Her past, present and future were also an integral part of the book.

This novel is more than differences between poor and rich, and cancer - it is about friendship, love, family bonds, even romance; how circumstances and obstacles make us stronger, and how people or angels are sent to us at just the right time when we need them the most (sometimes a family member will just not do).

On a personal note, this book has special meaning to me. My mom had just received the news she has colon cancer, metastasized to the liver. She worked out six days a week (age 81) and very healthy and fit, with no history of cancer in the family. My dad had just received the diagnosis of leukemia (stage one) a few months prior. Everyone was shocked. (she starts chemo in April).

During the week she was in the hospital, I started this book as perfect timing. Never Say Goodbye really demonstrated to me how a cancer victim worries about family members, more than themselves and how faith, determination, and the support of close friends can heal their souls and bodies. (this is so true).

I so enjoyed this quote, “The cancer and treatment are only the staples holding things together; the pages are for the story of my life and I intend to keep filling them.”

Resilience and courage are the key points of this powerful yet compelling story, told with sensitivity and compassion. I highly recommend the book and this newfound author!

JDCMustReadBooks

12/2015:"Hi everyone, Update: Mom is 83 now; cancer is still lingering; however, she has finished chemo 6 mos ago, and all the doctors are stunned. She is doing great, looks and feels like a new woman- we forget she even has cancer. Much better than last Xmas..the chemo took a tole on her. Dad is doing great too!"

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Warning – this book caused me a humdinger of a book hangover and I think it’s only fair to warn you that it may do the same to you! But read it anyway, it’s worth the pain!

First Line of Never Say Goodbye:

“ “So what do you think that’s all about?” Josie Clarke murmured, almost to herself, as she put down the phone.”

My Thoughts on Never Say Goodbye:

I requested this book on NetGalley as I’ve enjoyed books by this author before. I knew nada about it beyond who wrote it. And I very quickly learned it was a book where one of the main characters had cancer which is always a hard subject to read about. As an aside this should be in the synopsis, I need to mentally gear up for books like this and a little warning would be good.

However the characters in this book are amazing. They are so ordinary; Josie could be your next door neighbour. Jeff her man-of-few-words and not always likeable husband reminds me of so many men. Together they are living a quiet life, struggling to make ends meet not exactly happy but not unhappy either. Until they find out Josie has cancer and it shakes everything up.

I think my favourite thing about this book is how all the characters grow on you and how realistic their reactions and interactions are. The book spotlights just how cancer hits the whole family and how they don’t always know the right words to say. And a lot of Josie’s energy goes into worrying about her family and how they will react and not into what is facing her. It all just felt sickeningly real.

What I also loved was how through a support group, Josie met Bel whose twin sister had died from the same disease. This book above all else is a book about friendship. How female friends can boost you up, push you on, give you strength when you think you think you’ve none. There is something so special about a friendship like this and reading about it gave me warm feels. There is romance but it’s not centre-stage instead the dynamics between Josie and Bel is at the heart of this story.

The pace is well pitched and it all flows along smoothly. You want to know what is going to happen and all the characters are so interesting that you just keep reading and reading (and reading!). There are a few sub plots going on to break the momentum of the dark storyline. However the characters are the main reason that this is not a depressing read. They fizzle and the dialogue adds lot of humour at times too.

Overall I can’t explain just how much this book moved me. I sobbed, literally. This is one of those special books where the characters become so much more than just characters in books and their pain is your pain. Not an easy read but a wholly satisfying one.

Who should read Never Say Goodbye?

Highly recommended to those who enjoy contemporary fiction especially if you can cope with realistic storylines. If you love reading about strong, empowering female friendships and less than perfect romances, then you need to pick this one up. And if you need a tackle hug afterwards, I’m here for you!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group and Net Galley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

4 Stars

This was a good book that took me forever to read. I spent almost two months reading this book. When I requested this book from Net Galley, I had absolutely no idea that it was about somebody battling breast cancer. I am not sure that I would have made that request at this point in my life if I known that little piece of information.

My mother is currently battling breast cancer for the third time. Her first battle was over 17 years ago when she had her first mastectomy. We thought she had beat it but 9 years later it showed up again, so she went through more chemo. Once again, the family thought that she had beat it. Unfortunately, we were not so lucky and she was diagnosed with a different form of breast cancer in the fall of 2013. My life since her diagnosis has consisted of going to every surgery, every doctor appointment, and every chemo treatment. I had my first week in 2014 that I did not need to take her to a doctor appointment just a couple of weeks ago.

I am sharing this short glimpse into my life because I think it has a big impact on how I look at a book like this one. Since I have spent a lot of time reading in the oncologist's office this year, I often found myself setting this book aside to read something else. I read to escape. At this point in my life, I want to read about things other than cancer. I think I chose the wrong time to read this book.

This book was well written and I grew to like all of the characters. I must admit that I wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into Josie quite a few times during the book. I understand that she was in serious denial but some of her actions drove me crazy. I really liked Bel's character and found her friendship with Josie to be authentic.

This is not an uplifting book. It deals with cancer and how it impacts the lives of everyone close to the patient. While Bel is not a cancer patient, she has quite a few difficult issues that she is dealing with during this story. Josie helps Bel out just as much as Bel helps Josie which is how friendship should work. All of the characters grow over the course of the story and discover what is really important.

I would recommend this book to others with the warning that it deals with cancer. This was the first book by Susan Lewis that I have had the opportunity to read. I look forward to reading other works by this author in the future.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original review found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...

* I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Random House- Ballantine Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

This book needs to come with a warning label. Nowhere in the synopsis does it indicate that the story is about a terminal illness when in fact the entire story revolves around it. This is something that readers should be aware of.

The book started out just OK for me. It was a little slow and I had a hard time getting into it. The story shifted back and forth between Josie and Bel and it kind of felt like I was reading two different books at the same time. I kept wondering when their paths would cross and where the story would go. I was drawn more to Bel and to her story and found Josie a little dull. The fact that I connected with Bel was perhaps because she was a twin (as I am) and I could feel and relate to all of her thoughts and emotions when it came to her sister Talia. I had an over abundance of empathy for her character. Josie's character was dated and old fashioned and I had to keep reminding myself that she was only 42 as she came across as quite a bit older.

If I had to rate the book on the first half alone it would get a three star rating but then (finally) at 47% the two woman met and the story improved tremendously. The story really started at this point. It became a story of hope, survival, and friendship as Josie began her battle with her terminal illness and Bel battled her demons from the past. Both characters grew dramatically and I found myself equally invested in the two of them. It portrayed a very realistic view of the power of love and friendship through the most unthinkable and devastating of circumstances. Both woman's overpowering love for their families shone brightly and the bond they formed with each other was beautiful. Lewis showed that great beauty that can be found through pain and the power of love flawlessly. Her research and knowledge on the subject was very apparent.

I'd be lying if I said that I didn't shed any tears while reading this book. In fact I shed them more than once. To me, this is the sign of a good book because I wouldn't cry if I didn't care about the characters. I'm glad I made it through the first half of the book because the second half more than made up for it.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This review can also be found at http://chiquitablogger.wordpress.com

Yeah, so this has been a rollercoaster of books for me. The last one I read was SO good! This one? Not so much.

The book is written in 3rd person about Josie who literally does nothing but go on and on about her daughter and amazingly wonderful and awesome she is. And then her son is in jail, and literally the talk about these two goes on for NINE PAGES! We get it. You love your kids. But her husband refuses to see her son cause he's in jail. Like this was seriously the first 20% of the book. I'm sorry. I need a little more meat in my stories, so I unfortunately had to DNF it. Take a pass on this one.

*Received an ARC for honest review.*

[Trish Mcdee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of book you gel with instantly, perhaps because of the subject matter. It is gripping yet so informative, and, later on, rather emotional but don't let that put you off!

An excellent read. I will look out for more from this author, Susan Lewis.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a difficult book to read and there is no doubt about that. I have lost someone to a very similar progress of the disease, but found it oddly comforting .
Bel, who has previously lost a twin sister to breast cancer, befriends someone recently diagnosed and the plot ensues from here.
It didn’t feel overly gratuitous in describing the trials of treatment or the emotions of the various stages.
I wouldn’t however recommend this for someone who has a relative or friend recently diagnosed use your discretion here. It is a good exploration of the layers of emotion.

[Lucy Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The problem I have with these Susan Lewis books is that:
1. They're always about 150 pages too long for the amount of plot line they contain.
2. They always seem to end on a very nicey nice ending, even if the subject matter throughout the entire book would lead you to believe the ending will be sad. I don't like a forced happy ending.

[Leza Palguta · Rating 4 out of 5]

It starts pretty slow, but the end is worth it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read, very heartfelt couldn't put it down.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a tragic story. Susan did her research well and brought home the devastation that breast cancer causes not only for the person diagnosed but for the family and how they all cope. Brought me to tears

[Linda Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical Susan Lewis - good decent read. Some serious issues, some happy outcomes. Enjoyable if light.

[Stevie Carroll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, & The Unread:

I nearly gave up on this one in the first chapter, but I stubbornly persevered and managed to find some redeeming qualities to it in later chapters, not all attributable to the writing improving further on compared to in the first chapter. On the other hand, lots of people love stories about characters struggling to cope with massive levels of unfairness being thrown at them, and I suspect that some of my issues with the plot and characterisation are standard tropes for the genre.

Josie is a working class woman living in the West of England, and very proud of the fact that she and her husband have managed to raise their children without ever relying on benefits or resorting to loan sharks. Their daughter is the first member of the family to go to university and is not only doing very well on her degree course, but has also started going out with a lad from a much better-off background. Meanwhile, their son falls in with a bad lot and takes the blame for a more serious crime than that his friends are convicted of. He now swears he didn’t do it and is working hard to turn his life around and gain qualifications while in prison.

Josie and her family and friends don’t quite ring true to me, for reasons that are hard to pin down; however, Bel, the heroine of the parallel and then converging story, feels marginally more real, although I’d have liked a little more backstory to explain where her money came from in the first place. Bel lost her sister to breast cancer, and as the story unfolds, Josie is diagnosed with a different form of the disease at the hospital which Bel visits as a volunteer support worker for a cancer charity. Sadly for me, Josie’s list of symptoms read like one of the fictional case reports I have been known to write as part of my Day Job, so I knew from the outset where the story was headed.

The two are introduced because Josie is struggling to tell her family about her diagnosis and it’s thought that speaking to someone who’s been on the receiving end of similar news might help her work through her issues. The two then become friends and help each other through a series of other difficulties, although at times Josie comes across as rather spineless in facing up to the people she had to deal with, and Bel isn’t much better.

The last few chapters, in which Josie grows a backbone and sets about making everything perfect for her family, are better than what went before but don’t raise this novel from being rather average, with distinctly unrealistic characters. It could have worked better as a much shorter piece: possibly an inspiring story in a magazine or on a website for cancer patients and their families. Not an author I’ll be seeking out again in any format, however.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lewis is known for her ability to tug at readers heartstrings while traversing complex and poignant family issues fully demonstrated in Never Say Goodbye.

Quite a tearjerker this story struck home with me. The devastation of breast cancer for both victim and family is tastefully presented. The characters are compelling, both Bel and Josie greet you with incredible warmth and love you become so wrapped up in them it's almost as if their close friends of yours. The narrative is brimming with sensitivity, compassion and incredible depth. A heartbreaking novel peppered with humor bringing an envelope of plausibility. Two women vastly different bridged together by harsh circumstances, a shared tragedy.

A beautiful story of relationships, friendship, family and the incredible power of love in this emotionally raw novel. Lewis and her smooth prose will appeal to your heart and soul. Touching story, anyone suffering a loss of a loved one will have a connection to this moving story. Heartwarming and heart wrenching.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie Clarke and her husband are struggling to make ends meet. Their son Ryan is in prison and their daughter Lily is at the university. Despite life's hardships, Josie tries to maintain a positive outlook. For Josie, family comes first. When she is diagnosed with breast cancer, her first thoughts and concerns are for her family. She struggles with telling them the devastating news. Bella, having lost her twin sister to cancer is asked to meet with Josie to counsel and support her in her battle with cancer. A beautiful friendship develops between the two women and they find they are able to mutually support one another. Bella struggles with the loss of her sister, and accepting the new wife of her brother-in-law. They are her tie to her sister. Bella also has some unresolved guilt and hurt from her childhood. Bella and Josie each needed a friend to face the future and to share secrets with.
The story is a compassionate look at not only the person who has cancer but also the effects a cancer diagnosis has on family and friends.A sad, bu memorable story.

[Paula Sealey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Say Goodbye brings together two central characters, Josie, a loving wife and mother who has endured some difficult times over the last few years and then discovers she has cancer, and Bel, a succesful lady who lost her twin sister to cancer and is harbouring issues from her past.

Beautifully written, with many humorous moments to counteract the sensitively dealt with issue of cancer, I was completely drawn into both Josie and Bel's worlds. It's clear that a lot of research went into this book, as the fabulous cast of characters and their reactions to situations were so believable. Bel and Josie's growing friendship was a joy to read as were their unfolding stories, which held my interest throughout. I really enjoyed Susan Lewis's flowing style of writing and wouldn't hesiate to recommend this poignant and heartwarming story.

*I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Maxime · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win this book with good reads
I am sorry to write a bad review but this book... I just could not get in to it.
Not to say it wasn't a good book just not the right storyline to grab my attention I tried several times to pick the book up & try again but to no avail.

[Gemma · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've given up on this one. It's far too long winded and over descriptive. Not really bonding with any of the characters either. Over half way through and I can't do anymore.

[Mike Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie Clark experienced her fair share of heartbreak. Her husband cheated with her best friend, her son was bullied into stealing a key for an armed robbery and subsequently jailed and her family fell on hard economic times. Despite this, she remained vigilant, pushing to improve the lives of her children and since reconciled husband wherever possible. Bel Monkton lost her twin sister to breast cancer and found fulfillment taking care of her niece and nephew. But dealing with her brother-in-law proves complex and potentially disastrous. The two storylines intersect in Susan Lewis' "Never Say Goodbye," which delivers a poignant and often heart-rending tale of the toll cancer can take on any family, no matter where they sit on the economic spectrum. Lewis sets her story in Kesterly, UK. I've had the novel on my desk about a year, meaning to read it. I forgot who recommended I purchase it for my high school library, but I will certainly try to get my students to give it a shot. It's not a happy read, nor is it incredibly depressing. It's a reflection of life and the statistic that one in 50 women will be afflicted with breast cancer. I'm stealing a reference in the novel, likely from England's NHS. Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of the disease by a long shot no matter what country happens to be recording the statistics, and it's still a killer. Lewis deals with the issue with care but doesn't sugarcoat the toll treatment takes on those afflicted. The reader gets a detailed view of the brutality of what doctors use to attempt to cure their patients. Pain and suffering are part of the package. I'm familiar. I was also looking for a mellow book after a bunch of Stephen King novels. This was not mellow. I could not, however, put it down.

[Cheryl Vorhauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming story

Each time I read a British story, I get immersed in the language and accents, and am charmed by the descriptions specific to the homes and scenery in the novel. Right from the beginning, the reader felt as if he knew the characters, especially Josie and Jeff, and would be welcome for a “cuppa” any time in their kitchen. The reader journeyed with Josie as she navigates a diagnosis of breast cancer and her decisions regarding telling her family. She meets Bel, a true guardian angel, whose sister recently died from cancer. It is a wonderful human interest story, easy to read, and informative about inflammatory breast cancer.

[Łily Hâ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
The first half of the book was just ok which is why I couldn't give it 5 stars besides I always knew how this novel would end.
However, the rest amused me to a point that I regret finishing it so fast !

I'm impressed on the tiny details it had .. I felt more like living with the characters not just reading a book. The joy, the pain and the hope I felt it all ...

Warning: this book is too painful for a person whose relative has cancer
It hit me so hard the facts that I read about that disease

I'm thankful that I have read it 💕

[Margaret Mary Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book right up until the last chapter. The story captured my imagination. I loved the characters and went through a roller coaster of emotions with them. I had tears in my eyes on many occasions and smiled on other occasions at the fun in face of adversity. There was enough mystery about Bel's past to keep interest going.
However it became a little predictable towards the end and I didn't like the last chapter at all. It seemed the author was trying to tie up all the loose ends and I felt it spoils an otherwise great story.

[Jana Yin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit long to finish this book, but it's not the book's fault. It's completely up to me and my laziness. It is flawless and amazing just like Josie. At one point of time, I could completely feel the scene settings and dove into it. Special kudos to Susan Lewis for connecting each character in such a light but strong way. It gave me pain and the strength to overcome the pain as well. I was down when I was in the last few chapters. It was an unexpected yet satisfying ending. I felt that is life. There's no Goodbye until we want it.

[Viktorija Gudynaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect from this book when i started reading it but i couldn’t put it down. Its not action, thriller or romance book, its a book about real life and real experiences. Even though i don’t agree with the ending and i would prefer it to be more realistic i still enjoyed the book.
I like how this author writes her stories and characters. Its like watching a movie and you feel like you are part of the story.
The book itself is for more mature reader who can understand why we make certain choices in life and that life is not always has happy endings.

[Doris Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I can not tell you how much I loved this book. Halfway through I discovered my best friend had been diagnosed with breast cancer. This made the book all the more poignant for me.

I love the way Susan Lewis tells the story from different people’s perspectives.

I got this book as a loan from the library but will definitely be trying to buy a copy for my at home library.

The way it ended gave us all hope and showed the power of love and positive thoughts.

[Sally Katharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read one other book by this author which I really enjoyed, so I was looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, I found the main character, Josie, very annoying. I understand that she was meant to be kind and considerate and someone that everyone was meant to love, but she was too much. And her goodness was over-emphasized. The book was also just too long.
Having said that, I enjoyed the story, I just found myself skipping bits.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know what you're going to get from Susan Lewis. An easy read despite covering some difficult topics. in this case it was thought provoking, saddening, uplifting. The characters were strong and relatable. The story evolved at a reasonably fast pace. Nothing special but as always an enjoyable read.

[Nadine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this book up from a hotel I was staying at when I finished my other book. After reading a few chapters I had the feeling that I had read it before, but not enough to put it aside. I should have. The two main characters were hard to like and the only character that had any sense was the bad one of the book. The story line is alright but the characters were unlikable.

[Kait · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried reading this book for about three months, which is an incredibly long time to read a book for me. I couldn’t get into it. There was nothing in the book that made me emotionally attached or even interested in any of the characters. This book was incredibly long for no good reason.

[Taylor Segen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Once the connection between characters was revealed it became an enjoyable read, but her mish-mash of present tense for both pass and present were frustrating for me. although I would like to comment on the ending, I will not be guilty of spoiling another's read.