I have enjoyed this author's books in the past. I had not realized this was part of a series, so I felt like there were pieces missing for me while reading/listening.

I enjoyed the book about the background of Rebecca and Otis's story. I wish that part were the first book in the series. I think that I got confused. I didn't read the series of Red Mountain. It was well written. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you Net Galley for this audio ARC. I had not heard of this author before and excited to read this book.
Love this story of Otis and Rebecca. Hopefully, I will be able to find more books by Boo Walker in the future.

“Before We Say Goodbye” by Boo Walker was my first novel by this author, and I’m so glad I picked it up. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I haven’t read the Red Mountain series yet, but I was excited to learn that Otis’s story continues there. I’ll definitely be picking those up next. That said, this book absolutely works as a standalone. It has strong character development and an uplifting tone that makes it very enjoyable and complete on its own in my opinion.

The story follows Otis Till as he reflects on his life after the loss of his wife. He tells the love story of how he met his beloved Rebecca, discovered his passion for winemaking, faced the ups and downs of raising a family, finally found a work/life balance, navigated challenging relationships, and endured the heartbreak of loss. His decisions aren’t always great, which makes them feel all the more authentic and relatable. Otis isn’t perfect, but he’s deeply human, and I really reading about his growth arc throughout the novel. He owns his mistakes, learns from them, and ultimately changes to become a better man.

Both audiobook narrators were excellent and brought the story to life beautifully. Overall, I found this book to be heartfelt and uplifting, with a memorable message about looking outside yourself to help others, having faith, and that your wife is always right 😉.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) – A moving, heartfelt story with a wonderful character arc and an inspiring reminder of love, loss, and second chances.

WOW! What an emotional rollercoaster of a book! And, what a story!!

We begin in the 1960's. Otis is heading towards NY and ends up on his way to WOODSTOCK. While on the purple bus heading that way, he meets Rebecca (Becca) who is the complete, polar opposite of him. Where he's regimented and scheduled, she's carefree and like a breath of fresh air. They spend time at Woodstock... and fall in love.

But, this is only the very beginning of their story... a very long and winding one at that.
Through the years, Otis is forced to grow up, take charge, learn, love, respect, learn some more... and grow....again and again!
He ends up finding another love, which is in the form of wine making... and follows a path that leads to a career. They have nothing, and yet they have everything that they need.

Time goes on. Lives are changed. They both have a great deal of learning and growing to do... but it is done in such a sweet and heartfelt way that YOU can't help but fall in love with both of them as well!! Their family grows. Losses are sustained. Life unfortunately goes on....

This is such a powerful tribute to love, family, life, friends and the value of friendship in life, work/life balance... and so much more. It's almost like it should be required reading for those looking to embark on marriage!!!
The true spirit of love, forgiveness, building each other up... and again, so much more!!!

I've read this author before and loved each book! If you have not heard of him or his books, please STOP what you are doing and look them up! He is a very gifted writer who will make you stop and think about the book, and I'm guessing that that will be going on for a long time after the book is done...

#BeforeWeSayGoodbye by @BooWalker and narrated beautifully by @JimMeskimen and @MaureenJones.

5+ Beautiful, Bright, Shining, Love Filled 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!

*** THIS HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!!! LOOK 👀 FOR IT SOON!! RELEASE DATE IS 9/16/25!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #BrillianceAudio and #BrillianceBooks for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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This novel is sure to be on top of the 2025 reading lists. It was heartfelt, emotional, and full of love, loss, and grief. The writing is excellent, and I've found a new favorite author.

Thank you, NetGalley and Brilliance Audio, for this ARC.

I think I have found another favorite author! This book gave me vibes of Charles Martin and I loved it! The story has good flow of past and present, easy to follow and know where you are at. Can’t wait to check out more Boo Walker novels.

At Woodstock in 1969, two lost souls with big hearts and boundless dreams see the future and all its possibilities in each other’s eyes. Before the music is even over, Otis is thunderstruck by the liberating Rebecca, so much so that he’s suddenly questioning his attendance at Berkeley and decision to follow in his father’s footsteps as a journalist. When he first sets eyes on the vineyards of Sonoma, where Rebecca is from, the captivating idea of a life in wine further mars his path. Would it be so crazy to chase a dream? Impulsively married, unquestionably devoted, Otis and Rebecca are thirsty to see what happens next—wherever it takes them and no matter how hard it gets.

Over the decades, from Sonoma to the delightfully eccentric community of Red Mountain, Otis and Rebecca fight against all odds to work their way to the top of the wine world. But neither of them could have imagined the darkness to come, or what it will take to find a spark of light once again.

An EPIC story about searching and finding your dream as well as balance in life. Boo Walker shares a wonderful story of Otis and Rebecca, their children and how they search to honor the land through wine in distinct turn of words and twists of a sentence the reader will become entranced. In Before We Say Goodbye, you vacillate between the early years of Otis Pennington Till and 2011, learning tidbits of his childhood, meeting the love of his life, his hippie princess, and how he became the man known as the Grapefather. The author's gift for storytelling shines throughout this story with hard topics - death, grief, failures, living up to others expectations, frustrations, depression, financial threats each treated with love, dignity, and just the right amount of humor. This was a beautiful love story and a story about survival and going after your dreams. Reminsncent of storying telling of William Kent Kruger and Charles Martin. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "Before We Say Goodbye" and all opinions expressed are my own. I listened to the audiobook. I didn't know this was part of a series. Maybe if I had read the other books I would have liked this one more. Even with listening to the audiobook, this seemed like a very long story. Overall I thought it was ok.

This is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant novel that tells a poignant story of life, love and loss. The outcomes of the characters’ journeys are compelling, and I truly enjoyed reading it. The enduring love between Otis and Rebecca feels timeless and I believe anyone who picks up this story will find something they can relate to. It made me smile and cry. Otis' strength and perseverance are truly admirable. As I approached the ending, I felt a sense of loss and sadness when I had to say goodbye to these characters.
Boo Walker possesses a distinctive storytelling style that weaves together the myriad challenges and joys of life we all encounter. He reminds us that life is seldom a straight journey; instead, it is filled with ups and downs. Our responses to these experiences ultimately shape how we navigate our lives.
I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing a complimentary advanced copy. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy of the audio book in exchange for an honest review!
Let me start by saying I haven't read any of the other Red Mountain books. I didn't know this was connected to any other books, or i would have. However, this seemed perfectly fine as a standalone novel. I'm not sure if it's kind of a prequel or just to give more context and background for Otis's character, but this story seemed complete to me.
Before We Say Goodbye follows the life of Otis Till. From the time he meets the love of his life until he gets through grief and depression later in life and all of the ups and downs in between. The story had alternating points of view (him and his wife), and the story is perfect. I l9ved both of the narrators, and though i think this would be great in any format, I think the audio version is better. This book was detailed (about wine!) and heartbreaking and uplifting. I loved how much Otis's character changed and grew into a better person throughout the story. This book is excellent, and I think you should definitely read it.

This is a novel that encompasses a lifetime of Otis and Rebecca. It is so beautiful. I have come to love Boo Walker's novels.

5 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.