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Letting Go
A gripping tale of family secrets, betrayal, and the haunting grip of the past from the author of The Train.
Elderly Walter Armstrong hires Hester Rose to guide his family through his final days, hoping to ease their grief. But as old wounds and hidden truths come to light, Hester finds herself entangled in a web of treachery and deception.
A furious son disinherited. A daughter plagued by the possibility that she hastened her father’s death. And a shadowy name in the will—all lead to a shocking revelation that threatens to destroy what’s left of the family.
Amidst it all, Hester’s own history resurfaces.
But Walter isn’t entirely gone. He watches from the other side helplessly as the family he sought to protect unravels.
As tensions spiral out of control, Hester must navigate this fractured family’s darkest truths before they implode completely. Can she bring them together, or will the Shoebridge legacy be shattered forever?
Letting Go is a suspenseful and deeply emotional story of love, grief, and the devastating power of secrets.
Elderly Walter Armstrong hires Hester Rose to guide his family through his final days, hoping to ease their grief. But as old wounds and hidden truths come to light, Hester finds herself entangled in a web of treachery and deception.
A furious son disinherited. A daughter plagued by the possibility that she hastened her father’s death. And a shadowy name in the will—all lead to a shocking revelation that threatens to destroy what’s left of the family.
Amidst it all, Hester’s own history resurfaces.
But Walter isn’t entirely gone. He watches from the other side helplessly as the family he sought to protect unravels.
As tensions spiral out of control, Hester must navigate this fractured family’s darkest truths before they implode completely. Can she bring them together, or will the Shoebridge legacy be shattered forever?
Letting Go is a suspenseful and deeply emotional story of love, grief, and the devastating power of secrets.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2025
109 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 10, 2025
The blurb pulled me in straight away and the cover is perfect for the story.
This was such a moving and beautifully written book about death, loss, family, secrets and relationships. When Walter is diagnosed with cancer, he is told he only has a few months left. He hires Hester to come and support him and his family through his final weeks.
As with most families, there are a lot of characters and dynamics at play. Each person facing up to Walter's death and how it will impact their life.
I loved Hester, Jeanette and Ellen. I really felt for them and what they had been through. Hes6er had such kindness and compassion. She was also strong and able to guide the family through their darkest moments. Walter also had his moments and it was easy to glimpse the man he once was.
I thought the story was well written and it all came together in a satisfying way... I even felt sorry for Seb in the end!
Huge thanks to the author, Bloodhound Books and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
This was such a moving and beautifully written book about death, loss, family, secrets and relationships. When Walter is diagnosed with cancer, he is told he only has a few months left. He hires Hester to come and support him and his family through his final weeks.
As with most families, there are a lot of characters and dynamics at play. Each person facing up to Walter's death and how it will impact their life.
I loved Hester, Jeanette and Ellen. I really felt for them and what they had been through. Hes6er had such kindness and compassion. She was also strong and able to guide the family through their darkest moments. Walter also had his moments and it was easy to glimpse the man he once was.
I thought the story was well written and it all came together in a satisfying way... I even felt sorry for Seb in the end!
Huge thanks to the author, Bloodhound Books and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
March 14, 2025
What a brilliant novel, a very different concept but so well written that it worked amazingly well. Walter hires a Doula to help him and his family cope with his final days of cancer. He has a complex family situation having been married three times with three sets of children so Hester has her work cut out for her dealing with them and her unique employer. The author deals with this difficult scenario in such a compassionate way, I couldn’t put it down.
May 4, 2025
A very different book to my usual read but unbelievably uplifting. It seems strange using those words about a book that deals with someone dying from a terminal illness but read on! Walter Armstrong is suffering from an aggressive form of cancer and has only a short time left. He wants to die at home and he has employed Hester Rose as an end of life doula to support his family through the stages of his death, and after.
Briefly, Walter has been married three times and has children from each marriage so
Hester finds herself caught up in the emotions of the immediate family and his children from previous marriages. We follow Walter and his thoughts as his death approaches and indeed after his death (hold your disbelief) and see how Hester leads the family through it all. However, what Walter planned as something to make things easier starts to blow up as secrets are revealed, past mistakes come to light and family members deal with their issues in very different ways.
Hester is a good character. Warm and caring she tries to deal with all the family members issues compassionately all the time hiding her personal trauma from her life in Sierra Leone. When I started reading this I did wonder if such an emotional and raw book was for me but the author dealt with everything in a sensitive and compassionate manner. There are occasional touches of humour that help manage the more difficult moments. This is so well written it could almost be a guide to dealing with bereavement and grief. A wonderful fictional study of not just grief and loss but hope, support and the importance of family. I wish I’d had a Hester at my times of loss. 4.5⭐️
Briefly, Walter has been married three times and has children from each marriage so
Hester finds herself caught up in the emotions of the immediate family and his children from previous marriages. We follow Walter and his thoughts as his death approaches and indeed after his death (hold your disbelief) and see how Hester leads the family through it all. However, what Walter planned as something to make things easier starts to blow up as secrets are revealed, past mistakes come to light and family members deal with their issues in very different ways.
Hester is a good character. Warm and caring she tries to deal with all the family members issues compassionately all the time hiding her personal trauma from her life in Sierra Leone. When I started reading this I did wonder if such an emotional and raw book was for me but the author dealt with everything in a sensitive and compassionate manner. There are occasional touches of humour that help manage the more difficult moments. This is so well written it could almost be a guide to dealing with bereavement and grief. A wonderful fictional study of not just grief and loss but hope, support and the importance of family. I wish I’d had a Hester at my times of loss. 4.5⭐️
March 22, 2025
This is a sensitive and engaging novel which covers the themes of grief, loss and family conflict. Hester has been employed as doulah (end of life carer) by Walter, who has terminal cancer, to assist him and his family, not just for his last days but also for the aftermath of his death. Hester quickly tunes in to the needs of those around her but begins to struggle with the burden of secrets shared with her by Walter and his grown-up daughters, as well as the distress of his current wife Jeanette. We also learn of Hester’s tragic past in Sierra Leone and the love for her son who was conceived there. As members of Walter’s previous family arrive and cause further distress to the household, Hester is attracted to the family’s young solicitor, Mark, but hesitates to show her feelings towards him.
Hester is a warm and likeable character with remarkable insight but I found the first half of this novel quite difficult to read, dwelling as it does on the suffering of Walter and his family. However, after his death, conflict within the family comes to a head and as more secrets are revealed, the action picks up and Hester helps the family work through their grief towards a hopeful ending. I particularly liked the final revelation from Hester's son, signalling a chance for Hester to come to terms with her own suffering. For me, this book is not so much a page-turner as a meditation on grief and loss, but it’s beautifully written with excellent characterisation and inspired touches of humour. I’d be very happy to read more from this author.
Hester is a warm and likeable character with remarkable insight but I found the first half of this novel quite difficult to read, dwelling as it does on the suffering of Walter and his family. However, after his death, conflict within the family comes to a head and as more secrets are revealed, the action picks up and Hester helps the family work through their grief towards a hopeful ending. I particularly liked the final revelation from Hester's son, signalling a chance for Hester to come to terms with her own suffering. For me, this book is not so much a page-turner as a meditation on grief and loss, but it’s beautifully written with excellent characterisation and inspired touches of humour. I’d be very happy to read more from this author.
March 27, 2025
What a beautiful book. I read the first few lines and thought, I don’t want to read this. Who wants to read about death, about cancer, or about an insidious strain of the disease that is hard to detect until it’s too late to treat it? As a bit of a hypochondriac, I almost put it down before I had started. I am so glad I didn’t. It is such a beautifully written and compassionate book. The author must have had personal experience of the conflicting emotions that accompany a terminal illness. I found myself reliving the final moments of those whom I have loved and lost. Yet there was comfort in my reading. The role of the doula was painstakingly described. Hester fulfilled her role to the very best of her ability. There is so much goodness and kindness in the portrayal of the characters. Good certainly triumphs over evil. Isn’t this exactly the message we all need to read in these troubled times? There is grief and sadness in this book, but there is also strength and determination. There is hope; not that the pain will suddenly lesson, but that by accepting it and living through it, one will eventually learn to live with it and forge a future without the loved one. Above all, it is a book about human love and its immense power to make all of us the best version of ourselves. Please do read it. You will love it.
April 9, 2025
Walter Armstrong has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and has only a short time to live. He employs a death doula, Hester Rose, to help him and his family navigate both his death and the time immediately after. Hester quickly becomes close to the family, making herself indispensable to them and helping out where she can. She also bridges the connection between Walter and his wife, Janette, when she can’t bring herself to spend time with her dying husband.
But this family is not completely conventional, Walter has been married several times and has children from these marriages as well as with his current wife. Sebastian, his oldest son, is a nasty piece of work and can’t wait for his father to die so he can take over his shoemaking company., whereas Grace and Ellen, his two youngest children, spend as much time with Walter as they can in his dying days along with Janette, who is finding the whole experience completely, and understandably, overwhelming.
This is ultimately a tale of letting go of a loved one and getting through the following days with all that death entails. Hester makes all this as easy as she can for the family. It is also about how people grieve in different ways. Hester, herself, has been grieving for the family she lost years ago and about how complicated the machinations of family life can be.
Even though this is a book about death it is done with a deft lightness of touch, with comedic moments. It is both sad but life-affirming. I think everyone could do with a Hester Rose in their life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
But this family is not completely conventional, Walter has been married several times and has children from these marriages as well as with his current wife. Sebastian, his oldest son, is a nasty piece of work and can’t wait for his father to die so he can take over his shoemaking company., whereas Grace and Ellen, his two youngest children, spend as much time with Walter as they can in his dying days along with Janette, who is finding the whole experience completely, and understandably, overwhelming.
This is ultimately a tale of letting go of a loved one and getting through the following days with all that death entails. Hester makes all this as easy as she can for the family. It is also about how people grieve in different ways. Hester, herself, has been grieving for the family she lost years ago and about how complicated the machinations of family life can be.
Even though this is a book about death it is done with a deft lightness of touch, with comedic moments. It is both sad but life-affirming. I think everyone could do with a Hester Rose in their life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.
April 8, 2025
I have read several of Sarah Bourne’s books, love her stories and found this to be another thought-provoking read. The story isn’t easy to tell – the last week or so of a man’s life as he dies from terminal cancer and the initial days, following his death, for the family he leaves behind. The man in question is Walter, living with his current wife and two young daughters but who has children and a partner from previous relationships. Into this scenario comes Hester Rose, a death doula, employed by Walter to help him and his family. Though there are difficult family dynamics, secrets and, at times, high emotions, it is Hester’s role I found most compelling. She is written with great care and provides us with a magnificent example of how to behave around people who are dying, grieving and maybe not always behaving well. She is the rock around which the characters are either anchored by her common sense and compassion or made to face up to their transgressions. I had enormous respect for her and was glad when good things came her way. Beautifully written, emotional and life-affirming. Highly recommended.
April 10, 2025
This is a book that will stay with you for long after you finish reading it. Walter, a very high strung successful businessman dying from pancreatic cancer employs the services of Hester a doula, to help him navigate his last days and death and help his family cope with him dying. He has been married three times and has kids from each marriage with the siblings not always having the best relationship among each other.
What we read in the book is a study of the human condition and the dealing with death, each person dealing with it differently. The writing is magnificent, and even if the theme of the book is not an uplifting one, there are quite a lot of funny moments, especially when the voice we are reading from is the one of Walter, you see, after he dies, he stays inside the house as an entity, and gets to live the aftermath of his demise thru the eyes of the people he leaves behind.
There are a lot of secrets in this extended family and they all come to the surface after Walter is gone, triggering a lot of situations that for sure would have stayed hidden had Walter's death wouldn't have happened.
I feel this book is an excellent one.
What we read in the book is a study of the human condition and the dealing with death, each person dealing with it differently. The writing is magnificent, and even if the theme of the book is not an uplifting one, there are quite a lot of funny moments, especially when the voice we are reading from is the one of Walter, you see, after he dies, he stays inside the house as an entity, and gets to live the aftermath of his demise thru the eyes of the people he leaves behind.
There are a lot of secrets in this extended family and they all come to the surface after Walter is gone, triggering a lot of situations that for sure would have stayed hidden had Walter's death wouldn't have happened.
I feel this book is an excellent one.
April 11, 2025
Sarah Bourne’s Letting Go, delves into the emotions, shocks and family dynamics when the sudden and unexpected news of terminal cancer if given to the patriarch of the family.
It introduces us to Walter and his perspective on his life, his families, those being his current marriage and children, and his dysfunctional relationship with his children from a previous marriage.
We are introduced to his end-of-life doula – Hesta, who he employs to assist him navigating his death, his family’s grief, the dynamics of the hostile relationship with his older children and to support all after his death.
The book talks us through Walter perspective and Hesta’s perspective how to manage his end-of-life care.
It slowly introduces to Walter, his life and brings in his families, and then the story becomes a roller coaster you don’t want to put down.
Letting go guides us through the tricky subject of death and grieving. It is delivered with great compassion and insight to the end-of-life process and the huge repercussions and impact on the lives of those involved, with a few unexpected twists.
An enjoyable read, highly recommend.
It introduces us to Walter and his perspective on his life, his families, those being his current marriage and children, and his dysfunctional relationship with his children from a previous marriage.
We are introduced to his end-of-life doula – Hesta, who he employs to assist him navigating his death, his family’s grief, the dynamics of the hostile relationship with his older children and to support all after his death.
The book talks us through Walter perspective and Hesta’s perspective how to manage his end-of-life care.
It slowly introduces to Walter, his life and brings in his families, and then the story becomes a roller coaster you don’t want to put down.
Letting go guides us through the tricky subject of death and grieving. It is delivered with great compassion and insight to the end-of-life process and the huge repercussions and impact on the lives of those involved, with a few unexpected twists.
An enjoyable read, highly recommend.
June 16, 2025
For being a book about death, lies and secrets, there's something incredibly heartwarming about this book that will give you some warm, happy, fuzzy feels.
We meet Walter, nearing the end of his life, when he hires Hester, a Death Doula. I had never heard of this role before and found the idea very interesting. What follows is the unfolding of Walter's family drama over the course of the last couple of weeks of his life, and through the other side as his family learn to grieve and move on.
Hester was a phenomenal character with a fascinating history, I was immediately warmed to her and thought she had just the right balance of school marm and comforter. Jeanette was another wonderful character I enjoyed seeing her start to come into her own stride.
There were secrets and sadness galore, it really showed what that can do to a person if left to fester and rot.
I really liked how the chapters were alternated between Walter's thoughts and life through Hester's eyes. It was a really interesting way of telling the story.
I was totally gripped by this tale, the writing, and the characters. I would absolutely recommend it and would look to read more by this author in the future.
We meet Walter, nearing the end of his life, when he hires Hester, a Death Doula. I had never heard of this role before and found the idea very interesting. What follows is the unfolding of Walter's family drama over the course of the last couple of weeks of his life, and through the other side as his family learn to grieve and move on.
Hester was a phenomenal character with a fascinating history, I was immediately warmed to her and thought she had just the right balance of school marm and comforter. Jeanette was another wonderful character I enjoyed seeing her start to come into her own stride.
There were secrets and sadness galore, it really showed what that can do to a person if left to fester and rot.
I really liked how the chapters were alternated between Walter's thoughts and life through Hester's eyes. It was a really interesting way of telling the story.
I was totally gripped by this tale, the writing, and the characters. I would absolutely recommend it and would look to read more by this author in the future.
June 10, 2025
Letting Go
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
A different kind of review for me. I felt I would switch it up and write my true thoughts in bullet points as I was reading for this review.
* End of life doula
* I like the alternating chapters between Hester and Walter to keep Walter’s spirit alive in his last few days.
* Complex family tree
* I wasn’t expecting the perception change on Walter!
* Food for thought… the concept of a death doula has never really crossed my mind but with the circle of life… why not have someone to assist with the passing of life as well as the welcoming of life… as a midwife we all have strong views on doulas in labour however the extra support for the dying and the bereaved is a thing of beauty. I really like this.
* SECRETS
* Witty
* Great twist that I didn’t see coming. I love a book that is unpredictable!
* I love that Walter continues to write his passages even after death which opens up the question of what happens to the spirit after death?
* A beautiful story of found families and toxic relationships
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
A different kind of review for me. I felt I would switch it up and write my true thoughts in bullet points as I was reading for this review.
* End of life doula
* I like the alternating chapters between Hester and Walter to keep Walter’s spirit alive in his last few days.
* Complex family tree
* I wasn’t expecting the perception change on Walter!
* Food for thought… the concept of a death doula has never really crossed my mind but with the circle of life… why not have someone to assist with the passing of life as well as the welcoming of life… as a midwife we all have strong views on doulas in labour however the extra support for the dying and the bereaved is a thing of beauty. I really like this.
* SECRETS
* Witty
* Great twist that I didn’t see coming. I love a book that is unpredictable!
* I love that Walter continues to write his passages even after death which opens up the question of what happens to the spirit after death?
* A beautiful story of found families and toxic relationships
June 11, 2025
What did I just read? This book was incredible! I couldn't put it down. This one will stay with me for a long time. The concept was strong and the storytelling was beautiful.
The cover is gorgeous and very understated. It's perfect for the book and it's story. The colour palette is lovely and use well. Great design job!
The book is written extremely well and it flows easily. The writing and use of words are exceptional. It evoked so much emotion in me.
The characters were wonderful and they were perfect in their roles. Hesta was an end of life doula for Walter which I didn't know was a thing! Walter has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I liked Ellen and Jeanette too. Hester was so strong for the family and her interactions with the family and Walter were wonderful.
The research and level knowledge for end of life is exceptional. The topic has been written with the greatest sensitivity and care. I commend you for this Sarah.
I cannot recommend this enough. Have tissues to hand and be prepared for this book to stay with you for a long time!
The cover is gorgeous and very understated. It's perfect for the book and it's story. The colour palette is lovely and use well. Great design job!
The book is written extremely well and it flows easily. The writing and use of words are exceptional. It evoked so much emotion in me.
The characters were wonderful and they were perfect in their roles. Hesta was an end of life doula for Walter which I didn't know was a thing! Walter has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I liked Ellen and Jeanette too. Hester was so strong for the family and her interactions with the family and Walter were wonderful.
The research and level knowledge for end of life is exceptional. The topic has been written with the greatest sensitivity and care. I commend you for this Sarah.
I cannot recommend this enough. Have tissues to hand and be prepared for this book to stay with you for a long time!
July 17, 2025
📆 single linear timeline
👀 Dual, 1st person POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "Every time you want to collapse in a heap and don't, that's strength"
I can already tell that this is going to be one of those reviews that is hard to write. Because the book is so beautiful, with such depth and so many interwoven threads, that I'm not sure I can do it justice. Its a story of love and loss, of lies, and secrets. But above all I think it's a story about family.
Some families are big, and messy and complicated, and Walter's family is the perfect example. I have to be honest, I didn't particularly like Walter. He seemed to me to be a bit of a sh!t. But then, that's what makes a character believable. I did feel slightly sorry for his older children too.
I thought the chapters narrated by Walter were fascinating, and whilst we don't know what will happen to us when we die, I did like Bourne's take on it.
The secrets and lies kept me gripped, and I can only hope that everyone found peace.
Overall this was such a fantastic book and I know I'll be thinking about it for a long time.
👀 Dual, 1st person POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
💬 "Every time you want to collapse in a heap and don't, that's strength"
I can already tell that this is going to be one of those reviews that is hard to write. Because the book is so beautiful, with such depth and so many interwoven threads, that I'm not sure I can do it justice. Its a story of love and loss, of lies, and secrets. But above all I think it's a story about family.
Some families are big, and messy and complicated, and Walter's family is the perfect example. I have to be honest, I didn't particularly like Walter. He seemed to me to be a bit of a sh!t. But then, that's what makes a character believable. I did feel slightly sorry for his older children too.
I thought the chapters narrated by Walter were fascinating, and whilst we don't know what will happen to us when we die, I did like Bourne's take on it.
The secrets and lies kept me gripped, and I can only hope that everyone found peace.
Overall this was such a fantastic book and I know I'll be thinking about it for a long time.
April 7, 2025
Sarah Bourne’s latest novel, ‘Letting Go’ is a joy to read. While dealing with the ins and outs of a family going through the grief of terminal illness, the story unfolds in in a way that is unexpected and utterly compelling. We see doula, Hester Rose engaged to help a family as they deal with end of life and in so doing, Bourne takes us deep into the secrets, lies and intricacies below the surface – alongside the personal journey of Hester. We see each character dealing with the situation in their own way, which creates an intriguing story full of love, hope and comfort. Having been through such a situation myself, I almost didn’t want to read however from the first page I could not put the book down. Bourne is incredibly skilled as a writer and tackles this story with such detail and true emotion that we're instantly immersed in the narrative, desperate to know how it will end for those who must carry on with their lives. Highly, highly recommended.
June 5, 2025
Emotional. Thought-provoking. Unique.
At the centre of the book is Walter (a cut-throat businessman turned family man on his 3rd try) who is dying of cancer and hires Hester Rose (grief doula with an interesting history of her own) to help navigate his family through this difficult time. Told from alternating perspectives (Walter’s and Hester’s), we are taken on a journey of grief, family turmoil, secrets and love in its many forms.
I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of this story and how beautifully well-written it was. From the first sentence, I was hooked and I couldn’t put it down. I laughed, cried and even swore whilst reading this book (Sebastian being the main culprit for the latter) but was pleasantly surprised to feel uplifted at the end. I found the interweaval of the two narrators’ lives very interesting and was sad when I came to the end. Very enjoyable read.
#AD #FreeBookReview #GiftedBook #LBTCrew
At the centre of the book is Walter (a cut-throat businessman turned family man on his 3rd try) who is dying of cancer and hires Hester Rose (grief doula with an interesting history of her own) to help navigate his family through this difficult time. Told from alternating perspectives (Walter’s and Hester’s), we are taken on a journey of grief, family turmoil, secrets and love in its many forms.
I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of this story and how beautifully well-written it was. From the first sentence, I was hooked and I couldn’t put it down. I laughed, cried and even swore whilst reading this book (Sebastian being the main culprit for the latter) but was pleasantly surprised to feel uplifted at the end. I found the interweaval of the two narrators’ lives very interesting and was sad when I came to the end. Very enjoyable read.
#AD #FreeBookReview #GiftedBook #LBTCrew
March 14, 2025
I was so pleased to find that Sarah Bourne had written another book as I have really enjoyed her previous ones.
At first sight you might wonder at the content of a book dealing with a character having been given the diagnosis of terminal cancer but it was an uplifting story. Hester Rose is an end of life doula and her input with Walter and his family makes for such interesting reading. As Walter admits himself, he is not a saint and there are some difficult relationships here as he has had three marriages and six children, if you count the extra child revealed but not actually named in the reading of the will!
Hester Rose does a magnificent job of guiding the family through a traumatic time in their lives. Some memorable characters make this a really good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely worthy of 5 stars.
At first sight you might wonder at the content of a book dealing with a character having been given the diagnosis of terminal cancer but it was an uplifting story. Hester Rose is an end of life doula and her input with Walter and his family makes for such interesting reading. As Walter admits himself, he is not a saint and there are some difficult relationships here as he has had three marriages and six children, if you count the extra child revealed but not actually named in the reading of the will!
Hester Rose does a magnificent job of guiding the family through a traumatic time in their lives. Some memorable characters make this a really good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely worthy of 5 stars.
March 22, 2025
Walter’s family is a complicated one. With three marriages and five children, there are years of secrets and unresolved tensions that run deep. And now Walter is dying. He hires Hester, a death doula, for support in his final days, but he has no idea just how much she will help him and his whole family.
The cast are a wonderfully drawn group of people, each with their own flaws and blind spots, and what you see at first glance isn’t necessarily the whole story. There are moments of great sadness, but also joy, revelation, and humour. Hester has her work cut out as she navigates the choppy waters of family drama, but she, too, has a heavy heart and a difficult past.
Despite the subject matter – a man dying of cancer – this book is a joy to read and beautifully written. Sarah Bourne casts a spell that draws you into this family and doesn’t let go until the final page.
The cast are a wonderfully drawn group of people, each with their own flaws and blind spots, and what you see at first glance isn’t necessarily the whole story. There are moments of great sadness, but also joy, revelation, and humour. Hester has her work cut out as she navigates the choppy waters of family drama, but she, too, has a heavy heart and a difficult past.
Despite the subject matter – a man dying of cancer – this book is a joy to read and beautifully written. Sarah Bourne casts a spell that draws you into this family and doesn’t let go until the final page.
June 24, 2025
The tag line on the front cover says “When death comes knocking, secrets come to light” and oh boy ain’t that the truth. That would have prompted me to pick the book up even without the gorgeous cover and the blurb. The story delivered way more than it promised and it promised a lot. I was completely engrossed. Pretty much devoured the book in one sitting, with breaks to put the kettle on here and there. It’s such an emotive, moving story, really well told. Absolutely adored Hester. The epitome of a strong, compassionate woman and a great example of leading with kindness. A soft heart and a strong mind - beautiful combination. One of my favourite books so far this year. I urge you to get yourself a copy. Death is one of the only certainties in life and this book handles it with love and sensitivity. A brilliant read.
March 21, 2025
Get the tissues ready! Although a sad topic is at the centre of this book and I admit to grabbing a tissue on occasions, it is well thought out and easy to read. I had never heard of an end of life Doula before and can see why they would be a great help to those at the end of their lives but also to the family struggling with that fact. Walter and Hester make a good team and seem to understand one another very quickly. It would be great to have Hester come in a take over like she does when I get to that stage in life, certainly gave me something to think about even though this is only fiction.
April 6, 2025
I read this book in two sittings. The first night I was going to just start it and read for half an hour. Three hours later I realized what time it was and I had to get up early! Finished the book the next day. I was grabbed by the first page. I knew of Death Doulas but did not know what they did and it was very interesting to see how Hester assisted and immersed herself within the family. The family has secrets and resentments among the five children, wife and ex-wives. After Walter passes he is able to watch the interactions from the other side. This is not a morbid story but one of love, tenderness and fragility. I highly recommend this book.
April 7, 2025
Another brilliant read by author, Sarah Bourne. Letting Go is an absorbing, thoughtful and ultimately, hopeful novel that has stayed with me after reading. The premise intrigued me immediately. Walter, an elderly man dying from pancreatic cancer, employs doula, Hester, to help him navigate his final days as well as the familial consequences his death will trigger. Given Walter has been married three times and has children by three women, his and his family’s circumstances are complicated. Hester quickly becomes embroiled in family dynamics, and the love, grief, and secrets which drive them. The title, Letting Go, suits this poignant, beautifully told and life-affirming story, perfectly.
April 21, 2025
Hester Rose is a death doula who helps people at the end of their lives. Employed by Walter Armstrong, who is dying of cancer, she quickly becomes an essential part of the family. Walter has had an interesting life- as well as his wife and teenage daughters, he has adult children from two previous marriages. A complex situation. Always a strong man, a company leader, Walter us struggling to let go of life. Hester becomes the keeper of secrets and voice of reason. A sensitively told account of death and the role of a doula. As someone who works with death and grief, I found this sensitive, practical and helpful to anyone in this situation. #bloodhoundbooks #lettinggo
June 28, 2025
A very interesting story about a man, dying of cancer, his fractured family, and a woman he hires to help his family through his death and slightly after. Seems like it might be a depressing topic but it wasn’t at all. The story was a quick read. Everyone had their own baggage, and emotional reactions to Walter’s passing. Hester, the doula he hired to assist the family, had her own interesting backstory and personal grief to work through.
One of my favorite parts was where, Walter, after his passing is still able to observe his family, though not communicate. This sometimes added a humorous touch to the story.
One of my favorite parts was where, Walter, after his passing is still able to observe his family, though not communicate. This sometimes added a humorous touch to the story.
April 7, 2025
Everyone needs a “Hester Rose” in their lives at times like this. What a calming, supportive and understanding character she was. It portrayed a very intriguing outlook on life, especially after death. Walter was such a character and Jeanette stood by him as the solid wife she was. The story triggered very emotional buttons for me but in a very delicate way. It was a sad story but a realistic one. There are always skeletons in closets and secrets in families which made this a very interesting read. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author.
April 8, 2025
Letting Go by Sarah Bourne is tender, realistic and brave. It centres on the last days of a family patriarch, who brings in death doula Hester Rose to help his family deal with their grief.
I’m a huge fan of Sarah Bourne’s work and enjoy her keen insight to psychology and human nature. In Letting Go, her characters exhibit some of the many responses to end of life. Family secrets, jealousy and other family drama adds to the intensity.
Throughout it all, Hester remains a calming influence, while dealing with her own unresolved issues.
I thoroughly recommend this gripping read.
I’m a huge fan of Sarah Bourne’s work and enjoy her keen insight to psychology and human nature. In Letting Go, her characters exhibit some of the many responses to end of life. Family secrets, jealousy and other family drama adds to the intensity.
Throughout it all, Hester remains a calming influence, while dealing with her own unresolved issues.
I thoroughly recommend this gripping read.
April 12, 2025
This is a beautifully, well written, emotional, and powerful story about cancer, family, a terminal illness, death, and grief. The characters were good, kind, compassionate, and likable. It was engaging to me since I lost my love to brain cancer, so I related to this very emotional yet comforting story. I enjoyed how it is a story about love and its power to try and help us better ourselves. It also helped me to remember that there is hope that by learning to accept the pain I feel, I can eventually learn how to live with it and hope to move on and find a new future. I recommend reading.
August 15, 2025
Absolutely Brilliant!
Sarah Bourne approaches the topic of death and dying with grace and expertise in her gripping drama LETTING GO. The story of a death doula managing the secrets of a man with a lot left to learn, Bourne presents a masterclass in how to manage all the feels a family might experience when someone dies, wrapped up in a riveting narrative. You won’t believe how much you’ll love a book about what might seem like the uncomfortable end-of-life conversation we all must face sooner or later.
Sarah Bourne approaches the topic of death and dying with grace and expertise in her gripping drama LETTING GO. The story of a death doula managing the secrets of a man with a lot left to learn, Bourne presents a masterclass in how to manage all the feels a family might experience when someone dies, wrapped up in a riveting narrative. You won’t believe how much you’ll love a book about what might seem like the uncomfortable end-of-life conversation we all must face sooner or later.
March 23, 2025
This is a powerful, emotive read. Walter is dying from cancer and hires Hester, a death doula, to help his family navigate his final days. But Walter's family is a complex one, having had three wives and five children. As the story progresses, we learn more about the family dynamics and Walter's past. Hester herself has a complicated back story, and is an empathetic and patient person as a result. A beautiful story which resonated greatly with me.
April 9, 2025
I've always been an admirer of Sarah Bourne, and Letting Go does not disappoint. With great sensitivity and insight, Sarah navigates the minefield of grief and all the conflicting emotions that can arise, the ensuing family tensions and inevitable airing of secrets. Her writing is a joy, filled with characters you will remember (Hester, Walter), and this book is full of small, surprising moments which makes it both real and engaging. Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the review copy.
June 17, 2025
Letting Go by Sarah Bourne was such a beautifully written and emotional read. The prose is stunning without being too heavy, and the story really hits home with themes like grief, loss, and facing our own mortality. What stood out most to me was how well it captured the messiness of family—no one’s perfect, but every character felt real and layered in their own struggles. It’s definitely one of those books that stays with you long after you finish. Quiet, powerful, and so relatable.
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