Member Reviews

I was hooked from the very first page and had many a late night while reading this book. My heart broke more than once. I felt all the emotions with this one! I can't wait to read more by this author and recommend you give this book a try!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital ARC for review.

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The Weight of Goodbye was emotional, intricate, and perfect for lovers of historic fiction.

If you enjoyed The Women, The Nightengale, or anything similar, you will enjoy this book.

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In this interesting and unique new World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow Lucia Blake at the start of her 1937 debutante season when she discovers her controlling father’s fascist sympathies. Running away while on holiday in France with her family, Lucia leaves her younger sister Della behind to seek freedom away from her father and a romance with a French archaeologist. With the approaching onset of World War II and another, more personal, tragedy, Lucia returns to London at the height of the Blitz and looks to find meaning as an ambulance driver when one particular rescue -- a little girl scared and covered in rubble -- might just help Lucia find the connection and purpose she needs. With a few different perspectives appearing throughout the novel but with Lucia’s point of view dominating, readers get the chance to explore life under the Blitz from different class and occupation lenses in vibrant detail. A flawed and realistic protagonist, Lucia’s narrative is emotional and tragic, dealing with the disillusionment with her father in some abrupt and well-written ways, and readers will appreciate the level of detail and emotion present on every page in this new World War II historical fiction release.

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I loved Lucia's storyline. It wasn't your typical love story at all. More of a story of reconciliation & family forgiveness. I absolutely will read another by Graham in the future

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Elizabeth Grahams books all start out slow, and the Weight of Goodbye was no exception. However, once involved in the story, i wanted to know more about what was next. I loved Lucia's storyline. It wasn't your typical love story at all. More of a story of reconciliation & family forgiveness. I absolutely will read another by Graham in the futur3.

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A very emotional read. Lucia’s story of grief and course is beautifully told. I loved the way the story came together like a jigsaw with different pieces being slowly revealed until at the end you have the full picture.

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Wow what a beautiful and emotional read. I loved how this spans from the 1930'2 -2000's.
Eliz's writing style is beautiful and I will be looking forward to reading more from her.
Thank you NetGalley, Eliza Graham and Storm Publishing for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

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This was a tragic story in many parts but also relief and recovery after the war was over. Some very real characters and a compelling storyline, which was close to reality. Lovely conclusion.

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I love historical fiction, but The Weight of Goodbye didn’t capture my attention as much as I’d hoped. While the backdrop of pre-WW2 Britain and the Blackshirt movement was intriguing, the story felt disjointed, and some character arcs, like Della and Sebastian, seemed incomplete. Lucia's growth was interesting, but the narrative dragged at times, making it hard to connect fully. A decent read, but it lacked the emotional pull I usually expect from this genre.

My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eARC.

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This story is based on a young woman who rebels against her parents views of her being a debutante and wanting to find herself.

Lucia or Lucie throughout the book is a strong character who assists with the war by driving ambulances in England after returning from France. She tries to ensure that all that she helps make it safely to hospital, until she finds a young child who needs more help than most can give during this time. Lucie is determined to ensure this young child finds her family. This makes Lucie want to reach out to see her own family, especially after her best friend is killed.

This book contains many emotional situations that makes the reader feel like they are part of the storyline themselves.

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A great WWII story told in dual time. You’ll love it if you enjoy WWII stories. Eliza Graham is a great author.

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Eliza Graham did it again! The Weight of Goodbye is such an emotionally poignant read. She seamlessly weaves together the “present” (January 2000) with the past. If you enjoy an emotional novel about the lengths a person will go to in order to protect their loved ones then this is the book for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!

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Another great book by this author set in a dual timeline of WW2 and modern day. Lucia is a lovely main character leading a very difficult life during the war not helped by being estranged from her family. Very good storyline and likeable characters working well in the dual timelines of Lucia in old age so that you get the full conclusion of the story.

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I enjoyed this book, if a little confusing in places for example chapter 8 I’m thinking that was a swift change what happened, and in other places. However as the story progresses all becomes clear and I was so glad that I persevered, The friendship Wanda and Lucia had was special I especially liked the start to it. The descriptions of Lucia’s work with the ambulance were vivid. My favourite character was mouse and least favourite was Cossian. Adele’s story was heartbreaking. Personally I thought the ending felt rushed. That said I would try the author again.

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This was a real heartbreaker, a wonderful story but so sad. It made me realize how much heartbreaker went on before and during the second world war. I loved the dual timeline and will look forward to reading more by this very talented author. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

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I love this authors books and this was one was beautifully written! Told in a dual timeline which I love, this story was heartbreaking at times and yet so hopeful! Highly highly recommend!

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Thank you for allowing me to review this book. The second book I have read by Eliza Graham, which I can highly recommend. This book is written over different timelines. Lucia, is the main character from a young teenager through to a old lady. Her story has its high and its lows, at times I was smiling and others in tears. The story begins in 1930's London, but includes time in France, then back into London during the Blitz. What secret is Lucia hiding, we are left wondering until much later in the book. Hence, my interest was held throughout. I didn't want to put it down. Della, Wanda and Effie are important characters who all play their part. Beautifully written story.

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The Weight of Goodbye is a dual timeline historical fiction book set in France and London during world war two and the millennium, 2000.

It is a compelling and poignant story of love, loss, compassion and redemption. It has a wonderful cast of well drawn characters and is a very touching story.

Highly recommend!

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Tissues, have them handy, as you become enthralled in The Weight of Goodbye. Eliza Graham has written a 5 star novel that takes you on an emotional discovery. An unlikely friendship, secrets, grief, love, and a journey to forgiveness and redemption. A beautifully written story, that moves effortlessly through the dual timelines and a perfect ending.
I would like to thank the author, Strom Publishing and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.

#TheWeightofGoodbye #NetGalley

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A real page turner. It was terribly sad at times and also beautiful to see the love and support family and complete strangers gave their help and support under the most difficult circumstances. This was a touching story with some wonderful characters.

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