Synopsis:
A heart-stirring story of faith, family, and second chances.
Sixty-eight-year-old Ellie Cunningham never imagined she’d be raising children again—especially not the three young kids of her adult son Gabe, a struggling single father with PTSD and ADHD. But when life unravels, Ellie opens her rural Arizona home, expecting chaos—and finding unexpected joy.
Then one grandchild’s mother brings accusations, hidden truths, and a custody battle that threatens the fragile family Ellie has worked so hard to guide toward independence.
To keep them together, Ellie must confront the heartbreak of her past, lean into her quiet personal faith, and summon a strength she thought was long gone. What begins as a temporary refuge becomes a test of resilience, love, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
Review:
This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. It highlights life in all its unpredictability – situations beyond our control, and the strength it takes to adapt and make the best of what we’re given.
Ellie lost her husband, and six months later she is just beginning to feel like she might be able to step back into life again. Then she learns that her son has lost the mother of (some of) his children, and suddenly Ellie finds herself caring for an extended family once more. Each day brings new challenges, and the weight of responsibility can feel overwhelming. A new friend helps her find a rhythm again and offers support when everyday life becomes too much to handle.
Adding to the strain is her son’s most recent ex, who seems determined to make everyone’s lives difficult, unable to accept that her daughter may actually enjoy spending time with her other family. This tension deepens an already stressful situation.
What makes this story so special are the friendships and the strong sense of family at its core. These relationships drive the narrative, and they are more than enough to keep the pages turning. I didn’t want to put the book down.
🌙 Recension: Before I’m Gone (Families & Heroes Collection #1 – each book can be read as a standalone) by Karen Randau
📚 Genre: Fiction
📅 Release Date: August 19, 2025
📗 available in various formats – included in Kindle Unlimited
📱 Read as: Kindle
💸 I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🗣️ Language: English
📆 Pages: 314
⭐️ 4/5
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