All Our Beautiful Goodbyes

A Novel

By: Julianne MacLean

Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden

From USA Today bestselling author Julianne MacLean comes an epic tale of unrequited love that is by turns breathtaking, heartbreaking—and utterly unforgettable.

1946: World War II is over, and Emma Clarkson is poised to take flight. With dreams of attending university, she’s ready to leave behind the wild beauty of Sable Island, the only home she’s ever known. But when a handsome British sea captain is rescued from a nearby shipwreck, her destiny is forever changed.

Emma falls deeply in love with Oliver Harris, but their romance is not meant to be. Oliver returns to the sea, while Emma vows to forget him and pursue her own ambitions. When a handsome veterinarian arrives on the island to study the wild horses, Emma finds love again, but soon discovers that all is not as it seems…

1995: Mourning the death of her beloved grandmother, Joanna Griffin is shocked to learn that her grandfather once loved a young woman named Emma, but lies, betrayals, and catastrophic events separated them forever. As Joanna crosses an ocean to solve the secrets of her grandfather’s past, she learns that love is a powerful force, even mightier than the passage of time…

A shining thread of hope illuminates this epic tale of lost love and fallen dreams, set in the remote splendor of Nova Scotia and spanning decades.

©2025 Julianne MacLean Publishing Inc. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“This engaging novel contains such details of Sable Island that it virtually transports us onto that sandbar surrounded by a fierce ocean…Utilizing this gem of a location dramatically enhances the appeal of this heart-wrenching historical romance, filled with multiple goodbyes…Highly recommended.”—Historical Novels Review (Editors’ Choice)

“This heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery is beautifully written, immersing readers in a story that will stay with them long after it ends.”—Booklist

“Compulsively readable and hauntingly atmospheric, All Our Beautiful Goodbyes is an enchanting love story rich in beauty and heartbreak, as breathtaking as wild horses in the mist.”—Cynthia Ellingsen

The history

I loved the whole book. I couldnt stop listening! I am looking forward to listening more by this author.

Beautifully told with a historical background

I wondered while I was reading this how much of it actually happened. Fictional character characters were expected, but it just made me want to go to Sable Island. So many goodbyes, we all have them. I really loved the book ~ the characters and the story.

The whole story is amazing!

I love this author...I hate when the stories end! I have read every book!

Outstanding

This was a beautiful story but so sad. Live, loss, betrayal, heartbreak, all in one.
The narrator did a great job. Well spoken.

What a beautiful yet tragic love story!

I loved every page of it and hated to see it end. it was one of those stories that break your heart but has the ability to make you hang in there hoping for the best. I would love to visit the island they talk about it made me very curious. thank you for this wonderful book!

Beautiful Story

The narration was excellent. The story was so engrossing that words are difficult to come by. It was my first book by Julianne Maclean.

An enjoyable listen!

I so enjoyed this story..it kept moving and I loved the pace. The setting was so unique and historical.
But, I was so glad that these star crossed lovers had their moment.

No Complaints About This One

Julianne Maclean is one of my favorite authors. I have found her novels to be well written, well researched, and enjoyable, and without gratuitous sex or graphic violence. This book was no exception.

Pretty good

I loved the information about the island and the story with the captain and Emma. The whole part of Emma’s husband could have been left out for me.

Heartbreakingly Beautiful Story

Told over the span of 50 years, this story follows one woman’s love, lost and found, while weaving the reader into the fabric of life in 1950s Nova Scotia. Main themes include PTSD, family loyalties, hope, and fate. This book is both beautifully written and expertly narrated. I truly enjoyed the audiobook.