If You're Gone

by Brittany Goodwin

Lillian White was planning for the perfect summer- spending every waking minute at the lake with her heartthrob boyfriend, Brad Lee. But her world is shattered when Brad mysteriously disappears the night of his graduation ceremony- the same night he tells her he loves her for the first time. After law enforcement dismisses the case, classifying Brad as voluntarily missing, Lillian becomes desperate to prove that he couldn’t have just walked away. Not from his family. Not from his friends. Not from her.

Heartbroken but determined to find answers, Lillian begins to uncover secrets from Brad’s past that force her to question everything she thought she knew about him and their relationship. Will the truth lead her to him? Or are Brad’s lies just the beginning of the mystery?

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Contemporary Romance

ebook

Published June 20, 2016

About the author

Brittany Goodwin is an author, audiobook narrator, screenwriter and director, best known for the internationally distributed faith-based feature film If You're Gone, based on her Christy Award Nominated novel of the same name.

She has narrated the work of over dozens of New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors, with a focus on YA and Romance titles.

Brittany lives outside Nashville, TN with her husband and every growing number of rescue pets. She enjoys traveling with her hubby and dogs, DIY projects, quoting John Hughes films, playing (and winning!) movie trivia games, and binge-watching Investigation Discovery Channel. A self-proclaimed armchair detective, Brittany is an active member of many Missing Persons blogs and Facebook pages, which inspired the topic of her debut YA novel, If You're Gone.

Reviews

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's amazing how life can change in one single second, that's all it takes to throw everything off balance and a life into turmoil. It is all it takes to crumble someone seen as perfect and shatter their every existence . It is all it took for Lillian White to become a shell of herself and to push everyone she cared about away. On the night of his graduation, her boyfriend Brad Lee recieves some news and leaves after telling Lillian he loves her. The next morning she recieves a phone call from Brad's mum telling her that he didn't come home. When it doesn't show up she's a little worried as where could he be and then when she can't get him on his phone she starts to panic. Soon days pass , weeks pass and eventually months. It will be five months before anyone hears the name Brad Lee again - as Lillian goes through the motions of losing someone she loves and cares about , not knowing where he is or whether he is dead or alive. As she digs deeper into Brad's life , she discovers that he has a few skeletons in his closet and they may lead to where he is . During this time , Lillian meets a guy called Chris who reminds her somewhat of Brad and the pair become close and even Lillian has the idea that maybe with Chris's help she can move on from Brad. What will happen though when Lillian discovers that Chris is hiding a secret and one that will once again shatter her whole world ? Overall I really loved this story , but what is stopping me from giving it a Highly Recommended and just the 5 stars is the fact that I felt the story line to be a little bit weak and that the reasoning behind Brad's disappearance could have been stronger and maybe if we had seen some of his POV during this story as well as hearing a bit more depth to Chris's side of things.

[Brooke Totherow · Rating 5 out of 5]

If You're Gone instantly pulls you into Lillian and Brad's beautiful and budding love story. The story then takes a turn and you feel a loss with Lillian. Perfect example of how life can be wonderful and fulfilling and in an instant your whole world can be turned upside down. The emotions Lillian goes through were real and I felt them with her. She even questions how well did she really even know the person she loves so much. Lillian discovers life around her goes on despite her grief and loss. Her faith is tested and she must find a way to live her life with unknowns. I highly recommend this book to anyone. Had to keep reading, anxious to find out how it would end!! Great read!!!

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If You're Gone by Brittany Goodwin weaves an intriguing and believable story around the disappearance of Brad.

For me the book was not so much about the relationship between Lillian and Brad. It was more about how within only a few months a complete life can gradually change. Not like those total life changing events that change your life from one moment to another but like one of those backstabbing diseases that creep into your life slowly changing everything and when you finally notice it is too late.

Accompanying Lillian on her journey the reader starts to wonder if you really ever get to know a person even when he obviously seems to love you.

The story is told so believable that it could have actually happened or could happen at any given time. So please do not expect a big BANG when you are getting near the end of the book. In fact it is more a silent ending. There will be closure so much I can say without giving spoilers.

The end is also the reason that the book did not get 5 stars. The author did such a great job creating this whole plotline that I was a bit – well not directly disappointed but frustrated that the explanation we got was the way it was ( I can not say more to avoid giving away to much).

I would have expected something “different” not more complicated but also not so simple and I really did not need the last “chapter” because that is the only thing that sounded fake in this book – a slight change of the events before and without THAT time gap and it would have been perfect.

[Elise Luquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world where YA characters are beginning to feel fake and unrealistic, and plots cliché, If You’re Gone was a major breath of fresh air. I highly recommend If You’re Gone for everyone because it is full of relatable characters who actually act human, and a plot that is not cliché.

I am not normally one to enjoy main characters in books. I normally feel that I spend too much time with them and they get on my nerves… but not Lillian! Lillian was probably my favorite character— she felt so real as this search for her lost boyfriend is affecting her how it would affect anyone. Throughout the search for Brad, Lillian acts as a normal person would— for the beginning of the book her life spirals as anyone’s would. The reader gets to see her attempt to cope with Brad being gone and it’s great! But my favorite thing about Lillian is the fact that throughout the entire issue of looking for her boyfriend, she always keeps her faith. This is a minor part of the story and her personality but it sets the character apart from so many other YA main characters. Adding a small detail such as religion to a character and not overdoing it, makes the character more believable and relatable since religion and faith are ideas that have existed throughout all of history and many cultures.

Not only was the main character in If You’re Gone great, the side characters were also memorable. Due to the detail and the time spent with the side characters, the town that the story takes place in feels real. I actually cared about all of the side character and their lives. I cared about Lillian’s relationships with all of her friends and everyone else in the town. Supporting characters like these are what make a story memorable.

The characters aren’t the only thing that kept me reading all day— no, the plot was also very interesting. If You’re Gone has a very simple plot about the main character’s boyfriend going missing without a trace. This could lend to a simple, one-read story where you forget about it after a week, but the characters make the reader invested and the plot doesn’t overstay its welcome. Noting in the plot is dragged out to the point of it being boring, instead things are kept interesting as the reading wants to find out what happened to Brad as much as Lillian does.

Overall, If You’re Gone is a great read that I hope lots of people pick up! The characters are relatable and realistic making the reader care about the conflict and hope for a happy resolution. I recommend If You’re Gone for fans of contemporary and EVERYONE!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lillian was having the perfect high school life with her best friends and her boyfriend, Brad. Everything was going on so well until the day after Brad’s graduation. Brad disappeared from Lions Port and remained missing, causing Lillian to do all she can to search for him. Frantic and close to depression, she begins to learn more about Brad than she ever did during the six months they were together.

If You’re Gone is a wonderful story about high school romance, heartbreak and the fear of the unknown. When Brad went missing, Lillian was on the brink of despair. Her desire to sing vanished and she felt that her future just wasn’t important without Brad. Most importantly, she finds herself questioning God and her faith. I have no idea how it would feel when someone I love disappears with no apparent reason, but after reading about Lillian, I think I can understand how it feels.
Lillian never did give up searching for Brad and even defended him against her parents. Although I disagree with her giving up her entire future, I understand why she would be that drastic. Her world would be bleak without Brad by her side. Lillian was a different person back when Brad was around. Brad’s disappearance was worst than a breakup. At least a breakup came with reasons.

If You’re Gone is about coping with pain and the consequences of not being completely honest. Lillian had to face both which practically ate her up from the inside. If she was honest, the entire ordeal would have been over in a few days instead of months and although she wouldn’t have the answers she needed, she might have known how Brad was doing. Throughout the months she spent waiting, her fears turned into anger as she questioned God repeatedly and begged Him to bring Brad back. I believe that God actually answered her prayers in the end, just not in the way she envisioned it.

I loved reading the story. It was heartbreaking at times, but sweet too, especially during the times Lillian thought back to the beginning of her relationship with Brad. However, I found the climax a little subtle and everything was resolved all too quickly. The ending was abrupt with no clue about what Lillian would do in the future but worry not, the author, Brittany, has written an extra part which is on her website. That extra part holds all the answers I need and I came away pretty satisfied.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lillian and her boyfriend Brad are inseparable. She knows it is true love and she can't wait to spend the summer with him. Then Brad disappears on his high school graduation day. He didn't say goodbye, nobody has seen him and his car is still in the driveway. He doesn't return and Lillian calls the police. Brad is missing, but they don't take the case seriously. They think he left because he wanted to and aren't convinced something happened to him. Lillian is sure Brad would never have deliberately done that to her. Is she right?

If You're Gone is a gripping story about a girl who's heartbroken when she can't find her boyfriend the day after his graduation ceremony. I felt so bad for her. She's upset and nobody understands how she feels. The uncertainty of the situation is killing her and she sheds a lot of tears because she misses Brad so much. Lillian's grief is so severe that it's making regular daily life very hard for her. She doesn't care about the things that used to be important to her, she can't sleep, she can't eat and she walks around feeling like a zombie. Brittany Goodwin describes those emotions in a beautiful emotional way.

Lillian had it all, she's pretty, she has excellent grades, she has good friends and she has a loving and loyal boyfriend. She used to be a cheerful, carefree girl. Now grief consumes her and it made my heart break. Brittany Goodwin writes about the present and the past. There's some happiness before all the sadness began and there's also hope, which gives the story a good balance between light and dark. I loved that this book shows people that you can find true love at any age and that the pain it causes when you lose it is the same for everyone. That's a fantastic message.

I liked the mystery aspect of the story. For me Lillian's emotions were more prominent than the search though, but I was still really curious. I had tears in my eyes when I read about Lillian's struggles. The ending is intriguing and it gave me butterflies in my stomach. I love it when I feel so strongly about something. If You're Gone is a quick and easy read with a lot of depth and an interesting plot.

[Jessyca Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book “If You're Gone” by Brittany Goodwin. In fact I found it rather hard to put down. When Lillian White’s boyfriend, Brad, suddenly goes missing she does not know what to think. The police seem to think his disappearance is not serious. Lillian decides to investigate herself and ends up discovering Brad had a lot of secrets.

The book “If You're Gone” was a really interesting story. Goodwin made me feel Lillian’s pain at not knowing what happened to Brad. The police not making a big deal about his case frustrated me as much as it did Lillian. I liked that Lillian was a good girl who went to church but still had a life. The storyline was interesting and although the revealing of Brad’s secrets was a little slow, it captivated my attention. I loved how Lillian did not let Brad’s past bother her. She knew he had changed and was not the same person as he was when he was younger. Goodwin captured what loved ones of missing persons really go through. The pain of not knowing is unbearable. I also like that Goodwin shares what happens To Lillian eight years later on her blog. The tone of the story was light but exciting. The ending of the story was just right.

If you like to read young adult novels or mysteries then I suggest you read this. This is the type of story that I would love for my nieces to read. I hope that Goodwin continues to write more books, because I look forward to reading them.
*I reviewed this book for Readers' Favorite

[Branden Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I was provided with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)

If You're Gone could have been typical. It could have gone the way so many romantic suspense thrillers go. When I started reading, I fully expected it to.

If You're Gone is not typical.

It's a character study, a in-depth look at one teenage girl, Lillian, dealing with loss. Losses, really -- there's the obvious loss of a boyfriend who disappears under mysterious circumstances, and there's the less-obvious loss of Lillian's own expectations for how her life should unfold. More even than the plot, which moves along at a solid clip and never bogs itself down with unnecessary diversions, the development of this character is what sells the book for me. Lillian is a real person. She's not a collection of contrivances designed to drive a plot to its conclusion.

The end of Lillian's story, without spoiling anything, is emotionally powerful and ultimately realistic. (There is an additional, deleted scene-style chapter available online that can serve as an epilogue -- I much prefer the ending that made its way into the book proper, but your mileage may vary.)

I'm looking forward to what the author comes up with next. This is a promising start to a literary career.

[Katherine Paschal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lillian is madly in love with her boyfriend Brad and on the night of his high school graduation he tells her he loved her too. That same night, Brad goes missing. As Lillian and his family try to discover what happened to Brad, secret come out about his past that cast doubt on who Brad was. When the police and her friends give up the search, Lillian can’t. She longs to find the answers, whether they are good or bad and she can’t give up.

So to be honest, I was really expecting something else from this book. Based on the synopsis, I thought this would be an engaging mystery, with tons of twists and huge reveals that shocked me. But… that is not what this book was. Instead, the book is more about the mental damage that a lonely depressed girl struggles through. The writing was fairly good and realistic, you could feel Lillian’s emotions, and the book was a very fast read. But, it was kind of depressing (and not in a good way for those who know me and my love of a good tear jerker).

Sure she tries to find Brad, but really she acts desperate, despondent, needy and depressed. This girl lets her goals, ambitions, friends and her entire life go down the drain because her boyfriend of 6 months disappeared. Everyone assumes he left on his own, as does Lillian, so really she should feel rejected, maybe with a touch of scorn and get over it. And FYI, if he really loved her like he claimed (and she was convinced), he would not want her to hurt like this or throw her life away. Lillian drove me a little insane. I personally can’t relate to people like this (sure I have never been in this situation, but still I’m a big believer in living life regardless of what others do/think). At one point in the book, Lillian’s best friend vocalized my exact thoughts about the length of Lillian and Brad’s relationship in relation to the amount of grief she expels. I mean really, she grieved for longer than she even dated Brad. And yes, people heal in their own way and time, but she lets it control her every action. Her life should be bigger than this one boy! (Her despondency reminded me a little of another weak female I failed to relate to- Bella from the Twilight series). Finally, she grows a backbone and does something so out of character that I could not help but cheer. I loved how strong she became, like an epiphany or something, and I could not have been happier. (I rooted for Chris, FYI, and I had high hopes for the two of them).

Side note, there was a lot of referencing of religion and praying to God, which I don’t have a problem with per se, but maybe a heads up that this is a religious book would be nice because I usually avoid that topic in my fiction reading if I can. Not a negative towards the book, just a personal preference.

Overall the book had its pros and cons (Lillian’s life choice at the end of the book being one of those cons). I was not overly enthusiastic about the story and Lillian lacked as a strong main character for most of the book, but I would read more from the author because I like her writing style. I am sure that someone else will love this story and the emotional saga that Lillian had to experience.

I received this title in exchange for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog at http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/

[Lynda Dickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lillian's boyfriend Brad goes missing on the night of his high school graduation, shortly after telling her that he loves her. Because of his checkered past and the fact that he's eighteen, the police don't take his disappearance seriously. As the days turn into weeks and the weeks turn into months, there is still no sign of Brad, and Lillian struggles to cope with the "not knowing". Her friends resume their normal lives, but Lillian is in limbo. Who is Chris, the mysterious blue-eyed boy who seems to appear and disappear at odd times? Does Brad's old friend Lizard know more about Brad's disappearance than he's letting on? A book that Chris gives Lillian - on learning to deal with loss - helps bring normality back to her life ... in more ways than one.

The story is told in the first person from Lillian's point-of-view, with flashbacks to highlight her relationship with Brad. We see how his disappearance affects all areas of her life, and how even her personality changes. While there is the mystery of what happened to Brad, this is foremost a book about learning to cope with loss, mainly through prayer and Christian belief. I guessed a major part of the plot line, but it just didn't make sense at the time. Well, even after finding out what really did happen, it still didn't make sense and left me feeling ultimately disappointed.

I received this book in return for an honest review.

Full blog post (22 June): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...

[Kia · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I would like to thank the Goodreads first reads program for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

After what feels like forever, I finally finished a book...Disappointingly I would like to say that I let the stress of college courses and life in general get in the way of something that I truely love. However, I feel as though this book was a great start to my reading journey of 2017.

-This book, in short-had me completely captivated. It seemed as though every word that Lillian spoke came from a place of genuineness as if the author had been through something similar herself. I loved the fact that this story wasn't some cliche romance novel where the boy comes running back into the girls arms after their breakup, it was so MUCH more...The book encompassed hurt, and it showed what it is like to experience life after someone that you love is gone...Simply amazing.

[Kinley Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

If You're Gone is a compelling YA novel narrated by Lillian, a high-school girl who experiences loss and grief over her missing boyfriend, Brad Lee. Lillian is plagued by depression and confusion and refuses to believe that he is gone. Her relentless search for Brad shows her dedication to those that she loves and her belief in a person that she knows better than anyone. What I enjoyed most about this novel (without giving anything away, of course) is its exploration of relationships. Whether those relationships are with a significant other, family member, or friend, they are all tested by Lillian's strife, and through her experiences with all of these relationships, she becomes a stronger person in the end. This novel delivers a powerful message for YA readers that I recommend be shared. Not to mention, the amount of suspense is just right. Brittany Goodwin rocks!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a believable journey into young love and loss. The author does a great job of delving into young Lillian White's coming to grips with her love's disappearance. The book is easy to read, and the reader is carried quickly from page to page. The voice of the main character rings true for young adult audiences.

If there is a critique, it would be that the ending was abrupt, especially when you take into account the detailed style of the rest of the book. I simply craved more detail there, but I am not sure that this will matter to the book's target audience.

Great debut novel and a nice addition to my summer reading. I am excited to see what else Brittany Goodwin writes!

I was issued an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An imaginative filmmaker and screenwriter, Brittany Goodwin stands out as an author with her debut novel. If You’re Gone bravely seeks to understand the hidden, complex emotions of those left behind when a loved one goes missing.
What should have been the start of Lillian’s best summer ever, the rising high school senior wakes up to a nightmare when her boyfriend, Brad, vanishes the night of his high school graduation. Confused and desperate, Lillian plays an integral role in the search. The days and weeks to come yield more questions than answers as Lillian suffers through loss, grief, and abandonment as the unimaginable unfolds. The story and characters challenge the preconceived notions of missing teens and those left in the wake of the unknown.

[Laura Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this suspenseful romance told from the point of view of teenager, Lillian. This quick read was well-written and kept me turning the pages wanting to know the truth behind Lillian's boyfriend, Brad's, sudden disappearance from their small town. The author did a nice job developing the characters and creating layers of questions about the mysterious missing boyfriend. Without giving anything away, the ending was satisfying and left me cheering for Lillian. There is a decent amount religious reflection throughout the book which is not normally my preference, but at the same time did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. I recommend this book to YA readers who enjoy romantic suspense.

[James Bessant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is gripping in so many ways, making you feel empathy for these characters while hoping this is something you never have to live through. I felt as if I was hurting with the main character, Lillian, due to the descriptive, emotional, and thought-provoking narrative. It's an awesome read and an incredible coming of age story.

[Natalie Truitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was giving this book by the author in return for reading it and giving an honest review. I wasn't sure what to think at first but the blurb caught my attention and free books are always a plus. I never expected to fall in love with characters and the story, but I really, truly did. Easily one of my favorite books. I hope she comes out with more books soon.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

**SPOILER FREE**


When you look at this cover, you don't expect to read what comes out of from behind it. I was really shocked and impressed. So much lays behind the cover of this book! Intriguing page turning read! Everything that goes on is just.... wow! Highly recommend this book!


*Received for an honest review*

[Julie Cantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page turner! Everything was fine in the life of Lillian White, until one day, something terrible happens. This is a wonderful book! It's very immersive, with great story telling. I really felt like I got to know the characters. I highly recommend this novel.

My son received a pre-reader e-copy in exchange for his honest review. The above is his review.

[Emory Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If You're Gone portrays the immense grief of losing someone beautifully, and successfully makes the reader feel the loss of Brad right along with Lillian. With Goodwin's expressive writing, the reader clearly feels the same pain as Lillian, but witnesses understanding as well, implementing religious undertones in a subtle, and yet still evident way. This book is a great summer read for all ages.

[Micaiah Keitel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had higher hopes for this, but ended up quite disappointed. =( RTC!

[Kester Nucum · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER: I received a free signed copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I also received some swag. This will not affect my review in any way.

If You’re Gone tells the story of Lillian White, whose world collapses when her boyfriend Brad Lee vanishes the night of his graduation. She desperately searches for answers that might lead to Brad’s whereabouts, but she stumbles across secrets that change the way she looks at her boyfriend, whether he’s dead or alive. Lillian soon finds herself trapped between the past and the future; she’s not wanting to let go of Brad, but at what cost?

Rating: 10/10 stars

When I finished the last chapter of this book, I went wow. The only word that came out of my mouth at that time was only “wow.” This book is so stunning that it will stay with you for a long time. It captivated me from start to finish, captivated at the start and left satisfied at the end, especially that ending. The ending, without revealing any major spoilers, will shock you. It took me a while to process what was going on, and I never expected it. There’s so many twists and turns that you can’t really predict what will happen next!

You will find yourself walking in Lillian’s shoes as you read the story, which will convey her emotions so well you start feeling them, too. I felt as if I was the only one who actually understood her struggles, her misunderstandings. She was even relatable to me somewhat, and to others probably a lot. Although I don’t know how it feels for someone in your life to “disappear” (and not just in the context of being missing), I found out how it felt, and others will definitely know how Lillian feels. I truly saw her world crumbling apart, yet you felt conflicted whether she should move on or still search for Brad. I had the same outlook on the world as she did, and it was brilliant how the author conveyed it.

The impact of this story is so strong it is like a bullet to the chest. It will definitely get to you. If you don’t feel anything, you might want to get your heart checked (just kidding!). I’ve always wanted to find a quote that will stick with me for a really long time, and usually I don’t find one… but I finally did! I loved it so much that I even bookmarked that page with a handwritten note from Brittany Goodwin herself (which I really really appreciate!). It goes:

We don’t deserve to be hurt by the ones we love.

If you read it, you need to meditate upon it! Here is it again:

We don’t deserve to be hurt by the ones we love.

I know you might be tired of quotes, but it made me stop and think, and that is what a good book needs to have. A good book should make you stop and think. It should make you want to ruminate and ponder upon the text, which is trying to convey what the author is wanting to tell you. In this case, I can relate. It hurts so much when a loved one says something hurtful to me, and we’ve all felt that before. When you can actually relate to the book, whether it is a contemporary romantic mystery or a science fiction thriller, the reader’s attention piques and the reader himself or herself actually becomes one with the book. Brittany Goodwin fulfilled George R. R. Martin’s quote “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.” I got to live and ENJOY another one. (And sorry, I used another one!)

In my opinion, the only teensy problem I had with this book was that it was a little too short and fast. I think the action could have been slowed down a bit more and lengthen because at times it felt rushed. There could have been a bit more action, but overall it was amazing. I just wanted more (except that epilogue. I definitely agreed with the editors that it should have been taken out) because it was only 200 pages, but you know what they say, it was short but sweet.

If you are looking for a last minute Christmas gift, I suggest go grabbing a copy of If You’re Gone today! It will definitely be a wonderful book to kick off the New Year!

Recommendation: Go give it a go!

[Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Days after I finished reading If You're Gone by Brittany Goodwin, the story is still circling round and round in my mind as I try and come to terms with the gripping, emotional, though provoking read that completely blew me away.

Lillian and her boyfriend Brad have been inseparable for the past six months. She knows that what they have is far beyond a typical teenage romance, and she loves him wholeheartedly with every bit of her heart. After Brad's graduation ceremony, Lillian experiences one of her most perfect nights ever. He takes her on a romantic picnic, and gets her home just in time for curfew, and then her night's made even better when he finally tells her those three little words she's been waiting to hear. The next day her life changes in a split second when a call from Brad's parents reveals that he never came home the night before, and no one's seen or heard from him since.

What follows for Lillian is a heart breaking journey as she struggles to come to terms with what happened to Brad, how she's supposed to go on living her life when he might not be, and how she can truly make sense of any of this without the answers she so desperately needs. If You're Gone is a roller coaster read that has the reader experiencing ever heart breaking moment right along with Lillian, and truly showcases what it's like for those left behind when their loved ones go missing.

Lillian doesn't ever give up on Brad or on his character; even when circumstances are revealed that have everyone around her doubting what's truly behind his disappearance. As truths are revealed, and Lillian begins to realize that she may not have known Brad as well as she thought she did, she still chooses to believe in him and keep searching. And while I've read quite a few young adult suspense novels, and I usually have at least a tidbit of an idea where the author plans to take the story, this one actually kept me guessing right until the end, and had my mind completely blown with the direction it went.

My only complaints about this one were the fact that sometimes I found the pacing to be a bit slow, and didn't keep me engaged within a few of the chapters, and also that I found a certain part of the ending to be a tad unrealistic. Other than those small concerns though, I really enjoyed this one, and I especially liked that the author included a bonus epilogue on her website that really tied everything together.

I highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys books about grief or suffering, and for anyone who's a fan of young adult mystery or suspense stories.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


I'm happy to say that it definitely lived up to the expectations I had for it.

[Katelyn Bolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with plenty of passion. Very applicable to young adults and anyone who has experienced loss. The story is very emotional but in a raw and relatable kind of way.

Not a fan of the ending, because it seemed to wrap it up too quickly and did not do justice to the amount of emotions the reader had been drug through. Other than that though, it was a very satisfying read, and appropriate for young adults.

[C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrates how we can never be sure how well we know someone! I was really surprised and pleased how well the author ended this story, but I couldn't rate higher because Lillian was just too much of a mental case for my tastes,and I loved when her best friend reamed her out for being so crazy,self-centered,and way past needing to get off her pity-pot and re-join the living!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed

The story line was unusual and captivating. I found the ending to be unexpected. After such a long time of grieving, the main character swiftly pivoted to recovery in her anger. It didn't seem plausible. When I read that there was an epilogue available, I eagerly went to the website only to be informed that the page was not available.

[Stephanie Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Enjoyed knowing it was coming to screen with a darling local actress!

Quick read. Enjoyed knowing it was coming to screen with a darling local actress!
It would make a great for young adults for sure!

[Gaby Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it really interesting how the author was able to portray the pain through the pages. With every page I turned there was a new surprise. I have never read a book quite like this one, it really made me think about all those people that suffer when a loved one goes missing.

[Jessica Jernigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got lost in this book!

I bought this book because I am aware of the talent Brittany Goodwin has in general. It surpassed my expectations and I got lost in the book and couldn't put it down!

[Denise Troutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

You can’t quit reading this story because you can’t figure out what has happened. Thankfully the story does have a conclusion and like in life, sometimes getting there is a bumpy ride.