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Before I Let You Go: a gripping novel about the unbreakable bond between sisters
Before I Let You Go: a gripping novel about the unbreakable bond between sisters | Kelly Rimmer
Your sister needs you. But her child needs you more... The 2:00 a.m. call is the first time Lexie Vidler has heard her sister's voice in years. Annie is a drug addict, a thief, a liar-and in trouble, again. Lexie has always bailed Annie out, given her money, a place to sleep, sent her to every kind of rehab. But this time, she's not just strung out-she's pregnant and in premature labor. If she goes to the hospital, she'll lose custody of her baby-maybe even go to prison. But the alternative is unthinkable. As weeks unfold, Lexie finds herself caring for her fragile newborn niece while her carefully ordered life is collapsing around her. She's in danger of losing her job, and her fianc only has so much patience for Annie's drama. In court-ordered rehab, Annie attempts to halt her downward spiral by confronting long-buried secrets from the sisters' childhood, ghosts that Lexie doesn't want to face. But will the journey heal Annie, or lead her down a darker path? Both candid and compassionate, Before I Let You Go explores a hotly divisive topic and asks how far the ties of family love can be stretched before they finally break. What readers are saying about the stunning Before I Let You Go... 'One of the best books for discussion that I've read in years' Diane Chamberlain 'A heartrending tale as two sisters wrestle with the consequences of unjust laws' Publishers Weekly 'A heartbreaking book about an impossible decision. A novel about the deepest love possible' Luanne Rice 'Ripped from the headlines and from the heart, Before I Let You Go is an unforgettable novel that will amaze and startle you with its impact and heart' Patti Callahan Henry '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
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Kshakal
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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22 likes1 comment
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AudiobookingWithLeah
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

3¾⭐Ɱ◎◎ĐႽ
•Contemporary/Realistic fiction
•Drug addiction & pregnancy
•The bond of sisters
The story was heartbreaking at times, to be sure, but not as much as the subject matter should have warranted and I never felt fully immersed in this story the way I should've been. The ending kind of stretched out for too long giving details I didn‘t need or want but the epilogue…was quite perfect. Overall, it was good…just not as good as I wanted it to be.

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arattyreads
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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This is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of two sisters

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Beatlefan129
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

Definitely have the tissues ready for this one. The story begins with Lexi Vidler, a young doctor in Alabama, receiving a call from her younger sister Annie who she has not spoken to in 2 years. Annie is pregnant and in need of help as she is also battling a heroin addiction. We hear about Annie and Lexie‘s current struggles in the legal and medical systems and also find out what events in their past contributed to her drug addiction.

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MelKelsey
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Mehso-so

Bland writing; the words were a barrier to the story. It seems the author came up with this story in order to make a statement against women with addictions being prosecuted for using while pregnant. Stagnant characters (how many times can Lexie "learn" that she can ask her fiance for help?!!). This is my second book by the author, and now I am uncertain I should be reading more.

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Moomoo05

Before I let you go by Kelly Rimmer is a beautiful book! Definitely one I would recommend!

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Thetipsyreader
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One of my favorite books of the year! I love books that make me cry and this one definitely had me crying more than once. A powerful story about addiction, love, and family.

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KarynGood
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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This book is breaking my heart.

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Kshakal
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

Holy moly.... what am emotional roller coaster...

This books explores addiction and the effects it has on everyone involved, not just the addict. So well written and so poignant... a book that will stay with me for a long time to come. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

24 likes2 stack adds
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Kshakal
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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I so wanted to to call into work today with the literary flu but alas I was a grown-up and went to work... the end of the day can‘t come soon enough so that I can get home and finish this gem!!!

Avanders Literary flu ... 🧐 I think I may have caught it too.... 😁😁😁 6y
Kshakal @Avanders it is very contagious!!! ☺️ 6y
37 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Clwojick
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Tonight‘s audiobook. I only got about 2 hours of reading yesterday for the #24B4monday . I wasn‘t feeling the greatest... but hopefully today‘s times will be better.

#24B4Monday #25inFive #Readathon @TheReadingMermaid @Andrew65 #readallthebooks #challengeyourself

RadicalReader Wishing you much marvelously sensational success 6y
Texreader Hope you feel better!! 6y
Andrew65 Well done on the time you put in if you weren‘t feeling well. Hope today find‘s you feeling better. 😊 6y
81 likes1 stack add3 comments
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That-Bookish-Hiker
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

What an emotional roller coaster!

Lexie has always taken care of her sister ever since their dad passed away when they were young. Now older Lexie is still taking care of Annie who is now a drug addict.

This story was raw and hard about a family with secrets and having to deal with the distraction that drug addiction does to not only the person addicted but to the family as well. Written well with characters who felt real.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

52 likes1 stack add
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Djspens
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

A heartbreaking story about addiction, two sisters trying to do right by one's baby when that addiction and a hidden secret is tearing everything apart. This raises a lot of questions on the stigma of this disease. #beforeiletyougo #kellyrimmer @BetterWorldBooks

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Djspens
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Nothing better than #bookmail on a cold Iowa morning! Tomorrow is supposed to be around -35 to -50 wind chill.... I'm hoping we close the office and I can just spend the day reading.... #couchpotatowannabe #booksandwine #closedforweather #toodamncold #betterworldbooks #iowaisclosed

gradcat Keeping my fingers crossed for you—there‘s nothing better than getting a free day to read, added to weather keeping you indoors! 🤞🏼 🌨 📖 6y
Djspens @gradcat I agree!! I hate winter but I like a good snow day indoors ❄️⛄️🌬 6y
35 likes2 comments
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Ashley85
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Had to bail on the last read. I hope this one holds my attention!

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Pageflipping.gypsy
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Currently reading this and am in love so far 💜💕

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bookishkai
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Sunday reading! I started this while outside with the dogs this morning, and would have happily stayed out there reading all day, but it was starting to get hot and I was hungry. But now food is cooking and my chores are done for the day, so I‘m going to settle in with this and the Rockies game.

46 likes3 stack adds
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InBooksILive
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

My eyes are still red and puffy from this book. It is a raw, emotional, heart wrenching, eye opening story. But it's one that needs told over and over and loudly. This book will stay with me for a very long time and I'm so glad I took a break from my usual fantasies to read this one. Kelly Rimmer knows how to touch your heart deeply and stay there and she's become a new favorite author. 5 out of 5 stars for this incredibly emotional, moving book.

66 likes2 stack adds
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InBooksILive
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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I think I'm ready for this book to tear my heart out so I'm starting it tonight. I'm easily put to tears especially when it's about situations close to home and things I can relate to, like having an addict as a family member. Soooo tissues will be within hands reach. Ready, set... CRY!

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bibli0phagist
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 WOW! When I read the synopsis of this book I knew I‘d love it, but even so it was better than I expected. This book was so raw and heart wrenching at times. I would HIGHLY recommend this book, although some may find it hard to read due to the insightful look at heroin addiction.
Side note: I‘m grateful for the audiobook. I was able to listen while cleaning my house today (which was highly needed)

57 likes1 stack add
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bibli0phagist
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Reading while my boys play cars. I‘m about half way done and hoping to finish tonight so I can start a new ARC I received today. Has anyone else read this book? Thoughts?
#kidsoflitsy

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shellleigh33
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
Pickpick

Wow what a great read. This book was such an emotional book. It really hit close to home for me since I had a sister who was addicted and died from drugs.

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shellleigh33
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer

You love like that only once in a lifetime—you can love from a place of innocence only once. It always leads to the deepest hurt, and after that, you‘re changed and hardened by it.

JHSiess 💔 6y
17 likes1 comment
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shellleigh33
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer

It‘s remarkable how one person‘s presence can disrupt every little thing that is ordinarily secure.

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Tracylynn1177
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

Amazing! An incredibly emotional journey between two sisters battling the ups and downs of addiction and codependency. Very engaging plot and characters.

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Night_Reader
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

What a heart-breaking story. This is a thought provoking book about important issues surrounding drugs, love, mental health & the legal system. It's a great book for the most part & I definitely shed a few tears towards the end.

Cinfhen Lovely photo and review 💜 6y
Night_Reader @Cinfhen Thanks. ☺️ 6y
Cinfhen Cool mug!!! I just realized ~ it‘s Adele Woman in Gold 😁 6y
See All 8 Comments
Night_Reader @Cinfhen I don't have the heart to use it 'cause it's too pretty. So I'm glad I could use it for a photo. 6y
Night_Reader @Cinfhen It's hard to tell but it's actually 'The Kiss' by Gustav Klimt. 6y
Cinfhen Ahhh, I‘m not familiar with that particular painting ~ will need to investigate 🔍 6y
Night_Reader @Cinfhen Both paintings were down by Gustav during his 'Golden Period' .. that's why they look similar. 6y
Cinfhen I do recall that painting‘s title because I recently read 6y
8 likes8 comments
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Night_Reader
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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"I want you to stumble and let me pick you up. I want you to tell me the load is too heavy and let me carry some of it."

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Night_Reader
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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I'm loving the feel of this book in my hands. The cover & the torn paper edges - OMG! This is going to be a very enjoyable read, I can feel it!! 🤗

neet_reads Deckled? 7y
Night_Reader @neet_reads Yes!! Of course, you'd know! ☺️ Thanks. 7y
Night_Reader @neet_reads I asked Christian & he's like: 'feathered? Pretentious?'...😒 7y
neet_reads lol 7y
neet_reads I love deckled edges sometimes. They add to mood & feel of the book 7y
4 likes5 comments
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InBooksILive
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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This sounds like a book that'll break my heart and make me cry, repeatedly. Anything that's sad that has to do with animals or children, my feelers feel hard. I have to read it lol added to the TBR list!

56 likes2 stack adds
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bookishkai
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Mini book haul from The Tattered Cover! I had my quarterly trek waaaaay down south to the oncologist today (for those in the know, I live in Westminster and he‘s at Littleton Adventist, so annoying but WELL worth the drive, I love my doc). We decided to do a little shopping at Aspen Grove on the way home, and my reward for not complaining while M spent an hour in Williams Sonoma was candy and books!

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crazyspine
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Early bday gift to myself #bookishbox

Lovesbooks87 This book sounds so good! Happy Early Birthday! 7y
Swe_Eva Totoro! 💜 7y
BookBridget Stacked! 7y
BookBridget Does this mean that I don't have to get you anything? Just kidding. 7y
29 likes4 comments
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Kristy_K
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

Before I Go is a poignant novel about family and unexpected changes. The story begins with Annie reaching out to Lexie right before the birth of her (drug addicted) baby. Lexie agrees to kinship care while Annie deals with the legal ramifications of doing drugs while pregnant (and also agreeing to rehab).

The ending is bittersweet yet fitting. Rimmer created an emotional, moving novel that tugs at your heartstrings.

#netgalley #contemporary

tammysue Great review! 7y
79 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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Notafraidofwords
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

This is a book about a baby and 2 sisters: one a doctor and the other struggling with addiction. Except for the repetition and large info dumps, I was really taken with the story. I also learned a lot about the ways pregnant women struggling with substance abuse are targeted and prosecuted. It‘s a major issue that I hope this book brings more attention to that. I really rooted for Annie and for her to overcome her addiction-it All felt so real.

Notafraidofwords @BooksForEmpathy I feel like you might like this one. Interested in reading it? I can send you the arc. You‘re background is therapy right ? 7y
Notafraidofwords TW for child abuse and rape. 7y
BooksForEmpathy @Notafraidofwords YES!!!! I am a therapist! This looks really interesting. Would love to connect about borrowing your ARC. Thanks for thinking of me! 7y
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Notafraidofwords @BooksForEmpathy oh I think you‘ll like it. Email me at ryanira9 at aol.com with your P.O. box or address. No worries about returning- I usually don‘t keep arcs around due to limited space. 7y
Notafraidofwords @BooksForEmpathy ryanira9@aol.com sorry about that. 7y
Notafraidofwords @BooksForEmpathy hi!!! I‘m going to the post this week so if you want the book, email me the information. I‘m from linden nj but I‘ll be sending it media mail. Only if you‘re still interested. 7y
78 likes1 stack add7 comments
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Forgetmenot
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
Pickpick

Wow this book was stunning. I loved it from start to finish so cleverly written about two sisters one fighting addiction. This book had me holding back sobs in the middle of a flight it was that good. The author portrays the subject with so much knowledge it just brought the book to life. Maybe it might change some minds on addiction and how society views people who struggle to fight it. Utterly amazing

3 likes1 stack add
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Rachbb3
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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91 likes1 stack add
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HeySaidRenee
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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I love surprise book mail! Can't wait to read this one.

6 likes1 stack add
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Clwojick
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Woohoo! Another free book from Goodreads! Now I‘ve won 5! ♥️📚♥️ #Goodreads #goodreadsgiveaway #winnerwinner #chickendinner 🐻

Drnkpnkprincess Hahahah yeaaaah!!! Get it! Now if only I could win one- I think goodreads is biased against AZ residents (edited) 7y
kamoorephoto I have had one that I haven‘t RECEIVED yet...! They just asked me where my review was! 7y
AmyG Congrats! I‘ve won a few, myself. 7y
See All 7 Comments
TommieMarie74 I won two when I first joined, years ago, but nothing since. Maybe they aren‘t fans of KS either. Lol 7y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled I have never. Ever. Won a Goodreads giveaway. Am I cursed? It‘s been years of entries. 🧐 7y
Clwojick @ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled I have spend nights entering hundreds of giveaways lol. I think in comparison I only have a 0.1 % ratio of winning lol 7y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled Hey, though, you‘re winning! Keep it up!! 7y
94 likes7 comments
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Alfoster
Before I Let You Go | Kelly Rimmer
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Pickpick

Heartbreaking novel that had me weeping at the end. Lexie discovers her sister, Annie is addicted to heroin and is also pregnant. This could mean prison if Annie doesn‘t get sober. Lexie does what she‘s done all her life: save her sister. But secrets from their past threaten her recovery and things spiral out of control. Addiction, children‘s rights, grief, justice, and sisterly love make this pathos-filled novel a must-read! Thanks to NetGalley!

Izai.Amorim Great review 👍 7y
Alfoster @Izai.Amorim Thank you! 7y
CaitlinR Based on your review I‘m going to pull it from our ARC shelves, thanks. 7y
See All 6 Comments
Alfoster @CaitlinR Wait. You mean you want people to read it or not? It‘s so good! 7y
CaitlinR Sorry, my bad, I‘m going to pull it for myself to read. Your review was that good. 7y
Alfoster Oh good! Sorry I misunderstood! Let me know what you think!😆 7y
93 likes3 stack adds6 comments