Too Soon for Adiós starts in a heavy place: Gabby Medina’s mother has just died, she’s in debt (a mixture of student loans and credit cards for her mom’s cancer treatment), and she’s unemployed. Getting her old job back doesn’t go well, even adding to the burden she carries. This is when the biological dad she never knew decides he wants to be a part of her life. He even offers her his late grandmother’s house, no strings attached. Gabby can fix it up, sell it, and keep the profits, thereby solving her financial woes. And with few options available to her, Gabby decides to move to New Mexico and do just that.

Gabby is a tough character, hiding her sensitive self under a shell of aloofness and sarcasm. This is how she keeps her dad, Raul, at arm’s length. It’s also how she keeps the Sonrisa town mayor and construction man, Diego Paz, at a distance. Gabby has anxiety and sometimes panic attacks, and she’s unsure how to get a new job as a sous-chef. She’s not looking to make any real connections with the people in Sonrisa; she just wants the house’s sale money so she can move on with her life.

Although it starts off with difficult events and themes, and it can be heavy in the first few chapters, Too Soon for Adiós does blossom into a lighter and easier read than I’d expected. As Gabby starts to get to know her neighbors and dad, and as she slowly becomes a part of the community, the sadness melts away, too. I loved seeing how Gabby navigates the new relationships, from her dad to the hot but annoying Diego to the strange neighbors. By learning about her family history and her family’s role in developing Sonrisa so long ago, Gabby finds an unexpected sense of belonging.

The tentative relationship with Raul is a highlight, even with its ups and downs. The romance that blooms between Gabby and Diego is also unexpectedly sweet. They both have tragedy in their past, but they can help each other heal. Even with the new relationships, Gabby can also rely on her two aunts and the kind co-worker from her previous job.

Too Soon for Adiós is a touching story of family connection, community, Mexican American history, and healing. Despite some heavy themes, it is ultimately a novel with levity, humor, and a heartwarming end.

Too Soon for Adiós achieves a good balance between emotional and sweet. Gabby’s relationships with Raul and Diego are both highlights, but it’s also heartening to see her grow more confident, develop new friendships, and find a sense of home with her new family. This is a quick yet memorable read that leaves me eager for more from Annette Chavez Macias.

I finished Too Soon for Adios at 11 p.m. last night and let me tell you, it really was too soon for adios! I could have read another 200 pages of just Raul, Lola, Gabby, and Diego navigating their next adventure in Sonrisa. I absolutely devoured this novel over the past week and became enthralled by the characters that Chavez Macia wrote. Further, this novel was the perfect amount of family conflict and reconciliation mixed with romance. I was just as interested about Raul and Gabby's journey as I was Diego and Gabby's journey. Speaking of Diego, boy, is he HOT!!!! For a minute, I was getting frustrated with Gabby for not figuring out her feelings because I would have fell in love with Diego almost instantly. Not only is he dreamy but he's supportive as hell, a hard worker, funny, and a charismatic person. What's not to love? The only thing that fell flat for me while reading this novel is the dialogue. There were times where I felt it would be too redundant or too structured which made it feel a little unrealistic. However, I thought the general storytelling and writing was fantastic and I loved the themes of grief, family, and culture. This book also made me so hungry and I now wish I could visit Carlita's Cocina IRL. Thankfully, I have some delicious local, family-owned, Latin-style restaurants in my neighborhood that I love that will be seeing me more often than usual. Finally, I will be recommending this novel to everyone I know and I am sincerely grateful that I got the opportunity to read and review a copy of this early! Thank you Annette Chavez Macias, Montlake Publishing, and NetGalley for making that happen!

This is a good book. The two main characters are Gabby and Diego. There is an instant attraction. Gabby has recently lost her mother, out a job and no home. Her biological father has offered her a home of his grandmother’s that recently passed. She decides to take up his offer. Diego is a handyman and the mayor. So he helps Gabby fix up the house. They each have their issues but together they work them out and fall in love.

Too Soon for Adios is a beautiful story about a woman coming to terms with her family, her heritage, and loss. There were some beautiful descriptions of Mexican-American culture, including food, family, and heritage. I really enjoyed the the way Gabby struggled with humor dealing with the loss of her mother and the questions she was left with. I loved Diego and thought was absolutely charming. Although it was a little slow at times, I really enjoyed the ending!

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Montlake for the gifted e-book ❤️

Check triggers*

Read this book if you like: Mexican American representation, quick reads, small towns, growing from grief

This is such a heartfelt, beautiful story. I really enjoyed it. Gabby's journey in this book is full of discovery and growth. The romance with Diego is perfectly developed and so cute. I love that Gabby moved to the small town with a mission but established a bond with her absent dad. I loved it. I highly recommend this book!

Trigger warning: sexual assault
Too Soon for Adios, by Annette Chavez Macias, is a sweet story about family, found family and love. I found it very easy to relate to the main character and get into the book. While it's a fairly predictable plot line, it's got plenty of surprises and unique touches to keep you hooked.
Gabby has just lost her mom to cancer. She has no idea where she's supposed to go from here. She quit her job as a sous chef, months ago, so she could take care of her mom.
Then, while at her mom's funeral, she meets her biological father for the first time. He's come to offer her his late abuela's house. But Gabby isn't having it! He has some nerve showing up just out of the blue!
After Gabby realizes that she's out of options, she decides to accept the house. Now she just has to get it ready to sell. Good thing her father has a direct line to the best handy man in town.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I liked this book, but there were a few things that were not my cup of tea.

Starting with the things I liked:
- Mexican food!!! Literally, when Gabby made mole negro it made me really crave my mom's mole. Hers will forever be the best!!
- I really loved the highlight of Mexican culture in Sonrisa and the importance of preserving history!

Onto my dislikes...
- TBH I did not like our main character, Gabby. I understand she is going through hella trauma, but she is emotionally immature and rude, and the personal growth she experiences through the novel seems incredibly unrealistic.
- A lot of the book was everyone telling Gabby how she was feeling and what she should be doing, rather than her figuring it out for herself.
- The progression of Diego and Gabby's relationship felt forced. In one moment Gabby doesn't like the guy and in the next moment, she is crushing on him. It was a little too insta-lovey for me.

Overall, this book had its ups and downs. It wasn't my favorite by this author, but it was still a fun & quick read!

This book has everything! I truly believe that if you read this book you will feel your heart touched one way or another, for me it happened multiple times.

From growing up in a Mexican house hold where love yous is not typically said but shown to learning to living with grief and finding a home when you thought you would always be alone.

A story about a woman going on a journey to find herself, her roots and her love for food and a special someone.
Romance and found family are only two of the tropes that are included in this work of art!

I also learned the meaning of the word adelita: any strong woman who fights for what she believes is right, routing from soldadoras (female soilders that found in the Mexican revolution).

I truly, truly recommend this book to everyone.

Thank you to netgalley, Amazon publishing and Annette Chavez Macias for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

TW: assault, death

Too Soon For Adiós is a beautiful story surrounding grief and learning one’s heritage and background. When the novel begins we find Gabriel’s mourning the death of her mother. While at her funeral a man Gabriela has never met appears wanting to offer her a house in Sonrisa, New Mexico. Gabriela is confused and angry and a little lost. I loved this book for many reasons. Gabriela was such an interesting and wonderful character someone I could see myself in. I think there is a moment in all of our lives where we feel lost and undeserving of the good things life has in store for us: love, friendship, found family, and success. I loved getting to see Gabriela navigate all of these opportunities and relationships while coming to terms and experiencing the grief that come with losing a loved one. The romance in this was so sweet. Diego was such a positive lights in her life and so supportive of her although there is a little animosity at first. I loved all of the characters and the town of Sonrisa. They were a beautiful community and I loved that Gabriela is able to become a part of that. I gave this book a 4.75⭐️ and I definitely recommend checking this book out. Annette Chavez Macias know how to write beautiful characters who leap off the page.

This is such an amazing story about grief and second chances.


Gabby is dealing with the loss of her mother and the reappearance of her father. Her father coming back gives her the second chance at her her dream of being a chef.

This is a story that will have you in your feelings. I loved Annette's previous book and this one was even better. Her writing style really brings you into the story as if you were the character.

Too Soon for Adiós by Annette Chavez Macias is a poignant and heartfelt novel that explores the themes of grief, loss, and family. The book follows the story of Gabby, a young woman who returns to her hometown in New Mexico after the death of her father.

Macias's writing is raw and emotional, and she creates a powerful and evocative portrait of grief and the ways in which it can impact our lives. The novel is filled with complex and deeply flawed characters, and Macias does a fantastic job of exploring their motivations and relationships with great nuance and sensitivity.

What sets Too Soon for Adiós apart from other novels is its exploration of the Latino experience and the challenges faced by those who straddle two different worlds. The book offers a nuanced and insightful look at the tensions and conflicts that arise as Gabby tries to reconcile her Mexican heritage with her American upbringing.

Overall, Too Soon for Adiós is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving novel that offers a compelling portrait of a woman's struggle to come to terms with the loss of her father and the impact it has on her relationships with her family and community. It is a reminder of the importance of family, community, and the human spirit, and a testament to the power of love and forgiveness.

Too Soon for Adios
Annette Macias
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From the moment I read the synopsis I knew this would be a story close to my heart. You see, Gabby meets her dad at her moms funeral. Her bio dad. He’s back and wants to make amends. From the get go I knew where this was going. I knew the path of the story but that did not keep me from not wanting to read day in and day out.

I absolutely loved the storyline and how Gabby grows to know she is allowed to be loved. To know that she is allowed to get close to someone.

TW: Attempted SA, anxiety, death of parent

Since Christmas I’ve been going through a bit of a Latino phase. Busy rewatching the Santos series of West Wing, as well as the two fabulous series of Acapulco on Apple +. When this book popped up on my radar I knew that it would be perfect for my current mood!

Gabby Medina has had a rough time recently. She gave up her dream job working for one of the best chefs in town so that she could help look after her mother in her last days. At the funeral she meets her biological father, a man that she knows nothing about and who wants to be part of her life. Oh, and he wants to give her a house.

The trouble is that Gabby doesn’t want to leave Los Angeles and she doesn’t really want to get to know this unknown father. Unfortunately she doesn’t have a job or anywhere to live and the student loans are stacking up so she finally agrees to go and see it on the basis that she can get it done up to sell and pay off her debts.

It is a beautiful story that navigates through the problems of being in your late twenties and not having your future sewn up. Getting to know her father and his family provides a lot of poignant moments as Gabby realises where her love of food and flavours has come from and her place in the entire family history. The descriptions of the food, the locations and the characters make you want to relocate with Gabby. Particularly if the local mayor is like Diego!

Supplied by Net Galley and Montlake in exchange for an honest review.

Annette Chavez Macias has quickly become an auto author for me. I'll read whatever she writes. Her writing style is easy to understand. Her stories and characters are relatable to me.
Too Soon For Adíos is a story of loss, grief, second chances, family roots, and love. Gabby Moreno loses her mom to cancer. The first chapter of Too Soon for Adíos had me sobbing and sucked me right in to the story. Gabby's biological dad, Raul, introduces himself after her mom's funeral. At first Gabby wants nothing to do with him, but after an incident with a big time chef in L.A. and huge amount of debt, she decides to take up Raul's offer and move to the small town of Sonrisa, NM. Raul gives Gabby his late grandmother's house to do with as she pleases. Gabby decides to remodel the house and sell it to pay off debt and start over as a chef. As the house transforms, so does Gabby and her relationships.
The story includes tid bits of Mexican history, small town charm, loveable characters, and delicious food.

This was really good and although it wasn't what I was expecting, I kind of loved it AND loved how it was both somewhat predictable while also having really unique, lovely elements and messages and a few little surprises for us along the way that just make it what it is.

Following the death of her mother, Gabby meets her estranged father and is invited to come live in her paternal great-grandmother's home for a few months. At first she declines but then an incident at work propels her on a different path than what she foresaw for herself and she finds herself away from the hustle of LA and in small town New Mexico.

Everyone from the mayor, Diego, to her dad Raul and her neighbour Lola welcome her in their own ways and help her with fixing up her great-grandmother's house. But when it comes time to sell the home she's put so much into, will she really want to?

I also loved the foodie element of this novel which really gave it depth and brought it to life. I am seriously craving some good mexican food and am scouring the tops of old appliances for long-forgotten recipe books just in case ;)

Gabby didn't expect to find peace or love when she moved to her late grandmother's house in a small town in New Mexico but that's what happens in this novel that's as much about her personal growth as it is about romance. Her bio-dad Raul who was never in her life offered her the deal at her mother's funeral and, deep in debt and in need of a change, she takes it. Turns out Diego, the mayor, is also her handyman and the two of them built a relationship, But will she leave town for the job she's always wanted? Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers. It's not deep but it's a good read.

An amazing story of loss, grief, finding oneself, and connecting to your roots. 

Tropes:
Found family
City girl in a small town
Close proximity/working together
Healing family bonds
Self discovery
Single POV 

This book had elements of a romance but the romance wasn't the focus of the story. It was very much about the journey of a young woman after suffering the death of her mother. 

Gabby was very relatable, not only as a Latina, but as someone who is cautious, deals with anxiety, and occasional bouts of imposter syndrome. She's an amazing chef but still has lingering doubts about her abilities. I loved her journey and how she found a connection to her culture through food.

I loved the small town family vibe and learning about Las Adelitas. Reading about the recipes and food they made had me craving a home cooked meal from my Abuelita.

Overall this book was very easy to read and was low on conflict. However, I do recommend checking trigger and content warnings before reading.

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered freely. 

Trigger/Content warnings:
Grief, death of parent, sexual assault

This is a beautiful story that follows Gabby. She is at her mother's funeral when a man appears, telling her he is her father and making her an offer. This is a story of grief, but it is not handled in a heavy way because Gally is working toward dealing with that grief. She moved to Sorisa, New Mexico, and although she resists it, she is opining her heart up to her biological father, new friendships, and love.

Food plays an important role since Gabby is Latina and a chef. She is also discovering that love of food and cooking runs in the family she never knew. Being open to her biological father means finding parts of her heritage that help explain who she is. Gabby needs to learn that hese new discoveries and her new life don't mean she is rejecting her mother and father. There is a place for her in New Mexico, and that just maybe her future is also there.

No one expects to meet their father at their mother’s funeral. But for Gabby Medina, that’s exactly what happens. Her dad abandoned her when she was a baby, and now he’s back.

And he wants to give her a house.

Gabby doesn’t want the house—or him. But she could use the money. So Gabby agrees to take it under two conditions: First, she can sell the house whenever she wants. Second, accepting it doesn’t mean she accepts him.

After they strike a deal, Gabby hires a contractor in preparation for a quick sale. But as she gets to know the town and these two new men in her life, she learns more about herself than she ever dared to think possible.

But is she ready to open herself up to the truth of what happened—and the promise of what could be?

A captivating story that I was drawn into from the first page a propulsive read that never let me go from start to finish!

As always with arc reviews thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this Arc.

I genuinely adore this book so much. At first it is quite slow but as we learn more the book becomes better and better.

The story follows Gabby who after her mum dies from cancer meets her biological father at the funeral. Afterwards she is given the opportunity to build a new bond with her father and pay off debts left to her by selling a house in Sonrisa where her father lives.

The characters in this book are enjoyable. I think gabby as a character falls a bit flat as you reach the end of the book but that’s really the only criticism. I loved how the author didn’t just use her career love for food as a side plot but rather used it to enhance the story further. Her being a sous chef was one thing but throughout how Macias describes the process and gabby’s love of cooking is truthfully magical and deserves recognition.

I wouldn’t call this book a romance. I would argue that it is more of a conversation on grief and how it affects the living. That said how Macias writes relationship should be analysed by romance writers everywhere because the relationship between the two main characters is phenomenally written. Like it’s not even debatable I was rooting for them the whole time and I honestly would read a whole book centred on them.

I also think that this book is important because it opens up many conversations on gentrification of small towns. This is something that should be talked about more especially gentrification through the housing market as it takes away the opportunity for local people to buy houses in their own neighbourhoods.

Overall, I have no regrets going into this book. For only 250 pages it some now managed to show a fully story with deep character development and all.