Goodbye Earl
A Revenge Novel
by Leesa Cross-Smith
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Jul 03 2023 | Archive Date Sep 13 2023
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Description
Taking inspiration from the infamous, empowering song, Goodbye Earl follows four best friends through two unforgettable summers, fifteen years apart.
In 2004, Rosemarie, Ada, Caroline, and Kasey are in their final days of high school and on the precipice of all the things teenagers look forward to when anything in life seems possible . . . from falling in love, to finding their dream jobs, to becoming who they were meant to be.
In 2019, Kasey has returned to her small Southern hometown of Goldie for the first time since high school—and she still hasn’t told even her closest friends the truth of what really happened that summer after graduation, or what made her leave so abruptly without looking back. Now reunited with her friends in Goldie for a wedding, she’s determined to focus on the simple joy of being together again. But when she notices troubling signs that one of them might be in danger, she is catapulted back to that fateful summer. This time, Kasey refuses to let the worst moments of her past define her; this time, she knows how to protect those she loves at all costs.
Uplifting, sharp-edged, and unapologetic, Goodbye Earl is a funeral for all the “Earls” out there—the abusive men who think they can get away with anything, but are wrong—and a celebration of enduring sisterhood.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781538707654 |
| PRICE | $29.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 400 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
KRISTINE Y, Bookseller
Love this book!!! I seriously wish I was part of this group of friends. The writing characters are wonderful though guy wrenching at times. Highly recommend
Erin H, Reviewer
When I saw the title, I had to read Goodbye Earl by Leesa Cross Smith, and it did not disappoint! After listening to a few Dixie Chicks songs to set the tone, I dove into this story of lifelong friends who are willing to do anything for each other. They love fiercely and are there for each other in ways that others have failed them. While this is inspired by the song, it reminded me more of Steel Magnolias, one of my favorite movies as a teen. Both devastating and feel-good, Goodbye Earl was a perfect weekend read and would be a great choice to bring on vacation. Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC!
Holly G, Librarian
Oh, my. This was the best book I've read in forever. I wish I was part of a RACK. These ladies were all incredible in their own rights. It made me go back and download some of The Chick's songs too. The story was poignant and touching and I think it would make a great book club read. There is much to discuss and can't wait to share it with our readers. My one negative is that the timeline was a bit confusing. It wasn't just past and current, but it was past, not so long ago and current - sometimes it got a bit confusing as to what was when. I still loved it!
Media/Journalist 537793
This book title and this book cover has no right to wreck me the way it did. Such a beautiful book with characters that are easy to love and root for. The ending is satisfying if not gutting. This will be one of my top books of 2023 without a doubt.
Amy H, Librarian
This one has a little bit of all my favorite things about Leesa Cross-Smith's books. Solid friendships, creature comforts, romance, strong women and a lot of fun. the ending felt a little forced, but it is over all, a delight.
Tawny A, Reviewer
Don’t be fooled by the cover, this story is not just a revenge tale. It’s so, so much more. The book was like a warm hug; deeply heartfelt and emotional with sisterhood and friendship and love. It’s dual-timeline, with two heart-wrenching stories woven together, and ultimately results with you having a deep cathartic ugly cry. If you were a teen in the early 2000s, the nostalgic music mentioned will absolutely resonate with you, and the overall feel of the book. The book reminded me of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants meets Steel Magnolias meets Waitress. I absolutely loved it and all I can say is, nah nah nah nah nahhh nahhh nahhhhhhhhh, Eaaaarrrllll.
Yvonne W, Reviewer
This book. You guys!! This! Book! It’s everything I hoped it was going to be and then SO! MUCH! MORE!
The title alone made me want to read it, the description captured me and when I say it does not disappoint; read this book!
Told from 2 timelines the Present Day and 15 years in the past with multiple POVs it’s such a coherent and strong story that I couldn’t get enough. It is an extremely character driven plot which just allows for that much more buy-in emotionally. It had me crying—I was so invested by the end.
The sisterhood these 4 girls (and eventually women) have is beautiful. The love they have for each other, the commitment they have to each other; unmatched—SATC wish they could!
Everything I thought was going to happen was twisted and turned out completely different than I thought it would. I was guessing wrong a good chunk of the time and I loved that! I can’t recommend this book enough.
I was given an advanced digital copy from Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley—which did not affect my opinion.
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