I love a second chance romance story and this is a good one.

Some people are just made for each other…When seven-year-old Fran first met Will they knew instantly that they were made for each other. For eleven years they were inseparable, but then, at the age of eighteen, Will just upped and disappeared.

Twenty-five years later Will is back.
Is fate trying to give them a second chance?

Still nursing the heartbreak from all those years ago, Fran is reluctant to give Will the time of day. The price Will must pay is to tell the truth – the truth about why he left, the truth about why he’s back…

And Fran has her own secrets to hide. The time has come to decide what Fran and Will really want from life – before it’s too late.

Clare has crafted wonderful characters with a lot of depth. Both Fran and Will are wonderfully written. Readers really get to know each character, their backstories and what makes them tick. We also get great secondary characters in Fran’s son Kieran, her good friend Mags and Will’s daughter Elodie (so adorable!).

It’s hard to talk too much about this book without giving anything important away. There are so many twists and turns in Fran and Will’s adventure and a lot of secrets are revealed along the way. Suffice it to say it is definitely an emotionally charged journey, probably more so than the book description prepared me for.

I liked how the book flipped from the present to the past when they were together the first time. It really helped fill in the backstory. Clare does a great job of building the reader’s suspense as you don’t get the whole story all at once. Clare really metres it out over the course of the book. A couple of parts did drag a bit, (I would have enjoyed it more if the pacing was picked up a bit in some areas), but overall I would say it keeps the reader intrigued.

One of my favourite parts of the book is that Fran and Will find a list they made as teenagers called “25 Things To Do Before We’re Old” and decide to try checking off some they haven’t yet done. The list is made up of a wide variety of tasks from going on a hot air balloon ride to eating 12 doughnuts to going skinny-dipping. Reading about them tackling these tasks is a lot of fun and brings the book some much needed levity.

One word of caution, depending on your perspective, it could be said this book doesn’t have an HEA, or at least, not a typical one. I can’t say more without revealing important plot points but consider yourself warned!

Grab the tissue box and dig into this heartfelt story, great for readers looking for a good, cathartic cry.

Thank you, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a beautiful story, very sad in places but wonderful in others. Life can give you second chances so take them along with whatever happens. I ended up crying but it was well worth it. I will carry this story in my mind for a long time to come. Well worth 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this e ARC

Rating: 3.5

Before We Grow Old is a heartbreaking book about second chances and life choices. The story is melancholic and every chapter will remind you that something sad is going to happen. I liked how every chapter holds a revelation about the characters’ past—I think this is what made me read the book quite fast, I needed answers!

I enjoyed reading this book, however, I kind of hoped for a deeper build-up between the characters especially during their reunion. I have to admit as well that the characters’ secrets were a little too much for my liking, in the end it felt like those were there just for drama. Personally, I think this book is suitable for mature readers, those who are in their mid-30s may relate to the characters more.

Overall, I still enjoyed the book and it actually made me tear up.

I can't say I liked or disliked this book, but the cover really gave off the wrong impression, it looked like a bright and breezy romance, which it wasn't, I didn't relate to the characters and felt that somethings I wanted to know was brushed over.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. Having read and enjoyed other books by the author I was really looking forward to this one and I wasn't disappointed, the characters were well drawn and believable and I felt I knew them. It made me laugh and cry I would recommend this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the advance read of this beautiful title.
An emotional read. Keep the tissues nearby! What a story. I give this 4 stars and look forward to reading more from this author.

I really enjoyed Before We Grow Old by Clare Swatman. This was the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely be looking for more work by her.
Fran and Will became fast friends when they were young. As they grew, that friendship grew into their first romantic love. As Fran leaves for college, Will's mom dies and he and his family up and leave with little to no explanation. Fran is forced to go through some of the hardest years without Will, the very person she needs most. Fast forward a few decades later, Will finds Fran again. Is this reunion what Fran needed or is it too good to be true?
As a nurse, I found this story to be very thought provoking. Would you go against your wishes to make someone else happy? Will has terminal brain cancer and he doesn't want to go through any treatment. It absolutely hurts my soul to see a family go against what an individual wanted because they aren't ready for the inevitable. So I applaud Swatman for approaching death like she did.
Before We Grow Old is a great, easy read that will have you feeling the love between these two characters and crying along with them.
Special Thanks to Clare Swatman, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 4 stars
#BeforeWeGrowOld #NetGalley

I wanted to love this. It just fell too short for me.
I didn’t believe Will’s ‘reasons’ and definitely thought he was up to something sinister which made the rest of the book feel flat and not believable.
I’m sure other will love it, though.

DNF: This story sounded amazing from the summary, but I cannot continue it as cancer is a huge trigger for me, and is a big one that is included in this story.

Before We Grow Old by Clare Swatman
Pub Date 19 January 2022
Twenty-five years later, Will is back.
Is fate trying to give them a second chance?
Still nursing the heartbreak from all those years ago, Fran is reluctant to give Will the time of day. The price Will must pay is to tell the truth – the truth about why he left, the truth about why he's back…
And Fran has her own secrets to hide. The time has come to decide what Fran and Will really want from life – before it's too late.
When I began this book, I thought I had read it before, as it seemed very familiar.
I found it challenging to engage with the story as I read on.
I am sorry to say I didn't enjoy this book. I found it hard to like the characters, and I found Francesca an irritating and inconsiderate protagonist.
The writing style did not grasp my attention. I felt a long time was spent on terminal illness and adoption issues; I found parts very depressing and not what I expected. I love finishing a rom-com feeling happy and uplifted this time; sadly, it was not to be.
I want to thank NetGalley, Boldwood Books and author Clare Swatman for a pre-publication copy to review.

This book was one of my last reads of 2021 and I absolutely loved it. At times it made me cry but somehow also left me with a warm feeling.

The novel is told over two timelines 2018 and 1982.

I loved both Fran and Will and when they met again after 25 years it seems as though the love and connection they had is still there.

But 25 years is a long time and there are secrets lurking, waiting to be revealed.

I won’t say too much more as I don’t want to give anything away. But this is a beautiful story.

This was my first time reading a novel from this author and I will definitely read more.


Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and boldwood books for having me on the tour and for the copy of the book via Netgalley.

Firstly, trigger warning: cancer

This book, based on the blurb alone, seemed right up my street. Childhood first loves, the one that got away, rekindling a romance. However for a lot of the book I struggled to connect with main character Fran. She was best friends with Will from the age of 7, developing into a first love at the age of 17, until something happened to separate them at 18. Then, 25 years later Will literally bumps into Fran I'm a coffee shop.
Fran then let's Will back into her life with no resistance, introducing him to her 13 year old son Keiran. I found it very unrealistic that after an 11 year friendship but then 25 years apart, Will would slot so easily into Frank's life. Fran seemed that she had been holding a grudge against him, but then was just a pushover when Will actually reappeared.
Spoilers ahead!
Will then reveals an ulterior motive for getting in touch but rather than this being something sinister, it's actually very sad, as Will has an inoperable brain tumor, but yet again Fran is a doormat allowing him to move into her flat, regardless of any potential disruption this may cause for her teenage son.
It was at this point that I nearly stopped reading, not only because the book seemed very unbelievable, but also because stories of others dying from cancer is triggering for me. However I persevered.
It was later revealed that Fran had kept two huge secrets from Will, and when she does finally reveal them, there is no comeback whatsoever even though they are both life changing for Will.
The aspect of the book where Fran and Will set out to complete a bucket list they had created when they were younger was quite nice, and it was interesting to follow their journey to complete it, especially the last few on the list. The end of the book was tied up quite nicely (although obviously very sad). Overall I found Fran a very frustrating character for the secrets she kept and for the judgement she put on others, and I found the whole plot just a little to easy for all the characters.

a story about a second chance romance with lots of secrets from the past - it sounds fun, and it kind of was. i enjoyed the plot of the teenage fran and will, but i felt like there was no build up when it comes to the relationship they had as adults. they meet again, agree to have dinner and immediately… talk about their aborted child from when they were eighteen? twenty-five years have passed and the changes and growth in their personalities were just very absent. i found that to be the case for every character, though. every conversation was very black-and-white, monotone, had no depth, etc. it could’ve been much better if it focused more on the present day scenes, because now it just felt shallow to me. i didn’t feel the connection between present day fran and will.

overall it was just easy to read and the plot was fun, but it lacked depth and emotion for me.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Firstly, I’d like to say - have tissues handy.

After twenty odd years, Fran and Will collide into each other in a coffee shop. At one time, they were each other’s another’s true love, thinking they’d one day get married. Then, something happens and they part ways, Will moving across the waters.

Now, thinking that it’s their time, they head straight into a relationship. Only, there’s something Will hasn’t told Fran…….

What follows, is a whole lot of emotions, one after another. The story does flip back to what happened in their past. Every chapter will be fast, but in a good way as there’s so much that Will wants to do, who knows whether he will be able to in the time left!

There was many secrets and things happening, leaving you wanting to know what happens next, but also not wanting to, as the story would end.

Clare Swatman has written a fabulous book.

Highly Recommend It.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review…


This book was my last read for 2021 and I feel like I definitely saved the best for last!
I loved everything about this story.
After Fran moves in next door to will at the age of 7, they become best friends. And for 11 years they are basically inseparable. After a Devasting Loss, Will and his family up and leave, Leaving Fran heartbroken and left to start her life over. After 25 years they are reunited. But not everything is as it seems. Falling back in love was inevitable, but will Love be enough to keep them together, despite the secrets they are both carrying?


Fran and Will have a Love story for the ages! Their instant connection as kids is so heart warming. You image they will be together forever. But things aren't as they seem immediately. They end up separated for 25 years, and end up reconnecting. The love and attraction after 25 years jumps off the pages when they are first reconnected. This book was full of joy and sorrow. There were many moments where the past clicked and connected perfectly with the presence, and even more moments that had me gasping as truths were discovered.
This story will be one that sticks with me for years to come.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me a copy for review.

This was a very emotionally charged read. I found myself smiling, hoping, and crying throughout it.

The book follows Fran and Will’s relationship and shows us that some love stories are just meant to be.

Love sometimes knows no boundaries, love can be kind, everlasting and forgiving, and this is just the type of love the two main characters shared in the story.

I enjoyed how the story felt very well written and cohesive even when including so many plot lines: friendships, adoption, terminal diagnosis, strained family relationships and lovers reunited and given a second chance.

This is the story of Fran and Will. They have been friends since they were young, but lost touch as teenagers through various things which were going on in their lives. Many years later, they meet in passing and their friendship starts up again. Both of them however are hiding secrets, both from the past and what is going on in their lives now. Secrets do have a habit of being revealed and one by one this story does just that.

I really enjoyed this book, although it wasn't the light hearted read I initially thought it was going to be I liked Will's character and really felt for him throughout his story. Fran was a good character, but I did take some time to warm to her. She definitely had more than her fair share of secrets, and I spent much of the book having different feelings about her, alternating between not understanding her train of thought, feeling desperately sorry for her and marvelling at what a strong character she was.

The story is a sad one though, so there's a big word of warning there! There are some trigger subjects which some may want to avoid, such as terminal illness and grief, and I have to admit to reaching for the tissue box on multiple occasions! The storyline was however heart-breaking and heart-warming all in one go, and I enjoyed being part of Fran and Will's story. I would definitely recommend it, but be prepared to cry your way through it!

I think I anticipated a different book than the one I read. I was thinking love story gets a second chance...but instead it was a heartbreaking and overwhelming story of loss and sorrow. I wish this was not something I read around the holiday season...but otherwise it was beautifully written and I think reading this any other time of year I would have had a different reaction. Perhaps the marketing was a bit misleading.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Clare Swatman, Boldwood books and Rachel’s random resources for gifting me a digital copy of before we grow old in exchange for an honest review; big trigger warning this book is heavily revolved around cancer.
In before we grow old we follow Fran and Will with a timeline of then and now looking back at their childhood friendship and as fate welcomes them back into each other’s life 25 years after they were torn apart by circumstances out of their control. Will time heal old wounds? Will secrets from their past be too much to handle?
This was a really hard read for me, as someone who watched her mum battle through and die from cancer following someone’s journey through the same thing is really difficult. I found this really challenging and at times too emotional to continue reading and I needed to take a break from the book as it was doing my mental health some damage to face those emotions again. I feel like putting this book in the category of romance is wrong as the love story/ romance of this book is not what you take away from this book. I wanted to love this book as from the blurb it as very much a me book but I just couldn’t as it was just too difficult for me as my emotions are still raw from my mum’s battle. I found this book tragically sad and it will sit with me for a long time and not in a good way.

A very emotional, yet predictable read. My heart broke for what might have been for the 2 MC. You will need a box of tissues for this one. This was very well written,