Goodbye, Hello; It's never too late to start again

Silver Years Romance #2

by Allyson R. Abbott

Linda realizes that over the years she has changed to be like the woman her deceased husband, Martin, wanted.

Her wardrobe and hair style were not the way she use to dress or look and instead he’d changed her into a mini me version of his mother. A woman who treated her badly. And she tells her husband’s ashes that’s she’s going to make some changes.

In an attempt to rediscover the real Linda, the first thing on her to do list is a trip to Fiji.

109 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2015

About the author

I 'm very lucky to have the indulgence of time and space to enable me to write. I took a sabbatical from work to accompany my partner on his bucket list travels and adventures, and never went back. I really thought I would struggle with all the free time, so decided to write to keep myself occupied. Now writing has consumed my time and I am never sure where we will be or when, hence my novels could be classed 'international' as they may have been written across a few countries. We are still travelling, although we do pop back to the UK for a few months every now and again.

I love the fact that no matter what our age we can use new technology to connect to the rest of the world and enhance our lives. Back in the UK I have my friends and family and with emails, phones, skype or face-time, we are never out of touch for long. Even my mother at eighty-six uses face-time to catch up with me. I have the world at my fingertips and only twenty-four hours away from anywhere.

Being a 'mature aging gracefully' woman, I feel akin to the problems of aging and relationships. I spent many years on my own before finding my truly remarkable and very patient partner who I happily gave up my whole world for. My stories are about mature relationships with mature people. People who have character and humour, who have a history; people just like us.

I like to call it Hen Lit, not Chick Lit, but it is not just about falling in love. They are about real relationships.

I hope you enjoy my stories. Please check my web page or social media pages if you would like to contact me. I love emails and try to answer every one as soon as possible.

http://www.allysonrabbott.com

http://AllysonRAbbott.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Goodbye, Hello: It’s Never Too Late to Start Again is a really charming, sweet story from Allyson Abbott. It is a story of fresh starts, discovery, hope, and embracing life. The story was a quick, easy and absorbing read. Another delightful tale from this polished author.
Linda has come to a point in her life where she realises that she has changed so drastically, shaped and molded by her controlling and verbally abusive husband, into someone she didn’t like very much. Her husband’s death has her re-evaluating things and she knows that she needs to find herself again.
She decides that the best way to do this is by taking a holiday- so it’s off to Fiji for her. This vacation will bring far more than Linda had hoped for, she learns a lot about herself and life in the process. Age need not be a barrier to embracing life. Losing someone doesn’t mean that you also have to stop living, dreaming or aspiring for more.
One of my favourite reads of Ms. Abbott’s, so far!

Thank you, Ms. Abbott!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodbye, Hello. Is a great story that looks at what it's like as a woman starting over after a bad marriage and the death of her husband. I'm most sure there's plenty of women out there that can relate to parts of the story itself.

The plot of this story is the main reason I liked it so much. Even though I’m younger it's nice to see that if I were to ever go through the types of emotional roller coasters our main character did I'd have an idea of how hard or easy it could be to live on and start over. For linda Being able to realize it’s not too late to get her groove back and she vows to follow through with her plan for her future. This story kind of reminded me of that book/movie how Stella got her groove back. I loved that and found myself loving this book as well. The real life scenarios and possibilities were interesting and captivated my attention immediately. The writing was thorough and easy to follow, you'll find funny scenes and emotional scenes. You'll find yourself wanting the character to be successful on her adventure and in her search of reinventing and finding herself. Every woman out there has had a relationship that made her question who she is or even lose herself in the process of building a life with some one else. When those relationships end we all find it's like a rebirth of sorts and everything is new that we have to learn. That's why I give this book 5 stars the author really captured those feelings and aspects of being a woman and it doesn't just relate to older women in my opinion this could have been any females story

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very quick read that is full of life lessons. The most important is to make sure you won't regret the decision you make.

I enjoyed that this story featured a "mature woman" who is willing to work on getting her life back after years of living someone else's dreams. It ends in a classic short story way allowing me to use my imagination as to what happens next.

Honestly the story reminded me about an old joke about Muriel talking to her dead husband's ashes and in the end she puts ashes in her hand, exhales quickly and says... "Herman, that's the blow job you always begged for - hope you enjoyed it". :)

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story about getting another chance at life. Allyson Abbott usually gives us characters that make us laugh, sigh and even cry a little. Goodbye, Hello is no different. The heroine, Linda, even makes me laugh in her desperation and innocence to find herself. And what better place to find yourself than the island of Fiji! There weren’t too many other characters in this story, just a hot local islander named Shaan. However, as with all good books, not everything is as it seems. Goodbye, Hello is an easy Sunday afternoon read. No past books to read, no cliffhangers…sort of. Just an afternoon escape. Recommend this story.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m selling up and moving on. I am saying goodbye to you, and saying hello to a new life.”
Goodbye, Hello, follows Linda in the reincarnation of her life after her husband dies. It is actually eighteen months before she is able to even escape the control he had on her mentally in order for her to start to find her way in life for herself once again, without the title of loving and devoted wife. The saddest part is her husband was not a great man, often cheating and very controlling, and this left Linda extremely lacking in any kind of personality except what was expected of her.
“You were still dominating me, even after death, but not anymore. I’ve come to realize I’m my own person and no longer wear the label of your dutiful wife.”
Linda decides that with the money that she is left from his estate she is going to take the dream trip that she has always wanted to take to Fiji. Her husband never would take her because he hated the sun and heat so it is also her intended place to bring his ashes and find some sort of peace and revenge so to speak for herself.
“I’m sure in my heart that’s what he would have wanted. It’s something I need to do for Martin, for us. I need to take him to Fiji and let him enjoy the sun and the war sea, if it’s the last thing I do. I’m not sure about the long journey on my own. I must do it, though, so he can rest in peace.” This is what she tells herself and his family to convince them that this is what should be done with his ashes.
What follows is the adventures she has while away in Fiji. She meets several supporting characters that help to make the story that are very enjoyable. I was really impressed with how well the story became more about what Linda needed to learn about herself, rather than just what she needed to do to get that short term ‘revenge’ that often only soothes that ache for a short amount of time.
“Thank you for being my friend Fi. I’ve learned a lot these past few weeks and one of the things I learned is I can look after myself. I may make mistakes and humiliate myself on occasions but I feel older, wiser and know I have choices. I can choose without worrying if I’m right or wrong.”

[Anesha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good read, it had a feeling of life affirming; "there's always hope" out there, you just gotta make a choice to find it! I liked plot, I don't often read about older characters that often and I found her to be liberating and free after breaking out of her shell. I also enjoyed reading her process of going through that. I loved the romance of the book and her finding her and loved while closing a bad chapter. overall I'd recommend to read.

[Stacey Schneller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book that I have read by Allyson and boy was I blown away by her writting in this story. I absolutely loved this story.

Linda was a great character and I absolutely loved reading about her and her journey. I was very happy for her and how well it turned out for her. She dervered to be happy after how she was treated.

Beautiful well written story with fun characters that you will have fun with. Some funny moments and sad moments as well but all in all a very good book.

I would definitely recommend this book.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE!!

Goodbye, Hello: It is never too late to start again by Allyson R. Abbott is a story about Linda who is now alone and doesn’t even realize how much her dysfunctional relationship with her husband has cost her. Her best friend has known Linda for a very longtime as they went to highschool together. Fiona has pointed out to Linda how she has changed and the old Linda needs to be found and resurfaced. Linda knew Fiona was right when she looked in the mirror and saw her mother-in-law staring back at her. That was the day things changed.
Linda went shopping and spending her husband’s pension plan money on a new wardrobe and now it was time to goes on a exoctic vacation.
Enters Shaan aka Anthony who is her instructor for all things island life and all Linda can do is embarrass herself in front of the most handsome man she has ever seen. Their banter back and forth is funny and does add meaning to this story. Soon Linda learns she doesn’t have to be mad at all men just because of her old life style and marriage. Once she lets go and starts to relax, the fun begins.
Linda has to return home to her evil mother- in- law but has decided to let ill feelings go. It is time to make things right for all concerned. Will Linda ever find her way back to the island and the new friend she has made?
Allyson R. Abbott has written a fantastic story that can help a lot of women who are trying to find their way after things in their life changes. The words flow off the page and I felt like I was actually there with these characters. I really enjoyed this book! I recommend this to anyone over 18.

[Elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Goodbye, Hello” by Allyson Abbott was a good read. I think that this book would be very relatable for many women young and old. You see many women who are in a relationship and requires them to withdrawal from many things in life they normally would not have. It is sad how much control a spouse ca have over the other. This honestly can be with men and women. This book shows how one woman finally was able to experience life without her overbearing husband as he passed away. It even showed how it did not even happen right away after his death, it took her 18 months to come to the realization that she could do whatever she wanted. I really liked how the book follows the main character Linda’s’ journey. The theme of freedom/confinement is one that is used a lot in literature and the way it is shown throughout this story is great. At times you honestly feel as though you are going through all of the same things as Linda, which can be hard for authors to pull a reader in like that. Allyson did just that. I would recommend this book to anyone who knows someone in this situation or may be in it themselves. It gives a sense of hope and a light at the end of the tunnel, which could make a big difference in the type of life that people choose to live. Even if you just want a good book to read and one that can be read rather quickly, this is a good book to pick up.

[Jean Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a marvelous book this is!!! I absolutely loved Goodbye, Hello by Allyson R. Abbott. It hit so close to home. If not for my children, I could have easily been Linda. This is a rather light hearted story about getting on with life.
I loved Linda. She is a woman after my own heart. Her journey through life is very relatable. Ms Abbott wrote her so well, I feel like Linda is a soul mate. Her emotional growth throughout the book is very realistic. There are many laughs and light hearted moments, but there are some relatively serious ones as well.
Shaan is amazing. As a “woman of a certain age,” I can certainly hope that there are men like him out there. (I haven’t found one yet, but I suppose that’s what fantasy is about!) I love that Linda and Shaan, (Anthony) have such a real relationship. There are nothing false or contrived. All does not go smoothly and just fall into place for them. The interaction is real and unexpected.
I love the descriptions of Figi which are detailed and vivid. I almost feel as if I have been vacationing there and, getting a lovely vacation when you read is what it’s all about.
I truly loved this book and will be recommending it to friends and family.

[Dori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodbye, Hello: It’s never too late to start again by Allyson Abbott is the first book I have read by this author. Goodbye, Hello tells the story of Linda who finally realizes how bad and controlling her marriage was after the death of her husband. Linda finally saw that she needed to start over and live her life the way she wants. She knew she deserves to be happy and decided to book a holiday to Fiji. Linda meets a man, who shoes and treats her the way a woman should be treated. Can she find love again? Will she realize she deserves to be treated like a lady should and not be controlled?

Allyson Abbott does a great job in Goodbye, Hello showing you should never give up. The plot is well done and flows with ease that goes back you will not want to put it down. It was nice to o see no matter your age, you need to have control of your life and be able to overcome the obstacles that get in your way. Goodbye, Hello was realistic, the characters were easy to relate to and very believable. It was nice to see a story that had a main character that was older and still able to find romance. You will be laughing at times and needing your tissues at times too. I highly recommend Goodbye, Hello. I am looking forward to reading more by Allyson Abbott.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star

Goodbye,Hello:It's never too late to start again.By Allyson R Abbott

 

Goodbye, Hello :It's never too late to start again By Allyson R.Abbott  is a coming of age novella.I truly enjoyed this book and I've read a couple other books by this author and I love that it's about an older women.This story is about linda and for years she was who someone else wanted her to be.Her husband was  emotionally abusive and almost killed her spirit.It takes her almost 2 years(18 months to be exact ) after he dies to  regain the strength to become her own self again. I Loved that she went to Fiji by herself and found something she wasn't expecting. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. I'm finding myself reading and truly enjoying more and more from this author. Her style of writing and her attention to detail is what sucks me 8n from page one.Ilove this authors attitude as well I get she's a little quirky and I enjoy that to.I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more from this author

[Nikki LeClair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really, very touching. This story is one I think most women can relate to these days. It's a story of abuse, grief, losing yourself, finding strength, moving on and living your dream. The main character Linda, does just that. After losing her emotional abusive husband, she finds herself completely lost in a awkward grief process. She realises that during their marriage, she had lost herself and hates who she has become, partly through his abuse and through her cowardice. So she decides to throw it all away and pack up to a great adventure she knows her husband would have hated and start fresh. To follow her dream.
She meets a new man, learns how she should have always been treated, and begins to live the life she always wanted while learning to break the person she was conditioned to become. This story brought a tear to my eye once or twice, and it really was an inspiring tale. Anyone who is down on their luck, or looking for some kind of inspiration, this is the perfect book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodbye, Hello: It’s never too late to start again (Silver Years Romance #2)
By Allyson R Abbott
4 stars

I have read quite a few books by this author now and they are always such an enjoyable read. I love the characters that she creates; they feel real and are really connectable. She has a great talent for descriptive writing – I always feel like I can imagine exactly what I am reading about.
The story is set in Fiji; the descriptions of the place were great. I really liked Linda, I loved the style of writing the author used for her, and I felt like I really understood how unhappy she was. She made me laugh out loud a few times and I loved her friendship with Fiona, it reminded me of my friendship with my best friend. They had a really great connection and weren’t afraid to tell each other as it is!
For short stories Allyson never misses a beat, they flow well and you never finish feeling like you have missed anything. Her characters evolve well and I always quickly find myself drawn into their world. A really great short read that I highly recommend.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodbye, Hello:It’s Never Too Late To Start Again
By Allyson R. Abbott
⅘ Stars

Goodbye , Hello: It’s Never Too Late To Start Again by Allyson R. Abbott is a brilliant, well written story about second chances and discovering your true self.
I haven’t read anything by this author before. But I’m rather pleased that this is my first book, I’ve read by her. I can’t even begin to say how much I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This book gives me hope! Even if things aren’t going the way you imagined, never give up! Your story isn’t over yet, keep believing !!!
I can definitely relate to Linda’s character in many ways. Following Linda on her journey of self discovery is quite inspirational!! It makes me believe I can actually follow my dreams as well!!
I highly suggest reading this book if you need a little pick me up!! It will give you hope and inspiration, and last but not least…. believe!! Believe in yourself!! Your journey is far from over, the best is yet to come!!!
Great job, Allyson!! I’m excited to read more from you on the future!!!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodbye, Hello: It's Never to Late to Start Again by Allyson R. Abbott is a story about finding yourself. This is not my first story by this author and I enjoy how she can create a story that is so heart touching. Her stories pull at your heart strings and her characters will take you on a roller coaster ride of various emotions. This story is about Linda who has lost her husband and finds herself given the chance to start over. After years of being with someone who controlled everything she did, she is now ready for a new start. This story will take you on her journey of finding herself. You will enjoy watching her doing new things she has never done before. You will get to see her fail and pick herself back up even if it is embarrassing. Linda is a very lovable character that is very connectable and you will find yourself connecting with her in some situations. There are a few secondary characters in this story that Linda interacts with but mainly this story is really about how Linda takes her second chance at life. Find out about the journey Linda takes and how she finds herself. I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to see how sweet this story is and what happens to Linda.

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodbye, Hello: It's never too late to start again by Allyson R. Abbott

5 Stars

This is my second book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think what I enjoyed most was that Linda was not a 25 year old drop dead gorgeous main character, and it's not too often that that happens and I found I could relate to her in so many ways, Linda is real and someone you could be shopping in the same grocery store with everyday.

The flow of this story moved along nicely and this author has a style about her writing that I can only explain with words like smooth, and easy. The words just flow together forming the best story and before you know it you're done.

I loved the storyline, it felt real..the struggles are easy to imagine and Fiona (Linda's best friend) played a huge part in how this story progressed, I loved her, and the conversations that Linda had with Martin were sometimes hilarious and sometimes just plain sad. Linda finding herself and realizing that all the choices in her life were now just that, HER choices made this story complete, and her new plans in life and the goals she set for herself and those she loved were all on her and she had finally become strong enough to make them happen. I found myself asking myself if I could fly to Fiji by myself, if that is something I could see myself doing, I'm not sure but reading this story made me think anything is possible.

It didn't end as I thought it would and at first I was shocked, but after thinking about it and taking the whole story into account, I think it ended perfectly. I hope there's more to Linda's story but if there isn't, my thoughts and imagination of how her story progresses are enough. This book gives hope and truth to the words “It's never too late to start again” and I loved it!!

[Samantha McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a book I couldn’t put down!! Showing the power and struggle of love and relationships. Controlling in all things and what you feel when that is all gone. You see the possibilities of the book and watch as it grows and goes through as you turn each page. The detail and description is amazing. The author really makes it so you can almost picture what is going on. Great read and can’t wait to read more books from the author!!!

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodbye, Hello: It's never too late to start again
By: Allyson R. Abbott
5 out of 5 stars

The story Goodbye, Hello: It's never too late to start again by Allyson R. Abbott is a book about a woman who has begun a journey to find herself. After years of being the person she that someone else wanted her to be she is now determined to be the person she wants to be. I loved the character of Linda. I was sad when reading of how she was manipulated and controlled by another person, however, it was wonderful reading about how she discovered herself and now does things that she could never have before. This includes taking a holiday by herself and finding a surprise that she could never have guessed of when she booked the trip. Linda is learning about being on her own and sometimes finds herself in embarrassing situations. There are secondary characters in this story and I enjoyed reading about how they interact with Linda. The author has created a story that had me hooked from the beginning and I read it all in one sitting. It warmed my heart and I found myself wishing that I could read more about Linda. This is the second book I have read by the author and intend on reading more of her stories.

[Samantha Gunning · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reader of hen-lit romance stories with mature couples. It was funny and engaging from the get-go. It wrapped up to quickly for my liking. I had fallen in love with the characters and could read another 200 pages.

I won this book via Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. I received a paperback copy.

[George Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read. There is lots of detail in the everyday things, lots about relationships, too. This was such a sad but beautiful story about Linda. This book is very touching. Highly recommended.

[Misty Ziegler · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3 stars***
Goodbye, Hello by Allyson R. Abbott

Allyson R. Abbott’s book Goodbye, Hello is Book #2 in her Silver Years Romance series and focuses on main characters over 50 years old. This 3 Star book was about Linda, finally seeing, due to her best friend Fiona, that she hadn’t really “lived” in a long time. This romance was about Linda going on a journey, both mentally and geographically, in a quest for self-discovery in order to move on after several years being with a controlling husband that seemed to stifle her, even after he died 18 months ago. I enjoyed reading about her realization that she finally needed to move on and figure out who she was and what she even really liked for herself. The spa day, new hairdo, and packing up her former husband's clothes were great first steps. The trip to Fiji on her own sounded wonderful, but a bit sudden and extreme for someone who seemed to be sheltered for years. Meeting Shaan in Fiji was nice, and kind of a “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” type of thing.

I enjoyed the story, however getting to a little over 70% on my kindle while reading this and the story suddenly ending was kind of disappointing. I appreciate the author’s interest in using the remaining pages to introduce us to her other books, but 30% of the total provided being intros to her other novels was just a bit much and almost seemed like it was more of a space filler. Goodbye, Hello was a nice story, but it ended abruptly, almost as if the author realized she wanted to continue the story in another book and needed to save something or she just didn’t know where else to go at that point. Needless to say, I would’ve preferred there be more. The story focused on full days of activity and romance in Fiji for Linda and Shaan, and then stopped when Linda needed to return home. Therefore the story just didn’t feel complete and I was left disappointed. I do enjoy the idea of a steamy romance for characters over 30 years old, and for those that had already been married in the past and now are seeing it’s possible to have passion again. I just was left a little empty when it was done. Overall, it was definitely a quick story that was read in one setting. There was romance, sex, and a time of rediscovery, all which I enjoyed. I give this story 3 stars.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A huge thank you to Allyson R. Abbott for advancing me a free copy of her novel in exchange for my honest review.

Hello, Goodbye is a well-written story of a 54-year-old woman who, after the death of her husband, realizes that he turned her into a version of his mother. Throughout their marriage her husband controlled every aspect of her life; how to behave, how to act, what to wear, how to raise the kids and more. He turned a spirited woman into an obedient housewife whose place is behind her husband. In a nutshell, Martin was an emotional abuser. Not only that, turns out he lied about pretty much everything. I found Hello, Goodbye to be intriguing as I'm sure there are many married women out there who have suffered through what Linda has. It was interesting to read how Martin changed her over time.

Finally, one day Linda opens up her eyes and takes stock of herself and comes to realize that who she once was had disappeared so many years ago. This is not how she pictured her life. I guess with no one telling her what to do or how to act any more, she's able to see her old self slowly coming back. Of course it takes more than just a new wardrobe, new hair and makeup to change a person but it's a good start for Linda. With new changes, Linda books herself a two-week holiday in Fiji. It's on her vacation that Linda meets Shaan, who is the complete opposite of Martin. Kudos to Linda initiating a relationship with Shaan.

While I appreciate the story and all the changes and adventures Linda participated in on her vacation, I have to say that for me, the ending was quite disappointing. Perhaps it's just me but I would not have cut my vacation for a woman who always looked down her nose at me just because she's hurt and all alone in the hospital. Linda's mother-in-law didn't have a stroke or heart attack. I'm sure she would have been fine in the hospital. I say this because the woman treated Linda so poorly. Of course, the lies Martin told his mother never helped them forge any kind of relationship. Nevertheless, she returns home cutting short her vacation and having left Shaan in Fiji.

In the end, it's a good read and it's nice to read about people who are in their 50's once in a while because believe it or not, we'll all turn 50 at some point. I have to wonder if Linda's story will continue because of how it ended. Is this the end of Shaan? Will there be a sequel?

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda has lost her husband and now must face being alone. As she contemplates her life, she comes to a realization that even from the grave, her deceased husband is still in control. Linda is an unhappy person and has been for many years. She is use to having her deceased husband direct her every move. How did she allow this to happen? What will she do to be her own person? Seems that things need to change or she will become a lonely widow with nothing to look forward to. Linda makes a plan and on her list is a much needed trip to a place she has never been. She jets off to Fiji and soon meets a man that shows Linda how a gentleman treats a lady. Will she find love ? Are there answers waiting for her to take control of her life?

The story is not just about romance but of finding yourself in the murkiness of your own life. It is not easy to break old habits. The author does an excellent job of writing Linda's struggles as she transforms into a new person. I'm glad the author slowly developed Linda's many stages of grief. She goes through anger, guilt, denial and a sense of loss in a mature way. The emotions were raw and exposed a side that many of us go through when facing new challenges. The book is a short read, but it is packed with laughter, tears and gives the readers a look at life and what their purpose may be. The theme was one of becoming strong, and overcoming the feeling of having no future. Perhaps after reading the book, readers may take a look at their own life and say hello to a brighter and happier future and goodbye to unhappiness and the thoughts that keep them from living a life of fulfillment .

I received a copy of this book from Librarything for an honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodbye, Hello is a romance but then again it isn't a romance. It is a tale of breaking free of the bonds that hold a woman in an unhappy existence and learning to be true to her feelings, wants, and needs. Of embracing life and living it on her terms with no regrets. Yes, there is also a sexy man and romance, too.

Linda is a 54 year old widow whose marriage appeared to be happy to outsiders but, in reality, was far from happy. Eighteen months after Martin's death, he is still controlling her life. Until she has an awakening and realizes how different she is now compared to what she was before Martin. Determined to make her life her own, she starts making plans for the future.

Linda goes to Fiji where she meets Shaan and learns how a gentleman treats a lady. Passions she had never experienced came to life. However, life has a way of intruding into our happiness and Linda is forced to go home sooner than expected.

Linda doesn't change overnight. She struggles with her new reality because habits of 35 years are hard to break. I liked that aspect because it is realistic. I loved the humor in the story. I do wish Linda had gotten a grip on her bitchy side sooner but I can understand where it came from.

I definitely recommend Goodbye, Hello. It is entertaining and flows nicely. I think Allyson Abbott could write a series of books about Linda's adventures.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's kind of shows us the cycle of life in a way. Linda is trying to find herself after her husband has passed away. She has felt that she never got to be who she really was. Linda conformed herself to be what he wanted and realizes that she has become a lot like his mother, who always treated him badly. Now that Martin has passed away, it's time for Linda to find out who she really is. There is a lot of self-actualization in this book and I liked reading about Linda finding herself. I was rooting for her the entire time and wanted her to find her identity. Martin controlled her life for far too long and she's ready to find herself. Linda meets Shaan while in Fiji, which is a place she has always wanted to go. Shaan starts to treat her like a man should and she realizes all that she was missing. Loved this book and the lessons it brought me. Highly recommend.

[Andrii Sedniev · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of this book may have been centered in the life of the 54 year old widow, Linda, but its substance reaches a lot of different audiences. Even young adults and males would learn something great about life from this book and that’s what I love most about it. Goodbye, Hello is not only insightful but also relatable in so many ways. When Linda lost her husband, being together for 35 years changed her and only then did she realize that she didn’t really become who she wanted to be. She went to Fiji, where she met a remarkable gentleman, Shaan and began taking reigns of her life and took responsibility for how she wanted it to go. It was a total, holistic overhaul. This is an entertaining book that I highly recommend.

[Grace Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, Goodbye was one of the best novellas I've read. Ms. Abbott deals with sensitive subject matter of older adults in this book, as in her previous ones. Linda, the female lead character, is a woman of character, a strong woman, a woman who has forgotten herself. We journey with her as she explores reconnecting with the self that has been hidden for many years. There were words in the book I didn't recognize because of the slang language barrier from a different country, but it doesn't deter from the story line. I highly recommend this to any in the Silver years generation. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Allyson Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good fun read with great characters. Linda and Fiona would make a great series. This book is more about self preservation and the realization that you are in control of your own life.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodbye, Hello: (It's never too late to start again.) is a romance novella written by Allyson R. Abbott. It's the story of a 54 year old widow named Linda, whose lying, manipulative, unfaithful, and very controlling husband, Martin died 18 months prior to the beginning of the story. Linda has still been tip-toeing around the house and talking to Martin's ashes, which are in a flower covered tube standing in the middle of the dining room table, for the entire 18 month period of time since his death and acting as if Martin were still alive in her house. Her mother-in-law, Maude still lets herself in with a key given to her by Martin, so she can check up on Linda and then visit Martin's ashes. One day after a visit from her best friend Vi, Linda is reminded that before she met Martin at the age of 19, she was a young, care-free spirit who used to wear brightly colored clothes. For the last 15 years Linda has been wearing clothes that look an awful lot like the frumpy looking clothes that her mother-in-law wears – with muted colors and no style. Linda has even been dying her hair blond at Martins's insistence for most of their marriage, even though her natural hair color is dark brown. When Linda realizes that Martin had been basically turning her into a copy of his mother, she strips off all of her clothes, and then bags up all of the matronly clothes so that they can be given away. The next day Linda decides to do some things for herself for a change goes such as going to the spa to get pampered and primped, and then getting her hair cut into a short bob and dyed red. Linda also makes plans with Vi to go shopping two days later for a whole new wardrobe, and new clothes to take with her on her trip to Fiji the next week. Linda has always wanted to travel, but every time she brought up the idea to Martin he would always shoot it down. Linda has decided to take Martin's ashes with her on her trip to Fiji where she finally gets to go!

I really enjoyed this book by Allyson R. Abbott. She did a great job with telling us the backstory of Linda's 34 years marriage to Martin, so much so that I felt that I was a fly on the wall sometimes during the last 15 years of their marriage. She also wrote very interesting characters about whom she makes sure that we have a lot of information. This story was unique and fascinating and had me rooting for Linda to finally have some fun in her life; to not just exist but to live while we have the chance! What a wonderful lesson for us all! This is a wonderful book that I highly recommend to everyone!