Official Review: Every Time We Say Goodbye by Liz Flaherty

NadineTimes10 · Post by **NadineTimes10** » 21 May 2016, 22:27

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Every Time We Say Goodbye" by Liz Flaherty.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Love gets a second chance in Every Time We Say Goodbye, a novel by Liz Flaherty. Jack Llewellyn has been living with guilt for years, ever since the tragic prom night accident that drove him to move away from his small hometown. Now a single father, Jack is back in town on business, but he doesn’t plan on staying, not even after he reunites with his former high school girlfriend, Arlie Gallagher.

Arlie finds herself easing back into friendship with Jack as they reminisce and laugh about good times from their past. Yet, they both feel the underlying strain as they avoid mentioning memories that are too painful to talk about. What’s more, Arlie carries the added weight of a life-altering secret she’s been keeping to herself since high school. After all this time, she still has feelings for Jack, but is there any use in indulging those feelings if he’s going to leave town again to be near his son?

I’ve seen before how this author has a knack for adding serious depth to a romance, and the case is the same here. This isn’t only a story about being in love, but it’s also about grief and fear, about forgiving, letting go, and moving on in various areas of life. Both the principal and supporting characters of this novel are believable, relatable, and the main characters in particular have layers. There’s complexity to their insecurities, motives, and decisions. No character is depicted as perfect, and no one is an antagonist just because he or she is a “bad person” for no reason, or without at least a hint of a reason to give the character dimension.

The novel deals with some of the fortunate and unfortunate realities of relationships, and Arlie and Jack’s well-developed, unrushed romance is not the only relationship the reader gets to explore. The story takes a look at family dynamics and dysfunction and how their effects may play out in different generations. Career choices are also significant to the plot; I especially felt for Arlie, as her vocational dilemma isn’t merely about having or doing a job but about acknowledging her purpose. Then, even with the novel’s serious themes, the author makes room for humor and lighter moments, including family banter and small-town antics.

My only real but minor dissatisfaction with this book doesn’t concern the story itself but just the book cover. Jack wears glasses, which some (perhaps even many) people wouldn’t deem to be the “sexiest” visual on a romance novel. Nevertheless, I would’ve loved a cover image that could rightly show off the hero in his wire-framed spectacles!

For its depth, complexity, and its winning cast of characters, I give Every Time We Say Goodbye a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. I’d recommend it to other readers who appreciate wholesome romances with substance.

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Every Time We Say Goodbye
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Post by **bookowlie** » 09 Jun 2016, 20:35

Great review! Isn't it a nice surprise to see a book by an author you've read and loved?

It seems deeper and more interesting than the fluff romance books out there. I am going to add this one to my long reading list.

NadineTimes10 · Post by **NadineTimes10** » 09 Jun 2016, 20:47

bookowlie wrote:Great review! Isn't it a nice surprise to see a book by an author you've read and loved?

Thanks, and yes! I snatched the book up as soon as I saw Liz Flaherty's name. Didn't read the book description or anything.

I try to neutralize my expectations before diving in, though, since I'd like to judge a book based on the merit I see in it, rather than what I saw in another book I read before it, but it's super nice when I find out my initial excitement wasn't for nothing!

Post by **bookowlie** » 09 Jun 2016, 20:52

I actually read two review books in the past few months that were by authors I read before. I felt the same way as you did - I snatched the books up when I saw them! One was a children's book and I liked it even better than the first one I read, which I also liked. The other one was an interesting surprise because the author challenged himself by changing genres, from mystery to Young Adult. Now I need to find a third one!

NadineTimes10 · Post by **NadineTimes10** » 09 Jun 2016, 21:10

bookowlie wrote:I actually read two review books in the past few months that were by authors I read before. I felt the same way as you did - I snatched the books up when I saw them! Now I need to find a third one!

The hunt is on!

I myself have been "hunting down" books with, perhaps, even more vigor than usual. Trying to expand my reading palate gradually while still leaving room/time for my regular and favorite stuff.