Synopsis: Madison Henry has been skating as long as she’s been walking. Coached by her mother, Annie, she is on her way to the Olympics. Jack has been her one friend since she was six years old and now a young adult, Madison is oblivious to his strong feelings for her.
When tragedy strikes, Madison is forced to look at her life differently…and possibly accept one without skating. Only after she opens her heart does she understand the sacrifices Annie made, realize the depth of Jack’s love and know she was blessed in every way.
before i go spotlights the thrill of women’s ice skating, the unbreakable bond a mother and daughter share and the one true love every person hopes to experience in their lifetime.
Rave reviews for “before i go”:
“Riley Weston is no novice at writing, and she proves it again and again with this amazing debut novel. Readers should prepare for a journey into deeply developed characters, a fast-paced plot, and an emotional explosion of tears, laughter and everything in between. Though aimed at young adult females, this novel will move the hearts of pre-teens through age 100 and beyond. The focus on the mother/daughter relationship and the special bond between Madison and Jackson make this book a potential award winner.”
- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT and THE BLACK POND
“Riley Weston has created a novel that no synopsis can describe. Ms. Weston is a talented writer that has left this reviewer speechless. Nothing that can be written in a review can describe the emotional impact her novel had on this reader’s heart and mind…Anyone looking for a novel that brings tears to the eyes will find BEFORE I GO one of the best novels of 2006.”
- Angie, Love Romances and More
“This was one of the most powerfully written books I have read in a long time. It will definitely be in my top ten for 2006.”
- Sheryl Root, Armchair Interviews
“Beautifully written, incredibly moving, with characters so strong I wanted them to be real. Filled with humor and triumph in the midst of tragic loss, I couldn’t put it down, and couldn’t stop thinking about it after I finished.”
- Kim Childress, Girls’ Life Magazine
“Before I Go, Riley Weston’s first novel, is sure to invite comparisons to Nicholas Sparks, in particular, A Walk to Remember.”
- Kimberly Pauley, YA Books Central
“Before I Go is by far the best book I’ve read this year, if not these past years. If I had to summarize it in one word I’d just say: Brilliant!”
- Eveline Soors, Euro-Reviews
“I had a hard time putting this book down once I started reading it. As I was finishing it at 3 a.m. with a box of tissues in hand, I did not want the story to end. I look forward to reading Riley Weston’s future novels. This book is not just for teenage girls; all women, especially mothers with teenage girls would enjoy reading it.”
- Cherie Fisher, Reader Views
“This book captured me like one of those books you read as a teenager in one summer afternoon. For those of you who cried in the old movie “Beaches”, this book will have a similar effect.”
-Kristen K., Coolgrrrls.com
“Before I Go is a timeless story that teenagers will connect to as well as adults.”
- ChristinePeters, film producer, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.”
“Before I Go, Riley Weston’s first novel, is an amazing story of love, life, and loss that will touch any reader. It is a brilliant first novel from a writer who is sure to publish many other great books.”
- Jocelyn Pearce, TCM Reviews