They say time heals all wounds. But he was finding it a poor painkiller.

 

Tyler Collens has seen grief and loss in his years of experience as a paramedic—but he never expected it to touch his life in such a personal way. The death of his wife eighteen months ago shook his steady world and changed him in more ways than he can count. Time and routine have steadied his feet, and he looks toward the future as he raises his infant daughter—but the past has a tighter grip on him than he knows.

 

Alyvia Emmerson has never been certain of who she is or where she belongs. Her dad’s abandonment as a teen broke a fragile piece of her heart, but ten years later, she has moved on. Living on her own, she at last has a project to devote herself to: revitalizing a shabby bookstore. But she didn’t count on her dream job revealing the shattered pieces of herself she thought mended long ago.

 

In this sophomore novel featuring beloved characters from Live Without You, Sarah Grace Grzy explores themes of grief, hope, and second chances in a story that touches both the heart and spirit. 

Since the moment Sarah Grace Grzy first announced she was releasing a second book, I was on the edge of my seat for more information. Sarah Grace’s Instagram is one of my favorite accounts, and I love Live Without You, so I was beyond thrilled when I heard that Never Say Goodbye‘s release date was just days before yours truly’s birthday.

Because that meant someone would buy the book for me. they didn’t, and I forked over my own money but that’s besides the point.

I was honored to be able to join this tour, and write my own review of this story, so if you’re ready, I am.

I started the book, unsure of what to expect. I knew it was about Tyler (one of my favorite characters from Live Without You) but I wasn’t sure what was going on, the exact plot of the story, or how long it was after Live Without You.

I finished the book in one day.

That should be a testament to how amazing this story is. It took me two pages to be sucked into the tale, and it took four hours for me to finish the tale and give all the characters hugs.

Sarah Grace deserves a long round of applause from everyone. Not only from her remarkable story, but also for how much work she’s put into this launch, this story, her Instagram, and just connecting with readers. We need to take a moment of silence to thank her for all of this.

*moment of silence*

Now onto the actual review. I must say, I was a little hesitant about Alyvia and her dad. Just. Hmm. Dad abandonment issues with a young adult? But the tale is perfect, which was astonishing, especially with all that was going on with Tyler and Murrae.

Seeing Ezra and Piper as parents about melted my heart, to be honest. 😍

The pacing of the story was smooth, I was immediately drawn into both Tyler and Alyvia’s problems, and all the little kiddies in the story made it so much better! Plus, the beautiful little bookshop felt like home with such vivid descriptions. I could picture everything, down to the crockity old customer.

The romance was super sweet, but never anything to make you uncomfortable. (Not giving any spoilers here, I promise. 😇) It was easy to understand both Alyvia and Tyler’s motivations, their fears, and their desires, and ah, I was totally cheering both of them on.

The tragic events never seemed unrealistic. It was just like, well, that’s life. It’s full of its ups and downs, and sometimes it feels like it when it rains, it just pours. So overall, I would rate this story five stars.

It surpassed my expectations, and that is hard to do, m’friends.

Now, you’re asking who Sarah Grace Grzy is? Well, let me inform you.

Sarah Grace Grzy is a voracious reader, and if it weren’t for this crazy thing called ‘Life,’ she’d be tempted to spend all her days in front of a wood stove, book in one hand, coffee mug in the other. A lover of learning, she finds enjoyment in many things and has more hobbies than she knows what to do with. Sarah Grace is a freelance web and graphic designer, and when not working, spending time with her ever-growing family, or reading, she can be found painting, playing the piano, or fangirling with her sisters and friends. Sarah Grace inhabits the State of Great Lakes, and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else—unless it meant she could have a baby penguin, in which case, she’d gladly move to the South Pole.

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Where can you buy this lovely work of art?

Amazon

Barnes and Nobles

Book Depository

Indie Bound

If you’re interested in the giveaway, check it out here.

Comment below if you’ve read Live Without You, and tell me if you’ve already pre-ordered Never Say Goodbye, or if you’re planning to order it.

~~Amie~~