whitneydaniell

by: Kennedy Ryan
published: Mar 5, 2024
genre: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction
416 Pages, E-Book ARC Courtesy of NetGalley
GoodReads Link

Previous Books in this Series:
Before I Let Go

I. Characters

Soledad Charles, you are more than enough! Among the friend group, Sol projected the image of a nurturing, mild-mannered individual. Her spirit seemed to grapple with the challenge or conflict of pursuing her passions, which didn’t always align with the demands of maintaining a well-ordered household. My heart truly ached for her. Many stay-at-home mothers find themselves entangled in the lives of their families, only to look up 18 years later with little to show for their own aspirations. While husbands engage in golf outings, work events, and cultivate numerous relationships over the years, it’s often the mothers left grappling with regret. I am immensely pleased that Soledad broke free from this cycle, becoming a shining example of resilience and strength for her daughters. How could one not root for Soledad?

Judah. Judah. Judah. Ms. Ryan certainly possesses the art of crafting a remarkable, emotionally intelligent black man with just the right touch of vulnerability. Judah embodies patience, kindness, understanding, warmth, success, and handsomeness — akin to what Prince Charmings are to Disney princesses for grown women. He is a wonderful character, the kind that seems to only exist within the captivating pages of an extraordinary book. They simply don’t make men like him anymore. The way he cares for his sons and unselfishly supports his ex-wife, who is also a mature and wonderful woman, showcases his exceptional character. Judah’s considerate nature towards Soledad and her daughters further solidifies his status as an extraordinary man.

While the focal point of the story revolves around Sol and Judah, I cannot overlook the vital roles played by Yasmin, Hendrix, Lola, and Lupe. Yas emerges as the level-headed friend who will always be there to catch you. Hendrix, on the other hand, is the companion who holds your hand and takes the leap with you. Lola contributes valuable insights into Sol as an individual outside of her Skyland friends, and the transformation of Lupe is truly commendable. Sol is doing an exceptional job raising her girls.

II. The Story / Plot

Romance is undeniably Ms. Ryan’s forte. This love narrative is a harmonious blend of humor, humility, romance, protection, tenderness, and vulnerability, capable of thawing even the coldest heart. In stark contrast to “Before I Let Go” (a potential point of comparison), where Yasmin exhibits unwavering determination, Soledad embodies a softer and more uncertain demeanor. While Yasmin grapples with grief through control, Soledad grapples with the lack of control in her own life.

Picture yourself seated at the dinner table with your family, engaged in routine conversations you’ve had a hundred times before. Everything seems ordinary until an unexpected knock at the door reveals men in windbreakers, reminiscent of a scene from Bobby Axelrod‘s world. Soledad’s unassuming dinner takes a dark turn, leading to a heated argument with her husband Edward, culminating in his handcuffed departure. This seemingly intended disruption, meant to halt Soledad, surprisingly becomes the catalyst for her forward momentum. As a stay-at-home mom with seemingly non-transferable skills, she defies expectations and propels herself into the real world.

In “Before I Let Go,” we catch a glimpse of Soledad’s trajectory, exploring the influencer angle as Hendrix encourages her to leverage her talents for provision. Soledad transforms into a force to be reckoned with, drawing inspiration from figures like Skylands and Tabitha Brown. The internet becomes enamored with her, and her career as an influencer takes off effortlessly. Kennedy skillfully navigates the intricacies of Soledad’s journey, and from the outset, we sense the unfolding success of her influencer career.

Kennedy’s prowess shines brightest in her depiction of the internal monologues of her protagonists. The depth of emotion woven into her words effortlessly ties knots around our hearts. Judah and Soledad emerge as kindred spirits destined to cross paths, irrespective of circumstances. Their love story, portrayed with remarkable coherence, resonates profoundly, making it clear that they were meant for each other.

III. The Writing

Every word is crafted beautifully in this narrative. Ms. Kennedy skillfully composes each word with meticulous care, as though she is delicately tending to our hearts with consideration. The story unfolds as if the author recognizes the reader’s need for a moment of healing from past traumas.

IV. My Final Thoughts

I desperately needed this book to pull me out of my reading slump. Despite downloading it from Net Galley on its release day, it sat untouched until a few days ago when I realized it had only 14 days left before expiring. I knew I had to dive into it. This book served as the catalyst to propel me over the reading hump and back into the embrace of stories I cherish. Interestingly, “Before I Let Go” was one of the books that helped me overcome a reading slump last year, rekindling my love for reading. Kennedy Ryan possesses an uncanny ability to weave captivating love stories, maintaining a firm grip on her readers.

The book proved to be a breath of fresh air. I’ve expressed my aversion to #strugglelove before, and this narrative was both timely and precisely what I needed. My only complaint revolves around the desire for more insight into the drama between Edward and CalPot; I suspect his mother holds some critical information. Questions linger about Gerald and his involvement. While I understand the story isn’t centered on Edward, a broader exploration would have been intriguing. Nevertheless, I appreciate that the narrative doesn’t dwell excessively on him.

The sisterhood portrayed between Yas, Hen, and Sol, forming their own family, is truly inspiring. Equally captivating is the dynamic between Judah, Tremaine, and Kent — showcasing one of the most mature co-parenting partnerships I’ve ever encountered in literature. Their relationship offers hope to those grappling with challenges in finding common ground with their co-parents.

Overall, this was an outstanding read, leaving me eager to delve into Hendrix’s story.