Before I Let Go

Before I Let Go follows the story of Yasmen and Josiah Wade, former high school sweethearts whose marriage ended after experiencing devastating personal losses. Years later, they maintain a successful co-parenting relationship and run a restaurant together in Atlanta, but unresolved feelings remain beneath the surface. The narrative explores how grief and trauma can impact even the strongest relationships, as Yasmen and Josiah navigate their complex history and present-day interactions. Their teenage daughter and young son add another layer of complexity as the family works to maintain stability despite past upheavals. The novel examines themes of mental health, healing, and the possibility of second chances in love. Ryan's portrayal of Black family life, entrepreneurship, and community in Atlanta provides context for a story about rebuilding trust and finding hope after profound loss.

Readers emphasize the book's realistic portrayal of a long-term relationship's end and the complexities of co-parenting. Many note the emotional depth and maturity in how the characters handle their separation and potential reconciliation. Likes: - Raw, honest dialogue between characters - Balance of heavy themes with moments of humor - Character development, especially the male protagonist - Representation of Black love and family dynamics - Dual perspective storytelling Dislikes: - Pacing feels slow in the middle sections - Some found the length (400+ pages) excessive - Several readers mentioned difficulty connecting with the female protagonist's choices Ratings: Goodreads: 4.34/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (5,000+ ratings) BookBub: 4.5/5 (1,000+ ratings) Notable reader comment: "Shows the work required in marriage - not just the falling in love part, but the staying in love through difficulties." - Goodreads reviewer

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🌟 Kennedy Ryan made history as the first Black author to win a RITA Award, romance publishing's highest honor, for her novel "Long Shot" in 2019 💝 "Before I Let Go" tackles the sensitive topic of grief after the loss of a spouse, drawing from the author's personal experiences and extensive research with widows and widowers 📚 The book is part of a series called "Skyland," named after the fictional small Georgia town where the story takes place 🎵 The novel's title is inspired by the classic R&B song "Before I Let Go" by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, which has deep cultural significance in African American communities 🖋️ Kennedy Ryan wrote this book while dealing with Long COVID symptoms, incorporating her understanding of chronic illness into the story's themes of resilience and healing