When I cried at the first chapter I think I got a good idea of the emotions I might experience when reading Time to Say Goodbye. So I prepared myself by settling down with my packet of tissues and my kindle. I did shed a few tears in between but I think my heart was fit to burst when I got to the end. What a lovely book leaving us to consider how much we love those close to us and how we want to stay with them forever but unfortunately we all have an expiry date.

Ella is just 6 years old when she hears the devastating news that her father, Will, has been killed in a road accident. Ella had already lost her mother who died shortly after giving birth - so you can see why I had no control over the tears freely flowing from my eyes in chapter one. As the family come to terms with their loss, Will finds himself stuck in an in-between world where his family can't see or hear him but he can see and hear them. Cue my unruly tears again as Will can see his family's pain but is absolutely powerless to comfort them. With the help of his spirit guide, he finds a way to communicate with Ella and I couldn't contain the smile that spread across my face when Ella first realises Will is still with her.

Will has to make a devastating choice; stay with Ella where only she can see him or cross over to the other side where he can be reunited with his dearly departed wife. What a choice to have to make; a choice that is made so much more difficult as events transpire.

Time to Say Goodbye is an absolute treasure and a stunning debut; an extraordinary, emotional story that is bursting with so much love that I felt as if it was prompting me to tell my own family how much I love them. Something we don't do often enough, as we do take time for granted. You never know how much time you have left so live every day as if it's your last and love your family with all your heart - those still with us and those who may be watching over our shoulder.

I received this e-book from the publisher, Avon, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I'd heard a lot about this book so my expectations were very high. Sometimes that's a bad thing. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed it very much, the idea of a father not being able to let go of the love for his daughter and remaining as a spirit to watch over her was an intriguing premise however a couple of niggles spoiled it for me. The whole idea that he forbade his daughter from telling anyone she could see him really grated with me. Any one that has small children or works with them knows you shouldn't ask them to keep secrets; it's just wrong. Also did we need so much death?? The poor girl has lost both her parents in tragic circumstances did she really need any more grief? (trying not to give spoilers) Sometimes less is more. That aside this was an enjoyable read that I finished in one sitting and I will happily read this authors next book. ( )

Wierd, really wierd ( )