Unfortunately, I have not been able to read and review this book.

After losing and replacing my broken Kindle and getting a new phone I was unable to download the title again for review as it was no longer available on Netgalley.

I’m really sorry about this and hope that it won’t affect you allowing me to read and review your titles in the future.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.
Natalie.

I've read a few of Barbara Delinsky's novels over the years, and have always found them to be extremely enjoyable. "Before and Again" was equally so and I was immediately drawn into the story, which kicked off with a great prologue.

The immensely high standard for this emotional beginning continued throughout the novel, producing some startling plot twists along the way that were every bit as intense.

"Before and Again" was such a powerful, emotional and totally absorbing read. I loved Barbara Delinsky's characterisation. All of the characters were true-to-life and superbly drawn. Each had something to offer and enhanced the story. Some were kind, strong and warm-hearted and others were flawed. I found the protagonist, Mackenzie (Maggie) so easy to relate to, and it was easy to have empathy for her. The lingering pain she felt over the loss of her daughter and the depth of her grief had me wondering how I would have felt in a similar situation.

The story itself was multi-threaded with a power that literally enthralled me. This novel was an excellent read and I couldn't help but keep excitedly turning the pages to end up at the wonderfully satisfying conclusion. A very highly recommended read. Rating: 5 Stars.

If you haven't read this novel yet, don't miss out on this wonderful book!

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Little, Brown Group UK via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC, which I have enjoyed reading.
Before and After by Barbara Delinsky is a really good book to read and enjoy over a long weekend. It has a strong storyline and tells a couples story before and after the death of their daughter. It describes how starting up somewhere new can help in the grieving process and develop new friendships and a new way of life.
Recommended.

Mackenzie Cooper has started a new life in the small picturesque town of Devon in rural Vermont. She has a new name – Maggie Reed – and a new home up in one of the remote forests of the state. She has three pets (a dog and two adorable cats) and yet she is still very lonely and haunted by her tragic past. She has friends and is well liked in her new life. She doesn’t work as a sculptress anymore, she has retrained as a makeup artist and works in the beautiful Spa that brings tourists into the area and is an important employer and attraction adding to the wealth and wellbeing of the town. She loves her job and puts on a good show but in the privacy of her home she is broken. She has nightmares and still looks over her shoulder to see if anyone has discovered her secret yet. She punishes herself all of the time.
Her secret burns a hole in her heart. She has lost everything, absolutely everything: her adored family, her lovely home, an occupation that she adored. She is an outcast hiding in plain view. Her probation officer must know what she is doing and where she is going. If she contravenes the terms of her probation she will be arrested and gaoled and everyone will learn of her shame. She cannot let that happen because she can’t start again. She does not have it in her. Besides she loves her job and her quiet life which is so different from her old life as a daughter, wife, mother, sister and friend. She had loved the life she once lived even more. But in a split second it had ended and what she hated most of all was that she brought it all on herself.
She cannot tell her new friends who think she is wonderful. She is so ashamed and has not got the courage to test their reactions if she spills her secret. She is constantly on tenterhooks. Grace is her new best friend. She is a single mother to a bright and hardworking son. Grace also has secrets of her own. It is when Grace comes under the spotlight that Maggie’s is tested to the limits and her new life comes tumbling down. She can taste the fear when the news breaks but she cannot dessert her friend. She intuitively knows she must stand by her and be her ally throughout her troubles. She owes it to Grace. This thrilling and beautifully written novel retells their stories.
I’ve always been a loyal fan of Barbara Delinsky, from her early, simple but engrossing romance novels written under a pseudonym. This one is awesome, powerful, emotional and totally absorbing. I loved her characters, all true-to-life, brilliantly crafted and developed: some strong, some flawed, some warm and kind, others not so. The story itself is multi-threaded with a powerful and involving main thread that literally enthrals you. I am once again in awe of Barbara’s immense talent, her vision, her overview and her meticulous research which adds to the authenticity of her writing.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher Sphere through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. This novel is an excellent read and will keep you turning the pages, anxiously, excitedly and soon to reach a gorgeous, satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended read and a 4.5* review from me.

Beautifully written. Heartbreaking in places and uplifting in others. I was gripped the whole way through this story. I was close to tears on a few occasions. The feelings of grief and remorse are really felt. There is also the feeling of hope and thoughts for the future. A beautiful story that I will remember.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

This book is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. A tale of loss and new hope, a book full of emotions that will move you to tears and make smile at times.
I loved it, I was engrossed in the story after a few pages and was suffering and hoping with the main character.
I loved everything in this book: the plot, the well written characters and the setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and Netgalley for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, opinions are mine.

Heartwarming tale of love and loss and learning to live again. Great characters. A treat of a book ,which left me feeling good.

What a great book. I really enjoyed this read and couldn’t put it down.
It follows the story of MacKenzie, now named Maggie as she has settled into a new life but then everything turns upside down and it’s time to resolve a lot of old issues.
Really enjoyable book, emotional reading at times and a good ending!