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Thursday, June 28, 2018

Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky


These things can't be happening to me can they?

Maggie is a good person but still hasn’t healed from the emotional scars from the death of her daughter or the divorce from her husband.

Maggie moved away to make herself anonymous after the accident and hadn't seen her husband for four years.  He now shows up in the new town she has moved to, but why?

Another problem besides her ex-husband then surfaces. Maggie is still on probation because of the automobile accident and is not to associate with other felons, but a criminal incident occurs that makes Maggie think about being there for her friend instead of thinking of herself.  Her probation officer thinks differently.

We follow Maggie as she deals with her struggles and as she goes about her days as a makeup artist and an artist that works with clay. 
I definitely would want to go to the spa where Maggie works and be pampered. 

All of the issues that were addressed and dealt with by Maggie were frightening, but handled well by her.  The personal issues were more difficult, and the criminal issue addresses current problems that could occur with the digital world we live in.

Most of the characters are ones you would want to connect with. 

Maggie was someone who had a heart and was a hard worker.

Kevin was a terrific friend and confidante.

Grace was a bit flighty.

Maggie’s husband Edward was someone who turned out to be great.


Maggie's mother was a strong woman.

Maggie’s brother Liam was a brother. 


Ms. Delinsky's beautiful, pull-you-in writing style kept me reading as always.

I haven’t read a book by Ms. Delinsky for a few years, and it was a pleasure to re-connect with her marvelous style and terrific story lines.


BEFORE AND AGAIN always had some warmth coming from somewhere whether it was a character or situation.  

This book deals with friendships, healing, emotional pain, and choices.   

BEFORE AND AGAIN had some difficult situations, but the ending is heartwarming, very satisfying, and marvelous.  5/5

This book was given to me as an ARC
by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.   All opinions are my own.


16 comments:

  1. Beautiful pull you in writing. So looking forward to this one.

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    Replies
    1. ENJOY, Kathryn.

      It was very good and pulled you in.

      Thanks for commenting.

      Delete
  2. I don't think I've read anything by her. I need more time to read!

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    Replies
    1. I think you would like her writing, Kathy.

      Thanks for commenting.

      Delete
  3. Terrific review! It's nice to read about warm character and writing that pulls you in. I'm ready for a story like that!

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    Replies
    1. It was a lovely read.

      I hope you enjoy it too if you read it.

      Thanks for commenting, Elizabeth.

      Delete
  4. Delinsky is one of my long-time favorites...and I was delighted to find this book as engaging as I have come to expect from her.

    Great review!

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    Replies
    1. It was very engaging and oh so good.

      Thanks about my review, Laurel, and thanks for commenting.

      Delete
  5. I don't think I've read her work before. This one sounds like there is a lot going on but with a topic like one this there certainly would be.

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    Replies
    1. I enjoy her books.

      Thanks for commenting, Ti.

      Delete
  6. I really thought I had marked at least a couple of Barbara's books for my 'Want To Read' shelf, but it would appear that I was mistaken.

    There are literally pages and pages of her books listed on Goodreads, so prolific doesn't really begin to describe her writing style, does it?

    I am not sure that I could become a fan of all her books, but one or two do look like stories I would enjoy reading, including 'Before and Again'

    Your 5 star rating is certainly reflected in your lovely and enthusiastic review, thanks for sharing.

    I hope that all is well with you :)

    Yvonne
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can't read them all. :)

      I have only read a few and enjoyed them so I was happy to be able to read this one.

      Thanks for commenting, Yvonne.

      Delete
  7. I haven't read any of her books but your review has me adding it to my wish list!

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    Replies
    1. She would be an author you would enjoy.

      Thanks for commenting, Mary.

      Delete
  8. I have read a few of this author's books. Some I liked, some not so much. But this one sounds very interesting. I'm adding it to my list. Thanks for the review

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    Replies
    1. Ms. Delinsky's books are good.

      BEFORE AND AGAIN was very enjoyable.

      Thanks for commenting, Susanne.

      Delete