Before I Let You Go

by Kelly Rimmer

Your sister needs you. But her child needs you more...

Before I Let You Go, the stunning new novel from Kelly Rimmer, the bestselling author of Me Without You, When I Lost You and The Secret Daughter, has a heartpounding dilemma at its centre: Your sister or her baby. Who do you choose? Fans of Jodi Picoult, Amanda Prowse and Diane Chamberlain will love Kelly Rimmer.

As children, Lexie and Annie were incredibly close. Bonded by the death of their beloved father and their mother's swift remarriage, they weathered the storms of life together. When Lexie leaves home to follow her dream, Annie is forced to turn to her leather-bound journal as the only place she can confide her deepest secrets and fears. As adults, sisters Lexie and Annie could not be more different. Lexie is a doctor, successful in her practice and happily engaged. Annie is addicted to heroin - a thief, a liar, and unable to remain clean despite the fact that she is pregnant. When Annie's newborn baby is in danger of being placed in foster care, Annie picks up the phone to beg her sister for help. Will Lexie agree to help and take in her young niece? And how will Annie survive, losing the only thing in her life worth living for?

What readers are saying about the stunning Before I Let You Go...

'A deeply emotional and thought-provoking read. It was impossible to not be moved by this beautifully written book' Vanessa Carnevale, AU

'Another incredible, gripping read from an exceptionally talented author. This book takes you through a myriad of emotions, whilst opening your eyes to some very important issues for women. I read this in one sitting, because I had to. So will you. A magnificent read I can't praise or recommend highly enough' Heather Hill, UK

'Heartbreaking and life-affirming. Before I Let You Go captures the bittersweet nature of existence and turns it into something truly beautiful' Tilly Tennant, UK

'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' Zara Stoneley, UK

'Being a mother means you are open to criticism from every angle, but if you are a pregnant addict, what then? Children are protected in society, but what about those who gave them life? Kelly Rimmer writes from the heart and soul. Be prepared to lose and gain a little of each as you read her stories' Rachel Dove, UK

• ISBN10: 143285545X
• ISBN13: 9781432855451
• Publish Date: 5 September 2018 (first published 27 February 2018)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 28 June 2024
• Imprint: Thorndike Press Large Print
• Edition: Large type / large print edition
• Format: Hardcover (Library Binding)
• Pages: 627
• Language: English

Reviews

[zooloo1983]

Wow! I do not know if I have any words for this review, so I apologise as this might just a short review. How about we talk about the weather….or the gorgeous book cover??

Wow! Oh wait, I have said that already… need another word…

So, I think I need to go and buy some tissues, as I used way too many reading this book. I love books that can teach you something and this book has done that. I did not know there was an act in place in USA, the Chemical endangerment code in Alabama, so it was very eye opening!

Annie’s and Lexie’s story was a tough one to read, fleeting back in the past to their childhood, what happened to them with Annie and the present day and the current situation we find them in with Lexie. I do enjoy books where you have the different POV’s and in different time periods to get the bigger picture, as harrowing as it can be.

This book will stick with you once you have reads the final pages, and you digest what has been written, the emotions all flying about your head and pages, leaving you open and raw. So many issues are covered in the book, from loyalty and love to the darkness of addiction. I lost my dad to an addiction, (not drugs) but it is hard to read anything about it. As much as you want to understand why they become addicts, it is hard for the people outside living through it too.

Right, I am off to buy some more tissues…..not because I am going to cry or anything *ahem*

[chymerra]

Before I Let You Go is a realistic look at addiction and how it affects the family. This book is not an easy read. I cried for most of the book. I cried for Annie and the trauma she endured. I cried for Lexie. I cried for the baby. I will warn that there are triggers in the book. They are sexual/physical abuse, drug use, newborn withdrawing from opioid addiction. I would recommend to family and friends but with a warning about the triggers. Overall, a good but hard read.