Scan barcode
daydreamer1983's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an e-ARC of Barbara Delinsky's newest novel, "Before and Again" in exchange for an honest review.
This novel pulled at my heartstrings in so many ways. Throughout Maggie's narrative I was captivated with her relationships, grief, and how she went about moving on with life after Lily. There were times when Maggie was describing what happened to Lily that I had to put the book down for a few minutes while I gathered my emotions.
I've never had a child, or lost one, but Maggie's grief felt so real. I felt her anger and pain when Edward came to town. I loved the conversations between Maggie and her mother, along with a bit of comic relief from her brother showing up.
I highly recommend this novel for anyone who loves a good redemption or overcoming grief story. Anyone who's read previous works by Delinsky would likely enjoy this. What a fantastic summer read.
This novel pulled at my heartstrings in so many ways. Throughout Maggie's narrative I was captivated with her relationships, grief, and how she went about moving on with life after Lily. There were times when Maggie was describing what happened to Lily that I had to put the book down for a few minutes while I gathered my emotions.
I've never had a child, or lost one, but Maggie's grief felt so real. I felt her anger and pain when Edward came to town. I loved the conversations between Maggie and her mother, along with a bit of comic relief from her brother showing up.
I highly recommend this novel for anyone who loves a good redemption or overcoming grief story. Anyone who's read previous works by Delinsky would likely enjoy this. What a fantastic summer read.
zhzhang's review against another edition
2.0
It is a really plain story. I understand that the theme of the story is supposed to be reassuring and positive, yet I just could not see anything in the book. NO struggles were mentioned, no internal conflict is good enough to make it a good story for me to continue reading. I wish I could given it up earlier.
bhunsberger's review against another edition
4.0
I was very happy to receive an advanced copy of this book. It drew me in right away and I was always reaching for it whenever I had a free moment. Maggie has worked to rebuild her life after a terrible tragedy, but she soon finds herself supporting a friend going through turmoil as well. I found myself enjoying the little bit of mystery in the story line as well as the touches on the various relationships. It was a great mixture and made the story flow easily.
meldav4's review against another edition
4.0
Before and Again was an emotional novel that left me feeling incredibly grateful for my children, my husband, my family, and my friends. I cannot imagine dealing with the issues that these mothers did, nor do I ever hope to be in those situations that I would have to. Barbara Delinsky was able to convey the emotions and actions of her down to earth characters dealing with unfortunate circumstances in such a compelling and believable way. I loved the themes of the strong bonds of family, friends, trust, and love. It was refreshing to see how people are able to move through, and past, difficult times when they have the support of those who matter most around them. I also loved the charm of the small town setting of Devon, and how tight-knit the community is. I did truly enjoy this novel and recommend it to others.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this advance reader copy! Publishing Date June 26.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this advance reader copy! Publishing Date June 26.
kd_737's review against another edition
2.0
Annoyed by the main character. Thought the book was too long and drawn out.
thegeekybibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
Taking her eyes off the road for a moment is all it took to change the life of Mackenzie Cooper forever. Her car crashed into another, killing her daughter. The loss of her marriage, family, and friends came soon afterwards. Now she's living a new life in Vermont as Maggie Reid, working as makeup artist in a luxury spa. Her new friends know nothing about her past, and Maggie is enjoying life out of the spotlight... until her friend's son is accused of a crime. Maggie is faced with a difficult choice: she can be there for her friend, and risk the truth about her past being outed, or protect her secrets at all costs... including the loss of yet another treasured friendship.
I've read several of Delinsky's novels over the years, and have always found them to be enjoyable. I expected the same of Before and Again, and was not at all surprised to be immediately drawn into the story, which kicks off with a prologue that takes place mere minutes before the crash that killed Mackenzie's daughter. The simple ordinariness of what takes place before the accident made this brief scene one of the most memorable in the book (for me), because it felt so devastatingly true-to-life.
The emotional impact of this scene made for a high standard for the remainder of the book—would it be able to pack such an emotional punch again, or would it pale in comparison? I'm happy to report that it did, producing some jaw-dropping plot twists along the way that were every bit as intense as the opening scene.
I found Mackenzie (or Maggie, as she later chose to be known) so easy to relate to, and I was full of empathy for her. The lingering pain she felt over the loss of her daughter, the depth of her grief over it, had me pondering how I would have felt in her place—knowing I would probably be feeling the same level of hurt and regret. The death of a child is every parent's worst nightmare, and it would be such a struggle to move forward from that, especially if you also lost all the close relationships you had, as well. Mackenzie's pain broke my heart, and I just wanted to jump into the book and give her a hug. Despite the other plot points involving Mackenzie, it was this core part of her character I keep remembering now, so long after I finished the last page.
The storyline involving her friend Grace's son was very well done. It created some conflict for Mackenzie, as well as (eventually) dropping a shocking twist that explains a lot about some things that didn't quite add up about Grace's behavior. Another intriguing storyline involved Mackenzie's issues with the spa's new owner, which made her life that much more difficult.
Before and Again is a great read. Delinsky's writing was is superb/ The characters and situations she created for them are vivid, beautifully flawed, and—above all else—completely believable in every way. Well done, Ms. Delinsky... very well done.
If you haven't read this novel yet, what are you waiting for? You don't want to miss out on this wonderful book!
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of St. Martin's Press via Netgalley.
I've read several of Delinsky's novels over the years, and have always found them to be enjoyable. I expected the same of Before and Again, and was not at all surprised to be immediately drawn into the story, which kicks off with a prologue that takes place mere minutes before the crash that killed Mackenzie's daughter. The simple ordinariness of what takes place before the accident made this brief scene one of the most memorable in the book (for me), because it felt so devastatingly true-to-life.
The emotional impact of this scene made for a high standard for the remainder of the book—would it be able to pack such an emotional punch again, or would it pale in comparison? I'm happy to report that it did, producing some jaw-dropping plot twists along the way that were every bit as intense as the opening scene.
I found Mackenzie (or Maggie, as she later chose to be known) so easy to relate to, and I was full of empathy for her. The lingering pain she felt over the loss of her daughter, the depth of her grief over it, had me pondering how I would have felt in her place—knowing I would probably be feeling the same level of hurt and regret. The death of a child is every parent's worst nightmare, and it would be such a struggle to move forward from that, especially if you also lost all the close relationships you had, as well. Mackenzie's pain broke my heart, and I just wanted to jump into the book and give her a hug. Despite the other plot points involving Mackenzie, it was this core part of her character I keep remembering now, so long after I finished the last page.
The storyline involving her friend Grace's son was very well done. It created some conflict for Mackenzie, as well as (eventually) dropping a shocking twist that explains a lot about some things that didn't quite add up about Grace's behavior. Another intriguing storyline involved Mackenzie's issues with the spa's new owner, which made her life that much more difficult.
Before and Again is a great read. Delinsky's writing was is superb/ The characters and situations she created for them are vivid, beautifully flawed, and—above all else—completely believable in every way. Well done, Ms. Delinsky... very well done.
If you haven't read this novel yet, what are you waiting for? You don't want to miss out on this wonderful book!
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of St. Martin's Press via Netgalley.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky is an emotionally compelling novel of forgiveness, love and friendship.
Five years ago, Mackenzie Cooper and her husband Edward have an idyllic life with their five year old daughter, Lily. Taking her eyes off the road for just an instant, Mackenzie runs a stop sign which results in a horrific crash that kills Lily and the driver of the other car. After losing her marriage and the support of family and friends, Mackenzie relocates to Devon, Vermont where she lives a quiet life as Maggie Reid. With a successful career as a make-up artist at an upscale inn, Maggie unexpectedly finds herself thrust in the spotlight after her best friend Grace Emory's fifteen year old son Chris is arrested for computer hacking. Despite warnings from her probation officer to stay away from Grace and Chris, Maggie refuses to abandon them in their hour of need. Further complicating her peaceful life are the shocking arrivals of two people from her past. Will Maggie be able to protect her secrets from the people who mean so much to her? Or will the clash of her past and present provide Maggie the impetus she needs to forgive herself for the accident?
Although she has erased much of the person she was before moving to Vermont, Maggie never lets herself forget or forgive herself for causing the accident that killed Lily. She has locked her grief deep inside and while she has achieved a modicum of happiness, Maggie remains mired in guilt over her past. Her life in Devon is very different from the one she shared with Edward and she is content with the simple pleasures she derives from her beloved pets, friendships and career. However, with the exception of her best guy pal, Kevin McKay, no one knows anything about her past.
The stunning arrival of two people from her former life sends shockwaves through Maggie and she has no intention of allowing them upend the life she has forged for herself. She is deeply troubled by these daily reminders of everything she has lost and she remains resistant to the idea of allowing either of them become a part of her present or future. However, their presence is the catalyst she needs to stop defining herself by the past and give herself permission to find happiness.
Maggie and the rest of the small community are shocked when Chris is arrested for the numerous hacking incidents that have recently occurred. Grace is a single mother who works at the Spa with Maggie and she works long hours trying to make ends meet. Grace is an intensely private person who never speaks of her life before moving to Devon but in the face of overwhelming media scrutiny, she, too, will have to face the life she left behind.
Before and Again is deeply moving novel of healing that is poignant yet ultimately, uplifting. All of the characters are beautifully developed with frailties and stengths that will resonate will readers. The storyline is realistic and moves at an even pace. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this incredibly heartwarming novel of compassion and grace to old and new readers of Barbara Delinsky.
Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky is an emotionally compelling novel of forgiveness, love and friendship.
Five years ago, Mackenzie Cooper and her husband Edward have an idyllic life with their five year old daughter, Lily. Taking her eyes off the road for just an instant, Mackenzie runs a stop sign which results in a horrific crash that kills Lily and the driver of the other car. After losing her marriage and the support of family and friends, Mackenzie relocates to Devon, Vermont where she lives a quiet life as Maggie Reid. With a successful career as a make-up artist at an upscale inn, Maggie unexpectedly finds herself thrust in the spotlight after her best friend Grace Emory's fifteen year old son Chris is arrested for computer hacking. Despite warnings from her probation officer to stay away from Grace and Chris, Maggie refuses to abandon them in their hour of need. Further complicating her peaceful life are the shocking arrivals of two people from her past. Will Maggie be able to protect her secrets from the people who mean so much to her? Or will the clash of her past and present provide Maggie the impetus she needs to forgive herself for the accident?
Although she has erased much of the person she was before moving to Vermont, Maggie never lets herself forget or forgive herself for causing the accident that killed Lily. She has locked her grief deep inside and while she has achieved a modicum of happiness, Maggie remains mired in guilt over her past. Her life in Devon is very different from the one she shared with Edward and she is content with the simple pleasures she derives from her beloved pets, friendships and career. However, with the exception of her best guy pal, Kevin McKay, no one knows anything about her past.
The stunning arrival of two people from her former life sends shockwaves through Maggie and she has no intention of allowing them upend the life she has forged for herself. She is deeply troubled by these daily reminders of everything she has lost and she remains resistant to the idea of allowing either of them become a part of her present or future. However, their presence is the catalyst she needs to stop defining herself by the past and give herself permission to find happiness.
Maggie and the rest of the small community are shocked when Chris is arrested for the numerous hacking incidents that have recently occurred. Grace is a single mother who works at the Spa with Maggie and she works long hours trying to make ends meet. Grace is an intensely private person who never speaks of her life before moving to Devon but in the face of overwhelming media scrutiny, she, too, will have to face the life she left behind.
Before and Again is deeply moving novel of healing that is poignant yet ultimately, uplifting. All of the characters are beautifully developed with frailties and stengths that will resonate will readers. The storyline is realistic and moves at an even pace. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this incredibly heartwarming novel of compassion and grace to old and new readers of Barbara Delinsky.
jmcfaddy's review against another edition
4.0
Ms. Delinsky has written a very heartfelt book. While many of us have not experienced the kind of fateful accident that Mackenzie has, who of us has not had something gone wrong in our lives and had to overcome it. Ms. Delinsky does a marvelous job of writing how difficult it is to moved past a grave error and how it affects not just the person but all who surround that person. It was interesting to see how the Edward and Mackenzie drift apart due to the tragedy and yet find their way back to each other. I also like the way she addressed mother/daughter relationships as well as sibling relationships. It was the kind of story that you want to curl up with in front of the fire with a cup of tea on a rainy/snowy day and just delve into.
canadianbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
https://cdnbookworm.blogspot.com/2023/08/before-and-again.html
nikkihrose's review against another edition
4.0
Living through the unbearable reality of losing a child is more than anyone can bear. But coupling it with the loss of her father, the isolation from her family, and a divorce, Mackenzie Cooper — now Maggie Reid — is potentially the stronger woman alive— especially in Devon, Vermont.
People don’t cry because they’re weak. They cry because they’ve been strong for too long.
Five years have passed since the incident — the accident — and Maggie finally has her life on track. She lives alone in a cabin, has numerous friends, three pets, and a job that she loves. But none of them know her secrets. None of them know about the accident for which she holds herself responsible. Because if they did, they would most definitely think differently of her. There would be no way to resume her calm and happy life in Devon. It wouldn’t be possible.
She was living in Devon for four years quite peacefully with stop ins at the local pottery shop, drop ins from her probation officer, and kept secrets between everyone in the town — a town that was known for collecting lost souls. But that all changes when the inn and spa that she has made her own comes under new ownership and she begins seeing a familiar face everywhere she turns.
Maggie is faced with rehashing memories that she had buried down deep four years ago — ones she blames only herself for ever occurring. But soon it’s not only her own life that hangs in the balance, as one of her closest friends faces having all of her secrets revealed, too.
There is a well-known statistic that most married couples who lose a child will end in divorce. But not everyone has to be part of that statistic.
Sometimes we just need time.
Sometimes we just need space.
Sometimes we just need the chance to meet the person we want to be — the one we’re capable of being proud of even in the worst of times.
But sometimes, this cannot be done alone.
People don’t cry because they’re weak. They cry because they’ve been strong for too long.
Five years have passed since the incident — the accident — and Maggie finally has her life on track. She lives alone in a cabin, has numerous friends, three pets, and a job that she loves. But none of them know her secrets. None of them know about the accident for which she holds herself responsible. Because if they did, they would most definitely think differently of her. There would be no way to resume her calm and happy life in Devon. It wouldn’t be possible.
She was living in Devon for four years quite peacefully with stop ins at the local pottery shop, drop ins from her probation officer, and kept secrets between everyone in the town — a town that was known for collecting lost souls. But that all changes when the inn and spa that she has made her own comes under new ownership and she begins seeing a familiar face everywhere she turns.
Maggie is faced with rehashing memories that she had buried down deep four years ago — ones she blames only herself for ever occurring. But soon it’s not only her own life that hangs in the balance, as one of her closest friends faces having all of her secrets revealed, too.
There is a well-known statistic that most married couples who lose a child will end in divorce. But not everyone has to be part of that statistic.
Sometimes we just need time.
Sometimes we just need space.
Sometimes we just need the chance to meet the person we want to be — the one we’re capable of being proud of even in the worst of times.
But sometimes, this cannot be done alone.