EVERY TIME YOU GO AWAY, by Abigail Johnson, Inkyard Press; Original edition, Dec. 5, 2023, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
Every Time You Go Away, by Abigail Johnson, follows the lives and relationship between two friends as they experience grief, forgiveness and love.
Eight years ago, Ethan and Rebecca met, two troublemaking kids sharing secrets and first kisses in a tree house, until Ethan’s mom returned to take him away. Each and every visit, his only goodbye was a flower on Rebecca’s windowsill.
Four years ago, Ethan left for the last time to take care of his mother, who has struggled with addiction his whole life.
Two years ago, Rebecca was in a car accident that killed her father. She’s been learning to navigate life as a wheelchair user ever since.
Now, they discover if their hardships have torn them apart…or will bring them closer than ever. —Synopsis provided by Inkyard Press
Every Time You Go Away is a lovely exploration of relationships — those between friends, between family and community.
The story unfolds through Ethan and Rebecca’s alternating points of view, “then” and “now.” Both characters are beautifully realized. Complicated and imperfect, they draw you in and beg you to learn more.
Every Time You Go Away is not a fast-moving book, but that’s OK. It’s better because you do step away and sort of absorb what you’ve read.
Author Abigail Johnson’s prose is strong and inviting. She moves between Rebecca and Ethan’s voices with ease. In Every Time You Go Away she has created a compelling read that sits with you long after completion.
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