Always

A Novel

By: Sarah Jio

Narrated by: Brittany Pressley

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

A gripping novel about the kind of love that never lets go and the heart's capacity to remember, from the New York Times best-selling author of Blackberry Winter and The Violets of March.

Enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner with her fiancé, Ryan, at one of Seattle's chicest restaurants, Kailey Crain can't believe her good fortune: She has a great job as a journalist and is now engaged to a guy who is perfect in nearly every way. As she and Ryan leave the restaurant, Kailey spies a thin, bearded homeless man on the sidewalk. She approaches him to offer up her bag of leftovers and is stunned when their eyes meet, then stricken to her very core: The man is the love of her life, Cade McAllister.

When Kailey met Cade 10 years ago, their attraction was immediate and intense - everything connected and felt right. But it all ended suddenly, leaving Kailey devastated. Now the poor soul on the street is a faded version of her former beloved: His weathered and weary face is as handsome as Kailey remembers, but his mind has suffered in the intervening years. Over the next few weeks, Kailey helps Cade begin to piece his life together, something she initially keeps from Ryan. As she revisits her long-ago relationship, Kailey realizes that she must decide exactly what - and whom - she wants.

Alternating between the past and the present, Always is a beautifully unfolding exploration of a woman faced with an impossible choice, a woman who discovers what she's willing to save and what she will sacrifice for true love.

Praise for Always

“[Sarah] Jio’s novel is a fantastic read that explores the world of lost love in a poignant and beautiful way, while still being light and easy to digest. The protagonist is one whom readers can relate to.... Jio’s tale also beautifully blends stories from both the past and the present.... It’s a great read and comes with high recommendations.” (RT Book Reviews)

“Jio’s newest novel explores intersections of past and present and the complexities of love.... [Kailey] must confront her own past as she tries to figure out what she really wants.... Fans of Jio’s work will still find her signature emotional depth.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Perfect for fireside reading.” (PopSugar)

©2017 Sarah Jio (P)2017 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A heartwarming story of personal growth and the power of nostalgia.... Fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Emily Giffin should enjoy this warm and compassionate novel." (Booklist)

Too little story too much emoting

Too little stirrup too little emoting. Her betrayal of Ryan was glossed over and no remorse was disappointing

Unique story

A wonderfully unique and different romance thatvalso addresses the plight of the homeless. Great read.

Felt like it could have had more depth

I thought the elements were all present for a really good read but as it evolved it was ok, but lacked toward the end of the story. Seemed like it was in a hurry to wrap up.

Always did not disappoint!

Her style of writing and pace of storytelling is refreshing. Looking forward to reading other books written by her.

Thank you Sara Jio

What a wonder story . Sara Jio can't miss . Beautifully narrated by Brittany Presley thank you Sara for creating a a wonderful love story and always believing in love . Thank Audible.com

One of the best!

This audiobook was one of the best I have listened to. The story was done with such compassion and portrayed all the tug-of-war emotions that Kailey was going through. Brittany Pressley was an amazing narrator, and I just purchased another book that she has narrated because she does such a good job.

I feel that Sarah Jio tackled the theme of homelessness as well as Jodi Picoult addresses social issues, and it gave me much thought and soul searching about my own generalizations of the homeless. I would have given the Story a 5-star rating but I was disappointed in the anti-climatic ending. It was if Sarah had grown tired after writing this wonderful novel and just wanted to get the ending over with. However, it was worth listening to overall, and I'm glad I purchased it.

Nostalgic

This brought so many memories back for me. Stumbled onto this book by accident but so glad that I did! Not only did the storyline keep me interested but I also started to feel for each of the characters and what they were going through. If you were a girl growing up during the 90's, you will enjoy this book.

Little bit of a let down

At first it was a struggle to continue as the narrator was too whiney but the plot of what happened to Kaid (Not sure how it's spelled exactly) kept me going. There were some questions left unanswered and added details not needed I feel and moments when it got little wordy.

I like the idea of finding an Ex on the streets after years apart and helping them but I feel it could have flowed better

Amazing and twisting

keeps you so much on your toes on what she would or even should do. I enjoyed the back and forth of the history of her relationships.

Nostalgic

Loved this book. loved the music references. Made me feel nostalgic. had some questions that weren't answered in the book, but in this situation, I dont know if you could have all your questions answered.