Saying Goodbye, Part One: Volume 1 (Passports and Promises) Paperback – 21 Aug. 2016

Saying Goodbye: Part One is the first book in Abigail Drake’s Passports and Promises series. The story continues in Saying Goodbye: Part Two.“The craziest people are usually the ones who seem sane.” - MaxI've struggled to write this review as I wasn't sure how to put into words the journey Saying Goodbye: Part One took me on or the emotions I was left feeling. I was so involved in this amazing book from start to finish and loved that it showed the realities of life, especially when mental health is involved. Whilst I enjoy fairy-tale like romance books, my favourite books are those that leave you thinking for days after about the characters and the battles they faced. Abigail Drake takes such care when tackling real life subjects and describes perfectly the battle some people face daily. I have a lot of admiration for authors who don't shy away from difficult and sensitive subjects.Abigail is a new author to me but I'm already hooked from this one book and I'm looking forward to seeing what she has planned next for Sam in Saying Goodbye: Part Two. I'm also curious to know what happens to Dylan.

This is a fun, light read that meets all the requirements for a successful romance novel – attractive heroine, handsome love interest and a good sprinkling of sex (spicy without being anatomical). In the beginning it seems like a typical college romance novel but it soon ventures into darker and more thought-provoking areas that make for a satisfying read. Sam’s interest in Japanese language and culture provides interesting depth to her character and Dylan proves to be more multi-dimensional than at first sight. The dynamics of Sam’s relationship with Dylan engages with issues such as the balance of power within a relationship, fidelity, secrecy and the unintended consequences that can arise from the differing expectations of two people whilst remaining an entertaining romance story. Part one ends at an important and dramatic turning point in Dylan and Sam’s relationship making you want to read the next book.Romance is not a genre I read very much but Saying Goodbye confounded my expectations by dealing with more serious issues whilst never being less than a very entertaining story. I think it would be perfect for romance fans looking for something slightly different.

This is a fantastic story of a young woman Sam and her life at college and the complications of her love life. I loved Sams story and finding out more about her friends and stress of college and fallen in and out of love. I would highly recommend to others and will now be reading book 2. I can't wait to find out more of Sams story.