BOOK REVIEW: EVERY TIME YOU GO AWAY BY BETH HARBISON

Every time You Go Away by Beth Harbison

Published July 25, 2017

Hardcover, 336 pages

MY GOODREADS RATING 4/5 STARS

(Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press, I received an eARC)

 

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS:

In New York Times bestselling author Beth Harbison’s most emotional novel ever, a fractured family must come together at a beach house haunted by the past.

Willa has never fully recovered from the sudden death of her husband, Ben. She became an absent mother to her young son, Jamie, unable to comfort him while reeling from her own grief. 

Now, years after Ben’s death, Willa finally decides to return to the beach house where he passed. It’s time to move on and put the Ocean City, Maryland house on the market. 

When Willa arrives, the house is in worse shape than she could have imagined, and the memories of her time with Ben are overwhelming. They met at this house and she sees him around every corner. Literally. Ben’s ghost keeps reappearing, trying to start conversations with Willa. And she can’t help talking back. 

To protect her sanity, Willa enlists Jamie, her best friend Kristin, and Kristin’s daughter Kelsey to join her for one last summer at the beach. As they explore their old haunts, buried feelings come to the surface, Jamie and Kelsey rekindle their childhood friendship, and Willa searches for the chance to finally say goodbye to her husband and to reconnect with her son. 

Every Time You Go Away is a heartfelt, emotional story about healing a tragic loss, letting go, and coming together as a family.     

 

MY THOUGHTS:

 I thought this was such a wonderful summery, beach read. I love the setting of a beach house, it makes me think cozy, loving, family time. Unfortunately for Willa, our main character, her husband Ben passed there so it brings up some tough memories, so her decision to sell it seems like the best idea. I enjoyed the plot lines and how you got to see things from all of the character’s perspectives.

Willa was a very loving mother and friend, who can’t let go of her late husband, who she is still very much grieving. I loved the relationships with all of the characters and how he closest friend drops everything to be there for her. She has amazing people in her life and it really made me appreciate the relationships I have in my life.

Overall I would recommend this one if you are looking for a quick, summery read, with a lot of emotional roller coasters. The whole ghost aspect of this could have easily ruined this book, but it was done perfectly in my opinion. The writing is gorgeous and flows so beautifully. I will absolutely be reading more books by this author!