Mackenzie Cooper has run from her previous life. After taking her eyes off the road for one second and it costing her her daughter’s life, she has reinvented herself as Maggie Reid and keeps herself at arms length from everyone around her, until her past catches up with her in the form of her ex-husband and her brother. I liked the overall moral of the story, how you can’t run from your past but the book dragged on at some parts.

I had a hard time with what part of the story line was the main focus. I went into the book thinking it was going to be the crime/trial of a friend of the main character, but then it also kind of felt like Mackenzie's love life was the main focus about 1/4 of the way through. Throughout the rest of the book they were competing with each other and it was confusing. And then it kind of just... ends. Most loose ends are tied up, but the trial was just a quick "it all ended up fine." I'm mostly just confused. Haha.

I've read many Delinksky books and this one was not my favourite. It was emotional, but not too deep. This book was frustrating to read. Yes, Mackenzie was responsible for the accident that claimed her daughter's death but how many times did we have to read out her feeling like a murderer, feeling guilty and this went on and on. The book was so out of touch with how everything turned out - like fantasy and not real life. Not the best book I've read and not the worst. Find another book to read?

I have very mixed feelings about this book. There is a lot here. It started out strong enough - the story of a woman who had been through a lot and started over in a new place trying to come back to herself so she could move on with life as a new person whose pain stayed firmly in the past. I admired Maggie (Mackenzie). She may not have handled the past very well, but after a divorce she was moving on. Without warning, her ex shows up, still in love with her, having purchased her place of employment. Her new best friend is caught up in a hacking, then kidnapping, scandal. Her estranged mother, whose son has abandoned her to become a cook for the ex, has a bad fall. This all happens within 3 weeks. Mackenzie cannot escape her past no matter how hard she tries. While the all-around reconciliation and forgiveness are touching, it’s hard to get past how she can reconcile so quickly with family that abandoned her just as quickly after the horrific accident that killed her daughter. Self-forgiveness is really the overarching theme of the book, and it’s a strong lesson, but respect is essential to any good relationship, and her ex shows none when he just shows up as a fait accompli. Does she keep running, or face her fears and her feelings? Of course she doesn’t run, but I wouldn’t have blamed her if she did.

Also, and I know this is minor, but you don’t drive under a covered bridge. You drive over a covered bridge. The bridge is the road; the cover is the cover. I could even stomach ‘through’, but ‘under’? No.

Edited to add:
In my haste to explain what bothered me about the book, I didn't explain the good stuff. I really enjoyed the theme of self-forgiveness and acceptance that several characters realized in their own ways. Mackenzie realizes that she can't move on either on her own or with her ex until she forgives herself for the accident; her mother forgives herself for alienating Mackenzie; Grace accepts that she cannot run her way into a good life for herself and her son. Interesting that Mackenzie’s passion is applying makeup, which can be used as a mask to hide the self, or as a tool to transform and bring greater acceptance.

Thank you to the publisher St. Martin's Press who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

I love Barbara Delinsky. For some reason, I just could not get into this book. I tried, honestly, I tried several times. Maybe in the future, I will give it a shot again.

Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky poses powerful questions about one of the most devastating losses a person can experience. Two questions define Maggie's life. How do you go on after the death of your child? How do you go on when you were responsible for that death? The consequences and emotions are heartbreaking. Oddly though, for what should be be a serious and emotional story, the book reads very lightly and very quickly. It would be a summer beach read except for the topic.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2019/01/before-and-again.html

Reviewed for NetGalley

This was an enjoyable and emotive read which focused on the main character, Maggie's, life almost 5 years after an accident in which her daughter died. I found the sub-plot of a hacking scandal equally interesting, and liked the way the characters' lives wove together. It was a bit predictable in places, but still a satisfying read, though I did find the abrupt shift to a later epilogue frustrating as I wanted the story to continue.

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.

Before and Again is a tragic, beautiful, emotional story of rebuilding and forgiveness following a devastating, life changing accident. The main character is a mother, that lost her 5 year old daughter in a car accident, which she blames herself for. It cost her everything and everyone dear in her life. Heart wrenching, and sad, yet highly inspiring, as the characters in this book draw energy to rebuilding a new modified life, filled with harmony, reflection, and much remorse. Amazingly told and deeply played on my heart strings. Loved this book! Thank you NetGalley for the e-copy for my review. All opinions are my own.

The last few of her novels that I’ve read I just haven’t liked. I used to enjoy this author quite a lot, but it just seems like her stories drag any more.

I absolutely LOVED this book!!! Ive always been a fan of Barbara Delinsky, but this may very well be my favorite book of hers! I was drawn in from the get go - mysterious woman with a past that she doesn't want to share, handsome ex husband suddenly shows up, something a little strange going on w the BFF and her son and finally - losing her carefully crafted NEW persona and having to sacrifice it in order to be a REAL friend. Very satisfied with the ending - so happy there was a "happily ever after" and I almost wish that there were a sequel, because I fell in love with the characters <3

Mackenzie Cooper lost it all in just a moment of looking down at her GPS. Her daughter did not survive the accident and her marriage soon crumbled. She now goes by the name of Maggie Reid and works in a spa in Vermont. Maggie’s friend, Grace has a son that is accused of hacking into school records. This puts Maggie in the spotlight for media attention. She is terrified of bringing out the past.

I was heartbroken for Maggie having to deal with so much guilt. Not only does she lose a child but she is estranged from her family. This book leaves you with a whirlwind of emotions. I would highly recommend reading this book!

So much had happened, one domino falling, then another and another, each moving another step back in time. The past was the root of the rest of a life. I was to coming to understand that.

Maggie Reid is battling every mother's worst nightmare, the death of her child and subsequent death of her marriage. Trying to rebuild her life in a new town, with a new name so she can face her reality as she faces the slight scar on her face. A scar that is a reminder of the accident that killed her daughter.

With her new identity, she has made new friends with whom she lives and works with in Devon Vermont. Gracie who just like her is searching and hiding. Hiding from someone and searching for self. Which implied either not liking who are or escaping who you had been. These two woman are tied together as they understand pain but not shared their past.

It has been 10 years since she has moved and when her ex husband makes an appearance to Devon, as she fights to keep her secret safe.

Maggie's redemption and discovery is character driven as she is fiercely loyal to her new friends while keeping her secret hidden. She is also still deeply in love with her ex husband while she reconciles the pain of loosing their daughter. A reality that they both could not share 10 years ago but are now drawn to each to other to heal what has broken them.

Even though Maggie's story is the dominant thread, her friend Gracie is the irony that sets into motion her redemption. Loved this

A Special Thank you to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

One day Mackenzie Cooper is driving her daughter Lily to a playdate when tragedy strikes. A car accident. Mackenzie survives, Lily does not. Before the accident, Mackenzie was happily married to Edward. Now she is not.
Years later, living in a small town called Devon in Vermont, Mackenzie Cooper has put the past behind her - she is now a single makeup artist and goes by the name Maggie Reed. She believes that her secrets are safe, until two things happen: 1) Her ex-husband Edward, arrives in town after having purchased the Inn and Spa where she works; and 2) her best friend Grace’s son, Chris, gets arrested for hacking and Maggie’s friendship with a known felon could have an effect on her own probationary status. Both of these things put her in a tizzy if you know what I mean! Her feelings for Edward are unresolved. They always have been. Now, she has no choice but to deal with them. When Maggie rebuilt her life, the only thing that kept her afloat were her friends. Now she must show her loyalty to them, even it if costs her. It has been a while since I've read a BD novel and I forgot just how well her books are written. This is definitely not the run-of-the-mill women's fiction novel. It did take a little bit for the book to get going, but once it did I really enjoyed it.

Barbara Delinsky does it again!

I found myself completely swept up in this heart-wrenching, yet beautiful story. The main characters, and the supporting characters were well rounded and relatable. I found myself reaching sympathizing with each and everyone of them for different reasons. Full of love, heartbreak, grief, and mystery... this one has it all. Although this book made me tear up more than I would care to admit, I know I will be recommending it to my friends for years to come. I loved every single page!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I truly appreciate it!

Breathtaking, Heart-Breaking, and Heart-Warming All in One Story!

Barbara Delinsky’s Before and Again was simply breathtaking in so many ways. A story of redemption and finding peace after traumatic, life-changing loss, this story also shows how sometimes letting the truth out in order to face and be your true self will be worth every bit of the heartache, in the end. Classic Barbara Delinsky page-turner!

Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky is the kind of book that will stay with me for a while. The book starts out with a tragic accident that leads to a lot of soul searching, looking for peace, and forgiveness. The story involves the death of a child, cyber hacking, kidnapping, and dysfunctional families. There are many layers going on, this is not a one storyline simple story. The book included plenty of backstory for the characters and I felt a part of what was going on, I felt their pain and could relate to some of the predicaments presented. This is not a fluffy book, yet it is not a difficult read.

I have not read anything by Barbara Delinsky before. Honestly she has not been pushed to the top of my to read list. The book was enjoyable enough, I just feel like it was stalled out. I struggled to relate to Maggie in any way. I was rather disappointed. Hopefully I can discover a different book by Delinsky that will intrigue me enough to explore some of her other books.

I was excited to be able to read this book. When I saw it I knew I had to read it. Barbara Delinsky knows how to write a story that will stick with you and leave you thinking for awhile. If you have been debating about this story, you will not regret picking it up and giving it a shot! Such a good read!

Mackenzie Cooper is going about her perfect life with her husband and her daughter when her whole world comes crashing down around her. What do you do when the one thing in life that you care about is ripped out of your hands in a flash?

Mackenzie knows that she has to get away from what is her safe and comfortable world when this tragedy happens so she moves to a new town and goes by a new name, Maggie. Slowly Maggie begins to rebuild her life, but never forgetting her past or the tragic event that has caused her to get to where she is.

Maggie is throwing herself in to her work in order to hopefully get through this tough time. Maggie helps others that have gone through tragic events in their lives to feel better about themselves by doing their hair and make-up. Maggie generally makes them feel special while they are in her presence. Maggie makes a new friend, Grace, that end up pushing Maggie into situations that she has been avoiding for awhile now.

When Grace's son ends up in some trouble, will Maggie be able to put her past aside and help her newfound friend when she needs her most? The events that take place end up helping Maggie out as much as they do Grace and her son. This is a great read that will have you turning the pages quickly to find out what is going to happen with these characters.

I loved this story and it has stuck with me since I got through reading it. There is a lot that we can all take away from Mackenzie/Maggie's story. Thanks Barbara Delinsky for a great read!

Barbara Delinsky has never disappointed me. I enjoyed Before and Again from beginning to end. This novel may be fiction but it is so life true and realistic. You just never know what someone else has experienced and may be hiding. I have already recommended this book!
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