A beautiful love story between Otis and Rebecca. They met and fell in love at Woodstock. It follows their lives. An unforgettable story.

I was given an ARC to give an honest review. These are my words and opinion.

Beautifully crafted from the first sentence and all throughout. Pleasurable to read with an engrossing yet genuine style. I wasn't familiar with Walker's writing before, but this has been a fantastic introduction both to his writing and this series.
I will be reading more soon.

Before We Say Goodbye tells the story of the life and love of straight-laced, idealistic Otis and free-spirited hippie Rebecca, who meet as teenagers on a bus to Woodstock and fall hard for each other. Throughout the book Otis reflects on the life and family they build together in Sonoma as he blindly pursues his ambition to become a world-renowned winemaker. I was not familiar with Boo Walker’s Red Mountain series but apparently Otis is a main character in these novels and Before We Say Goodbye is his origin story.

I enjoyed most aspects of the book. The wine, the setting, the farming, and the people are all vividly brought to life. Otis is a very well developed and flawed character. His stubbornness and ego made me not like him very much, but that’s testament to good writing by the author! The book explores themes of love, loss, hope, resilience, ambition, ego, complicated family dynamics, and high parental expectations.

The part that didn’t work as well for me was on the emotional side. I felt like some of the moments that could have had a lot of emotional resonance fell a bit flat and I was never fully convinced of Rebecca’s love for Otis. It didn’t stop me from enjoying the book though. This is my first Boo Walker book but it won’t be my last!

Before We Say Goodbye by Boo Walker is a beautifully written novel that explores the enduring power of love and the emotional journey of healing. Boo Walker masterfully weaves a poignant story filled with raw emotion, memorable characters, and honest reflections on life's unexpected turns. The story follows Jack and Audrey, whose lives are interrupted by sudden tragedy. As they navigate their grief, they discover that sometimes saying goodbye is only the beginning of a new chapter. Walker’s storytelling is both heartfelt and authentic, capturing the nuances of their emotions and the complexities of moving forward after loss. What I appreciated most about this book was its honest portrayal of vulnerability and resilience. The characters feel real, flawed, and relatable, making their struggles and triumphs resonate deeply. The pacing is steady, allowing readers to connect with their journeys without feeling rushed. While I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional depth and thoughtful themes, at times, certain parts felt slightly predictable. However, this didn’t diminish the overall impact of the story. The ending provides a satisfying sense of closure, leaving you with hope and reflection. Overall, Before We Say Goodbye is a touching and meaningful read that reminds us of the importance of cherishing loved ones and embracing life’s second chances. Highly recommended for those who enjoy heartfelt fiction with a touch of realism and inspiration. Four stars!

Love Boo Walker! I was so excited to see a new Red Mountain book! I loved this series and all the stories and characters!! This one did not disappoint! Another great story !