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Before We Grow Old

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Some people are just made for each other…When seven-year-old Fran first met Will they knew instantly that they were made for each other. For eleven years they were inseparable, but then, at the age of eighteen, Will just upped and disappeared.

Twenty-five years later Will is back.
Is fate trying to give them a second chance?

Still nursing the heart break from all those years ago, Fran is reluctant to give Will the time of day. The price Will must pay is to tell the truth – the truth about why he left, the truth about why he’s back…

And Fran has her own secrets to hide. The time has come to decide what Fran and Will really want from life – before it’s too late.

356 pages, ebook

First published January 19, 2022

1337 people are currently reading
2119 people want to read

About the author

Clare Swatman

22 books169 followers

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5 stars
3,852 (51%)
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3 stars
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101 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
Profile Image for Lucy.
516 reviews128 followers
February 12, 2022
Fran and Will met when they were 7 and were inseparable until 18. After 25 years of estrangement, they meet again unexpectedly. What follows is a poignant story about love, life, and second chances.

In an alternating format of Then/Now, we get a well-rounded understanding of Fran and Will's lives and choices over the years. I enjoyed the intricate story and reflective tone throughout. This is a beautiful story that reminds us live life to the fullest and appreciate our loved ones every day.

Based on the cover and blurb, I expected a light and sweet romance story. I was wrong. This is a heavy story based on tough life choices and situations. It's the kind of story that makes me think and will stay with me for a long time.
Profile Image for Elisabetta Veneziani.
880 reviews39 followers
January 28, 2023
Che delusione questo libro!!! L’obiettivo era far piangere? Beh non basta mettere insieme una serie di cose tristi per farlo accadere, bisogna anche far emergere dei sentimenti, dare un senso alle cose, magari creare dei personaggi con un po’ di spessore.
Boh non capisco come faccia ad avere un punteggio così alto qui su Goodreads sinceramente, per me è una storia con un potenziale enorme, buttata via da una scrittura per niente all’altezza.
Profile Image for Lisa.
469 reviews38 followers
November 24, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..

I wanted to like
Before We Grow Old sadly I didn't 2 1/2 maybe I should of dnf the book but I powered through

Happy Reading 📚
Lisa
Profile Image for Kim.
1,729 reviews149 followers
November 5, 2021
Most of this book made no sense to me. Fran was a doormat type who held in two huge life changing secrets from the man she supposedly loved then held a grudge against him for years. The whole thing was very strange. Please be advised this isn’t a romance, it’s just a depressing drama.

My copy was provided by NetGalley review.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,453 reviews346 followers
January 18, 2022
When Fran and Will run into each other in a coffee shop after a gap of twenty-five years is it coincidence, fate or something else? Finding themselves both single again, albeit each now with parental responsibilities, they quickly resume their relationship, their attraction to each other being as intense as it was all those years ago.

However, a revelation from Will causes Fran to reappraise her relationship with him and results in them embarking on a quest, along with Fran’s son, Kieran, to make the most of every day because, after all, you never know if it might be your last.

The story is told from Fran’s point of view meaning that the reader gets to witness her ever-changing emotions: doubt, guilt, resentment, frustration and an abiding sense of injustice. Not all of these may seem warranted. For instance, her initial response to Will’s revelation is one of anger when you might have expected, or hoped, her to feel sympathy – especially since Fran has a big secret of her own that she’s concealed for twenty-five years (the nature of which readers may well guess).

I found myself with immense sympathy for Will. Not only is he attempting to put things right with Fran but he is facing a personal challenge with fortitude and dignity. His tender relationship with his daughter, Elodie, was heart-warming and I also liked the bond he formed with Fran’s son, Kieran. Will’s world is rocked when Fran finally reveals the secrets she has concealed for so long but, despite everything he’s going through, he shows a capacity for forgiveness I found astonishing.

There are joyful moments in the book – one of my favourites involving Krispy Kreme doughnuts – but there is immense sadness as well. Before We Grow Old is something of an emotional rollercoaster that will have you laughing one moment and tearful the next. As the author demonstrates, life is a journey in which you never know what’s around the next corner. Carpe diem, as they say.
Profile Image for Ciara.
120 reviews7 followers
May 7, 2023
Not quite sure why I thought I’d enjoy this as not my usual choice but it was a good deal so here I am.

This book is VERY mushy. The dialogue between the two main characters is very forced and cringey.

There is something I find inherently creepy about childhood friends who become lovers. I had a childhood friend I was very close with and I wouldn’t prod him with a stick let alone sleep with him. When someone is “like a brother” I don’t find it at all cute when it flourished into “something more”. If he’s like your brother, don’t sleep with him. Simple as.

There is also something not so endearing about a dying man who appears to have little to no contact with his 6 year old daughter other than a trip to the zoo and a couple of sleepovers in a year long time frame. Priorities!!??

Finally, as someone with a lot of knowledge about hospice care, you don’t just check yourself in for a month?? What the author was describing was a nursing home not a hospice. Why do authors never have an understanding of how hospices work? It’s just sloppy. All you have to do is visit one or ring one up as part of your research?? Maybe I’m knitpicking now.

Overall I found this quite dull and not very fun just depressing. Despite my criticism I did cry but I didn’t want to cry.

Note to self: stop buying books assuming they are Ron Coms when they are just bloody sad!!
Profile Image for Maya | booksofmaya.
68 reviews23 followers
March 4, 2022
YOU.WILL.CRY.

The story starts with Fran and Will when they are teenagers. They were best friends for 11 years and for the last year or so they were also boyfriend and girlfriend. They have their whole life in front of them, they make plans and they are inseparable.

But one day Will just moves to the other side of the world with his family. He only sent a letter to Fran. That's it! And he was gone!

Now, 25 years later at a coffee shop, they bump into each other. They have a lot to discuss, resolve, apologise and forgive but also so many feelings that are still there and cannot be ignored.

The characters of this book are well written, Fran is strong, as a person, as a mother and a partner! Will is not the most positive person but he is strong too. The story is warm, sad and if you've lost people in your life it will hit some sensitive nerves. I definitely teared up many times.

Actually, at the end I ugly cried. But although the story was sad it was also positive and hopeful! I can't say much more because I don't want to ruin it for anyone but it was a great read!
Profile Image for Anne.
2,440 reviews1,171 followers
April 5, 2022
I've read all of Clare Swatman's previous novels and enjoyed them. This one is her best yet, it brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion. It's a story that is filled with joy, and heartbreak and full of love.

Fran and Will were the best of friends as children. Their friendship developed into an all-consuming love and they looked forward to a bright future together. They loved each other so much, never imagining that they would not spend the rest of their life together.

Twenty five years later, Fran is a single mother and Will lives thousands of miles away. Fran was devastated when Will left, out of the blue. He didn't even say goodbye in person, just wrote a letter and left.

Will is back. A chance meeting in a local cafe brings so many emotions to the fore. Fran is still angry, she still nurses her broken heart, she has never forgotten the hurt that Will caused. Will is sorry, he tries to explain the circumstances behind his disappearance, but it's so hard for Fran. Can she give up her heart again?

As a woman reading this, I too was angry with Will. I hoped that Fran would tell him to do one, and make him suffer as much as she has. However, as the story unfolds, we come to realise that Will is hurting too. It wasn't his decision to move to the other side of the world, and he was too emotionally immature to be able to tell Fran in person. I had my suspicions about why Will had returned and these were correct, and once the reader realises just why Will has come home, they will back him, and Fran, all of the way.

Clare Swatman really pulls on the heartstrings in this story, it could be overly sentimental, it could be too much, but her use of humour interwoven with tragedy is brilliantly done and makes this story so much more than a tale of sadness and sorrow. Yes, I shed a tear, and to be honest, that's probably because of my own grief at the time. My own personal circumstances really impacted on how this story affected me. It touched me so much.

With characters that the reader will come to love and a plot that is filled with revelations and lots of new experiences, this is a book that I really treasured.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,619 reviews177 followers
May 27, 2024
This was a lovely little story that focuses on what is important in life and making sure you take every opportunity. It is incredibly sad and the ending made my eyes water. Despite being such a gloomy subject matter, you cannot ignore the love that also radiates from the pages.

I have read similar books to this one in the past and I found Fran and Will’s check list slightly restrictive to the plot. I wanted there to be more adventure but enjoyed it when the story moved to Cornwall for a while. The reconnection of Fran and Will after their separation was really heart-warming and I liked how the writer moved back to the past so readers get an understanding of everything this pair have been through.

It is an intense read and when the story moves to the past, I found it made the present even more poignant. You cannot help but sympathise with Will as he tries to make his mistakes right again but Will is no the only guilty party. Swatman’s revelations about Fran shows that she is an equal to past regrets. She finds herself in situations where to is forced to admit her actions and some of these were surprising plot developments. However, I found they just added to the building emotions of the overall story.

Despite the undercurrent of sadness, Swatman breaks this up with entertaining scenes, such as the Krispy Kremes moment and at the restaurant. These were well-needed and added some light relief to a story that encourages its readers to evaluate their own life choices and ensure every moment is lived to the full. I also liked seeing how Will and Fran’s families come together: a unity that is especially needed towards the end of the story.

Whilst you do need to have the tissues to hand, I enjoyed this wholesome read about separated teenage sweethearts and the developments that have happened to each character in between their reunion.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Niki.
186 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2022
I read this book pretty quickly. It is a nice gentle read that highlights how a love lost many years before can, sometimes never be over.. Some couples are just meant to be. A well written book with believable characters, with love at its heart. If you enjoy a nice cosy read that just sort of flows over you then definitely give this book a go.
Profile Image for Gabriella.
171 reviews
September 21, 2022
This was a lovely, warming, heart-wrenching and emotional story that made my heart swell so richly! I didn't want to put it down to begin with. The plot wasn't exactly what I was expecting but it was endearing all the same, somehow. I think I may have a sort of soft spot for family based stories, which made me want to read more to see what would happen.

Also, it really made me want to write a bucket list for myself and see what crazy things I can challenge myself to get up to!

Life is precious after all.
Profile Image for Liva's reading antics.
383 reviews28 followers
January 19, 2022
This book, based on the blurb, seemed right up to my liking. Childhood best friends, teenage first loves, the one that got away, second chance romance them rekindling after 25 years. However, for the majority of the story, I struggled to connect with it.



Thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Kylie.
389 reviews9 followers
November 30, 2021
The first 25% of this book? Not the greatest, not the worst. I was really confused about where the story was going since it seemed like everything had already happened. Fran and Will bump into each other one day in a coffee shop after not having seen each other in a quarter of a century. They were once one another’s true love and had always thought they’d marry each other, but then Will’s mom died and he moved across the world. There’s no question of whether they will rekindle the romance or not, they dive right into a relationship again immediately. I was left wondering where to go from here? Surely we can wrap the story up and call it a day? Right? Right? WRONG!

HOLY SMOKES the rest of the book is a giant whirlwind of emotions. This is the first book to get me to tear up in a WHILE! Every chapter feels like a rush, but in a good way. There’s so much left to do and say, and who knows how much time left? So many JUICY secrets and events were happening. I just had to know what was coming next, but at the same time I didn’t want to reach the inevitable ending. I knew it would come anytime, clearly Clare Swatman has no regard to my emotions. She’s proved this many times throughout this book.

I give this 4.5 stars, just under 5 for the slow start. This is such a moving and powerful book. I loved every character by the end of it. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Breathing Pages.
74 reviews19 followers
September 25, 2023
I finished reading this beautiful story in a few hours. It’s a story of second chances, love, family, and strength.

Will and Fran were best friends while growing up. They became a couple when they were teenagers, but a tragedy kept them apart for 25 years. They meet again, and it seems like they pick up exactly where they had left off. However, they both have secrets that determine their future.

The characters are great. Each and every one of them. I would have loved to see some arcs be developed more, but still the story is powerful.

This story wrecked me. I cried so many times while reading it. It is bittersweet, and teaches you to live in the moment, to forgive, and love fiercely. Yes, in real life, a situation like theirs may not have happened like this, but what I keep from this story is to live; breathe every moment in.

Please read this book. You may cry, but it’s worth it.
Profile Image for Eram Hussain.
490 reviews14 followers
December 3, 2021
The story follows Will and Fran who are friends since they were seven, they start dating in high school but one day Will has to leave the country. It has been 25 years since they have met/spoken to each other.

One day Will finds Fran in a café and they rekindle their friendship. As many things were left unsaid between them, there are a lot of small and major secrets they kept from each other.
Profile Image for Parpaar.
266 reviews9 followers
April 11, 2022
Contemporary romance- if you want to have a little cry this could be your thing, I prefer Nicholas Sparks // KU
Profile Image for Michelle.
348 reviews
May 1, 2022
Meh - quite predictable, 'lifetime movie' story - too saccharine sweet.
Profile Image for Jennifer (Jaye) Happy New Year Everyone 🎉.
1,104 reviews65 followers
April 24, 2022
*Heartbreakingly Beautiful*

Fran at seven years old Met Will who was their neighbour’s son when she moved home with her parents. They were the best of friends and were as thick as thieves. They eventually took their friendship to the next stage. They were loves young dream and the parents were virtually buying hats, such was the high hopes for this union.

Fran discovers that she is pregnant and she doesn’t want to keep the baby but Will felt differently, Fran felt at 18 she was too young.

Tragedy strikes for Will and it means that his family were whisked off and relocate to Australia. Due to Will being cross with Fran he left her a note with no discussion. This was the last time they saw each other.

Fast forward 25 years and they literally bump into each other and the spark is reignited. Was this really fate?

As they start to catch up on their lives they are both holding things back. They both have secrets and Will is about to disclose some devastating news while Fran has other things to reveal.

How will this impact their lives as more and more is revealed?

I loved this story, I laughed and cried and this went on right to the end.

I recommend the audio book or read and listen
Profile Image for Denise Wilbanks | This Is My Everybody.
283 reviews85 followers
January 26, 2022
BOOK REVIEW: Before We Grow Old by Clare Swatman
Publication Date: January 19

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

T.I.M.E. Recommended Books By Genre | Contemporary Romance

CONNECT WITH THIS BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
When you are overwhelmed, just write down each thing you want to do... And begin one task at a time... ✨😎✨

T.I.M.E. Book Review: Such a wonderful surprise favorite read... All while discovering a new author for me! This story checks so many boxes for contemporary romance readers as it guides you thru first love, lifelong love, love lost, love found and second chance at love themes... Navigating the minefield of friendship and love that lasts over a lifetime of experiences... When love is the prize and the stakes are high, you may find yourself surprised (as I was) by the capability we can have to focus on the things that matter most, even in circumstances that tests love endurance... ✨😎✨

Pages: 348
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sub-Genre: Second Chance At Love Romance
Time Period: Present Day + 25 years earlier
Location: England

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Movie: Flipped

--------------------

All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
Profile Image for Chloe Rebecca.
549 reviews10 followers
April 18, 2022
I had not heard of this author prior to reading this book but the synopsis for the book caught my eye on the Kindle store. I was suspicious of Will coming back into Fran’s life so suddenly, which made me feel uncomfortable about how quickly their relationship developed. I just knew something wasn’t quite right, and when I worked it out my heart sank ☹️ to have the love of your life taken away from you not once but twice, my heart broke 💔 I really enjoyed reading this extracts from the past and seeing how their relationship had developed as teenagers, but I didn’t feel that there was enough of it and as a result, I wasn’t fully invested in their relationships as adults. I liked both characters but their relationship didn’t strike any kind of chord with me. I think it’s because we didn’t really get to know them enough in the beginning of the book. Obviously this is a very touching book about a difficult topic. I found it to be a bit too sad for my liking though. I knew what was coming and was dreading reading it. A very sad and emotional story. I had to skip over some bits as I found them too hard to read so make sure you’re in the right frame of mind if you plan on reading
Profile Image for mrsljgibbs.
852 reviews33 followers
January 31, 2022
Before We Grow Old is a wonderful, emotional love story, involving two people who meet up again after 25 years apart.
This story follows Fran and Will as they rekindle their friendship and uncover feelings they both still realise that they still have for each other.
I really enjoyed getting immersed in this story and although it was not quite what I was expecting, I still thoroughly enjoyed everything about it.
This book gave me all the feels and I could definitely feel what both the main characters were going through.
A perfect emotional read…..
Profile Image for Pirouette.
140 reviews9 followers
June 25, 2022
I wanted to love this. I wanted the book to be as sweet as the cover.

As another reviewer said, it was not easy reading. The writing was over-emotional and heavy. Things were constantly fraught and people were hiding things, instead of being open. The impending sorrow just made that worse, and I did not enjoy most of it.
Profile Image for HattieB.
444 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2022
This book was sweet and dealt with memorable characters however it was considerably let down by prolific needless exposition.
Profile Image for Louise Bookmac82  Mackin.
578 reviews20 followers
September 10, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. It's definitely one of the best I've read this year.
I loved the main characters Fran and Will and their story was beautiful.
I won't say anymore so not spoil it, just please read it.
Profile Image for Grace.
971 reviews11 followers
May 13, 2022
2.5,,, i hated this book until about the last 100 pages (i read it as an e-book so it was probably the last 4 chapters) those pages turned the whole book around and i actually shed a tear but the rest of it was like running through treacle good lord
Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews

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