Perfect for fans of Jennifer Niven, Abigail Johnson draws a searing and lyrical portrait of grief, forgiveness, and the kind of love that blooms in the aftermath.
Eight years ago, Ethan and Rebecca met, two trouble-making kids sharing secrets and first kisses in a treehouse, until Ethan’s mom returned to take him away. Each and every visit, his only goodbye was a flower on Rebecca’s windowsill.
Three years ago, Ethan left for the last time to take care of his mother, who’s struggled with addiction his whole life.
Two years ago, Rebecca was in a car accident that killed her father. She’s been learning to navigate life as a wheelchair user ever since.
Now, they discover if their hardships have torn them apart…or will bring them closer than ever.
Eight years ago, Ethan and Rebecca met, two trouble-making kids sharing secrets and first kisses in a treehouse, until Ethan’s mom returned to take him away. Each and every visit, his only goodbye was a flower on Rebecca’s windowsill.
Three years ago, Ethan left for the last time to take care of his mother, who’s struggled with addiction his whole life.
Two years ago, Rebecca was in a car accident that killed her father. She’s been learning to navigate life as a wheelchair user ever since.
Now, they discover if their hardships have torn them apart…or will bring them closer than ever.
Title: Every Time You Go Away
Author: Abigail Johnson
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Expected Publication Date: December 5, 2023
Review:
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Inkyard press for providing me with a copy of this egalley to read and give an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
For years, Ethan's life has been tearing him and Rebecca apart. Growing up together in short spurts has never been ideal, but it's been all they had. Can they whether the breaks in their friendship? Can they deal with their own tragedies that happen in between? Can they open up to each other and truly become the one each of them can lean on?
I loved the idea of this book. Two friends who share short spurts of being together only to be torn apart by poor circumstances. There was so much potential for character growth and development. So much room for fleshing them out and making them relatable.
Ethan has spent his life as a captive of his mother's drug abuse. His need to keep his mom safe has always been his top priority. But it has him putting aside his own needs. He's always dropped everything to make sure she's safe never thinking of the impact that may have on those around him who just want him to be happy. I wanted to really like Ethan but his penchant for just up and running really got on my nerves. He had zero thought for anyone else, especially Rebecca. Part of me connected with him because of my own past and understand of drug and alcohol abuse. And I really wanted to that be the case for the entire book. But I just could not bring myself to feel any empathy for him.
Rebecca's circumstances were much more understandable. Tragedy struck her in the form of a car accident that left her paralyzed, And she has tremendous guilt over it. I was happy to see the inclusion of disability in this book. I thought it was well done, showing me exactly how difficult the life of a wheelchair bound person can be when. Showing me exactly how much thought needs to go into living the daily life we all take for granted. At the same time, Rebecca has a bit of a found family in her boss, while she struggles with trying to connect with her mother after the tragedy they have both endured. I enjoyed her character much more than Ethan's.
For the most part, the book had a good theme but the pacing was just off for me. I felt like it was running in circles with the same things happening over and over again. The definition of insanity! It just turned me off and really took away from what could have been an enjoyable. book.
Did I enjoy it, for the most part I did. But. I really felt the conflict was overdone without creating a true empathy for the characters.
2.5 stars rounded to 3.
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