A review by wblove
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Before I Let Go absolutely broke me and put me back together. I was prepared to not like this book because I don't normally like second chance romances. Kennedy Ryan said absolutely not, you WILL love this book, and I did.

Before I Let Go is a story about loss and grief and the way it can absolutely ruin relationships but also help heal them when fully acknowledged.
I didn't expect to have my own traumas and insecurities flayed open in the pages of a book by an author I'd never read, but here we are. The FMC was written beautifully as a fully developed character with flaws, but who also was able to recognize where she messed up and did the work to fix it. It also beautifully explores female friendships and why they're so necessary. The MMC for personal reasons made me upset BUT he was also wonderfully written. He was written in a way that many men often aren't, he was allowed to be soft, emotional, an amazing and hands on father who would, and did, do anything to show his kids he cares.

Kennedy Ryan BEAUTIFULLY wrote a story that showcased SO many things we don't often get to see all in one. There was healthy talk of grief, the reactions to it, divorce, child loss, therapy, female friendships where they are there for you and your children, second chances after divorce and so much more. This was my first book by her but it absolutely will not be the last.

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