This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Brooke Blogs!
I’m really excited that I’ve finished my first book of the year for 2017. 🙂 Read on for my review.
Say Goodbye for Now by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Lake Union Publishing
December 13, 2016
On an isolated Texas ranch, Dr. Lucy cares for abandoned animals. The solitude allows her to avoid the people and places that remind her of the past. Not that any of the townsfolk care. In 1959, no one is interested in a woman doctor. Nor are they welcoming Calvin and Justin Bell, a newly arrived African American father and son.
When Pete Solomon, a neglected twelve-year-old boy, and Justin bring a wounded wolf-dog hybrid to Dr. Lucy, the outcasts soon find refuge in one another. Lucy never thought she’d make connections again, never mind fall in love. Pete never imagined he’d find friends as loyal as Justin and the dog. But these four people aren’t allowed to be friends, much less a family, when the whole town turns violently against them.
With heavy hearts, Dr. Lucy and Pete say goodbye to Calvin and Justin. But through the years they keep hope alive…waiting for the world to catch up with them.
May contain spoilers.
Say Goodbye for Now by Catherine Ryan Hyde is an emotional, heartfelt read. From the very start, I wanted to crawl into the book and give hugs to Pete, Dr. Lucy, Calvin, and Justin. They were just good people and you couldn’t help but want the best for them. This incredible story, with its interwoven plots, stands an excellent chance of being my favorite book of 2017.
The setting of 1959 in a Texas town provides the backdrop for an emotionally charged book. Dr. Lucy lives outside of town with animals she has rescued. She lives on her own and has a wall built up against others. When Pete, a neglected 12 year old boy, shows up at her door wanting help for a wolf-dog hybrid he found hurt along the side of the road, she can’t turn him away.
Pete has such a kind heart and sees so much good in the world. On the day he finds the hurt animal, he meets Justin, an African American boy who is new in town. He walks with him down the street for a bit, not understanding the repercussions this will have. In 1959, things are still very much segregated. Justin ends up needing Dr. Lucy’s care. When his father, Calvin, rushes to Dr. Lucy’s house, a spark is ignited that just won’t dim.
Pete develops a special relationship with Prince, as he calls the wolf-dog hybrid. Though it seems like he can’t be tamed, he is not vicious with Pete. Even after his release, he becomes somewhat of a bodyguard for Pete, watching out for him and helping Pete feel safe. Their relationship is special and spans time and boundaries.
I felt so many emotions while reading this book. My heart ached for these four wonderful characters when they were hurting, and rejoiced when their hearts were happy. I loved being swept up in this story. Though this was the first book I’ve read by this author, it won’t be the last.
Say Goodbye for Now by Catherine Ryan Hyde is at turns heart-breaking and fulfilling. This poignant tale proves that in these situations, love can prevail.
| Rating Report | |
|---|---|
| Plot |
|
| Characters |
|
| Writing |
|
| Pacing |
|
| Cover |
|
| Overall: | |
1,029 total views, 1 views today
laura thomas
Oh wow. I really like the sound of this one. I enjoy stories where the characters wring out my emotions. Adding it to my wish list!
Brooke Bumgardner
It’s *so* good, Laura. I hope you get the chance to read it.