What do you think?
Rate this book
Before You Say Goodbye: Unforgettable Love Stories, Book 1
Listening Length: 11 hours and 30 minutes
Autumn has found the love of her life.
Now she has to say goodbye.
When lonely author Autumn meets shy musician Bowie in New York, they fall head over heels and into their forever.
But not everyone gets their happily ever after.
Bowie has just six months left to live. And just like that, Autumn’s entire life has been rewritten.
Embraced by his loving, unconventional family, Autumn returns with Bowie to England to live out the rest of his life by his side. But over the course of that summer, the decisions Autumn makes will help her move on, even after love and loss.
Decisions, it emerges, that were orchestrated by Bowie before they said goodbye.
Before You Say Goodbye by Sarah Gate has been recognised as the second-place winner in the Romance category of Feathered Quill’s 2025 Book Awards!
Autumn has found the love of her life.
Now she has to say goodbye.
When lonely author Autumn meets shy musician Bowie in New York, they fall head over heels and into their forever.
But not everyone gets their happily ever after.
Bowie has just six months left to live. And just like that, Autumn’s entire life has been rewritten.
Embraced by his loving, unconventional family, Autumn returns with Bowie to England to live out the rest of his life by his side. But over the course of that summer, the decisions Autumn makes will help her move on, even after love and loss.
Decisions, it emerges, that were orchestrated by Bowie before they said goodbye.
Before You Say Goodbye by Sarah Gate has been recognised as the second-place winner in the Romance category of Feathered Quill’s 2025 Book Awards!
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 23, 2024
465 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 196 reviews
Read
October 29, 2024RATING AND REVIEW TO COME!!!!!!! I'M TORN ON A RATING AT THE MOMENT🤔🤔!!!!!!!!
September 4, 2024
TLDR: truly truly truly insufferable
It’s so bad I want to give you a zero, but that’s not possible, so I give you a one
These characters are the most annoying people. So woke it hurts to read. It feels like Sarah wrote a book for the sole purpose of making sure everyone knows she’s radically left. I feel like even if I agreed with the opinions of these characters I’d still be annoyed, because the WHOLE FIRST CHAPTER is these women going back and forth about feminism, veganism, sexism, immigration, and sex over and over and over. Not in a fun way to read but in a “let me beat you over the head with this” way.
They have a conversation about how they “have to end friendships” because they disagree on something political… literally grow up. If someone disagreeing with you hurts you so bad you need to end a friendship maybe don’t have friends. Maybe go to therapy. Maybe look at yourself and think am I as accepting of others as I preach. Maybe understand that people are more than the opinions they hold. It’s giving elementary schooler who was never told no throws a tantrum. Plus the amount of times this book said “privilege” in this first chapter alone. Killing me. Because everyone else has privilege but me. But I got my coffee for free, and am able to manipulate men with my femininity, but that’s unrelated. Anyway, It is not how I’d start a book if I wanted people to keep reading.
Chapter 4 at 16% is where I finally give up after another (probably 4th or fifth at this point) conversation about the woes of men wanting monogamy, weaponized femininity, and holier than thou veganism. If you have a political point you want to make, maybe try nuance and poise in prose rather than beating a dead horse over and over with the same baseless conversation between characters. I’m sad I couldn’t stand to make it to the actual romance, but a romance with these characters probably would have been hard to read anyway.
Much love, thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc and for allowing me the freedom of an honest review.
It’s so bad I want to give you a zero, but that’s not possible, so I give you a one
These characters are the most annoying people. So woke it hurts to read. It feels like Sarah wrote a book for the sole purpose of making sure everyone knows she’s radically left. I feel like even if I agreed with the opinions of these characters I’d still be annoyed, because the WHOLE FIRST CHAPTER is these women going back and forth about feminism, veganism, sexism, immigration, and sex over and over and over. Not in a fun way to read but in a “let me beat you over the head with this” way.
They have a conversation about how they “have to end friendships” because they disagree on something political… literally grow up. If someone disagreeing with you hurts you so bad you need to end a friendship maybe don’t have friends. Maybe go to therapy. Maybe look at yourself and think am I as accepting of others as I preach. Maybe understand that people are more than the opinions they hold. It’s giving elementary schooler who was never told no throws a tantrum. Plus the amount of times this book said “privilege” in this first chapter alone. Killing me. Because everyone else has privilege but me. But I got my coffee for free, and am able to manipulate men with my femininity, but that’s unrelated. Anyway, It is not how I’d start a book if I wanted people to keep reading.
Chapter 4 at 16% is where I finally give up after another (probably 4th or fifth at this point) conversation about the woes of men wanting monogamy, weaponized femininity, and holier than thou veganism. If you have a political point you want to make, maybe try nuance and poise in prose rather than beating a dead horse over and over with the same baseless conversation between characters. I’m sad I couldn’t stand to make it to the actual romance, but a romance with these characters probably would have been hard to read anyway.
Much love, thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc and for allowing me the freedom of an honest review.
Read
September 3, 2025An emotional read, grief, death, cheating
Don’t judge though as grief make each of us act in different ways and out of character. I loved it. I only just realised this is book 1 so I pre ordered book 2 and can’t wait.
It was a very soft well written story that will take you in and you will feel all the feels for each character within this book. There was an unexpected twist at the end so I’m hungry for book 2!
Don’t judge though as grief make each of us act in different ways and out of character. I loved it. I only just realised this is book 1 so I pre ordered book 2 and can’t wait.
It was a very soft well written story that will take you in and you will feel all the feels for each character within this book. There was an unexpected twist at the end so I’m hungry for book 2!
December 9, 2025
3.75 🌟
I did enjoy this, and I’m about to begin the next in the series (they’re currently included with audible) but there were so many points that I thought I’d already read this book, I’ve been trying to switch up genres a bit thinking that was the issue. Maybe I read too many books …………never!
I did enjoy this, and I’m about to begin the next in the series (they’re currently included with audible) but there were so many points that I thought I’d already read this book, I’ve been trying to switch up genres a bit thinking that was the issue. Maybe I read too many books …………never!
September 15, 2024
What a heart tugging story. Get your tissues ready if you're an emotional person. I don't cry when reading but this had me very close to tears.
Autumn is an independant woman who doesn't want a relationship, instead she sticks to one nights with random guys and never speaks to them again. She met a random stranger called Bluebell in a cafe where she was supposed to sit and work from writing.
Bluebell is a very energetic talkative person who can start a conversation with anyone. They start talking about families and what they both do. Autumn finds out they come from very different backgrounds. Autumn not knowing her father, not speaking to her mother or sister who live in England whereas Bluebells family are rich, spend most of their time together and she lives off an allowance her parents give her until she can find something that interests her.
After a while Bluebell invites Autumn to one of her brothers music concerts. She enjoys it and Bluebell sends her backstage to meet her brothers. She was waiting for Marley but runs into Bowie first. Something changes in Autumn when she agrees to go on a date with Bowie. Everything changes for Autumn after that night.
Devastating news brings her life to a bit of a stop and it makes you wonder will she go or won't she. Her life will never be the same after this. Autumn and Marley form a great friendship and spend a lot of time together when she isn't with Bowie.
The entire family move back to England to make living arrangements easier for the time they have. Once tragedy hits the entire family and Autumn are falling apart. Only to be brought back together by a little miracle baby....... Or so they thought.
This book is an absolute whirlwind of emotion.
I love the amount of research that has gone into this book to bring this story to life and feel like you're living it whilst reading
Autumn is an independant woman who doesn't want a relationship, instead she sticks to one nights with random guys and never speaks to them again. She met a random stranger called Bluebell in a cafe where she was supposed to sit and work from writing.
Bluebell is a very energetic talkative person who can start a conversation with anyone. They start talking about families and what they both do. Autumn finds out they come from very different backgrounds. Autumn not knowing her father, not speaking to her mother or sister who live in England whereas Bluebells family are rich, spend most of their time together and she lives off an allowance her parents give her until she can find something that interests her.
After a while Bluebell invites Autumn to one of her brothers music concerts. She enjoys it and Bluebell sends her backstage to meet her brothers. She was waiting for Marley but runs into Bowie first. Something changes in Autumn when she agrees to go on a date with Bowie. Everything changes for Autumn after that night.
Devastating news brings her life to a bit of a stop and it makes you wonder will she go or won't she. Her life will never be the same after this. Autumn and Marley form a great friendship and spend a lot of time together when she isn't with Bowie.
The entire family move back to England to make living arrangements easier for the time they have. Once tragedy hits the entire family and Autumn are falling apart. Only to be brought back together by a little miracle baby....... Or so they thought.
This book is an absolute whirlwind of emotion.
I love the amount of research that has gone into this book to bring this story to life and feel like you're living it whilst reading
September 23, 2024
This book is an emotional rollercoaster of a romance that made my ‘ugly cry’. With only a short time to live the book covers a relationship where the couple fall hard and fast. Soulmates that have to live life to the full before they can’t. Heartbreaking.
This book stayed with me after I end it and will do for a while.
The grief was so sensitively done, this makes you feel like the author understands grief all too well.
This book stayed with me after I end it and will do for a while.
The grief was so sensitively done, this makes you feel like the author understands grief all too well.
August 17, 2024
A Heartfelt Journey of Love and Loss. A solid 3.5 stars
Sarah Gate’s Before You Say Goodbye is an emotional masterpiece that beautifully explores the complexities of love, grief, and healing. The story follows characters who are deeply intertwined by tragedy, and their lives irrevocably change. Gate’s prose is both delicate and powerful, drawing readers into a world of raw emotion and profound connection.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to capture the nuances of grief and the enduring power of the human spirit. The characters are complex and relatable, and their journeys of heartbreak and hope resonate deeply. Gate's exploration of the complexities of relationships and the choices we make is thought-provoking and poignant.
Before You Say Goodbye is a testament to the human capacity for love and resilience. It’s a book that stays with you long after the final page, leaving a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
Sarah Gate’s Before You Say Goodbye is an emotional masterpiece that beautifully explores the complexities of love, grief, and healing. The story follows characters who are deeply intertwined by tragedy, and their lives irrevocably change. Gate’s prose is both delicate and powerful, drawing readers into a world of raw emotion and profound connection.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to capture the nuances of grief and the enduring power of the human spirit. The characters are complex and relatable, and their journeys of heartbreak and hope resonate deeply. Gate's exploration of the complexities of relationships and the choices we make is thought-provoking and poignant.
Before You Say Goodbye is a testament to the human capacity for love and resilience. It’s a book that stays with you long after the final page, leaving a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
September 29, 2024
i am just having a really really bad time getting good books to read
July 1, 2025
This one had me crying the entire second half. Definitely a complicated story with an impossible situation, complex dynamics, and questionable moral choices but I fell in love with these characters and couldn’t help but be happy for them at the end. Rounded up, audiobook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2024
This was insufferable. I spent the entire time cringing.
So this book starts out with a self proclaimed feminist attempting to trick a man into buying her coffee because she doesn’t have any money to pay for it herself, assuming he’s a straight man and will therefore give in to her, but then two seconds later judges him for a gender-based microaggression 🤦♀️🤦♀️
The commentary is just awful, the characters talk like they are robots. I also can’t stand when female authors write about casual sex knowing how detrimental it is to women’s mental health, not to mention STDs. But literally every character in this book is a vegan and we all know that vegans don’t care about their health.
If I could give this zero stars then I would.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
So this book starts out with a self proclaimed feminist attempting to trick a man into buying her coffee because she doesn’t have any money to pay for it herself, assuming he’s a straight man and will therefore give in to her, but then two seconds later judges him for a gender-based microaggression 🤦♀️🤦♀️
The commentary is just awful, the characters talk like they are robots. I also can’t stand when female authors write about casual sex knowing how detrimental it is to women’s mental health, not to mention STDs. But literally every character in this book is a vegan and we all know that vegans don’t care about their health.
If I could give this zero stars then I would.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2024
Heartbreaking story about finding friendship, love and coming to terms with loss, grieving and moving on. Characters were fairly one dimensional, some not very likable. I had a hard time with the flippant attitude of the characters toward boundaries and casual sex. I did appreciate the character development. Story held no great surprises, but it held my attention. Quick read.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
June 26, 2025
Interesanta audiogrāmata, ar ļoti sāpīgu stāstu. Beigas bija ļoooti paredzamas.
June 29, 2025
Absolutely the worst book I have ever read, by like a lot. One of the most poorly written, plot holes and inconsistencies and hypocritical books of all times. Spoilers from here on out so stop reading from now on as I will be giving examples of why I despise/loathe this book.
They act like Autumn is some bizarre name. I have known Autumns and never once did I ever think, that was an unusual name. Is this a big thing? No, but it started the idiocy.
There is a quote where Autumn is said to have "a strong sense of justice" yet she uses men and literally doesn't care if she hurts them. Let me be clear. If men do this they are iceholes. If women do this they are iceholes in my opinion. If something (sex) doesn't mean anything, it doesn't mean anything ever. Weaponizing and using sex (again in my opinion-do whatever the heck you want) is immoral and wrong (not that the author has any morals to begin with as if this is some enlightened position).
She is a vegan and environmentally conscious but yet smokes? Besides the fact smoking is disgusting and in case you didn't know, you stink, despite the fact it makes many people sick especially with respiratory illnesses, there is deforestation and land degradation, soil depletion (tobacco is horrible for the soil), tree removal, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, methane and NO are amongst the horror show chemicals in smoke), water depletion, plastic pollution, health costs etc. Don't act all righteous and then pull that crap.
There is so much hypocrisy in this book it is disgusting. Men are pigs because they use women but when women use men they are feminist heroes? Double standard much? This is exactly the blinded by your own self-righteousness mentality of this author and the lead character.
This author cannot write well. It is all tell and no show.
Autumn wonders why she can't make friends but throws them away (male or female) if they disagree with her views and she uses men like vibrators with a pulse.
The author tells us what each character is like via long stretches of inane descriptions of what Autumn thought initially and then later (again via long adjectival strings not actually acts on the pages). The author TELLS us they grew up but definitely did not show us.
TRIGGER: SUICIDE. The author actually says someone killing themselves is "immeasurably brave to take that step." WTF??? Brave to kill yourself??? WTF???
In the beginning she states Marley and Bowie are identical twins and later says they are not.
Autumn goes off on Bowie after meeting an ex-girlfriend stating "You told me in NY I was the most beautiful women you have ever slept with and perfect." (paraphrase). However when she saw a pretty ex she cried?
Absolutely amoral in all sense of the word. Treat others like shit and think it is okay-steal from a coffee shop because she can use her "feminine wiles" and that is okay? She sleeps with the twin brother while the other one is dying alone. Super special.
Says she wants everyone around her to feel heard and appreciated but see above about how she treats people who disagree and disregards and belittles men.
Attacks her mother physically.
She yells at unborn baby stating no one wants you, I don't want you after complaining about her mother not caring?
Autumn and the entire family just act like it is normal for a twin to kill themselves if the other one dies. What? They completely ignore this cry for help and instead of giving him professional therapy just try and talk to him themselves. This is sooo stupid.
Pathologically odd mix of "I can do whatever the F I want" vs odd talk about how fate controls things. Head scratchingly stupid.
So Bowie went through like lots of chem and radiation which would likely make him infertile as chemo destroys spermatogenesis.
I have cared for two close family members in hospice (father and grandmother) and they way she describes "good days" is absolutely false especially when they are on so many pain and nausea medications etc. Good days are being able to sit up and not screaming or sleeping because of the pain. You don't have sex five times in a row or go to London in my experience (not an expert of course with an n of 2) but none of this rang true at all. If he is not in hospice (so author says) how is he getting medications for pain etc.?
Bluebird is totally offended by Autumn sleeping with Marley after literally sleeping with anything that moves? I have more but I can't. Loathe this book.
They act like Autumn is some bizarre name. I have known Autumns and never once did I ever think, that was an unusual name. Is this a big thing? No, but it started the idiocy.
There is a quote where Autumn is said to have "a strong sense of justice" yet she uses men and literally doesn't care if she hurts them. Let me be clear. If men do this they are iceholes. If women do this they are iceholes in my opinion. If something (sex) doesn't mean anything, it doesn't mean anything ever. Weaponizing and using sex (again in my opinion-do whatever the heck you want) is immoral and wrong (not that the author has any morals to begin with as if this is some enlightened position).
She is a vegan and environmentally conscious but yet smokes? Besides the fact smoking is disgusting and in case you didn't know, you stink, despite the fact it makes many people sick especially with respiratory illnesses, there is deforestation and land degradation, soil depletion (tobacco is horrible for the soil), tree removal, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, methane and NO are amongst the horror show chemicals in smoke), water depletion, plastic pollution, health costs etc. Don't act all righteous and then pull that crap.
There is so much hypocrisy in this book it is disgusting. Men are pigs because they use women but when women use men they are feminist heroes? Double standard much? This is exactly the blinded by your own self-righteousness mentality of this author and the lead character.
This author cannot write well. It is all tell and no show.
Autumn wonders why she can't make friends but throws them away (male or female) if they disagree with her views and she uses men like vibrators with a pulse.
The author tells us what each character is like via long stretches of inane descriptions of what Autumn thought initially and then later (again via long adjectival strings not actually acts on the pages). The author TELLS us they grew up but definitely did not show us.
TRIGGER: SUICIDE. The author actually says someone killing themselves is "immeasurably brave to take that step." WTF??? Brave to kill yourself??? WTF???
In the beginning she states Marley and Bowie are identical twins and later says they are not.
Autumn goes off on Bowie after meeting an ex-girlfriend stating "You told me in NY I was the most beautiful women you have ever slept with and perfect." (paraphrase). However when she saw a pretty ex she cried?
Absolutely amoral in all sense of the word. Treat others like shit and think it is okay-steal from a coffee shop because she can use her "feminine wiles" and that is okay? She sleeps with the twin brother while the other one is dying alone. Super special.
Says she wants everyone around her to feel heard and appreciated but see above about how she treats people who disagree and disregards and belittles men.
Attacks her mother physically.
She yells at unborn baby stating no one wants you, I don't want you after complaining about her mother not caring?
Autumn and the entire family just act like it is normal for a twin to kill themselves if the other one dies. What? They completely ignore this cry for help and instead of giving him professional therapy just try and talk to him themselves. This is sooo stupid.
Pathologically odd mix of "I can do whatever the F I want" vs odd talk about how fate controls things. Head scratchingly stupid.
So Bowie went through like lots of chem and radiation which would likely make him infertile as chemo destroys spermatogenesis.
I have cared for two close family members in hospice (father and grandmother) and they way she describes "good days" is absolutely false especially when they are on so many pain and nausea medications etc. Good days are being able to sit up and not screaming or sleeping because of the pain. You don't have sex five times in a row or go to London in my experience (not an expert of course with an n of 2) but none of this rang true at all. If he is not in hospice (so author says) how is he getting medications for pain etc.?
Bluebird is totally offended by Autumn sleeping with Marley after literally sleeping with anything that moves? I have more but I can't. Loathe this book.
August 15, 2025
Gave up- for me the book just didn’t flow at all. Sitting in the DNF pile. Don’t bother.
Unless you love being preached at by robotic rich vegans. I literally don’t care about any of these characters.
Unless you love being preached at by robotic rich vegans. I literally don’t care about any of these characters.
May 6, 2025
This book gave me "Me Before You" vibes. I mean, that was why I picked it, honestly. And I enjoyed it up until after Bowie died. The last quarter of the book? I wasn't as invested. I don't even really know why.
June 5, 2025
Oh boy. So preachy. Animal rights. Veganism. Assault. Abortion. Too much. And Marley and Bowie were identical twins, and therefore had identical DNA so both brothers would match with the infant in a test for paternity. You could never determine who was the father.
June 9, 2025
This book is full of strong profanity, some sex, drug and alcohol use/dependence touted as the solution to most problems. The author takes every opportunity to push their political agenda and moral beliefs onto the reader.
I did not care for this book, and will be avoiding this author in the future.
Trigger warnings for the book: rape, child molestation, sexual and physical abuse, pedophile grooming, parental neglect and emotional abuse/manipulation, terminal illness, euthanasia, animal and human death, suicide ideation and attempts.
I did not care for this book, and will be avoiding this author in the future.
Trigger warnings for the book: rape, child molestation, sexual and physical abuse, pedophile grooming, parental neglect and emotional abuse/manipulation, terminal illness, euthanasia, animal and human death, suicide ideation and attempts.
October 11, 2024
Sorry I did not enjoy this book, I couldn’t warm to the characters which made it hard to empathise.
May 27, 2025
I am clearly in the minority, but this just didn't work for me.
June 5, 2025
DNF @ 30% - the writing is obnoxious thus making characters equally bad.
June 15, 2025
This book was just awful! I'm giving it one star because zero isn't an option. This book basically takes a number of liberal ideologies and turns them into the stereotypical contradictions we see play out on the regular. The characters all pat themselves on the back for being so open minded and deep feeling. The author portrays them as being this tight knit family with exceptional love for one another, people, and animals. In reality the characters are shallow, narcissistic, and sexually over indulgent. They live in the moment and treat the people they encounter as well as their relationships as disposable.
Case in point, in the beginning of the book Autumn and Bluebell become "best friends" very quickly. In just a few months of knowing Bluebell, Autumn meets her brothers. One brother becomes her current lover and the other quickly replaces Bluebell (because we hear very little about her after that) as Autumn's best friend. Why isn't Autumn confiding in her struggles with Bowie's condition with Bluebell? That would make sense as they had been best friends. I'll tell you why, because very predictably the author had to have Autumn and Marley hook up in a moment of passion. This could only happen if Bluebell was kicked to curb and Marley stepped in as Autumn's confidant and shoulder to cry on.
The family pats themselves on the back for being so supportive of one another and tight yet the author also writes that they rarely have deep conversations and "tom foolery" is their norm. Add to that Marley having sex with his brother's girlfriend when he is literally weeks away from dying. But hey it's all ok because Bowie was good with it. Bluebell's immediate reaction towards Autumn when she found out about the affair was the most honest and accurate writing in the whole book, "...only you could somehow make this seedy little fuck sound somehow classy." That's exactly what this author has attempted to do but failed miserably. She attempted to take a number of immature characters, and their behaviors, and try to make them seem classy when in reality they were nothing short of pathetic.
Just two more points here, how would anyone ever think the baby was Bowie's? With all the radiation and chemo his body had been through as well as being days away from dying there was no way his sperm could have possibly been viable. And lastly, since when to vegans eat sausage rolls?
Case in point, in the beginning of the book Autumn and Bluebell become "best friends" very quickly. In just a few months of knowing Bluebell, Autumn meets her brothers. One brother becomes her current lover and the other quickly replaces Bluebell (because we hear very little about her after that) as Autumn's best friend. Why isn't Autumn confiding in her struggles with Bowie's condition with Bluebell? That would make sense as they had been best friends. I'll tell you why, because very predictably the author had to have Autumn and Marley hook up in a moment of passion. This could only happen if Bluebell was kicked to curb and Marley stepped in as Autumn's confidant and shoulder to cry on.
The family pats themselves on the back for being so supportive of one another and tight yet the author also writes that they rarely have deep conversations and "tom foolery" is their norm. Add to that Marley having sex with his brother's girlfriend when he is literally weeks away from dying. But hey it's all ok because Bowie was good with it. Bluebell's immediate reaction towards Autumn when she found out about the affair was the most honest and accurate writing in the whole book, "...only you could somehow make this seedy little fuck sound somehow classy." That's exactly what this author has attempted to do but failed miserably. She attempted to take a number of immature characters, and their behaviors, and try to make them seem classy when in reality they were nothing short of pathetic.
Just two more points here, how would anyone ever think the baby was Bowie's? With all the radiation and chemo his body had been through as well as being days away from dying there was no way his sperm could have possibly been viable. And lastly, since when to vegans eat sausage rolls?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2024
Autumn is a lone wolf who keeps people at arm’s length. She doesn’t do relationships and has few people in her life. She randomly encounters the chattiest, most outgoing person she’s ever met, who quickly becomes the best friend she’s never had. Life is starting to feel less lonely. Then, Autumn meets her best friend’s brother (Bowie) and immediately hits it off with him. Autumn’s biggest concern is how her best friend will react to this romantic encounter - little did she know that her entire life was about to completely change. Autumn receives devastating news and finds herself falling in love while simultaneously having her heart broken. She dives all in and commits to spending the limited time Bowie has left with him and his family.
The book’s official blurb makes it clear that characters grapple with the obvious grief/loss, terminal illness, and resilience. Going into it, I was a bit afraid it was going to be one of those books that emotionally destroys me, but I was glad it didn’t. It has a nice balance of predictability while still keeping you emotionally hooked. I also appreciated the liberal and feminist lens that drove the characters’ decision-making when facing complex and, at times, morally gray decisions. The only thing I wish would have been different is the ending felt too idealistic, but I get it because the book couldn’t keep going forever and harping on the same conflict.
If you like emotional books, this one's for you. It reminds me of some of Nicholas Sparks' classics.
Thanks to NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The book’s official blurb makes it clear that characters grapple with the obvious grief/loss, terminal illness, and resilience. Going into it, I was a bit afraid it was going to be one of those books that emotionally destroys me, but I was glad it didn’t. It has a nice balance of predictability while still keeping you emotionally hooked. I also appreciated the liberal and feminist lens that drove the characters’ decision-making when facing complex and, at times, morally gray decisions. The only thing I wish would have been different is the ending felt too idealistic, but I get it because the book couldn’t keep going forever and harping on the same conflict.
If you like emotional books, this one's for you. It reminds me of some of Nicholas Sparks' classics.
Thanks to NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 5, 2025
This book was a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions! At times, it felt like it was dragging, but then there were moments that had me crying with emotion — so I’m honestly not sure how to rate it.
It’s a story about friendship, love, and grief, and while there were some questionable storylines around veganism, abortion, and the reliance on alcohol and drugs, it was still really interesting to read. Despite my mixed feelings, I found I couldn’t put it down because I just had to know how it ended — I felt quite invested in the characters and their journeys.
Would I recommend it? I’m not completely sure. But I can definitely say I enjoyed it.
It’s a story about friendship, love, and grief, and while there were some questionable storylines around veganism, abortion, and the reliance on alcohol and drugs, it was still really interesting to read. Despite my mixed feelings, I found I couldn’t put it down because I just had to know how it ended — I felt quite invested in the characters and their journeys.
Would I recommend it? I’m not completely sure. But I can definitely say I enjoyed it.
May 17, 2025
““Before You Say Goodbye” is a powerful and compassionate exploration of grief and the tangled web of family relationships. It thoughtfully captures the full range of emotions that come with loss, from sorrow and regret to moments of grace and connection. What resonated most with me was how it portrays grief not only as pain but as a reflection of deep love. The story handles its themes with honesty and sensitivity, revealing how love, conflict, and memory are often inseparable in families.
The story handles its subject matter with sensitivity and honesty, offering both comfort and insight to anyone who has experienced loss. A deeply moving and beautifully written book.
The story handles its subject matter with sensitivity and honesty, offering both comfort and insight to anyone who has experienced loss. A deeply moving and beautifully written book.
July 30, 2025
Infuriating, simply and completely infuriating.
I can count on one hand the number of books I DNF and this is one of them.
Honestly the author selected grief, terminal illness and love for the storyline and could have made it something worth while- for example: how the grief process changes when you know the end is coming, how the limited time is actually a gift, quality of living vs quantity, love is a bitch but also the best. Boom a new and improved book.
Instead it was a new political agenda in every chapter and a selfish female character that rivals Anna Korenina.
I can count on one hand the number of books I DNF and this is one of them.
Honestly the author selected grief, terminal illness and love for the storyline and could have made it something worth while- for example: how the grief process changes when you know the end is coming, how the limited time is actually a gift, quality of living vs quantity, love is a bitch but also the best. Boom a new and improved book.
Instead it was a new political agenda in every chapter and a selfish female character that rivals Anna Korenina.
May 25, 2025
I listened (1.7x) to the audiobook capably narrated by Freya Parker. No trigger warnings are included in the audiobook, but be aware that several potentially triggering topics are covered. The start of the book seemed very improbable (I know, never say never) and the story is set with an unabashedly affluent family, which affects the amount of time and space the characters have to process the difficult events they are experiencing. I thought the grief process was represented well and truly seemed to be the primary focus. I'm hard-pressed to call this a romance despite the instalove.
October 3, 2025
Loved this! Fun characters so many different types of relationships, fun and sad and thoughtful and cute
October 7, 2025
2.5 rounded up. Pretty depressing book but if you ingest it in large portions it can get interesting
Displaying 1 - 28 of 196 reviews