I don’t know if I have enough words to describe how my I loved Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan. I’m not usually speechless or at a loss for words, but this isn’t that. This is more that I literally could write for days weeks about this book and how great it is.

The story made me feel so many emotions. It was realistic, which for me is the first thing that needs to be addressed. Unless it is a retelling of a classic novel that no one expects to be real, then if this isn’t something that could actually happen I try not to get to attached to those books. I mean I’m still trying to let go of my Cinderella notions of life should be, I don’t need any more. unrealistic views on life and love. But before I diverged on my Cinderella rant, the story hit me in all of the feels. From the connection between Yasmen and Josiah to the children and how they played such an integral part in how the story unfolded. While it was a love story, it was also a story about family and their bonds. I’m actually shocked that I didn’t cry while reading the book. I’m not afraid to admit that I did shed a few tears at the end. For those of you who have finished the book, you know why.

All of this to say, while I thought that Love on the Brain was my favorite read of 2022, I spoke too soon. Before I Let Go now takes that title, and Love on the Brain is actually a far second. While the books may have been somewhat different, this one just felt so much more real, why it is my favorite book of the year.

Everyone should go out and read this book. I have already planned to work all of Kennedy Ryan’s books into my reading goals for 2023.