Say Goodbye for Now - by Catherine Ryan Hyde (Paperback)

About the Book

On an isolated Texas ranch, Dr. Lucy cares for abandoned animals. The solitude allows her to avoid the people and places that remind her of the past. Not that any of the townsfolk care. In 1959, no one is interested in a woman doctor. Nor are they welcoming Calvin and Justin Bell, a newly arrived African-American father and son. When Pete Solomon, a neglected twelve-year-old boy, and Justin bring a wounded wolf-dog hybrid to Dr. Lucy, the outcasts soon find refuge in one another. Lucy never thought she'd make connections again, never mind fall in love. Pete never imagined he'd find friends as loyal as Justin and the dog. But these four people aren't allowed to be friends, much less a family, when the whole town turns violently against them. With heavy hearts, Dr. Lucy and Pete say goodbye to Calvin and Justin. But through the years they keep hope alive waiting for the world to catch up with them.

Book Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde comes a feel-good story of four outcasts who learn that some bonds are stronger than blood.

On an isolated Texas ranch, Dr. Lucy cares for abandoned animals. The solitude allows her to avoid the people and places that remind her of the past. Not that any of the townsfolk care. In 1959, no one is interested in a woman doctor. Nor are they welcoming Calvin and Justin Bell, a newly arrived African American father and son.

When Pete Solomon, a neglected twelve-year-old boy, and Justin bring a wounded wolf-dog hybrid to Dr. Lucy, the outcasts soon find refuge in one another. Lucy never thought she'd make connections again, never mind fall in love. Pete never imagined he'd find friends as loyal as Justin and the dog. But these four people aren't allowed to be friends, much less a family, when the whole town turns violently against them.

With heavy hearts, Dr. Lucy and Pete say goodbye to Calvin and Justin. But through the years they keep hope alive...waiting for the world to catch up with them.

Review Quotes

An Amazon Best Book of the Month: Literature & Fiction Category

"A moving story about patience, trust, the families we choose, and the love it takes to let somebody go." --Booklist

"[A] heartwarming tale of transgression and redemption." --Kirkus Reviews

"Catherine Ryan Hyde delivers once again with this feel-good story guaranteed to be a hit..." --Redbook

"Catherine Ryan Hyde is a most discerning and gifted writer. She writes quietly yet powerfully, with words chosen and placed carefully, words that enfold and pull the reader deeply into her story." --Bookreporter

"Prolific author Hyde has created a moving family story that tackles broad themes of racism, compassion, abuse, and love. Readers will be hoping that the characters find true love and justice." --Library Journal