Before We Say Goodbye

by Madeleine Reiss

With only months left to live, can he heal his mother's heart?

Josie Hudson's whole life has been about one thing and one thing only: keeping her son Scott alive.

And when Scott, now nineteen, finds out that his heart is once again failing - with no hope of a transplant - Josie's world comes crashing down.

Determined to give meaning to his final months, Scott decides to find a match for his mum: someone to be there for her when he will no longer be.

Posting a video on YouTube, Scott sets out to find the perfect man, but it just might be that the man of her dreams is a little closer to home . . .

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2018

Reviews

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve fallen on another weepy book this month, I’m not complaining as this was a beautifully written book. Lots of feelings, emotions.

It wasn’t at all 100% depressing though the subject matter was an emotional rollercoaster.

I could relate to this mom. Her son has need of her due to his medical condition and like most loving moms they put the child first even when your children are grown we are still there for them.

But are they there for us?

This son when given a new heart had a new lease of life. He needed to start living and so did his mom.

He starts setting her up on dates. She’s not keen, not keen at all but it’s what he wants for her, to find happiness. She finds she’s quite enjoying it though.

I loved the neighbour who was in the throes of dementia and answering the front door in her “unique” attire, as for the combination of foods she ate, I laughed.

So it wasn’t all doom and gloom……
Then things change……

This book will stay with me for many years to come.

[Natalie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get the Kleenex! I haven't had such a heart-wrenching cry since 'Me Before You' (Jojo Moyes)!

I knew I was probably in for a tear-jerker and thought I would be fine as the blurb reveals that nineteen-year-old Scott is not going to be a miracle survivor. What I wasn't expecting was to feel so much for Scott and his mum Josie.

The funny, awkward and inspiring online date search eased the building tension and made this mum and son duo feel like they were part of my family.

A truly beautiful story about love, family and learning to let go.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the blurb, I knew I would need a box of tissues to get through this book. A son Scott, who knew he was dying, didn’t want his mother Josie to be lonely, goes on a Boyfriend Mission to find a suitable mate for his mom, who would be there for her when he is gone.

My first book by Madeleine Reiss, and this book made me cry, though I did control the lump in the throat remarkably. Her writing and her flow of emotions amidst the humor the dates and their emails bring, made me laugh in between the tears. Why o why am I reading such books which make me do both, laugh and cry?

I love the way the mother and son are unselfish in their love and want the best for each other. A mother’s unconditional love is natural, but it was simply cry-worthy to see the son doing everything so that his mum has romance and happiness in her life.

I loved both Scott and Josie, they both showed a great deal of dignity and maturity. But my eyes were drawn to Josie, the mother, who struggles to find a way to save her son. A mother never gives up, but when nature and life forces her, I was in absolute awe at the strength that Josie displays in the face of tragedy. I loved Scott and Emily’s love, it was so pure and beautiful. I loved Scott and his best friend Picasso’s friendship. Childhood friendship

But the words which just about killed me in a deluge of emotions

I couldn’t have had a better mother, even if I’d made you up

Scott’s last words to his mother before she asked him to let go.

I am writing this review with tears flowing down my cheeks and I can’t write anymore… Such is the beauty of life and love!!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Zaffre, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first became a big fan of Madeleine Reiss after reading Someone To Watch Over Me, which if you are new to the author Madeleine Reiss I really highly recommend reading. I was drawn in by this beautiful cover of the little blue trainers. What I would suggest is get some tissues ready before you start reading Before We Say Goodbye. I absolutely loved reading this book, with all the characters that have been carefully placed with their own theme and personalities. Just like all mothers you never stop worrying about your children no matter what their age. Josie, Scott Hudson's mother knew that something was wrong with her son from when he was seven years old. It's heartbreaking as Scott has so many tests, with in the end the only option was for a heart transplant. As mother's can never do enough for you I for one always treat my mum to things like for looking after my house if I go away for a few days. Scott wants to do his best to for his mother by finding a perfect man in her life. How will Scott Hudson go about finding a man for his mother? Find out by buying Before We Say Goodbye.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott does not have a lot of time left. His heart is failing and there really is nothing the doctor’s can do to save his life. When Scott was seven years old he contracted a virus that weakened his heart which led to him getting a heart transplant. Scott knew it wouldn’t last forever and that there would be complications down the road, but he didn’t think it would happen twelve years later when he was only nineteen years old.

Scott does not want his mother to be alone and lonely when he is gone, so he hatches Project Boyfriend, a plan to find his mother, Josie, a man. This is not an easy task and it is not something Scott can just come right out and tell his mother. So, he records a video of his mother and places it up on social media. The video goes viral and the emails come pouring in. Can Scott find someone in time for Josie before it is too late?

Josie loves her son dearly. She would and has done everything in her power to keep her son alive and happy. She thought Scott would have many years with his new heart and down the road maybe another transplant. Nothing could have prepared her for Scott’s earlier than anticipated diagnosis of heart failure at such a young age. Josie has lived her entire life for her son. He was her world and her rock. Josie would go to the ends of the earth to find a doctor that can save her son, but is it what Scott wants?

Before We Say Goodbye is an emotional and often times heartbreaking tale of a son’s love for his mother. Scott is wise beyond his years and really does not act like your typical college student. He cares for his mother’s happiness and only wants what is best for her when he is gone. Scott has accepted that his death is near and he wants to ensure his mother has someone to lean on and someone to support her when he is gone.

You can really feel the love and the bond that Scott and Josie have. Scott is Josie’s entire world and you can feel the heartbreak and anguish jumping off of the pages and you can’t help but sympathize with Josie over her son. A mother is never supposed to outlive her children. You can see how Josie fights for her son willing to do whatever it takes to keep him alive.

Madeleine Reiss writes with such love and compassion. But, through all of the sadness comes a story filled with heart and hope. There are moments where you can’t help but chuckle over especially when it comes to the emails Scott receives from potential men looking to date his mother. Reiss takes a a tragedy that not only shows the harrowing side of death, but also shows the light that comes forth in times of adversity. I highly recommend Before We Say Goodbye. It is a poignant story about love and death and written in such a way that will evoke every emotion out of you. Have some tissues handy because you will definitely need them.

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully touching and tender read, showing that bond between family who are having to face the saddest time ahead.

Scott and his mum have always been very close. As a young boy Scott was quite poorly and had to have a heart transplant - but that gave him his life back and he's now at university enjoying his freedom. His mum, Josie, had to raise him as a single parent but nothing was ever too much trouble and her life was put on hold as she nursed him through the tough times and her needs were put on a back burner.

She is now working at the local bed shop and seems quite settled in her life but Scott is worried that she'll always be alone, and with some worrying test results playing on his mind, he decides to go on a quest to find his mum some happiness and romance! But does she really want her son to play cupid for her?!

While Scotts' health begins to dip, his focus remains on sorting through the emails he receives for his mum after posting a video of her online! She agrees to go on dates with some of the men - others prove to be more successful than others! But sometimes you end up finding love where you least expect it! Both characters are quite similiar in the way that they seem to put others first and are some of lifes' good guys so you only want the best for them and hope they can find what they're searching for.

This was quite an emotional read that felt genuine and not over the top on the sympathy front. The relationship between Josie and Scott was so touching that you couldn't help be moved to tears as the story develops - have the tissues ready when you read this book! - and it approaches quite a tough subject with dignity. Highly recommended

[Zainab · Rating 4 out of 5]

IT COMES OUT TODAY!!
Awww this is some sad sad stuff. I really really REALLY liked Scott and he's one of the best characters of this book! The fact that he was so keen on making his mother happy despite going through an ordeal every single day not knowing what'll happen to him ripped my heart out. The story is heart wrenching and endearing at the same time.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book

[Kavita Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God !! This book was an emotional palette cleanser for me. Some books just squeeze your emotions dry and this was one such book for me.

Now, I also read and judged this book as a mother. And let me tell you, this book manifested my BIGGEST fear as a parent.It left me feeling vulnerable to the workings of fate ! I cannot imagine the courage and strength the parents of terminally ill children have to muster up. My heart breaks for them..

This book took us through the journey of a young man, who's fate is sealed so early in life, his acceptance of the fate, his need to make things better for his mother after he is gone, his want to be remembered, his lament on this fate and his wish to live. We can also see how his mom, Josie deals with this eminent life shattering hand that fate has dealt. I won't be sharing much on the story, but just some words and lines that touched me, broke me..

The time she had woken after a bad bout of flue to find him sitting by her.
"I'm guarding you",he had said. his wooden sword lay on his lap.
"I feel better, already" she had replied, reaching for the soft squeak of his skin.
"I couldn't have a better mother, even if I'd made you up", he had said, looking at her with earnest, devoted eyes.
*******



"He's the best of me". she said, and she felt the tears some. They felt almost kind, the way they eased the tightness in her chest.
"He'll always be that". the doctor said.
"That'll never be taken away".
*****


"No one has said the words", Scott said,'but I know which way this is likely to go. I'll get worse and worse and then they won't be able to do anything much for me".
"It's all right". Scott said. "I've had a long time to get used to it". He wondered as he said the words out loud whether he could ever be relinquish his only partly discovered, incredible life.

****************

"I'm not angry", she said and found that her words where true."I've been so very fortunate." she touched the little scar by his ear which he'd got when he'd fallen on some rocks.
"I'll do my best to live," she said."My very best."
"I couldn't have had a better mother, even if I'd made you up", he said, using the last of his energy to form the words as clearly as he could. She remembered his five-year-old voice saying the same thing.
"I couldn't have had a more perfect son," she said, and he heard the permission that he had been waiting for in her voice.
"It hurts", he said.
"It's ok, my love", she said, and her voice was as light as air.
"Everything is all right. I'll always have you."
He held on. He held on for her. He could see the dim outline of her face. He thought she was smiling.
"Let go,", she said."It's fine to let go," and so he obeyed her.

*****************



Oh my dear Lord !! I can't stop these tears..
You guys have to read this one !!
To all the Scott's and Josie's in the world.. My prayers are with you..And while that might not be enough, it's all I can do at this point..

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie is a proud mother, her son Scott is her entire life. Unfortunately Scott isn't healthy. When he was seven years old a virus damaged his heart and he could only be saved by a transplant. Josie's worst nightmare became reality, but because of a donor heart Scott was saved. He's nineteen years old and a student when he hears that his heart is giving up. Another transplant isn't a likely solution, so Scott has to accept his time is limited. There's one more thing he wants to do before he dies, will he be able to pull it off?

Scott knows how much his mother loves him and he also understands that she will be crushed when he dies. He doesn't want to leave this world when he knows Josie will be alone and heartbroken, so he starts a project. Scott wants to find someone for his mother. He hopes she will know happiness again in the future, if she has a boyfriend who's there for her and treasures her. Josie is stubborn, if Scott would talk to her about his plans she'd never accept his help. How will he convince his mother to go out with the men he selects for her without telling her about his secret mission?

Before We Say Goodbye is a brilliant moving story. Josie is a sweet woman. Her love for Scott radiates off the pages. I loved that I could literally feel the bond she has with her son. Scott appreciates everything Josie has done for him and loves his mother a lot as well. He's been through so much already and that's made him wise. He knows he won't have much time left, but decides to do something useful with the days he still has. I absolutely loved that idea for a story. I was impressed by his gentle and caring personality. Josie and Scott are a special family and that made their story incredibly beautiful.

Madeleine Reiss has a gorgeous captivating writing style. She writes about an emotional subject with empathy, warmth and love. I liked that even though Scott's illness is sad her story is filled with light. There's so much life, charm and hope in Before We Say Goodbye and this gives the book plenty of amazing layers and superb contrasts. I can't praise this story enough. I highly recommend Before We Say Goodbye, it's one of the most fantastic books I've read in a long time.

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the kind of read that is intended to grab your heart, run with it and wring it out and to some extent BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE did this. I thought the premise of a son and mother situation was fun until I realised Scott’s predicament, However, the author had the ability to bring levity to the situation and Scott’s plan to get his mum dating was a fun read with heart. There were many humorous moments along with the heart punches. However, ultimately this has left me sad and a, bit disconnected from the story. I guess I knew how it was going to go, but I still didn’t want it to go there exactly.

This was well written with a moving story and I would definitely read this author again, hopefully it a bit more of an uplifting tale.

[Clarabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mon dieu ! Ce roman a encore brisé mon petit cœur fragile. C'était tellement dur, même si je m'en doutais un peu avant de le commencer. L'éditeur ne se trompe pas en évoquant « an unforgettable, heart-warming story of love and letting go, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes ».

C'est l'histoire d'un garçon de dix-neuf ans qui apprend que sa maladie a gagné du terrain et qu'il lui reste peu de temps pour vivre. Immédiatement, il songe à préserver sa maman qui l'a élevé seule. Il se met en tête de lui trouver un compagnon pour soulager sa peine et met en ligne une vidéo comme alternative de petite annonce. La maman n'est pas au courant et rouspète quand son fils lui propose de rencontrer des inconnus. Elle pense d'abord qu'il veut se débarrasser d'elle (maintenant qu'il est parti à l'université) et ignore que son état de santé s'est aggravé quand elle accepte de jouer le jeu.

Purée. J'étais une loque au moment de tourner la dernière page du livre ! Ne vous méprenez pas. Ce roman est beau mais déchirant. La page 410 est une torture. J'étais - mais alors - en vrac. Comme l'an dernier j'ai perdu ma sœur, et cette année ma fille a quitté la maison pour ses études, je me sens pas loin d'une coquille vide. Ce bouquin a donc tout naturellement trouvé écho en moi. La relation mère-enfant. Le sentiment d'abandon. La force de tout affronter. L'acceptation. Continuer de vivre avec cette douleur. C'est franchement très, très beau. Poignant mais fort. 💔

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as I always am drawn to thrillers and thought I would try a piece of fiction that doesn’t have a murder in it ! A more moving novel I seeked and one outside my comfort zone
This was a good choice ,though I knew this novel from the first page would reach out and grab my heart I went on and turned the pages and after a slow build I found myself drawn in to the relationships and wonderfully formed characters that had depth and who you cdnt help but respond to
The oh so wonderful, and thoughtful Scott who loved his mother and who so wanted his mother to be able to find love after he passes
Sounds,I know, a sad novel however it has genuinely witty moments that made me smile and giggle a bit out loud on one occasion
I could really visualise the dolphins on the beach and found myself as passionate as Scott about them getting to safety and despairing at people wanting to take them for a ride quite literally
The snow ball scene later in moved me to tears and representative clearly at that stage of Scott’s life and reminded me of the beauty we take for granted around us ,the simple things can give the most magical moments
An oh Josie was such a fierce lioness wanting desperately to save her son ,and gain some controll sometimes at the cost of their relationship yet oh how we empathise with her and understand Josie as a mother
The best most poignant part was of course when nature takes over and acceptance is embraced as that is true unconditional love letting someone go so they can move on at peace ,reminded me that I too will need to do that with my own mother when the time comes if not before so she is not anxious for me ,important to let go
A beautifull moving and witty at times novel don’t be put off by the emotional quality sometimes it’s a good thing for us to read something that is so powerful in terms of the beauty of human relationships
Thanks a lot netgalley and publishers for letting me read this

[Elisabeth Soane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scott is 19 and at colllege all he wants is to make a difference in the world and help the environment. Scott had a heart transplant as a child and is devastated to learn that the heart is failing. Scott has been brought up by a single mother and doesn’t want her to be alone.
So follows his determination to find his mother a boyfriend.
This book was a rollercoaster! I both laughed and dried as the characters all came to terms with their lives without Scott.
#BeforeWeSayGoodbye. #NetGalley

[Ptiteaurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

S'il fallait se dire adieu est une magnifique ode à l'amour entre un fils et une mère et par le biais des saisons, nous allons suivre le combat inéluctable contre la maladie de notre héros mais aussi le combat de Josie sa mère qui ne voudra pas accepter la destinée et baisser les bras.

j'ai passé un excellent moment de lecture avec ce roman qui a su susciter en moi de vives émotions. J'ai adoré la présentation sous forme de saisons et toute la symbolique qui se cache derrière ces parties. Les personnages sont très travaillés et tellement attachants que l'émotion ne peut qu'être au rendez vous.

Chronique : https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...

[3moopydelfy · Rating 4 out of 5]

En bref, S’il fallait se dire adieu s’avère une lecture riche, pleine de symboliques, émouvante et prenante. Les yeux se teintent d’une mélancolie, d’une tendresse et d’un deuil difficile à aborder. Comment se remettre de la mort de son enfant? Comme un enfant digère-t-il que son destin s’arrête?

[LeslecturesdeMylene · Rating 4 out of 5]

15/20 - https://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/2...

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

What a book. So emotional.

I loved every second of it. So well written and such a heart felt ending.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5

[Diane Oates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read, funny and emotional at the same time.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will, I absolutely guarantee, break your heart – I read the entire second half with an uncomfortable lump in my throat, and often had to wipe away tears so that I could carry on reading. These people were so very real – the mother putting her own life and needs on hold to love and care for her son, the son facing the end of his young life while trying to find her some happiness and a reason for living once he’s no longer there. The mother/son relationship is perfectly drawn with all its joy, pain and those ordinary moments of day-to-day living: the inevitability of the loss of her child absolutely tears you apart.

But if you’re expecting a rather depressing wallow, you’re looking at the wrong book – Scott’s efforts to find a partner for mother Josie are wonderfully entertaining, joyous and very funny as he selects apparently “suitable” blind dates from the many applicants and she meets a succession of distinctly less than suitable potential partners. The characterisation in this book is absolutely exceptional – in addition to that wonderful relationship between mother and son, the whole cast of characters is enchanting. I particularly loved neighbour Freya, who might be in the grip of dementia and inclined to answer the door wearing only jumper and slippers, eating little but cottage pies and chunky Kitkats, but who has the most wonderful moments of exceptional lucidity. Even the more minor characters are drawn in exquisite detail – Josie’s boss George at the bed showroom where she works, the lovely Picasso (not his real name, there’s a story there) with the unsuitable girlfriend and huge capacity for love. And as for Emily – oh, you’re just going to love her…

This book is full of the most wonderful images and moments. Some will have you in stitches, just perfect gentle observational humour, scenes from everyday life that fill you with joy and make your heart sing. I loved the inclusion of some of the emails from the potential suitors, some really funny, others distinctly weird, and other providing tantalising glimpses of other people’s lives. But there are other moments that are almost unbearably sad, but flawlessly handled – the joy found in holding a melting snowball was the point when my heart finally broke apart.

The Northumberland setting was perfectly drawn – Alnwick, the fossil searching on the beaches, the visits to Lindisfarne and the Farne Islands, the secret beach, the castle, even a visit to Barter Books – and the passage of time and the decline in Scott’s health is tracked with beautifully written descriptions of the changing face of nature as the seasons continue their relentless progression. And then there’s the wonderful story of the dolphin, and the way its future draws the threads of the story together and helps provide the most uplifting and gorgeous ending.

There was nothing – absolutely nothing – about this book that I didn’t love. I do hope others will discover it too… and love it every bit as much as I did.

[Fiona · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this book.

Nicely written and seemed like nice characters but just didn't attract my attention.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott was diagnosed with heart problems when he was a small child but was fortunate enough to receive a heart transplant, enabling him to live a relatively normal, active life. However, his single-parent mother, Josie, never stopped worrying about him; at times possibly, but understandably, over-protective of him, she devoted her life to ensuring that his needs were met and that he received the best treatment. Soon after Scott went to university his health began to fail and he started to reflect on his own future, as well as Josie’s. Well aware of the fact that by concentrating on his needs she had neglected her own, and not wanting her to face a lonely future, he decided that he would post a video on YouTube in an attempt to find the perfect man for her to fall in love with. She has no idea about the video but when he mysteriously starts to organise blind dates for her, understanding his motivation and unable to disappoint him, she reluctantly goes along with his project.
Once I started reading it wasn’t long before I felt totally caught up in the lives of Scott and Josie as they each tried to find ways of trying to deal with the almost unbearable pain of facing his premature death. How does any parent face the possibility that their child may die before they do; how many “bargains” are they prepared to make to ensure the survival of their own sick child, even if this means praying for the death of another person in order to achieve a desperately needed transplant, and how do they reconcile their guilt about this “selfishness”?
I thought that Madeleine Reiss managed to capture so many of these dilemmas in a way which was sensitive and poignant without being overly sentimental or reliant on “miracles”.
This is a funny, reflective, wise and heartbreakingly sad story, told in a way which feels searingly honest. There were times when I laughed out loud, especially with some of the weird and wonderful encounters Josie had to endure with her blind dates! Her wonderful characterisation of Scott evocatively captured the combination of naïvety and maturity of a young man on the cusp of adulthood but who was, in addition, having to face the realisation that he might not live long enough to experience all that he had hoped to achieve.
In fact, I thought that each of her characters was well-drawn and that through each one she explored so many different facets of how people deal with their feelings of powerlessness in the face of terminal illness, death, grief, mourning and loss. Without going into detail which might spoil the story for those who have yet to read it, there are so many wonderful examples of this throughout this beautifully written novel. Once Scott has posted his video subsequent chapters start with messages from would-be suitors and these are a wonderful mixture of funny, weird and moving in their portrayal of the range of motivations encompassed in people’s search for love.
At times the author’s evocative portrayal of grief and loss was visceral in its intensity, capturing the pain of wanting so desperately to hang on but having to learn to let go. Her recognition of the split between the coping persona a bereaved person presents to the world, and the inner one which feels so alone, scared and fragmented that it is hard to believe it’s possible to survive the pain of loss, was so moving and accurate that I didn’t just cry, I sobbed. However, this isn’t a book which is just about loss, it is also about hope and the recognition that love can be found in unexpected places if we open ourselves up to it. An additional bonus for me was that the story is set in Northumberland (a county close to my heart) with its magnificent coastline, castles and wildlife so vividly and evocatively captured.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book – but make sure you have a box of tissues close by when you read it!
My thanks to Readers First for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hoping for good things from this book because there was just something about the cover of the book that drew me in. Once I started reading I wasn't really sure where this was going but I was soon swept up in the lives of Scott and Josie, the wonderful mundanity of everyday life laid bare by the sure and certain knowledge that it could all end with one single tick of the clock.

The telling of Josie and Scott's story is poignant without slipping in to mawkishness and I appreciated their no-nonsense acceptance of their situation without a loss of hope. I am not an overly emotional person but it left me with a lump in my throat that I find hard to move - if you are given to venting your emotions then I would strongly suggest ordering a big box of tissues alongside the book as you WILL need them.

It deals with perhaps the most troubling subject matter - the death of a child. Every parent presumes they will depart this realm before their children and surely that is how it should naturally be. Sadly for Josie it looks as though Scott will not allow her this luxury, with his heart failing she clings to hope and acknowledges the guilt she feels that his only hope is the death of another child.

They do get their second chance and whilst at University Scott decides to start Project Boyfriend. His mother has been alone for all his young life and he wants to rescue her from that loneliness. The men that reply are weird and wonderful and none are quite right for Josie, but she grits her teeth and tries for her son's sake.

This is an outstandingly human tale and told with warmth and understanding. You will burn the midnight oil to read just one more chapter even though you don't want the end to come crashing over you like the sea at their beloved Bowick Beach.

I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM READERS FIRST IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

[Angela Mellor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before we say goodbye is the first novel I have read by Madeleine Reiss but will be looking out for more in the future.
This is quite an emotional read so get your tissues ready!! At 7 years old Scott was diagnosed with heart problems and was in and out of hospital until he luckily managed to receive a heart transplant. In this book Scott is 19 and at university despite his mothers constant worry, when Scott comes home for visits she instinctively knows something is wrong but Scott denies this although his check up has delivered bad news and although a minor op will lengthen his life marginally it seams as though he doesn't have long.
As I read this I was totally drawn into Josie and Scotts lives, the writing covers a lot of emotions and is written with sympathy and honesty, although it is a sad story it does manage to make you really laugh as Scott decides that his mother having been single all his life after his father went missing before he was born decides she needs to find a partner for when he is gone so he uploads a video to youtube and picks his way through the hundreds of replies and sets Josie up on blind dates. This is where the humour comes in and makes this not a depressive read as some of the encounters are hilarious.
All the characters where likeable and very real making me really feel invested in their family life.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Zaffre for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

[neha sehgal]

"Before We Say Goodbye" by Madeleine Reiss is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted novel that delves into the intricate themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of our memories. At the heart of the story is Scott Hudson, a man facing a pivotal moment in his life. As he grapples with the challenges before him, Scott embarks on a journey of reflection and reconciliation, seeking to make peace with his past and the relationships that have shaped him.

Reiss's writing is evocative and poignant, skillfully capturing the emotional depth of her characters and the complexities of their interactions. The novel paints a vivid portrait of the human experience, highlighting the raw and tender moments that define our connections with others. Through Scott's journey, readers are invited to explore the profound truths about forgiveness, redemption, and the lasting impact of love.

The narrative is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, offering a balanced exploration of life's highs and lows. Reiss weaves together a story that resonates with authenticity, making it easy for readers to empathize with the characters and their struggles. The themes of the novel are universal, touching on the fears and hopes that are part of the human condition.

[Heather Copping · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers so many different emotions, from the funny and sometimes ridiculous emails that Scott received after he made a film which he put on You Tube advertising for a friend, lover and companion for his mother Josie. Scott is living with a heart condition and he knows that his days are numbered so he doesn't want to have his mum being alone when the inevitable happens. Josie never knew about the film and all the emails and some of them were from some right weirdos. Scott has friends at college and home and it is heart warming to see how they stand by him over the months, especially his girlfriend Emily who is a really strong character. The other thing I found really touching was Scott's involvement with the dolphins and especially one called Leonardo. I almost found that sadder than Scott's impending death. All these people and animals all come together to make a lovely story which are interlinked and will make even the strongest person not fail to be moved by all these events.

[Angela L · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance the cover of this book would have you thinking that it's a chick lit love story but, whilst there is a theme of love, it's a far more multi dimensional read.
As a young boy Scott had a heart transplant and now it's failing. Bad timing really as he's having a blast at University and has just met the girl of his dreams, Emily. Meanwhile he feels that Mum, Josie, has put her life on hold because of his health issues and so he resolves to find her a boyfriend.
A secret YouTube video later and he has hundreds of candidates.
Naturally, the blind dates that he arranges for his Mum have their share of humour but all the while Scott is getting more and more ill so everything is underpinned by the sadness of what's to come.
This book had me chuckling and weeping and the end chapters are so poignant that, despite the sorrow, you come away with an overwhelming feeling of hope.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Without exception, all the characters are really relatable and tap into all the neuroses and fears that are within us all. This book is a thing of beauty.

[Ursula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like a book where most of the characters are likable and all of them are interesting.

Scott and Josie are a loving son and mother who have faced the trauma of dangerous illness in the past and it has had a major impact on the shape of their relationship. The novel gives us a real understanding of both their perspectives as they confront the situation again now Scott is no longer a child.

Love is the main theme as Scott enters a new relationship and tries to manoeuvre his mother into finding a new man in her life. There are several grimly humorous dates with unsuitable men before Josie begins to let down her defences and 'give love a chance'.

Scott is so clearly a lovely chap who really cares about other people, without any soppiness or pathos creeping in. Madeleine Reiss has created quite a little masterpiece of exploration ofhim and her other characters, wrapping us in her love story, whilst not shying away from some inescapably heartbreaking situations.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book since Jojo Moyes Me Before You/ Cecilia Aherne Ps. I love you!

It's not often that books make me THIS emotional. I felt so attached to the characters in the story. Poor Scott who has a heart that could give up at any moment, his lovely doting mum who refuses to accept that he could ever not be ok, the adorable neighbour with dementia his mum spends her days supporting too, and the long list of men Scott has tried to set her up with to soften the blow of his demise.

I want to reach into the book and give Scott a massive hug! I want to tell his mum to spend less time worrying and more time enjoying his company as well as that of the men she's dating. I'm so close to finishing the book but want to devour the last little bit in one go. I've already cried all my make up off on several occasions this week!

I couldn't recommend this story enough!

[Sophie Torris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Petit roman facile à lire, très prévisible, misant à fond sur le pathos. Scott a 19 ans et la greffe de coeur qu'il a reçu, enfant, a fait son temps. Sa mère, Josie, gérante d'un magasin de matelas, a dédié sa vie au bien être de son fils (un amour de fils, empathique, résilient, courageux). Quand le docteur Moulton annonce à Scott que sa mort est proche, ce dernier décide de trouver un amoureux pour sa mère en publiant sur Youtube un montage d'extraits qui la présentent au naturel. Chaque chapitre du livre commence par une lettre de candidature d'un homme intéressé, et souvent loufoque. L'intrigue se déroule en Écosse, dans un petit village bordé par la mer que surplombent les ruines d'un château médiéval. Y'a de l'amour dans l'air évidemment. Peut-on se laisser aimer quand on va mourir? Peut-on s'autoriser l'amour quand on vit un deuil?