Every Time You Go Away

“Every Time You Go Away.” by Beth Harbison.”

I started this particular book on September 30th, so it was meant to be the last book for September, but I finished it on October 4th, so I guess it counts as my first book in October. I don’t remember when I got this book from the store, but I have had it in my book pile for almost five months. The book cover image of a wine bottle and two glasses was a great incentive for me to pick it up to read as the summer crawled to an end. 

The book follows Willa, a mother who is coping with the death of her husband, Ben, & her teenage son, Jamie, who is battling with his emotions in dealing with his father’s death and his mother’s grief. The writer takes us on a journey with the pair as they head over to their beach house for summer to renovate and get the house ready for sale.

The appearance of her dead husband was an intriguing page-turner. I was unsure if he was a real ghost or simply a figment of her imagination. With Willa navigating her grief as she begins the daunting task of packing up the personal family effects, it offers a glimpse into how difficult coping with the loss of a loved one is an ongoing journey. The bond with her best friend, Kristin, strengthens her even when doubts about her sanity are added to the mix. Jamie gets to rekindle his relationship with his mother as he helps her with the renovation and a friend Kesley from his childhood.

HIGHS

I immensely enjoyed the story of the love shared between Willa and Ben. The writer’s weaving of words tells a tale of love, passion, and friendship that transcended death. The friendship between Willa & Kristin was such a fantastic reading gift. To openly hear discussions about seeing a ghost without condemnation was a delight.

LOWS

I wished I could have more with the story. I would have loved to explore the mother-son dynamic more and how death played a role in diminishing their connection. I wanted to read more about the relationship between Jamie & Kelsey and what the future held for them. 🤣 I think my mind wanted a happily ever after even when the reality is one day at a time, and teenagers still had their whole life ahead.

Overall, Every Time You Go Away it was a great read, and I will definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read this fall.

4 out of 5 Sunflowers

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