Every Time You Go Away is the latest release by Abigail Johnson. Set to release on December 5, 2023, Every Time You Go Away takes readers into the world of Ethan and Rebecca. The two have been in and out of each other’s lives for several years. Can they get through their hurt and grief and come out the other side stronger?
I want to thank Inkyard Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Every Time You Go Away. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
CW/TW: death, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, grief
Synopsis from Goodreads
Eight years ago, Ethan and Rebecca met, two trouble-making kids sharing secrets and first kisses in a treehouse until Ethan’s mom returned to take him away. Each and every visit, his only goodbye was a flower on Rebecca’s windowsill.
Three years ago, Ethan left for the last time to take care of his mother, who’s 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.
Positives
- The characters are well-written.
- You are bound to find at least one character you relate to.
- Dual POV that is easy to follow along with.
Negatives
- Rebecca’s mom is not the nicest person. She doesn’t seem to listen to Rebecca’s wants and needs.
- Marketed as a YA romance, which it is not!
My Opinions
Every Time You Go Away is an interesting read. Why? Because it is often labeled as a romance, and while there is a romance between the two main characters, I don’t feel that is the focal point of their story. Rebecca and Ethan are broken, trying to figure out who they are as they reach adulthood. When I say they are broken, I don’t mean they are actually broken. I mean that they feel they have been pigeonholed into their traditional roles.
Ethan and Rebecca grow and develop throughout the book as they learn to use their voice and advocate for themselves with their loved ones. The journey is challenging for both of them, but it is needed.
Every Time You Go Away is told through dual POV and multiple timelines. This could be a mess if done incorrectly. But Johnson does a fantastic job of keeping everything sorted and understandable.
Overall, Every Time You Go Away is a fantastic contemporary YA read that anyone can relate to as they read.
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