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When You're Gone
‘Oh my god… stunning… must be read by everyone… made me blub like a baby and I met my grocery delivery man with tears streaming down my face! Five stars.’ Cappuccino and Chocolate, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐1958. Annie Fagan knows that her neighbours in the small town of Athenry talk about her family. And can she blame them? Her father’s slow surrender to drink to numb the pain of his back injury, matched by the new bruises appearing on her ma’s face, gives them plenty to gossip about. Annie struggles to bury her frustration and desperation. Then she meets Arthur ‘Sketch’ Talbot, who shows Annie how to find the stars in the darkness. But when Annie’s father discovers the young couple, will their love survive?Now. Holly has never felt so lost and alone. Devastating news about her pregnancy has opened a rift between her and her fiancé. And the one person she would usually confide in, her beloved Nana, is fading before her eyes. When searching in the attic for forgotten sketches her Nana keeps mentioning, Holly finds a dusty pink memory box, and hidden inside is the handwritten love story about a man called Sketch Talbot. As Holly reads the story to Nana, her grandmother reveals her final wish. Can helping Nana give Holly the strength to face her uncertain future?An absolutely unputdownable and gut-wrenching post-war novel. The perfect read for fans of Diane Chamberlain, Kathryn Hughes and Dani Atkins. Readers love When You’re Gone…‘Wow! I am still in awe by what I have just read… There are not enough stars to show just how much this book meant to me… Top read of the year!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘OMG, where to start? I loved this book so much… I couldn’t put it down and read it in one go through the night… I ended the book with tears streaming down my face and spent the next few hours thinking about them all still. You must read this book.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘WHAT A BOOK!!! Sorry for shouting, but it just feels right. It was a-ma-zing, fabulous, wonderful… added to my never-to-be-forgotten shelf… Heartbreaking, heartfelt, heartstopping.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Will put your heart through the ringer and leave you with a book hangover the next day. A story that will evoke every possible emotion you have… Characters that will stick with you long after the book has ended… All the feels… Absolutely recommend!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Heartbreaking… The love I felt for this book was unreal… At times I felt my emotions get the best of me… Such an amazing book.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A proper ugly tears kind of a book… My heart insisted on reading just one more chapter, and another, and another… I even ate a banana in bed on the last night, as there were no way I was putting it down during the last few chapters… I was crying so much, I could hardly see the words, and woke up the following morning with puffy eyes.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2019
2295 people are currently reading
897 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Harris
10 books262 followersAlso writes as Laura Anthony - The Women on Platform Two out now!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
April 4, 2019
Poignant! Beautiful! Heartbreaking!
Love, live, and most of all, look at the stars.
I will not give anything away about this unbelievably touching storyline, except have a tissue or two at the ready. Oh, and what a page turning romance ;)
For those in need of trigger warnings
My first read by this author, and WOW! Talented is an understatement!
Love, live, and most of all, look at the stars.
I will not give anything away about this unbelievably touching storyline, except have a tissue or two at the ready. Oh, and what a page turning romance ;)
For those in need of trigger warnings
My first read by this author, and WOW! Talented is an understatement!
March 15, 2019
When it rains look for the rainbow, when it’s dark look for the stars.
A beautifully told story filled with heartbreak and hope. Brooke Harris sure knows how to paint a story with emotion and heart that will tug at your heartstrings. This book touches on some pretty depressing subject matter but it is handled with warmth and compassion. If you have ever suffered a miscarriage or had issues with pregnancy/fertility there could be some possible triggers. But as someone who has had two miscarriages herself I really feel as though this was handled with care.
At its core this is a book about love, especially the love between grandmother and granddaughter. Holly is called home when her beloved grandmother Annie is dying. The bond between them is amazing and the last days they spend together are priceless. Annie still has a story to tell and Holly is the one that needs to hear it. The story bounces back and forth in time Annie’s story in 1959 and Holly’s story in present day. Earth grandmother and granddaughter’s stories are heart wrenching and emotional bursting with love and family and grief. Annie’s story is about a magical love of a lifetime a tale that will not only pull at your heartstrings but squeeze them until they hurt. Holly story is equally as emotional this is a book that requires at least one box of Kleenex!
This is one of those books that will put your heart through the ringer and leave you with a book hangover the next day. A story that will evoke every possible emotion you have and some you didn’t even know you did. The characters are likable and relatable the type of characters that will stick with you long after the book has ended. Next time you are in the mood for a book with all the feels, beautiful storytelling, and a cast of amazing characters, this is your book! Absolutely recommend!
*** A big thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
A beautifully told story filled with heartbreak and hope. Brooke Harris sure knows how to paint a story with emotion and heart that will tug at your heartstrings. This book touches on some pretty depressing subject matter but it is handled with warmth and compassion. If you have ever suffered a miscarriage or had issues with pregnancy/fertility there could be some possible triggers. But as someone who has had two miscarriages herself I really feel as though this was handled with care.
At its core this is a book about love, especially the love between grandmother and granddaughter. Holly is called home when her beloved grandmother Annie is dying. The bond between them is amazing and the last days they spend together are priceless. Annie still has a story to tell and Holly is the one that needs to hear it. The story bounces back and forth in time Annie’s story in 1959 and Holly’s story in present day. Earth grandmother and granddaughter’s stories are heart wrenching and emotional bursting with love and family and grief. Annie’s story is about a magical love of a lifetime a tale that will not only pull at your heartstrings but squeeze them until they hurt. Holly story is equally as emotional this is a book that requires at least one box of Kleenex!
This is one of those books that will put your heart through the ringer and leave you with a book hangover the next day. A story that will evoke every possible emotion you have and some you didn’t even know you did. The characters are likable and relatable the type of characters that will stick with you long after the book has ended. Next time you are in the mood for a book with all the feels, beautiful storytelling, and a cast of amazing characters, this is your book! Absolutely recommend!
*** A big thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
October 29, 2017
This won Book of the Month on my blog for August 2017:
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...
When it Rains is an incredibly emotional women’s fiction and romance story that broke my heart into lots of tiny pieces and then started sticking it back together again.
“When it rains look for rainbows. When it’s dark look for stars.”
Wonderful and believable characters, touching relationships between the characters, and beautifully written. When it Rains might actually be my new favourite book by this author, which is rather impressive considering quite how much I LOVED No Kiss Goodbye.
It’s interesting how this month I’ve read two books in entirely different genres that both had a focus on apple trees and how wonderful and full of wisdom grandmas are. My Otley Grandma would always tell me stories of her past. I sat for hours listening to her stories of the years gone by, so I guess I’m a little like Ben in this book in that respect.
August last year I travelled up to Yorkshire to celebrate my Otley Grandma’s 90th birthday. Sadly, she passed away a couple of months later. I can’t help but feel particularly close to her in recent weeks, due to the wonderful books I’ve read that have brought back memories of her. I loved that Holly’s grandmother’s advice in this book was “You can’t save time, Holly. So spend it wisely.” My Otley Grandma’s pearl of wisdom was “Assume makes an ass out of you and me”. This is so programmed into me now, I can’t help but think of her and hear her voice any time a conversation comes up about the topic of assuming things.
This book also reminded me of my childhood dog who passed away when I was seventeen. We’d had her since we rescued her when I was just two years old. I remember the day we picked her up from a farmer who temporarily took her in after she had been thrown out of a car. She was my best friend and I was so heart broken when she was gone. We chose a specific star to remember her by. It was the brightest star in the sky and was directly above her grave in the garden at the time she was buried. It’s called Sirius, and happens to also be known as the Dog Star. Over twenty years on, I still look at that star and think of Sheba.
This beautiful story definitely comes very highly recommended by me, but be warned you may need at least an entire box of tissues, because this is a proper ugly tears kind of a book. You may also require more caffeine than normal, as I found this book almost impossible to put down. If I had the time and energy I would have read it in one sitting. Instead, this book resulted in a few days of very late nights where my heart insisted on reading just one more chapter, and another, and another… I was forced to stop when my brain refused to comply. I even ate a banana in bed on the last night, as there were no way I was putting it down during the last few chapters and needed the energy to keep me awake. I was crying so much, I could hardly see the words, and woke up the following morning with puffy eyes from crying my little heart out.
I believe things happen for a reason, and I truly believe this book came to me at a time when I most needed it. Last week was a particularly emotional week, for reasons I won’t go into, but this book forced me to face the emotions I had locked away inside me and encouraged me to deal with what was to come. It has helped me focus my thoughts and feelings over the last week, and for that I’m truly grateful. It also reminded me that when we lose someone we can still keep them with us. I would like to thank the author for writing this beautiful, emotional and touching story. It will always have a special place in my heart.
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...
When it Rains is an incredibly emotional women’s fiction and romance story that broke my heart into lots of tiny pieces and then started sticking it back together again.
“When it rains look for rainbows. When it’s dark look for stars.”
Wonderful and believable characters, touching relationships between the characters, and beautifully written. When it Rains might actually be my new favourite book by this author, which is rather impressive considering quite how much I LOVED No Kiss Goodbye.
It’s interesting how this month I’ve read two books in entirely different genres that both had a focus on apple trees and how wonderful and full of wisdom grandmas are. My Otley Grandma would always tell me stories of her past. I sat for hours listening to her stories of the years gone by, so I guess I’m a little like Ben in this book in that respect.
August last year I travelled up to Yorkshire to celebrate my Otley Grandma’s 90th birthday. Sadly, she passed away a couple of months later. I can’t help but feel particularly close to her in recent weeks, due to the wonderful books I’ve read that have brought back memories of her. I loved that Holly’s grandmother’s advice in this book was “You can’t save time, Holly. So spend it wisely.” My Otley Grandma’s pearl of wisdom was “Assume makes an ass out of you and me”. This is so programmed into me now, I can’t help but think of her and hear her voice any time a conversation comes up about the topic of assuming things.
This book also reminded me of my childhood dog who passed away when I was seventeen. We’d had her since we rescued her when I was just two years old. I remember the day we picked her up from a farmer who temporarily took her in after she had been thrown out of a car. She was my best friend and I was so heart broken when she was gone. We chose a specific star to remember her by. It was the brightest star in the sky and was directly above her grave in the garden at the time she was buried. It’s called Sirius, and happens to also be known as the Dog Star. Over twenty years on, I still look at that star and think of Sheba.
This beautiful story definitely comes very highly recommended by me, but be warned you may need at least an entire box of tissues, because this is a proper ugly tears kind of a book. You may also require more caffeine than normal, as I found this book almost impossible to put down. If I had the time and energy I would have read it in one sitting. Instead, this book resulted in a few days of very late nights where my heart insisted on reading just one more chapter, and another, and another… I was forced to stop when my brain refused to comply. I even ate a banana in bed on the last night, as there were no way I was putting it down during the last few chapters and needed the energy to keep me awake. I was crying so much, I could hardly see the words, and woke up the following morning with puffy eyes from crying my little heart out.
I believe things happen for a reason, and I truly believe this book came to me at a time when I most needed it. Last week was a particularly emotional week, for reasons I won’t go into, but this book forced me to face the emotions I had locked away inside me and encouraged me to deal with what was to come. It has helped me focus my thoughts and feelings over the last week, and for that I’m truly grateful. It also reminded me that when we lose someone we can still keep them with us. I would like to thank the author for writing this beautiful, emotional and touching story. It will always have a special place in my heart.
August 29, 2017
So I have started to compose my review about 4 times now but end up hitting the delete button each time as nothing I write seems to do justice to this stunning book! I just don’t seem to be able to convey all the emotions and memories that this book evoked in me or to show just how much I fell in love with both the story and all the characters playing their parts within it. Brooke Harris has written such a beautifully moving piece of bittersweet romantic fiction here that touched me far more deeply that I ever expected it to. If you’ve ever lost someone close to you be prepared for this book to throw up a whole heap of emotions that you thought were buried a long time ago. At least that is what happened to me whilst reading and it was totally unexpected. So please be warned, even if you think you aren’t an emotional person, you will probably cry!! So make sure you are wearing your waterproof mascara, especially if making the mistake of reading this in public like I did! I had no idea it would affect me quite so intensely and I actually sobbed at more than one point in this captivating but utterly heart breaking narrative. By the end my tears were falling so heavily, I could hardly breathe! I had no idea that by the last page of When It Rains I would be left feeling totally bereft myself, as if I were actually leaving behind real people that I had come to care very deeply for.
There is a story within a story here and both of them are set up perfectly so you become emotionally invested in them immediately. When Holly is called back to her family home to be with her Nana before she passes away, little does she realise that her grandmother still has matters she needs to share with her granddaughter whilst on her deathbed. We are then taken on a journey back to 1959 and meet a young Irish girl, quiet and standoffish but about to have a life changing encounter with an old school friend. Both timelines grabbed me straight away and I hated to leave one to return to the other and vice versa. There was so much depth to both stories that it was impossible to not have empathy for everyone involved but my heart especially out to Annie and her struggles back in 1959. There were also plenty of shocks in the present where everything was not always as it seemed. As a Nana myself, I loved the relatable bond between grandmother and granddaughter finding it completely endearing. And although her grandmothers imminent death was what brought Holly home, there was no morbidity here just an unequivocal sadness at facing a loved ones mortality.
This was a powerful tale of family and friendship, love and loss that will grab hold of your heart and wring it out until every last drop of emotion has been squeezed from you. I am still amazed that these amazing women entangled themselves up in my emotions so completely that I’m struggling to move on from them. Brooke Harris has such an enviable gift for creating strong and believable characters then breathing life into them so that there is a palpable sense of loss when you finish this book.
Very highly recommended by me.
There is a story within a story here and both of them are set up perfectly so you become emotionally invested in them immediately. When Holly is called back to her family home to be with her Nana before she passes away, little does she realise that her grandmother still has matters she needs to share with her granddaughter whilst on her deathbed. We are then taken on a journey back to 1959 and meet a young Irish girl, quiet and standoffish but about to have a life changing encounter with an old school friend. Both timelines grabbed me straight away and I hated to leave one to return to the other and vice versa. There was so much depth to both stories that it was impossible to not have empathy for everyone involved but my heart especially out to Annie and her struggles back in 1959. There were also plenty of shocks in the present where everything was not always as it seemed. As a Nana myself, I loved the relatable bond between grandmother and granddaughter finding it completely endearing. And although her grandmothers imminent death was what brought Holly home, there was no morbidity here just an unequivocal sadness at facing a loved ones mortality.
This was a powerful tale of family and friendship, love and loss that will grab hold of your heart and wring it out until every last drop of emotion has been squeezed from you. I am still amazed that these amazing women entangled themselves up in my emotions so completely that I’m struggling to move on from them. Brooke Harris has such an enviable gift for creating strong and believable characters then breathing life into them so that there is a palpable sense of loss when you finish this book.
Very highly recommended by me.
nope
April 8, 2019My friend Sanzida read it and warned me about the triggers
But she also says that the book was still very good.
But she also says that the book was still very good.
March 3, 2019
A beautiful journey filled with family, relationships, pain, friendship, and at the core of it LOVE. Not the love shown in movies, but the kinds that connects the hearts and the souls, the kinds that is felt in life and beyond, the kinds that becomes the colors of the rainbow and the twinkle of the star!!
The story goes thus; Holly is called back home as her Nana is dying. She soon realizes that her Nana knows her far deeper than she can guess and has a message for her in the form of a book written and kept in the attic. Holly brings it out and starts reading the story of her Nana Annie. This is Annie's story, a saga of her pain and her eternal love for Sketch.
This story by author Brooke Harris made me cry as I read through the pages. Each chapter showed Annie's courage and love for her mother as both suffered through the torture and physical abuse at the hands of the father, but stayed strong for each other. In such a strife, came Sketch bringing with him a love which was like a balm to the damaged soul and a hope for freedom and dreams.
Brooke's writing brought out the bubbles of emotions, ripping my heart into pieces and joining them back. I cried when Annie did, it was so powerful, the last few pages saw me sobbing and breaking down completely. Brooke squeezed every last bit of my emotions out from my heart till I had nothing more left to give.
A book which touched my cold heart and made me long for the stars. I see my dreams as clearly as Annie saw hers!!
When it rains, look for the rainbow. When it's dark, look for the stars!!
The story goes thus; Holly is called back home as her Nana is dying. She soon realizes that her Nana knows her far deeper than she can guess and has a message for her in the form of a book written and kept in the attic. Holly brings it out and starts reading the story of her Nana Annie. This is Annie's story, a saga of her pain and her eternal love for Sketch.
This story by author Brooke Harris made me cry as I read through the pages. Each chapter showed Annie's courage and love for her mother as both suffered through the torture and physical abuse at the hands of the father, but stayed strong for each other. In such a strife, came Sketch bringing with him a love which was like a balm to the damaged soul and a hope for freedom and dreams.
Brooke's writing brought out the bubbles of emotions, ripping my heart into pieces and joining them back. I cried when Annie did, it was so powerful, the last few pages saw me sobbing and breaking down completely. Brooke squeezed every last bit of my emotions out from my heart till I had nothing more left to give.
A book which touched my cold heart and made me long for the stars. I see my dreams as clearly as Annie saw hers!!
When it rains, look for the rainbow. When it's dark, look for the stars!!
January 19, 2019
Wow ! What can I say about this book apart from the fact it was just
fantastic. What a beautiful but sad story of life and death. It may sound like this is going to be quite a depressing read but honestly it's not like that at all. Yes it is sad and I made me cry a lot but it also makes you realise how precious family are and how important memories are. I just loved the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter and you could actually feel the strong love Holly had for her grandmother as I read the book.
This is one amazing book that once you start you won't want to put down until you've finished it. I'm sure you'll all agree the cover is fabulous also.
My only problem with it is that I can't give it more than 5 stars !
My thanks to Brooke Harris for the ARC and this review is entirely my own honest opinion.
fantastic. What a beautiful but sad story of life and death. It may sound like this is going to be quite a depressing read but honestly it's not like that at all. Yes it is sad and I made me cry a lot but it also makes you realise how precious family are and how important memories are. I just loved the relationship between grandmother and granddaughter and you could actually feel the strong love Holly had for her grandmother as I read the book.
This is one amazing book that once you start you won't want to put down until you've finished it. I'm sure you'll all agree the cover is fabulous also.
My only problem with it is that I can't give it more than 5 stars !
My thanks to Brooke Harris for the ARC and this review is entirely my own honest opinion.
October 3, 2017
For me, the signs of a great women's fiction/romance book (which I don't read too often) is one that keeps me reading long into night, one that I'm thinking about even when I'm not reading and one that truly makes me emotional - I mean tears, because I'm not the biggest softie when it comes to books.
When It Rains ticked all those boxes - I even forfeited breakfast to finish it (and that's a big thing for me) because I just had to know everything.
Not only are the characters likeable, but I related to them. I felt their raw emotion, their connection and their bond; probably more than I was expecting to. Tears were shed more than once while reading their stories.
It's very cleverly written and I can't recommend it enough.
When It Rains ticked all those boxes - I even forfeited breakfast to finish it (and that's a big thing for me) because I just had to know everything.
Not only are the characters likeable, but I related to them. I felt their raw emotion, their connection and their bond; probably more than I was expecting to. Tears were shed more than once while reading their stories.
It's very cleverly written and I can't recommend it enough.
February 19, 2019
Original review can be found at https://kristineandterri.blogspot.com...
3.5 stars
** I received an advanced readers copy from Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
When You're Gone (previously published as When It Rains) is highly rated on Goodreads so I was excited to dive into it. I don't often look at other ratings but sometimes when I'm looking to discover "new to me" authors it is a good starting point. Unfortunately this can sometimes leave me with high expectations that aren't always met.
When You're Gone told the story of Holly at the end of her Grandmother's life (now) and Annie's love story (then) with a man named Sketch. I thoroughly enjoyed Annie's story and her developing relationship with Sketch. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I craved more of it than I got. The book stayed in the present and dealt with a lot of grief more than it went to Annie's story in the past. The tidbits from the past were too brief and far between for my liking. It left me wanting more.
I found the present day story surrounding Holly very depressing. She was dealing with a dying Grandmother a struggling relationship and a very sick unborn child. The interactions between family members was sometimes juvenile and annoying. I also struggled with some of Holly's decisions and actions. Having just lost my own mother this past year I thought that I would be able to empathise way more than I did with the situation. There was a little disconnect that I can't quite explain. Perhaps this story came a little too soon for me to fully appreciate. Perhaps it was a little too neat, tidy and predictable to be believable. I'm not sure. Perhaps it was simply the fact that I was enjoying Annie and Sketch so much that I was anxious to get back to them.
Overall When You're Gone was a good book but a sad book. You really need to be in the right frame of mind to read it. It was about death and dying but had some beautiful moments and messages mixed in with all of the sadness. It is definitely worth reading when you are in the right frame of mind. I think readers will love Annie and Sketch.
3.5 stars
** I received an advanced readers copy from Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
When You're Gone (previously published as When It Rains) is highly rated on Goodreads so I was excited to dive into it. I don't often look at other ratings but sometimes when I'm looking to discover "new to me" authors it is a good starting point. Unfortunately this can sometimes leave me with high expectations that aren't always met.
When You're Gone told the story of Holly at the end of her Grandmother's life (now) and Annie's love story (then) with a man named Sketch. I thoroughly enjoyed Annie's story and her developing relationship with Sketch. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I craved more of it than I got. The book stayed in the present and dealt with a lot of grief more than it went to Annie's story in the past. The tidbits from the past were too brief and far between for my liking. It left me wanting more.
I found the present day story surrounding Holly very depressing. She was dealing with a dying Grandmother a struggling relationship and a very sick unborn child. The interactions between family members was sometimes juvenile and annoying. I also struggled with some of Holly's decisions and actions. Having just lost my own mother this past year I thought that I would be able to empathise way more than I did with the situation. There was a little disconnect that I can't quite explain. Perhaps this story came a little too soon for me to fully appreciate. Perhaps it was a little too neat, tidy and predictable to be believable. I'm not sure. Perhaps it was simply the fact that I was enjoying Annie and Sketch so much that I was anxious to get back to them.
Overall When You're Gone was a good book but a sad book. You really need to be in the right frame of mind to read it. It was about death and dying but had some beautiful moments and messages mixed in with all of the sadness. It is definitely worth reading when you are in the right frame of mind. I think readers will love Annie and Sketch.
June 1, 2023
"When it rains look for rainbows, when it's dark look for the stars"
This is the story of Annie and her granddaughter Holly and is told over two timelines, present day is told by Holly and the past (1959) is told by Annie.
The story opens in the present day and Annie is dying, her family have been told that it could be a matter of days and they have all gathered together to spend as much time as they can with the woman that means so much to them all. Annie's nurse Marcy believes that Annie has some hidden artwork somewhere in the house as Annie keeps muttering the word 'sketch', so Holly and her brother Ben go off to the loft to see what they can find in Nana's belongings. What they find is much more precious and takes us back to 1959 revealing secrets from Annie's past. Fast forward to the present day and Holly also has a secret of her own which is causing problems in her relationship with her partner, Nate. What is that secret and how will they overcome it and be there for each other when they most need to be?
This story, which is totally different to Brooke Harris's usual work is a very beautiful poignant love story that shows what lengths two people will go to in order to be with the one that they love and the hurdles they face to be together, and the author has captured this perfectly. I was totally engrossed from page one, everything outside of this book was abandoned while reading it and I shed quite a few tears along the way. I've loved all of this author's books and this one is no exception, I would love to see her write more in this genre and look forward to reading it if she does.
Thank you to Brooke for inviting me to read an ARC of this, I will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day. A very worthy 5 stars for this stunning read.
This is the story of Annie and her granddaughter Holly and is told over two timelines, present day is told by Holly and the past (1959) is told by Annie.
The story opens in the present day and Annie is dying, her family have been told that it could be a matter of days and they have all gathered together to spend as much time as they can with the woman that means so much to them all. Annie's nurse Marcy believes that Annie has some hidden artwork somewhere in the house as Annie keeps muttering the word 'sketch', so Holly and her brother Ben go off to the loft to see what they can find in Nana's belongings. What they find is much more precious and takes us back to 1959 revealing secrets from Annie's past. Fast forward to the present day and Holly also has a secret of her own which is causing problems in her relationship with her partner, Nate. What is that secret and how will they overcome it and be there for each other when they most need to be?
This story, which is totally different to Brooke Harris's usual work is a very beautiful poignant love story that shows what lengths two people will go to in order to be with the one that they love and the hurdles they face to be together, and the author has captured this perfectly. I was totally engrossed from page one, everything outside of this book was abandoned while reading it and I shed quite a few tears along the way. I've loved all of this author's books and this one is no exception, I would love to see her write more in this genre and look forward to reading it if she does.
Thank you to Brooke for inviting me to read an ARC of this, I will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day. A very worthy 5 stars for this stunning read.
March 26, 2019
It doesn't matter how long you love someone. What's truly important is how much you love them.
I truly don't think I've cried that hard when reading a book in a long time. Oh sure, I get teary eyed when reading. Often! But this was sob fest city. This story is tragic and beautiful. It leaves you bereft, yet your heart is so perfectly full. There are two stories going on here - the story of Holly and the story of her grandmother, Annie. Holly comes home because Annie is dying. Annie is the backbone of the family and no one is quite sure what they will do when she is gone. But Annie has her story to tell, in the pages she has written and hidden away. Holly finds those pages, and we travel back in time to experience Annie's life. And what a hard and horrible life she had. Yet she was able to find some beauty there, in the form of Sketch, the boy she fell in love with. I'll stop there though, so as not to ruin the beautiful, heartbreaking, joyous, soul altering journey you're about to take. Bring your tissues and open your heart. You're going on a spectactular ride!!
I truly don't think I've cried that hard when reading a book in a long time. Oh sure, I get teary eyed when reading. Often! But this was sob fest city. This story is tragic and beautiful. It leaves you bereft, yet your heart is so perfectly full. There are two stories going on here - the story of Holly and the story of her grandmother, Annie. Holly comes home because Annie is dying. Annie is the backbone of the family and no one is quite sure what they will do when she is gone. But Annie has her story to tell, in the pages she has written and hidden away. Holly finds those pages, and we travel back in time to experience Annie's life. And what a hard and horrible life she had. Yet she was able to find some beauty there, in the form of Sketch, the boy she fell in love with. I'll stop there though, so as not to ruin the beautiful, heartbreaking, joyous, soul altering journey you're about to take. Bring your tissues and open your heart. You're going on a spectactular ride!!
March 23, 2021
I should have paid attention to the reviews. I don't mind a little romance, but sappy, never-in-this-lifetime romances are not my cup of tea. And I don't like tearjerkers. I was warned. I should have listened. I have to admit, I skimmed the last half of this novel.
Besides the things listed above, I have a few more comments: The grandmother dying is sad, but these things happen; the fight between the main character and her fiancé was unfortunate but those things also happen. But the third problem - I won't say what, no spoilers - was just a bridge too far.
And yes, I'm aware this review is riddled with clichés. So was the novel.
Besides the things listed above, I have a few more comments: The grandmother dying is sad, but these things happen; the fight between the main character and her fiancé was unfortunate but those things also happen. But the third problem - I won't say what, no spoilers - was just a bridge too far.
And yes, I'm aware this review is riddled with clichés. So was the novel.
October 2, 2017
When It Rains is a story that flicks between Holly in present day and Annie, her grandmother, in the past.
I knew from the moment I started this book it was going to be an emotional roller coaster and I certainly wasn’t wrong. Holly my heart went out to. Not only is she going through a rough time but her grandmother who she is extremely close to, is dying. I felt like one of the family going through all the emotions of trying to be strong but knowing that the inevitable was going to happen and my heart was breaking every bit as Holly’s.
I absolutely loved Annie’s chapters in the past and finding out about her family life as well as meeting the love of her life, Sketch. It reminded me a bit of Catherine Cookson’s books. Annie’s life certainly wasn’t easy living at home but the romance between Annie and Sketch totally melted my heart. I loved being taken back in time to how life was back then and I fell in love with the idea of the farmhouse where Sketch had grown up. I easily visualised it all in my head.
Through Annie and Holly’s story there is very much the meaning of family and making the most out of every tough situation life throws our way. It’s about letting people in and not shutting them out and making every minute count.
When It Rains is a bitter sweet read that takes you on an emotional journey. It will make you hug your loved ones that little bit tighter and have you saying ‘I love you’ a little more often. WARNING: If like me you are quite an emotional person, you may want to make sure you have some tissues to hand.
I knew from the moment I started this book it was going to be an emotional roller coaster and I certainly wasn’t wrong. Holly my heart went out to. Not only is she going through a rough time but her grandmother who she is extremely close to, is dying. I felt like one of the family going through all the emotions of trying to be strong but knowing that the inevitable was going to happen and my heart was breaking every bit as Holly’s.
I absolutely loved Annie’s chapters in the past and finding out about her family life as well as meeting the love of her life, Sketch. It reminded me a bit of Catherine Cookson’s books. Annie’s life certainly wasn’t easy living at home but the romance between Annie and Sketch totally melted my heart. I loved being taken back in time to how life was back then and I fell in love with the idea of the farmhouse where Sketch had grown up. I easily visualised it all in my head.
Through Annie and Holly’s story there is very much the meaning of family and making the most out of every tough situation life throws our way. It’s about letting people in and not shutting them out and making every minute count.
When It Rains is a bitter sweet read that takes you on an emotional journey. It will make you hug your loved ones that little bit tighter and have you saying ‘I love you’ a little more often. WARNING: If like me you are quite an emotional person, you may want to make sure you have some tissues to hand.
August 5, 2017
This is one of those books that you cannot review straight away. You need to get over the crying and sit and understand the power of what you have just read.
I viewed this book from a number of viewpoints. A reader, a daughter a mother, a granddaughter and a nurse. You cannot help it, as the emotions that this book evokes feel so real.
Annie is dying and has her family around her. Before you think that seems rather too morbid for me, this is far from it. This is a celebration of a life, an insight in to how a loving family functions and how to achieve the most pleasant death possible by challenging the norm and knowing the person you love.
Holly has her own challenges but her grandmother is the matriarch and the cement that holds this family and directs it. The thought of losing her is incomprehensible. There is a part of this book where there is a discussion about how we reconcile death by suggesting someone has had a long, good life. It is so insightful that you question every conversation you may have had in relation to this.
The character of Annie and her impact upon the family is fascinating and when you find out what challenges she has faced during her childhood and in to early adult life you cannot help but feel she deserves the closeness of the family she has.The book that Annie has written explaining her life is such a clever way to tell this story.
The dynamics amongst the family particularly Hollies situation is heart rendering and has such impact that you cannot help but shed a tear but also to champion some kind of miracle.
I can only imagine that the author in some way has been exposed to the death of a relative, as everything from Marcy to the ambulance arriving is so accurate. I was shouting at my kindle for Holly to step in and follow her nanas wishes. The interplay between the nurse and the family reminded me of a number of situations I have had the honour of witnessing. The effects on Blair were so perceptive, the difficulty of being a mother when you are the daughter facing such tragedy.
The viewpoints of Holly and Annie are exceptional and add to the context and power of this book. It is so difficult to discuss this book without spoilers.
I read this in two sittings. It is emotional there is no getting away from that. Ugly crying emotional but whilst there is sadness, there is also the joy that Annie ultimately achieves her wish and leaves a legacy for generations to come.The last three to four chapters are so very emotional.
I cannot say enough good things about this book, do not be put off by the fact that death is mentioned, embrace it and you will benefit immensely from reading.
With the authors last book I didn’t feel that it could be topped. I have read everything she has written. Nothing is the same, the genres change and yet this makes her books exciting. Something to look forward to. All but one has made me cry such is the accuracy and cleverness of the writing.
This is a must read.
A note of caution-don’t try and squeeze this in on your lunch break or before work you may well regret that. This is an emotional ride and you need to give it the time it deserves, although you will be turning the pages so fast to know what happens next.
Can I only give this 5 stars?
Thanks to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest and very tearful review.
I viewed this book from a number of viewpoints. A reader, a daughter a mother, a granddaughter and a nurse. You cannot help it, as the emotions that this book evokes feel so real.
Annie is dying and has her family around her. Before you think that seems rather too morbid for me, this is far from it. This is a celebration of a life, an insight in to how a loving family functions and how to achieve the most pleasant death possible by challenging the norm and knowing the person you love.
Holly has her own challenges but her grandmother is the matriarch and the cement that holds this family and directs it. The thought of losing her is incomprehensible. There is a part of this book where there is a discussion about how we reconcile death by suggesting someone has had a long, good life. It is so insightful that you question every conversation you may have had in relation to this.
The character of Annie and her impact upon the family is fascinating and when you find out what challenges she has faced during her childhood and in to early adult life you cannot help but feel she deserves the closeness of the family she has.The book that Annie has written explaining her life is such a clever way to tell this story.
The dynamics amongst the family particularly Hollies situation is heart rendering and has such impact that you cannot help but shed a tear but also to champion some kind of miracle.
I can only imagine that the author in some way has been exposed to the death of a relative, as everything from Marcy to the ambulance arriving is so accurate. I was shouting at my kindle for Holly to step in and follow her nanas wishes. The interplay between the nurse and the family reminded me of a number of situations I have had the honour of witnessing. The effects on Blair were so perceptive, the difficulty of being a mother when you are the daughter facing such tragedy.
The viewpoints of Holly and Annie are exceptional and add to the context and power of this book. It is so difficult to discuss this book without spoilers.
I read this in two sittings. It is emotional there is no getting away from that. Ugly crying emotional but whilst there is sadness, there is also the joy that Annie ultimately achieves her wish and leaves a legacy for generations to come.The last three to four chapters are so very emotional.
I cannot say enough good things about this book, do not be put off by the fact that death is mentioned, embrace it and you will benefit immensely from reading.
With the authors last book I didn’t feel that it could be topped. I have read everything she has written. Nothing is the same, the genres change and yet this makes her books exciting. Something to look forward to. All but one has made me cry such is the accuracy and cleverness of the writing.
This is a must read.
A note of caution-don’t try and squeeze this in on your lunch break or before work you may well regret that. This is an emotional ride and you need to give it the time it deserves, although you will be turning the pages so fast to know what happens next.
Can I only give this 5 stars?
Thanks to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest and very tearful review.
January 2, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author. It has been previously released under the title When It Rains, but this copy does contain significant editorial revisions. This is the story of Holly and her family. She returns back to her family home when her Nana, Annie is dying. Whilst there, Holly discovers that Annie, wrote a story of her life back in 1958 when she met the love of her life, Arthur ‘Sketch’ Talbot. Holly finds the handwritten book and together with her family reads to the story to Annie. As she reads it, Holly is forced to face the reality of her life at that moment – pregnant but her unborn baby is seriously ill, Holly’s relationship with Nate is also dying. Can Annie’s story help her through this time?
Wow, this was one seriously emotional book!! Told from two different timescales, present day from Holly’s point of view and in 1958 from Annie’s point of view, this book certainly took me on one hell of a rollercoaster ride of emotions! Beginning in the present day, my heart went out to Holly journeying back to her family home to be with her Nana in her last few days. Holly was such a likeable character, as was all the family, and it was clear to see how distraught Holly was with not only the upset of Annie dying, but also the news that her unborn baby had a serious illness and was unlikely to survive also. I couldn’t imagine what poor Holly was going through but admired her courage for staying as strong as she did throughout the book. I could see her broken relationship with her partner, Nate was one worth saving, and I was willing Holly throughout the book to also see that she needed him just as much as he needed her.
Annie’s story was just wonderful. Set back in 1958 when Annie was a teenage girl, her story is interspersed amongst the present day chapters. Again my heart went out to another generation of this family, and I absolutely loved the young Annie. This was though, another heart-breaking tale as Annie and her mother suffered physical abuse from the hands of her alcoholic father, but meeting Arthur ‘Sketch’ Talbot gives Annie a chance of happiness.
Both stories was heart-breaking, yet with a strange sense of happiness. This book shows the strength of true love and family relationships. I have made it all sound like all doom and gloom, but it really isn’t like that at all! Yes, there are some overwhelmingly sad parts, but the gaps are filled with love and tenderness that make even the sad parts feel so much better. The writing was beautiful and the last few chapters certainly stay with you long after the book is finished. Whilst they are written very sensitively, it does have some topics which may be upsetting, so just a word of warning.
A story of love, loss, family, secrets and regret, this book will certainly tug at your heartstrings. I was completely hooked from the very first page and only managed to dry my eyes after I had finished the book. Would highly recommend, but would also make sure you have a large box of tissues at the ready as you are going to need them!
Wow, this was one seriously emotional book!! Told from two different timescales, present day from Holly’s point of view and in 1958 from Annie’s point of view, this book certainly took me on one hell of a rollercoaster ride of emotions! Beginning in the present day, my heart went out to Holly journeying back to her family home to be with her Nana in her last few days. Holly was such a likeable character, as was all the family, and it was clear to see how distraught Holly was with not only the upset of Annie dying, but also the news that her unborn baby had a serious illness and was unlikely to survive also. I couldn’t imagine what poor Holly was going through but admired her courage for staying as strong as she did throughout the book. I could see her broken relationship with her partner, Nate was one worth saving, and I was willing Holly throughout the book to also see that she needed him just as much as he needed her.
Annie’s story was just wonderful. Set back in 1958 when Annie was a teenage girl, her story is interspersed amongst the present day chapters. Again my heart went out to another generation of this family, and I absolutely loved the young Annie. This was though, another heart-breaking tale as Annie and her mother suffered physical abuse from the hands of her alcoholic father, but meeting Arthur ‘Sketch’ Talbot gives Annie a chance of happiness.
Both stories was heart-breaking, yet with a strange sense of happiness. This book shows the strength of true love and family relationships. I have made it all sound like all doom and gloom, but it really isn’t like that at all! Yes, there are some overwhelmingly sad parts, but the gaps are filled with love and tenderness that make even the sad parts feel so much better. The writing was beautiful and the last few chapters certainly stay with you long after the book is finished. Whilst they are written very sensitively, it does have some topics which may be upsetting, so just a word of warning.
A story of love, loss, family, secrets and regret, this book will certainly tug at your heartstrings. I was completely hooked from the very first page and only managed to dry my eyes after I had finished the book. Would highly recommend, but would also make sure you have a large box of tissues at the ready as you are going to need them!
September 19, 2019
This book is the sappiest book I’ve ever read. I grew so tired of reading how big tears rolled down everyone’s cheeks! So redundant and sophomoric. The part of the book that Annie tells was good and kept me reading, but the parts told by Holly were horrible! She is an adult woman who acts like a child in her interactions with her brother and unfairly leaves her fiancé for leaving her to grieve when she shut him out. Holly was a boring, uninspiring character!
January 20, 2024
What a totally gorgeous read
March 8, 2019
Well this has been a truly beautiful, emotional and heart breaking story from beginning to end.
I was pleasantly surprised by this story, it created so many mixed emotions within me. I felt so strongly for some of the characters and yet at the same time I wanted to yell and scream at some of them too. Never have I felt so angry towards a character. That in itself shows how talented this author is, the way she brings her characters to life that we almost forget they aren't real.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, which is told in the present and the past, some parts were very sad to read and made me think how unfair life can be at times. This is a story that will seriously pull on the heart.
This has been my first read by this author but it won't be my last as I have two of her books sitting on my kindle waiting for me.
I was pleasantly surprised by this story, it created so many mixed emotions within me. I felt so strongly for some of the characters and yet at the same time I wanted to yell and scream at some of them too. Never have I felt so angry towards a character. That in itself shows how talented this author is, the way she brings her characters to life that we almost forget they aren't real.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, which is told in the present and the past, some parts were very sad to read and made me think how unfair life can be at times. This is a story that will seriously pull on the heart.
This has been my first read by this author but it won't be my last as I have two of her books sitting on my kindle waiting for me.
September 7, 2017
I was feeling so sad due to the blurb, sad in a good way, in a curious way because it's always hard to loose someone we love. I was curious so I just start reading and reading.
Brook Harris is a new author to me and her words entered my soul deeply.
Her writing is heartfelt, intense and amazing.
When It Rains focus on Holly journey and pain of loosing her Nana.
This book takes us to two different times between her Nana's past and Holly's present.
When Holly is called to get back to her hometown she wasn't prepared for the journey she was about to embark.
This book is superb. The plot is amazing and the interaction between the characters is intense and beautiful.
Nana's past was full of meaning, sadness but with some happiness as well.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was sad and happy, I cried and laughed.
Once you start to read this book you can't stop because you will be caught into this web of feelings and emotions.
Brooke Harris I must take my hat to you because this story is amazing. I haven't read any of your other books yet but I can assure you that I will.
Beautiful story, simply beautiful.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Brook Harris is a new author to me and her words entered my soul deeply.
Her writing is heartfelt, intense and amazing.
When It Rains focus on Holly journey and pain of loosing her Nana.
This book takes us to two different times between her Nana's past and Holly's present.
When Holly is called to get back to her hometown she wasn't prepared for the journey she was about to embark.
This book is superb. The plot is amazing and the interaction between the characters is intense and beautiful.
Nana's past was full of meaning, sadness but with some happiness as well.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I was sad and happy, I cried and laughed.
Once you start to read this book you can't stop because you will be caught into this web of feelings and emotions.
Brooke Harris I must take my hat to you because this story is amazing. I haven't read any of your other books yet but I can assure you that I will.
Beautiful story, simply beautiful.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 17, 2019
WHAT A BOOK!!! Sorry for shouting, but it just feels right. It was a-ma-zing, fabulous, wonderful.
The book contains two equally beautiful stories. Holly’s love story is taking place in the present and Annie’s in the past. The author alternates between the two and although Holly’s story is very emotional as well, I was more attracted to Annie’s. It really had my eyes fill with tears and the emotions were so raw that I felt her pain and happiness.
I have to say I have already read a fair amount of books. Some of them will stick with you forever and this is one that will be added to my shelf never-to-be-forgotten.
The book was heartbreaking, heartfelt, heartstopping.
I liked the way the author chose her characters. They were perfect for the role they had to play.
I regret I did not buy shares from Kleenex before I started reading. I would have made myself a very rich woman …
I can only say one more thing : I loved it! 5 stars.
Thank you, Brooke Harris, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
The book contains two equally beautiful stories. Holly’s love story is taking place in the present and Annie’s in the past. The author alternates between the two and although Holly’s story is very emotional as well, I was more attracted to Annie’s. It really had my eyes fill with tears and the emotions were so raw that I felt her pain and happiness.
I have to say I have already read a fair amount of books. Some of them will stick with you forever and this is one that will be added to my shelf never-to-be-forgotten.
The book was heartbreaking, heartfelt, heartstopping.
I liked the way the author chose her characters. They were perfect for the role they had to play.
I regret I did not buy shares from Kleenex before I started reading. I would have made myself a very rich woman …
I can only say one more thing : I loved it! 5 stars.
Thank you, Brooke Harris, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
July 1, 2019
I cannot remember how many books I have read recently surrounding this same topic. Somebody in the family is in his or her deathbed - be a father, a mother, a grandmother - the beloved ones surrounding him crying desperately and mentioning how much they loved the patient; however, before death comes, the patient starts disclosing secrets nobody knew of his past life. Obviously, everybody is flabbergasted. In this book, the beloved grandmother of Annie is dying. She is desperate. She knows she can't live without her. In the attic (where else?) she finds a book, a diary of when she was young. Annie reads it to her and wishes her grandmother had told her this story when she was well. Nothing to kill about, just the story of the love of her life. Why didn't she? I cannot understand it. Why wait until you are dying and nobody can ask you any questions? Why not let people know who you really are? I found this book absurd, ridiculous, unbelievable, maybe interesting for a teenager.
January 31, 2019
Where do I start? This book was unexpected. I fell in love with Annie and and her granddaughter Holly immediately.
Just as the title promises, When You’re Gone is a heartbreaking page-turner full of family secrets. And love, so much love (but not in a mushy disgusting way).
Annie’s story was beautiful, but heartbreaking. As was Holly’s.
I cried happy and sad tears. I smiled and laughed. I wanted to jump in an save Annie when it seemed no one would. I wanted to hug Holly and take her out for coffee.
I did not want this book to end. Most of all, I really want to read a longer version of Annie’s book.
Just as the title promises, When You’re Gone is a heartbreaking page-turner full of family secrets. And love, so much love (but not in a mushy disgusting way).
Annie’s story was beautiful, but heartbreaking. As was Holly’s.
I cried happy and sad tears. I smiled and laughed. I wanted to jump in an save Annie when it seemed no one would. I wanted to hug Holly and take her out for coffee.
I did not want this book to end. Most of all, I really want to read a longer version of Annie’s book.
February 12, 2019
Beautiful but heartbreaking story.
Annie lives an awful life at the hands of a cruel father her world changes for the better when her old school friend Sketch comes back into her life...Holly (Annie's Granddaughter) is also in a state of turmoil her beloved Nana is really poorly & her unborn child is seriously ill. The book goes between 1950's Young Annie's life to present day with Holly & is wonderfully interwoven.
This story is so emotionally charged it's compelling,soul destroying but beautiful all at the same time! Loved every page.
First book I've read by this author & definitely won't be my last! 5 fab stars from me!
Annie lives an awful life at the hands of a cruel father her world changes for the better when her old school friend Sketch comes back into her life...Holly (Annie's Granddaughter) is also in a state of turmoil her beloved Nana is really poorly & her unborn child is seriously ill. The book goes between 1950's Young Annie's life to present day with Holly & is wonderfully interwoven.
This story is so emotionally charged it's compelling,soul destroying but beautiful all at the same time! Loved every page.
First book I've read by this author & definitely won't be my last! 5 fab stars from me!
August 18, 2017
Bring the tissues! Wow, what a beautiful, emotional book this is. Gorgeous characters. I loved the relationship between Holly and Annie and the way it was woven through the story, past and present. Both Holly's current problems and Annie's past ones were handled beautifully and revealed in a timely way that worked to keep the reader hooked. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves books about family and love. Just beautiful.
September 17, 2019
When You're Gone wasn't poorly written. A bit cliché and it dragged for me. Within a few chapters, I found myself skipping the Chapters of Holly, the protagonist. The only thing that kept me reading at all was the plot behind Annie (a story within a story). Still, I just couldn't finish it. Every chapter involved sobbing, sniffling, and sadness. I know dying and grief are sad, but it was overkill in the tears department.
December 5, 2019
“Be grateful for the time you have instead of being bitter about the time that’s snatched away from you. Love, Live, and most of all, look at the stars. Because I’ll be looking right back.”
It’s a beautiful love story but it did drag on a bit. It did send a message that everyday is a gift, and time is precious, so use it to make memories that the heart will treasure forever.
It’s a beautiful love story but it did drag on a bit. It did send a message that everyday is a gift, and time is precious, so use it to make memories that the heart will treasure forever.
February 12, 2018
This was a very moving, love story. Beautifully written with wonderful characters, I just could not put it down.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
April 8, 2019
Trigger: Abuse & Death
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2022
Gripping story about love, saying goodbye, grief and acceptance told in 2 time frames: the present and the late 50's.
It saddened me to witness how Anny/granny grew up, how her father abused her and her mother, but the whole town turned a blind eye. That only one person really tried to save her, how her own mother struggled to find the courage to "fight back", but solidarity and can be found in the strangest places.
Even when our society has changed a lot over the last decades, some things still stay the same, love and loss never change. But it was really heartwarming to see how Anny's story impacted others and helped them to make sense of their situation and deal/accept it.
It saddened me to witness how Anny/granny grew up, how her father abused her and her mother, but the whole town turned a blind eye. That only one person really tried to save her, how her own mother struggled to find the courage to "fight back", but solidarity and can be found in the strangest places.
Even when our society has changed a lot over the last decades, some things still stay the same, love and loss never change. But it was really heartwarming to see how Anny's story impacted others and helped them to make sense of their situation and deal/accept it.
February 11, 2021
What can I say about this emotional read that hasn't already been expressed? Powerful, hard hitting, heart breaking.
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