I knew before I started reading Palmer and Kent’s story that it was going to be super emotional and make me bawl my eyes out. I’m a very emotional reader, very emotional in general, I think, since I can cry at the drop of a hat over a commercial on TV. I think that’s why it took me so long to finally delve into the book.
As I expected, this story hit me right in the feels. Not only was Palmer dealt a devastating blow, but her start in life and growing up was hard and sad and man, this poor woman has not been given any breaks. And Kent. I love this man so much. It takes a very special person to take on what he did. It is one thing if your spouse or partner is diagnosed with a terminal illness and you spend the rest of their time taking care of them and being there for them, but Kent took this on for a woman who he has only superficially known up until now. Yes, he goes to the bank to make his car payments just so he can see her instead of doing it online, but they don’t really know each other. But once they start on their journey to fulfill Palmer’s bucket list, we really got to see these two people, and get to know them.
What an emotional story! I constantly kept a box of tissues next to me while reading and my eyes leaked so much I had headaches at the end of each day, but man, it was so worth it. This was a story that really hurt so good. As sad as it was, it was also heartwarming and touching, and intimate and beautiful.
My one small critique would be that some of the descriptors of the places they stopped on their journey were too long so it slogged the pacing down a bit, but overall what a beautifully heartbreaking story!

Another one of my favorite one click authors. This book varies quite a bit from her usual stories. This one will rip your heart out and there is no going back.

Palmer finds out she is terminal and decides to put together a bucket list. Kent is a paramedic and has responded to Palmer on a couple of occasions. He finds out about her bucket list and decides he would like to be the one to help her fulfill her dreams. She is determined to go out having done it all.

The two grow closer on their adventure. Make no mistake--you will need tissues for this one. The prose is beautiful and it made me sit back and think a minute. What is my life worth. What have I missed.

Wonderful read by this great author!

Wow! This author really pulled out the big ones! It definitely pulled my heart out and stomped it all over the ground. It was a tear jerker and it gives you all the feels to make you realize just what's important in the short lives we have. Definitely give this one a go, but do carry some tissues.

Gosh even though I knew this book would be sad, I never imagined that I would cry the entire time. I was praying for a miracle since everything was so sad. It illustrated how some people just don't get lucky in life, but even though she didn't have a family for very long, she was happy to finally know what it felt like to love and be loved. All I wanted was for her to have the life she had always imagined. It is very unjust and depressing to realise that for a significant number of people worldwide, this is their reality and not just a narrative. I was completely broken by this book, and I doubt I will ever forget the tale.

This was a good book. I connected with the characters. I felt engrossed with the plot. I would read another book by this author.

One of my favorite books of the year! (2023)

Palmer is strong and independent, a loner. She had a rough life and has a good job at a bank.

Kent is solid and a good guy.

Kent helps Palmer write her "before I go bucket list" when she receives a devastating diagnosis.
We learn about what she wants, and we also learn about what Kent wants as his own additions to the list.
I liked the Instagram aspect of the book. The emotions in the story had me crying hard at times but I wouldn't reclaim one tear in order to undo the reading. The book was That good. just powerfully emotional


I love a good road trip book and a good love story. I love books that make one think what would I do in this situation? Would I have a bucket list? Do I live life to the fullest (no) and should I try to improve on that since tomorrow is not promised?
There was one part in the ending that surprised me but in a good way. Can't remember the name of one character it's bothering me that I can't remember but that part made me smile.

In the dedication the author dedicates the book to Singer Lana Del Ray and had I known this before I read the book I would have listened while reading. I heard her songs after and thought yes they fit in nicely with the book.

So I strongly highly recommend this tear jerking powerful story of love, friendships, road trips, life, life changes, and endings with beginnings.

A sensitive book about following a wish list before the brevity of life makes it impossible to achieve. Well written book! I'll follow the writer's work!

"Before I'm Gone" by Heidi McLaughlin is an emotional rollercoaster ride packed with enough quirks to make even the most stoic reader crack a smile. From the lovably eccentric antics of Grace to the hilariously awkward encounters of Ben, this book had me laughing, crying, and cheering on its unforgettable characters every step of the way.

Grace, with her bucket list and penchant for skydiving in her senior years, is a force to be reckoned with. Her zest for life is infectious, and I found myself rooting for her wild adventures while simultaneously marveling at her ability to defy societal norms with a wink and a grin.

Then there's Ben, the reluctant hero who finds himself roped into Grace's escapades against his better judgment. His dry wit and sarcastic remarks had me snickering throughout the book, especially as he navigates the unpredictable whirlwind that is Grace's world.

McLaughlin's writing effortlessly blends heartwarming moments with laugh-out-loud humor, creating a story that is as touching as it is entertaining. Whether it's Grace's outrageous schemes or Ben's bumbling attempts to keep up, there's never a dull moment in this delightful tale.

"Before I'm Gone" is a testament to the power of friendship, love, and embracing life's quirks with open arms. With its endearing characters and laugh-out-loud moments, this book earns a solid four stars and a permanent spot on my shelf for those days when I need a dose of humor and heart. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on Grace and Ben's unforgettable journey!

It’s more of a 3.5 star for me. I liked it but didn’t love it. Normally it’s a story that I’d love so maybe I just wasn’t in the right mood for it 🤷🏻‍♀️

Before I’m Gone is definitely an emotional read. I can’t imagine being in Palmer’s shoes, never having anyone in her corner and then finding out she would only have 6 months to live.

I loved how Kent stepped up and gave Palmer everything she deserved by going on the road trip and completing as much of their bucket list together.

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for a copy of Before I’m gone in exchange of an honest review.

Despite the sadness, the novel uplifts with themes of seizing life's moments and cherishing love and companionship. Palmer's resilience and Kent's unwavering support create a poignant and authentic relationship, offering valuable insights on treasuring each day. The book navigates themes of choice, love, loss, and acceptance, leaving a lasting impact on readers. A moving and heartfelt read that inspires reflection on life's preciousness.

Good story that keeps you wanting to read. Loved the main character and the story as a whole. It was well written and very well done.

A great read by Heidi McLaughlin. There was so much emotion. I love the writing style and the development of the characters. This is definitely a tear jerker and a solid read.

"Before I’m Gone" is a poignant love story about Palmer Sinclair, who, upon learning she has advanced brain cancer with only six months to live, creates a bucket list. Kent, a paramedic who responds to her emergencies, joins her on this journey, and they develop a deep bond. Despite the inevitable sadness, the book inspires with themes of living life to the fullest, experiencing love, and finding solace in companionship. Palmer’s resilience and Kent’s unwavering support make for a touching and believable relationship, teaching the reader valuable lessons about cherishing every moment. The novel navigates through themes of choice, love, loss, grief, acceptance, and moving forward after loss, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

Wow, this is a love story between the macho ex army paramedic and the isolated lonely woman with a brain tumour. It's very corny but also different to the usual type. I would recommend to the lovers of romance

A good romance, lovely characters and I do believe it will find its public! Quite sorry for the late review ♥️

This was such a great book. When I first started the book I found it quite slow and was like okay not sure what is going on but I am so glad I kept reading as this story is so sad but beautiful and enjoyed reading about our characters and their journey. The only thing that knocked off a star was at the end you do not find out the whole story as to what happened to FMC when she was a kid (all I'll say as it will spoil it).

Overall a great read and would recommend!

I guess I'm in the minority for this one. I did not love it. I promise I tried to, though.

The writing was overly descriptive and elementary, so it dragged for me. I kept waiting for the story to get in gear, but even when it finally did, it was going nowhere... which is ironic since that was the point where the characters start traveling.

The worst thing for me was that I felt no emotion for the characters. This woman was dying, and yet, I felt nothing for her. I didn't even care enough to root for them as a couple. There was no chemistry, and it all felt so forced and unrealistic. Had the author managed to develop the characters better, I know I would've kept reading at least to see their relationship develop.

So, at 38%, I'm calling it quits. Wow, I really did feel like I'd read a lot further than that.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for allowing me early access to the ARC ebook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Kent and Palmer’ journey is a testament to the power of love to heal even the most shattered of souls. With its seamless blend of humor and devastation, this novel will have you reaching for tissues one moment and grinning like a fool the next.

I didn't love this one but I also didn't hate this one. However I'm not sure how I feel about this one.

Are you craving for a tear-jerker? Something that will break your heart into pieces? Well, look no further and pick this book up. What an emotional and poignant romance!