Who knew that this was an LDS book when I picked it up at the library. The cover looked so appealing I didn't even check the back. Strangely enough the story drew me in anyway. Generally I really dislike LDS fiction. I found it laughable how the author portrays such an idyllic ward family. The family in the book certainly had their fair share of trials, and were well supported by this new ward. Perhaps I should move to Spanish Fork. It deals with many themes that hit awfully close to home: single motherhood, chronic illness, teenage challenges etc. It was pretty predictable. If you enjoy an LDS fantasy then this is the book for you. This is Rachel Ann Nunes' best book so far and transcends the usual book written for the female LDS reader. It's written in the first person, but from multiple points of view, something that's very hard to pull off, but I didn't get lost unless I had to stop reading in the middle of a chapter--and that's a tribute to the author and to her editor. It begins with several people's nightmares--Rikki, after 20 years, returns to the small, mostly LDS town of her upbringing with her two children after some years of hard living. She moves into the ward where her childhood friend and boyfriend, Dante, is the bishop, and he and his wife Becca have to deal with her reappearance in their lives and with her and her children's needs.The characters of Rikki, Becca, and Rikki's daughter Kyle are especially well-developed, with witty and authentic treatment of positive and negative feelings. As the story unfolds, Nunes strikes a balance between delicacy and strength that leads to a completely satisfying conclusion that could have been a disappointment, but certainly was not. And the story's portrayal of people sincerely trying to do the right thing, follow the Lord's will, and serve where they are needed is inspiring without being preachy. Any ward could be proud of the way that Rikki's new ward becomes a family to her and her children. Well done, Rachel Ann Nunes!
What do You think about Before I Say Goodbye (2011)?
I cried through the last chapters. I picked the book for the author. I should h read the back. LOL
—harry
I loved this book. It immediately sucked me in and I didn't want to put it down. Made me cry.
—lyce
thought it was a different book. This one is pretty weak.
—sammykins
This is an excellent book so far! I recommend it!
—sheragrl81
