From the author of The Things We Cannot Say, Before I Let You Go explores a hotly divisive topic and asks how far the ties of family love can be stretched before they finally break. “Kelly Rimmer skillfully takes us deep inside a world where love must make choices that logic cannot. Ripped from the headlines and from the heart, Before I Let You Go is an unforgettable novel that will amaze and … Ripped from the headlines and from the heart, Before I Let You Go is an unforgettable novel that will amaze and startle you with its impact and insight.” —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop at Water’s End
“Before I Let You Go is a heartbreaking book about an impossible decision. Kelly Rimmer writes with wisdom and compassion about the relationships between sisters, mother and daughter…. She captures the anguish of addiction, the agonizing conflict between an addict’s best and worst selves. Above all, this is a novel about the deepest love possible.” —Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author
The 2:00 a.m. call is the first time Lexie Vidler has heard her sister’s voice in years. Annie is a drug addict, a thief, a liar—and in trouble, again. Lexie has always bailed Annie out, given her money, a place to sleep, sent her to every kind of rehab. But this time, she’s not just strung out—she’s pregnant and in premature labor. If she goes to the hospital, she’ll lose custody of her baby—maybe even go to prison. But the alternative is unthinkable.
As the weeks unfold, Lexie finds herself caring for her fragile newborn niece while her carefully ordered life is collapsing around her. She’s in danger of losing her job, and her fiancé only has so much patience for Annie’s drama. In court-ordered rehab, Annie attempts to halt her downward spiral by confronting long-buried secrets from the sisters’ childhoods, ghosts that Lexie doesn’t want to face. But will the journey heal Annie, or lead her down a darker path?
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With the opiod addiction a reality in the US it was very good to read a book that told the story of the diseased person as a person and gave credence to the possibility that that memory can live on.
I liked all the characters and the ending.
Not knowing much of addiction I could see the struggled and heartbreak from various angles. The author made you feel the despair of the addict and her family.
Absolutely loved this story. Rimmer really gives the reader an honest look at addiction and those affected by the disease. Wonderful read! Couldn’t put it down!
I loved this book. Could hardly wait to get back to it.
This book, while we’ll written, became a little tedious with the heroine Lexi, time after time failing to get the fact that her significant other wanting to be a part of the niece’s and her life. She is so used to making all of her own decisions that she shuts out a great man. Great and uplifting ending.
Annie’s character was a bit too predictable and so frustrating.
The character development was excellent. A very good read. Hard to put down.
Lots of nice insights. I liked that it WASN’T a “happily-ever-after”. Much to be learned from this book. When I started reading, I thought it was going to be your average soap opera, but it wasn’t.
A sad and tragic tale of abuse and addiction. Portrays a realistic picture of a troubled addict and how family friends and family members are affected. Offers insight into the psyche of an addict.
Thought provoking. Presents the dilemma of having a drug addict in the family and what the fall out can be.
Well written, heartbreaking.Leaves you questioning whether you would make the same decisions.
Very realistic and gives perspective of addict and close family. Emotional hurdles and societal hurdles.
Heartbreaking, soul-searching but ultimately uplifting, this thought-provoking book challenges the judgements society makes and weaves a heartwarming story around the bonds we forge as sister, mother and partner.
Another incredible, gripping read from an exceptionally talented author. This book takes you through myriad emotions, whilst opening your eyes to some very important issues for women. I read this in one sitting… So will you. A magnificent read I can’t praise or recommend highly enough.
A deeply emotional and thought-provoking read. It was impossible to not be moved by this beautifully written book.
Before I Let You Go captures the bittersweet nature of existence and turns it into something truly beautiful. Heartbreaking and life-affirming.
couldn’t put it down!