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A review by readfrenzy
Before Us by Jewel E. Ann
4.0
4.5 stars!
Before Us proves once again that Jewel E. Ann is Queen of the Feels. Evidently, one romance wasn’t enough for her. Instead, there are two completely different but equally breathtaking love stories that entranced me with their tenderness.
Zach and Suzanne have an enduring love that would make anyone jealous. Zach was a romantic and doting husband even before his wife was diagnosed with a terminal illness. We’re talking Swoon City. Her impending death makes him even more attentive. I enjoyed the tight bond that Emersyn and Suzanne form. Despite her illness, Suzanne is fun, loving, and selfless in her desire for Zach to find happiness after her death. Zach’s grief is palpable, and the grieving process is handled with care.
Even though Emersyn is living out of her car, dealing with a chronic medical condition, and drowning in debt, she remains optimistic. I love that she continues to dream big. I was worried that Zach’s decision to marry her would feel too contrived. However, the way it is incorporated into the plot seems genuine, especially given Zach’s caregiving nature.
For the longest time, the romantic feelings that Emersyn develops appear to be one-sided. Even though I understood the reason, I wasn’t fond of Zach sending Emersyn mixed messages by calling her his wife in a possessive and affectionate sense and then encouraging her to date others in the next moment. It’s confusing for Emersyn. However, I loved how supportive he is of her, both physically and emotionally. You’ve heard of slow burn romances? Well, this story has a wonderful slow burn friendship between Zach and Emersyn. Their eventual romance is achingly touching.
The book made me wonder about the existence of soul mates and whether or not it’s possible to love two people equally. I felt every single emotion known to man in this gorgeous story. I couldn’t put it down.
Recommended for fans of:
Photography
Travel
Widower/widow love stories
Damsels in distress
Before Us proves once again that Jewel E. Ann is Queen of the Feels. Evidently, one romance wasn’t enough for her. Instead, there are two completely different but equally breathtaking love stories that entranced me with their tenderness.
Zach and Suzanne have an enduring love that would make anyone jealous. Zach was a romantic and doting husband even before his wife was diagnosed with a terminal illness. We’re talking Swoon City. Her impending death makes him even more attentive. I enjoyed the tight bond that Emersyn and Suzanne form. Despite her illness, Suzanne is fun, loving, and selfless in her desire for Zach to find happiness after her death. Zach’s grief is palpable, and the grieving process is handled with care.
Even though Emersyn is living out of her car, dealing with a chronic medical condition, and drowning in debt, she remains optimistic. I love that she continues to dream big. I was worried that Zach’s decision to marry her would feel too contrived. However, the way it is incorporated into the plot seems genuine, especially given Zach’s caregiving nature.
For the longest time, the romantic feelings that Emersyn develops appear to be one-sided. Even though I understood the reason, I wasn’t fond of Zach sending Emersyn mixed messages by calling her his wife in a possessive and affectionate sense and then encouraging her to date others in the next moment. It’s confusing for Emersyn. However, I loved how supportive he is of her, both physically and emotionally. You’ve heard of slow burn romances? Well, this story has a wonderful slow burn friendship between Zach and Emersyn. Their eventual romance is achingly touching.
The book made me wonder about the existence of soul mates and whether or not it’s possible to love two people equally. I felt every single emotion known to man in this gorgeous story. I couldn’t put it down.
Recommended for fans of:
Photography
Travel
Widower/widow love stories
Damsels in distress
*I received an early copy. This does not affect my opinions.*