When tragedy wreaks havoc on the lives of Yasmen and Josiah Wade, their forever love story comes tumbling down, splintering their family. In an attempt to stabilize the lives of their children after such upheaval, Yasmen and Josiah work to find a balanced co-parenting rhythm. After separating, they agree to remain business partners at their restaurant and spend time together for the sake of the kids. Suddenly, a stolen kiss threatens their new normal and leaves Yasmen and Josiah unsure of how to move on. Is it too late?
Before I Let Go is full of emotion, as Kennedy Ryan weaves together tragedy with love, depression with happiness, and instability with perfect balance. As much as I was invested in the second chance love story between Yasmen and Josiah, I also felt the emotion in Yasmen’s depression and losses. It is not a fairytale story, but a look into real life, real relationships, and real emotions. Though the book alternates between Yasmen and Josiah’s perspectives, I particularly loved following Yasmen as she expresses her emotions in such a relatable way. Yasmen’s character progression was unique, as she shows both her vulnerabilities and strengths. Through Yasmen, Ryan proves to readers it’s okay not to be okay all the time. Yasmen finds strength in her pain and comfort in feeling deep emotions. Additionally, through Yasmen and Josiah’s loss and grief, Ryan normalizes therapy and emphasizes the importance of emotional maturity and growth.
This story is one of second chances, grief, forgiveness, and love. Readers will be able to see glimpses of themselves in this novel, whether as a mother, partner, divorcée, or child. You might relate to the mental struggles, the need for independence, facing insurmountable grief, overcoming trauma, accepting your feelings, or finding love again. Ultimately, you can find a piece of who you are or who you want to be. A must read for lovers of It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover and Seven Days in June by Tia Williams.
Stay tuned for our Author Deep Dive with Kennedy Ryan this Friday, November 18th!
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Diana Tramontano is a graduate of The College of William & Mary, where she competed on the Division 1 swim team, and the post-grad publishing course at Columbia University. She is a consulting editor for Zibby Mag and the associate publicist at Zibby Books. She lives in New York City. Follow her Instagram account for more book reviews and recommendations: @99livesofabookgirl
